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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
11-28-2017, 09:01 AM
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If you want a "cheap" good backpack, then you have to go for secondhand. Cheap and good and new, it is possible, but difficult to find.
I have a clik elite Escape for when I go out with long lenses. It is not a cheap bag, but they have now an 50% discount until sunday I think Backpacks Archives - Adventure Photography Camera Bags by Clik Elite so the bag will be a lot cheaper.
And the pro for me is, you only have to open the top to get the camera with long lens out.
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
11-26-2017, 10:45 AM
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FYI
this is my Lowepro flipside 400 AW loaded with
K 5 II + battery grip + SMC Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 XS
K 3 + battery grip + HD Pentax-D FA 4.5 - 5.6 150-450mm ED DC AW
HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW
HD Pentax DA 3.5-5.6 16 - 85 mm wr
SMC Pentax-D FA 2.8 100 mm macro
Kino Precision Japan Kiron 28mm F2 MC P/KA
HD Pentax -DA af rear converter 1.4 AW
as you can see, a very tight fit
I am considering moving up to the 500 AW II, hope it goes on sale for cyber monday
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
11-24-2017, 10:42 AM
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What price range is "cheap"? How far are you looking to hike? For 1 mile you can get away with a minimal strap system, for 10 miles over difficult terrain you'll regret cheaping out with bad straps.
Here are 2 bags I have used with my Sigma 50-500:
- Canon "Deluxe" Backpack: Around $40. There's nothing deluxe about it: big, inexpensive, and the quality is passable considering the low price. The 50-500 fits attached to a body, but with a large K-1 it's very tight vertically. There's a lot of storage space for other lenses, maps, batteries, remote, and accessories. Tripod straps at the base of the bag are usable but no-frills. Shoulder straps are padded and comfortable. The waist strap is way too thin; it holds the bag from moving but doesn't transfer weight to your hips. Canvas fabric has held up well but is not at all rainproof. Canon Deluxe Backpack 200 EG 6229A003 B&H Photo Video
- Manfrotto Off Road Hiker 30L: $80 Black Friday sale. The Canon is purely a camera bag; this Manfrotto is a hiking bag designed for camera and lenses in lower half plus open storage up top. I've carried the 50-500 up top with the body detached below. I suppose you could keep the body attached by remove the inner divider; the divider does come out even though I never used the bag that way. The carrying straps are comfortable, and the thick waist belt does a great job of weight transfer. Side pouch easily fits my 1.5l water bottle, and I can find places to carry more water when needed. Semi-rigid back makes it comfortable and allows back ventilation on hot days; I still get a sweaty back but not as bad as without that spacing. Lightweight water-repellant fabric plus a detachable rain cover. Manfrotto Off road Hiker Backpack (30L, Green) MB OR-BP-30GR B&H
If you're just parking a car and hiking a mile to a photo spot, the Canon is good. If you are considering hiking 15 miles, though, get the Manfrotto or something even larger, because in addition to camera and lens you also need room for water, food, first aid, etc.
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
11-24-2017, 10:05 AM
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Check out the Lowero Flipside 300 in the original version. It's pretty inexpensive right now at B&H. I use it for my K-1 and 150-450. You may have to remove the accessory insert (it's 40.4 cm high on the inside). I do that sometimes when I have the Pentax teleconverter mounted on this combo.
Here's a shot with it and the K-1 with the teleconverter and 150-450 mounted. The accessory insert is scrunched up on the left of the inside of the bag. You can also use the area I have set up for additional lenses to carry your accessories.
 Fully Loaded by BIll Struth, on Flickr
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
11-24-2017, 07:30 AM
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If your doing day hikes the Tamrac Expedition 5x should be large enough (18 inches tall) plus room for more camera gear. There is one on eBay right now for $70 including shipping. Tamrac also makes smaller bags.
I own the expedition 8x for hauling most of my equipment around and it is a very solid backpack.
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
10-11-2017, 09:14 AM
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Both the first and second curtain seem to be dragging a bit at different parts of the travel. Perhaps there's some grit in the channel or track that the curtain travels along.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
10-07-2017, 04:59 PM
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If you are happy with it then that is all that matters.
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
10-06-2017, 06:42 AM
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Swift current lake, Montana
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
04-06-2017, 11:01 PM
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Believe it on not, but I actually decided against the ZK 35/2 in favor of the FA 35/2. What's more, price (by itself) and AF had little to do with the decision. I simply could not see the value proposition in the example photographs and I was able to find on the Web and while I very much appreciate the build quality, the bulk and weight for what has traditionally been a fairly svelte focal length argued loudly against the purchase. I will agree that the pixies were not particularly generous with the FA 35/2, but OTOH, they sort of skipped the ZK too.
I have never shot with either the Tak 35/3.5 or the K 35/3.5, mostly because I don't care for dim finders, though both produce excellent results as you nicely show. As for the Samyang...no temptation for me from that corner.
The FA 35/2 has been my go to walk-around prime since 2009 and shows little wear despite regular use. Here are a few shots trimmed to Web resolution just to show that it is not totally boring and does have some character:
Ricoh XR-2s, Fuji Neopan Acros 100, FA 35/2
That last was thrown in to show that it is no slouch on 35mm film either. The others were from my K10D. I have a couple of other 35s in non-Pentax mounts and like them too. If I come across a good example of the K 35/3.5 and a low price, I might pick it up based on reputation alone; ditto for the Tak 35/3.5.
Steve
BTW, the honor of the "plastic fantastic" title goes to the DA 35/2.4. The FA 35/2 is resin over metal. ;)
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
04-06-2017, 08:46 AM
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Last year I was looking for a decent travel tripod and settled on this one. Being a light weight and compact tripod it has a few short comings but all in all I'm very pleased with my purchase. Most places have it listed at $200.00 or just under. Does have the twist locks though.
MeFOTO RoadTrip Aluminum Travel Tripod Kit (Titanium) A1350Q1T#!
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
02-26-2017, 02:17 PM
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K-3, used they seem to be the same price as the K-5IIs.
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
02-25-2017, 10:51 AM
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Just thought I'd mention that this is the eBay store for Carman's Foto Source who is an authorized dealer. So you will get the full manufacturer warranty with this lens.
Nice find. It seems they list these at this price regularly.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
01-31-2017, 05:45 PM
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As noted above, Windows Movie Maker was part of Windows Essentials, but that package is no longer available from Microsoft. I would be highly suspicious of the software from windows-movie-maker(dot)org. It may be legitimate or may not. I would expect that it is probably a vehicle for malware of some sort. Google searches regarding that site are mixed. I would avoid.
Addendum: From the screen shots on the windows-movie-maker(dot)org site, this is obviously not related to the Microsoft product.
Steve
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
01-30-2017, 03:49 PM
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Here you can find codecs for virtualdubmod and the download link for virtualdubmod is at the bottom of the page. I've used these with great success. There are several flavors of virtualdub out there, and Ars Technica did a good tutorial some time back:
VirtualDubMod 1.5.10.3 Free Download
and here in the archives from Ars Technica - scroll down the right side, and links are there. You don't need to get caught up in the hardware they mention on the video capture side if you already have the file in hand or have captured it somehow else already:
Ars Technica: Guide to Video Capturing - Page 1 - (03/2003)
And here is I think the original site:
http://virtualdub.org/download.html
One more thing which occurs to me is Avisynth. http://avisynth.nl/index.php/Main_Page It is a powerful frame server that can be used with scripting, and I used it in conjunction with Virtubaldubmod. The original Ars Technica tutorial I linked above did a good job of explaining how to put it all together. Hopefully you can find it all there.
I can ferret out more if desired. Let me know, and I'll dig back through time. It's been awhile... : )
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
01-24-2017, 04:03 PM
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You Tube
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src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RtdsN3eWmOA?controls=1" allowfullscreen>
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
01-24-2017, 05:25 AM
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Yes...its a progressive feature.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
01-22-2017, 07:29 PM
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@Digitalis @rrstuff @dcshooter - All, I've been considering this all day. I did a print at Aspen Creek using Fuji Metallic Pearl paper and it provided a tremendous depth and detail to the image. I can via the web order a 30" x 40" for $55 and have it shipped in a hard tube. That will be my backup option.
 Quote: Fuji Pearl - This metallic paper gives a unique glow to your photographic prints. Similar to Kodak "metallic" paper, Fuji Pearl brings the luster and depth of mother-of-pearl to your prints, with natural mica and metal oxides impregnated in the paper. It creates a look unlike traditional photo papers, which increases its impact on viewers. Tomorrow - I'm going to call and drop by some local printers who both print and mount. I have not heard back from the lady, however - I think that metallic pearl is probably a good option (to bring out additional detail in the image). I still don't know what she is considering to spend - but Aspen will mount the image on 3/16 Gator for $52. I want to do the mounting locally to mitigate the risk of damage. So, it's a matter of shopping around, asking about their paper, ink, printing and process. Then consider everything and make a decision.
What I have found is that locally, no one discusses paper, ink and process on their websites - just bulk quantity and delivery. On the web printer sites, lots of discussions about paper, ink and process along with shipping. Overall, I think that I might be looking at the wrong set of local printers.
:cool:
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
01-22-2017, 04:46 PM
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The issue of cost is a big one. When I was younger just making a name for myself I would bust the bank with the quality of my prints - and the reasoning behind this is that each print has to be presented to the best of my ability, this can lead to repeat business down the road: you have no idea who is going to see this print. The impression it makes upon them has to be positive.
This depends upon the makeup of the inks and the printing substrate upon which the inks are laid. Wilhelm Imaging Research have gathered that common dye inks* used on an un-framed print have a 5 year archival stability, pigments under identical conditions have a 45 years of archival stability. UV isn't the only problem for prints, ozone, humidity, heat, outgassing chemicals - all of which can have a negative effect upon the mounting substrate as well as the printed image itself.
Actually this isn't a bad idea, if you were to do this. I would look up a local photo framer in their area and mail the image to them: the client can pick up the mounted image from the photo framer. The upshot to doing this is that a professional photo framer is more likely to have access to archival adhesives that will be appropriate for image mounting.
* in this case they were measuring the longevity of dye and pigment ink sets and archival printing papers manufactured by Epson.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
01-18-2017, 10:01 AM
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No K-cup support :mad:
Steve
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-16-2017, 08:25 AM
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I have both; Pentax 35 mm of slightly better; all other focal distance of the Tamron better :)
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
01-15-2017, 11:13 PM
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I would rather have a (much) better AF system then a quick release grip.
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
01-14-2017, 03:11 PM
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
10-12-2016, 07:43 AM
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Decision made - K 3 II it is!
Thanks for all of your input! I appreciate your taking the time to comment!
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