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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
04-15-2024, 01:08 PM
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Very cool, thanks for the feedback!
I've looked into getting a geared head, and typically use gimbal heads on tripods for static telephoto work. Good to know you had good response on a budget with Neewer. I've found their stuff is hit or miss.
Thanks for adding this into the Accessory Review section... you doing that already is twisting my arm into affirming that I need to write my own reviews of my own stuff :D
Hope your eclipse shooting went well!
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Forum: Pentax KP
04-06-2024, 10:18 AM
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Great! I hope when yours gets here you'll agree that it runs away from the competition for best KP L-bracket.
Franky I'm surprised accessory manufacturers don't shoot or crowd-source these kinds of photos for product lines where fit and compatibility is such a huge issue.
Tiny bits of doubt have spared me from spending boatloads of money. Good for my bank account, bad for product manufacturers.
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Forum: Pentax Full Frame
04-01-2024, 11:46 AM
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You're 100% on track with that.
If you're only shooting 30 seconds out of a 33 second interval, by definition your star trails are going to be 9% gaps (30/33).
The best way to do star trails is to forget the interval shooting mode, and set it to continuous shooting (H/M/L will all be the same). Set your shutter speed at 30 seconds, and use either an intervalometer/remote shutter cable with the button locked down. In continuous shooting, as soon as one exposure finishes the other one will start. Let that sequence drag out as long as you want the star trails to develop for.
I'm primarily a timelapse photographer. The interval shooting function for most camera manufacturers are problematic. A $20 standard intervalometer is a ridiculously helpful accessory for your camera bag (even if you never intend to shoot timelapses).
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
04-01-2024, 07:51 AM
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Ditto. I've got a JJC-branded Tamron 24-70 hood on mine too.
For the record, it fits but it's more finicky than the Pentax hood. It doesn't mount on as easily/accurately as the Pentax one, or hold as securely either. I think its tolerances are slightly more open - which helps make sure it'll fit a wide range of lens variants, but doesn't fit as well as it could.
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Forum: Photographic Technique
03-30-2024, 09:26 PM
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I've seen conflicting information all over, and the only way we're going to know for sure is going to be in 9 days.
I'll be shooting sequences with two IR K-70's, but most of the focus will be on totality. One at 590nm, and the other full spectrum with KolariVision's IR Chrome/aerochrome filter on the front of a lens.
They're going to be 2 of 8 cameras I'm deploying for this one :D :D :D
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
03-28-2024, 09:19 AM
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I tried this with an O-GPS1 on a pair of K-70's. The only way I could replicate these symptoms was by unlatching the "FIX -->" friction lever that rotates over where the GPS mounts on the hotshoe, thereby breaking the electrical connection. If yours is locked down and you're getting the same symptoms on your K-70 and K-30, I think you've isolated the problem to be an electrical connection in the O-GPS unit.
Tough one! Shame that it's a lynchpin part on your shooting plans.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-28-2024, 08:30 AM
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I thought it was going to be the definitive answer too! I knew the potential for quick heat accumulation was there but don't have the means to quantify it.
I looked over every bit of manufacturer's information online about usage risks or "not recommended for _____"s before spending the money. Same deal on the documentation that came with the filter. I've since emailed them a friendly but emphatic suggestion about updating their materials to warn potential buyers.
That happened the day before the October annular eclipse. I was on the road, and had to improvise a mounting solution for a backup floppy solar film that I had brought, using only the parts I could scrounge out of a population: 100 West Texas town's gas station.
The whole drive home I workshopped concepts for a better filter system for April - particularly something that's durable, easy as heck to put on, and easy as heck to take off. I wanted it to be as quick as possible because April totality is so short that seconds are going to matter.
If you'll entertain a suggestion, this is what I've come up with.
I'm mounting these solar filter sheets on pre-cut sections of PVC pipe. I cut tabs out of the overlapping sides of the filter sheet, and taped them down taut over one end of the PVC with athletic tape. For some lenses, I've glued black foam inside for a loose but snug fit around the lens.
 
The PVC holder drops right on over the lens. The contact pressure pulls the film smooth and tight across the face of the lens so you don't get any ripple artifacts from a wavy sheet in front of the lens (yes, that can happen - ask me how I know :D ). A taut filter across the objective also reduces the potential for light leakage from inside the PVC.
Cut the length of PVC for whatever gives you full control of focus rings.
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Forum: Pentax KP
03-27-2024, 07:42 PM
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I guess I should have updated my post from 2019... I've been using Ellie Short's on my twin KP's for years now.
And another one on one of my infrared K-70's.
The Ellie Short is the perfect L-bracket for the KP. Modular so that it fits with the battery door hatch and also the wired remote shutter.
Since my KP's are almost 100% timelapse cameras, they live with the red remote shutter jumper cable dangling, and those plug into whatever intervalometer or slider I've brought with me. They dangle through the mounting bars and through this tiny divot in the vertical L-plate. Very smart of 3LT to anticipate that and leave space for the cable.
I've bought 2 off of Amazon Warehouse for $50-60, and the third used from a 3LT demo equipment sale for $65. I'm an engineer and I don't like paying full price for anything. I was happy with my $15 solution in 2019, but these are a way, way nicer solution.
Plus they come with this double-sized 3LT allen wrench that's perfect for my photo backpacks. It adjusts the allen keys of the L-bracket, but it's also the same size as the hex nuts in almost all of my tripods. Slam dunk piece of kit that's bailed me out of trouble quite a few times.
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Forum: Repairs and Warranty Service
03-27-2024, 02:02 PM
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Not sure if PF is tolerant of size 48 cursing, but giant F word if yes (or no).
Shutter just died in my primary timelapse KP. I'm onto my backup timelapse KP, but I guess I'm shopping used rather than trying to repair this guy?
Oof. C'mon Pentax.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-27-2024, 01:28 PM
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Absolutely do NOT use a drop-in solar filter for an eclipse!
Ask me how I know :D
This was after 5-8 seconds in the drop-in tray on a Sigma EX DG 500 f/4.5. Expensive mistake, but saved the K-1ii and the lens.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
03-21-2024, 08:40 AM
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Another advocate here for going straight camera conversion.
I had a spare K-70 that I converted to IR (590nm). About a year later I converted a 2nd one to full spectrum (using KolariVision's IR Chrome filter in front of lenses) because I loved it so much, to render Aerochrome without tons of post-processing.
The benefits of conversion are immense. You can still do long exposures with ND filters, as you would with a front filter solution. But you can also do everything else you'd want to do with a more conventional camera setup, but without the burdens of having to live with long exposure. For me, that gave me flexibility to do tons of timelapse work in aerochrome.
And you can shoot video. I've been finding the IR in video for about a year orso... to the point where I'm thinking of converting a spare M4/3 camera to full spectrum so I can shoot 4K IR. Yes, seeing the daylight Giedi Prime scenes in "Dune 2" probably affected a great deal of my desire to pivot further into video... that was done in infrared. I think the spectral cutoff was probably 780nm orso.
KolariVision's website is incredible for showing you what IR can do, and how the different frequency cutoffs impact the overall look. This is a dirty screenshot of their filter comparison page.
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
03-04-2024, 10:00 PM
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Definitely! Huge value win!
Meanwhile at Rokinon HQ:
:lol::lol::lol:
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
03-04-2024, 07:00 PM
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That is absolutely NOT a normal function, not a safety feature, and not the way any of the Rokinon lenses I own or have owned are.
None of the 8mm FE, 8mm FE CS II, 10mm f/2.8, 14mm f/2.8, 16mm f/2, 20mm f/1.9, 24mm f/1.4, 24mm T/S, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm (old version and new version), 100mm macro, or 135mm that I've owned have behaved like that.
If you're happy with it though, fantastic! HUGE value. That thing is almost everything that the Sigma ART 35 is.
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
02-27-2024, 09:04 PM
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I've got the BackLight 18L and 26L.
This is a cell photo of what the 18L looks like with as close of a kit as I could muster to the OP's. Plenty of room with some wiggle too.
K-1ii + D-FA 24-70, D-FA 150-450, K-3, Rokinon 8mm.
Yes it has a laptop sleeve, but it's on the outer compartment and if there's nothing in it it's perfectly flat. It's just an extra padding layer for the outside.
MindShift reports it as 18.5"x10.6"x7.1".
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
02-26-2024, 12:23 AM
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The 35mm is almost guaranteed to be the one that .a.t. returned. It came back in stock about 5-6 weeks after he returned it, and it was for a very similar price to when he pulled the trigger (a bit higher, with Amazon trying to recoup a few bucks for shipping).
The price at Amazon Warehouse drops slowly, Dutch-auction style, so I believe you paid less than .a.t. did, but mentally prepare yourself for this to be the same copy when it gets there.
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Forum: Photographic Equipment for Sale
02-15-2024, 12:33 PM
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If anyone is skeptical of Mindshift bags and wants some extra reassurance, I've got years of daily use and extended travel with mine. I bought their Backlight 18L a long time ago, and loved it so much that I bought the Backlight 26L too.
They're well-constructed bags, and they put a lot of thought into their layout. Tough, durable zippers. Packs well, travels well. From what Gatorguy's shown about his Panorama 180, it looks like that very much fits the bill too. If a 22L is in your size range, I bet this one would serve you very well.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-31-2024, 09:39 PM
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I have the exact same problems with my DA*300. I fixed the AF by converting it from SDM to screwdrive, but the MF problems persist. I wish I could have fixed MF and left AF broken.
I can get MF to technically function by twisting the heck out of the focus ring, but it's jagged movement and nowhere near good enough to do precisely for actual focusing. Gentle attempted focusing moves the ring, but nothing else.
I still haven't found a workaround or solution to the MF issue.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-23-2024, 11:31 AM
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I don't believe that, no. I would put myself as a high-volume user, sure, but my gear is kept in Pelican-style cases, transported in a variety of high quality bags, and looked after in the field.
Sure I change lenses out in the field (risking the SDM tabs) but I don't think that's unusual. And yeah I'll shoot in the rain and snow, but that's with rain covers on and towels in the car immediately after.
Overall, off the top of my head, these are the noteworthy issues I've had with Pentax gear:
Cameras
First camera was a K-500, developed aperture block failure
I have 2 K-70's, both of them I had to repair aperture block failures.
Lenses
D-FA 24-70: the subject of this thread with the SDM tabs. x2.
DA*16-50: SDM failure. No biggie, it's screw drive now.
FA-77: had the AF system lock up identical to this. Not being able to find someone to repair it, I went ahead and bought a 2nd. Now I have 2 silver FA-77's with the AF motors locked up on my shelf. Holding my breath on the 3rd.
F*300: won't focus to infinity
DA*300: SDM failure, screw drive AF is erratic at best, and MF/quick shift doesn't actually engage. I can spin the focus ring around and around in either direction and it won't actually adjust the focusing helicoid. It'll only move jaggedly if I'm spinning the ring with serious gusto, but if you slow down to precision focus it won't budge again.
D-FA 150-450: the internal clamp on the tripod foot broke during tightening. I machined myself a replacement out of T351 aluminum because, at the time, no one was selling replacements.
There's been other issues too, but I'm not going to be upset at my K-1 for the shutter going out at 92k, or one of my KP shutters going out at 290k. No complaints about those at all, that's bound to happen and random.
The rest of the list though? That's a company with a reputation for tough gear letting that rep get watered down by continuing to choose fault-prone components, and/or repeatable function or durability flaws in high quality gear.
Could be I'm just really unlucky though!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-22-2024, 01:14 PM
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I've had it happen twice. Scrounged replacement contacts off of a busted lens once, borrowed another from an unused 18-135 the second time.
It's a problem. Fingers crossed hoping to not lose another, or others on a D-FA 150-450, DA300, DA200, D-FA28-105, or DA 16-50.
For as much of a reputation as Pentax has for building tough lenses and cameras, I've had a crapton of breakages, mechanical issues, and hardware problems with my kits.
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Forum: Repairs and Warranty Service
12-28-2023, 12:35 PM
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I don't have an answer, but I'm really happy to learn about that company.
I've got an early-SN silver 77 where the focus motor got jammed and is risking falling apart. Was looking for repair options and ended up just buying a 2nd.
Guess who has 2 silver FA77's now with jammed focus motors and front elements at risk of falling off
:D
I'd love to get those fixed so I can sell my black FA77 whose focus motor has yet to jam
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-28-2023, 12:28 PM
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I've used a similar connector taken off of a salvaged/broken powerzoom FA lens. Had to modify the metal tabs inside the assembly to get it to work, but it was a cheap fix.
I've also switched one of these off of DA 18-135's DC tabs to fix a D-FA 24-70.
I'd LOVE to be able to buy these things as spare parts. They break WAY too easily, and I have way too many D-FA lenses that are susceptible to it.
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Forum: Visitors' Center
12-28-2023, 12:23 PM
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Hi Kevin!
This is an uncommon but known issue with Sigma EX DG lenses and the K-1 family. The fix involves sending the lens in to Sigma Global in New York (if located in the US), where they update the lens's firmware and digital ID badge.
A 2-year old thread here suggested that perhaps Sigma isn't offering that anymore. Sigma No Longer Offering Firmware Updates for Some K-mount Lenses - PentaxForums.com It may be worth the effort of contacting them via their website and seeing what they'd say.
I sent in an EX DG 70-200 HSM II in 2016 and I think they had it back to me in about a week. They fixed mine for free but I handled postage there and back.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
12-28-2023, 11:54 AM
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Is "Pentax is doomed" doomed?
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
12-21-2023, 08:42 AM
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Dang - thanks for the update and the warning about when this one gets re-listed. That lens should not suffer for sharpness at all - particularly at landscape distances. It should be on par with a Sigma ART 35 (mine was).
As @reduno said, plenty of us have had good experiences on Amazon Warehouse. However, in the last few years I've received a DA 55-300PLM with the zoom ring jammed and a D-FA 15-30 with the focus ring locked beyond infinity and plenty of body damage.
My suspicious mind thinks that people are breaking lenses, buying new ones from Amazon, and returning the broken ones for refunds via the new purchase. Amazon sees a lens "returned" a few days after initial purchase and doesn't flag it for inspection before relisting it as Open Box/Warehouse. And we're stuck hoping we got a great deal but receiving someone else's junk.
I don't want to count how much I've bought from them, but recently I'm not counting it as a gear buy until it's in my hands and fully functional.
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
12-04-2023, 05:43 PM
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I bought a K-1ii from Amazon Warehouse in 2020 in "Acceptable" condition. Its shutter count was 17. If not for maybe a tiny mar on the rubber grip, it could have been an open box item.
This was the description:
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