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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
05-23-2020, 08:56 AM
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Given the constraints of the original post, my first two lens choices would probably be pretty easy. I’d probably pick the Pentax D FA 24-70mm f2.8 (primarily for use on a K-1) and the Pentax DA* 50-135mm f2.8 (for use on a KP).
Picking the third lens would be tougher, and it would split duty between a K-1 and a KP. If the year wasn’t 2020 (with social distancing due to the pandemic), my first inclination would probably be the Pentax D FA* 50mm f1.4. If we’re still stuck in 2020 when this 3 lens situation occurs, I’d probably lean toward the Pentax D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro WR, but I might combine aspects of the two lenses just mentioned and go with the Pentax D FA 50mm F2.8 Macro.
If I got to choose from lenses that would probably never really be available to me, that third lens would either be the Pentax FA* 200mm f4 Macro or the Pentax FA*250-600mm f5.6. Heck, I wouldn’t even be that picky for the dream lens… I’d be very happy with either.
For the overall solution, however, I’d also be more than happy using monochrome’s approach (in post #35) in conjunction with a K-1 and a KP.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
04-19-2020, 10:02 AM
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Posted By
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Replies: 25
Views: 3,659
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
01-10-2019, 09:04 PM
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If they could really do all that and maintain the current rendering, then yes, it would be a winning formula. It may be a lot tougher than it sounds, though. Rather than trying to maintain the rendering and retrofit the optical designs into new lens parameters, it may actually be more viable to use modern technology to create new HD DFA LTDs (as @monochrome pointed out) in other focal lengths. And then Pentax users have even more choices. (If it is actually pretty straightforward to retrofit those older optical designs into modernized lenses and maintain the IQ, then Pentax should resurrect the 200mm macro and a couple other lenses as well!)
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
01-10-2019, 08:38 PM
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Yes. I think people primarily buy the FA LTDs for the unique rendering (as it is now), not primarily to fill a prime 'gap' around the given focal length. And I'd even bet most buyers are still primarily APS-C users, not full frame users... Many of us bought these before the original K-1 was ever announced.
Unless there was a pretty surefire way to maintain the overall renderings in modernized versions of these lenses, I think Pentax would be smart not to tinker with these particular designs. They are legendary, unique differentiators for Pentax. Add new similar modernized designs (high quality, small, light weight, fast but not f1.4) whenever that is possible.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
01-06-2019, 02:02 PM
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Wants and needs were different back then. For example, the best modern zooms (such as the current DFAs) already cover much of this ground extremely well, and most people would just perform the effects of the 'soft' lenses in PP. I don't think many modern Pentaxians would really want, use, or buy many of the lens variants above. Some of the best are still available (and still unique and fantastic!), and there are also some new primes that are far better than the former version(s), even though the spec may differ slightly from the former version(s).
Pentax is in the process of filling out the few key gaps. But it would also be great to eventually get some of the unique 'differentiators' back in the lineup, such as the 200/4 macro.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
01-01-2019, 12:10 PM
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As is usually the case on PF, I was able to learn a lot from the discussion in this thread. I’m sure I’ll actually refer back to some of the more technical details in the future. The discussion also helped to consider and understand the different viewpoints.
As for me, I guess I ‘split the difference’ in practice. I love my KP the way it is, because it is great to get such fantastic low-light performance in such a small form factor. Definitely wouldn’t complain if it had an option to occasionally ‘switch off’ the accelerator, but even if it did, I’d leave the accelerator on as the default on that camera. (Maybe I’d switch it off for occasional macros.) On the other hand, I opted not to upgrade my K-1. The low-light performance is already outstanding, and there are more times (ex – wide landscapes) that I might be trying to eek out every last ounce of detail. I’d also be willing to spend more time in PP in such cases. Again, I might have thought differently if there was an easy option to switch the accelerator off…but overall, I felt it was better to allocate the money toward new glass. Very cool that Pentax even provided the option to upgrade, and really looking forward to finding out what CP+ and the 100 year anniversary brings!
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
12-28-2018, 10:06 AM
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Unfortunately, calling out specific posters does need to be done at times. The postings from Punk earlier in this thread are a classic example. It was nothing but condescending, dogmatic statements. No actual reasoning, just pretentious statements that were designed to provoke. If there was even a shred of sincerity (and a true desire to help ‘educate’ fellow forum members), I’d expect to see some reasoning, supported by images from said photography equipment – and preferably taken by the person consistently shouting the claims. (And in that case, mocking an entire forum!)
DPR also needs to be regularly called out, due to the following powerful combination.
1. They consistently misrepresent Pentax capabilities. They also consistently ignore important aspects of the system (at least until such features are mimicked by another company),and they often put a negative spin on things that could be viewed as a positive feature (or are at least neutral).
2. They have a very wide audience and sphere of influence. Most of that was gained in earlier years,before they had their current spin and arrangement with Amazon. Unfortunately, a lot of viewers don’t know (or remember) that, and the critical mass is there now.
I’m very glad there are people that keep an eye on these scenarios and call them out when they occur. It certainly does add value for Pentax / Pentaxians and for prospective buyers that are considering various systems, or even just learning about photography. (And I imagine for every 1 very knowledgeable PF member that hits the ‘ignore’ button, there may be 10 other less knowledgeable members or ‘lurkers’ that are potentially being influenced by false statements and vitriol.)
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
12-30-2018, 11:23 AM
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Absolutely. Like it or not, DPR has an enormous amount of influence on people considering photography equipment and evaluating brands. Their equipment review material can even appear directly within related Pentax product links on Amazon. In the case of PentaxForums, in addition to being a top 'hit' for searches for Pentax product names, it is well-known to be the most knowedgeable source for 'all things Pentax'. So it's also particularly disheartening to sometimes see misinformation (or blatant falsehoods!) spread here.
Addressing and correcting such scenarios in either place has a major impact on anyone seeking background for the related products or functionality. It's particularly important and helpful for less informed users that really need the information the most. (And of course, Pentax also doesn't have the gigantic marketing arm of Canon to help offset such bad information. Currently, those two photographic names probably represent the two ends of the marketing spectrum, at least outside of Japan.)
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
11-23-2018, 06:32 PM
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Definitely. The list could go on for the pro-sumer advantages (true photography user interface, 5 customizable presets right on the dial, tilt LCD...) and the accelerator seems to provide better image quality (especially for high ISO situations) even for similar/identical sensors. And even for a noob, just the 5-Axis shake reduction system would make a huge difference.
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Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals
04-21-2018, 05:58 PM
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I suppose I’d be a little nervous about any change if I was very invested in Flickr and also didn’t have background with SmugMug. Though as a photographer, I still think I’d be more comfortable with that change than having Flickr controlled by yet another media/telecom giant (from Yahoo to a Verizon company).
In my case, I haven’t done much with Flickr – I’d always been a bit disappointed by the display/presentation, login and downtime issues, and various other changes. I’ve never encountered any such concerns with Smugmug… They’ve provided stellar support (features, follow-through, and infrastructure) and they also provide a very customizable interface that allows you tailor the presentation and settings quite easily. The social sharing aspects definitely aren’t as developed as Flickr, however.
My hope is that the best features of both current platforms will surface over time. SmugMug seems like a relatively small, tightknit company that is very dedicated to photographers – they actually remind me of Pentax in that way. They also seem very tech-savvy and always interested to incorporate customer feedback… So I have a lot of hope for the future of this venture.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
04-11-2017, 07:34 PM
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Other than very unique offerings (like Theta), the smaller supported formats have appeared to be in jeopardy for quite a while now, most notably from smartphones. And particularly since the introduction of the K-1, it’s pretty clear that Ricoh/Pentax is stretched way too thin over the different mounts and camera lineages.
The statement “… will radically review a production and manufacturing strategy centered on cameras for the retail market…” shouldn’t surprise anyone here on PF. (Prior to this thread, the related ‘waits’ for new camera bodies and lenses has been the main gloom and doom around here lately.) This focus is definitely needed if they are to succeed (and eventually grow) in the K and/or MF lines. And other than the one option that was mentioned (withdrawing), that statement could also mean good things… such as expanding / increasing capacity in specific areas. Factor in similar recent announcements from many other camera companies, and the options also include focused purchases, acquisitions, and new partnerships.
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