|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
05-06-2020, 01:43 AM
|
| |
I know this reply was to another member, but I'll comment anyway.
You're on vacation, on a beautiful beach in Australia, and you have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to surf there, but sharks have been spotted in the area. If you go in the water, there's a good chance you might be attacked. Would you choose to go surfing? Most would answer "no", but if you answer "yes", then you have to accept the risks and consequences of surfing in those conditions.
If you have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take a photo, even if all the good, professional photographic advice and common sense says it's the wrong time of day with harsh lighting that's going to result in a poor shot, then by all means take the shot if you wish, or if you need to. But you'll have to accept that - sometimes - those conditions are going to be challenging for your chosen lens, and you'll have more work to do in post as a result.
I'm closing this thread, and I'll explain why.
You're repeatedly drawing conclusions and making statements that could quite easily discourage others from acquiring what is a very fine and well-performing lens. You're drawing those conclusions from opinions and evidence represented by the minority rather than the majority, and with no personal experience of the lens itself. You're choosing to believe and make exaggerated claims from this minority evidence, whilst simultaneously claiming that members here are playing down the fringing aspect (in effect, accusing them of acting dishonestly). We are not. I, certainly, am not. Without wishing to sound dismissive, we don't care whether you buy the lens or not. We're merely presenting you with our opinions and evidence based on actual experience with our own copies of the lens. If you believe we typically underplay issues with our gear, or you didn't want our opinions and advice, then - with respect - you shouldn't have asked in the first place. If you only wanted feedback that confirmed what you seem to want to believe, that's not how it works here.
I've already explained - and demonstrated by means of a 200% crop from an appropriate image I took specifically for this discussion, and posted publicly for everyone to see - that only minor fringing remains at f/5.6 in a well-exposed photograph. If you shoot certain subject matter in certain lighting conditions at wider apertures, especially wide open, and especially if you over-expose elements of the scene with high contrast borders, you're going to experience more fringing.
You're at liberty to accept or discard whatever advice and evidence you wish, and I bid you good luck with whichever lens you choose :)
-----------
EDIT: In response to your PM, let me make absolutely clear to anyone reading this thread that it is neither PentaxForums policy, nor my personal intention, to "protect" sales of Pentax equipment, nor is there some imagined "Pentax cult" behaviour at work here :hmm: Any suggestion to the contrary would be both inaccurate and inflammatory. I have been, and will continue to be, openly but constructively critical of Pentax products... when I feel it's justified.
:closed:
|
|
Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals
01-29-2020, 05:05 PM
|
| |
One can't help thinking that the potential impact on camera, lens and component manufacturing is the least of our concerns... :o
|
|
Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals
01-18-2020, 10:41 AM
|
| |
Keep the username, and keep singing! :lol:
You guys have a history of being fair to Pentax and of generally accepting Pentax on their terms. You point out areas where Pentax may be subpar but also extol the virtues of the gear and the beneficial aspects for specific types of photography.
|
|
Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals
01-18-2020, 10:35 AM
|
| |
Man, gotta ditch this username.
We pitch the episodes to the DPReview team, they don't tell us what to make videos about. If they like the concept, we produce the episode, and then send it to the the team to check for inaccuracies or suggestions to improve the flow. Then it gets published.
There is no Amazon executive telling us what to talk about, but obviously we prioritize subjects that we think will help grow the audience.
I hope this helps clarify things a bit.
|
|
Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
09-02-2019, 05:08 AM
|
| |
Many of my shots go on Flickr for Single In, Daily In and other posting to PF About once a quarter, I cull the shots that were low performing in terms of comments, or those that are part of a repetitive theme. For example, I live near the mountains, and though they provide something new to view on a daily basis for Single In, etc. I don't want my Flickr page to be 30 shots of mountains.
I keep the Explores, and usually view the pages of the most recent faves or comments. I've seen some great photography and interesting subjects by doing so.
I'm always pleasantly surprised to see what hits Explore. I don't question how, or try to improve my odds, I just try to put up good shots.
This morning A recent image hit Explore, nice surprise to begin the day. Crown Jewel |
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
08-04-2019, 12:14 AM
|
| |
Good advice already given, I'll just say welcome to the forum.
|
|
Forum: Lens Clubs
07-21-2019, 12:31 AM
|
| |
Zeiss Distagon 28 2 ZK, f2, Pentax K-1
 |
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
07-02-2019, 03:27 AM
|
| |
There seems to be a lot of venom lately for people who have looked beyond what Pentax offer and ask reasonable questions about why Pentax don't offer something that brand X does. The OP does not seem to me to have been trolling, but many people are very defensive (characterised by seeing reasonable statements as attacks). I know this is the case for all brands and their die-hards, but for me the Pentax Forums have always been characterised by having a markedly lower level of fanboyism than many (all?) other makers of photographic equipment, and I'd hate to see that change.
|
|
Forum: Pentax Q
04-09-2019, 09:54 PM
|
| |
Wonder if I can use this as a lens holder when out and about?
 |
|
Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
03-01-2019, 01:40 PM
|
| |
Thanks for the kind words! Here's another one that got explored, a sunset in Ciucas Mountains, just before setting up the tent for the night.
 Sunset in Ciucas Mountains by Hattifnattar, on Flickr
|
|
Forum: General Photography
02-21-2019, 08:00 PM
|
| |
- We admitted we were powerless over lenses - that our camera bags had become unmanageable.
- Came to believe that a Marketplace greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lenses over to the care of the Forum members, through the Marketplace, as we know them by their PayPal addresses.
- Made a searching, fearless and thorough inventory of our camera bags.
- Admitted to the Marketplace, to ourselves, and to another special person (looking over our shoulders as we type) the exact nature of our finances.
- Were entirely ready to have the Marketplace remove all these defects of rational judgment about shooting with what we have, not what we dream about.
- Humbly asked the Marketplace to remove our excess lenses for a reasonable price.
- Made a list of all buyers we had harmed by refusing to sell, and became willing to make amends to them all.
- Made direct amends to such buyers wherever possible, except when to do so would just injure them with this affliction.
- Continued to take inventory of our camera bags, and when we bought something we didn't need promptly sold it.
- Sought through taking photographs and posting them in the forum to improve our conscious contact with the members, seeking only a vision of the Golden Spiral and the skill to carry that out.
- Having had an artistic awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to other Lens Buying Addicts, and to practice these steps in all our interactions with Lenses and Gear.
:cool: :D
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
02-28-2019, 04:37 PM
|
| |
I purchased my very first Pentax camera, the K-5 specifically because I wanted use the legacy lenses. I was very interested in exploring the aesthetic qualities of images produced by a digital camera using old lenses . . . a melding of the old with the new.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
02-28-2019, 05:39 AM
|
| |
I've been thinking about doing a single in March with the 18-55 kit lens. Just to see how much I notice its flaws, and how much I can squeeze out of it and if I can use it as my rainy day backup.
|
|
Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
01-26-2019, 02:14 PM
|
| |
I've been out of the loop for a while, and have missed the discipline and cameraderie (intentional mis-spelling ;)).
The seller's remorse of parting with my FA135 before the K-1 was released has recently been redressed. I reckon I should give that a whirl, maybe with some comparisons to the K135/2.5 and DFA*70-200 @ 135
It would be great to have you back Rense!
|
|
Forum: General Photography
12-18-2018, 06:15 AM
|
| |
Should be called the truth about what marihuana does with your brain.
|
|
Forum: Photographic Technique
11-11-2018, 03:55 PM
|
| |
Right... I agree... but I don't think that's the point of the video, despite the title. It's simply demonstrating that you don't need the greatest kit to produce excellent photographs, as skill and ingenuity will get the job done. It's challenging the beliefs of many inexperienced photographers (and, I'd like to bet, a few experienced ones too) that you need better kit than you already own (or can afford) to take great photos. Many of us already know that, but a lot of folks are caught up in the "must have the latest and greatest kit" trap, when a little extra work (often enjoyable, for hobbyists at least) is all that's required.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
04-18-2018, 11:56 AM
|
| |
It is worth noting Hirakawa Jun went to Tamron* as a lens designer, then managed the design department. He is now on the path to retirement.
* Which gives me a different perspective on the ‘just Rebadged Tamron’ zooms. :cool:
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
04-18-2018, 11:28 AM
|
| |
Since it directly relates to this thread, I think it's worthwhile to throw in another Hoya sin: reducing the lens design staff and "retiring" Jun Hirakawa. Based on how few "original" lenses were released between 2010 and 2013, I would say the lens team was gutted. Ricoh/Pentax has had to do more than just make new lenses, they have had to rebuild a team and a culture to create worthwhile new lenses.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
04-17-2018, 11:42 PM
|
| |
Well said - here and subsequently - which is not to say it's just soap-boxing - you've highlighted many details I was only sketchily aware of.
I know this is an unfashionable type of view, but I think that Pentax, as part of RI or not, deserves the loyalty it inspires in people - and the history of photography shows that all the main players have made significant contributions to camera or lens design that all have benefitted from, and Pentax continue to do that, small as they are. The current management seem to have a genuine passion for cameras and a delight in creative problem solving that the bigger corporates could certainly learn from.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
04-17-2018, 06:08 PM
|
| |
I think you're spoiled for choice, Matt.
The lens in that ad will go on your K-1, you have everything going back to 1975 that works. Try that with Canon or Nikon!
The Limiteds or similar make for *great* street lenses, which should be small.
I love going out with just the FA31 or DA40 SX or DA*55. The DA40 is a pancake!
If small's not important, the DFA 28-105 suits the size of the body and is WR, silent fast focus, nine rounded aperture blades, etc and is wonderfully priced.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-04-2018, 12:12 AM
|
| |
This is the most extremely blatant lens Porn I have ever witnessed ! Now I will never get to sleep tonight !:eek:
|
|
Forum: Pentax KP
02-27-2018, 07:42 AM
|
| |
I have always had a deep rooted passion with photography from a very young age of about 12.
It all started when I watched a gentleman spend a couple hours composing a shot overlooking the Missouri River with a large field camera in Sioux City Iowa.
The Gentleman's name was Lee Russell , and he worked for the Sioux City Tribune that summer in 1941.
Mr Russell also had a small photography studio he shared with another photographer downtown next to the Barber shop that my father frequented.
It seems Mr. Russel had noticed a young girl intently watching him work on several occasions. She had endless questions about the "How" , "What" , and "Why" of capturing images with such a large and strange device.
Little did I know they were both members of the Homeless Mens Bureau and sat on the same county committee every month.
One day the following Spring my father came home with a small package just for me ! I was just tuning 13 and it was 1942 . Times were really tough back then and any gift was very hard earned. Mr Russell's enlightenment had somehow prompted my father to buy it for me because of my fascination with his photography work.
When I opened the package I could hardly believe my eyes , my very own Zeiss Ikoflex Camera !
I was in another world , and still can remember running around town doing every imaginable task just to buy more film. Mr Russel introduced me to processing that year , oh what a smelly affair !
My first Pentax was purchased for me by my Husband the day he proposed marriage about ten years later in 1953. He was a very smart man , and knew a simple engagement ring just wouldn't do it for this Lady, Ha ha !
It was a Pentax Asahiflex. Yes , it did the trick ! I married him the following week and stayed that way for over 62 years until his death a few years ago.
I have owned nearly every Pentax made to date , and used the heck out of every one of them. From the Asahiflex to the Spotmatics , H-1 , EX , MX , LX , PZ1 , and some I have even forgotten the names of.
The one model I never used or owned was the K1000. I dont know how that one slipped past , but it did.
I made the switch to digital a few years back with a new Pentax K30. That turned out to be the very first unhappy experience with any Pentax. It kept breaking down and getting sent back for repairs repeatedly.
I finally got disgusted with it and gave it to a young man in Showlow Arizona that knew what the problem was and said he could fix it . Good riddance !
And now this leads me here to this KP forum.
After the brief love affair with the K30 , and a replacement K5 that I used for nearly 5 years.....I saw the KP.:D
As soon as I saw the picture on B&H last year I knew I was going to investigate.
When I finally got one in my hands while in their store last year it was all over with , I bought one.
It has everything cosmetically that I could want. It looks like a Camera design from decades past. Somewhat of a cross between a 67 and a LX ! That is so Sexy to me !
I really liked my MZ-S film body , but this KP far outshines it too.
The features are so lovely too. I originally wanted a K-3II before handling the KP , but with a different screen that articulates , but no such luck.
When nothing new looked like it was in the works , I went ahead and bought 1 more of the KP models , so now I have 2.
I knew when I saw the looks and specs that this was MY camera , my very last camera.
Im using one PK body heavily , and keep one for a spare to avoid going through anything similar to the K30 fiasco ever again.
Have since sold , donated , and gifted all my old film bodies and gear , and even the K-5.
I did keep all my M42 Pentax lenses and K mount Pentax lenses that Ive acquired over the years.
Of course my old Zeiss isnt going anywhere , nor the Asahiflex my husband caught me with...Haha.
This Old Lady may only shoot in JPG , but the KP is HelenJo Approved !
|
|
Forum: Lens Clubs
03-03-2018, 07:56 AM
|
| |
| |
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-26-2017, 01:03 PM
|
| |
The red is FF, the blue is APS-C...
That is the "Crop factor" or as the Germans called it "Format Factor"...
|
