Fare Thee Well
Hi all, I've decided to leave the PDML. I've been lurking in silence (mostly) for so long that I don't feel like there's much here for me anymore. It's crazy to think I've been a member for ten years, including seven appearances in the PDML Photo Annuals. There was a time when I was a pretty active list member, especially back when I worked at Reed's Cameras and would occasionally get the scoop on new models. I don't think I told anyone this, but I got me and my Pentax rep in trouble because I accidentally shared the dealer cost of an unreleased Pentax DSLR (K10D?) rather than the list price. Thankfully no one seemed to believe me and no further harm was done. Suffice to say, you folks paid a lot more for your K10Ds than I did. ;) Actually, I hope no one who tried to order one through me holds a grudge for what happened after I was laid off in October of 2006. That whole fiasco still bothers me. I sometimes see my old boss around town, but he won't look me in the eye. I'm pretty sure there was a lot of shady shit going on there, but I have no evidence beyond rumors and gut feelings. Anyway, I don't feel like I've been a part of this community for ages, and I generally just skim the subject lines delete the digest emails I get so many times each day. There doesn't seem to be much point in remaining subscribed. If anyone feels like keeping in touch, you can find me here: https://www.facebook.com/piratecapnjac https://plus.google.com/u/0/+JohnCelio/ on reddit.com as /u/neopifex in /r/pentax Thanks, everyone, for a decade of Pentaxian fun. May the PDML continue for decades to come. John Celio -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: PDML Photo Annual now available!
On Tue, May 19, 2015 at 1:21 AM, Mark Roberts postmas...@robertstech.com wrote: The 2015 edition is now officially live. I won't have ebooks ready for another day or two, but you can get the print editions now. Paperback: http://www.blurb.com/b/6217179-pdml-photo-annual-2015 Fantastic work, Mark! I'm once again very proud to be a part of this project. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT - Toronto in June
On Wed, Apr 29, 2015 at 7:24 PM, Bruce Walker bruce.wal...@gmail.com wrote: On Sun, Apr 26, 2015 at 5:04 PM, Knarf knarftheria...@gmail.com wrote: The Stephen Bulger Gallery on the west side is the best photo gallery in town. From May until June 20th they'll have what promises to be a wonderful Andr? Kert?sz exhibit. Frank, if you have plans to go to this, I'd love to walk around it with you if we could arrange that. I was reading the description of it in my Contact catalog today. Maybe we could organize something with John Celio? Maybe Dave could be coaxed out of his garage? I'd be up for that. I'll be on vacation from the 6th through the 13th, mostly just wandering around the city and trying not to think about work. The only thing I have planned for sure is the Blue Jays game on June 6th, and then a day trip to Niagra Falls at some point later that week (still need to figure that one out). John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT - Toronto in June
On Tue, Apr 28, 2015 at 6:35 PM, Steve Cottrell co...@seeingeye.tv wrote: On 27/4/15, David J Brooks, discombobulated, unleashed: Who says i have a bed. Dave hangs out more in his garage. I'm kinda regretting starting this thread... John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
OT - Toronto in June
Because we have at least one Toronto resident here, I thought I'd ask: What are some neat things to see or do in Toronto in mid-June? I'll be there for the first half of the month, first for the big ISMRM conference at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, and then a week on my own. I intend to see a Blue Jays game and take a day trip to Niagara Falls, but otherwise I'd like to explore the city. I like museums and trying local beers, stuff like that. Any suggestions would be most welcome. Thanks! John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Ridiculous Macro with a Q7
Last night I decided to have some fun with my Q7 and my macro extension equipment: http://imgur.com/a/Vou0k (three images) I'm pretty sure this experiment went beyond the resolving power of the lens. I shot at all sorts of apertures and could never get the image sharper than this. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Attention Pentax Q owners: Rare 3300mm f/4 lens...
On Mon, Feb 16, 2015 at 9:31 PM, Darren Addy pixelsmi...@gmail.com wrote: Actually, it is a 6x7 600mm f/4, but with the Q focal length multiplier... http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Excellent-PENTAX-TAKUMAR-600mm-F-4-w-Duralumin-Case-Japan-/191513740382 Should be QUITE the birding lens. I've tried my Q7 with my K 500mm f4.5 and M* 300mm f4. The 500 is just not sharp enough to produce a decent image. The 300, though, does a fine job. With the Q7's multiplier of 4.7 (it has a larger sensor than the original Q and Q10), it works out to 1410mm, which is more than enough for me. The 500 works out to 2350mm, and for the curious, this is what my Q7 looks like mounted on it: http://imgur.com/a/3cuA4. I don't have any photos made using this combination, but I do intend to produce some one day, since people (mostly on Reddit) keep asking. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Pre-2006 PDML archives?
Anyone know if there are any pre-2006 PDML archives floating around out there on the web? I was wondering how long it's been since I first joined, but the current archives only go back to 2006, and I know I was a member long before that. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Pre-2006 PDML archives?
On Sat, Feb 14, 2015 at 8:52 PM, pdml-requ...@pdml.net wrote: Anyone know if there are any pre-2006 PDML archives floating around out there on the web? I was wondering how long it's been since I first joined, but the current archives only go back to 2006, and I know I was a member long before that. Here ya go http://www.mail-archive.com/pdml%40pdml.net/msg221829.html 5 Jan 2005 Thanks, PJ and Brian. Ten years. Jeez... John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
PESO - Christmas Moon Portrait
A holiday portrait of our lovely satellite. Happy holidays, one and all! http://imgur.com/AkxdOMM (click the image for the full-res version!) Tech specs: Pentax Q7 and Pentax M* 300mm at f/11, 1/15 sec, ISO 200 John Celio -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: A sense of scale: Q7 and a 500mm lens
Darren wrote: I'm not saying that lens will be great on a digital, but I hope you turned the SR off (that's what asks you for the lens focal length) and used the long self-timer to allow vibrations to damp down before firing the shutter. I was using the timer, which turns off SR automatically. The effective FOV is closer to 2350mm (4.7x magnification with the Q7 and Q-S1) and this lens just isn't that sharp in the first place, so it's not something I'm going to actually use. I might, however, try it with the M* 300 when the Blue Angels are in town next month. 1410mm may be a little too much to hand-hold, though. ;) Also curious as to the brand of adapter you are using. Thx! It was this one by Fotodiox: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006NQ9T34. I also got their 110-to-Q adapter. Both adapters work fine, though they can be a tiny bit difficult to mount and remove from the Q body. The K-to-Q adapter has a ring that can adjust the lens aperture, which is a must. Since Auto 110 lenses don't have apertures built in (nor does the Q body), it's fortunate that the 110-to-Q adapter is just the right size to accept Lensbaby aperture disks. I haven't had a chance to experiment with either setup very much, but I hope to soon. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
A sense of scale: Q7 and a 500mm lens
So I put my Q7 on my Pentax K 500mm f4.5 lens: http://imgur.com/a/3cuA4 The lens is pretty awful on digital (lots of chromatic aberration and very soft) so I don't have any pics from the Q7 worth sharing. I just thought it would be funny to see. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Get with the times
Ricoh is not going to bring back the aperture simulator. Give it up and stop whining about it already! Supporting old lenses is not good for business, no matter how many old farts like JCO try to insist otherwise. Ricoh is in the business of selling cameras and NEW lenses, and their profits lie mostly in the latter. You should be appreciative of what support they've given and move on with your life. This is as good as it's going to get. Bullshit whining like this is why I'm a lurker here, rather than an active member like I was years ago. Cranky old farts complaining about new technology does not make for a fun environment for discussion. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Ever order from Ricoh/Pentax's Japan webstore?
Anyone have any experience ordering items from the Japanese Pentax webstore? There's no option for an English language version of the website, but I want to order something they offer there and not on the US Ricoh webstore. I can't tell if they offer international shipping, and a lot of important text can't be translated because it's in images that Google Translate can't read. I want a black or yellow 01 Prime to go with my yellow Q7. The yellow version is only on eBay and is pretty expensive, so I'm trying to see if it's possible to order the black one straight from Ricoh. Thanks, John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Enablement: A camera that matches my car
When buying a camera, it is important to make sure it matches your automobile. http://i.imgur.com/hJb1j1K.jpg That's my new Q7 and my 2001 Saturn SC2, which I've had for a little over a year and a half now. This little camera is pretty neat! I'm going to spend some time playing with it this weekend and am excited to see what it can do. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Silence
I live a lot closer to the epicenter than Larry or Godfrey, but it wasn't really that bad here in Concord. It felt like being in a tall building during a violent windstorm, even though my place is on the 1st floor. My parents live in Sonoma, which is very close to Napa and American Canyon. They lost some breakable things on shelves, but otherwise they're okay. There's lots of damage in wine country, but so far no reported loss of life. It looks like it could have been a lot worse than it was. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
New Q on the way
While technically still a rumor, the leaked images of a new Q camera are pretty convincing: http://www.slashgear.com/pentax-q-s1-mirrorless-camera-surfaces-in-leaks-01339466/ No details are available for the Q-S1's specs, but for now I'm assuming it'll be better in more ways than just a metal body. I'd been dying to buy a Q7 this summer, but I just knew there was going to be a new one announced the moment I bought it, so I waited. The only disappointing part of this is that there probably won't be a yellow and black version like the Q7, which I kinda wanted to get since it would match my car. ;D John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: New Pentax bridge camera: XG-1
On Mon, Jul 14, 2014 at 9:15 PM, Mark Roberts postmas...@robertstech.com wrote: What confuses me about this is that I thought Ricoh was going to have the Ricoh brand on compacts and the Pentax brand on SLRs. I wonder why they decided to call this one a Pentax. I suppose you gotta draw the dividing line somewhere. Apparently this is where. I asked Ricoh's @Pentaxian Twitter account and got this reply: We decided to market it under the PENTAX brand, our brand for SLR models, since it has an SLR-like design. https://twitter.com/PENTAXIAN/status/489066081743413249 Makes sense, actually. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: New Pentax bridge camera: XG-1
On Tue, Jul 15, 2014 at 6:57 PM, Brian Walters apathy...@lyons-ryan.org wrote: http://www.dpreview.com/articles/2746892255/ricoh-announces-pentax-xg-1-superzoom What confuses me about this is that I thought Ricoh was going to have the Ricoh brand on compacts and the Pentax brand on SLRs. I wonder why they decided to call this one a Pentax. Possibly of little interest to most of us but with Photokina just around the corner, I wonder what else we can expect in the next couple of months? It's a bit soon to replace the K-3 and I'm not expecting the mythical full frame to appear. What I'd really like to see is a large sensor mirrorless - m43 or aps-C, I don't really care - provided it has a viewfinder and a short lens to sensor distance (unlike the K-01). That's certainly something that would interest me. I'm on the verge of buying a Q7, but I'm doing my best to wait for Photokina just in case they come out with a new one. They've put out a new model every year so far, so it's certainly a possibility. A Q camera wouldn't replace my K-5, but it could certainly be a lot of fun. I could adapt both my K and Auto 110 lenses to it. My K 500mm would be some kind of ridiculous telescope with the Q's crop factor, and I could even get it in black and yellow, to match my car. ;D John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
New Pentax bridge camera: XG-1
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/2746892255/ricoh-announces-pentax-xg-1-superzoom What confuses me about this is that I thought Ricoh was going to have the Ricoh brand on compacts and the Pentax brand on SLRs. I wonder why they decided to call this one a Pentax. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Italy in May
On Fri, Apr 25, 2014 at 7:34 PM, Darren Addy pixelsmi...@gmail.com wrote: Will you be able to make use of your cell phone while over there? If so, why not try a language translation app. Given the technology today, one could possibly communicate pretty decently. Yes, I have T-Mobile and my plan includes free international data roaming. I'm told it's not very fast, though, so I wasn't going to try to rely on it, especially in the smaller towns. I need to find a simple phrasebook or something. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Italy in May
On Sat, Apr 26, 2014 at 4:56 AM, Dario Bonazza dario.bona...@virgilio.it wrote: I'm going to ask a few friends in that area and will get back soon with some advice. Perhaps we can meet somewhere during your stay in Italy, as I live in Ravenna, on the Adriatic coast (north of Abruzzo and south of Venice). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravenna That would be cool! I took another look at the rail maps earlier and I'm probably going to skip Florence and just stick to the Adriatic coast, so I'd be happy to meet up wherever it's convenient and there's a train station. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Italy in May
On Sat, Apr 26, 2014 at 4:56 AM, Bob W-PDML p...@web-options.com wrote: I can't help with your questions because shamefully I've only been to Italy a couple of times. If I were in Abruzzo I would make an effort to go to l'Aquila d'Abruzzo. http://www.italia.it/en/discover-italy/abruzzo/laquila.html Especially Scanno, which has some great photographic pedigree: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scanno,_Abruzzo http://www.magnumphotos.com/C.aspx?VP3=SearchResult_VPageVBID=2K1HZOET2MPYKSMLS=1RW=1017RH=771 http://ilcentro.gelocal.it/foto-e-video/2013/04/08/fotogalleria/scanno-vista-dal-grande-fotografo-mario-giacomelli-1.6846260 Thanks for the links, Bob. I don't know if I'll have enough time to see both, but the HCB photos of Scanno have me seriously intrigued. It's a 5 hour walk from Bugnara... Maybe I should get a bicycle. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Italy in May
I'm going to be in Italy next month, and I want to visit the towns my grandparents came from, which are both in the Abruzzo region: Bugnara and Giulianova. Hopefully our resident Italian PDMLers can help me with these questions about the region: - I'm hoping I can travel around Abruzzo by train and/or bus rather than rent a car. Is this feasible? I normally use Google Maps for getting around, but it doesn't show mass transit options in Italy and I'm not sure where to look for accurate maps and timetables. - How difficult is it to find hostels in the cities and towns of Abruzzo? - My parents visited the region a couple decades ago and said there was a big problem with pickpocketing and bag slashing. Is this still the case? What can I do to protect myself and my belongings? - My parents knew some Italian and were able to converse with people when necessary. I don't know any Italian. Will this be a big problem? I know a little Spanish, but I doubt that will help at all... - I'm told I have distant cousins in Giulianova and Bugnara, but none of them speak English. Would it be worth trying to meet them, or would it just be awkward because of the language barrier? - What are some hidden gems to see in Abruzzo? I'm thinking churches/cathedrals, museums, historical sites, beautiful landscapes, local landmarks, bars/restaurants, and other things like those. My itinerary starts in Milan, and then I'm probably going to go to Venice and Florence for a couple days each before heading south. After Abruzzo I'll head to Rome to fly home. Grazie, John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT - the XP doomsday thing
Just to add my 2¢: Windows XP is an incredibly old operating system by today's standards. Yeah, Vista and Windows 8 were/are pretty awful, but Windows 7 is great. You really don't need to fear upgrading to 7, especially since you can install the XP virtual machine and run all the old software you have for XP (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/install-and-use-windows-xp-mode-in-windows-7). 7 is more secure and more powerful. XP is ancient and soon to be very vulnerable. It's time to upgrade. And hey, if you think your PCs are too old to run 7, modern desktops are getting super cheap these days. New and refurb PCs of various makes, models and capabilities show up on deal sites like Woot.com all the time, and even made-to-order systems from HP and the like aren't too costly anymore. They even brought back 7 because of the unpopularity of 8. On the other hand, you could go the route I took and build your own system. My PC is three years old now, but when I built it, it was comparable to high-end gaming systems yet cost about a third as much. Systems with more reasonable specs are even cheaper. Windows 7 is really the way to go. I've heard Microsoft is going to bring back the Start menu for Windows 9, but that's still at least a year off. If you don't want to be stuck with an ancient, unsupported OS, look into upgrading while Windows 7 is still around. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Ricoh taking aim at GoPro with WG-4 accessories, and I think that's good for us, too.
With all the talk about the WG line switching from Pentax to Ricoh branding, you may have missed their announcement of four mounting options for the WG-4 and older WG models: Mounts: http://www.pentaxforums.com/accessoryreviews/ricoh-pentax-wg-camera-mounting-accessories.html Chest Strap: http://www.us.ricoh-imaging.com/accessories/Sport_Mount_Chest_Harness Although I'm not really the type who'd use a GoPro, I'm glad to see Ricoh taking a step towards marketing to those kinds of people, and I think it's another indication that Pentax is in pretty good hands. Ricoh's taking this stuff seriously, and that seems to be translating across all of the products they acquired from Hoya. I'm beginning to think that, even if they someday rebrand their SLRs as Ricoh cameras, I wouldn't mind too much. That said, I've got a WG-3 but I don't think I do anything interesting enough to buy one of these mounts myself. It's cool that they're out there, though. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: FS - DA 50-200mm (price drop, plus pics)
My lens is still available. I took a look at KEH.com's listings for the same lens and I am dropping the price to $60, and FREE Priority Mail shipping in the US (International will be extra). I think it qualifies as EX grade. Here are pictures: https://plus.google.com/photos/100304526521292454579/albums/5082403994514830401 If anyone's interested in the lighted Pentax display stand also shown in that album, please make an offer. I've yet to see another like it anywhere online, so I don't know what to set its value at. Thanks, John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
FS - DA 50-200mm (original version, non-WR, non-L)
I have an original DA 50-200 that needs a new home. It's been all over the place with me and has minor scuffs on the barrel and hood to show for it. The glass is clean and everything works, though. I don't have it with me at the moment, but I can provide photos later this evening. I just wanted to get this posted while it's still Friday. :) For you fine folks, I'll go as low as $70 plus shipping (USPS or FedEx, your choice). Lens includes hood, rear cap and Tamron front cap. The original Pentax cap was damn near impossible to take off when the hood was on, so I switched it for a better one. I don't think I have it anymore, but I'll take a look around if you really want it. Thanks, John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Ricoh/Pentax's 12 Days 12 Deals - Some thoughts
Igor wrote: Just my personal opinion: I was following some sales on Amazon, BH, etc. But, after trying 2-3 times to look at this 12deals page, I was turned away from this website by its rather clunky interface. Yeah, it's not great, but it works well enough when they're only selling a few things per deal. Bob Sullivan wrote: That 12-days-of-sales is a pain in the ass. Only got notice on day 1, then I had to scramble to see them. BH's deals for Thanksgiving were better and broaded on products. Better yet, I bought a HD DFA15mm before the sale and called back for the sale price. Saved a quick $130. BH is very good! That's great, but I think you're missing the point. This is direct from the manufacturer, not a retail store. I've checked prices on many of the items Ricoh has had on sale and they've been better than Amazon or BH. As for it being a pain in the ass, well, that's your opinion and you're welcome to it, but it's been fine for me. I check it once every few days when a new deal is posted and then I'm done. Voilà! Cheap lens and cheap camera are on their way. Works for me. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Ricoh/Pentax's 12 Days 12 Deals - Some thoughts
I recall the deal on the K-5 IIs making a splash here, but no one's mentioned it since. Ricoh has been offering some pretty good deals on Pentax stuff (plus the Ricoh Theta, which I am intrigued by but have yet to look into): http://www.us.ricoh-imaging.com/12days12deals. I've bought two so far. I ordered a WG-3 GPS today, and the DA 50-200 WR I ordered last week should be here tomorrow. I've never seen a manufacturer sell stuff so cheaply through their own store before. They've been cheaper than even Amazon. I would have gotten a Q7, too, if I felt like I could justify it right now. Maybe next year That reminds me: If anyone wants an original DA 50-200 for cheap, mine will be available when the WR version shows up. It's in good shape, so just make an offer. Anyway, part of the reason I bring this up is because it makes me wonder if Ricoh is trying to move its inventory of older Pentax gear before unleashing new stuff in the spring. For instance, the lens deals they offered were all on older models (no HD models or recent releases), and I'd bet the WG-3 deal today is so cheap because they want to move the last of the Optio line before rebranding PS cameras as Ricohs. Kinda makes me curious what may be coming down the pipeline. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
How do you test your memory cards?
Do any of you know of software for testing memory cards? I'm looking for something that can really put them through their paces to make sure they won't fail. I've got a pile o' SD memory cards going back to when I got the K10D in 2006. Most are much newer than that, but I want to test them all before I go on my Italy trip next spring, and I want to do it now since there tend to be very good deals on new cards this time of year. I know that at least one of my cards has had issues in the middle of shooting before, but I failed to mark which card that was and I don't want to risk losing photos while abroad. Thanks, John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: How do you test your memory cards?
On Mon, Nov 25, 2013 at 11:22 AM, Attila Boros attila.p...@gmail.com wrote: On Mon, Nov 25, 2013 at 8:39 PM, John Celio neo.venator.com+p...@gmail.com wrote: Do any of you know of software for testing memory cards? I'm looking for something that can really put them through their paces to make sure they won't fail. Originally developed to detect fake cards, it can be used for general testing: http://mympx.org/Downloads/p13_sectionid/2/p13_fileid/13 Thanks, I'll give that a try. I always format my cards in-camera before I start shooting, but I just want to be sure none of my older cards (which I keep as backups) are going to fail anytime soon. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: recommendations for usb 3 sd card reader
On Tue, Nov 19, 2013 at 9:00 PM, Larry Colen l...@red4est.com wrote: All of my SD card readers are USB 2. I'd like to upgrade to a USB 3 SD card reader. Fry's, oddly enough, only seemed to have USB 2 readers in stock. Any recommendations for USB 3 readers, that should go a bit faster? I did this exact upgrade a little over a month ago. What I ended up getting was this: http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=117cp_id=11709cs_id=1170903p_id=9977seq=1format=2 I also got a USB 3.0 hub from Amazon. All in all both items seem to be pretty good. I've never benchmarked anything on my system, but the card reader seems at least twice as fast as my old USB 2 reader. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Dinner with Jostein, probably Wednesday
On Mon, Nov 11, 2013 at 10:50 PM, Larry Colen l...@red4est.com wrote: It looks like Jostein will be getting to the family estate Wednesday afternoon, or maybe evening. Let's pencil in meeting him for dinner Wednesday night. Santa Cruz area would probably be easier for him, though if there are several people that could only get as far south as San Jose, we could have Zab give him a ride over the hill. If you are interested in joining us, let us know. Likewise, any travel or dietary restrictions. I really wish I could join you guys, but a drive down that far on a weeknight just won't work for me. :( I hope you all have a nice evening regardless. Take lots of pictures! John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
OT: Nikon Df
I'm surprised no one has mentioned this here yet: http://nikonrumors.com/2013/11/04/this-is-the-nikon-df.aspx/ In my opinion, that is a pretty sweet looking camera, especially in silver. Maybe the rumors of an LX-style Pentax camera aren't too far off? John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
MX-1 currently on Woot.com for $250
Woot is a 24-hour deal site, so get 'em while they last: http://www.woot.com/offers/pentax-mx-1-12mp-4x-opt-digital-camera Kinda wish I could justify buying one... John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: New K-3 Image
On Tue, Oct 1, 2013 at 4:12 PM, Zos Xavius zosxav...@gmail.com wrote: Looks legit. Lots of speculation over the bump and larger prism assembly. http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-news-rumors/238387-another-new-image-k-3-a.html Here's my take on three notable differences between this and the K-5 series that others have pointed out: - Slightly larger pentaprism housing up top. I'm betting this is for a new focus system, not a full-frame pentaprism. - AF MODE button on the side. If you look at the AF/M switch, you'll notice the lack of a C mode. I'm betting the AF MODE button brings up a menu of various AF modes, such as C, tracking and that focus peaking feature people keep talking about (which I have no clue as to what it is). It may also allow for quick switching among various AF point arrangements. - Lump under the K-3 logo. My first inclination is to assume this has something to do with the mechanism that flips the mirror up and down, such as a stronger motor to make it move faster. I really don't know what it is, though. I don't think I've ever seen anything like it on a camera before. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Behold the K-3!
On Thu, Sep 26, 2013 at 11:05 AM, Zos Xavius zosxav...@gmail.com wrote: This looks like it could be real http://photorumors.com/2013/09/26/first-picture-of-the-new-pentax-k-3-dslr-camera/ I'm not going to believe anything until I see it from Ricoh. There've been too many rumors for far too long, and I'm done getting my hopes up. Besides, the font of the K-3 brand doesn't look right, and I doubt they'd put a superzoom lens on a high-end body for promotional photos. I'm betting it's fake. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: What's next?
Mark Roberts postmas...@robertstech.com wrote: Matthew Hunt m...@pobox.com wrote: On Tue, Sep 17, 2013 at 10:46 AM, John johnsess...@yahoo.com wrote: Isn't there some big camera show in Germany in October/November? There's Photokina in September, but it's every other year, and this ain't it. Also, Pentax rarely announces new cameras at trade shows. New product tends to be announced as soon as it's ready, whether that comes just before, just after or nowhere near a photo trade show. Yeah, but that was when Pentax was on its own or owned by Hoya. Ricoh seems to have exerted a lot more control over the brand recently, so now we have to take their announcement habits into account. When does Ricoh usually announce new stuff? John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: PESO - Yes? Can I help you?
I just realized I never replied to all the comments on my mantis photo from last weekend! Very rude of me. :( Mark C wrote: Very cool shot! Dave Brooks wrote: great shot Dan Montoya wrote: Nice capture. You caught a great expression on its face, and it really pops out of the white background. Bob W wrote: That's excellent. Very Dr Who-ish Thanks very much, guys! PJ Alling wrote: Cool. Mantis' are simple creatures, with simple thoughts. His most probable thought... Hum, Too big to eat. That or, Ohgodohgodohgod don'teatme ohgodohgodohgod. Ann Sanfedele wrote: Nice shot, John. sorry not to see more of her though.. Oh don't worry, I got plenty more shots of her, including full-body. They'll show up in a future blog post for sure. :) John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Incentive to get busy learning how to use my O-GPS1
On Wed, Sep 11, 2013 at 5:29 PM, Darren Addy pixelsmi...@gmail.com wrote: I'm embarrassed to say that I have YET to even try out my O-GPS1, which I purchased mainly for the AstroTracer functionality. Life has been a little disrupted, but is getting back to nominal (as NASA likes to say during their spacecraft launches). I now have an even greater incentive to get ON IT. Terry Lovejoy recently discovered a new comet (C/2013 R1) and on Dec. 25th it is expected to be possible to photograph BOTH IT Comet ISON in the same field with a short telephoto lens. Wowsers. Two comets in the same image? That has to be a near once-in-a-lifetime event. I need to get busy. That'll be pretty awesome! Do me a favor and post about this again before that date so I remember to try this, too. :D I've used my O-GPS1, but I find it really unreliable in terms of it finding a GPS signal in a reasonable amount of time. When I took it around southeastern Australia in 2012, I'd have to wait five or more minutes for it to get things figured out, and it's only slightly faster here in California. Although I still carry it in my kit, I rarely use it these days. The one time I tried the AstroTracer feature, the results were pretty bad. Overall I'm not super impressed with it. Darren, if you have better luck with yours, please let me know. Maybe mine's defective. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
PESO - Yes? Can I help you?
http://jacelio.com/special/IMGP0122.jpg This dude was hanging out by my front door this morning. I don't think I've ever gotten a direct stare from a mantis like this before, so I thought I'd share. John Celio -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: New weatherproof flash units HD Limited lenses
On Tue, Aug 27, 2013 at 4:27 PM, Dario Bonazza dario.bona...@virgilio.it wrote: http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/08/27/ricoh-introduces-weather-resistant-flash-units?utm_campaign=internal-linkutm_source=news-listutm_medium=textref=title_0_1 http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/08/27/ricoh-announces-hd-update-to-pentax-limited-primes-15mm-f4-21mm-f32-35mm-f28-macro-40mm-f28-70mm-f24?utm_campaign=internal-linkutm_source=news-listutm_medium=textref=title_0_0 Interesting development. As an owner of the DA 21 and 35 Limited lenses, I am very curious to see how much of a difference the aperture blades and new coating make. I probably won't be upgrading my existing lenses, but it might impact which version of the other DA lenses I buy someday in the future. As for the flashes, there is one thing that concerns me: The new 540 II does not appear to support external power packs. The original 540's page on Ricoh's site for Pentax flashes lists the TR Power Pack 3 in the recycle times, but the 540 II doesn't mention that. Plus, there's no photos (yet) of the left side of either new flash, which is making me wonder if there's anything there at all. I realize there aren't many people who use external power packs, but I'd been planning on getting the TR Power Pack 3 the next time I shoot an event with my 540, and it would have been nice to have that option on future flashes. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Illustration 3: Auto 110 and its big brothers
http://jacelio.com/special/Auto-110-03.png John (I might put the ZX-30 in there someday, between the 6x7 and MX) -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Another camera illustration: MX with 40mm
Darren Addy Wrote: That's very nice work, John. I must have missed the 6x7 illustration. I'll have to go back and find it. Thanks Darren. The 6x7 post made it to the web archive and the digest, but it was around the time someone else mentioned a lot of emails weren't getting to them, so I think it may not have made it out to the rest of the PDML. Anyway, here it is: http://jacelio.com/special/6x7-08-01.jpg Steve Harley wrote: you seem to be doing a serious design process here - not sure i caught the background, but it's definitely intriguing and thoughtful; if you are still stuck i will see about doing a shot of a lensless ZX-5n Thanks Steve. I'm not so sure about the background, either, but I liked it enough at the time. Or, if you meant the background as to why I'm doing this, well, it's mostly just for fun. I seem to be in a very creative state of mind lately, and I've been thinking about doing a project like this for a while. Thanks for offering to shoot your ZX-5n, but I've actually got one of those (it's my only remaining 35mm camera), Unfortunately, it's just different enough from the ZX-30 that I can't use it. :( Incidentally, I decided last night to make illustrations of the *istD, K10D and K-5, too. I sold my *istD ages ago, but I still have the K10D. I fired it up this morning for the first time in years to take photos of my K-5. It was like shaking hands with an old friend. :) John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Another camera illustration: MX with 40mm
Similar to the 6x7 illustration I posted last week, here's one of the MX with the classic 40mm pancake lens on it: http://www.jacelio.com/special/MX-04-01.jpg Next one is an Auto 110, followed by my first film camera, the ZX-30. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Request: Reference photo of a ZX/MZ-30
Do you have a ZX/MZ-30? I need a good reference photo dead straight-on for my illustration project. It would be best if you also have the original kit lens it came with, but a lensless body would be fine, too. Just don't shoot it with a wide-angle lens. Almost every photo I've found online has too much barrel distortion. Others are from bad angles or are too blurry. If you can help, please email me off-list. Thanks!! John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Inspired by the old Asahi Optical logo
On Fri, Aug 16, 2013 at 4:42 AM, cotty wrote: https://www.dropbox.com/s/vb8orv46xvz0cx3/pdml%20logo%20sketch.png That's very good! I like it, too. Here's a comparison: http://www.jacelio.com/special/PDML-icon-idea-04.png My apologies to Darren for getting his name caught up in the subject line of this thread. I was trying to figure out just now what idiot did that when I realized it was me. I must not have been paying attention when copy/pasting stuff from the digest I was replying to. D'oh! ( __) John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Inspired by the old Asahi Optical logo
Last night, I was working on a design concept centered on an old Pentax camera and thought it would be fun to make a PDML logo based on the old Asahi Optical Co. logo. I came up with three slightly different versions: http://www.jacelio.com/special/PDML-icon-idea-02.png Any thoughts? Anyway, this was just for fun. I doubt there will be overwhelming desire to use any of these for the actual PDML logo. John (version A is my favorite) -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Inspired by the old Asahi Optical logo (Darren Addy)
Thanks Darren! I've taken your suggestion and added it to the pile, along with David's and Steve's: http://www.jacelio.com/special/PDML-icon-idea-03.png I included a version that took a notch out of the angular P to make it look less like the original A (A2). David, the backwards P just ends up looking like a 9 (C2). Steve, extending the descender makes it look like a giant e (A3). Ann, like I said, this was just for fun. It was a brainstorm while I was working on something else. No one asked for a new logo, and I'm not about to attempt a coup. I just thought it'd be a fun exercise. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
What led to the AOCo/PDML design
This vector illustration is what I was working on that led to the PDML logo concept I posted earlier today: http://jacelio.com/special/6x7-08-01.jpg I don't have specific plans for this design, but I'd like to put it on a shirt eventually. Part of the reason I made the PDML logo was because I wanted to replace ASAHI PENTAX with something amusing and PDML-related. So far I've tried THE BROTHERHOOD and MORE CORMORANTS, but both second words are too long to fit. Suggestions are welcome. For the nitpickers: The illustration is not 100% accurate, especially the lens. Try not to worry about it too much. I plan to do something similar for the MX, the Auto 110 and maybe the ZX-30. I'd end up with one vector portrait for each film camera I owned and used before digital took over. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Auto-110-to-Q adapter (with aperture!) coming soon
So yesterday I discovered there's a guy who makes a 110-to-micro4/3 lens adapter with a built-in aperture: http://www.rjcamera.com/ocart/index.php?route=product/productpath=20product_id=50 As you probably know, Auto 110 lenses don't have apertures in them, as that was part of the camera body. This means adapters without an aperture only allow you to shoot wide open. Intrigued by this adapter from RJ Camera, I sent them an email asking if they were planning to make a similar adapter for the Q mount. Here's the answer I received yesterday: Hi John, Thanks for the message... I'm going to give it a try :-) but it will not be cheap though... price is to be around $75... :-) best, R.J. I replied that I would be just fine with that price as long as it works as well as the m4/3 adapter. I found some photos people posted using the adapter yesterday while researching this subject, and the results looked very good. The ability to stop down these lenses makes them perform pretty well! I don't know about you guys, but I think this is pretty exciting! I've wanted to use my Auto 110 lenses on a digital body for as long as digital bodies have existed, but the lack of aperture control always stopped me. Since I plan on owning a Q7 by the middle of next year, this adapter will be high on my list of accessories to get right away. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Should I send my K-5 in for service?
If you take a look at the four pictures in the following gallery, you will see two little blobs on the right side that become clearer as the aperture is stopped down: http://imgur.com/a/IG40x (to see an image at full resolution, hover your mouse over the image, click the gear icon that appears and select view full resolution.) The blob closer to the center is probably regular old dust that would go away with a puff from a blower ball. The other blob (the darker one closer to the right side), however, is a problem. It won't go away with air or Sensor Swabs. I even took a risk and tried a compressed air blast once. No dice. I'm worried it may be some sort of actual damage to the sensor, even though I can't really think of anything that could have caused that. My question is, which of the following would you do: A) Send it to Pentax/CRIS and see what they say. I'm worried this will be very expensive (as in, replace-the-sensor expensive), and I don't have the money to spend on repairs right now. B) Deal with it in Photoshop until a replacement for the K-5 comes out, and then start saving to get that. (I'm nearly finished paying off the last of my recession-incurred debts, so saving will be much easier starting this fall) Other ideas would be welcome, too. Thanks, John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: K500/4.5
I own this exact lens, though I'm not fortunate enough to have the original box. I can tell you it's not very good on digital. CA is pretty bad, and it doesn't produce anything you'd call sharp results until f11. These days I only use it for photographing birds, and even then it's not my first choice. I'd rather use my M* 300mm f4 and crop than this thing. I keep thinking I should sell it, but it's kind of cool to have such a huge lens on my shelf. It makes for a better conversation piece than usable lens. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Any new flagship camera rumors?
Anyone heard any recent rumors about a new flagship Pentax camera? It bothers me that all of their current models have 16MP sensors. I really want to upgrade my K-5 (the blob on the sensor that refuses to go away is one reason for this), but I'm not going to spend money for the same resolution. Lurking in hope of news, John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
The K-50 is real
http://pentaximaging.com/dslr Also, there's a K-500. :P John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
The Q7 is real, too.
http://pentaximaging.com/hybrid John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
New body rumor: K-50
http://photorumors.com/2013/06/05/pentax-k-50-dslr-camera-leaks-on-retailers-website-in-france/ If this is real, it'd take the place of the K-5/II/IIs pretty well if (and only if) they release a higher-end body at the same time. Also (again, if this is real), I'm glad they got rid of the ugly concave space above the lens on the K-30. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Super Secret Spy Lens
On Thu, May 23, 2013 at 9:00 AM, George Sinos gsi...@gmail.com wrote: I remember a long time ago there was a company called Spiratone that advertised in the back of photography magazines. They usually had several pages of adds and had all types of odd stuff for your camera. I haven't seen one of these since way back then, but I got a good laugh when I saw it today. http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/candid-photography-spy-lens/ Pentax made one of those, long ago: http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/sold-items/108371-sale-sold-rare-pentax-90-degree-mirror-adapter-clandestine-photography-worldwide.html The camera shop I used to work at had one used for quite a while. It was fun to play with, but didn't do any favors to the sharpness of whatever lens it was attached to. Sometimes I regret not buying it, if only for the fun of having it around. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Semi-OT - What software do you use for video editing?
I sometimes shoot video with my K-5, but I never do anything with it because I don't know a thing about video editing. Is there a program out there that's good for beginners but allows some growth into intermediate capabilities when necessary? I don't need anything professional, I just want to be able to cut up my videos, add text here and there, throw in some still photos and maybe change the audio to music or something; that sort of stuff. Any suggestions? Thanks, John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Semi-OT - What software do you use for video editing?
On Wed, May 22, 2013 at 10:42 AM, Darren Addy pixelsmi...@gmail.com wrote: Windows? Highly recommend Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum That seems to be a pretty popular program. Not only did Matthew Hunt also mention it here, but people elsewhere that I've asked about this have mentioned it as well. It's rare that so many people recommend the same thing. I'll definitely have to try it. Thanks! John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Roadtrip California
On Fri, May 17, 2013 at 10:11 AM, Jostein wrote: I am in the process of planning a 3 weeks' roadtrip through Sierra Nevada in October/November. We are two Norwegian Pentaxians travelling together. The plans are not very firm yet, but we're coming through San Francisco. We plan to go via Sonora to Yosemite, through the Sierra to Mono Lake, and go South along hwy 395 and the into Death Valley. From there our plans are still open. We have been recommended to go further East to Valley of Fire and on to Zion, and then go East, around to the South side Grand Canyon before turning back to California. Suddenly we found ourselves doing in excess of 3000 kilometers in three weeks... Is that at all realistic? Your thoughts would be much appreciated. Also, I'd love it if you have suggestions for places to stop by along the way. :-) Sounds awesome! I'm across the bay (roughly) from San Francisco. There are quite a few other NorCal PDMLers around, so I'm sure we could put together a little meetup if you two are interested. I did a roadtrip around southern Utah a few weeks ago, which is where the places Doug mentioned are located. If you're going that way, I suggest skipping Kodachrome Basin (it's pretty boring, IMO) and visiting Hovenweep National Monument on the other side of the state. If you have any interest in the history of the local natives, Hovenweep and other spots offer glimpses into the past that I found fascinating. Bryce Canyon National Park is pretty amazing, and if you're going anywhere near Arches National Park, you MUST see it. I spent a day and a half in Arches, hiking around, getting a bad sunburn and wishing I had a 77mm polarizer for my 16-50 (why must they be so expensive!!). I wish I could go back right now! Monument Valley (northern Arizona, in the Navajo reservation) is spectacular, too. Be sure to drive down into the valley while you're there. The dirt road is rough, but completely worth it. My little rented Nissan Versa survived the trip, so whatever you get should be fine (unless it's raining, in which case take one of the tour buses). Goblin Valley State Park (Utah) is a fun spot to visit if you're in the area. Very alien-looking landscape, but beautiful. My Utah trip was 1,300 miles (2,100 km) in five days, so 3,000 kilometers in three weeks will be easy. The highways in the southwestern states are usually very fast, so the longer drives just seem to fly by. I love Yosemite and the Sierra Nevadas, and you can't go wrong with the locations you've mentioned. If you go to the Grand Canyon, I highly recommend hiking to the bottom and spending the night down there. If the weather is clear, just sleep under the stars (bring a sleeping bag). It's a great experience. Some travel tips: * Watch for speed traps!! The speed limit on a lot of highways I drove in Utah is 70-80mph, but it drops quickly when you pass through a town. Some are as slow as 30mph, and the police know where to wait to pick off speeders. If your car has cruise control, use that to make the slow speeds bearable, and to make sure you don't go over the limit while in town. Seriously, I saw so many people get pulled over in one week, I am STILL watching my speed like a hawk. * Try to visit the bigger National Parks during the week. Weekend crowds get pretty nuts. * Bring polarizers for your lenses and just leave them on. Similarly, try not to change lenses too often. The places you're going are very dusty, and it gets EVERYWHERE. * If you're getting a cell phone for the trip, Verizon seems to have the best coverage in most places; ATT is second best. A smartphone/tablet with internet access is a huge help for navigation and finding cheap lodging. There's not a lot of free wi-fi around. * Watch for deer if driving around sunrise or sunset. One evening, I almost hit half a dozen of them, with even more hanging out along the sides of the road. They're very active around those times, and will cause a lot of damage to your car (and you) if you hit one. * Never leave food in your car overnight when in parks or forested areas. Black bears know how to rip open car doors to get to food. Take everything into your motel room at night. That's all I can think of at the moment, but if you have any questions, feel free to ask away. I'm not an expert, but I know a thing or three. :) John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Auto110 lens adapter for smartphones?
Hi all, I was looking at clip-on smartphone lenses earlier and an idea hit me: Why not use my Auto110 lenses rather than buy these things for my Nexus 4? Have any of you tried that? I'm at work right now, otherwise I'd try it myself. I wonder if it works at all, and if anyone out there has made a clip-on adapter to actually hold the lens in place. That'd be pretty fun. :) John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Want some old cameras
On Tue, Feb 19, 2013 at 7:03 PM, pdml-requ...@pdml.net wrote: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=190798956382afsrc=1 Dave Oh wow... That seller is in Alameda, not too far from where I live. I wish I'd somehow known about this before; I'd love to have been able to browse through it all and maybe buy a few things. What a treasure trove. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: PESO - Supermacro hoarfrost
Wow! That's pretty amazing, Jostein! Makes me wish we got snow or frost where I live. I have to wait for the flowers to start blooming if I want to shoot something interesting outdoors. John On Wed, Jan 2, 2013 at 8:25 AM, Jostein ?ksne p...@alunfoto.no wrote: Larry and John's supermacro setups inspired me to get my ass off the chair and do something about the hoarfrost on the car outside today. Thanks guys! :-) Here's one of the results: http://www.alunfoto.no/temp/supermacro/20130102-0163-blogspot.jpg Here's the setup: http://www.alunfoto.no/temp/supermacro/20130102-0001-2-blogspot.jpg In case you wondered g, it's the 645D. It is attached to a set of three extension tubes, a FA*300mm f/4 and a reversed FA 75mm f/2.8. The optics alone provide 4X, but cause some vignetting. The extension removes that, and add another X or so. Jostein -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: PESO - I picked Abraham Lincoln's nose
Ack! Sorry about the incorrect link. Here's the penny photo: https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uwNAmVlyxQAN1jadgOm1qNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink or: http://goo.gl/2IOiC I'm sorry my Cosina is not living up to your expectations...but seeing your rig I'm wondering about how insanely high your expectations might be :-D Oh gosh, no no, I didn't mean to gripe about the lens or you or anything! I bought the lens because it was cheap, which was just what I wanted to be able to test out this rig. I knew it wouldn't be optimal for this kind of photography. You can calculate the magnification power of your set up with a ruler. Take a photo of it as close as you can, parallel to the ruler, and the ruler running from side to side of the frame. Look at the image and count how much of the ruler you've photographed. If you're using millimeters, let's say your picture shows 12mm of the ruler. An APS-C sensor is 24mm wide, so your magnification ratio is 12/24 = 0.5, so you can say your macro capability is 1:0.5 (or 2:1 if you prefer). If the image you'd taken was 24mm across, then your macro ratio would be 1:1, or life size, which is what macro lenses (such as your 100mm f/2.8) typically reach. Awesome! Thanks for that. Now I will just have to see about finding a ruler with small enough increments. ;) John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: do these exist?
On Thu, Dec 6, 2012 at 1:57 PM, steve harley p...@paper-ape.com wrote: on 2012-12-06 12:52 Miserere wrote There is (or was) a Vivitar macro 2x TC in both PK and PKA versions. You attach a 50mm lens and you get a 1:1 100mm macro lens. and if 2X doesn't float your boat, i understand you can remove the element to make it a simple helicoid, which would fit your first question; i sold a PK version on the list earlier this year I was the one who bought it, and your description is somewhat misleading. The elements aren't made to come out easily. Removing them means you have a helicoid extension tube, but no more TC capability. Plus, you need to be good with tiny screwdrivers to get the glass out, which I don't want to risk for fear of ruining the whole thing. As for its teleconverting abilities, it's not very sharp. Actually, if anyone wants to buy it, let me know. You can helicoid the heck out of it if you want. Going back to the topic at hand, I've never seen an A-capable extendable extension tube (helicoid or bellows) that wasn't a one-off custom build. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Windows 8 Makes Me Consider a Mac
On Tue, Nov 27, 2012 at 11:24 AM, Tom C caka...@gmail.com wrote: I was in the market for a new laptop, but now it'll likely be a problem finding what I want with Windows 7. Hence my thoughts on a Mac. You haven't even used Windows 8 but you're considering switching to an entirely different computer system because of what other people have written? Perhaps you should give it a try first before you make such a big change. I've only used Windows 8 a little myself, but I really don't think it's that bad. Now, the Modern (formerly Metro) design was clearly made with touch-sensitive devices in mind, so you'll probably want to switch it to desktop mode. There are ways to get the Start button functionality back, so you'd basically be using your regular old Windows again. I think Win8 will get better as more people use it and Microsoft updates it to deal with user feedback. They know it's not a hit, so I think they'll actively try to win over skeptical users with changes. That last sentence is why I'm waiting a while before I upgrade from Windows 7. My PC works wonderfully with 7, and I'd like to see where 8 goes before I bother messing with perfection. If you're completely anti-8, just get whatever laptop you wanted, wipe the hard drive, buy an OEM copy of Windows 7 and install it. You will be happy with it for a very long time. John P.S.: If you're serious about switching to Mac, just think about how much you'll have to spend on all that new hardware and software you'll need to get to replace what you have on your PC. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Insect photography video
I just watched this lovely video on insect photography: http://www.wimp.com/bugphotos/ Now I want to go out and find some bugs to shoot. Good thing I don't have any plans for the day. (on-topic because the guy shoots with a Pentax.) John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: PESO + GESO - Space Shuttle Endeavour flying low over Berkeley, CA
On Sat, Sep 22, 2012 at 4:18 AM, Derby Chang der...@iinet.net.au wrote: Endeavour looks like a dignified, well-used M3. That's a good way of looking at it. Was it loud? Not really. The planes were flying pretty slowly, so there wasn't a lot of engine noise that I noticed. This may be because they were flying so low over the cities, they might have wanted to minimize ear window damage. ;) Another question. Do you wear that green t-shirt out in public? I do! I wear it to work sometimes. The crazies that hang around downtown Berkeley sometimes salute me as I pass. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: PESO + GESO - Space Shuttle Endeavour flying low over Berkeley, CA
On Fri, Sep 21, 2012 at 4:07 PM, Larry Colen l...@red4est.com wrote: On Sep 21, 2012, at 2:50 PM, J.C. O'Connell wrote: Nice shot but its kinda noisy. What ISO were you using? My guess is that it has more to do with the planes being backlit and needing to boost the shadows to get the dynamic range. That, and it was really hazy out (the remnants of our famous bay fog), so the original image was very blue and very flat. Whenever I process a photo, I start with Auto Levels and adjust from there. In this case, Auto Levels boosted the brightness and contrast to the point that it looks like I was shooting at a high ISO, when in fact I think it was set to 400. Thanks to all who've commented! If you ever get the chance to see one of the Space Shuttles in person, do it! They're pretty amazing. I'm already planning a trip to LA for next summer to see Endeavour close-up when it goes on display. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
RE: Pentax announcements official
On Tue, Sep 11, 2012 at 11:45 AM, pdml-requ...@pdml.net wrote: A new coating is cool but I agree, calling it hd is questionable. they didnt even say what hd stands for. The press release on pentaximaging.com says its 'High Definition'. Not sure if they see it as a variant/additive to SMC as in 'SMC-HD' or something completely different ... Regards, JvW Which do you think would serve Pentax better in the marketplace SMC-HD or HD-SMC? SMC-HD. It keeps the SMC label prominent and adds the acronym that modern consumers know means high definition. HD on its own is almost meaningless due to the term's hypersaturation in tech marketing culture, but adding it after Pentax's long-lived SMC label indicates to new users that it's good quality and to old users that it's an update of a well-known technology. Switching to HD on its own is a really bad idea, in my opinion. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
OT: Ritz/Wolf camera chain going out of business, liquidation starting now
Ritz Camera (big US camera retail chain) is finally dead: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-10/ritz-camera-liquidation-approved-after-second-bankruptcy.html I will not miss them at all. Terrible stores, terrible selection, poorly-trained staff, etc. Hopefully local mom--pop camera shops will be able to return one day, when the economy improves, now that this behemoth is out of the way. If you're a deal hunter, people on Reddit.com are saying Ritz and Wolf stores are already liquidating everything (except their lab equipment). I don't recall ever seeing much Pentax stuff there, but you might find deals on accessories. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Thoughts on the new gear
With all the rumors flying about a full frame Pentax body, I'm kinda disappointed that the K-5 II and K-5 IIs are the only new K-mount bodies in this announcement. One thing I'd like to see soon is a comparison between the two bodies to show exactly what removing the anti-aliasing filter does to an image. I really like the Q system, and now that there's a K-to-Q adapter, I want one even more. Hopefully I'll be able to get a Q10 in the next year or so. Maybe there'll be a higher-res version when I get around to it. The 18-270 is going to be of great interest to my dad, who owns a K-r and two lenses, but hates changing lenses when photographing his grandkids. Hopefully it won't be too expensive when it hits the stores. I'll likely never be able to afford the 560mm lens, but I want it. Badly. My K 500mm just doesn't cut the mustard. To have AF and reliable sharpness at that focal length would be really awesome. The news that they're dropping SMC in favor of HD bothers me quite a bit. HD is an incredibly overused label, and it does nothing to set Pentax's lenses apart from EVERY OTHER LENS on the market. Cheapass 3rd-party manufacturers call their shitty screw-on video lenses HD, for crying out loud! At least SMC is completely unique to Pentax. So Pentax, if you're listening, lose the HD label! It's meaningless! You did great with everything else in today's announcement, though. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: K-5 II and K-5 IIs leaked
On Fri, Sep 7, 2012 at 12:57 PM, Darren Addy pixelsmi...@gmail.com wrote: On Fri, Sep 7, 2012 at 2:42 PM, Miserere miser...@gmail.com wrote: On 7 September 2012 09:59, Steven Desjardins drd1...@gmail.com wrote: I would have preferred K5 IIa and K5 IIb. Are you an astronomer, Steven? :-) Who doesn't love supernova humor? : ) *urp* All the awful jokes and puns around here lately are making me feel a little quasar. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Nifty Fifty comparison over at the forums
I'm curious, John, which three did you keep (and why)? I kept my M* 300 f4 and K 500 f4.5 because buying modern versions of either would cost more than I could ever afford. My FA 50 1.4 isn't really that old, but I kept it because of its low-light capability and because Pentax hadn't offered anything new and affordable in that focal length until the DA 50 1.8. Now that the DA is out, I'm considering selling the FA, but it's going to be a while before I can do that. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Nifty Fifty comparison over at the forums
PentaxForums.com posted this interesting comparison of the three current 50mm Pentax lenses: FA 50 1.4, D-FA 50 2.8 macro and DA 50 1.8. http://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/pentax-50mm-fa-da-dfa-lens-comparison/introduction.html It would have been interesting to see how the DA* 55 1.4 compared with these guys. At the very least, I'm glad to see my FA 50 is not the only one with rather awful purple fringing. I would sell it to buy a DA 50 1.8 in a heartbeat if only the DA had a distance meter on it. I really don't know why they left that off. John -- http://www.jacelio.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Nifty Fifty comparison over at the forums
It would have been interesting to see how the DA* 55 1.4 compared with these guys. not to mention the A 50/1.7 I think you and JCO missed the point of the word current in my original post. These are the 50mm lenses that you can buy new from Pentax right now. I only mentioned the DA* 55 because it's only 5mm longer. Besides, I'd bet if they'd included those old lenses, the DA and DFA would still do better (especially in the purple fringing test). John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Nifty Fifty comparison over at the forums
I've spent enough time futzing around with old lenses to know that modern glass does everything I need and does it faster and a lot more conveniently. You guys can go on using your vintage equipment, I'm not telling you to stop, just quit acting like every lens comparison needs to include stuff from fifty years ago. That was technology then, this is technology now. I've gotten rid of all but three of my pre-digital lenses because modern lenses just work better on dSLRs, hands down. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Pentax Q Price Cut
At this price it's what it's worth, but I expect that it also spells the end of the Q. Sad if the body form factor had stayed the same but it had a sensor twice as large it would probably be viable as an alternative to the Nikon 1 series of cameras. Sad, that it was a novelty. Maybe it will become a collectors item in the future. While I hope it's not already being dropped, I pretty much agree with you. If it had been this price months ago I might have bought it. When the camera lenses start showing up on eBay for cheap, I'll probably get it (assuming the line is actually dropped by Pentax). It'll look good next to my Auto110 set. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: My super-duper macro setup... that doesn't appear to work as hoped?
Mark, this is exactly the response I was hoping for. Thank you *very* much. I never would have thought the lens would be the part causing the problem, nor that wider angle lenses would produce greater magnification (though that kinda makes sense now that I think about it). I will try it with my FA 50 (my only other small prime with an aperture ring) right now. Thanks, John On Sat, Jul 7, 2012 at 6:57 PM, pdml-requ...@pdml.net wrote: That is basically the same setup that I use for my snow crystal shots, except I use a 50mm lens reverse mounted. In fact, it is so simlar I just now pulled it out of the closet, set it up and put my D-FA 100mm macro on it. I have 300mm of extension (tubes and bellows) with the lens reverse mounted at the end. Your focusing problem lies in how how the D-FA 100 close focuses. I had no problem getting a shot in focus when the lens was set to infinity, and actually had ample working room. As I adjusted the lens's focusing mechanism I quickly was unable to get anything into focus. Obviously, something about the internal focusing on the D-FA causes a problem with it reverse mounted. Focusing on a ruler, with the D-FA 100 at infinity, and using a full frame 35mm film camera (also pulled from the closet), I saw 8 to 9 mm in the view finder. SO I reckon it to be about 4x life sized. With the 50mm I routinely use on this setup, the finder on the full frame camera shows about 4 mm, so about 8x. If you really want to get extreme get a short and fast lens and use it on all that extension. A 24mm on 300mm of extension would result in 16x or so magnification. Set the lens to infinity or use one that does not use internal focusing. Regarding protecting the delicate rear element of the lens - put a short extension tube on the rear lens mount. It will serve as a hood and also offer some protection to the rear element. To help with focusing - set up your rig in a dark place. Put a bright flashlight on the finder (where your eye would go). It will project a little rectangle of light that you can use to align your subject and get a sense of focusing distance with (when the rectangle is sharp, you are in focus.) Have fun - Mark -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
My super-duper macro setup... that doesn't appear to work as hoped?
So I have this setup for shooting seriously close-up macro: https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CIUtr5fsiR0rzShfFjE08NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink That is: Camera / helicoid tube at 49mm / bellows at 137mm (approx)/ 12mm tube / 20mm tube / 36mm tube / generic reverse mount ring / D-FA 100mm macro at 1:1 I've been meaning to share this for a while, because the last time I tried using it in this configuration (sans rear cap on the lens, of course), I was unable to focus on anything. I had a little flower practically pressed against the glass at the end there but had to pull the lens' focus back about halfway before I could actually focus on it. So I'm hoping you guys can help me figure a couple things out: 1. Is it possible to have a lens so far away from the sensor plane that focus can't be achieved? 2. What's the macro ratio of this setup as it is in the picture? 3. Does it make a difference if I have the lens reverse-mounted like this rather than mounted normally on the last extension tube? 4. Would it be ridiculous or just silly to attempt to add more extension in the future? John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: 2012 Photo Annual - Now available
Looks great! Thanks for all your hard work, Mark. If anyone here is a Redditor, I added a link to the book that could use some upvotes: http://www.reddit.com/r/photography/comments/vjl5x/a_group_of_pentax_users_makes_this_photo_book/ John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
OT - I take my coffee with creamy bokeh
A good friend of mine bought me a new coffee mug, and everyone says it's a very appropriate gift for me: http://goo.gl/3XtMe Now, one might think this is a Dark Side mug, but in fact it is not! Whoever made this mug changed *just enough* to not get sued. The brand is not Canon, it's HOMADE: http://goo.gl/dsgOg Believe it or not, this lens mug features both an aperture ring and Pentax's SDM focusing motor (though I think it stands for Stirring Da Mocha, in this case): http://goo.gl/N75t4 I'm pretty sure L stands for Latte, and the stabilizer feature is probably useful when you've had too much and are getting shaky: http://goo.gl/gjNFS As much as I would love a Pentax star lens coffee mug like this, what about Pentax Limited espresso/tea cups? A nice set of FA and DA Limited cups would be an instant hit among caffeinated Pentaxians, I think. Hey Pentax, are you listening? Easy money! John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: How to photograph the transit of Venus?
On Wed, May 30, 2012 at 11:22 AM, Jostein wrote: The front element of the K-500 is pretty big, so buying a filter for it will be very expensive. IIRC, there's no filter tray on the lens Yeah, I looked it up on Boz's site and not only are there no front filter threads (which I knew), but the outside diameter of the permanent hood is 127mm (5). This is a size that I've found NO ONE makes in slip-on filters for telescopes, so my only option is to buy a sheet of mylar solar filter material. Fortunately, I've found a telescope shop over in San Francisco that has it in stock, so I think I'll be able to just tape a sheet over the front of my lens, or maybe make some sort of cardboard holder for it so I don't get light creeping in from the sides. Thanks, everyone, for the tips and suggestions. Turns out there's a lot to know when it comes to photographing our closest star! John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
How to photograph the transit of Venus?
I want to try photographing the transit of Venus across the sun on June 5th, but I've never tried shooting the sun before. Any of you guys have tips you can share? Is there a special filter I should use, or would a polarizer or ND filter be sufficient? I'm planning on using my K 500mm f4.5, so I'll probably need to special order a large enough filter, and I'll need to do that soon. Thanks, John P.S.: Hey Aussie PDMLers, I loved your country! Just got home last Friday. I hope I get to go back to Australia soon, especially to see the outback and more of Tasmania. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
FS for a friend - K7 and 2 lenses
My friend Alex still has three of his Pentax items for sale: K-7, DA15 Ltd and DA 16-45. He dropped the price a bit on the K-7, too. Please see his email below if you're interested. I can vouch for his honesty and the good condition of his items. John [begin Alex's email] I still have the following Pentax gear available. Shipping is through USPS and free within the US. If you're interested and have any questions, please email me at alexkin...@gmail.com. Pentax K-7 Body $480 Good condition and completely functional. Some scratches, some minor ones on the screen but nothing big, and some scratches on the bottom corners (see link). Includes two batteries, OP/TECH strap, body cap and various accessories that originally came with the camera. http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k539/gerbilbox/Photo%20Gear%20Sale/Pentax%20K7/ Pentax DA 15mm f4 Limited $480 Good condition, rarely been used. Compact but not quite a pancake. Has built-in hood and comes with original lens and rear caps, and leather lens case. http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k539/gerbilbox/Photo%20Gear%20Sale/DA%2015mm/ Pentax DA 16-45mm f4 $250 Good condition, surprisingly versatile lens despite its f-stop and focal range. Sharp, even wide open. Includes hood, lens cap, and rear cap. I'm also including a matching circular polarizer. http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k539/gerbilbox/Photo%20Gear%20Sale/DA%2016_45mm/ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: How unwieldy is the O-GPS1 on the K-5?
On Wed, Apr 18, 2012 at 5:47 AM, pdml-requ...@pdml.net wrote: A good alternative is to use smartphone GPS tracking capabilities to tag photo later at home. The downside, of course, is that you have to own a smartphone, which I do not. This device is an awful lot cheaper and doesn't charge overage fees. ;) That aside, my O-GPS1 should be here today or tomorrow. I'm looking forward to trying out its astrophotography feature in the near future. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: How unwieldy is the O-GPS1 on the K-5?
On Wed, Apr 18, 2012 at 12:35 PM, pdml-requ...@pdml.net wrote: but the second sentence above does not compute unless you were to buy a phone only to use its GPS to tag photos taken with a Pentax camera; while i've never paid an overage fee in three years using an iPhone (and i'm on a reduced data plan), it's worth noting that the location services that tag a photo do not use cellular data at all It was a joke. Didn't the winky emoticon make that clear? ;) ;) ;) I don't own a smartphone because I can't afford the phones nor the calling data plans. Plus, I wouldn't want to pay whatever it costs to use one outside of one's home country on top of all that. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
How unwieldy is the O-GPS1 on the K-5?
I'm thinking about getting Pentax's GPS unit for my upcoming trip, but I'm wondering how unwieldy it is on the K-5. Specifically, how much weight it adds and how big it is in relation to the camera itself. I'm trying to pack light, but it'd sure be nice to not have to keep a written record of my shooting locations all the time. Also, does it communicate its data through the hotshoe, or does it need some sort of wired connection (like, via the USB port on the camera)? Thanks! John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: How unwieldy is the O-GPS1 on the K-5?
On Mon, Apr 16, 2012 at 2:17 PM, Jan van Wijk wrote: But that said, when I go outside, I nearly always mount the GPS and it does not bother me at all while hiking. Awesome! Thanks for your reply, Jan. You may have convinced me to go ahead and order one. Do you know if photo sharing sites like Flickr and Picasa read the GPS data and tag your location when you upload photos with intact EXIF data? Thanks, John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
FS Friday (posting for a friend) - K7 and some beautiful lenses
Hi All, My friend Alex Lee is selling his Pentax gear. Try as I might, I couldn't convince him not to switch to a Sony NEX camera. I've seen his gear and can vouch that he keeps it in good shape. I'd buy the DA 15 myself if I didn't have other plans for the money at the moment. :( Please contact Alex if you're interested in any of this stuff. Here's his email: Sad to say, I am selling my Pentax gear. I had a great fun these years, but I've switched to a mirrorless system and need to find new owners my Pentax gear. I live in Oakland, CA for local pick up, but I can also ship. Email alexkin...@gmail.com if you're interested or have questions. Here's what I have, with links to photos: Pentax K-7 Body $500 Good condition and completely functional. Some scratches, some minor ones on the screen but nothing big, and some scratches on the bottom corners (see link). Includes two batteries, OP/TECH strap, body cap and various accessories that originally came with the camera. http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k539/gerbilbox/Photo%20Gear%20Sale/Pentax%20K7/ Pentax DA 15mm f4 Limited $480 Good condition, rarely been used. Compact but not quite a pancake. Has built-in hood and comes with original lens and rear caps, and leather lens case. http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k539/gerbilbox/Photo%20Gear%20Sale/DA%2015mm/ Pentax FA 50mm f1.4 $250 Good condition, great portrait lens. Comes with the modern lens cap, and rear cap as well. http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k539/gerbilbox/Photo%20Gear%20Sale/FA%2050mm%20f1_4/ Pentax DA 16-45mm f4 $250 Good condition, surprisingly versatile lens despite its f-stop and focal range. Sharp, even wide open. Includes hood, lens cap, and rear cap. I'm also including a matching circular polarizer. http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k539/gerbilbox/Photo%20Gear%20Sale/DA%2016_45mm/ Pentax DA 55-300 f4-5.8 $250 Good condition and offers quite a range in a compact lens. Comes with hood, lens and rear caps. http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k539/gerbilbox/Photo%20Gear%20Sale/DA%2055_300mm/ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
RE: !5th Anniversary PUG - Now online!
On Mon, Apr 9, 2012 at 5:03 PM, Frank wrote: The standout for me is John Celio's. I've seen stuff like that in aviation or science books and always thought it was really cool. John, you captured it perfectly! Thanks Frank! :D I was extremely excited when I chimped that image on my K-5's screen and have been dying to share it. I've got to give the K-5's fast FPS capabilities some credit, though, since I probably would have missed this with my old K10D. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: simple-as-dirt focus calibration method
That sounds super easy! I will give that a shot today. My FA50 1.4 has always had a horrible back-focus issue on just about all my dSLRs, so it'll be great to finally have that sorted. Thanks for sharing! John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Pentax FF
On Sat, Mar 31, 2012 at 11:30 PM, pdml-requ...@pdml.net wrote: https://www.pentaxforums.com/news/pentax-k-3-announced.html i wouldn't like to be cotty's hat right now. :) cotty, we need photos... Yes - but what about the date I love April Fool's Day on the internet. Next year I hope they announce a full-frame Auto 110-compatible dSLR. I might actually let myself fall for it for a little while. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Enablement + Repairment = Ready to travel!
Last week I posted about wanting to trade my A 50mm 1.2 for a DA 35 Ltd macro, but there were no takers here on the list. Darren Addy offered to help me sell the 50 and buy a used 35 Ltd, and we made a nice little profit on top of it all! The 35 showed up last night, and although I haven't really had a chance to play with it yet, I can at least say that it is a BEAUTIFUL lens. I hope the Canadian fellow who bought my 50 feels similarly about that lens; I'd forgotten what fantastic shape it was in before I sold it. As I mentioned a while back, I had to send in my DA* 16-50 for repair. Today it came back from CRIS repaired for free! Woohoo! It may have helped that I tweeted to @NedBunnell about my dissatisfaction with the lens needing AF repair for the third time... ;) I am now ready for my Australia trip, at least with regards to my travel lens assortment. I'm bringing the DA* 16-50, DA 35 Ltd and DA 21 Ltd. The 21 might seem redundant, but it's so small that I don't mind carrying it as a backup in case the 16-50 has problems again. The 35 is coming along for macro in case I find interesting Aussie bugs, and I'm very happy about how much smaller it is than my D-FA 100mm macro lens. Now to just nail down my travel itinerary and I'll be all set. Of course, deciding where to go appears to be the hardest part. I'd wander the whole continent if I had enough time! John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Want to trade: my A50 1.2 for a DA Limited 35 macro
Subject line says it all. Anyone interested? The 35 macro would be a great lens for my next trip, but I don't have enough time to eBay the 50 1.2 (which I never use) to be able to afford the 35. Thanks, John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Calling upon the wisdom of the list.
I'm looking for a good slide scanning service. Recommendations? Meh? Rotten Tomatos? Condemnations? Condiments? You mayo may not relish this idea, but I'd suggest giving your local photo lab a try, if one still exists. I'm sure they could use the business to ketchup on their dwindling finances. John -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
DA* in for repair yet again
Yesterday I shipped my DA* 16-50 off to Pentax/CRIS for repair. It would focus when the focal length was wider than 28mm, but beyond that it could never get a focus lock. Even high-contrast objects would befuddle the thing. Before you suggest it was a camera problem rather than the lens, I tested it on a K10D, K-7 and someone else's K-5. Same results every time. I have no idea why it would behave this way. It would usually get close to focusing properly, but the camera could never confirm focus. Even in manual focus it wouldn't give me a focus confirmation. Strangest problem I've ever seen. This is the third time I've had to send the lens in for focus-related repair. The first two times it was because the motor had seized up. As I've said before, this sort of performance makes me think twice about buying an SDM lens again in the future. John -- http://www.jacelio.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: What to see in southeastern Australia? (Melbourne/Sydney)
Sorry I haven't have a chance to reply sooner. Thanks to everyone who has commented so far. Lots of good info; I'm making a list of everything I might be able to use for preparing and while I'm there. Brian Walters wrote: May is a good time to visit Victoria and New South Wales. The weather is generally excellent for travelling. Temperatures would be in the high teens- low 20s (Celsius) in lowland/coastal areas - a bit cooler if you get into the alpine areas but it wont be freezing. May is also good because I'm fairly sure it's within the school term period for both Vic and NSW, so accommodation shouldn't be a problem. Very glad to hear this. I was worried it'd be rainy or cold since it's so far south, but it sounds like I could get by with a sweatshirt and a light jacket Melbourne to Sydney is about 880 km by the shortest route and about 1100 by the coast. I'm not sure I'd want to tackle that in two weeks by bicycle but that's me... Well, it'd be bicycle + bus/train for longer stretches. I bike everywhere these days, so the idea of long distances isn't too daunting. Anyway I've done quite a bit of touring in Vic and NSW (and I'm sure others have too) so I can probably suggest places to visit but first I think you should decide how you want to get around because that will pretty much determine what places are practical - you might be restricted to defined coach/train routes. That's the tough part. I have no idea what's around. I figure I'll spend a few days in Melbourne exploring after my work obligations are done, and I'll spend a few days (or more) in Sydney at the end, but it's the in-between space that I have no clue about. I know there are easy ways to go straight from one city to the other, but I'd like to see the Australian countryside and smaller towns. A friend of mine keeps pushing me to go to Tasmania for a couple days, but I don't do well on choppy seas (I get seasick super easily). Say, is it worth swinging through Canberra at all? I know it's the capital, but the few people I've asked say it's extremely boring. As far as accommodation goes, there are backpackers hostels in most major towns. So far I've found a lot of good hostel options for the cities. I haven't looked for places in between because I don't know my route yet, but I figure it shouldn't be too hard to find something. I'm also considering signing up with couchsurfing.org and seeing if I can find places to stay for a night along the way. David Mann wrote: but I don't think they ever allowed you to take a holiday after the work was done because of the travel insurance arrangements. So make sure you're covered. I made sure and double sure this was okay. Apparently my organization lets people do this pretty frequently, which means I'll get to take a neat vacation like this almost every year (though not two weeks every time) when we have our big international event. Bob W wrote: [a lot of really good advice] Thanks Bob, that's a lot of stuff I never would have thought of (especially the rule of 3). Regarding clothes, do you just have to keep an eye out for a laundromat every few days, or are there some tricks to cleaning things along the way that might be helpful? Also, since you've been around the world, are there any immunization shots I should think about getting before this trip? Knarf wrote: Watch out for those dingos. It's alright, I'm not bringing any babies along. Darren Addy wrote: Great Ocean Road I've heard of this and seen photos, and I definitely want to try to get down there. Melbourne Opera House Now that sounds like something I'll have to see (and hear). a visit to the historic Sydney Observatory I LOVE astronomy, so I am DEFINITELY going to have to see this. Thanks for the tips!! Tim Bray wrote: [some really great points on places to go in Melbourne] Oh man, those all sound awesome. You and Darren both mentioned architecture, which is an interest of mine, so I'm glad to know a few places to check out. Thanks everyone! This is some great stuff for me to start with. I can hardly wait to be there! John P.S.: I hear Australia is a better place for beer wine than liquor, so I may have to pass on the gin. ;) -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
