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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
01-09-2007, 09:01 PM
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I assume by that you mean that there are different flash shoes for different camera makes?
EDIT: Nevermind, Jon...thanks for pointing that out. The one I have isn't made for a Pentax after all...I just found out it's made for a Canon! I'll just sit here now and proceed to kick myself...ouch.
Looks like I'm a blooming eejit after all.
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
01-09-2007, 08:44 PM
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Someone here has previously mentioned to me that I might run into problems using a Sigma EF-500 DG ST flash with my Pentax K110D. However, before buying the flash I made sure that it was compatible with my camera, and according to Sigma's website, it is. To be precise, the site states that this flash is compatible with the Pentax K100D but other than the Shake Reduction on that camera there isn't a difference (that I'm aware of) between the K100D and K110D.
Anyway, the flash powers up and fires when pressing the test button but, other than that, the flash doesn't appear to be compatible one bit. It will not fire under any mode or setting, and I fear I've made a huge mistake buying this thing. Why did I buy the Sigma EF-500 over the Pentax AF-360 flash? The Sigma EF-500 swivels and the Pentax AF-360 doesn't, not to mention the price difference between the two (and the Pentax AF-540 is too pricey for me right now).
Could someone, anyone, please take a look at these shots below and tell me if you see something I don't? Or, am I just a blooming eejit who doesn't know what he's doing?
Flash shoe, notice the amount of contact points:
Hot shoe on camera (not as many contact points, right?):
Doesn't appear as if it's even seated properly, although it's in as far as it will go:
I'll readily admit that I've never owned a camera with an external flash, so maybe I just don't know what I'm doing. Have I not attached the flash properly, or is this indeed a compatibility issue? I've already emailed Sigma about this but have yet to get a response. Would someone please point me in the right direction and/or show me the error of my ways?
Thanks. :D
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
01-08-2007, 11:03 AM
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Just a few shots of the "Lowepro SlingShot 100 All-Weather Digital Camera Backpack"...
Front view:
Side view:
Rear view:
Pentax K110D (with lens), inside the bag:
Since I'm right-handed and use a cane, this bag is perfect for me as it makes carrying my gear (what little there is) a cinch. The bag is roomy enough for my camera, a lense (or two), extra batteries, cleaning kit, etc. It even has an "all weather" pouch that covers the whole bag if you're ever in need of it (pulls out from a "hidden" slot on the bottom of the bag).
Overall, a very nice camera bag...convenient and ergonomically designed. Two thumbs up!
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
01-08-2007, 10:10 AM
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Nice pics, Ken...I especially like the Birch Harbor shot.
My wife and I spent a weekend in (Belfast) Maine last year...just because she'd never been anywhere north of Pennsylvania and it was St. Pat's. Belfast is a quiet little place (last there when I was 12, which was 30 years ago) and not the typical tourist trap that some of these places have become (i.e. Bar Harbor, etc). Even though it was a cold weekend (wind chill around 10 degrees F), we had a very nice time and took lots of photos. Here's a few shots from our trip...
Belfast Bay (walking along the waterfront):
Moosepoint State Park (a lonely tree along the bay):
Bar Harbor (March is a quiet and almost tourist-free time to go):
We hope to actually move to Maine sometime within the next year or so. :D
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
01-08-2007, 09:26 AM
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Just received 2 Pelican AA battery cases in the mail today (minus the batteries):
Top view:
Bottom view:
I am so glad I found these on eBay; the cases are very well made and look as if they'll last a lifetime. FYI, the seller I purchased them from is out of stock but I did find someone else who's selling them...click here if you're interested but hurry, there's only TWO left (as of 11:25 am, 8 Jan 07).
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-06-2007, 06:28 AM
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Thanks for the photos, they look great!
I want to thank everyone for your understanding and guidance. I've decided to go with the Sigma 24-135mm F2.8-4.5 Aspherical IF (bought it online this morning). I'll post some shots later on, after I get the lens and get accustomed to it. In the meantime, I'll be doing the same with the 18-55mm kit lens.
Thanks again, I appreciate everyone's input!! :D
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-05-2007, 11:03 AM
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-05-2007, 10:40 AM
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Jonas,
Thanks for the insight, I appreciate your help very much.
I don't live near a city so, at the moment, cityscapes and such aren't of interest, although I will focus on such when my wife and I return to Ireland next year (maybe some shots of Dublin, Ha'penny Bridge, etc). For the most part, I'll either be shooting here at home or venturing off to nearby parks or other places that pique my of interest. Due to my disabilities, I can't travel often or long so I'm generally stuck with shooting where I live.
I'm simply interested in doing some "general" night work, a la taking shots of family and friends, landscapes, my dogs (should get some good action shots there), etc. I live in a somewhat rural area in a town of about 17,000 and there's no architecture in the area much taller than 100 feet (at most); but, that doesn't mean there's nothing worth shooting here. There are several interesting buildings (and homes) in the area, many with historical importance; so, if I get a notion to shoot buildings I can always head "down town" (what there is of it).
As I mentioned previously, I'm new to digital SLR and it's been a very long time since I've even used a film SLR. Anyway, so what focal length? Well, for me I think mounting my camera on my tripod and using a lens with a minimum 70mm would suffice but since I'd like to take shots of the night sky I just don't know if that's good enough...or is it?
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-05-2007, 07:57 AM
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Jonas,
I'm new to digital SLR and just bought a Pentax K110D w/DA 18-55mm kit lens, so I might be wrong but I think I may need something better for taking photos at night.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-05-2007, 07:05 AM
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Jon,
No need for apologies, but thank you.
I agree with you on that Sigma lens...I think I may get it anyway. FYI, I found it as a "buy it now" item on eBay here and here.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-05-2007, 06:33 AM
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Jon and everyone else,
As I mentioned earlier, I have a neurological disorder (see Essential tremors) so using a tripod or monopod is a necessity for me (in most cases) when taking photographs, be they at night or otherwise.
So, for general usage, is f2.8 not fast enough for someone like me? I don't plan on doing a huge amount of low- or no-light shooting but I'd like to find something that will allow me to take shots akin to Joel's fantastic fireworks shots posted here (although mine will undoubtedly be far less striking).
Thanks for your patience and understanding. :D
P.S. The Lens Fact Sheets page is a great reference tool!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-05-2007, 01:15 AM
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-04-2007, 10:17 PM
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Nothing specific in mind, just something I can use to shoot outdoors at nighttime, i.e. people (include my dogs in that one), nature, sky, etc.
P.S. With my neurological disorder, using a tripod or monopod is a necessity, so I've already got that bit covered. :D
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-04-2007, 09:56 PM
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I've been looking around for the "right" lens to use for night shooting but having trouble figuring out which is best for the average person (i.e. non-pro). I don't have a lot to spend so I'm not looking for something top-drawer, just an all 'round good lense to use for taking shots in low- to no-light condtions.
I have a Pentax K110D (which I'm enjoying so far) with the 18-55mm kit lense, but I think I need better. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
FYI, I'd prefer to stay with an OEM lens (Pentax).
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Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
01-03-2007, 01:39 PM
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Mike Pearson,
Thanks for the tip; I ordered the last copy Amazon.com had in stock. I can't wait to get the guide, it looks like a great read!
Lipo,
Thanks for the tip on the Lenspen; I just purchased one on eBay. Hopefully, it will be a long time before I need to use it!
And now, to go familiarize myself with my new Pentax K110D...yes, it's finally here!! :D
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Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
12-31-2006, 04:20 PM
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Thanks, David. I appreciate that.
Is it Wednesday yet?
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Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
12-31-2006, 03:08 PM
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Hello,
I’m new here but I’m glad to have found this site; it’s reassuring to see a forum site dedicated to a specific camera brand...my thanks to the owner/admin/moderators.
Well, I’m no experienced photographer by any means so please don’t expect much. I do have a good eye for composition, or so I’m told, and taking photographs is something I’ve enjoyed doing since I was young. I’m just returning to photography (I’ve been physically disabled recently and need a cane to get about) so please bear with my amateur status.
I have never owned a Pentax and the only digital camera experience I have is with a Sony Cybershot (sold over 5 years ago, don’t even remember the model) and a Nikon Coolpix 5600 that I purchased for my wife in September 2005. The Nikon works well enough for shots on sunny days and fairly well for some close-ups but personally, I’ve wanted more.
So, for weeks I’ve researched mainly Nikon and Pentax digital SLR’s and I narrowed my choices down to the D40, D50 or the K110D. After comparing these three I realized that the Pentax K110D seemed (to me, at least) to be a (better) combination of the D40 and D50 from Nikon. Anyway, I made my decision and ordered the Pentax online (yesterday) and I should have it in hand by this Wednesday. I’m really excited about it.
To make a long story short (too late, I know) I purchased several other items, simply to build a “starter kit” for myself since I know I’ll immediately need more than just the camera. Below is a list of the items I’ve purchased; if there’s anything anyone can recommend adding to my kit, aside from obviously getting an external flash and better lenses (that’s a given, right?), please let me know (I already own a decent tripod, so that’s taken care of). Thank you.
Pentax K110D Digital SLR Body w/18-55mm Lens
Pentax SLR Holster Bag
Pentax Wide Camera Strap (found on eBay)
Tiffen 52mm Photo Essentials Filter Kit
Giottos Optical Cleaning Kit
Sandisk SD 2.0GB Memory Card
Energizer 15 Minute Charger w/4 AA Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries
Energizer AA Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries (4-pack, bought 2)
AA Battery Case (found on eBay, holds 8 AA batteries)
Lowepro SlingShot 100 AW Camera Bag
GCI Outdoor Quik-E-Seat (from REI.com)
Well, I think that’s everything. I didn't have a ton of money to buy the best of what's available but I think what's here is a good start. :D
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