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Forum: Pentax K-r 02-04-2011, 05:44 PM  
mea culpa
Posted By FHPhotographer
Replies: 29
Views: 6,231
ADDITION: Well I've finally had it.
  • My first K20 had an ongoing problem and continuously reported the SD card was full and locked up the camera even when the card wasn't full; three times in to CRIS, three times repaired, three times the same problem. I learned to work around it by simply formating the card every time I downloaded, but it was annoying.

  • Then I swamped the camera and replaced it with another K20 that was so badly flawed that it never did AF correctly and had to be returned.

  • Then came the K-x that I liked a lot,but didn't like the lack of focus point in the VF and the dim LCD. That was exchanged for a K-r, but I came to find out that, like many others, it had uncorrectable FF issues in not only artificial light but in any difficult weak/dim light. And that has been now sent back for a refund.

Since my K100D I've gone through enough four Pentax bodies, and several Pentax prime and zoom lenses (plus some very good Tamron lenses). The cameras are good, or not so good, but the core issue of poor quality control and indifference to customers continues. Pentax has no more problems than other brands, but Pentax is less responsive and seems to lack a centralized customer service program that actually cares about the customers, brand loyalty and servicing the brand. Pentax fans have to support the brand in spite of the company, and that's simply more than I want to keep dealing with .
I wanted to stay with Pentax; the bodies have IS, great lenses and the best ergonomics on the market. And when they're good they are very good indeed; but when they're not so good... Pentax/Hoya just can't seem to get it right, from quality control (and how, exactly, did those damaged K5 sensors get past quality control?), through customer service. These things happen to all brands, but the other brands seem to respond better and put solutions into the pipeline much, much faster.
Farewell to the brand and to the best camera forum on the web,
Brian
Forum: Pentax K-r 02-04-2011, 12:20 PM  
mea culpa
Posted By FHPhotographer
Replies: 29
Views: 6,231
hypo, back off a little on the "fanboi (sic) /apologists" talk, okay?

I was one of the strongest critics of the original argument that FF was a common problem to all K-rs; I've since retracted that after further testing. However I resented then, and I resent now, this growing practice of scapegoating dissenters who hold opposing views based on their assumed membership in some group, e.g. "fanboy" or "apologists."

Once we start down that road it's all to easy to reject any dissenting point of view by stereotyping behavior based not on the validity of the argument but on membership to that group. In the real world this kind of thinking leads to all sorts of mischief that ranges from the silly to the serious. The stakes aren't nearly as high in this kind of forum, but none the less group stereotyping is unwholesome, inappropriate and has a chilling effect on honest disagreement and discussion,
Brian
Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories 02-03-2011, 09:18 PM  
The Monochrome Landscape - post yours!
Posted By FHPhotographer
Replies: 2,799
Views: 339,182
I'm not quite sure where landscape stops and still life starts, but here's a recent shot of the Sonoran Desert taken with my new K-r and the 18-55 II lens that might be expansive enough to qualify,
Brian
Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories 02-03-2011, 08:48 PM  
*shadows* lets see them
Posted By FHPhotographer
Replies: 711
Views: 73,114
I've tried several times to capture this shadow on a rounded wall, and have yet to do it justice... but I keep trying,
Brian
Forum: Photographic Technique 02-03-2011, 10:14 AM  
so, why photography?
Posted By FHPhotographer
Replies: 28
Views: 5,414
I got into photography as a tool for brush n' canvas painting, to have a work-around for my inability to draw very well. For that I could have stopped with a $100 point n' shoot. Photographic detail (resolution, contrast, detail, color accuracy etc) didn't matter because I was just using the images to create the outlines to paint.

Then when I saw what kind of "art" could be created digitally using photographs as a base , I dropped the brush and went with the computer . And I got a larger-format 13x19" printer because I had the strange notion that very few good paintings are small paintings; so I needed the upgraded large format printer (with expensive art papers and eight ink cartridges at $15 a pop that go empty if you even breath on them hard). And that's where I may have put my first foot on the slippery slope ...

Digital painting seems to me to be reductive instead of additive; the digital filters (brushes) have to smear/change/delete pixel detail to get the various effects. No matter what you do, you're reducing photographic detail/clarity/color to get digital paint effects. But, to retain those painting effects using ink jet printing of at least 300 dpi, you need a large image which mans you have to start with a DSLR large-sensor high resolution detailed image.

But truth be told, now caught up in digital photography, I think it's too much about the technology, the process of taking the picture instead of seeing the picture and grabbing it. I'm detail oriented (a nice way of saying tight assed) but I'm finding that most DSLR minutia confuses and/or bores even me. It all seems just a bit too precious, so much distinction without difference. It really should be more about what you see than what you use to see with. All I want to do is see something, frame it, shoot it and leave with minimum fuss . Sort of like sex.

I'm going back and look at all the "saved" shots from the past couple of years in hopes of finding a pattern of the kind of scenes/images/objects/settings that caught my eye, liked well enough to photograph and keep. And if I can't find a pattern of subject, maybe I'll at least find a focus of intent (couldn't resist). If I find out anything interesting I'll let you know; if I don't find out something interesting, I'll talk about it anyway :lol: And I'd be interested if anybody else is tussling with the same or similar issues, trying to find a photographic direction,

Brian
Forum: Pentax K-r 02-01-2011, 11:40 PM  
Yet another K-r AF test (with both 1.00 and 1.01)
Posted By FHPhotographer
Replies: 229
Views: 43,653
cloud16,
In case you missed this thread I posted, it speaks to your "get some distance" comments,
Brian
Forum: Pentax K-r 02-01-2011, 11:37 PM  
Yet another K-r AF test (with both 1.00 and 1.01)
Posted By FHPhotographer
Replies: 229
Views: 43,653
ursa,
Thanks for the link. If you've missed it, see this thread.

And just for the record, I do speak a very few words of Romanian. My grandparents were from small villages outside Rădăuţi and Brasov. It really is a small world.
Brian
Forum: Pentax K-r 02-01-2011, 08:01 PM  
mea culpa
Posted By FHPhotographer
Replies: 29
Views: 6,231
Well, I was wrong about the FF issues under artificial light.

I did yet another series of test shots, this time from two meters (app) @ f/8. I guess I was working too close before, or setting it up wrong, or some damn thing but, in any case, as this image shows obvious FF (marked on print).

I apologize, at least for asserting all K-rs could not have the problem because mine didn't. Mine does, so I retract my comments,
Brian
Forum: Pentax K-r 02-01-2011, 06:05 PM  
Got my K-r back from service
Posted By FHPhotographer
Replies: 15
Views: 5,483
I agree. How many special moments of time and place like this image were not captured because we're all trying too hard to win an argument and not out using the camera? I've never seen a focus test I'd hang on my wall. So ends my participation, I've got photos to take,

Brian
Forum: Pentax K-r 02-01-2011, 03:32 PM  
Yet another K-r AF test (with both 1.00 and 1.01)
Posted By FHPhotographer
Replies: 229
Views: 43,653
Here's a message that appeared in the dpreview.com Pentax SLR Talk forum:

"Das von Ihnen beschriebene Fokusproblem ist uns bekannt. Wir arbeiten derzeit mit Hochdruck an einer softwareseitigen Lösung des Problems. Sobald ein Update für dieses Problem verfügbar ist, werden wir es über unsere Homepage veröffentlichen. Wir bitten Sie daher um etwas Geduld.
Wir hoffen Ihnen mit unserer Antwort behilflich gewesen zu sein."


For those who don't read German, here's one translation:

" The focus problem described by you is known to us. We work currently with high pressure on a software-sided solution of the problem. As soon as an update is available for this problem, we will publish it about our homepage. We ask you, hence, for some patience."

If this an accurate message (let's not ignore that this is third-hand internet "fact" that may, or may not, be verifiable) then it looks like a "focus problem" could exist for some K-r cameras. But then, I never said it didn't exist, I simply said I don't have this problem with my K-r and that it does not apply to all K-rs (or perhaps even to a statistically significant percentage ). Still, if I may have been too doubtful of the complaints, and over zealous in my criticism of some forum folk and how they presented those complaints, I do apologize.

That being said, I assume this is the same general comment found on other non-English language sites? If so, then perhaps it's time for those with, and without, this FF problem to band together as multiple signatories to a letter we can send to the various Pentax regional operations and directly to Hoya. It can't hurt, and maybe it will help,
Brian
Forum: Pentax K-r 02-01-2011, 01:55 PM  
customized settings in RAW+
Posted By FHPhotographer
Replies: 1
Views: 2,082
I'm a bit flummoxed by the combination of controls on the K-r. Can anybody tell me if I'm reading this part of the manual correctly, or if I've missed something?

I'd like to use RAW + and have a "default" for the jpeg file that combines customized capture settings (p213) with Filters (p253, a post-capture process) . I don't see any way to store all this as a default for one-button use like the customized "User" settings on the K20/K-7, or did I miss that page?

However, on p256 there's reference to using the settings in a "filter processed image", which I assume means building the capture settings, applying them to an image, then applying filters, and keeping that image stored on the SD card to apply to other images post-capture? At that point it would a lot easier to do in Photoshop or some other program. Is there any easier way to do this that I missed reading the Manual?

Brian
Forum: Pentax K-r 02-01-2011, 11:33 AM  
Yet another K-r AF test (with both 1.00 and 1.01)
Posted By FHPhotographer
Replies: 229
Views: 43,653
lava,Grin,

Sure, what do we do if the Pentax resolution is a statement that this is not manufacturing defect?

Remember that all we know is that some people are reporting a problem; what we don't know is how many of those reports are accurate, how many are operator error, how many official warranty claims have been submitted, and, how many units have been sold. Take all those unknowable data together, Pentax could easily state reports/warranty claims do not exceed whatever standard devitation Pentax sets for sampling error (another thing you will never know) .

With the data the manufacturer has and the consumer does not, we could get an official resolution that this is not a problem at all, and if it is a problem it is not a manufacturing problem, and claims could then be excluded from warranty coverage. Plus anyone who is working individually with a retailer for an exchange/refund etc would be out in the cold.

I know how this works; one of the things I did in Public Relations was design crisis management positions for businesses that would be so carefully hedged that consumers might end up grateful they didn't have to pay the business to resolve their problem. Be careful what you wish for,
Brian
Forum: Pentax K-r 01-31-2011, 09:51 PM  
Yet another K-r AF test (with both 1.00 and 1.01)
Posted By FHPhotographer
Replies: 229
Views: 43,653
ursa, do us a favor and give us the name and contact address of this "guy from Pentax." I'd love to hear his explanation of how a good K-r is the aberration,
Brian
Forum: Pentax K-r 01-31-2011, 09:49 PM  
Yet another K-r AF test (with both 1.00 and 1.01)
Posted By FHPhotographer
Replies: 229
Views: 43,653
Every site I've gone to suggests the subject be as close as possible. For example, "When shooting your test pics, you need to be close enough that the test chart somewhat more than fills the frame. Get nice and close." Moving from two feet to seven feet would expand the depth of field, but why would that show FF?
Brian
Forum: Pentax K-r 01-31-2011, 11:25 AM  
Yet another K-r AF test (with both 1.00 and 1.01)
Posted By FHPhotographer
Replies: 229
Views: 43,653
ursa, The focus point was the same as the first image, in the middle on the word "Facts." I really have no issue with your repeated criticism of the K-r as long as you and others don't keep insisting that all K-r cameras have this AF problem. They demonstrably do not,
Brian
Forum: Pentax K-r 01-31-2011, 12:16 AM  
Yet another K-r AF test (with both 1.00 and 1.01)
Posted By FHPhotographer
Replies: 229
Views: 43,653
lava, ursa et al
My bad; the original image was a flawed test. Luckily I had left everything where it was, and when I looked at it again I saw that the rear bottle was a bit further away from the focus point than the front bottle. What you saw wasn't FF, but just normal DOF. Here's the redo with the bottles more carefully placed so the front and rear bottle are the same distance from the center focal point (and same settings), and unless my eyes are failing me in my dotage, I see no FF/BF.
Brian
Forum: Pentax K-r 01-30-2011, 01:25 PM  
Yet another K-r AF test (with both 1.00 and 1.01)
Posted By FHPhotographer
Replies: 229
Views: 43,653
Okay, that's a reasonable request, so here's a shot taken this morning using AF indoors under artificial light, EXIF included, focal point the middle bottle generally and the word "Fact" exactly centered...

What do you want me to do now, pretend I'm seeing a FF problem and agree with you and alffastar, or are you going to tell me this is the wrong test, under the next exact conditions to generate the result you want? Now will you please stop saying all K-r cameras have this problem and give it a rest?
Brian
Forum: Sold Items 01-30-2011, 01:02 AM  
For Sale - Sold: Sigma 24-60mm f2.8 EX (CONUS)
Posted By FHPhotographer
Replies: 7
Views: 3,496
PM sent,
Brian
Forum: Pentax K-r 01-30-2011, 12:58 AM  
K-r with 16-45mm
Posted By FHPhotographer
Replies: 2
Views: 2,984
Is anyone out there is using the 16-45 with the K-r and does the "Lens Correction" feature reduce the color fringing from chromatic aberration, or is it still better handled in post-processing?
Brian
Forum: Pentax K-r 01-29-2011, 02:45 PM  
Yet another K-r AF test (with both 1.00 and 1.01)
Posted By FHPhotographer
Replies: 229
Views: 43,653
alffastar, well I don't know what else to say but you are asking for "constructive" advice so here it is:
You've had a problem for a month, you claim it can't be fixed. If you bought through an authorized dealer, and have a manufacturer's warranty, demand an exchange or refund from the seller and/or the manufacturer. It may take some time and effort, and it's a pain in the behind, but it's doable. Talk directly to Pentax, form a group of unhappy owners and demand action as a group and back it up with a full-out social network campaign if you don't get a solution. People are overthrowing governments this way, I think you can get some action out of your retailer or Pentax. This is the end of the topic for me, thanks for listening,
Brian
Forum: Pentax K-r 01-29-2011, 02:24 PM  
Yet another K-r AF test (with both 1.00 and 1.01)
Posted By FHPhotographer
Replies: 229
Views: 43,653
Sorry you're having problems with your Pentax, but you're citing an on-line self-reporting sample of an unknown aggregate and implying it represents a 50% problem rate for the K-r universe. All this (or any such sample ) shows is a percentage of those that comment, not of those who own the product. It has no statistical validity and so is proof of nothing. As for what you say a Pentax rep said, I will take your word for it, but again, one rep offering an opinion is just opinion and that is neither factual nor verifiable.
Brian
Forum: Pentax K-r 01-29-2011, 11:59 AM  
I like this camera, sample...
Posted By FHPhotographer
Replies: 8
Views: 2,839
gp1806, thanks. But the folks at dpreview didn't see it your way and disqualified this as an entry in the "Foods that Start with C" Challenge. Seems spices aren't food to the mod over there. Anybody who thinks that spices aren't food never tried to have a decent meal in Utah,
Brian
Forum: Pentax K-r 01-29-2011, 11:56 AM  
I like this camera, sample...
Posted By FHPhotographer
Replies: 8
Views: 2,839
kyteflyer, well I never used the K200 but I started with the K100 and you are spot on that the learning curve for the K-r is a bit of a slog. At this point, I don't even know what I don't know about using it, but it's worth it. As I said in another post, this is quite simply the best out-of-the-box camera I've ever owned,
Brian
Forum: Pentax K-r 01-29-2011, 11:51 AM  
Yet another K-r AF test (with both 1.00 and 1.01)
Posted By FHPhotographer
Replies: 229
Views: 43,653
allfastar, ursamajor, et al
What also matters is the objective fact that my K-r does not have the problems a few of you say your specific cameras have. Several folks here seem determined to find fault with the K-r hardware/software/design and I'm saying, with all due respect, that you are wrong.

If I duplicate your actions and come up with another result that says the camera is working well, does that make my conclusion less valid than your conclusion? So then, if 10,000 people buy K-r cameras and 100 say they are having problems, does that mean the other 9,900 are wrong if they say they are not having problems? Would you then say that they didn't do the tests correctly, that they didn't look closely enough, that they are somehow less discriminating or have less appreciation of photographic quality than the 100 complainants?

I understand your complaints, I think they are exaggerated but none the less significant for you, but I just don't agree that the K-r model generally is flawed. The K-r isn't flawed, your K-r is or your application of that camera is not appropriate. In conclusion, if you don't like your camera, get it fixed, take it back, throw it away or sell it to somebody you don't like.
Brian
Forum: Photo Critique 01-28-2011, 09:49 PM  
People Confessions of a Cropper
Posted By FHPhotographer
Replies: 15
Views: 5,549
rupert, don't worry. I do it, I like it and I have yet to see an image that can't be cropped. What you might lose in sharpness (and I'm not conceding this point) is more than offset by focusing the eye of the viewer on the essential image,
Brian
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