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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 01-17-2018, 11:54 PM  
Pentax k 28mm f2 Rare Lens - What should i sell it for?
Posted By photodesignch
Replies: 16
Views: 3,045
honestly though.. you could've gotten 28mm F2.0 Contax MMJ version and swap the mount to PK still comes cheaper. And it's identical lens.
Forum: Pentax Medium Format 09-22-2017, 11:54 PM  
P67 105mm for a bargain, but small scratch on rear element
Posted By photodesignch
Replies: 23
Views: 2,477
And I live in Seattle.. OUCH
Forum: Repairs and Warranty Service 09-06-2017, 09:15 PM  
My experience with Precision Camera
Posted By photodesignch
Replies: 6
Views: 1,215
I wouldn't say I had the perfect experiences with precision camera repair department though. My first fix was my 77mm limited. something in it snapped off by aging, so autofocus was broken. They fixed it perfectly. Second time, the hood was bent and due to that, the autofocus was broken and aperture iris wasn't perfect shape when size down. I sent in, came back fixed on the hood (replaced the hood but the hood no longer prints this lens is made in Japan). However, they didn't fix the autofocus.

When I request to send back again for the autofocus fix, they want to charge me autofocus $275. After arguing with them, they decided it was their fault that they didn't fix it when I first send the lens in. So they wanted me to spend shipping again and they would take care of it.

When the 77 is finally back, focus is working on manual mode, but autofocus went out of whack! No matter how I adjust from the DSLR, it simply won't focus correctly! I realized the autofocus isn't matching the distance scale. but at this point I already sent this lens 3 times, and the cost of repair is already cost more then the brand new 77mm limited! So I gave up! I use it as manual focus.

And NO.. they never did fix the aperture shape when size down issue.
Forum: Pentax Full Frame 08-16-2017, 02:02 PM  
Live view manual focusing
Posted By photodesignch
Replies: 10
Views: 1,752
LiveView mode focus requires two things. focus peaking and digital zoom. Without zoom in, your focus might or might not be accurate. The sampling of real live data to calculate focus peaking on fly depend on the actual capturing resolution on fly. In reality, real time capturing resolution is the challenge of a such focus peaking system. You simply don't have enough information to determine object outline with small screen and small resolution capturing. It will end up it looks like it's focus EVERYWHERE.

This is the reason why focus peaking gets better when you have high res LCD and high res real time live capture. Especially in something as a full frame (Sony A7 series) makes way better focus peaking than any Fuji X cameras I ever owned. Simple truth! full frame capture much high res live data than Aps-c.

but also..... high res live capture system does better than lower res one.
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 08-15-2017, 02:06 PM  
Film
Posted By photodesignch
Replies: 12
Views: 1,200
Oh! you are right! I haven't touched my P3n since high school photography class. what we did was to refill the film into DX rated ISO400 canister. I totally forgot about that
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 08-15-2017, 01:46 PM  
Film
Posted By photodesignch
Replies: 12
Views: 1,200
Smart recommendation Phil! It's true.. P3n reads DX codes only. you can not overwrite it. You can do is to offset the EV compensation to do the trick. If DX isn't available I believed it's preset to ISO100.
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 08-14-2017, 11:06 AM  
Film
Posted By photodesignch
Replies: 12
Views: 1,200
Different film gives you different color emulsion. I found a blog that documents some of those popular films.

film review | Curating Cuteness

But to myself I used to be strictly RVP, RDPIII and Tri-X. But recent years I shift to Neopan Arcos, Portra, 400h and fujicolor industrial. (The grain is larger, but I love the color and contrast. it has neo-post-modern feeling to it. unlike rest of films are just retro feels)

Here is my taste of Fujicolor Industrial 400 film
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 07-06-2017, 12:42 PM  
WTH? Ricoh Imaging Japan's twitter and KP Man.
Posted By photodesignch
Replies: 20
Views: 3,222
There were only internet rumors that the optical design were the same, but there were no confirmation nor official announcement about it. It's like Minolta M-Rokkor 40mm really is a Leica Summicron-C or not. Leica people would tell you it's not, but Minolta people would say it's the same optical design but only differ in coating and glass material.

In reality, even you can see lens barrel were different because one is working as AF screw under K mount, the other is a dumb down SM mount. That part is understandable. You can argue that both are from same registry distance so they are somewhat identical optical formula. Grant that...... The reality is both are actually in different filter thread size, different size of front element.. It really isn't the same lens.

One argued that Pentax 43mm Limited is probably best 40mm and I concur the fact it is true to me. Simply because at 70s~90s, Pentax simply was the best lens coating company PERIOD. The SMC not only shared root to Carl Zeiss *T, it also has better performance over most of modern Leica lenses. As for the lens coating, and latest 40mm in the game (besides the Canon 40mm EF-S STM), 43mm Limited was latest innovation of 40mm category. It has best balance between color, sharpness and micro-contrasts.

In my own collection which I have still today. I have Contax G 45mm, Canon 40mm, Nikon 45mm, Leica (Minolta 40mm), Voigtlander 40mm.. and various of 35mm ~ 50mm including Leica. I would say best 40mm is truly the 43mm Limited. However, is Limited vs Special version are two different things? I can not know for sure. If it's the same lens but only different mount, Pentax SHOULD NOT charge them differently. Special version is often double in price, and if it's the same lens, people long ago should already adapt K to Leica M and used it on the Leica body already. But did that happen? NOPE! It didn't.

According to various of Leica fan forums.. they were practically saying, 43 Special is "DIFFERENT" than 43 limited. Although no one really provides actual photos to compare with proof.


The historical fact is that original lens designer on his interview he mentioned he was a Leica Lover but works for Pentax. He was originally designed 43mm Limited as a "LEICA" rangefinder lens but works as K mount Pentax SLR film bodies. That's the reason why 43mm alone has the color characteristics and fidelity looks similar to Leica / Zeiss (somewhat in between).

He tried to keep everything compact and designed both 43 and 77. Till 31mm, his original design was compact wide angle, but wasn't able to boost aperture to a F2.0, so he stepped down and got a career change to different company, then someone else came up with 31mm limited instead. That's why 31mm limited isn't really that compact at all, but it has larger aperture. However, color characteristics no longer like 43mm limited.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 07-05-2017, 08:09 PM  
WTH? Ricoh Imaging Japan's twitter and KP Man.
Posted By photodesignch
Replies: 20
Views: 3,222


They are not even the same dimension. C'mom! that can't be the same lens. FA is a bit fatter, but shorter. But you need to realize, Leica SM cameras are much shorter. So in reality, they could end up in the same "length".. But in the width, they are completely different.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 07-05-2017, 01:35 PM  
WTH? Ricoh Imaging Japan's twitter and KP Man.
Posted By photodesignch
Replies: 20
Views: 3,222
It's not possible at all. It's just some dude's fantasy. Unless Pentax gives us a mirrorless KP. Otherwise it's simply impossible to bend the physical.

Also.. 43 Special is MUCH smaller than that.. Keep in mind Leica M mount is much smaller in circumference.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 05-14-2017, 10:48 AM  
Sekonic Flashmate L-308B
Posted By photodesignch
Replies: 4
Views: 4,741
I have a 308s I am not sure if B is different model or functionality though?

It's a "shutter priority" device. You first set your ISO (like film days), then set your shutter speed, press the calculate button, it will give you proper aperture.

The only use of it for me is "Incident light metering" for studio or portraits. Other than that, the other half of the feature "reflective" light meter, your camera already built in one.


This device is useful if you are using medium or large format with no built in light meters. Or even old film 135 with no light meters. Other than that, you might get "some-what accurate" reading with iphone app already. There is very little need for a handheld light meter like this one because it doesn't do flash sync nor other advance features.
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 05-13-2017, 10:12 AM  
Pentax M SMC 1:1.7 50mm Asahi
Posted By photodesignch
Replies: 9
Views: 1,127
As others already mentioned, when your camera displaying F-- it means it can't read electronic signal from your lens. In this case, since your lens is a Pentax M lens, there isn't any electronic signal will send back to your camera. It's behaving as it should.

This will push you to the basics of photography 101. The aperture control is actually on your lens. It's called aperture ring. You can control it manually by turning the aperture ring to your desired number. The camera will sync up and close down the aperture when you press the shutter button.

On the other hand, since your camera does not recognize your old lens, you need to use Manual mode to shoot. Other mode won't work accurately.. Please referring to this tutorial
How to use/meter Manual & M42 Lenses on all Pentax DSLRs (K-1, K-3, K-5, K-30, etc) - PentaxForums.com

I strongly suggest beginner who wish to try for manual lenses to get a least a little "later" lens. Pentax-M is a bit older.. but at least spend just a tiny bit more for Pentax-A lenses because on the aperture there will be a -A mode. which means it will automatically sync up with aperture on your camera. This way you open up to all the camera "mode" operations for your lens.. Even the lens could be dated as 1970s... They will still work perfectly on modern cameras. However, M42 or Pentax-M will be a bit setting on camera to accept "step down" method for photoshooting.
Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing 04-01-2017, 05:13 PM  
Image Wizards for Metal Prints
Posted By photodesignch
Replies: 2
Views: 1,854
The white wall is much better.. They used to be ONLY in UK, and I had to made them ship over to US soil with exchange rates.. Now white wall has US branch which is awesome.
Forum: Pentax Medium Format 03-14-2017, 10:35 AM  
Medium format...talk me into or out of giving it a whirl.
Posted By photodesignch
Replies: 53
Views: 6,993
You have to ask Eric himself. Actually as far as I know of, he only serves 35mm SLRs. On the other hand, I have Pentax645 and I've seen plenty of 67 lying around. Actually you will be surprised how much well built these 645s. They hardly have any problems. I have had problems on my P3n, MZ-3, LX.. but never had issues on 645. They are just that much more well built. I haven't heard of any 645 went into service for mirror lockup or misaligned. I have not heard of metering is off.... (Although purchasing old machine, you should at least run a roll of film to test). I purchased my 645n from Japan, and the viewfinder looks just like new. They aren't as dirty as hassy (I think it's the design?), viewfinder is bright even without hacking the focus glass. viewfinder glass were coated into purple color just LX! I've heard of Leica, Pentax 135 SLR, Hassy went back to service. for P67 and P645 it's nearly unheard of. It's like they never break down or anything like that. But a good CLA would be awesome! If Eric isn't taking 645s, then I am not sure who else in the world would though.
Forum: Pentax Medium Format 03-10-2017, 04:42 PM  
Medium format...talk me into or out of giving it a whirl.
Posted By photodesignch
Replies: 53
Views: 6,993
I was in your shoe before that's why I suggested fuji GA series. they are the most compact RF MF around. Anything else would be much bigger. As for 645, I also vote for Pentax 645N series because in the world of 645, this is apparently the most affordable + one of the best image quality + automation. It's like using a MZ-3 (actually almost the same UI design), but larger. The most portable on this 645N setup would be the 75mm F2.8. If you want portrait lens but not too far out, you can do P67 105/2.4 convert to 645N without much of cost. And it's head to head to the twice if not triple expensive of Contax 645 setup.

GA series simply are automated point and shoot especially the ZI series. It has everything in it. However, due to the age, the film back with imprint LCD normally break at current stage. Flash might not popup.. other than that you shouldn't be having too much trouble to get one. they are fairly compact. I traveled with it for a while. The downside was the aperture of the lens. if you want larger aperture, you really have to go to the SLR route.

as for TLR, although they are fun, but don't expect much of automation there. Unless you are willing to spend A LOT of money. none of the TLR lens are convert-able, so you can't extend their lives into digital either. Mostly were old coating if that's your thing there.

cheapest would be the mamiya ETRS. Following would probably be Pentax67. But since I do like "METERING".. so I would say Pentax645 overcome most of other MF systems out there (at least in film era). Only downside is the film back.. you just can't switch in the mid roll.

I found that at short lens setup, you will probably think Pentax 75mm F2.8 or Hasselblad Carl Zeiss 80mm F2.8 would be the shortest in the MF SLR world. they are quite short. They are just "WIDE"...
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 03-10-2017, 11:55 AM  
Weather sealing
Posted By photodesignch
Replies: 1
Views: 949
If you must ask.. Actually many takumars were weather sealed... those manual lenses as long as moisture don't get in between lens elements, you really can't do too much harm for those lenses. They don't have electronic parts, no electronic motors, nothing.......

LX as long as it sealed up the electronic part.. even the electronic fails, you are only going to lose metering and any shutter speed slower than 1/125.. so technically it won't entirely fail you.
Forum: Pentax Medium Format 03-10-2017, 11:36 AM  
Medium format...talk me into or out of giving it a whirl.
Posted By photodesignch
Replies: 53
Views: 6,993
RF MF is normally are much smaller aperture lenses. It's much more portable but you can not precise composition due to they aren't like Leica, there was no coupling. However, Mamiya 6, 7 is famous for interchangeable lenses.. If you are okay with slower lens, not too expensive, not entire 67 but 645, there are some portable options made by Fujifilm. Fujifilm GA645zi or GA series are pretty decent. Actually they even have 67 and 69 options (just less automatic).
Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II 03-09-2017, 04:48 PM  
Premium hot shoe cover for K-1
Posted By photodesignch
Replies: 22
Views: 4,582
It will come in handy. For the plastic one came with my pentax SLRs they are very useful. Basically they designed some bumps on the cap, so it allows you to use finger to "PUSH" out the cap by giving more friction. These bumps are taller than the hot shoe itself. So basically when your gear is unprotect in the camera bag, the hot shoe will not use it's sharp edges to "scratch your gears". I had once didn't have cover, the hot shoe basically scrapped my lens barrel :(

I found it more as a functional piece than cosmetic really.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 03-09-2017, 02:59 PM  
Looking to buy a nice vintage 1.4 lens to play around with :)
Posted By photodesignch
Replies: 49
Views: 4,225
WELL... the almost holga bad company made their kickstarts goal though.

Bring back the Fabulous Wonder Bokeh Lens: Primoplan 58 f1.9 by Meyer Optik USA ? Kickstarter
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 03-09-2017, 02:21 PM  
Looking to buy a nice vintage 1.4 lens to play around with :)
Posted By photodesignch
Replies: 49
Views: 4,225
That's different story.. You are talking about when the time industrial age where production wasn't consistent. I am talking about after mass production. I have Nikon AIS 50, F 50, Canon USMII 50/1.8, Pentax-A 50/1.4, 43, 50/1.7, SMC takumar 55, DA35, FA50 macro, Leica 50/2.8, 40/2.0, Leica-R 50 (1st version summicron), Voigtlander 35/2.5, Contax 50, Contax G 45, sony zeiss 55... list goes on from 35mm ~ 50mm.. They are the most practical focal length and best resolution as well! I haven't met a single one that's actually bad. As for indust-star 50 I had once.. I didn't like it because it's too easy to lose in the pocket. Building quality is not even compare to the crappiest Canon 50.. But when that lens step down to F4 and beyond, it's still a very sharp lens for black and white.

Like i said.. there is no such thing as bad standard (or bad 50s)..

And yes.. I haven't tried Meyer-Optik.. aren't they famous for bokeh not sharpness anyway?

---------- Post added 03-09-17 at 01:25 PM ----------




Yep! only if you can really find one on ebay.. this thing is as rare as 24-90 or 28/2 and 28/3.5 (which I had both 24-90 and 28/3.5)... 24-90 I sold it a while back because I didn't like the 70mm~90mm.. they were too soft. but the color of this lens was amazing though! Just not building quality.. (ark! Sometimes I understand cheap plastic means faster focus and cheaper production, but 24-90 and DA 35/2.4 were the only two I sold them due to the fact they were too cheaply built).
Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II 03-09-2017, 02:15 PM  
Premium hot shoe cover for K-1
Posted By photodesignch
Replies: 22
Views: 4,582
Why is that a surprise? I remembered my Sony, my Pentax SLR came with hotshoe cover as well! Even viewfinder cap! It's just not silver in color that's all.

Accessories are like charms.. I even put bunch of cellphone charms on the camera just for the personality.
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 03-07-2017, 02:04 PM  
Lab Box
Posted By photodesignch
Replies: 53
Views: 9,344
To me the concept was great! However, I've been in the darkroom for years before. I truly understand the process also involves with "what kind of solution" to pair up with what kind of film. How long, how expensive, how to dispose those chemical.. Even water temperature matters as well! but in the video, it doesn't show solutions for any of my concerns. The traditional method involved with these steps : Develop Film at Home! A Step-by-Step Guide | B&H Explora
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 03-05-2017, 04:05 PM  
Camera for a soon-to-be seven year old?
Posted By photodesignch
Replies: 48
Views: 3,869
I went to several events and there was a little girl she always attends as well (Her mom is a close friend of the host). I often comes in with 2 cameras, I'll give her one. She loves to take photos of babies, kids, flowers, and pets. To my surprise is that first two events she was in, she couldn't figure out the manual focus and shutter speed, so there were a lot of blurry images. Later on the 3rd event, she figured out if she con't use the focus ring, she will move herself back and forth for sharp focus. It's fun since she is much shorter, so her vintage point is totally different than mine. She would take a shot with a guy with a beer in hand, and her camera perspective comes from below the beer bottle. I can't think I would ever do that kind of a shot. (It would be weird for me anyway).



The lesson I learnt from her is. She will figure out the manual focus by moving herself around and turning the focus ring. The most interesting "tutoring" I gave her is.. See the "aperture"? smallest number is blur background, largest number is sharpest background.. she just picks up right there.

She even figured out how to do selfie with a mirror from the wall.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 03-03-2017, 10:58 AM  
Looking to buy a nice vintage 1.4 lens to play around with :)
Posted By photodesignch
Replies: 49
Views: 4,225
There is no such thing as a bad 50mm. I've used across all brands with 50mm. All I am saying is -A does have a little edge on sharpness on F1.4 but that's not likely I would use F1.4 at all time because none of the prime 50 will do great on the widest opening on aperture especially anything bigger than F1.7 anyway. It's the physical of the lens design.

If you want ultra bokeh but still super sharp.. What you are looking for is probably medium format lens. Because you are technically using 75mm Bokeh a F2.8 sharpness, but achieve F1.4 or less bokeh.
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 03-03-2017, 10:51 AM  
Lab Box
Posted By photodesignch
Replies: 53
Views: 9,344
It wasn't because of the digital or no digital. It's because of 3D printing age, they are able to make prototype fast and cheap.. In reality, all they did is basically design a way you can unload the film without fuzz in the darkroom. It's no differ than use bulk film loader but in reverse order. The only innovation here is to make film develop solution into powder form. You just have to add water to it.
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