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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 01-25-2017, 01:35 PM  
New Ultra Wide Rectilinear Lens Decision - Irix 11mm F/4 v Venus 12mm f/2.8
Posted By MrA
Replies: 31
Views: 9,289
I'm also interested in getting one of either the Irix 11mm or Laowa/Venus 12mm.

Adam if you are planning to review both - please can I suggest you do a side by side test, since they are direct competitors. This would be very useful indeed. :-)

On paper it seems to come down to weather sealing vs speed, which is vaguely equivalent to indoor vs outdoor use. Although I'm sure outdoor night shots in the rain look very good through a super wide angle lens!

I'm hoping the 11mm has decent rectanlinear distortion control, since then they would both be suitable for architectural use.

The thing that puzzles me is that the faster lens is also the smaller and lighter of the two, by a fair margin in each case...

I can confirm the Laowa/Venus 15mm is a "dumb" mount but personally I don't find that too problematic.
Forum: General Photography 11-22-2016, 06:57 AM  
Portfolio / sharing websites, UK
Posted By MrA
Replies: 0
Views: 796
Hi all

I've been thinking about reviewing to which website I upload my amateur photo, that people would recommend? I currently have a 500px account I haven't used lately, that's it.

I was wondering, are there any UK based photo sharing / web portfolio sites out there, ideally free (since I'm an amateur).

It's proving a bit tedious to work out where the various sites are based!

Obviously the primary point is to display the best of one's work (whether for critique or ego!), and I quite like 500px for that, but haven't really tried the competition.

My reason for asking for UK based, are several: (1) I'm not adverse in principle to letting such sites offer my photos for sale, unsure of the likelihood in reality anyone buys them, but if they handle it where's the harm. Reading the 500px licence info, international tax rules get complex, and as a US site they ask for things like location waivers, which aren't necessarily needed in the UK. (2) generally it probably makes sense to have things in the same country where I actually live, not least if Brexit happens. Am familiar with uk law, not US.

Thoughts / suggestions welcome.

Thanks!
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 11-19-2016, 09:08 AM  
Laowa 12mm F2.8 UWA fast FF lens
Posted By MrA
Replies: 47
Views: 12,173
I'm considering it. As I work in architecture, it tends to be one of the things I photograph outside of work, so the very low distortion has a definite appeal.

One shame is their shift functionality ("magicshift" :fedup:) is apparently only for E-mount users, for this lens - whereas their 15mm f4 (which I have) has shift functionality for all mounts, when used with APS-c sensors. Can't have everything I suppose.

I probably will wait to see a review of the forthcoming Irix 11mm f4 before deciding.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 09-21-2016, 11:26 AM  
Irix 11mm f/4 full frame in K mount
Posted By MrA
Replies: 91
Views: 25,197
Interesting...
Forum: Pentax Lens Articles 12-01-2015, 06:21 AM  
Venus(Laowa) 15mm F4 1:1 Macro+Shift, Review and Samples
Posted By MrA
Replies: 26
Views: 17,659
Sorry Mike, guess I missed that line! Either way, not a problem for me, was just noting for others.

I can confirm that rotating the mount works, it's as simple as removing 4 screws. However, the reverse side of the metal mount has a shallow groove cut in it for the spring which operates the shift-lock lever. If you rotate the mount, you slightly squash the spring. This didn't immediately affect its operation but perhaps might in the longer term.
Forum: Pentax Lens Articles 11-30-2015, 04:45 PM  
Venus(Laowa) 15mm F4 1:1 Macro+Shift, Review and Samples
Posted By MrA
Replies: 26
Views: 17,659
Well I took the plunge with this, have to say I'm very pleased with it. Will try to get some architectural sample photos up soon.

The only quirk I have found, that i've not seen noted elsewhere in reviews, is that the shift functionality does not have any rotational capability. That is, whilst a landscape orientation image can be shifted up/down to correct distortion, a portrait image can only be shifted left/right (i.e. far less helpful).
Forum: Pentax K-30 & K-50 11-25-2015, 02:39 PM  
Split prism focusing screens?
Posted By MrA
Replies: 35
Views: 8,409
Have just seen that Katz Eye Optics has gone out of business. (Pentax DSLRs - KatzEye Optics)

I need a split prism focusing screen for my Pentax K50 - can anyone recommend another manufacturer?

I can find one on amazon uk citing suitability for the K5, K7, Kx & Kr, but not mentioning the K50, and in any case possessing many a one-star review.

Alternatively, will the one from my K-r fit the K50? I'd check on the Katzeye website but they've taken all the info down...

Thanks!
Forum: Pentax Lens Articles 10-12-2015, 02:16 PM  
Venus(Laowa) 15mm F4 1:1 Macro+Shift, Review and Samples
Posted By MrA
Replies: 26
Views: 17,659
I've yet to find a photo of this lens showing the distance scale whilst focused at the infinity end - the stock photos all the reviews are using show it focused at the macro end. I was just presuming (based on the short lens length) that it would be viable - which means being MF is hardly a handicap.

Good to know. If you do take any lower light images at any point in the near future with it, would be interested to see them.

Looks like I have some thinking to do... thanks for the help.


EDIT:
Image of focusing scale found here https://www.cinema5d.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Venus-Laowa-15mm-3.jpg
Forum: Pentax Lens Articles 10-12-2015, 11:47 AM  
Venus(Laowa) 15mm F4 1:1 Macro+Shift, Review and Samples
Posted By MrA
Replies: 26
Views: 17,659
Those galleries are really useful, thanks MightyMike.

I did find these on an oriental forum (afraid I can't translate the text, but the pictures are interesting). Again, not a methodical test.

http://www.dchome.net/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=1303367&extra=page%3D1&page=1

Interesting to see how it behaves shooting into the sun. Am somewhat tempted... :)

Interesting to note the shift is +/- 6mm, whereas e.g. a Samyang or Canon 24mm tilt-shift would give +/-12mm. Probably still enough to be useful though.

How does it perform wide open?

In reality, do you even have to focus it for landscape use? - I know e.g my Sigma 24mm can be used hyperfocally from f4 - sharp from 2m to infinity...
Forum: Pentax Lens Articles 10-12-2015, 12:25 AM  
Venus(Laowa) 15mm F4 1:1 Macro+Shift, Review and Samples
Posted By MrA
Replies: 26
Views: 17,659
Ok, thanks. Have just started following Venus Optics on Facebook, they have been posting a small number of 15mm landscape shots - but of course no doubt highly selective ones...
Forum: Pentax Lens Articles 10-11-2015, 11:34 AM  
Venus(Laowa) 15mm F4 1:1 Macro+Shift, Review and Samples
Posted By MrA
Replies: 26
Views: 17,659
Out of interest, have you tried using this lens as a landscape lens?

I'm wondering how it compares to Pentax's own 15mm f4, for instance, which I was just about to buy until I saw this pop up in a google search!

I take a lot of photos of buildings and landscapes, so the shift functionality on something this wide, on Pentax K, has me very interested...

Edit: The only review I can find which looks at the non-macro usage is this one at dpreview, which isn't too encouraging - I wonder if this tallies with your experiences... ?

Edit II - then I see images like this and think - well it can't be all that terrible ;-)
Forum: Pentax Forums Giveaways 12-13-2014, 03:55 PM  
3 Million Post Giveaway: Confirm your entry!
Posted By MrA
Replies: 2,853
Views: 133,351
Fingers crossed.
Forum: Pentax Forums Giveaways 12-10-2014, 01:16 AM  
Win an FA 31mm Ltd: PF 3 million post giveaway!
Posted By MrA
Replies: 2,237
Views: 144,038
Worth a try :-)
Forum: Pentax K-r 10-06-2013, 01:30 PM  
K-r glitch? Shutter fires every time I press any button. Help?
Posted By MrA
Replies: 25
Views: 13,479
DragonLord had it right - aperture lever was a bit sticky. Fingers crossed, that seems to have sorted it :-)

Thanks.
Forum: Pentax K-r 10-06-2013, 08:27 AM  
K-r glitch? Shutter fires every time I press any button. Help?
Posted By MrA
Replies: 25
Views: 13,479
Hi All. Long time since i've posted here, it seems (busy life etc) Hope everyone's well. :)

My Pentax K-r has started doing something wierd, and before I start talking to Pentax support I thought I'd see if anyone here had any bright ideas as to what's up with it.

With no apparent cause, my K-r now fires the shutter whenever I press anything on it. Flip the power on, it fires. Press the menu button, it fires. Navigate through a menu, it fires on every click. Turn on live view and it fires as though on continuous mode. The one thing I can't make it do is take a photo, because if I half-press the shutter button, it does the continuous-mode click-click-click thing (but never takes a shot).

I was using bulb mode the last time I used it, but I can't find a setting that I might have inadvertently hit that would make it do this.

Anyone got any thoughts? Have I missed something? :hmm:
Forum: Pentax K-r 07-26-2012, 02:14 PM  
Enable IR for remote?
Posted By MrA
Replies: 5
Views: 7,032
Ah, that did the trick. Thanks!
Forum: Pentax K-r 07-26-2012, 01:03 PM  
Enable IR for remote?
Posted By MrA
Replies: 5
Views: 7,032
Hi all.

I just ordered one of these remotes to use with my Pentax K-r

JOOX - Compatible IR Remote control Shutter Release for: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

It arrived today, I removed the plastic strip which seals the battery, and gave it a go. Nothing.;)

So the puzzle is, is the problem the remote or the camera (or a setting therein)? I can't seem to see a setting to simply turn IR on/off, but wonder if anyone with more knowledge could advise. Reviews suggest it should 'just work'. :hmm:

I also tried my TV remote, aiming it at the camera in an attempt to make something happen and prove it was the remote, not the camera. Alas, nothing happened.

Any thoughts would be appreciated :D
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 01-03-2012, 03:35 PM  
LBA 2012: What will you be sucked into buying this year?
Posted By MrA
Replies: 157
Views: 13,017
Just sprung for a new K-r in the sales to replace my late K100DS, now waiting for the postman. Lens, if funds permit, will be one of:

- Samyang 24mm f/1.4 (when it appears, if it appears)
- Sigma 8-16mm (probably this one).
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 10-20-2011, 12:49 AM  
K100DS misbehaving
Posted By MrA
Replies: 12
Views: 1,730
They didn't, no. I'll check the shot count when it gets delivered back to me though, since I can't remember. I doubt it's that high though.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 10-18-2011, 12:49 PM  
K100DS misbehaving
Posted By MrA
Replies: 12
Views: 1,730
Further update: Johnsons Photopia, as Pentax UK's recommended technical people, have had a look at my camera. New Main PCB required, £178.

Not entirely convinced it's worth it, to renew a mere 6Mp body - ebay suggests I could get a similar-aged K10D for not a lot more, or a new K-r for £359. I think it's the end of the road for this one...
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 09-23-2011, 07:57 AM  
K100DS misbehaving
Posted By MrA
Replies: 12
Views: 1,730
Okay, it looks like I may have spoken too soon. It's still doing it. Just been on the phone with Pentax UK technical, had a short discussion and a failed attempt to upgrade the firmware to 1.02, am now "on hold" awaiting a telephone call next week. Watch this space...
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 09-22-2011, 04:50 AM  
K100DS misbehaving
Posted By MrA
Replies: 12
Views: 1,730
Well, I tried a new memory card (handily, jessops had an offer on!). No improvement.

However, as TomK suggested, I've examined the menu and "noise reduction" was indeed turned on (no idea how or why). Having switched that off, everything's certainly faster.

I still have a niggling feeling it's not as fast as it was before, but it could just be wishful thinking, as I used to shoot JPG rather than RAW for a long time. It now takes about .25s to save a 3* JPG, and about 1.5s to save a RAW file. It's not something I ever bothered to time before!


Exactly as my initial reaction above. I didn't even know there was a noise reduction setting (aka a "make everything slow for no reason" setting) ;)

Just glad to have avoided a repair bill (and I now have a spare memory card, always handy)!
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 09-21-2011, 10:41 AM  
K100DS misbehaving
Posted By MrA
Replies: 12
Views: 1,730
Hmm, I'd not thought of that. Certainly sounds worth looking into, thanks. I only have the one SD card, which I've just formatted (twice - PC and then on the camera ), and the problem persists. The card works in my laptop (ie I could retrieve photos from it).

I'll drop by my local IT store tomorrow and pick up a spare card, got to be worth a try. Watch this space! :)
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 09-21-2011, 09:34 AM  
K100DS misbehaving
Posted By MrA
Replies: 12
Views: 1,730
Hi all, hope everyone here is doing okay.

I find myself in need of a bit of advice; my K100D Super has developed a fault. :mad:

It's had it for a couple of weeks, but it was intermittent, in fact I thought I was being paranoid. Today, however, it has manifested more consistently, so I'm debating what to do. The fault occurs regardless of camera mode or lens attached (or lens mount used), as follows:

Previously, when I took a photo, as it saves data to the SD card, an orange light sometimes comes on whilst it saves the image. I think it's to do with the buffer, since it rarely comes on in JPG mode except on long exposures, but more regularly with RAW or burst modes. Photography blog reviewed the model in 2007 (link) and the light can be seen below the Fn button in this image.

Today however, with any photo I took, there was about a 50% chance that the light would come on and stay on - that is, it appeared that the camera had crashed mid-save. I could wait 30s or a minute (where normally it's at most 2-3s). If I turned the power switch off, it would go out after 5-6s and the save wouldn't have occurred (occasionally there was an file saved on the camera but reviewing it brought up an error). In one or two instances, it wouldn't go out then, and only removing the batteries would resolve it.

Needless to say, this is a bit annoying. I'm wondering if it's something that might be solved by messing around with the firmware myself, if it's something a reputable (UK) repair place could fix, or if this is how DSLRs die. :confused:

Thoughts appreciated.:)
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 09-17-2011, 12:34 PM  
Sigma 30 f1.4 - HSM?
Posted By MrA
Replies: 19
Views: 3,330
From memory, HSM is only on the latest sigma k-mount lenses (e.g. the new ultrawides) but not on the older ones such as the 30/1.4 20/1.8 etc
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