Question About *ist D
I am about to sell my long-unused *ist D to a colleague, for whom it is all the camera she needs. She will probably shoot JPEGs. I always use PEF, and recall that *ist D JPEGs were criticized for being soft and lacking contrast. I would like to set the camera so that she'll be satisfied with the images. Does anyone recall what in-camera settings to use for sharpness and brilliance for this camera? Thanks, Joe -- 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: Is this the Camera Pentax should have built?
Rangefinder-style mirrorless. Huh? The photo sure looks like a DSLR with a swinging lcd screen. Joe -- 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: Two days until K-01 announcement
Here we are on February 2 and I wish it was still two days until the K-01 announcement. And I'll feel the same way tomorrow. Anyone for Groundhog Day? Joe -- 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: Best 80-200mm?
I haven't posted here in a while, but this questions looked like a good opportunity. As someone posted, Pentax's FA* 80-200 F2.8 is just excellent. It is also expensive and hard to find. Some versions of the Sigma 70-200 F2.8 are also quite good. Unfortunately Sigma messed around with the optical formula, and some recent versions weren't as good. At one point they added macro capability, which caused images at 200 mm to be softer. If you can find an older version of it, that is a very good lens, though not as good as the Pentax. I don't have the DA* 60-250 F4, but as also posted here, it is reputed to be excellent optically. I just don't trust SDM. Joe -- 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: Question for Pentax Cell Phone Discussion List
Thank for the advice, everyone. I've ordered a worldwide SIM card that routes calls through the UK but actually gives me a US phone number. So when I call my wife, or she calls me, her cell phone will register it as a US call--no charge. Of course charges accrue at my end, about $1 per minute. That's high, but mainly I just need to let her know I've arrived safely. Joe -- 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: 645D Exists (Or Will Soon)
ISO1600 is quite high for the MF market, 3200 is extremely rare (available only on the PhaseOne P45+ and P65+, and then only at massively reduced resolutions due to the use of pixel binning to reach that high -Adam) - Why would this be? Shouldn't the pixels be pretty large compared to the sensors in top-end APS-C cameras? Joe That's 40MP on a 33x44 sensor. On a 16x24 sensor that would be around 10MP. So the pixels are the same size as those in a K10D, and not much larger than those in a (12MP) K-x or a (14MP) K-7. - Thanks, John. But why, then, didn't Pentax let the 645D go to ISO 3200? Earlier Kodak sensors apparently had poor image quality at high ISO settings. I wonder if this one has the same problem. Alternatively, and this is what I suspect, ISO 3200 will become an improved feature of the 645DII. Why shouldn't MF shooters have to buy a new camera regularly like the rest of us? Joe -- 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: On FF but without intent to start a flame
I guess I've gotten suspicious as I've gotten older. About a year or so ago some Pentax officials, including Ned Bunnell and some fellow in Japan, began dissing the old full-frame lenses. Ned Bunnell said that they weren't good enough for digital, except maybe for the FA 31. The official in Japan said something similar. The following occurred to me: --The synchronization between Ned Bunnell's statement on his blog site and the statement in Japan seemed curious, if not suspicious. You don't suppose these statements were planned, do you? --It seemed even more curious that, six years after Pentax introduced its first DSLR, the company suddenly began criticizing its own 35 mm lenses. It didn't occur to them to voice this criticism during the intervening six years. Furthermore, the criticism of the old lenses came out of the blue. It wasn't in response to any questions. My suspicion: Pentax is getting closer to announcing a DSLR with a 24 x 36 sensor, and wants to prepare us to have to buy new lenses for it. The old ones aren't good enough. It's curious also that they haven't dissed any of their 645 lenses. Joe -- 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: K20D repair
My K20 (as well as DA16~45) they recently repaired seem fine, also. I reset the image file number which was almost 10,000 when returned. Well above what it was when sent. Jack -- Interesting. When I sent K20D # 2, DA* 16-50 # 1, and DA* 50-135 # 2 to be calibrated to each other, the camera came back with about 7,000 images on the counter. It had about 1500 when I sent it in. Joe -- 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: Message from Henry Posner, Part I
A few years ago I had a gripe about BH, a minor thing really, a screw-up in their computer system. When I complained, Mr. Posner sent me a couple of emails that I found insulting. He blamed me for their computer problem. So I just got even: For the next two or three years I bought lenses from Adorama that otherwise I would probably have bought from BH. It gave me some satisfaction, but I'm sure meant little or nothing to BH. Once I discovered how squirrely Adorama can be, I went back to buying from BH. No retailer is perfect. Both of these are honest, and I am comfortable buying from either. I am, though, uncomfortable with the modes of communication that are acceptable in New York City: brusque, rapid-fire. I think this is why I was bothered by Mr. Posner's emails. Back in the days when I would order by phone, I was much more comfortable ordering from Camera World of Oregon (now out of business), even though their prices were a bit higher. Now that I can do nearly every transaction on the internet, and don't have to talk to New York salesmen on the phone, I deal mainly with BH and Adorama. Joe -- 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.
Was: SDM Failure. Now: Definitely OT
Hmm, mayonnaised, never heard it called that but the water to oil inter-cooler in my Porsche blew an o-ring, the oil and water were literally like mayo but the engine survived quite well. -- Rob Studdert (Digital Image Studio) Tel: +61-418-166-870 UTC +10 Hours Gmail, eBay, Skype, Twitter, Facebook, Picasa: distudio - Ah, a man I understand. I have a 1999 911 Carrera, bought last April with 47,000 miles on it. This was the first year Porsche put the water cooled engine in the 911. There have been too many reports of just the problem you mention. You are lucky your engine is still intact. In not acknowledging the problem, Porsche has behaved just like Pentax. At least we don't have to worry about SDM failure. Joe -- 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: SDM Failure
Sorry to hear about the SDM failure, but not surprised. FWIW-- --I am on my third K20D. --I am on my third DA* 50-135 F2.8. --I will soon be on my third DA* 16-50 F2.8. Only one of these was an SDM failure (DA* 50-135 number 2). In the space of one year, problematic Pentax gear has cost me images taken in Italy, China, and Sweden. According to Pentax USA these problems are just internet hysteria. According to the gang at dpreview, these problems do not exist and one is not allowed to discuss them in any event. I am starting to think about Nikon. It will depend on whether Pentax can send me a DA* 16-50 that is not optically misaligned. Joe -- 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: Upload for the 2009-10 PDML Photo Annual is now live!
Mark, what is the cutoff date? Thanks, Joe -- 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: Tried out the 20/1.8 last night
I had the use of one of these for a while. It was surprisingly sharp, even wide open, but definitely not as good at controlling flare as the FA 20 F2.8 (which is demonstrably sharper). In the end I bought the FA 20 instead, sacrificing the speed. But the Sigma is definitely a good lens. Joe -- 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: Tips for loosening 77mm filter?
P. J. wrote: Ask and someone will make a product... *http://tinyurl.com/yjme5dq*; -- Yes, I've used this gadget successfully to remove even thin polarizers from the DA 14. For some reason, that is the lens that filters stick to. I've since old on the DA 14, and will use the DA 15 instead. It seems to have better corner performance. Joe -- 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: Computer Question
Sorry for the OT question, but the knowledge on this list is incredible. I hope someone can help me. Here's my original question: http://pdml.net/pipermail/pdml_pdml.net/2009-October/193785.html Thanks for the advice, everyone. I've now managed to restore my notebook screen so that it boots into the proper display configuration. Then I created a Restore Point. Tomorrow I'll test the Restore Point to see if it is working. If it is, then I'll proceed to try switching the display again to the external monitor. I've removed all the display software that came with the monitor. The program that saves desktop configurations is called DesktopOK--a freebie out of Germany. It is virus free. The instructions (such as they are) say that it doesn't install. So it doesn't show up in Add/Remove programs. Would anyone have an idea how to get rid of it? Opening Properties in the desktop icon, it points to Documents and Settings/Administrator/etc., but I can't find any program there--just a folder labeled Desktop, which contains a list of my screen icons. It also installs an icon in my system tray (right side), but msconfig doesn't show anything that I can recognize to stop it. Thanks again, Joe -- 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: Computer Question
Sorry for the OT question, but the knowledge on this list is incredible. I hope someone can help me. I have a Dell laptop running XP. On Wednesday I installed a new, 19, 1280x1024 external Viewsonic monitor. At the same time I installed a little utility called Desktop Restore, which restores the position of your icons if they get rearranged. All seemed well until today--everything seemed to be working fine. Today I was using Firefox to search for a hotel in Stockholm. Suddenly Zone Alarm popped up a window saying something was trying to access the internet. I clicked on Deny, but Zone Alarm wouldn'd respond and I couldn't get the message off my screen. So I rebooted the computer. That's when the problems started. Here they are: 1. My 1280 x 1024 monitor will only show in 1024 by 768. I cannot get it to switch to the correct resolution and stick. 2. Now the monitor on the laptop also comes up in 1024 x 768 when I boot up. This monitor I can get to the correct resolution (1280 x 800) by manually setting it in Properties. But I shouldn't have to do that. 3. Suddenly System Restore no longer works. I cannot go back to a previous restore point. 4. So I ran AVG Antivirus 8.5, after first updating it. I had it scan the entire drive. It could not find any viruses. Can anyone think of what may be going on? What should I try? Thanks, Joe -- 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: Computer Question
It sounds like you've run afoul of Microsoft's Digital Rights Management system. Though I thought that it only really was this bad in Vista. If that was the case, would Windows give me some message? Why would searching for a hotel trigger this? Thanks, Joe -- 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 - Portus
Cotty wrote: Had the privilege of a quick trip to Rome on Tues/Weds this week to film amongst the archaeological excavations at the ancient Roman seaport or Portus. I know Stan the Man is big on antiquity, as are some others - Gianco! - so thought you might like a look: http://www.seeingeye.tv/pages/portus.html -- Ah, lucky you. I popped down to Italy today for some mussels and a quick shoot. The news web sites have been carrying the Portus excavations. Joe -- 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: New place to get Pentax repairs
so you send us the camera using paypal. Is this something like the transporter device on Star Trek? Does your camera go to Nigeria? Joe -- 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.
645D Again
http://www.bjp-online.com/public/showPage.html?page=868986 Joe -- 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: Interesting K7 review
http://www.naturephotographers.net/articles0909/cb0909-1.html Interesting indeed. Others are reporting that the K-7 overexposes. Be sure to read the follow-on comments. Pentax's quality-control problems are becoming too widely known. Joe -- 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: Kodachrome is great and all, but...
...take a look at this gallery of color photography from Russian taken 100 years ago. Simply amazing. http://www.newsweek.com/id/214585 - Wow. And I thought the past was in black-and-white. What chemistry did he use to create the final images? None of the sites describes that. Joe -- 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 K-7 WB weirdness continues
Boris wrote: I've posted two full PEFs on my web site. The time difference between them is like 5 mins. The light was coming from the window and the sun was fairly up in the sky for 7:10am or thereabouts. Initially, the little brain locked itself at something like uncorrected tungsten lighting. Then I played with WB settings some and returned all back to where it was. It took 3-4 mins. Then it started giving me these subtle yet annoying purple/magenta skin tones. - With every Pentax electronic camera I have owned, I have found that the electronics get confused after a little manipulation and cannot find their way back to the original readings. Changing the settings seems to be a one-way street, as far as automation goes. Usually hitting the green button makes everything work again. Does the green button reset the white balance in the K-7? Joe -- 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: DA 16-50 lens with faulty SDM?
Pat wrote: I purchased a used DA 16-50 from BH, rated at 9+. I put the lens on my K200D and immediately realize that the lens won't auto focus OTOH, when I place the lens on the *istDS, the lens will auto focus. I'm guessing that the SDM component on the lens has failed. If that is the case, will it not revert to the standard screw drive on a body that has SDM ability? _ Yes, the SDM is faulty. If you get another copy of the lens, check carefully for element misalighment, indicated by edge softness at the right side. Oh, and some copies have it at the left side. There have been many, many requests to Pentax to give us a firmware option to use either SDM or shaft drive on DA* lenses that have both. Pentax refuses to do this, and they will not acknowledge that there is a problem. When SDM fails you may be able to focus manually. When the SDM on my (second of three) DA* 50-135 failed in Rome last November, I couldn't even turn the focus ring manually. Until Pentax get these problems fixed, I won't buy any more SDM lenses. Hoya has dramatically increased the price of lenses while refusing to improve manufacturing quality. Joe -- 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: DPReview vs the DA* 55 1.4 SDM
I'm starting to think of those lens plants near Hanoi, the assembly plant in the Philippines, and perhaps Pentax as a whole as something like the Iraqi army. It's just never going to straighten itself out. I was hoping that Hoya was going to correct these problems, but apparently not. Joe Their reservations are: 1. Price 2. Lousy Pentax QC again--they had to try 3 samples before they got one with an even focus plane, and not even that one would work on all Pentax bodies. When they recommend Smegma ahead of Pentax, you know there's a problem. Sheesh. Rick http://photo.net/photos/RickW --- On Fri, 7/31/09, Bruce Walker bruce.wal...@gmail.com wrote: From: Bruce Walker bruce.wal...@gmail.com Subject: DPReview vs the DA* 55 1.4 SDM To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List pdml@pdml.net Date: Friday, July 31, 2009, 9:24 AM dpreview.com has released their full review of the Pentax smc DA* 55mm 1:1.4 SDM lens ... http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/pentax_55_1p4_p15/ Much moaning about AF; loved the lens hood. :-) General agreement that it's much improved in most ways over the FA 50. Recommended (with reservations) -- 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: Does high ISO noise reduction affect RAW files?
Larry wrote: It turns out that Jimmy has it on, and I have it off. I know that there's a dark field subtraction noise reduction, for long exposures, and that'll affect RAW, but I thought the High ISO NR only affected the JPEGs - Larry, why don't you test and let us know. RAW already involves manipulation of the sensor inputs, including some noise reduction. How much, or if it can be increased, we don't know. Joe -- 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: Crap! K7 Sensor Problem
Mark wrote: Here's a sample - actual pixels of the very last shot I took yesterday. (Apologies - the shot is not properly focused.) Guide arrows help identify the hot pixel column. http://www.markcassino.com/temp/IMGP1267.jpg It's a subtle problem, but a real problem. In - This looks like a problem that developed in the sensor of my K20D after about 2000 or 2500 exposures. It was under warranty, and Pentax replaced all of the camera's internals. Ruined many photos from a trip to Rome last November. Joe -- 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: Yet another GESO - San Franzisco
Re: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sobol/sets/72157621833843130/ - Ah, yes--summer fog. I grew up there. Very nice photos. Joe -- 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: K20D vs. K7 High ISO Noise Comparisons
Seriously, though, I personally believe the K-7 to be a sort of one-off; a test-bed for technology intended for the 645 due next year. Jostein - Interesting. But there is some good new technology and software in the K-7, so surely Pentax would use that, and build on it, in future APS-C DSLRs? Joe -- 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: adorama doesn't seem to want my business
This sounds like the time that I got a message from Pentax service that said, in essence, We don't know anything but feel free to ask any time. You might get advice from BH on the phone, but it will be fast-paced, New York-style advice. Adorama is a funny company in many ways. I now buy from them less often than I used to. Their support staff are only able to read from scripts. No doubt in the case the script read Contact the manufacturer. Joe -- 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: K20D vs. K7 High ISO Noise Comparisons
Unfortunately, the current first place team is the Yankees. I suppose I should be grateful that this stayed on topic for a few posts. Joe -- 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.
K20D vs. K7 High ISO Noise Comparisons
This guy has posted the best controlled comparison I have seen of noise levels in the two cameras: http://www.flickr.com/photos/51031...@n00/sets/72157621362031046/ Navigate through until you get to the original size images. Pentax claimed that the K7 would have lower noise. This is clearly not so. The difference is especially apparent at ISO 3200 and 6400 (both of which I would like to use). I'm glad I haven't yet bought a K7. I may still buy one, but not for better noise. Or I may wait to see what testing shows when the K8 comes out. Some reports claim that Pentax implemented less noise reduction in RAW images from the K7, and that this accounts for its poorer noise performance. I don't know whether this is true or just BS. From what I read, the K7 is a fine camera in other respects. Joe -- 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* 400mm f2.8
Jim King (who sometimes posts here) bought a used one about 12-18 months ago. I don't have his email address offhand, but you might find him at dpreview. Joe -- 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: K7 Comparison?
Yes, these are interesting, but the noise reduction settings are not disclosed, making the comparison meaningless. It was observed on another forum that Pentax seems to be boosting saturation in high ISO images. You can see that in the crayons especially. The best comparisons for me would be RAW files with noise reduction off. Joe - Imaging-resource already has a few. http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM 2009/7/7 Joseph Tainter jtainter at mindspring.com: The main feature of the K7 that I find attractive is the claim that it produces less noisy images at high ISO settings. So I wonder if it is actually better than the K20D (which I consider to be pretty good up to about ISO 2000). Would anyone who owns both the K7 and the K20D be willing to take some high ISO comparison shots and post them (actual size) where we could look at them? Thanks, Joe -- 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.
K7 Comparison?
The main feature of the K7 that I find attractive is the claim that it produces less noisy images at high ISO settings. So I wonder if it is actually better than the K20D (which I consider to be pretty good up to about ISO 2000). Would anyone who owns both the K7 and the K20D be willing to take some high ISO comparison shots and post them (actual size) where we could look at them? Thanks, Joe -- 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: No GFM:-(
My daughter's second chemo session is scheduled for Friday. I take her to the hospital and pick her up when she's finished, so I had to cancel my GFM reservation. Once again. In any case, they refunded my money with a smile, as always. So a spot has opened up, although I guess there's a waiting list. Really wanted to make it there this time around. I'll try again next year. Paul Paul, I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter. My best wishes to her. Joe -- 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: FA* and DA* lenses (was Re: A70-210/4 assessment- If AF matters, how about the SMC FA80-200/2.8)
My 50-135 has been great from the start. I hadn't heard of any focus problems. But the DP folks whine about everything so I wouldn't put much stock in it. There was a rash of SDM failures with the DA* 50-135. My second sample, which was optically superb, simply refused one day to focus in any matter whatsoever. It had no more than about 150 shots on it. This was last November, when I was in Rome. I used it one afternoon, put it in my bag, took it out the next day and found that it would not focus by either SDM or manually. I am careful with my equipment. Others reported similar experiences at roughtly the same time last fall. I suspect that one of the early batches got out with something in the SDM prone to fail. I sent it and my DA* 16-50 to Pentax at the same time. (I discovered that the 16-50 had extreme right edge weakness at 50 mm.) Both were out of warranty. I expected to have to buy another 16-50, and to have to pay for the repair to the 50-135. To my pleasant surprise, Pentax replaced both lenses at no charge. The new lenses look okay so far, but I have not had much chance to use them over the winter. That will soon change. Unless I come down with flu, I expect to leave for China at the end of the month. Joe -- 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: I should not look at craigslist when I'm broke
I just spent significantly more than that for a lens that sucks. William Robb - Not, I hope, the DA* 55 you just bought. Joe -- 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: DA* 55/1.4 First Picture
http://users.accesscomm.ca/wrobb/pictures/55-14.html It's a heck of a lens, from everything I am seeing and hearing. Joe -- 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.
Is This Pentax's Next Camera?
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036message=31252544 Can anyone interpret the language in the patent application? For example, what are: annular packing made of a resilient material packing-compatible camera body and packing-incompatible camera body My five-year-old version of Netscape won't open the images. Thanks, Joe -- 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: Is This Pentax's Next Camera?
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036message=31252544 Can anyone interpret the language in the patent application? For example, what are: annular packing made of a resilient material packing-compatible camera body and packing-incompatible camera body My five-year-old version of Netscape won't open the images. Thanks, Joe It is basically a design to allow weather resistant lenses and non- weather resistant lenses to be used on the same camera body, regardless of the design of the (K-mount) body. - It also refers to two types of cameras, one compatible with weather-sealed lenses and one incompatible. Then there are two lens adapters, apparently with different throat diameters? There is speculation that this is an EVF camera without a mirror, and so with a different lens-to-sensor distance. Combined with recent statements that Pentax considers the DA lens lineup complete, does this patent refer to a method of using K-mount lenses on such a camera via an adapter? Pentax has said that there will soon be a camera following a different concept. Joe -- 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: Out Now - PDML Photo Annual 2008/9 REVIEW
Cotty, I don't know what moved you to do this review, but it is a tremendous effort. You do this so well. Joe -- 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: Poor FEDEX service
Some locations seem to have consistent problems. When I lived in Tempe and Mesa, Arizona, the local UPS office in Tempe was unable to deliver anything reliably. Once I watched the UPS driver pull into the apartment complex where I was living, then pull out again without knocking on my door. A few minutes later I checked online to see Attempted delivery. Will redeliver. Then on another occasion I had FedEx smash a box. They're all capable of it. Joe -- 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: Rollei is Gone.
I still have an old Rolleicord in my closet. Back when I bought it used about 1969 or 70 I couldn't afford a used 'flex model. The last time I used it was on a trip to Italy in 1991. The shutter needs work now and I'll probably never use it again, but I can't bring myself to part with it. Joe -- 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 - A =very= difficult week
Rick, so sorry to hear about all this. Trouble always seems to come in batches. Joe -- 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: Has anyone tried the Korean 85/1.4 ?
Must be pretty good. It has a gold ring. Joe -- 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: sigma 18-50 f2.8
Some Sigma lenses are quite good. When I've compared them against Pentax equivalents, though, the Pentax ones have proven better. One systematic problem is that Sigma lenses often seem to have more edge weakness than I like. I suspect that this is part of the design compromise that must be made to achieve a lower price. Joe -- 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: Rome?
I was there in late November. The places I stayed were reasonable (~$110/night or so)and good, but not cheap. If you want more information, I'll be happy to help. For cheap, look at the student-run guidebook Let's Go. That's how I found cheaper accommodation in Rome in 1991 when I was poorer. Joe -- 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: Magazine Cover
Re: http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8482863 Wow! Congratulations, Paul. This is a great accomplishment. Joe -- 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: Street Photography show in San Francisco
http://www.jbuhler.com/photos/index.php?album=show2009 Juan, these are simply wonderful. What an eye you have, and a quick finger as well. How I wish I could be in San Francisco to see your show. Joe -- 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: It's a girl
Boris, congratulations to you and your wife. You must be very pleased. Joe -- 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 Photo Book Question
Joseph Tainter wrote: I'm refering to the photo book that Mark announced a couple of weeks ago. How are you guys and gals sharpening for this kind of output? DON'T sharpen. There's no way for you to know what the final output size is going to be (even we aren't certain yet). Please trust the editors to be competent to handle sharpening. - Thanks, Mark. I won't. Joe -- 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.
Pentax Photo Book Question
I'm refering to the photo book that Mark announced a couple of weeks ago. How are you guys and gals sharpening for this kind of output? Thanks, Joe -- 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 RED K1000! RARE LIMITED EDITION
From Michel: Seen on Ebay, this Pentax K1000: red markings on body and lens. A fake or a commemorative series? # 160303122400 From the listing: The red SMC engraving is different from the white engraving because the red has more of these coating layers. Because of the technical difficulty of applying many of these coating layers, these ''Red'' lenses were only produced for a short period of time. Errr... as I understand it, the 55 F2 was a cheaper version of the 55 F1.8. Same optically, but restricted to F2 so it could be sold at a lower price. So this fellow is claiming that Pentax applied this special treatment to a bargain-basement lens? Joe -- 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: Wide zoom (and not zoom) lenses redux
Another option is the forthcoming DA 15 F4 Limited. Joe Nor is the very excellent DA 12-24/4 On Nov 15, 2008, at 1:59 PM, William Robb wrote: - Original Message - From: Boris Liberman Subject: Wide zoom (and not zoom) lenses redux I noticed the very excellent DA14/2.8 is not on your list. William Robb -- 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: K30D
Interesting idea that FA lenses could make a comeback. I assumed they disappeared because of the mandate for lead-free glass: Changing the glass formulations would change the refractive index index and render the old designs unusable. This is the excuse in some circles (Roland Mabo on dpreview), but I suspect that the real reasons are that they were too expensive to produce, had an image circle that was larger than needed, and the * ones didn't sell well. Shifting lens production to Vietnam at the same time that the *ist D came out gave Pentax an opportunity to start over with mostly new designs that would be less expensive to produce. Note that the oldest optical design is the FA 50 F1.4, dating I believe to 1977. If any of the FA lenses had lead in the glass, wouldn't it be this one? Three of the current lenses--the 50 and 100 macros and the 200--are the same as the FA optical designs, or nearly so. Did the FA originals have lead? I suspect that the information on this Chinese web site is a bunch of malarkey. Pentax does not have the capacity to produce all of those old FA lenses in a reasonable time, and it would make little sense for them to do so in the absence of a camera with a 24 x 36 mm sensor. If they were to, they would be labeled DA or D FA, not FA. Joe -- 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: Re: Peso: Another Family Picture
Another from my trip to BC. http://users.accesscomm.ca/wrobb/pictures/newer/shrooms2.html K20 + FA200mm Macro, f/32 for 3 seconds, ISO 100 - Very, very nice. Really pops. Joe -- 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.
Confusion Clarified
Straight from the horse's mouth: An interview with Pentax Imaging's Sales and Marketing Director: http://www.photographyblog.com/index.php/weblog/comments/pentax_and_samsung_partnership_not_perfect And at the very end: Similarly, Hoya aren’t planning to sell the lens-maker Tokina, which they also own, or to merge it with Pentax. This explains a lot. Joe -- 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.
If Rumors Interest You
Re: The 645D: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036message=29477005 Joe -- 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.
Macro Flashes for P-TTL--A Good Report
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036message=29483673 Joe -- 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 on 645 and FF
Sorry about that, I should have been more explicit; you have to choose the second alternative in the little menu. If that does not work there is likely to be some problem with the way your puter displays the page and it's text. You can also try Google translate, it is not as good as Excite, but you should get the main idea. http://translate.google.com/ Good luck, Bertil - I see two little menus, neither of which brings up a translation. May we have more explicit instructions please? I've already tried to read this page through Google translation. It is clearer in Japanese (which I don't read.) Joe DCWatch has an interview with Kicoreshi Kitazawa of Pentax imaging system that offers interesting insight into the company's plans. http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/cda/other/2008/09/26/9317.html Translate here: http://www.excite.co.jp/world/english/web/ All I see is gibberish. -- 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, (Hoya actually), moves all camera and camera lens manufacturing offshore.
My 18-250 mm is labeled Made in Japan. But the 12-24 mm, and the 18-55 mm both read Assembled in Vietnam. Joseph McAllister Pentaxian The 18-250 is almost assuredly produced by Tamron, not Pentax. - Bingo! Solves the mystery of who is producing these. Obviously Tamron is producing them for Pentax, rather than Pentax producing them under license. Joe -- 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.
Metering With Expanded Dynamic Range
If anyone is interested, I just had the following exchange with Pentax
USA concerning metering for Expanded Dynamic Range on the K20D. My
original question is at the bottom.
Given this answer, for EDR to work the camera must somehow anticipate
how the histogram will distribute even before taking the image. Is my
reasoning here correct?
How would this be possible?
Comments or thoughts?
Thanks,
Joe
--
Dear Sir,
Thank you for contacting Pentax.
The metering method will not effect the dynamic range option. You can
use any of the metering options the camera has while expanding the
dynamic range.
{snip...}
Sincerely,
Michael C
Pentax Imaging Technical Support
Your Email:
Hello. My question concerns using the Expanded Dynamic
Range feature on the K20D. Does this feature require one to use
multi-segment metering? Or will it work with center-weighted averaging
(which I normally use)?
Thank you,
Joseph Tainter
--
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the directions.
Re: Rumors of a 17mp Pentax DSLR
That rumor showed up on dpreview several days ago, and perhaps elsewhere too. It was shown to be a misinterpretation: A standard 14 mp image resampled in ACR to 17 mp. Joe -- 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: Rumors of a 17mp Pentax DSLR
Joseph Tainter wrote: That rumor showed up on dpreview several days ago, and perhaps elsewhere too. It was shown to be a misinterpretation: A standard 14 mp image resampled in ACR to 17 mp. Ah! I suspected as much! How was it shown to be an up-rezzed image? EXIF data? - I guess someone found exif data that read 17 mp. Several posts joyously proclaimed a new Samsung sensor and congratulated the OP. Then someone pointed out that ACR for the K20D has some option to automatically resample an image to 17 mp. That seemed to kill the discussion, and I haven't seen the thread on page one since. Joe -- 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: Sigma 50-500 f/4-f/6.3
Anyone have experience with this lens? Comments from users all seem favorable. (This is mainly at dpreview, so the standards are not exacting.) As an alternative to a 600 mm. prime (many thousands of $$) it seems to give satisfactory value for the money. On Pentax it would AF with the shaft drive. Joe -- 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.
WTB Friday: Pentax Chrome Filter
I'm looking for one of the chrome 49 mm Skylight 1A or UV filters that Pentax made for the chrome limiteds. It's to go with a chrome FA 43 that I picked up a while ago. Contact me off list: jtainter at mindspring dot com Thanks, Joe -- 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 - Spun in Seney
Check out http://mypeoplepc.com/members/kwaller/offwallphoto/id2.html - Perfect comes to mind. Joe -- 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: K20D User manual
Hi guys, I just took delivery of a K20D, there was no printed user manual in the box, has this become normal practice? Do you just get the version on CD? - Is there any chance you got a gray market camera? If not, tell the seller to get you a manual. Pentax UK should have them. Joe -- 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: K10D (V1.30 firmware) and DA* 16-50/2.8 focus problems
I suspect that quality control issues are what has delayed the DA* 60-250. Hopefully, this long delay is a sign that Pentax is revising manufacturing and/or quality control procedures. Maybe they will rehire Nguyen. William Robb - That would help, but the problem now is that they hired his second cousin, Nguyenette. She assembles DA* lenses. Joe -- 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: DA* 16-50 F2.8 repair update
Back in June, I reported the following: I sent my DA* 16-50 back this spring due to uneven sharpness across the frame. It came back worse than when I sent it. So it's back in Colorado again. I'm hoping it comes back in better condition. Maybe I'm a second time's the charm guy Here's the latest: Pentax USA replaced the lens with a different one. The serial number appears to correspond to an early batch, so I was a little suspicious. I finally got time to do a quick image test (resolution charts on the wall), and the results look good. Sharpness looks pretty good wide open and both sides of the image are very crisp at F8 and F11. I'm still disappointed that they didn't appear to test the lens before it went out the door the first time around, but it looks like I got satisfaction this time. They even extended the warranty by the amount of time that the lens was in the shop. --Mark - Glad you got a good one. I have read that lens alignment needs to get gotten right at the factory. Repair centers cannot get it right later. I don't understand why this would be, but your experience seems to confirm it. It is clear that * lenses are no longer tested individually before being shipped. Joe -- 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: 60-250 - broken embargo - thread has been pulled
'Just a few minutes ago I followed this link to a page that indicated the thread was only for viewing by logged-in members of PentaxForums. When I attempted to find the thread through the index I learned that it and all photographs of and from the lens had been removed at the request of Pentax USA.' The legend lives on. I.e., the lens is still a legend/rumor. Joe -- 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: GESO - more New York
http://www.alphoto.com/nyc08/index.html - Doug, some of these are marvelous. I am surprised at the flare in number 2. Joe -- 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: Firefox Bug?
http://www.conceptrescue.com - In outdated Netscape 7.2 the page comes up fine. There seemed to be only one page. Is this correct? Joe -- 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: Extended store warranty on Pentax glass worth-while?
Businesses are not charities. They offer extended warranties because they expect to profit on them. Joe -- 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: K20D Extended Dynamic Range
Is the extended dynamic range active for raw files or is it part of the processing for a jpg? Some of us suspect that it is just a one-stop underexposure combined with a histogram adjustment. Joe -- 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: GFM gallery
http://www.robertstech.com/blog/photos/gallery01/ - Mark, this is a great series and most of the photos are individually outstanding on their own. Joe -- 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 to the group - you will be groaning with frustration soon!
I went from point and shoot - I know that the higher the shutter speed the more light and I now know that the SV setting allows me to set it so that it captures more light?? - Jo, it's just the opposite: Higher shutter speed means the shutter is open for a shorter period, letting in less light--e.g., 1/500 is conventionally described as a higher shutter speed than 1/250. The shutter at 1/500 is open half as long as at 1/250, so it allows in half the light. Here's some things you can do: 1. Just play with the camera. The beauty of digital is that, once you buy the camera, taking pictures is free and the feedback is immediate. So get to know the camera by experimenting and becoming comfortable with it. 2. Consider buying a book on the basics of photography, or enrolling in a photography course to learn the basics. 3. Sign up for a free web site on which you can post your photos. Then you can provide us with a link so we can see what you don't like. And of course you can ask more questions here. Sometimes a few people will give you straight answers. And some of us understand that the manual is not clear in all parts. If you are photographing moving puppies, consider changing the autofocus to only the center point (use the dial on the back of the camera), then learn the technique called focus and recompose. That one is described pretty well in the manual. Basically, you focus on the point of interest, then recompose. While recomposing you hold the shutter halfway down to hold the focus point. Otherwise the automatic multi-point autofocus will pick the closest object it can focus on, which may not be what you have in mind. When photographing animals or doing portraits of people you want the eyes to be in sharp focus. Good luck, Joe -- 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: Tired of Correcting Auto Focus
Paul wrote: With any autofocus camera, when precise focus is necessary, manual is the way to go. That's my other wish: A split-screen focusing aid, like in the old days, that doesn't affect metering at all, including spot metering. With that I might give up AF. Dream on. My FA* 400 F5.6 needed -9. My FA* 80-200 F2.8 needed -8. The others have needed less severe compensation. With telephoto lenses I am finding that the differences between adjacent settings can be quite subtle. Joe -- 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.
Tired of Correcting Auto Focus
I have now tested 14 lenses for autofocus errors on my K20D, and have at least 3 more to go. Of the 14, 10 needed correcting. I have found this tedious, time-consuming, and boring. And apparently it is a job that I will have to do over and over again with every new body that I buy. In my mind this has become a major disincentive to buying new bodies. I wonder if it is possible to develop some software in the camera that would automate this process. Suddenly I consider this a high priority for in-camera software. Joe -- 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: K20D Hot Pixels
Apparently a firmware problem. We'll see. http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036message=28085894 William Robb - I hope it is indeed firmware. (Pentax corporate HQ is not always honest, and Pentax reps are not always knowledgeable.) I shot some RAW photos the other day with my K20D using two-second delay. Looking at the images in Pentax's browser (no RAW conversion), I don't see the hot pixel problem that others have seen. BTW, Paul, this link is an example of why it is worth looking occasionally at dpreview, despite the admitted annoyances of that site. News such as this shows up much earlier there than it does here. Joe -- 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 DA* 16-50 F2.8 saga continues
Follow-up: You are not the only one experiencing floating softness. See the post here: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036message=28043934 Joe -- Mark wrote: I recently received my DA* 16-50 F2.8 back from Pentax USA (via California Precision Service). It had a clear centering defect that yielded softness on the right side of the image. First thing I did when I got it back was to onto my lens test range (a tripod and a couple of test patterns taped to the wall). Two different pictures, both taken at 50mm and F8. One is sharp in the center and left and soft on the right. One image is sharp on the center and right and soft on the left. And now the SDM autofocus doesn't work. The floating softness is definitely weird. For what it is worth, the rumor I have seen is that centering defects are pretty hard for a service center to fix. It has to be gotten right at the factory. I don't know whether this is correct. Joe -- 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 DA* 16-50 F2.8 saga continues
It's dpreview. It has to e taken with a grain of salt. Paul -- Original message -- From: Joseph Tainter jtainter at mindspring.com Follow-up: You are not the only one experiencing floating softness. See the post here: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036message=28043934 Joe - The poster in this case is a fellow with above average experience. Joe -- 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 DA* 16-50 F2.8 saga continues
Mark wrote: I recently received my DA* 16-50 F2.8 back from Pentax USA (via California Precision Service). It had a clear centering defect that yielded softness on the right side of the image. First thing I did when I got it back was to onto my lens test range (a tripod and a couple of test patterns taped to the wall). Two different pictures, both taken at 50mm and F8. One is sharp in the center and left and soft on the right. One image is sharp on the center and right and soft on the left. And now the SDM autofocus doesn't work. The floating softness is definitely weird. For what it is worth, the rumor I have seen is that centering defects are pretty hard for a service center to fix. It has to be gotten right at the factory. I don't know whether this is correct. Joe -- 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: 20 Pentax lenses tested on K20D by Chasseur D'images
Thibault, are these lens tests all in one issue? Can you post instructions how to order a copy? I can read enough Francais to make my way through the tests, or through an ordering page for the issue. Thanks, Joe -- 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: K20D dynamic range expansion 200% clouds
http://roman.blakout.net/r-rated/900x600-_IGP81390021.JPG ^^^ this was the trickiest thing to capture, now quite possible, clouds and shadows are nicely exposed. - I suspect that the K20D's Dynamic Range Expansion is just a one-stop underexposure with subsequent brightening of shadows and midtones. These are all things one could do in post-processing. IOW, I suspect that it is a marketing gimmick. Joe -- 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: K10D Repair Estimate
Paul wrote: I received a repair estimate from Pentax Colorado for my K10D. I had told them that it backfocused severely with two DA* lenses, both of which work fine with my K20D. Paul, I assume you must send in the lenses as well? Maybe Pentax is just practicing backward incompatibility for their eventual merger with Microsoft. Joe -- 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.
Review of DA* 200 F2.8
The June issue of Popular Photography arrived yesterday, including a review of this lens. The reviewer, Julia Silber, says that she spent several weeks using the lens in the field. I have never before seen a review in Pop Photo that said this. Anyway, she has the highest praise for the lens. It has the best distortion performance of any lens tested with DxO. The review describes the optics as near flawless. Also, If there's a downside to this lens, we couldn't find it. Interestingly, while the lens is indeed based on the optics of the FA* 200 F2.8, the rear element was redesigned to project a flat-field image. Also, it has new internal coatings. Joe -- 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: K20D Hot Pixels
I'm the one who will shamelessly admit to being anxious to read dp's eventual D20 review and with pecial interest re their hot pixel comments. Jack - Oh, I suspect that this virtually guarantees that Phil Askey will give the K20D a qualified rating, as he did with the K10D over another (non) issue. Joe -- 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: K20D Hot Pixels
P. J. Alling wrote: Mark Roberts wrote: Paul Stenquist wrote: More hand wringing from Dpreview! I checked my camera for hot pixels. Nary a one that I can see. What does the DP in DP Review stand for? Disaster Predictions? Dire Premonitions? Doom Proponents? Dysthymic Prognosticators? Dead Pixels Mark Roberts wrote: Come to think of it, Dead Pixels might be an appropriate term for the people who hang out there... - Including Msroberts? Joe -- 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: K20 and manual aperture lenses
Bill wrote: One of the guys on the Pentax Dysfunctional Web Forum chalenged me to test my K20 exposure system with manual aperture lenses (green button manual). The camera failed miserably, over exposing by quite a large amount at all f-stops but maximum and minimum. There were complaints (at dpreview) along these lines with the K10D, but I didn't follow them. The only non-A lens I have used on the DSLRs is the Zenitar 16 mm Fisheye, which worked fine on the *ist D with the green button. Since I got the DA 10-17 Fisheye I haven't used the Zenitar. Joe -- 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: K20 and manual aperture lenses
Hmmm, something I didn't think about was metering pattern. Does the K10/K20 allow pattern metering with non A lenses? William Robb - I believe it defaults to center-weighted averaging. Joe -- 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.
Curious Auctions
I know we shouldn't discuss current auctions here, but I am also confident that no one here is foolish enough to bid on a dodgy one. Does anyone else think it strange that a certain auction site suddenly has three FA* 85 F1.4s for sale? Two are in China and one in Poland. I recall that this dealer in Poland has from time to time advertised some extraordinary lenses, and questions have been raised about him. Joe -- 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: Anyone using a Bigma 50-500..................
John, check over at dpreview. There are several satisfied users there. Joe -- 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: Drobo Update
Ok, I outwaited it. It does boot eventually, but the Drobo really slows it down. Next time I start it up I'll time it. I know that with the drobo unattached, it takes the thing within a few seconds of a minute to be ready to go. Bill, can you just turn it on and off as needed for backup? Or does it have to be turned on at startup? Most of the time I am word processing or doing emails. My main hard drive is fine for those, and when I need to I still use a floppy drive to back up such files. Processing photos is a luxury when I have time. So I need a backup device that does not need to be on all the time. My current USB hard drive just goes on and off when I ask it to. Thanks, Joe -- 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 70-210 and Sigma 70-300 Apo comparison([EMAIL PROTECTED])
The Sigma is so weak at the long end that (in the sample I had) images appeared out of focus. People usually recommend Tamron's version of the same telezoom. But both will be outperformed by Pentax's forthcoming DA 55-300 and DA* 60-250 F4. The SMC F 70-210 is quite good, but I haven't tried it on the K20D's sensor. Joe -- 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.
Pentax 70-210 and Sigma 70-300Apocomparison([EMAIL PROTECTED])
it remains to be seen if the DA 55-300 is better than the Tamron optically. Here's a test comparing the two: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036message=27737853 Joe -- 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: Sigma 100~300 f/4 DG APO lens
And BH is listing the DA* 300mm for only $1299. The Sigma is not a good deal. Paul -- Original message -- From: Walter Hamler hamlerwalter at gmail.com Oops! It is not an APO. Just DG EX Walt On 4/26/08, Walter Hamler hamlerwalter at gmail.com wrote: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBarA=getItemDetailQ=sku= 390172is=REGsi=rev#anchorToReadReviews - When this lens first came out a few years ago, reviews indicated it was weak at the long end. I suspect that Sigma reformulated the glass because more recent users have seemed satisfied with it. Joe -- 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: K20
I've been very pleased with high ISO performance. Very nice results at 1600 with noise reduction set to weak. Quite acceptable at 3200 as well. The 6400 performance is noisy but better than no picture at all:-). Generally, I'd say it's 1 1/2 to 2 stops better than the K10D. My K20D pics at 3200 are close to what I was getting at 1000 or so with the K10D. Paul - This matches my experience too. Joe -- 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: Published!
No big deal. A small cycling magazine from Vancouver, Momentum, will be publishing a couple of my photos in their upcoming issue. http://tinyurl.com/4rf3vg http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5806/2203/1600/96886/handlebars.jpg and http://tinyurl.com/3np7eo http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5806/2203/1600/kiki.jpg - Congratulations, Frank. Good show. Any of your Canada Geese show up yet? Joe -- 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.
