Re: 500mm/4.5?
I find the lens good for portraits - though you have to shout directions at the model. I find the The Pod (bean bag that screws into the lens' tripod bush) and then rested the top of the tripod a good option. Attaching the lens direct to the tripod though rigid seems to result in jitter through the viewfinder. The damping of the pod eliminates the jitter but of course allows wobble but as long as the speed isn't too slow it's okay. Focusing it a bit clumsy on mine, works better if I lift the camera to take the weight off. Manual diaphragm could be a pain but for portraits I leave it wide open so no problem. Cornelius Nuzzlemuff III -- Whatever you Wanadoo: http://www.wanadoo.co.uk/time/ This email has been checked for most known viruses - find out more at: http://www.wanadoo.co.uk/help/id/7098.htm
Re: 500mm/4.5?
I find it quite good for portraits, the only thing is you have to shout directions at your model. The slight awkwardness of the manual diaphragm isn't an issue as you can leave it wide open. Cornelius Nuzzlemuff III -- Whatever you Wanadoo: http://www.wanadoo.co.uk/time/ This email has been checked for most known viruses - find out more at: http://www.wanadoo.co.uk/help/id/7098.htm
OT: screen cleaning - help, please
Bernd, the wisdom has always been 'never use a wet means of cleaning the screen'... to late, never mind. You say the mirror box foam is rotting, this means the light trapping around the back is probably turning to goo. Don't make matters worse, I suggest. Take the camera to a good technician and have them clean the screen (they've probably rectified peoples bodges a thousand times and know just what to do) replace all the foams and CLA it for good measure. Job Done. AB __ Join Freeserve http://www.freeserve.com/time/ Winner of the 2003 Internet Service Providers' Association awards for Best Unmetered ISP and Best Consumer Application.
Re: OT request
Err this is surely no Austin Allegro (Princess or otherwise)? AB __ Join Freeserve http://www.freeserve.com/time/ Winner of the 2003 Internet Service Providers' Association awards for Best Unmetered ISP and Best Consumer Application.
eBay Dilema
I recently sold a lens on eBay, when the buyer received it he said there was a tiny bit of fungus on the front element which could only be seen at the right angle and that if he sold the lens he wouldn't get what he paid for it (a strange thing to say in my opinion). I checked had the lens thoroughly when I first bought it and before listing it on eBay and didn't notice anything at all... it is possible I missed it of course. I immediately offered a full refund including postage costs for the return of the lens. I got a reply saying that he'd taken the lens to a camera shop and they said it wasn't fungus but a slight parting of the elements and that it wouldn't affect pictures. The buyer then said if he sold it he would still get less that the bid price, clearly indicating that he wanted me to give him a rebate of £20 or so. What should I do? I usually notice the tinniest marks on things and maybe this is a scam; simply a way of getting some money back. On the other hand I could have missed it and the buyer is being genuine. AB __ Join Freeserve http://www.freeserve.com/time/ Winner of the 2003 Internet Service Providers' Association awards for Best Unmetered ISP and Best Consumer Application.
KX voted Top Stealth Camera?
Yesterday I used my KX in earnest for the first time - I also have a K1000 (which I shall soon sell) an MX and LX's, all cameras have been CLA'd. I had long suspected that the KX had the sweetest quietest shutter and using it yesterday after a long spell of using mainly LX's and occasionally the MX really brought this home. The KX shutter (on my example anyway) is noticeably quieter and it has a silkier sound. I did notice that the wind-on is a little rough - rather like a K1000 - the MX and LX in particular have a smoother action. The KX has all the features for easy smooth stealthy operation - aperture and shutter displayed in viewfinder, mirror lock-up for even quieter operation, MLU and self-timer can be used in conjunction so you could leave the camera on a table and set it off whilst you busy yourself talking to a friend (though the noise of the self-timer would negate the reduction in sound of the MLU). Although the KX isn't small, it looks like an old uninteresting camera (particularly with the case attached) and people dont usually give it a second glance, I think its reasonable un-stealworthy. I don't think that the greater size over the MX makes much difference to visibility. I think a big guy like myself holding something up to his eye is what will draw attention; a few centimetres in the size of the thing he's holding won't make much difference (no sexual comments here please). I hereby nominate the KX as No. 1 Pentax manual focus stealth camera. Anton __ Join Freeserve http://www.freeserve.com/time/ Winner of the 2003 Internet Service Providers' Association awards for Best Unmetered ISP and Best Consumer Application.
Re: LX Motor Drive Problem
One of my LX winders would stop with the red light on indicating the end of the roll (when only part way through) the camera would lock up and I'd have to switch the winder off and then on again. Not a disaster but inconvenient and sometimes I'd miss a shot. I tried new batteries to no avail. I cleaned the battery terminals and the ends of the batteries thoroughly and it has been fine ever since and winding noticeably faster. I have since cleaned every accessible contact on all my equipment. I'm a musician and I frequently have problems with intermittent contacts on plugs and sockets. It seems that a layer of pollution/corrosion/oxidisation builds up and reduces conductivity, this is well know in hi-fi circles and elaborate - and of course extremely expensive - products are available claiming to give ultra conductivity. Magazine reviews seem to bear them out. My suggestion is to clean all batteries and contacs regularly, don't touch any surfaces with your hands afterwards, use a cloth or some such to reassemble. Anton __ Join Freeserve http://www.freeserve.com/time/ Winner of the 2003 Internet Service Providers' Association awards for Best Unmetered ISP and Best Consumer Application.
LENS it is, LENSE it is not
Don't wish to be boring but can we eradicate the growing tendency to stick an e on the end of lens. It's incorrect, unnecessary, and a waste of a keystroke. Unless of course these folk are using the Tasmanian Aboriginal spelling, in which case I apologise profusely AB __ Join Freeserve http://www.freeserve.com/time/ Winner of the 2003 Internet Service Providers' Association awards for Best Unmetered ISP and Best Consumer Application.
Creep No More
I have fashioned an inexpensive solution to my LX creeping when positioned vertically on a tripod with a 300 or similar heavy lens. I use Manffrotto quick release hex plates. On these plates there are some redundant holes (I'm sure they are there for a reason but I haven't discovered one - apart from this) you can utilise one of the holes to secure a bracket that butts up against the back edge of the base of the camera. I put a narrow strip of leather on the face of my brackets to prevent scratching. With this secured in place you only need to finger tighten the plate to the camera base and the camera won't creep. The plates I have done for my LX's also work on the MX K1000 KX (I guess the relationship of the tripod socket to the camera back must be very similar). With the latest plate that I have done for my monopod. I got lazy, I simply bolted a small rubber foot (as found on the bottom of hi-fi amps etc.) to the hole and it was the perfect diameter... very easy. Anton __ Join Freeserve http://www.freeserve.com/time/ Winner of the 2003 Internet Service Providers' Association awards for Best Unmetered ISP and Best Consumer Application.
Re: Creep No More
that's cheap only if you have already bought into a Manfrotto with their hex quick release system. the least expensive head is already more than he was going to pay, let alone tripod legs that take the head. Very true but I was posting for others who may have a problem as well. That said I'm sure that a little thought and the judicious use of a drill would enable Jim to fashion something for next to nothing on his Slik. AB __ Join Freeserve http://www.freeserve.com/time/ Winner of the 2003 Internet Service Providers' Association awards for Best Unmetered ISP and Best Consumer Application.
RE: WARNING: an honest Pentax question!
Cotty Okay, I've had one and one half bottles of wine, so judge as you may. Are you sure the mirror went up??? I have discovered that the MX has a design fault. The interlock system that prevents the firing of the shutter until fully wound on, is crude. Apparently a Pentax designer/engineer wanted to improve it in an update but the LX was on the cards and the demise of the M series already in view. It is possible to wind the MX on not quite fully (this is very fine, a matter of less than 1mm before full travel) and then fire the shutter. In this instance the mirror does not flip but the shutter fires resulting in a blank frame. I used my CLA'd MX for a year with no trouble and then suddenly noticed this behaviour. I contacted my tech (Harrow Technical) in the UK and he explained the above to me. He adjusted the interlock and it is now very much better. I suggest you use the MX making sure you wind on fully to the stop every time and see if the problem disappears. With patience you can induce the fault by deliberately winding on to just before the stop (this is very fine but strangely very easy to do when you're winding on for real) and then firing the shutter (if you can't fire it, wind on just the tiniest bit more) if you get it 'right' you'll hear the click of the shutter but the mirror sound and movement will be absent. Let us know if this is the problem. Regards Anton __ Join Freeserve http://www.freeserve.com/time/ Winner of the 2003 Internet Service Providers' Association awards for Best Unmetered ISP and Best Consumer Application.
Re: pentax smc 500mm f4.5 or tamron 400mm f4?? suggestions
The 'compression' of the planes, or 'telephoto' effect, would be just the same in an image taken with a 28 mm wide angle lens as one made using a 500 mm or any other telephoto. I may have said this before ... a couple of years ago. Don Okay, apologies, we all learnt long ago that perspective is a function of viewpoint and not the lens but I stand by my observation. The 'APPARENT' compression of planes is much more noticeable with the 500mm. This is a practical not a theoretical issue. In theory we could all buy just one lens, a 14mm and enlarge from there. Maybe we'll do that when digital photography gives us infinite resolution. Don, your statement is correct but not very helpful considering the enquiry, thanks for the correction anyway. AB __ Join Freeserve http://www.freeserve.com/time/ Winner of the 2003 Internet Service Providers' Association awards for Best Unmetered ISP and Best Consumer Application.
Re: pentax smc 500mm f4.5 or tamron 400mm f4?? suggestions
Hi I have just acquired - and have been using - a late version SMC 500 4.5, I also have an SMC-A 400 5.6. The telephoto effect and the compression of planes is much more noticeable with the 500mm lens. The manual diaphragm is a slight drag but not too bad with an auto camera. I focus at f4.5 and then close the diaphragm down to shoot and let auto take care of the shutter speed. I imagine it will be a pain on a manual only body. The 500 is a beast, my Manfrotto 055 with heavy duty ball head is not really man enough for the job, interestingly a bean bag kinda works better. It is heavy and cumbersome and you have to want to use it. It's listed at £2,400 on the Pentax UK site. I saw mine advertised on Loot.com for £195 - as you can imagine I grabbed it - when I went to collect, I was told I had been the only interested party I would say it's worth paying anything up to £800 for a good late one. It really depends on how much you want it and whether you're prepared to lug the thing about. AB __ Join Freeserve http://www.freeserve.com/time/ Winner of the 2003 Internet Service Providers' Association awards for Best Unmetered ISP and Best Consumer Application.
Re: Little Pentax quiz (Keep Guessing!)
Is it the little orange shutter cocked indicator? Regards Anton __ Freeserve AnyTime - Go online whenever you want for just £6.99 a month for your first 3 months, that's HALF PRICE! And then it's just £14.99 a month after that. For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
THE ICELANDERS
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FS on www.loot.com 50mm 1.2 £150
Search under Pentax. I have just got home with his SMC 500mm f4.5 (new version) in great condition for £195. Genuine guy offering bargains. Also a 135 f2.5 for £75 (don't know if it's Takumar or SMC. Good luck AB __ Freeserve AnyTime - Go online whenever you want for just £6.99 a month for your first 3 months, that's HALF PRICE! And then it's just £14.99 a month after that. For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Re: Spotmatic at Work
'The boss said I'm free to take it home and use it, it just has to remain NIST property.' I would go right ahead, let it remain their property for 1000 years, I'd get the CLA done too - keep the receipt of course just in case. AB __ Freeserve AnyTime - Go online whenever you want for just £6.99 a month for your first 3 months, that's HALF PRICE! And then it's just £14.99 a month after that. For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Re: *IST SLR On sale in the UK?
Yup, most things here in the UK are 50%-100% more expensive than the USA and other places... but then I guess the majority of the population of this planet haven't even got... AB __ Freeserve AnyTime - Go online whenever you want for just £6.99 a month for your first 3 months, that's HALF PRICE! And then it's just £14.99 a month after that. For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Re: *ist D price issues (WAS: Re: *Ist focusing issues)
I'm concerned that Canon or Nikon, with their deep pockets, will lower the prices of their DLSRs just long enough to knock Pentax out of the race. I don't think that will happen as long as Pentax don't over-price. There are thousands, no I guess millions of screw and K mount lenses out there and I imagine their owners are all watching the Pentax DSLR scene and - like myself - drifting closer closer. Nikon Canon can't do anything for us. AB __ Freeserve AnyTime - Go online whenever you want for just £6.99 a month for your first 3 months, that's HALF PRICE! And then it's just £14.99 a month after that. For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Re: bitch and moan
'It's all been positive as far as I have read. Heck if this *ist-D is under a grand I'd get one!' And if it's not you'd. bitch moan bitch moan bitch moan bitch moan bitch moan bitch moan bitch moan bitch moan bitch moan? AB :-) __ Freeserve AnyTime - Go online whenever you want for just £6.99 a month for your first 3 months, that's HALF PRICE! And then it's just £13.99 a month after that. For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Re: Bodies: K2 vs. KX vs. LX
I think it has to be the LX, for the meter that can go to minutes, the TTL flash - and later when your funds have recovered - the waist level and angle finders. The mirror lock-up on the MX seems to be a 'fortunate' bug but on mine it's unreliable. Tap the shutter too hard and it fires, too lightly and nothing happens, it has to be just so. There's also the question of whether this practice damages the mechanism! Seems to me the LX has everything you need so no contest. In two years time you'll have forgotten about the expense. Anton __ Freeserve AnyTime - Go online whenever you want for just £6.99 a month for your first 3 months, that's HALF PRICE! And then it's just £13.99 a month after that. For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
LX Erratic Shutter
I finally received my erratic-shutter LX back from Pentax Europe with the erratic shutter still fully in evidence. I took it in to Pentax UK in slough and confronted the Technical Supervisor once agtain, he tested the camera and confirmed the behaviour he then said there's nothing we can do, Pentax Europe is the end of the line. He offered me an 'upgrade' to an MZ-S or a refund. I didn't even ask what the upgrade offer was but simply accepted the refund. I have used my current excess of LX's to run some tests and 50% of them have this behaviour and 3200 ISO on Auto, there is no rhyme or reason that I can figure. The oldest and the latest models have the fault/bug so it's not serial number related. The guys on the PDML ran the test and the result was roughly 50% One guy was dismayed that all three of his behaved this way, another Italian member had four LX's and none of his misbehaved. I now simply use the camera on manual if I'm on 3200 or 1600 (the fault can occur on 1600 occasionally) or I'll use a camera that doesn't display this behaviour. It remains a mystery. This camera went to Harrow technical and was kept for 3/4 months whilst Robin swapped CPU's, ASA resistors, timing switches etc. etc. then he gave it to a colleague... no joy. It then went to Pentax UK and then to Pentax UK again, and then to Pentax UK yet again... they sent it to Pentax Europe... still not fixed. It works very well and has had all sorts of parts replaced but what is it that causes this problem? Surely if they systematically replaced every part in the camera they'd find it... but they've near as damn it done that. Dunno Anton __ Freeserve AnyTime - Go online whenever you want for just £6.99 a month for your first 3 months, that's HALF PRICE! And then it's just £13.99 a month after that. For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Some Protest Snaps
Well done Peter ( Australia). I was part of the March in London (my first ever) reported as being well in excess of 1 million people and some reports claim nearer 2 million. The biggest ever march in Britain! Are you listening Tony? I took my KX with 105 2.8 and an old original metal Olympus Trip. The KX stayed in the bag and the Trip with its small dimensions, preset focus and basic selenium cell auto exposure was frequently hoisted above my head to hopefully catch the unbelievable turn-out for peace that swelled the city of London. There were plenty of photographers and a surprising number of older mechanical beasts (cameras not the people - who were extremely good natured; only 3 arrests for minor offences) from various stables. I spotted two K1000s close by me. Many photographers clambered onto buildings, traffic lights and other structures and must have been rewarded with fantastic views. I just shuffled along with the throng but got some nice shots (I hope) of the marchers with the various statues honouring Britain's warring past in the background. Nelson's Column and the like. Rather ironic! Anton __ Freeserve AnyTime - Go online whenever you want for just £6.99 a month for your first 3 months, that's HALF PRICE! And then it's just £13.99 a month after that. For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
LX TTL Multi-Flash advice please
I am booked to do a female portrait session. I have had some success before using natural light and the Lastolite Triflector. This lady however requires the photos to be taken in the evening on return from the hairdresser... natural light is out (it's dark by 19:00 in the UK in February). I have two AF400T's flashguns and a couple of AF280T's a distributor box and cables. I have just ordered two Lastolite Umbrella Boxes. My idea is to play it safe and bounce the two AF400T's into the Umbrella boxes so they reflect at 45 degrees to the subject and to fill in underneath and to the lower sides with the Triflector. I will maybe use one of the AF280Ts as a hair light. I'm hoping that the TTL flash on the LX will take care of the exposure and that I'll get shadowless flattering lighting (boring I know but I don't like doing a session with an unfamiliar set-up and I just want to get decent results, so no experimenting). Any ideas/advice? Anton __ Freeserve AnyTime - Go online whenever you want for just £6.99 a month for your first 3 months, that's HALF PRICE! And then it's just £13.99 a month after that. For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Re: I've converted to the dark ( digital ) side!!!!
Hey Brendan How nuts will they go when in as little as 2 months (in my experience) the picture starts fading away to oblivion. Never mind I guess, just print another one. Someone could make money out of this (I mean other than ink manufacturers) you could keep selling the same picture to the same person! Just kidding. AB __ Freeserve AnyTime - Go online whenever you want for just £6.99 a month for your first 3 months, that's HALF PRICE! And then it's just £13.99 a month after that. For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Re: Sigma 14mm 2.8 ???
www.westcliffphoto.com This U.K. camera shop is listing a Pentax 15mm/3.5 in E++/M- condition for £449 (Euro 687 - $743) if you're interested. AB __ Freeserve AnyTime - Go online whenever you want for just £6.99 a month for your first 3 months, that's HALF PRICE! And then it's just £13.99 a month after that. For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Re: DSLR lifspan
Well I missed the original message so Peter's comments about chalk marks on buildings comes out a little bit cryptic. Anyway I read in Amateur Photographer that Canon is to phase out the D60... after a lifetime of less than one year! A taste of what's to come I imagine. Me? Well my turntable (record player) is still working and sounding great along with my 6X7 both are circa '74 AB __ Freeserve AnyTime - Go online whenever you want for just £6.99 a month for your first 3 months, that's HALF PRICE! And then it's just £13.99 a month after that. For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Re: FA* 24 f2.0
Joseph I bought an 85mm A*, the guy was very honest he mentioned a small black speck on an internal element. He told me that he was disapointed when he received the lens as mint from a shop and considered returning it. He didn't and used it for a few years; the lens worked fine. I went ahead and bought the lens despite the 1mm speck and it is fantastic. A nice little twist is that recently the speck has vanished! Okay it has probably disloged and gone out of view. maybe it will return but maybe it won't. If you want the lens go ahead and keep it, you might consider negotiating a reduction. All the best Anton __ Freeserve AnyTime - Go online whenever you want for just £6.99 a month for your first 3 months, that's HALF PRICE! And then it's just £13.99 a month after that. For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Re: Good Deal on a 67?
Yes I think it's a good deal and yes, I think 6X7 prices are falling. There are loads of them in UK shops recently and I think it's down to digital, I suspect folk are selling to release funds for a DSLR. If you've got a 67 and are thinking of selling I reckon now is the time to do it. In two years time I don't think they'll be worth too much... except to people like me you. AB __ Freeserve AnyTime - Go online whenever you want for just £6.99 a month for your first 3 months, that's HALF PRICE! And then it's just £13.99 a month after that. For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Nice Site
An enthusiast for sure: http://members28.cool.ne.jp/~khmhk/index.html You have to rummage a bit but nice photos of the LX and some of the special Pentax lenses. Most of the text in Japanese... oh well. Anton p.s. thanks to Rob (I think). __ Freeserve AnyTime - Go online whenever you want for just £6.99 a month for your first 3 months, that's HALF PRICE! And then it's just £13.99 a month after that. For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Re: Diffusion options for 280T flash
I use a universal Soften on my 280 the only possible disadvantage is that you have to put the self-adhesive holder on top of the gun. It's small enough but may mark the surface, I've never removed mine so I don't know for sure. Anton __ Freeserve AnyTime - Go online whenever you want for just £6.99 a month for your first 3 months, that's HALF PRICE! And then it's just £13.99 a month after that. For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Re: Lovely pictures
It's so cute how pentax-fan has attempted to black out the Contax engraving on the 135mm hood :-) Oh, is that what it is? I did think the 135 hood looked a bit tatty. But the Pentax 135 A* hood is no good (it's actually for a 645 zoom). I have constructed a hood for mine out of a 77mm straight Heliopan hood that's not long enough, but handily has a thread on its front end into which I have screwed a beat up Nikon hood and together they do a good job of shading the big front element. Sadly they're different colours and finshes and the whole set-up looks a bit odd. I have had on order for two months now, a B+W 77mm tele hood which should do the business and look okay... whether it will ever turn up is another matter. AB __ Freeserve AnyTime - Go online whenever you want for just £6.99 a month for your first 3 months, that's HALF PRICE! And then it's just £13.99 a month after that. For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Re: Macro Pics of BW flowers
I'm interested in looking at sample photos of flowers, close ups (i.e. w/ macro lens), shot in BW. Anyone have any personal favorites, or a web site to refer me to? Funny you should ask that Steve, there are a few here (http://home.att.net/~alnem/html/new.html) I came across them only a few minutes ago and thought it strange to use bw for flowers but the more I looked the more I liked and then decided to try some myself. Shortly after that I read your post! Regards Anton __ Freeserve AnyTime - Go online whenever you want for just £6.99 a month for your first 3 months, that's HALF PRICE! And then it's just £13.99 a month after that. For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
LX Winder... yea or nay?
I have recently acquired some LX winders for a good price that I may keep or sell on. I have never used winders before and I'm in two minds, they are lovely gadgets for sure and a convenience on some occasions. They make the LX look a tad SERIOUS however and draw attention. They also increase weight, bulk and noise. When I take them off I find I now often forget to wind on! I guess they're a bit all or nothing, either keep them on all the time or off thus avoiding confusion. Dunno whether to keep them... any thoughts, suggestions, observations? Anton __ Freeserve AnyTime - Go online whenever you want for just £6.99 a month for your first 3 months, that's HALF PRICE! And then it's just £13.99 a month after that. For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Re: buying a K2 and a KX, advice?
Hello Rodelion My experience with my KX has been fine - meter working and spot on. It's worth mentioning that these cameras are approaching thirty years old. The mirror box foam will be rotting and the light trapping around the back will be turning to goo and lubricants will be dry. I think everyone should factor in the cost of a CLA as a matter of course - at which time the meter can be calibrated. An earlier reply seems to suggest that a dead meter is not repairable, I don't know about that, perhaps you could ring a service facility and ask. The KX has all the features I like: No battery dependance ISO goes to 6400 (MX only to 1600!!??) Mirror-up and timer useable (LX you can't use the timer with the mirror up) Aperture in viewfinder (not so on non-drive K2) User friendly match-needle metering. In some ways I think it was a pinnacle of Pentax cameras. I like the MX but why no lock-up and only 1600 on this later camera? Anton ___ Freeserve AnyTime, only £13.99 per month with one month's FREE trial! For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
K A 24mm f2.8 the same?
The K and A 24mm lenses are the same are they not? Apart from appearance. Thanks Anton ___ Freeserve AnyTime, only £13.99 per month with one month's FREE trial! For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Re: Epson cartridge life
I Have had some success rejuvenating Epson heads by using a head-flush cartridge. General opinion seems to be that it's not worth having heads replaced as Epson charges as much as a new printer. The head-flush worked well for me and my '97 Stylus Colour (err sorry, should that be color) 800 continues to give good service. I'm glad I didn't take out that expensive three year extended warranty when I bought it. Anton ___ Freeserve AnyTime, only £13.99 per month with one month's FREE trial! For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Re: pentax UK repair dept
Hello Jeff I'm sorry to learn of the dreadful service you received from Pentax UK. I'm afraid my story is no better. Pentax UK had my recently serviced LX in for a very specific repair, they said their repair involved servicing again as that's how they do it (dismantle and check all components and re-assemble) the camera was returned three weeks later and I immediately noticed that the fault was still present, I sent the camera back the same day. They kept it another two weeks and returned it... it was still faulty. I spoke to your Mr Jetha and asked for a refund as I had been clear and specific in my repair request. Mr Jetha argued the toss finally saying that the camera was working to specification and he'd send me a letter to say so, he then more or less told me to go away. At this point I made the decision to pay a visit. I duly turned up with the camera and within seconds had displayed the fault to the sullen Mr Jetha. He fiddled with the camera and observed the fault for himself. He then muttered about sending the camera to Pentax Europe and this is what he did. Three weeks later I'm still waiting. Mr Jetha never once apologised. He'd had the camera twice and was finally denying that there was any fault. I went to the considerable trouble of visiting and within seconds it was plain that he was wrong but he said nothing, no apology, no simple courtesy. One final point that sums it up for me. When leaving the camera I wanted to remove the strap so I asked for a screwdriver to push the tabs on the LX fasteners. Mr Jetha (the Technical Supervisor remember) couldn't lay hands on a screwdriver so returned with a pair of sharp pointed tweezers - one slip and you either stab your fingers or scratch the camera. A pitiful and disappointing display. Regards Anton ___ Freeserve AnyTime, only £13.99 per month with one month's FREE trial! For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Re: K 28mm f2 (floating element)
An interesting site but the link is wrong, it points to a Distagon 35mm lens in K mount (how rare is that?). The link to the 28 is below, I can't read Japanese and my computer won't display it properly anyway so don't know what it says. http://members28.cool.ne.jp/~khmhk/camera/smcp28.html Paul sent me a load of info that might be of interest: Anton, I saw your posts about the SMC 28/2K. What a deal you got! I paid $275 for mine in December 2000 and sold it this year for about $300. I preferred the color of my Vivitar 28/!.9K, but the Pentax is probably a better overall lens with better geometric and color accuracy. My collected comments follow: Looks similar to the 35/2. Preceded the M; Much longer and heavier than M and A. Floating rear element has a movement of its own. Detlef Lannert: The picture quality seems quite good; it has no noticeable distortion which may be due to the unusual construction. There were two kinds of f/2s: one had a FREE (fixed rear element), in the other, the barrel with all elements and groups moves back and forth during focusing. Which is better? Dario Bonazza: The Zeiss Distagon 2/28 and the SMC Pentax 2/28 had identical optical layout and floating system (joint design). Yoshi: My personal ranking for Pentax 28m lenses are follows; K28/3.5, K28/2, M28/3.5 , FA28/2.8AL, M28/2.8 (old), M28/2.8 (later), A28/2.8, F28/2.8. Go for K28/2 or FA28/2.8AL when the extra speed is needed. Keep away from M/A/F series 28mm lenses because of their relatively poor performances, IMHO. Yoshi: Hama's rectangular hood (52mm) is the best hood I have ever seen for K28/3.5, K24/2.8, K28/2, K30/2.8, K35/2, and K35/3.5 in my experience. . According to Yoshihiko Takinamii's tests (www.phred.org/pentax/k/lenses/), the best aperture is f/8-f/11; avg. center res 83 lpm, avg. corner res. 65 lpm. Yoshi, Sept 2000: I still like the two old K lenses, K28/2 and K28/3.5,among all the Pentax 28mm lenses old and new. Danny Gonzolez: There was a collaboration between Zeiss and Pentax and that collaboration shows evidence of having produced more than the K2, the K mount and SMC multicoating. The 15/3.5, 28/2, 135/1.8 and some other lenses are roundly thought of as being a product of the relationship. The 15 and the 28 are both optically identical to later produced Contax products and, it would seem to me that Zeiss would not compromise their pride by releasing 'copies' of Pentax designed lenses. Danny Gonzolez: Finally, I am not aware of a 2/28 or 1.8/135 lens for the Contax SLR system. The Zeiss 28/2 has gone the way of the 70-210/3.5, 40-80/3.5, 85/2.8, 100/3.5, 200/3.5 and the 135/2 lenses; a sample I played with was terrible wide open, so I don't feel it was a great loss. There are many people who have high praise for the lens and since they've put it through more of its paces, I'll defer to their opinions. Bob Walkden: Hi, The primes I liked best were the SMC-K 28/2, SMC-M 35/2, the SMC A* 85/1.4 and the SMC-A 400/5.6. This does not necessarily mean that these provided the best optical or technical quality, but rather that I enjoyed using them, got a high percentage of good photos from them, and found their handling to be excellent. 1979 German review (via Arnold Stark): This fast wide angle lens has floating elements, meaning that at close focusing a correcting lens group moves. Thus the picture quality at close focus is improved.) I very much doubt that there is a second version of the K28/f2 - the M28/f2 was introduced only four years after the K28/f2 had been introduced. Bob Walkden: From: Bob Walkden [EMAIL PROTECTED] Where did you get this information about 2 versions? I have a lenses accessories catalogue (06771) which features only one version of the K lens, which is the one I used to have, and has this to say: SMC Pentax 28mm f/2 This lens utilizes a deluxe lens construction of 9 elements in 8 groups, including a floating group of elements to completely eliminate aberrations. Thus, both outstanding performance and high speed are characteristics of this lens. ___ Freeserve AnyTime, only £13.99 per month with one month's FREE trial! For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Re: K 28mm f2 (floating element)
Whoops! Sorry Rob, you correctly mention that the link is to a 32mm custom lens and not the 28mm Anton ___ Freeserve AnyTime, only £13.99 per month with one month's FREE trial! For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Re: My December photo project for fun and hopefully profit
Looks good, good luck. Anton ___ Freeserve AnyTime, only £13.99 per month with one month's FREE trial! For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Re: K 28mm f2 (floating element)
Thanks for the info Bob It was going for £50 ($79) so I bought it. It's a very chunky lens for a 28mm, a bit like a 135 f3.5 M but heavier and very solid. I'll be using it tomorrow. AB ___ Freeserve AnyTime, only £13.99 per month with one month's FREE trial! For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Re: 50/1.2 (was Re: Depth of Field Preview)
I think you mean that you couldn't see any difference in depth of field. Not brightness - am I correct? I doubt that you'd notice any difference in depth of field between 1.4 1.2 in camera on the focussing screen. You'd have to do a test, close focus on something and shoot at both apertures and then enlarge the result to at least 10 X 8 you may then see a difference. I too have a 1.2 and a 1.4 and there's very little difference (1/2 a stop?), there is a massive difference in price of course and the 1.2 looks kinda nice and err... oversize. Anton ___ Freeserve AnyTime, only £13.99 per month with one month's FREE trial! For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Re: Available lighting tips
Hello Pat Have you considered using a 2X converter - combined the lens may be over 70mm but as separate items you may get through security. You may also find a monopod useful if allowed - it gives you about two extra stops. I have found Fuji 1600 to be good, I have just tried the new Konica 1600 but had it processed by a different company so my slight disappointment may be down to the processing, but it wasn't a disaster. You could try rating Kodak Portra 400 colour process black white film at 1600 instead of 400 - it doesn't need to be push processed and your colour lab can run it through. It comes out a little flat at this speed though. I have used Kodak 3200 (witness my troubles with the erratic shutter of the LX on Auto at this speed) it produces atmospheric and grainy prints, the grain on faces sometimes makes it look like folk have got measles though, I have read that the Ilford offering is less grainy. Regards Anton ___ Freeserve AnyTime, only £13.99 per month with one month's FREE trial! For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Re: LX is ISO 6400
This is a new one on me, I knew the LX went from 1600 to 3200 but know nothing about 6400. Interestingly the earlier KX goes to 6400 Anton ___ Freeserve AnyTime, only £13.99 per month with one month's FREE trial! For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
LX Erratic Shutter (Illuminati)
More stuff and pastes - a bit of a rambling jumble I'm afraid. Anton said: 'A final thought: After twenty odd years, Pentax MUST know about this, don't you think. William said: 'One would think so, but then, this is Pentax we are talking about.. They sometimes work in strange ways. Did they actually tell you there was no problem? Or did they tell you the camera was working within normal parameters?' Anton replies: Actually the Pentax response was a little strange. On the phone the Technical Supervisor kept repeating that the camera was working to specification, we then went round in circles as I tried to establish that he'd actually witnessed what I was talking about. He didn't admit that he had and went on about working to spec again. He then - rather oddly I thought - offered to send me a letter confirming this. Why would I want that? The letter's not going to magic the camera into working 'properly' - perhaps he was hinting that I should sell the camera, recently CLA'd and up to spec along with the note from Pentax to prove it. I wouldn't do that, but even if I did I'd unwittingly go buy another, put it on 1600 or 3200 and... be back to square one - except this other would probably have a sticky mirror as well!!). I finished by saying I would visit and demonstrate the fault to him. I backed this up by letter saying that if I demonstrated this fault successfully to the Technical Supervisor then I would expect either a refund or the camera to be properly repaired. All this took place before the PDML folk revealed that it's not just my camera but seemingly so far, every single one. I'm inclined now to let it rest though I would like to visit just to see what he says as my camera fires off a couple of 1/2000 when it should be 1 Sec. His response would be interesting. Might just do it. Anton And the next one please... There is another similar 'bug' which you should be aware of, I believe the ME Super has it too. Set the camera up as before but any ISO will do. Make sure you select an aperture that causes a slow speed so you can HEAR what's happening. Keep your eye on the LED's and fire repeatedly. You will notice that every time the LED's extinguish just prior to firing the shutter, that exposure will be about 1/3 faster. Unfortunately keeping pressing the shutter button to keep the meter activated doesn't work because each press doesn't extend the timer. The only way round it that I've discovered is to notice when the meter switches off and then switch it back on again, pause and then fire the shutter - but I can't be doing with this in the heat of the fray. This isn't so bad as it only results in 1/3 to 1/2 half stop under exposure. Some slide film users might argue that this is unacceptable in a pro camera. Print film users like me scarcely notice. What we need to know: Does the first (and more major) 'fault' happen only at 3200 1600 - I've had some at 800 and slower, so I guess I've answered that one. Does it only happen on slow speeds - I can only HEAR it on slow speed but then everything faster than 1/60-ish sounds very similar, a test machine is needed. Perhaps someone should put info on a web page so we can organise our work-arounds? Anton ___ Freeserve AnyTime, only £13.99 per month with one month's FREE trial! For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Praise be to Illuminati
Thank you all for pulling through. Now I know I'm not mad or jinxed and I can stop spending money and getting nowhere and start figuring how best to work around the behaviour... like errr use the LX on manual. It is disappointing to discover a flaw/bug such as this but better to know than not. I think Pentax knows but won't admit. The technical Supervisor kept telling me 'the camera is functioning correctly and to manufacturers specification'. He didn't mention that the specification includes unusable Auto at 3200 1600 On a happier note, surely this is the PDML (I'm a new member) at it's very, very best. How else could I have confirmed this so quickly and diversely, thank you all once again and a final thank you to Robin of Harrow Technical for going way beyond the call of duty and replacing everything he could think of to try and fix my LX Anton ___ Freeserve AnyTime, only £13.99 per month with one month's FREE trial! For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Help from LX Illuminati
LX Users If you have the time and inclination, would you carry out a test on your cameras please. Below is a paste from a letter to Pentax UK regarding my LX. Please carry out a test on your LX as described below: 'I am returning the enclosed camera as the specific fault mentioned when sent in for repair (see copy of original letter) is still in evidence. The original letter details the fault but Ill explain again. The fault is erratic exposures on Auto when set at 3200 ISO. I am aware that no film in the camera will cause longer exposures due to the reduced reflectivity of the pressure plate. The fault occurs with film and without film. I am also aware that the LX (and the ME Super apparently) give shorter exposures if the LED's extinguish just prior to releasing the shutter. This seems to happen on all of them and is perhaps best described as a bug; it is not the fault that Im experiencing - though it is similar. · Set the camera on a tripod facing steady illumination, set the ISO dial to 3200, the shutter to Auto and select an aperture that gives an indicated exposure of ¼ of one second or less (this is so the shutter fires slowly enough for you to hear whats going on) without film the camera will give an exposure of about 2 seconds. · Repeatedly fire several exposures and you will hear that about four in every twenty are obviously shorter, some so short that they must be faster than 1/60th (with 1/60th and shorter exposures, the sound is indistinguishable). In the field this results in gross underexposure. As the ISO speed is lowered this happens less and less, indeed even at 1600 I fired 20 test exposures and they were all fine. Unfortunately much of my photography is low light with fast lenses and fast film so this is an issue. I was prepared to ditch the camera (or resign it to manual only use) as I cant sell it not working properly but I considered your repair charge of £104.98 to be a worthwhile investment in having a useable camera.' IMPORTANT - Would you also let me know which shutter you have:- Cock the shutter, lock up the mirror and look through the lens mount at the cocked shutter curtain. If it is uniformly covered in white dots you have shutter (1) the early shutter. If it has two dots 'missing' top and bottom centre you have shutter (2) the latest shutter. I suspect that this is an anomaly of the later shutter only but I may be wrong. Your help is much appreciated. Thank you Anton Browne ___ Freeserve AnyTime, only £13.99 per month with one month's FREE trial! For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
More help from LX Illuminati
Thank you for your replies and responses. I shoot singers in low light situations (web site to come) I use 3200 ISO film with 50mm 1.2, 85mm 1.4 135mm 1.8 lenses wide open, a monopod is employed. Shutter speeds are 1/15 to 1/60. Using a slower film results in movement blur (believe me, blurred mouths are not attractive). The concentration for focusing alone is enough to make me sweat, the 135 wide open has minuscule depth of focus and of course the singers are swaying back and forth. Slower film is out of the question, a tripod is no use because movement blur excludes slower shutter speeds and I dont think Pentax or anyone else makes f0.1 lenses!!! The 3200 setting it is then. Robin of Harrow Technical has done a fine job of CLA-ing my 6X7, K100, KX MX, I sent him the troublesome LX for a CLA and pointed out the erratic shutter on Auto at 3200. The camera was returned serviced but the erratic shutter persisted. I sent it back and Robin ended up keeping it for several months. He cleaned and then replaced the ISO circuit board, he then replaced the CPU and board twice. He cleaned and adjusted the timing switches, etc. etc. in short he exhausted all possibilities. Robin considered it a matter of professional pride and persuaded me to let him keep the camera a while longer, this was so he could take it to a colleague. Alas, eventually he admitted defeat and returned the camera still faulty. It was then that I decided to send it to Pentax UK. Pentax UK inspected the camera and said they could fix and CLA for £104. This was cheaper that buying another so I said go-ahead. The camera was returned (CLAd again!) but hey! The shutter was still erratic, back it went to Pentax UK, back it came to me but hey! The shutter was still erratic. I phoned the Technical Supervisor who said there is nothing wrong with the camera he then sent a letter to this effect. Pentax UK may not consider an exposure of 1/500th when it should be 1 sec to be wrong but I do. Whilst this was going on I purchased a supposedly mint- LX from a mail order shop, it had the newer shutter. I tested the camera and can you believe it displayed the same problem. I sent it back for refund. In the meantime Robin told me he had two LXs in for sale, one with the first shutter and one with the second. I asked him to test them and lo and behold the LX with the second shutter displayed erratic timing on 3200. The LX with the first shutter did not. (my other LX with first shutter does not either) I thank you for your responses but none of you has actually run the test. I know its a pain but it only takes five minutes. At present my feeling is that all second shutter LXs will display this fault at 3200 ISO. Have I just had a run of bad luck or can you confirm this? If you run the test I can put it to rest. Are you up for it? Thank you Anton Browne ___ Freeserve AnyTime, only £13.99 per month with one month's FREE trial! For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
Re: New scanner
Hello I too have read on several occasions - in computer mags - that Windows 98 will not benefit from more than 512 MB of RAM. You may have 1G installed but maybe it makes no difference; you would have to do a test to confirm. Certainly I found the move from 256 to 384 insignificant. 128 to 256 did make a noticeable difference though. As a final thought, are you sure your computer fell over? Sometimes with massive files it looks like it has crashed and is doing nothing and won't respond. However, if you go away and make and drink a cup of tea and come back in 15 mins it will have finished (sometimes it take in excess of half an hour!!!) Regards Anton ___ Freeserve AnyTime, only £13.99 per month with one month's FREE trial! For more information visit http://www.freeserve.com/time/ or call free on 0800 970 8890
