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Forum: Monthly Photo Contests
06-02-2022, 06:58 AM
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I took this photo at a Toronto city hall wedding. They have a beautiful staircase in the building.
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
11-25-2017, 08:07 PM
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I am totally stumped. I own a Pentax K-1 (fully updated), 2 X 540FGZII flashes and 3 X Cactus V6 transceivers (updated to work with 540FGZII). I have a good handle now on how the cactus transceivers work. The problem is that one of my flashes works on the cactus, but the other does not. The one that fails to fire has failed when both are meant to be firing at the same time, when it is the only flash meant to be firing and when I just press the test button on the cactus unit. It has yet to fire once on a cactus. That being said, it does fire when it is on my K1!
Any ideas? ? Is it possible to "reset" a flash?
Thanks. Any ideas are welcomed!
---------- Post added 11-25-17 at 10:19 PM ----------
New observation: When I turn on the flash that DOES work on the Cactus, it reads "P-TTL" on the screen. When I turn on the flash that DOES NOT work on the cactus, it reads "TTL". Not sure if this is significant,
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
11-19-2017, 05:55 PM
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Maybe this is a good thread to ask about my issue:
Note, I am working with a new-to-me used set of Cactus V6 (not V6ii).
I have updated the firmware for all of the Cactus units so that they can read the 540FGZII. I own two of these flashes. One I bought new, the other used. I set both of the flashes up in identical nature on two of the transceivers. For some reason, only one of the flashes fires (my original flash). The one I bought used does not fire. I tried switching them, but the same thing happens. I believe something is going on with the flash unit itself. However, when I put it directly on my k1 without cactus, it fires as it should. Any ideas why it isn't firing?
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
10-02-2017, 12:06 PM
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Has anyone come up with a DIY fix to prevent the flash unit from collapsing when you have a big diffuser attached to it? I use the MagMod system, but it has been causing my flash to bend quite frequently at inopportune times!
Would love your input.
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
09-21-2017, 02:06 PM
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I cant seem to find it. Is it still up? You said free until the 21st right?
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
09-21-2017, 10:27 AM
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The Generation 4 Collapsable Lightsphere by Gary Fong appears to be compatible with the original 540FGZ, I am wondering if anyone knows if it is compatible with the newest version, the 540FGZ II.
Thanks!
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Forum: Repairs and Warranty Service
07-16-2017, 06:35 PM
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It does actually close still - but it's not an ideal longterm solution. I noticed they sell the replacement part at USCamera.com, but I don't know how easy it is to repair myself. I also am waiting on confirmation that the part will work on the K3II since it is advertised as for the K5 and K7.
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Forum: Repairs and Warranty Service
07-16-2017, 04:57 PM
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I was just getting my gear packed up for a trip to Newfoundland and opened the battery door of my K3II to put the battery back in but it snapped off. Part of the door is still attached to the spring mechanism, but the large part that holds the battery came right off. I tested it out and I am able to put the battery in and close it, despite it being broken. Does anybody know if this happening before? Any ideas what I could do? (besides send it away for a lengthy and probably expensive repair). Anyone know of websites selling this part for a DIY repair?
Any thoughts would be appreciated!
Justin
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
05-01-2017, 11:24 AM
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Hello everyone,
I have been shooting my K1 with the DA*55 to much success. The DA*55 is not officially listed as FF compatible, but it does work quite well. I get the impression though that using the Pentax Lens profile for the DA*55 on lightroom is not meant for FF. As soon as I apply it, I get a lot of vignetting. I am wondering if anyone has created a "custom" lens profile for the DA*55 when using it on a K1.
Thanks!
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Forum: Photographic Technique
04-20-2017, 10:17 AM
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Hey everyone,
I am shooting my first Bat Mitzvah on Saturday. No photography in the temple, which I gather is quite normal. Clients want me to photograph the reception. It's a cocktail, non-sit down event. Live band. 80 people, 25 kids. Cool venue with exposed beams, high ceiling (makes flash difficult). Any tips would be helpful!
Shooting a K-1 with DFA 24-70mm, K-3II with DA*50-135mm, external flash
Also have a 55mm DA*, DA Limited 40mm, 100mmDFA, 300mm DA*. Might throw on the DA*55mm for some of it.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-20-2017, 05:05 PM
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Hi Wim,
I've had so much fun shooting Japan. What a beautiful country. I have had great experiences both in urban and rural environments. I brought along a tripod to take photos of my wife and I mostly. I did some night photography, too, and it was nice to have. That being said you are right - many places don't let you use it, especially in Kyoto. Nijo Castle, the golden pavilion and the silver pavilion. That being said, I still used it when there were not many people around and nobody came running. It's mostly crowded paths and indoors places where they care. Hope this helps and I would be happy to answer more questions if you have them!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-20-2017, 04:23 AM
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Hey all,
Thanks for the input everyone! Japan has been wonderful - only a few days left.
I opted for 4 lenses plus my K-3II. DA*55, DA*16-50, DFA 100 Macro and DA*300 for the sumo match (which is tomorrow). Maybe I'll post some pics when I get the chance!
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
03-12-2017, 04:43 AM
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in my case the button fell off at some point and was not found. This is the case for many K-5 users, though manyrexover it and therefore don't need replacement parts. As far as I know, I haven't heard broken shafts being the issue.
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
03-10-2017, 02:26 PM
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Another poster had given a decent run-down on how to do it and it didn't seem too complicated. It would have been a $200 + fix had I brought it in for repair. The parts plus shipping came to $25.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-10-2017, 11:12 AM
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The only thing I was considering the 300 for was the Sumo Match.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-10-2017, 10:41 AM
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Hi all,
I have never been to Japan before and am leaving tomorrow morning. I am still working out what gear I should bring, and what I should leave behind. Here is my gear:
K-3II
K-5
DA* 16-50
DA 40 Limited
DA* 55
DA* 50-135
DFA100 Macro
DA* 300
Pentax 540 Flash
The trip will consist of wandering around Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, a 2 day hike in the Nagano region, A sumo wrestling match, visiting temples.
What do you think? Physically, I am able to bring it all - I just don't think it's necessary.
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
03-10-2017, 10:01 AM
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
03-10-2017, 10:00 AM
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
03-10-2017, 09:53 AM
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Good tip about the screwdriver. Philips worked fine and didn't strip the screws, but you're right in that it's safer to go with JIS.
The old C-clip, and the new, are plastic. I had read of someone using a tiny washer and cutting out a bit in order to have a metal clip. The old plastic clip that fell out of the body when I opened it up did not appear damaged at all. Very strange. It seemed as though it just fell off.
I did my bast with the seals. I suspect they will be ok. I was amazed at how well the plates fit into each other. I use my K-3II more often these days in all-weather situations anyways, but it's nice to have my second body up and running again.
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
03-10-2017, 09:23 AM
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Make sure you have the following items:
Tiny philips screwdriver
Tweezers
One of those squishy airblowers
Replacement Button (Ordered from USCamera Genuine Pentax Replacement Parts from USCamera.com)
Replacement silicon (Ordered from USCamera
Genuine Pentax Replacement Parts from UScamera.com)
C clip (Ordered from USCamera
Genuine Pentax K-3 K5 K7 K10D K50 Kr Lens Lock Button Retaining Clip Replacement Spare Parts | 27030-a358 | uscamera.com)
2) Remove any lens that might be on the body and the battery.
3) Under where it says K-5 on the front, peel back the grip from the top to expose a hidden screw.
4) Photograph all the sides of the body (Top with the flash up, bottom, R side, L side, Back, Front and a second one of the bottom with the battery cover open.) You want a photo of all of the screws. I used an Iphone for this.
5) Open all the photos up in microsoft Word. Basically you want to print each photo so that you can take double sided tape (or normal tape folded over so it is sticky on both sides) and stick it on each photo where each screw is. Every time you take a screw out you will want to stick it to the tape in the correct spot to help remember where it goes. There are different screw lengths, so this is important.
6) Make sure you have a clean, bright working surface with all the parts listed above at the ready.
7)Start unscrewing the screws on the bottom. There are 8 which are visible, plus 2 under the battery flap. There is 1 more way at the bottom of the battery bay. I wasn’t sure if I needed to take it out, but I did anyways. Stick all the screws to the tape on your corresponding papers (the one with battery flap up, the one with it down).
8) Slide off the eyecup from the back. There are 2 screws here. Take them out. Stick them to the second photo of the back. At this point you will want to start keeping track of the order of the pages so that you can reverse order put them back when all is done.
9) Take the screws off of the right side (the shutter button side). There are 3 here. Stick them to the third photo.
10) Take the screws off of the Left side (where it says K-5). There are 3 visible, plus the 1 under the grip that you peeled off slightly before. Stick them to the fourth photo.
11) Pop up the flash. Take out the 2 screws and, you got it, stick it to the photo of the top.
12) Now for the front. Take out the 5 screws around the metal lens mount. Stick them to the last photo. Now all of the screws are out.
13) Take off the bottom plate. It should come out pretty easily.
14) Pull up the top plate a bit. It does not have to come all of the way off. This one should slide up easily, but not as easily as the bottom plate. It is thoroughly attached to the insides by wiring, so don't pull it all the way.
15) Now is the time to try and pull off the front plate. You will need to start working at one of the sides where the back and the front cross over each other. I used tweezers to lift the front plate off from the side. Then you can pull it away. CAREFUL: There are two wires attached near the top of the front plate. You will not be able to remove the front plate completely, just pull it as much as you can without stretching those two wires.
16) My old C clip actually fell out when I opened up the body, so I am keeping it just in case. It’s not worth hunting for it if it does not immediately fall out. That’s why you bought a new one!
17) You might need to rotate the whole camera body to get the right angle. Put the silicone on the new lens release button (see photo). Take the C clip in between your tweezers (see photo). Push the button through with one hand from the front side of the front plate and then push the C Clip on from the other side using the tweezers. If done correctly your button wont fall out! The silicone acts slightly like a spring, though I imagine its main function is weather sealing.
18) Here is where I had the most difficulty. The rest of the lens release mechanism which is inside the camera fell out of place (see photo) and it was a pain to try and put the front plate back with it in its correct position. I ended up pushing it through the metal lens mount from the back and putting a piece of tape over the nubby as it popped out the front to hold it so that I could lower the front plate down without it falling out over and over again. It took me 6-8 attempts before I got it finally. It has to sit with its spring side in a little hole inside the camera. It should be fairly obvious where it goes, it’s just a matter of lowering the plate down so that it gets in the hole properly. You will know you were successful when you press the lens release button and it feels like it used to (yay!) Also, it wont sit properly unless that piece is in the right place. You will know. ***Note, the second photo has me holding the part between tweezers backwards. The side with the spring goes in the hole inside the camera, the side without the spring sticks out of the metal lens mount***
19) connect the front and back plates on the sides where they overlap. Then lower the top plate back down into place. Sit the whole thing back onto the bottom plate. Use the hand held air blower to get as much dust out as possible.
20) Start screwing all the screws back into place. Start with the front, then the sides, then the top, then the bottom last.
21) Put the eyecup back on and try putting on and removing a lens. You will need to buy some double sided tape to stick the left side grip back into place (under the “K-5”) Hopefully you will have been as successful as I was!
*Note: I read it might be possible to find a screw to remove the wires completely from the front plate (Step 15) which would mean that you could take it off completely to work on it. I was too nervous about this, so I made do with it still attached by wires.
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
03-09-2017, 06:00 AM
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I am going to attempt the repair today. I will try and take photos of the process.
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Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals
05-04-2016, 07:08 AM
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Good morning!
I am trying to meet wedding photographers in Toronto in order to (hopefully) land gigs as a 2nd photographer. I tried posting in the Toronto Group but had no luck. I decided I would post here to increase my reach.
I have solid gear (Though not the new K1) and a bunch of experience shooting in social settings, but I am now interested in breaking into the wedding scene.
Please reply or send me a private message if this is interesting to you.
Thanks and have a lovely day,
Justin Briginshaw
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Forum: Photo Critique
04-13-2016, 05:39 PM
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Forum: Photo Critique
04-13-2016, 08:15 AM
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
04-08-2016, 10:22 AM
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Definitely - I just wanted that much more angle width on the evening. My fiancé borrowed my K-5 and 16-50 DA* for a trip to Guatemala, so I had to make do!
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