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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
05-28-2008, 05:46 PM
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It can be a pain in certain lighting conditions but having used, for many years, the Spotmatic F and Spotmatic II I wouldn't quite qualify the pre-Spotmatic F's as a "real PITA" rather they can be a sometimes PITA.:lol:
Don
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
05-28-2008, 05:12 PM
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ZX-5n's are getting into that price range and they are fabulous cameras, with very bright and accurate viewfinders. That would be my vote.
Don
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
05-28-2008, 05:08 PM
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Another vote for Eric! I have bought two Spotmatics from him that he fully serviced and had him service my Spotmatic F. He offers excellent prices and truly great service.
Don
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-06-2008, 08:34 PM
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I'd like to think that none of it matters. I'd like to think that people with reasonable intellegence could figure it all out and that maybe, just maybe, the K20 attractors and detractors might realize that it isn't the camera, so like who really gives a s*** what anyone says about a camera they haven't even tried yet.
In other words, it is all immature stupidity to speculate either way.
If you are a long time user of Pentax products you should already know the K20 will be an improved product. If you're not, them maybe you need to look elsewhere. Me? I've been using Pentax equipment (and that is not restricted to Pentax cameras but many Pentax products) for 40 years and have rarely been disappointed in their next released equipment.
This endless speculation is really all so silly.
Don out West
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-06-2008, 08:18 PM
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My experience also. My rechargeable batteries didn't seem that old. I'd recharge them as necessary and what I thought were good batteries weren't. It seemed to happen all of a sudden. In less than a week of no use they would allow me to (when I turned the camera on with what I thought were freshly charged batteries inserted only a week before) shoot a half dozen shots and then the camera would shut off. That went on for several weeks (me thinking my expensive rechargeable batteries can't be the problem) before I decided to try brand new rechargeable batteries in hopes it wasn't some sort of short in my precious istDS (sorry, old as it may seem, I love that camera!). Thankfully that cured the problem. I am back to going weeks, in some cases months on a set of rechargeable batteries.
Don
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-03-2008, 09:47 PM
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Jypsee,
I've looked at a lot of your on-line photos, so many and so beautiful. You have talent and I love that you share that here with us. But what I can't tell (see) on-line is the difference between your shots taken with your 5d and any other of the several digi cams you own and use. And since you're in the business of selling photos I can't help but wonder if you sell more pics made with he 5D than, say, the K10D, or any other digi cam you have? I'm just curious if the investment has paid off in 5D shots taken and sold over your other digi cams?
Thank you for sharing your wonderful shots with us. I wish I had such a beautiful variety to share here.
Best regards,
Don
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-03-2008, 09:34 PM
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Thomas,
Regardless what camera it was taken with, that is truly a beautiful shot. Thanks for sharing it.
Don
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-03-2008, 09:29 PM
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I suspect I can live without it just like I plan to live without a K20D.
Instant just isn't that important in my life, but then I don't particularly like cell phones either.
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
02-02-2008, 07:59 PM
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I have two. One original Japan made Asahi metal top K1000 and one new Chinese made (under Pentax oversight) plastic top. Both are great cameras, the former being the better of the two.
Don
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-02-2008, 06:39 PM
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Amen Heather!
Yours is the most practical post in this thread.
Thank you for that!
Don
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-02-2008, 05:52 PM
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Darryl,
There's a couple of reasons I can think of (but that doesn't necessarily make them valid). I think professional photographers want as much detail in their image file as they can get for any size printing or other such use based on the type of work they produce. Nature and outdoor photogs (in film days) used medium or large format cameras for the same reason. Fashion photogs do too. Street shooters want compact with good image quality so leaned to 35mm format. That's my take on one class of folks, professionals. Gearheads want what they don't have right now. They simply want what's coming next in new equipment, and there's nothing wrong with that. I tend to be a gearhead of a practical sort. My bank account, or lack there of, dictates that. :( For me it's like do I really need to abandon my istDS for a K10? No, so I didn't. If I had more money I wouldn't mind having a K10D but I am a hobbiest at this photography thing and I can't justify it because I know my photos won't really be any better, I'm the limitation not my equipment.:o
But there is another side I've not mentioned. Lots of folks out there have a lot of lenses in their closets from their 35mm film days, some of them truly their favorite in 35mm film format, and it would be nice to get those back in the image size they were originally designed for. I know I have a couple of favorites, a Leica 21 Super Angulon that I simply adore on a 35mm film camera, same with a Pentax 35mm f/2 Super Takumar I have. Lovely lovely lenses. I can still use them on my digital cameras, yes, but they are not their same fine focal length as on a 35mm film camera. I would love to have a full frame sensor digital camera for that reason alone.
On the other hand, I find I like small cameras, which is another reason for sticking with my istDS. I don't need the additional pixels and the K100 viewfinder (and I doubt the K200 will be either) just isn't as sweet as the DS viewfinder. In fact I went looking for an even smaller camera and picked up a Olympus E410 with a 14-42 kit lens for under $500, and that was a brand new camera from my local camera store. The viewfinder stinks compared to the istDS but it is an ever so sweet little camera.
I'm sure others will have many more reasons for FF but that my simple take on it.
Don
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-30-2008, 09:33 AM
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Thanks Christine! That's also my wife's name so I guess I should thank you both, her for wanting to go to the thrift store.
Don
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-29-2008, 06:47 PM
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J,
Sounds like a lucky day like I had this past weekend. Congratulations on two great finds! :cool:
Don
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-29-2008, 01:29 PM
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Wendy,
And congratulations to you on a great find! I sold my f/1.2 Pentax A last year for $475 so you made one heck of a deal on yours!
Don
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Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands
01-29-2008, 01:18 PM
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The Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro Lens is your best bet. It's an older lens design (still made) that doesn't use USM motor so the price is lower than many other EF lenses (goes new for about $245 but I'm sure you can find a good used one at a much better price). It is an outstanding very flat field macro lens. It also makes a good everyday 50mm lens (super sharp in the corners) but it is a bit noisy.
Don
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-28-2008, 10:08 PM
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Thank you!
I've had a couple of good luck stories related to finds in camera stores but none ever as good as this one in a not camera store. But then again, in terms of thrift shops, well I think I have paid my dues.:lol:
The 50/4 macro Takumar currently resides on my Spotmatic SP II but will soon move to the DS for thorough testing. It really is a beautiful lens.
The IQ Zoom 920 has a half a roll through it that I plan to finish off tomorrow to get the results.
I have always loved Pentax and this weekend was simply a reminder as to why.
Don
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-28-2008, 01:14 PM
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It was a snow slush day, roads only slightly hazardous once we get off the range and on to the main roads.
The wife wants me to drop her off at the thrift store while I cruise to the local sporting goods store for reloading components, which I do.
I get my reloading stuff and head back to the thrift store to pick her up. She's not done shopping so I decide to look around, which is usually fruitless for me.
First check, which has always been a bust, was to the junk cameras they have a few of, and when I say junk I think you know the type of cameras I refer to. Still I force myself to have a look, one never knows. Low and behold a nice 35mm film Pentax P&S IQZoom 920 is on the shelf. And not only does it actually show some operating functions, is it fully functional (once I figure its operation out) with a still good Duracell 123 battery in it, and it shows very little normal use wear. $4.50? Sold! It will make a great toss in the glovebox camera.
Moving down the shelf I spy a leather lens case that looks suspiciously Pentax screwmount, and in pretty good shape. A check of the top confirms with the "Takumar 4/50" stamping in the leather. It's in good shape and I can always use a nice Pentax screwmount lens case. The price tag says $7.50. I figure I can talk them down on the lens case price. Picking it up it is heavy. THERE IS A LENS IN THERE! Fumbling slightly I unbutton and open the lid and there's an upside down screwmount lens inside. Being the pessimist I am I figure it to be a common as dirt 55/1.8. Still, for $7.50 it's a deal regardless of its condition. Pulling the lens out and flipping it around it shows to be in beautiful condition overall with a near mint lens cap. I remove the lens cap and behold that I have in hand a 50mm f/4 Super-Macro-Takumar. Checking it over it is in excellent condition, mint glass with just a hint of wear on a very few of the lens's black surfaces (and I'm be very critical here). Alas, the aperture diaphragm is a bit sluggish but moves through all settings. For $7.50 I can handle it. In stop down mode on my istDS it will work perfectly.
Deals are still out there folks, just keep an eye open for them. I can't tell you how many thrift shop adventures I have been on with the wife against my will. I usually end up sitting and admiring one or more of the used easy chairs reading a book while she shops, but this trip paid off for a change, big time!. :p
Don
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Forum: Sold Items
03-21-2007, 08:00 PM
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*All are SOLD*
I have three Pentax 50mm f/2 K mount lenses for sale. Two are SMC-A and one is SMC-M. $20 each shipped in the USA. All are in excellent plus condition but no caps. Buy all three and I'll go $50 shipped.
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Forum: Sold Items
02-15-2007, 08:22 PM
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SOLD!
I have a new/mint Pentax SMC-A 50mm f/1.2 lens with original box and packaging for sale for $495 plus shipping. I bought this lens new from B&H about 1 1/2 years ago (original receipt will be included with the sale) for $629 plus shipping and have used it 3 times since. It is a beautiful lens and a waste not to be used but it just doesn't fit with my photography style (I prefer wide angle so use the 21 f/3.2 the most with my ist DS).
Feel free to email for additional info to: dbledsoe (at) isp (dot) com
Regards,
Don Bledsoe
Boise, Idaho
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-19-2007, 07:19 PM
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Somewhere on this forum, or some other Pentax dedicated forum, I saw a new book out on something like, everything you wanted to know about Pentax SLRs or lenses, or some sort of compendium on Pentax lenses. Now I can't recall what the actual name was or where I saw it but it seemed like it was a new book, or fairly new, anyway.
Any help would be appreciated.
Don (DS Gaijin)
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Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
12-28-2006, 06:20 PM
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Emperor haile selassie the 1st, rasta... rastaman vibrations... OOPS! This isn't Bob Marley forum? Oh, sorry.:o
New to the forum.
Location: Boise, Idaho (USA).
Interests: Photography (that's obvious, I suppose), Porsche 914's, Astronomy, long range target rifle shooting (TR/Palma, shot at 800, 900, & 1000 yards), Harley Sportsters and Harley Hummers, Warren Zevon, and other odd assortments of things.
Real name: Don B.
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