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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
03-30-2021, 03:29 PM
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I was fortunate enough to test one of the K-3 mark III's myself as well and made a first personal video impression of my time with the camera:
Youtu.be
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src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hH3tm8enm7c?controls=1" allowfullscreen>
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Written review with sample images:
Pentax K-3 mark III Review ⋆ Mike Muizebelt Fotografie
Not to spill everything....but I was impressed!
Best regards,
Mike
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
04-22-2017, 08:16 PM
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I own and shoot with both Canon and Pentax systems and have for years. As much as I would like Pentax autofocus to be as good as Canon's, it's just not. Shooting with any of my Canon bodies (1ds, 6D, 7D) is quicker and more reliable for events than either Pentax K-5IIs, K-3 or K-1 (the latter two I've repeatedly rented and tested). Not talking sports or flying birds, just people at receptions.
So why do I shoot with Pentax at all? It's a much more intuitive camera, it's smaller, it's built better, it's unobtrusive, and I like the image quality I get. It's weatherproof, and I live in the Northwest. Pentax is brilliant for travel and hiking. But it's hard for me to believe anyone considers the autofocus to be in the same league as Canon or Nikon.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
04-20-2018, 02:27 PM
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1. Build length & transport (lens backpack)
With 52,17cm length HD DA 560mm is the third longest pentax fixed focal lens. The 600/4 construction from Pentax & CaNikon are shorter than 46cm.
So the included lens bag only fits the lens without camera body. The soft bag material doesn't protect the lens very good from pushes or pressure.
For the transport of camera, tripod, tripod head, second lens and accessoires, additional bags or an special backpack are neccessary.
Solution:
An used Lowepro Lens Trekker II AW offers the most common und cheapest transport solution with mounted camera (125-175€). Inner measurements of Lens Trekker version I arent't sufficent enough and version III is much more expensive new (230€) and used copies rare to find.
An very useful equipment of the Lens Trekker II is the "adjustable and removable camera holder". Olympus Germany was so kind to send me two additional vecro camera holders on request for free (from 2018 on Manfrotto Distribution is responsible for distribution and service of Lowepro products).
With three of the velcro holders it's possible to fix the DA in the Lowepro Lens Trekker AW against movement.
2. Disguise / painting protection (lens protect)
The white lens painting is used for higher heat-absorbing during sunshine, so that the material expansion and following disadvantages of the optical quality can be reduced.
The higher conspicuity from higher light reflexions are the disadvantage of the bright paint color. The long barrel length with it's greater surface increases the susceptibility to scratches.
Solution:
LensCoat neoprene protection with different colors and prints to choose are available for the DA 560mm from two shops (lenscoat.com & outdoorphotographygear.co.uk).
Outdoor Photography Gear with 55€ including shipping to EU is 25€ cheaper than lenscoat with 80€.
3. front lens diameter (Hood Cap)
For storage and transport the front lens cap is recommended to use on the lens to protect the expansive front element.
The included front lens cap made of textile fit's very neatly. Using an neoprene lens protection makes the incuded lens cap hard to fit the outer dimensions of the front of the lens.
Solution:
LensCoat Hoodie XX Large (19€), outdoorphotographygear Soft Neoprene lens hood cap Size 4 (20€) or OP/Tech Hood Hat XX-Large ($11) does fit the DA 560mm + neoprene cover very well.
4. Balance point (lens plate)
Tripod head is facing away from the balance point, so to mount the lens well balanced on a tripod head an lens plate is neccesary.
The balance point is as further away from the tripod collar as heavier the camera gets. K-1 with D-BG6 and eventually flashlight would be the maximum of counterweight.
Solution:
An 20cm long lens plate is recommended when working with the K-1. Shorter plates aren't a good idea because of less or no reserve for heavier camera bodies and less space to secure it with all three mounting holes on the lens tripod mount.
Benro PU200 or Genesis PLA-200 are the only brands offering 20cm length with Arca-Swiss compatibility. Depending on the shop they're available for 20-30€.
5. Tripod head
Due to the distribution of the mass to more than 60 cm in the ready-to-use state with camera, an attachment and alignment after the center of gravity is absolutely recommended in order to enable safe use. Ball heads can not do this, because the center of gravity of the lens is well above the tripod head and this simultaneously allows unwanted vertical and horizontal tilt of the lens.
Solution:
The use of a gimbal head is recommended. This allows separate control of horizontal / vertical alignment, center of gravity alignment and self-stabilization of the lens when not in use.
The Andoer BK-45 offers with 60 € the cheapest entry with usable quality. In contrast, the ProMediaGear GK Katana Gimbal offers optimum stability and handling for 600 €.
While using a monopod instead of a tripod, two-way-heads are more lightweight and compact than gimbals. Horizontal pan can be done by turning the monopod.
Most cheapest but useful two-way-head is the Andoer VH-10 for 47€. The Kirk MPA-2 Monopod Head offers the best possible option regarding functionality, usability and quality for just 245€ (a very good gimbal head is around 600€).
You Tube
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src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2bA2k1lrqQc?controls=1" allowfullscreen>
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6. Front lens filter
The huge 130mm front lens can be protection during use with the integrated retractable lens hood. Additional protection is possible by add an filter into the existing 112mm filter thread of the front lens.
Solution:
The Tokina hydrophilic filters does offer the most advanced coating for an regular price of 360€. But the 112mm version is also offered as occasion for just 70€.
A regular Marumi MC Normal UV for 70€ or the advanced B&W F-PRO UV for 150€ does protect the DA 560mm as well. |
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
01-04-2018, 09:28 AM
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welcome. I find the DFA25/4 an outstanding lens. Once I saw the sample images from Hark Lee in the reviews, that was all I needed to see, lol. The lens can be had here and there and are not too rare, just expensive.
I have a gallery of my own DFA25 images here: Lens: 645 DFA 25mm f/4 | Flickr |
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
07-19-2016, 01:52 PM
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I could see a mk2 version being put out, but not at least until 2018-2019. I would much rather see Pentax put out another flagship APSC camera in the interim than a meagerly updated K1.
Across the board though I think Pentax needs to improve two main things. AF performance and marketing. AF performance is the single biggest disadvantage to the Pentax lineup. It isn't bad by any means, but if you're going to pull users from CaNikon, you're going to have to start at the very least matching their 80D / 7200 series performance. This is the single biggest factor that I wish Pentax would work on. I would much rather see them pour resources into bringing their AF to the modern standard than see little niceties like a touch screen or improved Pixel Shift (though I would LOVE both of those features). If I could have my K1 as my go to powerhouse for landscapes and portraits (which is what it currently is) but then get a... K3m3...K2 (I know I know its a film camera I own one)...whatever they're going to call the next APSC Flagship for Sports and Wildlife with comparable AF performance to Canikon I would be a happy camper. This would allow Pentax to fill all the roles a Canon or Nikon can for about half the price. With the new KAF4 mount we may see more third party lenses coming in as well so the already very strong APSC camp will be bolstered while the admirable though small FF line up will be slowly brought to a comparable standard (in terms of both overall amount of lenses and overall amount of of lenses designed for digital sensors).
The other thing I'd love to see, as stated above, is better marketing. There is no reason for Pentax to not market their cameras in the way Subaru markets their cars. They're rugged dependable workhorses made for the outdoors with a bit of charm. I would love to see Pentax just take that fact and run with it. Have marketing of people using their cameras rock climbing, Kayaking, out in really rough landscaped with the K1. People love to be outdoors, whether they actually go out often or not is a different story, but people love to do it. Subaru's brand marketing is a testament to this. Go to Vermont or Maine and like 60% of cars on the road are subarus. Now imagine if Pentax could tap into that very market of outdoors-men and people who search for adventure. It would draw more people into the system, therefor bringing in more third party support and making it stronger over all.
I'm sorry I went on a bit of a rant, but I'm keeping it in. This is what I would love to see Pentax do. Improve AF performance and improve their marketing.
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
05-31-2017, 11:03 PM
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I also use the surface pro 4 without problems.
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
04-27-2017, 04:19 AM
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Hello all,
Each year, Sydney plays host to a large, high-profile photography festival called Head On. Lots of venues, competitions, media coverage, event guides, the lot.
This year, i have been lucky enough to have been accepted as an exhibitor. I have space in a gallery for four weeks, showing a selection of night sky images over Australian scenes. Mostly shot with my 645Z.
If any of you happen to be in Oz, please do come and take a peek! I'll try and be there when you're coming...
Wish me luck,
Ed
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
01-09-2017, 08:38 PM
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I just couldn't help myself. After shooting medium format back in the day with a Pentax 67II and a Mamiya RZ67 Pro II......I couldn't help myself and make excuses any longer.
Tonight I went ALL IN and ordered a 645Z with the DA 25mm lens and a DFA 35mm lens .......I really, really , really......Broke the Bank !
Will be selling at least 1 of my K-1's and a couple lenses.....but Hey.... a guy only lives once !
BTW.....I bought very lightly used. The body has 1100 clicks and the 25mm lens is mint in box..... I purchased from a private sale in Japan.
I feel like I got a very good deal at $12K
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
01-05-2017, 06:26 AM
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Boris, that's true about the native FF lenses, and I think there's little "need" for K1 people to look at the 645 options. But the big reason I sold my excellent Sony gear (and some excellent legacy lenses) was that in Pentax one now has this amazing and IMO underappreciated ability to move up and down(mostly just down with the lenses) through 3 current formats, plus one legacy one, with accessories and lenses. Pentax is the only manufacturer to make this happen, and to have planned it that way. So, I can use all of my 645 lenses with my K1 if I need or want to, and of course all my flash gear plus several other gadgets. APSC through 645, significant compatibility, and legacy 6x7 thrown into the bargain. Just take a moment everyone to ponder that.
That's something that is driving me bats about Pentax/Ricoh at the moment: If I was in charge of marketing, you can bet this would be broadcast about among the pro community as the big deal that it is, and then used as leverage for the aspirational enthusiast communities. It really is a big deal!
Btw, Boris (and you, too, Gyroscope!), have you seen this?
Available with the K mount mounting plate and 645 lens mounting plates....
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
01-04-2017, 10:38 AM
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645Z and 120 macro would indeed get you high quality 1:1 however the K1 could be a much more flexible system to explore with and "dip my toe in the deep water of macro photography".
Close up shots and macro well past 1:1 can be had much easier with the k mount and at a small fraction of the price for the Z. The entire gamut of extension tubes, macro lenses, bellows, and special handling techniques are available for 645 but the K1 files may well provide more than enough detail depending on your exact needs.
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
01-04-2017, 12:00 PM
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
12-29-2016, 02:52 AM
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I have both the Pentax AF360FGZ II and the Metz 52 AF-1. I can recommend both for the K-1. I compare and contrast them here.
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
11-14-2016, 07:35 PM
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Adrian, Great photos! My wife and I did the same trek back in April of this year. I carried a 645Z with the DA645 28-45mm, D FA 90mm, and tripod. Unfortunately the weather didn't agree and it basically poured rained for all of the trip except for Mackinnon when the rain turned to snow with 100mph winds. The groups infront and behind ours had to be helicoptered out! The weather gods did give me a few hours with the camera when we hit the Milford Sound Lodge on the last day. Thanks for the photos.
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
10-12-2016, 01:05 PM
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Nice review!
I am on the edge of buying one of these cameras for landscape use. "Back in the day" I used a 28mm Nikkor on my Nikon F. What lens would you suggest to approximate that view? Apparently the 31mm limited is actually considered a normal lens on a full frame camera so i guess that one is out of the question.
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
10-12-2016, 07:19 PM
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Used my new K-1 with the 100mm for the first time this weekend to shoot some portraits at an Indian festival - I really enjoyed the lens on the K-3 but used it specifically for macro work. On the K-1, it is a very nice portrait lens
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
10-09-2016, 08:45 PM
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
10-08-2016, 02:45 AM
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Sigma releasing modern ART-lenses would make people switch to Pentax, not just Pentaxians happy. This could be negotiated if Ricoh wanted it so. Total BS that suddenly K-mount is so expensive to make lenses for.
Gyroscope, your review reflects my experiences. Not finished with my field review yet, but they are a match so far.
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
10-07-2016, 06:49 PM
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A very thoughtful, beautifully illustrated overview of our wonderful new camera. Thank you for sharing.
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
10-06-2016, 02:34 AM
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It is a very nice review and great photos with it. I have been pretty satisfied with my copy of the DFA 24-70, but I agree that it isn't a stellar lens. Reminds me a little of a super-sized DA *16-50 -- a lens that is very useful because of the focal lengths it covers, but doesn't ever get into the "great" category at any focal length. However, as you say, since for landscape you are stopped down most of the time, it is pretty good there.
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
10-06-2016, 03:35 AM
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Great review and excellent example shots. My only area where I question the assesment is with respect to the K-1's suitability for wildlife action. When the opportunites for action arise, I have been getting some great results from the K-1 and the DFA 150-450 or Sigma 500 f4.5 and seriously notice the difference in ability to focus for a moving target against a background and focus tracking.in comparison to the K-3.
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
10-06-2016, 04:23 AM
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I'm wondering if you might be a bit overly critical of the K-1 auto focusing. I can't speak to this from any experience as I use my K-1 only for landscapes, but there have been images posted on this forum of motorcycle racing and horses running, for example, that are superb, and a sharp contrast to DPR not being able to effectively capture a bicyclist. It seems to me that in skilled and experienced hands the K-1 auto focuses much better than some have given it credit for. But again, this is supposition and not based on personal experience.
I don't believe there is a better DSLR for landscape photography and your gorgeous images certainly support that. I'm an amateur in every sense of the word and when I see fabulous images such as yours I often think "why do I even try?"
Overall a great review. Thanks for doing it.
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
10-01-2016, 04:43 AM
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A very wet Rainbow Lorikeet, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia. I have had a Sigma 2x Teleconverter sitting in storage for a number of years, and I thought I would give it a crack fitted to the K-1 and my Sigma 500 f4.5 APO DG EX. The results with the 2x TC were far better than I had seen with other cameras and lenses - still had great sharpness and detail.
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
09-30-2016, 11:05 PM
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
09-30-2016, 08:46 PM
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Laughing Kookaburra, my back yard, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia. K-1 with Pentax 150-450 f4.5-5.6, AF200FG flash and MagMod flash extender.
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
09-30-2016, 07:12 PM
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The Green & Gold
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