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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing 02-19-2024, 05:19 AM  
Monitor ideas dedicated to K-3 III Monochrome
Posted By Class A
Replies: 16
Views: 891
While OLED panels are great for black levels, if one wants to use the monitor outside image editing as well and cares about text clarity, it is worth looking at the subpixel layout employed by the monitor of interest. Many OLED panels use an extra white pixel and at least Windows is not able to account for that, resulting in colour fringing for small text.

Of course, if the monitor is used for prolonged work involving the desktop (or predominantly one software that features a lot of static elements), burn-in is another concern with OLED panels.
Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing 02-08-2024, 07:38 AM  
Advice on buying a monitor - what should I be looking concerned about?
Posted By Class A
Replies: 45
Views: 1,808
Since you are printing yourself, coverage of Adobe RGB can be useful (as one can print colours that an sRGB monitor cannot display).

If you get a wide gamut display, make sure it has an sRGB mode, otherwise most content will look wrong (oversaturated colours and incorrect hues), since many applications are not colour managed.


In principle yes, but you should check the capabilities of your integrated graphics.


Yes, definitely.

Modern monitors do not drift as much as CRT monitors used to.
There are Asus and Dell monitors which come with a very good factory calibration. If money is no object, I'd recommend Eizo, but Asus and Dell monitors have a better value/money proposition.

If your monitor is wide gamut but does not offer an sRGB mode, calibration is a must. Otherwise, you can get quite far by using calibration images and using Windows / graphics settings.

FWIW, most monitors are really good these days, but I'd recommend to read reviews and if you are looking for something a bit extra watch out for the ability to use a "uniformity" mode which improves colour uniformity and a hardware LUT, which allows one to calibrate a monitor and use it with other devices that cannot be calibrated and avoid any banding that may occur if the computer has to do too much work to get the colours right via a software LUT.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 02-08-2024, 06:35 AM  
Flash triggers for P-TTL and HSS
Posted By Class A
Replies: 13
Views: 2,369
It is possible to use the firmware updater even without an active server. Just copy the firmware file of the version you'd like to use to the directory where the Cactus firmware updater is installed and name it "CactusV6II.fir" for a Cactus V6II. There should be respective .fir files in the installation directory already, which you can use to determine which name is required. After you have done the above, just start the Cactus firmware updater and without asking the server for new firmware versions, simply select "Update" (or similar).

Have a look at the "Cactus Flash Trigger V6 and V6II Firmware Update Server - need help with .fir files" thread for more details.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 01-27-2024, 02:34 AM  
K1iii talked about as being under development......maybe
Posted By Class A
Replies: 368
Views: 24,998
I wouldn't want them to use OSPDAF (on-sensor PDAF) since using sensels for focusing as well as for imaging implies a compromise for the imaging part. There are a number of issues that can occur that have never been highlighted by the press because the latter had to cheerlead the industry-mandated transition to mirrorless cameras.

I believe it is the various image-degrading effects of OSPDAF that led Panasonic to keep it out of their cameras, even though their "depth from defocus" system was inferior, in terms of acquisition speed and stability, to OSPDAF. Unfortunately, I've read some while ago that Panasonic apparently caved and will adopt OSPDAF for future cameras. Whether that's them giving up on prioritising IQ, i.e., abandoning the race to develop DFD to become as good as OSPAAF, or OSPDAF having developed to a point where IQ is not longer compromised, I don't know (but I highly doubt even the most modern OSPDAF implementations have zero impact on IQ).

I hope Pentax will keep providing an IQ-uncompromising alternative, just like they provide an alternative to viewfinder technology.

I think one can still use the sensor for focusing without compromising IQ by using CDAF (or DFD for that matter). It's slower but for many applications, it shouldn't matter (video is not one of them :)) and it should be possible to combine traditional PDAF with such sensor-based focusing systems (e.g., the CDAF could take over as soon the mirror swings up) to guarantee 100% focus in a very specific area. Such an approach would not allow Pentax to get rid of an extra PDAF unit, but a) I don't think the savings would be that big (I understand a high cost item of a DSLR is the pentaprism and its calibration) and b) it would nevertheless address known shortcomings of PDAF (need for micro AF-adjustments, for instance).
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 01-23-2024, 05:10 AM  
Cactus RF60X not firing
Posted By Class A
Replies: 19
Views: 1,385
The bigger the light source, the "softer" the light.

Hence, when using a speedlight, it is often best to use existing surfaces like walls and ceilings (often in combination) to bounce the light off them. You can use a so-called "Black Foamie Thing" to prevent light to directly spill from your speedlight on to your subject.

An alternative is to use a light modifier where the light source is used in a "backfiring" configuration, i.e., illuminates the inside back of the modifier. I've achieved great results using a Photek SoftLighter II, albeit using two speedlights (Cactus RF60) on a flash bracket.

I discourage the use of a "Fong"-type modifier as
  • it only works indoors if there are suitable reflective surfaces around (it is too small to create "soft" light on its own), but

  • gives you no control about where the light goes.

Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 01-21-2024, 09:25 AM  
Cactus RF60X not firing
Posted By Class A
Replies: 19
Views: 1,385
The only reason I can think of why the flash wouldn't fire when the test button is pressed (other than a defect) is that the flash has gone into overheat protection.

This overheat protection is not about the batteries heating up too much, it is to protect the flash bulb.
IIRC, the flash does not actually measure the temperature, but looks at the frequency of high power flashes. Too many full power flashes in a row, for instance, and it will shut off for a while. You should see a small thermometer icon flashing in this case.

Perhaps try reducing the flash power and/or increasing the pauses between the flashes.

If the flash does not fire on the camera but responds to the test button then it very likely is an unreliable hot-shoe connection.

N.B., if you use the V6II + RF60x combination, make sure to set the radio range on the V6 II to "short" (or whatever the option is named). The default setting is meant to optimise long distances (or penetrating walls) but can generate too strong a signal when the distances between V6II and the flash are small.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 01-21-2024, 09:13 AM  
New Godox Xnano trigger, but not for Pentax?
Posted By Class A
Replies: 9
Views: 849
A non-Pentax-dedicated trigger will work as long as one does not exceed the sync-speed.

In other words, one won't be able to use HSS with any non-Pentax-dedicated trigger.

FWIW, I would expect Flashpoint to be the one that offers Pentax support, but whether they will do it, I don't know.
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups 01-02-2024, 01:26 PM  
Kiwi Pentaxians
Posted By Class A
Replies: 19,813
Views: 1,531,087
Belated but sincere happy new year wishes to all of you.
Forum: Pentax Full Frame 12-18-2023, 06:10 AM  
Pentax K-1 III specs discussion
Posted By Class A
Replies: 145
Views: 9,529
Indeed.

Even my dear (but often inept) friends at DPReview know that. Every time a Sony camera model becomes bigger than its predecessor they praise the improved ergonomics. I guess they will keep praising Sony for improving ergonomics even if the camera essentially becomes as big as a K-1 II (which they described as "intimidating" and "obtrusive" <- actual quotes by these jokers).
Forum: Pentax Forums Giveaways 11-28-2023, 06:13 AM  
November 2023 Pentax Limited Lens & Software Giveaway: Enter here!
Posted By Class A
Replies: 1,988
Views: 31,004
I'm in.
Forum: Product Suggestions and Feedback 11-28-2023, 06:11 AM  
Sticky: Dear Pentax
Posted By Class A
Replies: 1,335
Views: 412,888
Dear Pentax,

here's my wishlist for the K-1 III:
  • BSI sensor

  • no on-sensor PDAF (avoiding loss of or compromised sensor sensels for imaging because they need to focus)

  • no mandatory denoising (accelerator unit), make it a user choice

  • automated micro AF adjustments (user just to provide AF target)

  • improved AF (including option to automatically confirm focus via CDAF after PDAF acquisition, perhaps after stopping down to avoid focus shift)

  • automated AF compensation for the "focus and recompose" technique (cf. Hasselblad)

  • PixelShift with Flash (trigger flash during PixelShift)

  • faster WiFi transfer

  • faster USB port (USB3)

  • keep D-LI90 battery

  • use identical button layout on camera and battery grip

Please make an announcement soon, even if it is for a 2025 release.
Forum: Pentax Full Frame 11-28-2023, 04:52 AM  
Pentax K-1 III specs discussion
Posted By Class A
Replies: 145
Views: 9,529
This is what I'm wishing for in a K-1 III:
  • BSI sensor

  • no on-sensor PDAF (avoiding loss of or compromised sensor sensels for imaging because they need to focus)

  • no mandatory denoising (accelerator unit), make it a user choice

  • automated micro AF adjustments (user just to provide AF target)

  • improved AF (including option to automatically confirm focus via CDAF after PDAF acquisition, perhaps after stopping down to avoid focus shift)

  • automated AF compensation for the "focus and recompose" technique (cf. Hasselblad)

  • PixelShift with Flash (trigger flash during PixelShift)

  • faster WiFi transfer

  • faster USB port (USB3)

  • keep D-LI90 battery

  • use identical button layout on camera and battery grip

Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing 11-27-2023, 11:35 PM  
Upgrade monitor
Posted By Class A
Replies: 14
Views: 897
Good to hear.

DELL monitors are usually rather good, especially for the price.

Some even support in-monitor LUT calibration. If your model supports it, it is worth choosing that option.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 11-27-2023, 11:30 PM  
Cactus V6 ii Firmware available
Posted By Class A
Replies: 9
Views: 915
All Cactus V6 (II) transceivers have the same hotshoe connector, with the exception of the Sony version. The difference between a Pentax, Nikon, Canon, Panasonic, Olympus, Fuji, Sigma (am I forgetting something?) Cactus transceiver is just the firmware, which can be easily changed, as you know.
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups 11-27-2023, 11:08 PM  
Kiwi Pentaxians
Posted By Class A
Replies: 19,813
Views: 1,531,087
Is anyone interested in a used K-5 II that has been babied and comes with all original accessories and packaging?

I even have a genuine Pentax battery grip for it.

I don't know what it could be worth but if you could imaging owning the (to the best of my knowledge) only Pentax camera that has a true ISO 80 setting (dynamic range!), I can look up how many clicks it made (shutter count). I don't think the number will be that high, but I don't want to speculate.

If necessary/desired, e.g., for a beginner, it could come with a lens; I have a couple (zooms and primes) that I don't use.
Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II 11-25-2023, 10:02 AM  
My growing frustration with K1 autofocus.
Posted By Class A
Replies: 65
Views: 3,708
I believe it is inappropriate to suggest that different equipment is needed for this type of photography.

Focus and recompose introduces a small focusing error (which is why some cameras, e.g., from Hasselblad) account for it, but unless you are shooting at f/1.4 at close distances, you should be fine. Using the centre AF point (spot AF mode) works very well for my portraiture work. If the subject's head does not move a lot, I don't even get focus for each shot, but only now and then.

FWIW, the outer AF points can be rather imprecise. First, they in principle cannot see precise focus better than a f/5.6 lens (everything within the DOF of a f/5.6 lens will look "sharp" to them, that's a simplification but in principle true), whereas the centre AF points have a f/2.8 AF base. Second, it is not uncommon for the AF sensor to not be 100% parallel to the image plane. If you do your lens AF microadjustments with the centre AF point, chances are that some of the outer AF points won't be spot on.
Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing 11-25-2023, 09:42 AM  
Upgrade monitor
Posted By Class A
Replies: 14
Views: 897
Make sure to
  • select a mode that aims at colour accuracy. Many DELL monitors have at least one mode that is factory-calibrated to minimise colour errors.

  • white-balance the display (either manually or using a calibration device), otherwise you'll edit all your images with a colour cast built in.

  • use contrast and brightness settings that support smooth gradation for both shadow and highlight tones.

  • use a display gamma of ~2.2 (or sRGB gamma).

It would be best to use a calibrator to create a profile for your monitor but if you use a factory-calibrated sRGB mode, you won't suffer much at all by not using hardware calibration.

If you have to calibrate your monitor manually, the lagom LCD Test site offers very useful reference images.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 11-25-2023, 09:36 AM  
Cactus V6 ii Firmware available
Posted By Class A
Replies: 9
Views: 915
To update a Cactus device with a firmware version, a connection to the Cactus server is not necessary. Just copy the firmware file to the directory where the Cactus firmware updater is installed and name it "CactusV6II.fir" for a Cactus V6II. There should be respective .fir files in the installation directory already, which you can use to determine which name is required.

After you have done the above, just start the Cactus firmware updater and without asking the server for new firmware versions, simply select "Update" (or similar).
Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II 11-25-2023, 09:27 AM  
DNG vs PEF?
Posted By Class A
Replies: 46
Views: 9,049
Lightroom won't change the image data contained in a DNG file, but it can write metadata into a DNG file.

There is an option in Lightroom with which one can choose to store metadata in a sidecar file or in the DNG file itself.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 11-21-2023, 08:35 AM  
In praise of the FA* 24mm f2.0
Posted By Class A
Replies: 27
Views: 1,973
I tried many times to find a good copy of this lens. IQ was always shockingly bad. One forgives designs of this era purple fringing but not very soft images, even in the centre.

I cannot say whether the copies were subpar, there are certainly bad copies of the FA 31/1.8 (mine is fine), maybe good ones exist, I just gave up.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 10-07-2023, 03:41 PM  
Pentax film camera project: interview with Ricoh Imaging Europe
Posted By Class A
Replies: 200
Views: 21,685
Thanks a lot to @Mistral75 and @JPT for their posts.

I wish Pentax all the best with their film camera efforts, but personally I'm not in the market. I hope the long time it takes Pentax to release a K-1 III has something to do with an ambition to make it different to a K-1 II with some of the K-3 III's technology added.
Forum: Pentax Lens Articles 09-05-2023, 06:39 AM  
FF lenses for the K-1 that can be bought new
Posted By Class A
Replies: 177
Views: 39,753
Added, thanks.
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups 05-24-2023, 05:51 PM  
Kiwi Pentaxians
Posted By Class A
Replies: 19,813
Views: 1,531,087
Thanks, though!
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups 05-24-2023, 04:43 PM  
Kiwi Pentaxians
Posted By Class A
Replies: 19,813
Views: 1,531,087
Is anyone of you from Hokitika or knows someone in Hokitika?

A colleague of mine needs help with contacting a home stay to retrieve something they accidentally left behind. They cannot reach the home stay through the agency anymore and do not have any direct contact details.

EDIT: We got it sorted, thanks to the very nice owners of the home stay.
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups 05-24-2023, 04:34 PM  
Kiwi Pentaxians
Posted By Class A
Replies: 19,813
Views: 1,531,087
It's just a place that has very reliable shadows. They never change! :lol:
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