|
Forum: Post Your Photos!
06-10-2015, 12:43 AM
|
| |
_IGP9649WSSA Squirrel by Norm, on Flickr
Not much activity among the Northern Scurry today - the squirrels don't like to pose for pictures in the rain.
Norm123
WSSA #184
|
|
Forum: Post Your Photos!
06-04-2014, 07:22 PM
|
| |
A big Thank You! to Rupert and all of the Pentax Forum members who made this one of our most successful WSSA Membership Frenzies to date!
There is a very cool slideshow of squirrel photos over at the WSSA Pentaxians flickr group... why not drop by to see the Scurry - class of 2014. Here is the link: https://www.flickr.com/groups/wssa/discuss/72157644990451564/
Norm123
WSSA # 184
|
|
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
05-25-2012, 08:15 PM
|
| |
Hands-on impression after examining the pre-production K30 DSLR... this is one sweet little camera - ergonomics are excellent, features and build quality very impressive.
I can't show the LCD panel or the various menus because the final production firmware is not available yet, and things may change... but the menus and the rear LCD controls are extensive, yet easy to understand and operate.
The three camera colours were on display - the blue and white as working prototypes, the prototype of the black body was not fully functional. Of course, with pre-production cameras, the press is not allowed to publish images from the prototypes, so we photographed the K30 with a K-01, shooting in DNG, which I converted to JPEG to show you the camera.
Some of the features of the prototype were "near production levels". The focus speed is VERY impressive - I tried the camera with the 16-45mm zoom in mixed light at the photo show - the camera snapped into focus, and stayed with the subject as I panned around the building - I would have no problem at all shooting high speed sports with this camera.
The K30 does have the electronic level, with a read-out in the viewfinder and on the live view LCD panel. This information did not make it into the press releases, so this may be the first time anyone has verified that the K30 does indeed have this very useful feature.
The retail price in Canada is expected to be about $849 - the camera would be an upgrade from my K20D, with a sensor similar to the K5 PLUS video and 6 fps frame rate.
Availability - probably July 2012.
The ergonomics are wonderful - control interfaces are excellent - dual wheels for adjustments, and the top dial for mode selection is way better than the LCD with buttons - you can adjust settings faster using the dial and the rear LCD panel.
Image playback on the LCD is very sharp and very fast - best I have seen so far, from any manufacturer.
With weather seals and the full range of K-mount lens compatibility (subject to the lens limitations, of course) this camera has everything I look for except a full metal chassis... but the composite materials are often as durable as the metal frames, so I would not worry about that spec. I would also want a very long shutter life expectancy, but I shoot MUCH more than the average photographer - and I haven't worn out a shutter yet.
With the option to use AA batteries (in a pinch - because they won't deliver very many shots compared to the lithium rechargable batteries) this camera is going to be a real winner.
I asked about a successor to the K5... the reps just smiled like Cheshire cats - I think there is something coming over the horizon, but nobody is willing to leak any information... yet.
It appears that Ricoh is taking the DSLR market VERY seriously - and this brings a new wave of excitement to the Pentax community!
Norm.
|
|
Forum: Post Your Photos!
07-15-2011, 01:53 PM
|
| |
There are some beautiful photographs in this thread!
I just had another image accepted a few days ago - that brings my gallery collectionm up to 37.
It would be nice to think that the gallery will continue after Ricoh takes over - did someone say that submissions are closed until October?
Norm.
|
|
Forum: Photographic Technique
06-20-2011, 07:03 PM
|
| |
Hello Pentaxians:
If you have a few minutes to spare, the digital edition of the Summer 2011 issue of PHOTO News Magazine has just been posted.
The print edition of the magazine is available FREE of charge to all Canadian photo enthusiasts - pick up a copy at photo retailers from sea to sea to sea.
International friends can read the digital edition FREE - check out the preview thread here: Flickr: Discussing PHOTO News Summer 2011 issue - PREVIEW - PLUS - your links to the on-line editions in Photo News Gallery there are links at the end of the thread to the French and English digital editions.
If you like the summer issue, look for the preview threads for the archive issues - some great reading and fantastic tech features...
Enjoy the magazine!
Norm.
|
|
Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
01-30-2011, 03:41 PM
|
| |
I don't post very often, but I'll toss in my two cents.
Cut Don a break. Senior citizens have the right to get ornery from time to time - it's all part of the process. (That was "ornery" not "Hornery" - that's a different scenario altogether, and NONE of us want to debate Don's situation in that category).
BravoFoxTrot hit the nail on the head on page 1 of this thread - Nikon and Canon have their own problems - you should read what they say about their new cameras - Nikon is fixing their problems, but it doesn't look like Canon cares.
At least Pentax is making an effort to fix the problems - sometimes, when you try to get a product to market prior to Christmas, there are problems with components that are really beyond the control of the company - I suppose they should have tested every sensor, but that is really the responsibility of the supplier.
In any event, if Pentax says that the cameras that should be repaired will be repaired, we should give them the benefit of an opportunity to make things right.
Norm.
|
|
Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals
10-15-2009, 01:53 AM
|
| |
Hello Pentaxians:
As you know, I have been editing photography magazines on and off for the past 25 years.
This summer, a friend approached me to take on the editorial responsibility for PHOTO News Magazine, a complimentary publication distributed throughout Canada to approximately 40,000 enthusiastic readers.
The Autumn 2009 issue has just rolled off the press, and I think you will enjoy taking a look - there are several Pentax images in the issue... and LOTS of really interseting content!
We have set up a flickr group Flickr: Photo News Gallery for the Canadian readers (everyone is welcome to visit - but the various reader participation galleries are for Canadian readers).
Visit the flickr group, and read the Autumn 2009 Issue Highlights thread to find the link to the interactive on-line edition.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/photonewsgallery/discuss/72157622230823457/
Canadian Pentaxians, please feel free to join the group to leave comments at that location -
International friends - please let me know what you think by responding to this thread.
Enjoy the issue!
Best regards,
Norm.
|
|
Forum: Photographic Technique
09-01-2009, 05:56 PM
|
| |
I shoot digital Pentax along with digital Nikon and (film) Hasselblad.
I generally publish five or six Pentax cover shots a year, and about 300 photos in various outdoor enthusiast magazines. I shoot about the same number of Nikon covers, but the Pentax DSLR system is quite excellent, and the lenses are half the price of the Nikon glass, so I drift back and forth between systems - the Nikon is better for fast action tracking, and a bit better for flash photography, but either system works well, and handling of both systems is quite similar once you get the "feel" of the camera.
The Hasselblad served me very well during the film era, but gathers dust since DSLR's passed the 10 MP plateau.
The Nikon shots tend to be with lenses that I don't have in the Pentax system.
Here's a recent cover shot, taken with the K20D and Pentax 12-24mm lens, with polarizing filter:
I shoot the occasional event as well - conventions and trade shows are generally done with the Pentax, the Nikon and Hasselblad gear comes out for situations where the customers are impressed by the "big name gear". The snob appeal of the major brands certainly opens the door to charging more for the photos, and it keeps "Uncle Fred" from offering endless suggestions on how to do your work... they always assume that you need advice if you pull out your Pentax.
That's my perspective - no reason on earth why more pros couldn't shoot Pentax - the key is the skill of the photographer - most of the modern DSLR systems can produce excellent results in the right hands.
Norm.
|
|
Forum: Photographic Technique
08-30-2009, 05:11 PM
|
| |
| |
|
Forum: Photographic Technique
08-30-2009, 08:09 AM
|
| |
Wonderful News!
Ginger has been approved for the Pentax Photo Gallery!
"Ginger strikes a pose", photographed with a K20D and a 50 year-old 400mm f/6.3 manual pre-set lens, was too cute a shot to pass up!
Thank you to all of the WSSA members and friends, who no doubt skewed the voting, and congratulations to the 393 Pentaxians who joined Ginger in this wave of inductions to the PPG Wall of Fame!
Best regards to all from the Canadian scurry.
Norm.
|
|
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups
07-22-2009, 08:04 PM
|
| |
Hello everyone.
Not sure if I can make it, but I will try my best.
Norm.
|
|
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups
07-22-2009, 03:32 PM
|
| |
Hello everyone:
Sorry, I have been incredibly busy lately - I will try to make it on Sunday, July 26 - hope to see you then!
Norm.
|
|
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups
03-04-2009, 04:37 AM
|
| |
Hello everyone.
I will do my best to join you at the ROM on March 15.
I will touch base with our friends at Pentax Canada, and ask them if any of their team would like to join us.
The ROM rocks... Looking forward to walking with dinosaurs!
Norm.
P.S. I will post a thread on DPR in case any other Torontonians are interested... it could draw new members to this forum.
Also: I think we have a kit lens II hanging around - it works pretty well on the *istD, but I haven't tried it on the K20D - seems like a contradiction in terms to put the bottom line lens on the top line camera...
|
|
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups
02-25-2009, 08:38 PM
|
| |
Hello everyone.
A March gathering would be a fine way to kick spring into high gear.
I am not sure if the ROM would be happy about a bunch of photographers roaming about - they get a bit nervous when you photograph their treasures, especially with flash.
I wonder if some of the local artisan shops would be interested - I am thinking of the glassblowing boutiques down in the Mirvish Village area, sculpting or pottery classes, or the gem and mineral jewellers - it could be an intersting opportunity to capture the concentration of craftspeople at work, especially if we made photos of the artists available to the operators.
In any case, I am game for a wide variety of venues... please keep me posted, and if I can possibly participate, I would be delighted to join the group.
Norm.
|
|
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups
10-31-2008, 07:14 PM
|
| |
Hello everyone.
I'm in for any Sunday morning, the 9, 16, or 23, open for interesting locations in the GTA.
Norm.
|
|
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups
08-27-2008, 04:23 AM
|
| |
Sounds like a plan. Let me know what the location will be.
Norm.
 |
|
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups
07-13-2008, 10:06 PM
|
| |
Hello everyone:
Great close-ups!
Here is a copy of the post for DPR, with some overall views...
Ten enthusiastic Pentaxians gathered today at the Toronto Aerospace Museum, in Downsview Park.
Everyone had a great time, comparing lenses and checking out the displays… from the Tiger Moth and the Lancaster to the replica of the AVRO Arrow, the photo opportunities were abundant… here’s a quick tour of the venue – EXIF data follows images.
It was an excellent opportunity to meet the people behind the posts!
Norm.
The Tiger Moth
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/2666949596_2af0220172_o.jpg
PENTAX K20D
Lens: smc PENTAX-DA 12-24mm F4 ED AL [IF]
Focal length: 12 mm (equiv. 18 mm)
Aperture: F5.6
Exposure time: 1/45"
ISO speed rating: 400/27°
Program: Aperture Priority
Metering Mode: Pattern
White Balance: Auto (White Fluorescent)
Focus Mode: AF-S
Image Stabilizer: not stabilized
Comparing lenses under the AVRO Arrow replica
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3015/2666127393_f12f253cba_o.jpg
PENTAX K20D
Lens: smc PENTAX-DA 12-24mm F4 ED AL [IF]
Focal length: 12 mm (equiv. 18 mm)
Aperture: F5.6
Exposure time: 1/45"
ISO speed rating: 400/27°
Program: Aperture Priority
Metering Mode: Pattern
White Balance: Auto (Daylight)
Focus Mode: AF-S
Image Stabilizer: not stabilized
Lots to see at the Museum – all built at the Downsview location!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/2666950710_ef17d05414_o.jpg
PENTAX K20D
Lens: smc PENTAX-DA 12-24mm F4 ED AL [IF]
Focal length: 19 mm (equiv. 28 mm)
Aperture: F11
Exposure time: 1/20"
ISO speed rating: 400/27°
Program: Aperture Priority
Metering Mode: Pattern
White Balance: Auto (Daylight)
Focus Mode: AF-S
Image Stabilizer: stabilized
The Arrow is the largest replica aircraft on record
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/2666126525_6d611b0d82_o.jpg
PENTAX K20D
Lens: smc PENTAX-DA 12-24mm F4 ED AL [IF]
Focal length: 12 mm (equiv. 18 mm)
Aperture: F5.6
Exposure time: 1/45"
ISO speed rating: 400/27°
Program: Aperture Priority
Metering Mode: Pattern
White Balance: Auto (Daylight)
Focus Mode: AF-S
Image Stabilizer: not ready
Noise Reduction: Off
Flash: Flash fired, compulsory flash mode
|
|
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups
07-09-2008, 11:21 AM
|
| |
As of today, Wednesday, July 9, the long-range weather forecast for the Toronto area, covering Sunday July 13, when the Pentaxians will be gathering at the Toronto Aerospace Museum in Downsview Park at noon, is as follows:
High forecasted temperature for the day will be 25° Celsius - (for our international friends - don't panic - that's 77° F - we don't get snow in Toronto until November... )
Lighting conditions will be variable clouds for the landscape and floral photographers enjoying the park scenery.
Probability of precipitation is rated at 30%.
Winds will be 15 km/h from the south-west.
Conditions within the Aerospace Museum will be a mixture of sunlight and industrial fluorescent.
Everyone is welcome to join us at the Aerospace Museum - and there are many other interesting attractions at Canada's largest urban park.
See previous posts for additional information, and the website for the Museum.
Norm.
|
|
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups
07-08-2008, 08:32 AM
|
| |
Hello everyone:
I spoke to Paul Cabot at the Aerospace Museum, and the group rate would not apply to us unless we had more than 10 people and arrived at the same time... in any case, the discount is not enough to worry about - the senior (60 plus) rate is less than the group rate!
Paul mentioned that there is a snack bar at the Go-Kart building close to the Museum, and this would also be an interesting area for photography - admission to the Go-Kart building is free.
I asked about photo access and Paul says that photography for personal purposes is unrestricted, but any commercial use of the images must be authorized in writing... apparently people have been taking pictures of the displays and using the shots in advertising campaigns... so personal shots only, please.
I called Christine Otani at Pentax and informed her that we would be meeting at the Aerospace Museum at Downsview on Sunday, and that any of the crew from Pentax would be more than welcome to join us... she will let the staff know, and get back to me if anyone is planning to come.
That's it for the moment -
Have a great day!
Norm.
|
|
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups
07-07-2008, 05:34 AM
|
| |
Hello everyone:
Downsview Park at high noon July 13 sounds great.
Has anyone arranged for a special group rate for the Toronto Aerospace Museum?
There's a good pizza place on Keels, just south of Sheppard, and other restaurants in the area.
I forgot that I was a member here... how about that!
Anyone thinking of inviting the Pentax Canada crew to join us?
Norm.
|
