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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
03-30-2024, 09:44 AM
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A week or so ago I wrote about acquiring a Rollator-style walker to cope with some balance problems I have. It is an all-terrain model with pneumatic tires. At the time all I had was a product photo from the seller's website.
This post is to show some photos of the Rollator in use. The other day I took it out for a full-blown test. I loaded it up with more gear than I would ever take at one time and then headed out for a two mile wander around a small lake at the local state park. The path varies between gravel and dirt and some grass, and it while it was flat, it was not smooth. The Rollator passed with flying colors.
The gear I packed for this included my photo bag packed with a K-3// camera body and 4 lenses and a Sirui travel tripod; a full-sized Benro tripod; and a Sigma 150-500 along with a gimbal mount. In other words, a bunch of stuff. Here are some photos that show the Rollator both packed and in action.
I am thrilled with this whole set-up. It will give me more opportunities than I have had in a while. If anyone reading this has some mobility issues, this might be something to explore.
This photo shows the camera bag on the front of the walker. I used 2 snap hooks to hang it. The snap hooks are attached to the walker with zip-ties and stay on all the time.
Here is the full-sized tripod mounted on the other side of the Rollator. I used 2 gear-ties (giant tie-wraps) for this and they worked perfectly.
Here I am sitting on the walker's seat and using the camera. This worked great; better than I expected.
The tripod set up with Sigma ready to shoot some wading birds and water fowl. Notice the tripod is set low so I can sit while taking while taking pictures.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
03-17-2024, 04:43 AM
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
01-20-2024, 07:57 PM
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I think this is the problem that Pentax faces too. In a camera system, where users are somewhat locked in, the main competition is not what other camera makers are offering, but what the user already has.
This is where I was after buying a K-5 IIs. I saw the K-3, the K-3 II, the KP, the K-1 and the K-1 II, but none of them seemed to solve any problem for me. Sure the K-1 would have got me better image quality, but it would have made my kit a lot bigger. Otherwise, I saw myself weighing up an upgrade to AF that people were still complaining about, slow and clunky wifi, a viewfinder which was bigger in theory, but not noticeably so, and so on. Basically it was not worth the upgrade. In that time, I did buy something from them - the GR III, which served a different need. Now the K-3 III has actually solved all of the problems I had with the K-5 IIs and the upgrade finally made sense.
I think the poor sales of some of these cameras meant that Pentax realized they were iterating too often and deliberately decided to change their frequency of updates.
With the K-1, the problem was that Pentax already offered a high resolution camera for a really low price from the beginning. Now they have have a situation where sensor performance has plateaued, so image quality would not be a significant reason to upgrade, so they can only add resolution. They have a better AF module for the K-3 III, but it requires a redesign of the prism, and even then it would probably be tested by a high resolution full frame sensor. Plus the spread of AF points would not be wide enough. So it cannot just be a case of transferring some parts from the K-3 III over. It is a major project that is taking time.
I take issue with the idea that Pentax has a limited line-up of bodies. I think all the camera makers are limited in some ways. Take Fuji X-mount (not intending to pick on Wheatfield's choice at all). They have several models available, but functionally they are all very similar. In Japan they are selling X-S20, X-T5, X-H2, X-H2S (I'm not sure if X Pro 3 and X-T30 II are still current). The thing is that all of the current models are priced higher than the K-3 III (Yes. In Japan, Fuji's entry is more than Pentax's "overpriced" flagship). If the X-T30 II is still available, that is about 25% cheaper, but it looks like it is selling out. So to my my eyes, Fuji is offering several variants of the same concept, and nothing really affordable. What kind of choice is that? Pentax only has two models but the KF is half the price of any current Fuji, so it offers a real choice as an entry model. Then Pentax also offers the K-1 II for people who want full frame, the unique K-3 III monochrome, the J-Limited variants of the K-1 II and in the near future it may offer a film SLR. These are really different camera choices. So again, not to bash Fujifilm. It's just an example. I only mean the perception of "choice" is dependent on how you frame it.
I think Pentax knows they have to pick their battles carefully. Trying to duplicate what the bigger brands do is futile. Trying to persuade users to upgrade every few years is also a struggle. So now they seem to focus on unique concepts that they feel in their gut will really stand out. I think the K-1 III, when it comes, will be a big upgrade with some unique features.
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Forum: Lens Clubs
12-06-2023, 03:53 AM
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A7iii & Voigtlander Nokton 40mm f/1.2.
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
11-29-2023, 08:08 AM
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A silly shot, I liked all the lines and angles :)
 Angles by -savoche-, on Flickr
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Forum: General Photography
11-23-2023, 03:50 AM
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While we are enjoying all the extra posts with the generous Limited Lens raffle, I thought it would be an idea to share what we like most about pentaxforums that other users may not have come across.
The forum has been going for many years and I myself have only known about it for the last 10 years or so. My favourite activity in the forum is one of the monthly challenges, the Single in Challenge Monthly Photo Challenges - PentaxForums.com . With this group of fellow pentaxians the aim is to really test your equipment by taking at least one photo every day and sharing your results with the others in the group. I find that restricting myself to one lens that I have to use every day for a month has helped me to work out what equipment I really like and works with my photo style as well as ensure that I actually use my Pentax equipment every day. I have taken many images that I would have missed if I was just going to go out to "photograph" for a day. This morning I saw the light poking behind some tall trees and spotlighting a fern as I headed off to work, I stopped and spent a few minutes of happy time enjoying my hobby. Not a bad way to start my day. Some days it is grey, cold and wet, my motivation is low, yet the discipline of getting a shot each day helps me and my mood.
Hopefully this thread will lead me to discover one of the many other areas of interest that I haven't yet come across. Please try and share the positive experiences you like and feel free to pop any negative thoughts about the forum in the suggestion area Site Suggestions and Help - PentaxForums.com
This was my image from this morning
 spot fern by Gary Wakeling, on Flickr
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-18-2023, 02:24 PM
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In February 2003, the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) assigned its TIPA Award for Best 35mm SLR Camera to the Pentax *ist. The *ist was the company's last film SLR camera. (Future developments could, however, relegate that distinction to an asterisk.)
An apparent variant of the camera was the Pentax *ist with Date, a feature featured in an event held at Henry's Superstore in Toronto on Saturday, 26 July 2003. Coupled with an FAJ 28-80mm zoom, you could head back home with one for a mere $669.99 CAD—about $1,075 CAD today.
Also in February, Pentax announced its first digital SLR: the Pentax *ist D. Delayed twice by what we might call today "supply chain issues," in October DPreview.com reviewed and rated the camera "Highly Recommended." They described the *ist D as a "capable digital SLR which can stand shoulder to shoulder with the longer established names in the digital SLR's world without compromise."
On a smaller note, the Pentax Optio 555, a 5-megapixel point-and-shoot, debuted in 2003. Also announced that year, but not listed in the Pentax Forum database, were the Optio 450, Optio 33L, and the Optio S.
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Forum: Lens Clubs
07-14-2023, 05:37 AM
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The view from Westcott's Quay, St. Ives, Cornwall - taken using a K-1ii
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Forum: General Talk
10-03-2023, 01:27 AM
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And we've never met ! Amazing !!
Tony
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Forum: General Talk
09-28-2023, 06:29 PM
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Dear Board,
I joined here many years ago when I bought an ME Super. I would read from time to time, but never really participated in the forum.
That changed in the Spring of this year when I started asking questions about my new to me Spotmatic F. Since then I've managed to assemble a nice collection of M42 lenses, many came from members of this board.
I've asked many questions and they all have been answered with thoughtful answers and words of encouragement.
I belong and actively participate on several photo forums. I can't really explain the general tone of this forum, but I have to say it's high on my list of places I visit every day. Maybe it's because this is a brand specific forum, but I'd like to thank the members here for their continued encouragement and help.
Regards,
Tim Murphy
Harrisburg PA :)
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
10-20-2019, 07:33 AM
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III Monochrome
07-17-2023, 05:18 AM
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On holidays and trying out a 6 shot stitch in lightroom of Port Isaac, location of the Doc Martin series on TV
K3iii Monochrome HD DA 16-50mm PLM @ 16mm
 port isaac pano mono by Gary Wakeling, on Flickr
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Forum: Photographic Technique
06-28-2023, 09:23 AM
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Sometimes however the perfect background presents itself even if the light is not ideal.
 IMGP5080-HDR by Peter Schluter, on Flickr
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Forum: Pentax Full Frame
06-15-2023, 11:22 AM
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I will make the same post i made recently in another thread on a similar topic.
The K-1II when combined with a modern DFA lens is very much improved over using a K-1 or K-1 II with an older DA or DA* lens.
I do not do much motorsports, but at this event last year with K-1 II + DFA 150-450 I got these kind of shots using AF-C. They were not a one-off..... over 90% of my shots that day were on target.
Use the latest lenses with your K-1 or K-1 II and you will have improved AF.
 IMGP0437 by Peter Schluter, on Flickr
 IMGP0179 by Peter Schluter, on Flickr
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
06-02-2023, 09:01 AM
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Recording lightning strikes in the background. The exposure was long enough for me to walk to the cabin, turn the light on for a short time and walk back without being recorded.
Montana by tuco, on Flickr
Mt. Pilchuck Lookout by tuco, on Flickr
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
06-05-2023, 11:15 AM
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Looking forward to the eventual Pentax 67III...
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
05-09-2023, 07:50 AM
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With the K-1 + FA 20-35:
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
05-04-2023, 12:22 AM
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PENTAX K-1 • FF Mode • 100 ISO • Pentax DA 40mm F2.8 XS • Kenko Pz-AF UniPlus Tube 25
PENTAX K-1 • FF Mode • 100 ISO • Pentax FA 43mm F1.9 Limited • Kenko Pz-AF UniPlus Tube 25
Metz Flash MecaBlitz M400 with softbox
PENTAX K-1 • FF Mode • 1600 ISO • Soligor C/D Wide-Auto 20mm f:2.8 • Kenko Pz-AF UniPlus Tube 25
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
05-13-2022, 10:56 PM
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Is that on all of them John ? :lol:
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III Monochrome
04-30-2023, 10:34 AM
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I always thought that to speak Italian you just had to pronounce every letter :lol:
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
04-23-2023, 06:55 PM
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This x 1,000. I finally caved in to digital a decade ago and I'm NEVER going back to film. But I love B & W so this a camera for me.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
03-17-2023, 09:48 AM
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Jpeg shooters feel superior because they can get it right in the camera.
Raw shooters feel superior because they can get prettier results by processing.
Film shooters feel superior because. . . well, it's film.
Film shooters who develop it themselves feel superior because they develop it themselves. And. . . it's film.
Medium format digital shooters feel superior to APS-C and FF digital shooters.
Medium format film shooters feel superior to medium format digital shooters because. . . well, it's film.
Sheet film shooters feel superior to all of the above, although 8"x10" shooters are obviously superior to 4"x5" shooters.
Wet plate collodion shooters sneer at the easy convenience of sheet film.
I suppose Jan Vermeer was probably the ultimate photographer. Camera obscura and oil paints.:lol:
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Forum: Lens Sample Photo Archive
04-20-2023, 09:45 AM
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