|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-09-2020, 10:39 AM
|
| |
Like many of my hobbies, I enjoy the process at least as much as the result. I enjoy the practice of manual focus, setting aperture, etc. It's not always practical when mainly capturing memories as part of other activities, but I get satisfaction when I get back to those basics.
I also enjoy fishing with a bamboo fly rod and pheasant hunting with a 1950s side by side 16 gauge, despite also having more modern equipment.
|
|
Forum: Pentax DSLR and Camera Articles
12-23-2019, 06:52 AM
|
| |
Finally it hit my own black Pentax K-70, purchased Dec.2018. It was my backup Pentax, not so much used because my KP is my workhorse, so low shuttercount under 2000 actuations!
I would have had another year warranty on it which of course now I lost but as I had little trouble with Pentax otherwise and trust it to work well and because I know through my own experience that the Japan Solenoid is the best solution, I chose to go this way (If I would have it repaired I would know that the solenoid could fail again and ... worse, all the screws in the plastic housing have less hold because unscrewed and screwed-in one extra time, meaning the inner-threads would be more worn i.e. "screwed"
The usual tests were very clear, the easiest is actually in Live-View-mode:
If the solenoid is stuck the lens isn't preset to f4 anymore but closed!
I did the test with my SMC Pentax F50mm/f1,7: Stuck at f22!
The green China-Solenoid inside had the usual problem, the plunger would not release anymore. It had the same holding-force as those green China-solenoids taken out from K-30's, K-50's etc., i.e. a stronger holding force than the white made in Japan solenoid.
So next step was swapping this green gremlin against the white made in Japan solenoid and voila: The K-70 works fantastic again.
So my recommendation: As soon as warranty is gone, go for DIY and apply my
Tutorial for replacing the solenoid in the Pentax K-70
with the white "made in Japan solenoid":
 |
|
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups
11-17-2018, 04:23 PM
|
| |
Here you go, Used camera shop on googl map as promise
Google Maps
Google Maps
Google Maps
Google Maps
Google Maps <-- this store has LEICA under their store name but they cary some pentax gear too. I brough a M50 f1.7 from there. smaller than the first 4 but better price.
Google Maps <-- this store is a small one too. same same, smaller and cheaper. I got FA50 macro from here. One of the best deal I ever have in tokyo. if you wonder where is the store, it is surrounded by green banners and signs
|
|
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups
11-14-2018, 12:20 PM
|
| |
| |
|
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
04-17-2019, 09:18 AM
|
| |
Map Camera in Shinjuku is worth a visit as is Fujiya Camera in Nakano.
Both carry good Pentax stock.
Worth a visit.
They used to be my favourite camera shops in Tokyo until I discovered Sanpou Camera in Meguro and Used Camera Box in Shinjuku.
Sanpou Camera has some great deals and is a well priced shop. They carry a large stock of Pentax lenses and bodies which changes frequently.
It's a long walk from Meguro station but worth a visit.
?????????? -?????????????????????????????????-
The best used camera shop in Tokyo is called Used Camera Box.
It is in Shinjuku near to Map camera.
It is tricky to find so you should use google maps.
It is a tiny shop in the basement.
It is cramped with camera and lenses in glass cabinets. All sorts of stuff piled up around the shop.
It is like a museum. Run by a few older guys who are friendly and speak very basic english.
I went in last week and they had an LX. Roughly 45,000yen.
The number one camera shop to visit.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-10-2016, 11:45 PM
|
| |
Oh my! Now THAT is sharp! I'll be looking for one like that!
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-09-2016, 06:35 PM
|
| |
I got into photography in the mid-70's. At the time, 58mm was the holy grail because it was thought of as the exact equivalent to human vision. My perception is that 55mm became a popular alternative more for marketing purposes as did 50mm, a nice round number that was approximately a normal or standard prime. Realistically, the 55mm and 50mm were progressively less expensive to manufacture and smaller than the 58mm and with a slightly wider angle of view, more practical. Anyone considering a portrait lens was considering 85mm and a 50mm is better spaced from the usual trifecta of the 24/28mm and 85/90mm primes.
Also, back in the day, the standard kit lens was the 50/55/58mm prime, so unlike today with choices between Nikon's three 18-55mm zooms (non-VR, VR, and VR II) or Canon's two 18-55mm zooms (IS STM or IS II), sometimes the manufacturer would tweak the standard prime for better or cheaper. (Thinking Nikon Series E lenses).
The reality may have been behind the scenes patent conflicts or parts availability or something trendy like odd number aperture blades vs. even. But it's mostly marketing. f/1.8 or f/2 was the bargain. f/1.2 if you wanted the elite pricey option. So f/1.4 for the rest of us in the middle.
Why 55mm for APS-C? It's a lot closer to the 85mm FF equivalent as a short telephoto, but also closer to the magic FF 58mm of yesteryear.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
02-16-2016, 01:15 PM
|
| |
vintage lenses can have an advantage in manual focusing because no compromises have been made to accommodate af. the various optical shortcomings of older tech can also add a lot of character to images.
 |
|
Forum: Monthly Photo Contests
01-25-2016, 10:12 AM
|
| |
| |
|
Forum: Pentax Forums Giveaways
01-31-2016, 11:08 PM
|
| |
It's a lot cheaper to camouflage yourself to get close bird photos than it is to drop $1,000+ on a super telephoto lens.
Taken with K30 and Pentax M 200mm f4
|
|
Forum: Pentax Forums Giveaways
01-30-2016, 06:46 PM
|
| |
For backlight silhouettes during daylight, especially when facing the sun, I found out that 8 is a magic number! I use 8-80-800: f8.0 ISO80 1/800s
 |
|
Forum: Pentax Forums Giveaways
01-29-2016, 01:48 PM
|
| |
When taking vertical images, most photographers will rotate the camera to the left, holding it up with the right arm/hand above the camera. Rotating the camera to the right, however, allows a photographer to hold his/her arms and elbows in close to the body and thereby steadying the camera. Additionally, changing the position of the right hand to use the thumb to actuate the shutter button insures the grip end of the camera won't be pushed to the side by actuating the shutter. Especially useful in low light.
|
|
Forum: Pentax Forums Giveaways
01-29-2016, 10:05 AM
|
| |
I had a chance to work with a famous b&w photographer last year and his greatest piece of advice to me was...
SLOW DOWN!
In this digital world we can snap so many things so fast. His advice was to try something, take a few shots and really look at them. What works? What almost works but has a defect -- a stray hair, a reflection that's not quite right. Shoot the same thing until you're happy with it if the idea/concept is working. Take your time. At the end of the day you are responsible for the shots and the look and the feel of the photos. And it's ok to start with copying someone's great idea and trying to re-create it. That's when you discover how hard it is and learn so much as well.
I'm no pro - I'm an amateur. But the shoots I went to after that I've followed his advice and my photos are getting better.
Example
|
|
Forum: Pentax Forums Giveaways
01-27-2016, 03:05 PM
|
| |
Idea #2: Sometimes the better shot is after the action. This is very true when shooting plays and musicals in poor light when the shutter speed is at 1/50 or slower even when wide open. Simply wait for the singer/actor to pause after completing a song or meaningful dialog and you will have a sharp photo. With sports the same theory applies. The shot below was taken with the Pentax 60-250mm at f/4 @2200 ISO and the K-5. The action shots before it were spot-on, but I liked the expressions in the cropped photo below better (taken after the action).
|
|
Forum: Pentax Forums Giveaways
01-15-2016, 04:05 PM
|
| |
"..amateurs worry about equipment,
professionals worry about money,
masters worry about light,
I just take pictures..."
- Vernon Trent
My advice comes from my favorite quote above.
Stop worrying so much about the gear, the money, etc.
Get out there and shoot!
 |
