RE: RAW files and Photoshop Elements 2.0
Use the Pentax RAW plug-in. This works fine with the earlier versions of Photoshop and with Elements. Its conversion is not quite as good as ACR, but it's certainly usable. Nick -Original Message- From: Peter Smekal[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 27/04/05 20:45:54 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: RAW files and Photoshop Elements 2.0 Hi everyone, is there any way to open *istD RAW files with Photoshop Elements 2.0? Peter
Re: Filling the 50-85mm gap.
My preferred kit is 14/24/50/100 with 1.7AF. Sometimes 200 as well. The 50 is either A1.4 or A2.8 macro, depending on likely subjects. Nick -Original Message- From: Godfrey DiGiorgi[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 22/04/05 05:48:37 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: Filling the 50-85mm gap. On Apr 21, 2005, at 7:15 PM, Don Sanderson wrote: My prime kit now consists of 16(fisheye),24,28,35,40,50,85,90,100, 135,150, 200, 300, 400 and 500. I tend to prefer wide spacings between primes when I'm carrying them. One of my all time favorite kits in 35mm (Leica M gear) was 21/35/75. I do this with the DS now by carrying 14/28 [or 35]/50 or 24/50/85, depending upon which range I'm in the mood for. I think I carried the 24/50/85 kit at the NorCal PDML gathering day, got a lot of good photos with it. Godfrey
Re: Rawshooter 1.1.2
According to a news item on DPReview the last could be due to Nikon encrypting the WB information to prevent third-party converters from working so they can sell their own software. Talk about a short-sighted marketing strategy. It makes Pentax's team seem like geniuses! Nick -Original Message- From: Derby Chang[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 15/04/05 09:39:58 Known problems. Camera related: - Nikon D2X/D2Hs: Incorrect AsShot WB interpretation
RE: Test of DA 40 f2.8 Limited
Have you tried it on a film body? Does it cover 35mm frame? I'd expect it should as the SMC-M version obvoiusly does. Nick -Original Message- From: Joseph Tainter[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 17/04/05 18:22:15 Yesterday I tested this pup against the DA 16-45 f4 at 40 mm. and the FA 50 f1.7.
Re: Capture One Pro vs Adobe RAW converter
Apparently the gameplan with RawShooter is to make the product initially available for free then charge for later versions once the product has matured and people are hooked. I don't know whether there will still be a free lite version at that time. Nick -Original Message- From: John Forbes[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 15/04/05 22:03:04 It is very difficult for software sellers to guage how to price a product with near-zero marginal cost.
The rise of Digital = the fall of Medium Format
Last Monday we had a lecture to mark the 60th Anniversary of our camera club (http://www.edmontoncameraclub.co.uk/) from Andy Rouse (http://www.andyrouse.co.uk/), a well known wildlife photographer in the UK. He uses Canon gear and used to rave about the Pentax 645nII, but has gotten rid of it since getting the 1D Mk2. He says he gets far better quality and better workflow from digital than from MF at any conceivable output size, including billboard. He promotes RawShooter as the best software, and doesn't like gross manipulation, just levels adjustments and the like. The only time he's used image manipulation was on a primate picture of mother and infant that showed a nipple - apparently it would be unsaleable in America. Incidently, he says he doesn't like Canon, and has a better relationship with Nikon and Pentax, but at present they don't provide the tools he needs. He is a very entertaining speaker and I recommend that you try to see him if he is in your area. Nick
RE: Meter vs Meter
I had the same problem (or is it really a solution) with my LX with a slow aperture actuator, probably caused by old lubricant. The aperture was slow in closing down and so more light reached the film so the LX ended the exposure early. If in manual mode I got overexposure, but Auto was fine. How do you know the speed was 1/1000th rather than 1/350th? I would think they sound the same. In my case I noticed it because I was working at slower speeds. Nick -Original Message- From: Jack Davis[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 14/04/05 22:38:11 All shots (16 in all) were made with the same lens set at f/8 with mirror lock-up. Post shot shutter speeds: LX 1/1000 and MZ-S 1/350. Time span between shots just moments. Sun movement or clouds (none) not considered factors. I realize that the actual LX exposure/shutter likely varied from pre-exposure reading, but I'm surprised at how much. Perhaps I'm just the last to discover this.
Re: *ist-DS Noseheavy
Our 3 modes are ... fetch the soft bean bag! -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] I have two basic shooting modes. 1. Walkarounds: Camera on neck strap with one lens, possibly a second in pocket. 2. Fun Nature Shoots with Ken and Bill: Camera on tripod with long lens, possibly one or two additional lenses and a 2X converter in fanny pack. 3. Serious Work Shoots: Pelican Case with two bodies, twelve lenses, 2X converter, seven filters, a number of hoods, spare batteries, handheld meter, and lens cleaning equipment. A second soft bag with laptop computer.
Re: Pentax 645
I uderstood the film flatness issue was with the 645n or the 645nII when set to 16 images per 120 film, and where the film has been left in the camera for a period. The next frame into the shutter shows some curve due to the way it has been sitting. They both can be set to 15 images, but the 645n has to be sent to Pentax to do it. I've recently bought a manual 645 and absolutely love taking pictures with it. It feels absolutely right, and the viewfinder is superb compared to 35mm or digital. It feels like real photography. I rarely use a tripod, but do often use a monopod. Nick -Original Message- From: Mark Roberts[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 07/04/05 01:33:20 Furthermore, the 645 has a film curl problem due to the way it winds. What is this? Never experienced it myself (as far as I can tell - perhaps I just haven't noticed?)
RE: Where have all the Pimples gone? (was RE: Need the little white bubble for some M lenses- Help)
I'm afraid not. It's located further down on the MZ-S although the edge of it isn't far off. There is a little red LED that comes on at the position of the red dot on the body, but it's completely pointless as it doesn't have anything corresponding to it on the lens, other than the red dot, and if it's light enough to see that then you can see the one on the body mount anyway. Nick -Original Message- From: Jens Bladt[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 03/04/05 08:22:51 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: RE: Where have all the Pimples gone? (was RE: Need the little white bubble for some M lenses- Help) which is: *ist D, *ist DS, *ist ??? I guess the MZ-S still has the lens release button in the usual place? Cheers Jens Bladt mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://hjem.get2net.dk/bladt -Oprindelig meddelelse- Fra: William Robb [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sendt: 2. april 2005 16:17 Til: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Emne: Re: Where have all the Pimples gone? (was RE: Need the little white bubble for some M lenses- Help) - Original Message - From: Jens Bladt Subject: RE: Where have all the Pimples gone? (was RE: Need the little white bubble for some M lenses- Help) So, for which camera was the Limited lenses, with the green Pimple, designed? One that didn't have the buggered up lens release placement. William Robb
Where have all the Pimples gone? (was RE: Need the little white bubble for some M lenses- Help)
I dont know why or when but Pentax gave up this useful selling point a while back. It was originally advertised as a way of changing lenses easily without looking or in the dark - just line up the pimple with the lens release lever and twist. Now they give you a pointless red light on the body (MZ-S) which doesn't line up with anything you can see in the dark, and the new bodies' lens release lever doesn't even line up with the old pimple. It can't have cost that much to retain such a brilliantly simple idea. Nick -Original Message- From: Jens Bladt[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 01/04/05 19:36:47 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: RE: Need the little white bubble for some M lenses- Help I got one from Fovitec - the Danish Pentax import company, for my 2./105mm some years back. Your local Pentax representative/repair facility might be able to supply this. Maybe a green one, from a Limited lens will do the trick? Regards
Re: On production cost (was Re: Future of DA lenses)
The 14mm f/2.8 DA is like this too, which bodes well for the future lens line-up. Nick -Original Message- From: Sylwester Pietrzyk[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 30/03/05 15:13:20 Unfortunately, we cannot have it in both ways. Not true :-) There are some AF lenses, which don't move focusing ring during AF operation (either because it is declutched during AF or it is driven by in-lens motor) and they have very, very nice MF feeling.
Re: I'm surprised that this one didn't attract a single bid
I disagree. I'd much rather have a decent manual focus lens with a proper focusing ring than an AF lens. MF are generally better built too (limiteds excluded). I use MF 90% of the time. I think this auction had too many restrictions on location and payment methods. What is it with German ebayers not liking PayPal anyway? Nick -Original Message- From: Quasi Modo[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 29/03/05 14:26:08 Manual lenses = too much hassle in this day and age. We are the Instant Gratification Generation. If I didn't filter my lens browsing to auto-focus only I'd be there all day. (I think that captures the sentiments of ~90% of ppl in the market for Pentax lenses)
RE: *istD overexposure with M50/1.4, but not M50/1.7
Sticky aperture on the 1.4? Nick -Original Message- From: Peter Smekal[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 29/03/05 14:43:35 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: *istD overexposure with M50/1.4, but not M50/1.7 This time I only tested two lenses. *istD M mode + the green button. Aperture 8 in both cases. Same scene. M50/1.7 works just fine, M50/1.4 gives totally washed out overexposures. Any clue? Peter
Re: I'm surprised that this one didn't attract a single bid
Try them! It's not just about optical quality, it's about the gestalt of picture taking. MF lenses feel better and promote a more considered approach to composition. Nick -Original Message- From: Quasi Modo[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 29/03/05 17:12:05 I've seen a lot posted in several places about the superior optical quality of manual focus Vs AF lenses and have seen the arguments lose their legs within 100 characters.
Re: I'm surprised that this one didn't attract a single bid
Hey whatever works for you. I prefer MF lenses and the way they affect my picture taking. Most AF lenses don't have the right feel for me. Nick -Original Message- From: Christian[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 29/03/05 20:34:17 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: I'm surprised that this one didn't attract a single bid Nick Clark wrote on 3/29/2005, 2:11 PM: It's not just about optical quality, it's about the gestalt of picture taking. MF lenses feel better and promote a more considered approach to composition. Oh god... not this again... I'm not going to argue the feel because what feels good to you may not for me. But, how can you say that MF lenses promote a more considered approach to composition.? In what way? I can use AF lenses in MF mode and treat them exactly like MF lenses. Or I can use the multiple AF sensor of my camera to focus on what I want. Or I can use the AF and recompose option. The tools used cannot promote a more considered approach to composition. Only the tool user (that would be you, the photographer) can promote a more considered approach to composition. Your statement is just as bad as the zooms vs. primes or automatic vs manual arguments about learning composition. -- Christian [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: LIfe Span of a D (was Re: Pulled the trigger)
I've taken 2,500 in a year, so about 20 years for me. I'm still using a lot of film too, having recently acquired an LX and a P645. Nick -Original Message- From: Steve Desjardins[EMAIL PROTECTED] OK, folks, the big question: Given the rate at which you shoot with your *ist D/DS, how long will it take you to get to 50,000 shutter firings?
New format K mount digital (was re: Pentax News)
If they make a camera with that sensor that can take K mount lenses there's no reason not to use the full image circle and make the format user variable. We wouldn't be stuck with the 2:3 ratio, but could match it to our output medium (eg A4). Not sure about the viewfinder though - perhaps interchangeable masks. We could even capture a circular image to maximise the area. Nick -Original Message- From: David Mann[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 17/03/05 08:10:31 On Mar 16, 2005, at 12:37 PM, Cotty wrote: I would guess because with the advent of a 645D, it seems pretty unlikely we'll see a 24X36 full frame 35mm-style DSLR anytime if at all Maybe to reduce cost by economies of scale we'll see Pentax making 35mm DSLRs with the big Kodak 645D sensor.
Re: Re: Potential buyrs of a D645?
The 67 lenses could be used on the 645D using the adaptor. Bigger crop factor though. Nick -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] So. Where does all this leave the 67 system?
Re: So who else shoots one handed? (was: The istD: Report From a First ...)
Or over the heads of a crowd! Nick -Original Message- From: Herb Chong[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 08/03/05 03:53:33 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: So who else shoots one handed? (was: The istD: Report From a First ...) only on a tripod. Herb... - Original Message - From: Rob Studdert [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Sent: Monday, March 07, 2005 11:48 PM Subject: So who else shoots one handed? (was: The istD: Report From a First ...) So who else shoots successfully one handed? I certainly end up with marginal results at best when I do (which is only when there is no other option).
RE: I have a wobbly monitor!
It's usually caused by another power supply close to the monitor. Do you have something nearby that you only swith on at night? Nick -Original Message- From: Tan and Steve[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 08/03/05 11:19:12 To: Net [EMAIL PROTECTED]pentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: I have a wobbly monitor! Hey guys, Completely off topic here but in light of the recent monitor discussion, I too have a monitor problem. For some reason, and only at night time, the display on my monitor does this funny flickering, wobbly thing. I can continue to work on it but it kinda makes me motion sick. lol. Anyways, it never gets turned off, but ONLY does it at night, which I think is a very strange phenomena, I mean how can a CRT monitor tell the time?! I'm really wondering if it is time to take the plunge into the world of LCD screens, but even through the discussion you guys have been having, I am still seeing the benefits of staying old school. Suggestions gratefully accepted... :) Tan. Tanya Mayer Photography Brisbane, Qld, Australia www.tanyamayer.com Ph +61 (07) 3315 4549 Mobile +61 0437831247
RE: Survey: How do you do exposure?
RE: Survey: How do you do exposure?
See embedded answers: -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 03/03/05 16:15:49 1. How do you do exposure most of the time? Av or Tv or manual (doing it yourself)? *istD - Hyper Program with AE-L, using the green button and Av dial for more control. LX - only just got it back from Pentax, but I expect Av, although the lack of AE-L may mean switching to manual on occasion. Actually it might be manual all the way as it's similar to my first SLR, the Ricoh XR-1, and to the KX. MZ-S - used to use P with AE-L, switching to Av when I wanted control over DoF. Since getting the *istD I tend to use P with AE-L, switching to Tv when I want to change the aperture as I find I like the wheel controls. Whether that will change again as I use the LX more I don't yet know. 645 - Electronic Av, as I like to see the aperture in the viewfinder. Often switch to manual due to lack of AE-L. 2. Do you shoot digital or film? Optional -- Both - see 1. 3. If you shoot digital, have you changed how you do exposure since switching from film? Yes, at least on the MZ-S, as I like the *istD interface the best. My preferred way of controlling the camera remains Av though. Nick.
Re: [personal] Re: LX Repair Update
You could always get another FA-1. I've seen several advertised on eBay recently. Another LX advantage. Nick -Original Message- From: frank theriault[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 28/02/05 23:56:34 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: [personal] Re: LX Repair Update On Mon, 28 Feb 2005 06:57:53 -0500, David Chang-Sang [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: If Kominek's can't repair the LX I think Frank would be hard pressed to find someone else within Canada who could. Their service, from my experience, is top notch and if it's the same Pentax guy that I'm thinking of, he'll scour for spare parts etc. in order to fix a working body. I hope it gets fixed for you Frank :) I'm actually not too worried, for a couple of reasons. First, I think that the problem is a minor mechanical one, maybe even one that doesn't need parts. Second, if they can't fix it, I have a camera that works fine, except for the flash (although, as I said, ttl flash metering is one of the things I like most about it), so I still have a pretty good camera. Third, Kominek's here in Toronto has a former Pentax Canada tech who works for them, and he (as Dave recalls) repaired a Pentax zoom for Dave that Pentax Canada said was beyond repair. Wait, that's ~three~ reasons I'm actually not worried, for ~three~ reasons. First... vbg cheers, frank (of the Spanish Inquisition) -- Sharpness is a bourgeois concept. -Henri Cartier-Bresson
Re: Score!
I got one with an MV which I might sell on. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemrd=1item=3873966061ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT Nick -Original Message- From: Peter J. Alling[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 28/02/05 01:18:46 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: Score! Nice, I though I got a steal when I got the same combination for about $200.00. Be careful, you might just fall in love with the ME. I did at least temporarily. John Celio wrote: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemrd=1item=3875961078 Finally got me a pancake 40mm, and an ME to boot! I can probably sell the camera for a decent amount, as long as everything's working properly, and cleaning the lens should be a snap (I love working at a camera shop!). *glee!* If it gets here before my little excursion to Monterey this thursday, I'll be even happier. John Celio -- http://www.neovenator.com http://www.newpixel.net AIM: Neopifex Hey, I'm an artist. I can do whatever I want and pretend I'm making a statement. -- I can understand why mankind hasn't given up war. During a war you get to drive tanks through the sides of buildings and shoot foreigners - two things that are usually frowned on during peacetime. --P.J. O'Rourke
Re: OT Truely impressive on-line map service
Or Pocket IE Nick -Original Message- From: Andre Langevin[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 23/02/05 15:38:23 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: OT Truely impressive on-line map service http://maps.google.com/ No support for Safari yet... Andre
Re: On-the-Go Storage, it works!
My concern with all these devices without screens is there's no way to confirm there's really anything readable on the disc. That goes double for a CD/DVD writer given the number of CDs I've had that are written by one machine and subsequently turn out to be unreadable by another. In this case you will be destroying the original on the card, so there's no second chance. I'd rather use a flashtrax type device, or as I do take a Tablet PC or Laptop for copying to. This also gives me the option of checking the images on a decent sized screen, and even a bit of Photoshopping in the evening. With sufficient cards to get through a day the laptop can stay at base (hotel, BB, etc) until I return. YMMV of course, but this works for me. Nick -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 2/22/2005 4:22:05 PM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: What I'm looking for is something similar. However I'd like to have around 120g capacity. What I'd like is a single device that will store 120g of data, provide the ability to burn CD's and/or DVD's, and not require a computer.
RE: New Fuji Velvia 100 (not 100F) vs Velvia 50
Tried it a while ago, and it's OK but not as saturated as the 50. I prefer Provia for a 100 film. Nick -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 22/02/05 18:47:30 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: New Fuji Velvia 100 (not 100F) vs Velvia 50 The new Velvia 100 (not 100F) has been out in Japan for some time. Anyone on the list directly compared it with the great Velvia 50? Your comments would be appreciated. Robert James
RE: Keppler's take on DSLR prices drop
I've just picked up an LX and can't wait to get it back from its CLA with Pentax. I also recently got a Pentax 645 and really enjoy using that too. Mind you I also use the *istD. The only problem now is choosing what to take out, as it's too heavy to take it all. If taking the *istD I also take the Ricoh GR1. If the MZ-S I also take the 43WR. Both go with the 645. Nick -Original Message- From: Isaac[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 22/02/05 23:30:17 I have to agree about the trend to go back to film after using digital. That is exactly what I did because I couldn't get consistent picture quality if it was sunny. Same issue with two different brands of camera. There just isn't enough control on most of them. Of course, I'm sure I'm in the minority in going back to an all manual camera. :-)
Re: Focus + Recompose Hoovers - Interesting Info
Did you mean the other way around? As stated it would cause the same problem. I much prefer manual focus. Nick -Original Message- From: David Savage[EMAIL PROTECTED] Or am I the only idiot who manually focuses then composes? :-) Dave S
Re: addiction...
It's a great lens - my standard on the *istD. That hasn't helped either has it! Nick -Original Message- From: Godfrey DiGiorgi[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 18/02/05 05:59:17 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: addiction... --- William Robb [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: No, I am not buying one. But they still have that Pentax-A 24mm f/2.8 with the perfect glass on the shelf... It's nice on film, and nicer on the istD. You're NOT helping. ;-) Godfrey __ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com
Re: *istDS built-in flash overexposure problem
I can't use the AF360FGZ on the *istD to take pictures of my wife as the preflash causes her to blink and then her eyes are shut for the main exposure. I wish you could force it into TTL mode sometimes. Don't recall it being a problem on the MZ-S, but then the results aren't visible quite so quickly. Perhaps the mirror is faster. Nick -Original Message- From: Frantisek[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 18/02/05 00:30:23 Of course the problem depends on how fast the DSLR can swing the mirror (as the flash metering is done before the mirror rises), so a superfast mirror-swinging machine would be almost fine probably. But even on this list, I heard issues about using preexposure flash metering for candid portraits. Good light! fra
Re: list hiccups?
Sort of puts you off posting when your carefully crafted prose vanishes into the ether(net). Especially when the PDA doesn't save a copy. This will probably vanish too, but here goes! Nick -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] None of mine have shown up yet.Two from Tuesday and 1 from today. Dave Well, either the list is losing lots of messages or extremely quiet today. I'm only getting a few per hour. Wonder what all I am missing? -- Best regards, Bruce
Re: list hiccups?
Figures - that one came back in record time! Anyone spotted a pattern yet (if you get this)? Nick -Original Message- From: Nick Clark[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 16/02/05 22:27:24 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: list hiccups? Sort of puts you off posting when your carefully crafted prose vanishes into the ether(net). Especially when the PDA doesn't save a copy. This will probably vanish too, but here goes! Nick -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] None of mine have shown up yet.Two from Tuesday and 1 from today. Dave Well, either the list is losing lots of messages or extremely quiet today. I'm only getting a few per hour. Wonder what all I am missing? -- Best regards, Bruce
Re: *istDS built-in flash overexposure problem
It seems to me that so called advanced P-TTL is a cut down version of proper TTL. It cuts the flash off a a predetermined time based on the preflash exposure measurement, rather than cutting it off due to measuring it during the actual flash exposure. Or am I missing something? Nick -Original Message- From: Godfrey DiGiorgi[EMAIL PROTECTED] --- John Francis [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: But you're still basing your agument on the (apparently unwarranted) premise that the *ist-DS *does* disable TTL flash for all non-AF lenses. According to other posters here, that simply isn't the case. Right. The DS body's built-in flash does ONLY P-TTL automation, so if a lens is fitted that doesn't provide the aperture information, it simply goes to a full output, simple manual flash. Distance means nothing at all. P-TTL works fine with A series manual focus lenses when set to the A position on the aperture ring. TTL (as opposed to P-TTL) is fully supported with the dedicated external flash units. As I said, people are far too fast to accuse Pentax of deliberately disabling bodies for the sole purpose of selling new lenses. They're all conspiracy theorists. ;-) Godfrey
Re: *Ist flash problem
I think the important setting here is the flash setting on the camera. Make sure the word AUTO isn't shown on the back LCD by pressing the flash button. Nick -Original Message- From: MikeM[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 14/02/05 14:23:38 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: *Ist flash problem Sorry I didn't mention the flash mode. I have used the Mh mode since the first few films I shot with the camera. When I used ttl mode foreground objects or white objects were washed out while everything else was far too dark. When ever I took a photo of my 2 daughters the pale one glowed while the darker one almost blended into the shadows, even when standing side by side. Results improved dramatically when I started using Mh with the diffuser down. If I remember correctly the flash always fires with my MZ50 when the flash is set to Mh. Does it sound like there is something wrong with the *Ist? Mike - Original Message - From: Sylwester Pietrzyk [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2005 12:06 AM Subject: Re: *Ist flash problem MikeM wrote on 14.02.05 14:48: I have tried with Av mode and today I tried setting metering and focus to spot and the standard mode when I took a shot of a bird near the top of a bush with a clear late afternoon eastern sky background. The bird was in the shade of a tree while much of the bush around it was in sunlight. Hmmm... so check if your flash is not in fully automatic A mode (A visible on the LCD). Auto mode should be switched off, then flash would fire always regardless of light conditions. -- Balance is the ultimate good... Best Regards Sylwek
Re: right angle finder
The A and M Refconverters will fit on the earlier cameras, but are a bit loose - slight lateral movement. They stay on fine but you have to make sure they're upright. The older refconverters wont fit the M and later cameras as the viewfinder mount is slightly larger. Nick -Original Message- From: Fred[EMAIL PROTECTED] For the old angle finder for Pentax K or earlier bodies, you need to file it to fit, if you don't mind. I'm not clear on what it meant by that. Just what would you file? (The mount end of a K or older Refconverter would be decidedly sloppy when slipped onto the finder window of an M or newer body, wouldn't it? It seems to me that you'd want to shim it somehow, nor file it. (I apologize, Alan, if I am totally missing the gist of the statement.) Fred
Re: Velvia 100
Not true. I tried it in the UK at least a year ago. Wasn't overly impressed. Nick -Original Message- From: Sylwester Pietrzyk[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 10/02/05 21:00:26 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: Velvia 100 On 2005-02-10, at 20:59, Pål Jensen wrote: This film was released a couple of years ago along with the Velvia 100F and Astia 100F. Yup, but so far it was only available in Japan. -- Best regards Sylwek
Re: New LX Owner
No it's definitely the LX. The same lens (SMC-A 50mm f/1.4) is fine on the *istD. Nick -Original Message- From: Peter J. Alling[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 09/02/05 01:01:57 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: New LX Owner Sounds like you have a sticky aperture on your lens. My 35mm has developed this problem. All the other lenses seem to be working fine. You should try a different lens on the camera. Nick Clark wrote: Yep! You've got me sussed! I put a roll of XP2 through it yesterday. I discovered why the automatic exposures seemed much quicker than indicated, so that a 2 second exposure sounded like 1/60th. The aperture was very slow closing down, so the OTF sensor was getting more light and so terminating the exposure. I guess this means automatic exposures will be correct, but manual exposures except at wide apertures will be over-exposed. The problem eased after some use, so I guess it's not a major problem, just some old dried out lubricant. Great feel to it, but I might look out for a grip, or perhaps make one if I can find a screw of the right guage. I'll need to find some strap lugs too. It's off to Pentax in the next couple of days. They've quoted £105 for a full CLA including parts and foam, although I'll get 20% off as a member of the Pentax User Club. Nick -Original Message- From: frank theriault[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 08/02/05 22:34:25 On Sun, 6 Feb 2005 21:00:30 -, Nick Clark [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thanks to everyone for all their comments and pointers. I'm torn between sendig it straight off to Pentax and putting a film through it first. I think it'll probably be the latter. Congratulations, Nick. I love my LX, and I'm sure you'll love yours as well. I vote put a roll of film though then send it off to Pentax. Just because I know you want to go shoot (which you probably have done already by the time I'm posting this). cheers, frank -- Sharpness is a bourgeois concept. -Henri Cartier-Bresson -- I can understand why mankind hasn't given up war. During a war you get to drive tanks through the sides of buildings and shoot foreigners - two things that are usually frowned on during peacetime. --P.J. O'Rourke
Re: New LX Owner
The *istD does have the necessary linkage to stop the lens down to taking aperture, which is the issue here. It doesn't have the aperture simulator linkage for it to know the position of the aperture ring in advance. Nick -Original Message- From: Fred[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 09/02/05 12:49:56 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]pentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: New LX Owner No it's definitely the LX. The same lens (SMC-A 50mm f/1.4) is fine on the *istD. But the digital does not have the same metering system as the LX. Definitely try another lens. And the digital doesn't even have (and therefore, interact with) any aperture linkage, either, right? Fred [no digital yet, but I've followed some of the threads...]
Re: When will we get image stabilisation for Pentax DSLR?
Far too late. Anyone who thinks they need IS will have migrated or chosen a different system by then. Unless Pentax make a concrete announcement well in advance, but that doesn't sound like them. Nick -Original Message- From: Shel Belinkoff[EMAIL PROTECTED] It will be in about two years ... mid-July 2007. I can't be any more specific at this time. Shel
Re: New LX Owner
Yep! You've got me sussed! I put a roll of XP2 through it yesterday. I discovered why the automatic exposures seemed much quicker than indicated, so that a 2 second exposure sounded like 1/60th. The aperture was very slow closing down, so the OTF sensor was getting more light and so terminating the exposure. I guess this means automatic exposures will be correct, but manual exposures except at wide apertures will be over-exposed. The problem eased after some use, so I guess it's not a major problem, just some old dried out lubricant. Great feel to it, but I might look out for a grip, or perhaps make one if I can find a screw of the right guage. I'll need to find some strap lugs too. It's off to Pentax in the next couple of days. They've quoted £105 for a full CLA including parts and foam, although I'll get 20% off as a member of the Pentax User Club. Nick -Original Message- From: frank theriault[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 08/02/05 22:34:25 On Sun, 6 Feb 2005 21:00:30 -, Nick Clark [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thanks to everyone for all their comments and pointers. I'm torn between sendig it straight off to Pentax and putting a film through it first. I think it'll probably be the latter. Congratulations, Nick. I love my LX, and I'm sure you'll love yours as well. I vote put a roll of film though then send it off to Pentax. Just because I know you want to go shoot (which you probably have done already by the time I'm posting this). cheers, frank -- Sharpness is a bourgeois concept. -Henri Cartier-Bresson
Re: LX/circular or linear polarizer
Only true in automatic mode. Nick -Original Message- From: keller.schaefer[EMAIL PROTECTED] Only the speed indication in the finder will be off (depending on the position of the filter). The actual exposure will be fine, as it is not affected by the half-transparent mirror (it is only determined after the mirror has moved up). Regards, Sven -Ursprüngliche Nachricht- Von: Peter J. Alling [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Gesendet: Montag, 7. Februar 2005 19:57 An: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Betreff: Re: LX/circular or linear polarizer The metering will be off depending on the position of the polarizer by up to 1 1/2 stops if I remember correctly. It's not impossible to work with a liner polarizer on an LX but the circular are much easier.
Re: (n)ever-ready cases--pro and con?
I do have a Pentax branded case that takes a camera with lens in the same way, but I prefer the ERC to be attached to the camera otherwise I end up with too many items hanging around my neck. Nick -Original Message- From: Mark Erickson[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 06/02/05 19:20:25 To: Pentax-Discusspentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: (n)ever-ready cases--pro and con? The rucksack application is exactly the one that I'm considering. I own a small LowePro case (among too many of other sizes). I'd like something that takes up less room inside a backpack, I guess --Mark Herb Chong [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: i use a LowePro Topload Zoom Case of one model or another for all of my cameras. Herb - Original Message - From: Nick Clark [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Sent: Saturday, February 05, 2005 5:50 PM Subject: Re: (n)ever-ready cases--pro and con? I like ERCs. They add protection when out in adverse weather conditions, and also mean I can chuck the camera in a rucksack with other stuff and it will be protected.
Re: New LX Owner
Thanks to everyone for all their comments and pointers. I'm torn between sendig it straight off to Pentax and putting a film through it first. I think it'll probably be the latter. I tried the AF360FGZ on it last night and it appears to work, although the flash exposure confirmation led doesn't blink. It does show red when the flash is charged, and the flash fires at different outputs depending on aperture. It won't fire if above the sync speed. Perhaps I won't need the 280T I won on eBay the other night. One strange thing - when indicating a long exposure in automatic mode if always seems to fire at about 1/60th. The exception is when the exposure is started with the lens cap on when it continues until I take the cap off. I realise the reflectance of the pressure plate is difference to film, but the websites indicate that the exposures should be longer, not shorter. I'll have to see what it does with film. I think the fun is just beginning! Nick -Original Message- From: cbwaters[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 06/02/05 18:20:24 congratulations Nick. Happy shooting. CW - Original Message - From: Nick Clark [EMAIL PROTECTED] I've just received an LX I won from eBay, and just love the feel of it. I've always wanted one since it first came out, but it's always seemed too pricey. I nearly blew my term's grant cheque on one at the time, but prudence got the better of me.
New LX Owner
I've just received an LX I won from eBay, and just love the feel of it. I've always wanted one since it first came out, but it's always seemed too pricey. I nearly blew my term's grant cheque on one at the time, but prudence got the better of me. This one appears to be a new model as shown on Bojidar's site, with the new style shutter release, but the film speed only goes up to 1600. The meter does come on when the exposure compensation ring release button is pressed (could be a problem if it gets pressed in the camera bag as it will drain the batteries), but I'm not sure what the description of the dot pattern on the first curtain means without some comparison. The serial number is 5299XXX. Anyone got an idea of the age of this? It has some black residue on the mirror surface, but it doesn't seem to affect it. It'll be off to Pentax UK for a full service soon. I thought the automatic mettering wasn't working until I realised the reflectance of the pressure plate would be different to that of the shutter curtain or the film - duh! It does raise one question though - do all films have the same reflectance or have things changed since the camera was released so some compensation needs to be applied? No strap lugs, so I'll have to look out for these. Need to check if the AF360FGZ works with it too. Really looking forward to playing with this. Nick.
Re: DA-40mm and spiders
Ah, but I've already got the M ;-) Nick -Original Message- From: Peter J. Alling[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 05/02/05 00:11:58 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: DA-40mm and spiders Since you can get the M lens for between 125 and 199 I doubt you save anything... Nick Clark wrote: Does this mean it's identical optically to my SMC-M 40mm f2.8, so I can save a fortune buying the new one? Nick -Original Message- From: Lindamood, Mark[EMAIL PROTECTED] Second, Margus Mannik's observation of no DA 40mm vignetting through the PZ-1p viewfinder is also terrific. Several have posted that the DA lenses throw only an APS-size image circle, but I can't see any reason why that's the case. The DA 40mm objective element is exactly the same size as the original pancake, and the entire lens formulation is probably similar. Why would it throw a smaller circle? What I'm getting at is whether the lens will work on the other Pentax bodies despite being advertised as exclusive to the *ist bodies. Maybe Pentax is just trying to avoid sales competition with the 43 ltd.? Margus, can you post one of your shots with that nice DA 40mm lens? -- I can understand why mankind hasn't given up war. During a war you get to drive tanks through the sides of buildings and shoot foreigners - two things that are usually frowned on during peacetime. --P.J. O'Rourke
Re: (n)ever-ready cases--pro and con?
I like ERCs. They add protection when out in adverse weather conditions, and also mean I can chuck the camera in a rucksack with other stuff and it will be protected. I partly agree about the film changing issue, but the old M series cases were the best in this regard as they didn't use the tripod socket but clipped over the strap lugs. Very quick and ea y to remove. The MX case with the front meant for the 40mm pancake is a marvel. Nick -Original Message- From: Paul Stenquist[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 05/02/05 18:00:36 They're a burden. On a film camera you have to remove it to change film. I've never seen one on a digital SLR, but you would have to remove it to get at any of the functions on the back or to remove the CF card. Never ready cases are for people who leave one roll of film in the camera for six months and take four shots at every family event. Paul On Feb 5, 2005, at 12:36 PM, Mark Erickson wrote:
RE: DA-40mm and spiders
Does this mean it's identical optically to my SMC-M 40mm f2.8, so I can save a fortune buying the new one? Nick -Original Message- From: Lindamood, Mark[EMAIL PROTECTED] Second, Margus Mannik's observation of no DA 40mm vignetting through the PZ-1p viewfinder is also terrific. Several have posted that the DA lenses throw only an APS-size image circle, but I can't see any reason why that's the case. The DA 40mm objective element is exactly the same size as the original pancake, and the entire lens formulation is probably similar. Why would it throw a smaller circle? What I'm getting at is whether the lens will work on the other Pentax bodies despite being advertised as exclusive to the *ist bodies. Maybe Pentax is just trying to avoid sales competition with the 43 ltd.? Margus, can you post one of your shots with that nice DA 40mm lens?
Re: Scanning woes #2
I have the 4000 ED but only ever scan mounted slides or individual frames in the strip holder, so there's no transport issue. I guess the scanner never even touches the film. Nick -Original Message- From: William Robb[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 02/02/05 00:56:34 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: Scanning woes #2 At some point, a film that had not been properly washed and stabilized was probably scanned. Nor hard to do in this age of washless film processing. rinse residue from the film gets transferred to the guide wheel in the scanner, where it awaits the unwary for evermore. Cleaning the wheel with isopropyl alcohol should solve the problem. William Robb
RE: Survey D and DS result
Oh alright then, I've got a D. Nick. -Original Message- From: Jens Bladt[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 02/02/05 20:05:11 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: RE: Survey D and DS result I guess we've reached: 26 *ist D's and 6 *ist DS'es at this point. Jens Bladt mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://hjem.get2net.dk/bladt -Oprindelig meddelelse- Fra: Jens Bladt [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sendt: 1. februar 2005 17:55 Til: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Emne: Survey D and DS result The result of my little survey is: Pentax *ist D represented on this list: 25 Pentax *ist DS represented on this list: 5 All the best Jens Bladt mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://hjem.get2net.dk/bladt
Re: Least expensive Pentax Body with aperture setting for A lenses?
The obvious one is the *ist. In fact this wont let you use the aperture ring at all. Nick -Original Message- From: Kostas Kavoussanakis[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Spotted on another group ...
Pentax doesn't! -Original Message- From: Mark Roberts[EMAIL PROTECTED] I doubt Pentax will aim at a pro-level DSLR. No, but why would that prevent them from selling something and *calling* it Pro whatever? It's marketing and everyone else does it. g
RE: Digital anguish
I get 1000 shots from a pair of non-rechargeable CRV3s, so a couple of spares should see you fine for a three wee trip. Nick -Original Message- From: Jens Bladt[EMAIL PROTECTED] Tree weeks in South Africa and I didn't chaage batteries even once. If I should travel with the *ist D, I'd make sure to have: Sufficient Insurance Vosonic P300 card-reader/hard-drive Extra batteries for harddrive and camera as well as battery chargers. That's the big problem with digital - it's very battery consuming.
RE: Digital anguish
Should have said that's shooting RAW. If you shoot JPEGs you'll get a lot more and the storage problem will be reduced. Nick -Original Message- From: Nick Clark[EMAIL PROTECTED] I get 1000 shots from a pair of non-rechargeable CRV3s, so a couple of spares should see you fine for a three wee trip. Nick -Original Message- From: Jens Bladt[EMAIL PROTECTED] Tree weeks in South Africa and I didn't chaage batteries even once. If I should travel with the *ist D, I'd make sure to have: Sufficient Insurance Vosonic P300 card-reader/hard-drive Extra batteries for harddrive and camera as well as battery chargers. That's the big problem with digital - it's very battery consuming.
Re: Pentax 50mm News
But you'll never know if Pentax are going to release a full-frame digital unless they do. You will never know that they won't as they are unlikely to state so. Nick -Original Message- From: John Whittingham[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 24/01/05 23:39:41 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: Pentax 50mm News I have read that full frame is the future. The $64,000 question is how far away from it are we? Will it ever happen or will we be stuck with the present format, I'm not going digital until I know one way or the other. John -- Original Message --- From: William Robb [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Sent: Mon, 24 Jan 2005 17:27:19 -0600 Subject: Re: Pentax 50mm News - Original Message - From: John Whittingham Subject: Re: Pentax 50mm News FWIW, if you come across an FA50/1.4, it is a very nice lens. I'd second that. Doesn't it make you wonder why a new 50mm, OK it would equate to approx 75mm on the *istD, portrait lens? or can we expect a full frame digital?naah just dreaming. I have read that full frame is the future. The $64,000 question is how far away from it are we? William Robb --- End of Original Message ---
Re: Finally - enabled
I prefer the KX - the match needle system also takes some beating. Pity I don't use it much since getting the MZ-S and *istD. Nick -Original Message- From: Rob Studdert[EMAIL PROTECTED] I've got similar feelings towards both cameras, I have a battered MX for the display cabinet, sold the nice one, but I still have 2 LX. I am much more comfortable with them from both functional and ergonomic perspectives. Rob Studdert HURSTVILLE AUSTRALIA Tel +61-2-9554-4110 UTC(GMT) +10 Hours [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://members.ozemail.com.au/~distudio/publications/ Pentax user since 1986, PDMLer since 1998
Re: Do you have one of these?
I have a Pentax hip flask, won on eBay. Nick -Original Message- From: Juan Buhler[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 18/01/05 02:44:39 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: Do you have one of these? I have a few genuine Pentax cameras and lenses, bought from BH, Adorama, KEH, etc. :-) On Tue, 18 Jan 2005 01:44:22 +, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have a genuine Pentax keycase, given to me by Graywolf. Paul Nice. I don't have one of those pins, but I have a genuine Pentax ballpoint pen, given to me by the rep. Joe -- Juan Buhler http://www.jbuhler.com blog at http://www.jbuhler.com/blog
Re: Astrophotography (was Re: *istD EOL...)
Thanks for the replies. I'm still not sure I understand the focal length magnification thingy, so I guess I'll have to draw some ray diagrams. I'll try to shoot the moon when I next get a chance. It's a bit chilly and windy at night at the moment. Nick
RE: Film may not be dead.....
My local professional lab have just doubled the price for their E6 processing as there's not the demand. They have to make up a fresh batch of chemicals virtually for each film as they often see 1 or none each day. Didn't think it would happen this soon. Nick -Original Message- From: William Robb[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 13/01/05 04:12:50 To: Pentax Discusspentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Film may not be dead. But it is starting to breath really slow in Consumerville. Yesterday seemed to be the end of the rush. I can't give volume numbers, but we are down 37% for film, 34% for prints from last year. William Robb
Re: *istD EOL...
I think Canon are discounting quite heavily. The Pentax is GBP20 cheaper than the D70, but nowhere near the Canon. Nick -Original Message- From: Herb Chong[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 12/01/05 00:12:25 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: *istD EOL... given that the US list price for the *istDs and the 300D are almost the same and the street price is nearly so, what's up with the UK distributor? Herb... - Original Message - From: Nick Clark [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Sent: Tuesday, January 11, 2005 6:18 PM Subject: Re: *istD EOL... My local dedicated Camera shop says the *istDs isn't selling. They have it and the 300d and D70 (and the Minolta which is humungous) on display alongside each other. Even though the Pentax is smaller, they say the reasons people don't go for it are partly the SD card but mostly the difference in price. The 300d is something like GBP200 cheaper.
Astrophotography (was Re: *istD EOL...)
I got a telescope for Christmas with a camera adaptor. I've not had much chance to play with it yet but was quite impressed with its power the first couple of times I used it. It's a Telstar 900x114 reflector, and fills the eyepiece with the moon with the 20mm objective. Strangely the moon is even larger when using the shorter focal length 4mm eyepiece, which I haven't quite worked out yet. When looking at a group of stars (Seven Sisters) there are many more visible than with the naked eye, even here in light polluted London. Unfortunately when I put the camera adaptor on with the *istD I couldn't see anything - it was far too dark to focus. A bit disappointing. I haven't tried the camera with the moon yet, but will do next time it makes an appearance, and it's not raining, or cloudy. Nick -Original Message- From: Tom C[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 11/01/05 23:45:05 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: *istD EOL... Bruce, I'm curious why the shop people thought the Digital Rebel was junk. Was it based on look and feel ? What about image quality? I'm asking because right now the Rebel is the top selling DLSR for astrophotography. I haven't had a chance to try the *ist D yet with my telescope, but depending on results I get with the *ist D I wouldn't mind trying the Rebel. Tom C. From: Bruce Dayton [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net To: Nick Clark pentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: *istD EOL... Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 15:33:08 -0800 I was in my local shop yesterday - mostly Nikon and Pentax, some Canon. They are selling about five D70's everyday. People just keep walking in a buying them. They think highly of the *istDS, but it doesn't sell anywhere like the D70. Pretty much the word is out in all media that photographers and would be photographers that the D70 is THE camera to buy. Pop Photography proclaimed it Camera of the Year. Size doesn't matter to most people at the time of purchase. Later on, when having to carry the extra they might care, but it is too late. The best Pentax can do with the *istDS is be respected. My shop thinks the DRebel is junk next to the DS and they are very willing to tell any potential customers. But they are really making their money on the D70. It could well be the camera that saved Nikon's hide. -- Best regards, Bruce Tuesday, January 11, 2005, 3:18:50 PM, you wrote: NC My local dedicated Camera shop says the *istDs isn't selling. NC They have it and the 300d and D70 (and the Minolta which is NC humungous) on display alongside each other. Even though the Pentax NC is smaller, they say the reasons people don't go for it are partly NC the SD card but mostly the difference in price. The 300d is NC something like GBP200 cheaper. NC Nick NC -Original Message- NC From: Pål Jensen[EMAIL PROTECTED] NC I think it will be more than enough. As high-end DSLR are NC larger than medium format cameras, and consequently suffers from NC the same lack of portability, the market niche is definitely NC there. Mind you, Pentax need to design cameras that look small, NC not only are small. The problem with the *istD(S) is that they NC look big. Products that are going to sell on their smallness need NC to comunicate their size through design. Small cars don't look NC like shrinked big ones. If they did they wouldn't sell. The small NC SLR's of the past looked small without any reference. Pentax M NC series and Olympus OM's had a slim smallish look whereas the NC *istD(S) look big and fat until you actually handle one or see a NC photo of it next to the competition. Since most people never see NC or handle a Pentax theres nothing telling them how small they are NC unless they do a lot of homework. NC The Pentax 40mm pancake lens is agreat idea. It is a pity NC though that Pentax haven't made a pancake camera. NC Pål
Re: *istD EOL...
Could be. They wanted GBP699 for the DA 14mm f/2.8. I bought it new from Canada for GBP299 plus 30 postage and 46 import duty. Still quids in. Makes you feel sorry for the local camera shop though as they do try their best to match. Where do you think the high price originates - the Pentax UK or their price from Pentax Japan? Nick -Original Message- From: Peter J. Alling[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 12/01/05 02:20:30 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: *istD EOL... Pentax's English distributor strikes again. Nick Clark wrote: My local dedicated Camera shop says the *istDs isn't selling. They have it and the 300d and D70 (and the Minolta which is humungous) on display alongside each other. Even though the Pentax is smaller, they say the reasons people don't go for it are partly the SD card but mostly the difference in price. The 300d is something like GBP200 cheaper. Nick -Original Message- From: Pål Jensen[EMAIL PROTECTED] I think it will be more than enough. As high-end DSLR are larger than medium format cameras, and consequently suffers from the same lack of portability, the market niche is definitely there. Mind you, Pentax need to design cameras that look small, not only are small. The problem with the *istD(S) is that they look big. Products that are going to sell on their smallness need to comunicate their size through design. Small cars don't look like shrinked big ones. If they did they wouldn't sell. The small SLR's of the past looked small without any reference. Pentax M series and Olympus OM's had a slim smallish look whereas the *istD(S) look big and fat until you actually handle one or see a photo of it next to the competition. Since most people never see or handle a Pentax theres nothing telling them how small they are unless they do a lot of homework. The Pentax 40mm pancake lens is agreat idea. It is a pity though that Pentax haven't made a pancake camera. Pål -- I can understand why mankind hasn't given up war. During a war you get to drive tanks through the sides of buildings and shoot foreigners - two things that are usually frowned on during peacetime. --P.J. O'Rourke
Re: *istD EOL...
My local dedicated Camera shop says the *istDs isn't selling. They have it and the 300d and D70 (and the Minolta which is humungous) on display alongside each other. Even though the Pentax is smaller, they say the reasons people don't go for it are partly the SD card but mostly the difference in price. The 300d is something like GBP200 cheaper. Nick -Original Message- From: Pål Jensen[EMAIL PROTECTED] I think it will be more than enough. As high-end DSLR are larger than medium format cameras, and consequently suffers from the same lack of portability, the market niche is definitely there. Mind you, Pentax need to design cameras that look small, not only are small. The problem with the *istD(S) is that they look big. Products that are going to sell on their smallness need to comunicate their size through design. Small cars don't look like shrinked big ones. If they did they wouldn't sell. The small SLR's of the past looked small without any reference. Pentax M series and Olympus OM's had a slim smallish look whereas the *istD(S) look big and fat until you actually handle one or see a photo of it next to the competition. Since most people never see or handle a Pentax theres nothing telling them how small they are unless they do a lot of homework. The Pentax 40mm pancake lens is agreat idea. It is a pity though that Pentax haven't made a pancake camera. Pål
Re: Film is Dying, Chapter 3
As does the 43WR - AAs or CRV3. Nick -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] I note also that the bottom-of-the-line Optio (Optio 30, I think?) takes AAs as well. ERNR
RE: Sensor-Size-Conversion-Factor-Confused... HELP
If you are enlarging the image to achieve the same final print size, won't the DoF be reduced on the APS sensor as the circle of confusion will be enlarged further too? Will this negate the increased DoF caused by the shorter focal length for the same AoV? Nick -Original Message- From: Jens Bladt[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 02/01/05 20:24:13 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: RE: Sensor-Size-Conversion-Factor-Confused... HELP Hmmm Long story (the optical/scientific side) - I won't go into that. Still, the DOF remains unchanged. DOF is a function of Aperture and Focal length an focusing distance - nothing else. However, since you normally use shorter focal lengths for a smaller (digital) format (to get the sam AOV), the DOF seemingly gets better (deeper) for the smaller (digital) format, provided the AOV is the same. I too noticed, that a little while ago, there was a posting (Paul Stenquist??) saying something about the DOF on a digital camera being different from that of the same lens, used on a 35mm body...??? I believe what he meant was, that a 300mm on the *ist D will equal a 450mm in terms of magnification on a 35mm, but still have the DOF of a 300mm, which - I believe - is true. So, I believe what you are saying about the 50mm and the 85mm may very well be correct. But of cource, by cropping the image (by using a smaller format) you may in some cases also cut away some of the out of focus areas, which may appear as better DOF. Jens Bladt mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://hjem.get2net.dk/bladt -Oprindelig meddelelse- Fra: Albano Garcia [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sendt: 2. januar 2005 20:56 Til: PDML Emne: Sensor-Size-Conversion-Factor-Confused... HELP Hi gang, I understand the APS sized sensors on DSLRs converts your 28mm on a 42mm cropping image area, but if I understand well, the depth of field remains the one of a 28mm and also the distortion of image proper of the original focal lenght remains, since the lens is still phisycally the same, but cropped, right? So, people who uses 50mm lenses as short teles for portraits, still gets the dof and face features rendition of a 50mmm but cropped, not the flatting effect of a 85mm... I'm right? Regards = Albano Garcia Photography Graphic Design http://www.albanogarcia.com.ar http://www.flaneur.com.ar __ Do you Yahoo!? Read only the mail you want - Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail
Re: Who has an istDS?
They probably don't get their slides ready mounted either, so the same logic applies. Nick -Original Message- From: Herb Chong[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 30/12/04 01:13:52 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: Who has an istDS? working pros submitting for publication don't shoot negatives. Herb... - Original Message - From: Shel Belinkoff [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Sent: Wednesday, December 29, 2004 4:14 PM Subject: Re: Who has an istDS? So, are you saying that these pros either used every shot on a roll of film or that, if there were some they'd not use, they were cut out of the negative strips, deleted from contact sheets, and tossed, never to be seen again?
Re: istDS gets widely spread ...
£775 in my local camera shop, £745 in Cameraworld.
Nick
-Original Message-
From: Luigi de Guzman[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: 22/12/04 03:26:08
To: pentax-discuss@pdml.netpentax-discuss@pdml.net
Subject: Re: istDS gets widely spread ...
On Tuesday 21 December 2004 18:48, mike wilson wrote:
Luigi de Guzman wrote:
I got mine with the DA 18-55 lenskit for US$999. By the time taxes had
happened, it was $1,066.
That makes it just under £600. I like this $2 to the £ game. Can you
play it any better?
mike
When I was in England ('98-'01 and '02-'03), it seemed that for most items,
I'd just have to replace the dollar sign for the sterling sign to get the
UK
price--a real bummer for an overseas student!
I'd be quite shocked if the *istDS were retailing in the UK for under 800
quid.
-Luigi
RE: D and Write Acceleration CF cards
I found virtually no difference between a standard Sandisk 1Gb card and a 40X Lexar 1Gb card with WA when used in the *istD. The Lexar is faster in a PC with card reader though. Personally I would stick to Sandisk, although I have a couple of no name 512Mb cards that I had before the *istD that have been fine. The Lexar seems a bit flaky though. Nick -Original Message- From: Andre Langevin[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 20/12/04 21:29:59 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: D and Write Acceleration CF cards I may have a used D coming soon. I would need to know what are the best options for digital film media. (I have not followed any discussion about the D as it was not in my plans to get one soon!) Is a CF card with Write Acceleration a good feature? Is any card over 40X an overkill? Should I buy only reknown Lexar or Sandisk cards? In the absence of a card reader for the moment, how long takes downloading a complete 1GB card from the camera to a computer with USB 1? Anything else I should know for the moment? Or is there a page or a post that tells all that a D user has to know (green button, etc.)? Thanks, Andre
Re: Pocket camera?
I thought a film camera was the requirement. If digital then the Pentax 43WR isn't bad, especially if you want a waterproof camera, but it is a bit slow and the control over settings is limited. LCD isn't good in daylight either. Image quality is good, and it can get those pictures when most other cameras are kept in the bag. Nick -Original Message- From: Raimo K[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 19/12/04 08:23:54 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Pocket camera? Optio S4i is even better: smaller still and with 3x zoom. Optio SV has 5x zoom but it is slightly bigger - 5 megapixels, not bad. All the best! Raimo K Personal photography homepage at: http://www.uusikaupunki.fi/~raikorho - Original Message - From: Nick Clark [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, December 19, 2004 2:30 AM Subject: Re: Pocket camera? I'd recommend the Ricoh GR-1. Excellent 28mm f/2.8 lens, program and aperture priority modes, exposure compensation, and decent metal build in a very compact body. Nick -Original Message- From: Peter Smekal[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 16/12/04 13:27:31 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Pocket camera? Primarily I was thinking about film. (Is that necrophilia?) Peter You didn't say if you were thinking about film or digital. My pocket camera is an Optio 550. I'd recommend it. ERNR
Re: Pocket camera?
I'd recommend the Ricoh GR-1. Excellent 28mm f/2.8 lens, program and aperture priority modes, exposure compensation, and decent metal build in a very compact body. Nick -Original Message- From: Peter Smekal[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 16/12/04 13:27:31 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Pocket camera? Primarily I was thinking about film. (Is that necrophilia?) Peter You didn't say if you were thinking about film or digital. My pocket camera is an Optio 550. I'd recommend it. ERNR
RE: A short whimper
I had the same thing happen to my MZ-5N. I put it on eBay, body only boxed with description of the fault, and it went for £35 to someone who wanted to repair it. Nick -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 16/12/04 04:31:55 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: A short whimper So I got out my ZX-5n to show my dad while we were discussing cameras last night -- and the shutter isn't working. Tried different batteries and so on. Just a very unwholesome whirring sound whenever I powered the camera on or off. Got a repair quote today. But having to face reality and logic and facts and all that, I reluctantly conclude that I can't spend that kinda money fixing a camera I don't ever use any more. I hardly ever shoot film and when I do, the PZ-1 or the LX would be my choices ahead of the ZX-5n. Nor would I ever get that kind of money out of selling it, once fixed. I enjoyed it for several years, though. Oh well. ERNR
Re: SV: The film is dead
Perhaps a film module too! -Original Message- From: Toralf Lund[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 15/12/04 23:41:46 Of course. I'm thinking more in terms of making certain parts of the body replaceable - typically the sensor itself and the A/Ds. So you wouldn't have BW, night time and high speed camera bodies, but one body with interchangable BW, night time and high speed modules (that would fit in your pocket.) If done the right way, switching between those would be at least as convenient as the camera control fiddling that you otherwise have to do. (Although having to bring separate units if of course a bit of an inconvenience in its own right.) And while we are dreaming, how about a storage medium where you can - like with film - tell what the contents are merely by looking at it, and also produce images by direct projection? Possibly in combination with the sensor. This might be a bit like the electronic paper some people are working on, only in a sense the other way around (you would obviously want to read the data back, too - but perhaps they're alrady planning that for electronic paper?)
RE: istD Lithium battery vs. NiMH
I got 999 shots from my first set of CRV3s and about 1300 from the second set. As I have periods when I don't use the camera I don't bother with rechargeables. I want to make sure it's ready for use when I need it. Nick -Original Message- From: George Sinos[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 12/12/04 20:53:37 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: istD Lithium battery vs. NiMH I bought a three sets of rechargeable NiMH batteries when I bought the istD and that's what I've always used. At the same time I tossed a set of Lithium AAs into the camera bag just in case. They have a very long shelf life and you never know when you just might need them. The lithium cells I had put in my camera bag are almost a year old, so I decided to use them and drop a fresh set in the camera bag. I'm a bit surprised at the life of the lithium batteries compared to the NiMh rechargeables, although I'm not sure why. It's pretty much along the predictions in the owner's manual. I consistently get around 400-500 shots from a fully charged set of NiMH's. The indicator starts showing half-full about 200-300 shots. This set of lithium's has just over 500 shots and the indicator hasn't budged from full. Last night was the neighborhood holiday lighting event. I was wandering about the neighborhood taking pictures of the lights. 50 or so exposures of 1/4 to 1 second with the noise reduction turned on for good measure. I expected to need a battery change somewhere along the way. Again, the battery indicator hasn't budged from full. Given this experience I might be tempted, when on short trips, to just carry two or three sets of the lithium batteries, and not carry the battery charger. Is this consistent with what others have experienced? See you later, gs -- George Sinos e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: http://georgesoptions.net Photos: http://georgesphotos.net --
RE: Lenses for the istd(s)
I have the 14mm f/2.8 and I think it produces some great images. It focusses very close, and I have printed a couple of images of fungi at A3 showing the Fly agaric toadstool and it's environment. I've also used it on my MZ-S as a test. It shows a cirular vignette with horrible distortion just inside the vignette if focussed at its minimum distance, but very little if focussed beyond 1 metre. I've even had a slide projected to 6' across at a camera club competition where the vignette suited the image, and it looked fine (the picture didn't do any good, but that wasn't down to the technical side). I'm very happy with the lens. What did you find offensive about the pictures you saw? Nick -Original Message- From: Shel Belinkoff[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 09/12/04 16:21:58 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Lenses for the istd(s) I saw some pics posted that were made using the 14/28 lens, and they looked awful. Is anyone using this lens with good results, and can you put up a pic or two showing center and edge. I don't need to see a complete photo, but nice, representative sections would be nice, preferably unmanipulated in PS or thru a RAW converter. I realized yesterday that a PEF file can be saved, unmanipulated, as a TIF or a PSD file. Somoene here the other day ragged on the 16~45. Has anyone good things to say about this optic? Paul, were any of the PEF files you sent me made with this lens? What other good lenses are available for the istd series? Shel
FS: Sigma 24mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Aspherical
I was going to wait until next year, but it's a free listing day! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemrd=1item=3859612588ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT Nick
RE: Ist D deal at UK Photo Factory (was Blacks)
Photo Factory in the UK have the *istD at £699.99 body only, or £799.99 with 18-55mm. I guess the 18-35 has been retired. Nick -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 10/12/04 18:48:11 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Ist D deal at Blacks I just recently purchased an Ist D at Blacks in Canada. 1699.00 body only. Today Blacks lowered the price an additional $300.00 to 1399.00 Cdn. Body only. I, of course, got the credit. Anyone looking for an incredible price on the ist D might want to move quickly... Vic
RE: MZ-S - new to me
I can relate to that, although I've also just got a secondhand Pentax 645 which I really enjoy using, so I'm torn in three directions when I want to go taking photographs. Decisions, decisions. Sometimes it seems easier to stay at home ;-) Nick -Original Message- From: wendy beard[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 08/12/04 20:35:50 I like my MZ-S very much. Despite owning three digiSLRs I took it out for a spin a couple of weeks ago just because I enjoyed using it. In fact I'm even thinkng of selling my *istD to encourage me to use it a bit more Wendy
RE: FA 20 f2.8
Was this test done on the *istD? If so that might explain why you didn't see the soft corners. Nick -Original Message- From: jtainter[EMAIL PROTECTED] I ordered this lens recently after seeing some positive comments on dpreview, backed up by a link to images, including one showing very good sharpness at f2.8. After ordering it I saw some comments here indicating that it is soft in the corners at f2.8. This was followed by Will Robb commenting that it is probably as good in the corners as anyone else's 20 mm. I would use this at f2.8 a lot. So I was concerned whether I should send it back. I have access to a Sigma EX DG 20 f1.8, which I have been carrying when I travel. This weekend I tested both 20s against a mud brick wall (lots of detail) at several apertures, including f2.8. Today I processed the f2.8 images and looked at them onscreen at 100% (actual pixels) enlargement. At f2.8 the Pentax lens blows away the Sigma. It is noticeably sharper in the center, at the edges, and at the corners. And this is with the Pentax lens wide open while the Sigma is stopped down 1.3 stops. The FA 20 is a keeper and goes into my kit. The Sigma goes back to where I borrowed it.
Re: MZ-S (a new beginning)
I haven't really gotten on very well with the BG-10 grip. I find the vertical shutter release button is in the wrong place for my fingers; it needs to be at the end of the grip, unless I'm holding it wrong. It's more comfortable using the body release even with the grip attached. The IR is useful, but that should have been built into the body in the first place. As I'm often carrying the MZ-S with the *istD kit the extra bulk and weight of the grip tends to stay at home. Incidentally, does anyone know if NiMh batteries are OK in the grip? I t only mentions alkaline and lithium in the manual. Nick -Original Message- From: Pat White[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 07/12/04 03:13:01 Go for it! The MZ-S is a great camera, and even better with the BG-10 grip. Not so sure about the 360 flash, since the head doesn't swivel. I've been using a Metz 40MZ-3 flash with my MZ-S, with good success.
Re: D questions
My favoured method is to use manual focus ;) That way I decide what to focus on, and I can use those nice A primes. Having said that I was asked to take a lot of portrait pictures of children who had just received dance certificates. I was getting through one every 45 seconds or so, and selected one of the peripheral AF points on the MZ-S (with FA 24-90) so I could focus on the eyes. Nick. -Original Message- From: Shel Belinkoff[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 07/12/04 18:08:11 So, here's a question about these multipoint autofocus systems. How does one change the focus point? I'd imagine that it's a time consuming operation, pushing buttons or turning wheels or some such electro-mechanical modal interface LOL. Seems then that for scenes where there's any quickness of action required on the part of the photographer, adjusting autofocus preferences might be a hindrance, and that using just one focus point and slightly shifting the camera may be a faster alternative. But, if one does that, as noted by Vic, how does that effect the point of focus? Is it changed because the camera has moved? And, can one focus with autofocus on an area where there's no contrast or even a subject? For example, if one wanted to use a hyperfocal distance and, at that point there's nothing to focus on? Or if one wanted to focus on a mono-colored wall for instance? Which brings up another question: if newer lenses have no DOF scale (I understand that some don't), how can one use the hyperfocal focusing technique? Shel
Re: D questions
My Lexar 40X works at almost exactly the same speed as my standard Sandisk in the *istD, although it's faster in the PC. Nick -Original Message- From: David Zaninovic[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 07/12/04 18:35:20 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: D questions I plan to shoot in raw, I just need to buy 2gb memory card for that. :) Anybody knows which card speed is needed for D ? 40X ? - Original Message - From: Joseph Tainter [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: pdml [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2004 12:25 PM Subject: Re: D questions David, shoot in raw, not jpeg. Raw gives you more control for post-camera processing (like setting white balance after the fact), and the images lose no information. Joe
Re: MZ-S (a new beginning)
No there's an IR sensor window on the back of the BG-10 that's uncovered when IR is switched on. Nick -Original Message- From: Jack Davis[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 07/12/04 20:05:32 Nick, Appreciate your comments. The shutter release problem with the BG-10 is a surprising design blunder. If I do finally order the MZ-S, I'll include the grip for purposes of extendeng the available power. The IR would be nice, but is it true that it only works from the front of the camera? When I read that their was an IR sensor, my hope was that it would be a handy vibration free release to replace the cable switch. Front only?
RE: MZ-S - new to me
Welcome to the MZ-S owners club! I think it's a great camera, especially with A and M prime lenses. I wish the control dial was slightly less stiff so I could turn it with one finger, and that it showed the aperture in the viewfinder and imprinted on the film with A lenses in Av mode, but othe than that it's great. I have the BG-10 grip but only occasionally use it. I've never gotten to grips (pun not intended) with using it in vertical mode. The shutter button is just too far down. It's useful for the infrared, but that should've been built into the body. I used it the other night though. I had been taken a series of shots of children receiving presentations using the MZ-S and the 24-90 FA. After about 45 shots in 20 minutes the AF started to slow down, but the batteries were not showing as low. Putting the grip on solved the problem, so I reckon the poor little CR2s were struggling with the load even though they had a full charge. Generally I prefer the MZ-S alone. I've got the ERC and the small and medium fronts. The first is great for the primes, and the latter for the 24-90. That doesn't see much action though. Nick -Original Message- From: Bob Sullivan[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 06/12/04 00:02:08 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: MZ-S - new to me I picked up a used MZ-S, as the last of the 35mm film line. (I suppose the *ist is the probable end of the film line, but whatever...) It is a really nice camera. It remindes me of a modern Super Program. The functions are similar, but updated with autofocus. The weight is a bit more than a Super Program, but less than an LX. Fit and finish are great, but not waterproof. I don't like the viewfinder very much, but I'll learn to live with it. The sound of the shutter/winder is different too. It seems much quieter than the LX or PZ-1p shutter. I feel less mirror vibration too. The advantage is the built-in 2.5 fps winder, and that I now have something lighter that the PZ-1p to use with my FA lenses. I took the FA50/1.4 for a walk and cut myself. Anybody got a line on a cheap BG-10 battery pack or GG60 grid screen? The companion digital MZ-D would have been one great camera! Sorry we all missed it. Regards, Bob S.
RE: MZ-S - new to me
ERC = Ever Ready Case. The back section fits the body and the front sections clip to it and cover the lens. The back attaches to the tripod socket which isn't as good as the M series cases, but it's not too bad. I find these cases great for going out with just one or two lenses (the other in a pocket or bum bag) and having some weather and knock protection. The best case ever is of course the one that fits my MX with 40mm f/2.8 like a glove. Beautiful! Nick -Original Message- From: Jack Davis[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 06/12/04 17:50:01 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: MZ-S - new to me Nick, Would use please educate me as to what you mean by ..ERC, small and medium fronts and how they relate to lens mounts? Thanks, Jack --- Nick Clark [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Welcome to the MZ-S owners club! I think it's a great camera, especially with A and M prime lenses. I wish the control dial was slightly less stiff so I could turn it with one finger, and that it showed the aperture in the viewfinder and imprinted on the film with A lenses in Av mode, but othe than that it's great. I have the BG-10 grip but only occasionally use it. I've never gotten to grips (pun not intended) with using it in vertical mode. The shutter button is just too far down. It's useful for the infrared, but that should've been built into the body. I used it the other night though. I had been taken a series of shots of children receiving presentations using the MZ-S and the 24-90 FA. After about 45 shots in 20 minutes the AF started to slow down, but the batteries were not showing as low. Putting the grip on solved the problem, so I reckon the poor little CR2s were struggling with the load even though they had a full charge. Generally I prefer the MZ-S alone. I've got the ERC and the small and medium fronts. The first is great for the primes, and the latter for the 24-90. That doesn't see much action though. Nick -Original Message- From: Bob Sullivan[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 06/12/04 00:02:08 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: MZ-S - new to me I picked up a used MZ-S, as the last of the 35mm film line. (I suppose the *ist is the probable end of the film line, but whatever...) It is a really nice camera. It remindes me of a modern Super Program. The functions are similar, but updated with autofocus. The weight is a bit more than a Super Program, but less than an LX. Fit and finish are great, but not waterproof. I don't like the viewfinder very much, but I'll learn to live with it. The sound of the shutter/winder is different too. It seems much quieter than the LX or PZ-1p shutter. I feel less mirror vibration too. The advantage is the built-in 2.5 fps winder, and that I now have something lighter that the PZ-1p to use with my FA lenses. I took the FA50/1.4 for a walk and cut myself. Anybody got a line on a cheap BG-10 battery pack or GG60 grid screen? The companion digital MZ-D would have been one great camera! Sorry we all missed it. Regards, Bob S. __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Easier than ever with enhanced search. Learn more. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250
Re: EC with TTL Flash on ist D?
I have very few problems with the AF360FGZ or AF140C on the *istD. As good as with the MZ-S. Nick -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] My AF400T is reasonably good on TTL with the *istD, although I have to say it is a bit better on the LX. Paul
Re: Next Pentax DSLR?
One thing I wish the MZ-S had is the abilitity to show the aperture in the viewfinder (and on the film) when in Av mode with an A or M lens. I guess this would require the aperture to be set from the body with an A lens, but not possible with an M. I'd like an IR remote port without the additional base too. I agree that it's the best handling Pentax body I've used, although I do like the KX too. An MZ-Dn would be great. Nick -Original Message- From: Patrick Genovese[EMAIL PROTECTED] Hey, I did say with updated electronics it is just that the MZ-S handles so beautifully, although there would be a couple of small tweaks that can make it even better.
RE: OT - interesting book on ebay...
I'd second that thought for those of us reading the messages offline on the train on a PDA (as now) or laptop. Is it worth saving the message to use the link later, or delete it and never know what we're missing. I generally take the latter route thinking life's too short, but then wonder about the subsequent conversation (what's a nED?). Nick -Original Message- From: Shel Belinkoff[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 01/12/04 18:41:50 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: OT - interesting book on ebay... Here's a suggestion for those posting URL's to which they want to send people: how about including some information in the message that provides some idea about what's to be found. For example, Ann, you could have mentioned the name of the book or the author and asked if the spelling was correct as well as including the URL. Might save some folks some time and $$. I'm not picking on you specifically ... this has been a sore point for me for some time: someone posts a URL with the comment interesting. and that's it. So folks, how's about fleshing out these messages with links in them with a little more info?
Re: Good normal lens for the *ist-en?
The Sigma is very good for sharpness and very little vignetting. I have used it on an MZ-S and projected the resulting slide to 6' to good effect. You do have to watch out for flare and general contrast reduction when shooting into a bright light source, and it's essential to use the suppliee lens hood. It has a very large focussing ring and a good feel for manual focus. You have to slide the ring to disengage the AF, and also use the switch on the body. It was my most used lens on a trip to Dorset and Devon in the summer, but since I got the 24mm f/2.8 A it has seen little use. It's just that much bigger (the price for the fast aperture I suppose). I might ebay it in the new year. A very good lens though. Nick -Original Message- From: Jarek Dabrowski[EMAIL PROTECTED] Could you tell more about Sigma 24/1.8 performance (sharpness, and flare control) ? Have you used it on a full-frame SLR ?
RE: Good normal lens for the *ist-en?
I use the Pentax 24mm f/2.8 SMC-A lens. I did use the Sigma 24mm f/1.8 before I got the Pentax, but prefer the compact size of the Pentax. I used mainly manual focus with the Sigma anyway, so don't miss the AF. I tend to take at least the 14mm f/2.8 DA and the 50mm f/1.4 SMC-A as well if I'm out and about, and often a few more. Nick -Original Message- From: Jon Glass[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 29/11/04 07:11:47 What would make a good normal lens for an *istD or *istDS?
RE: What lens do you find is on your *istD most often
1. 24mm f/2.8 SMC-A 2. 14mm f/2.8 DA 3. 50mm f/1.4 SMC-A 4. 90mm f/2.8 Tamron Macro I also use at times the 50mm f/2.8 SMC-A Macro, 100mm f/2.8 SMC-A, and 200mm f/4 SMC-M. The same lenses also do service on my MZ-S, including the 14mm DA. A manual focus prime sort of guy I suppose ;) Nick
RE: SD card speed question (Was: *ist-DS english manual)
The Sandisk Ultra II 512Mb SD is a lot faster than a standard card in my 43WR. The camera is almost instantly ready for use again even at the highest file size. The same doesn't appear to be true for the *istD Nick -Original Message- From: Girts[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 17/11/04 00:32:16 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: SD card speed question (Was: *ist-DS english manual) mw Greetings. I think we have another lister from there? Yes, at least one more member from Latvia that I know of. I am now wondering about SD cards and their speeds. Should I get a high speed one or is the camera processing speed the bottleneck? For example: Sandisk 512 MB Secure Digital Ultra II (SDSDH-512-901) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00016L0VQ/ Price: $69.88 For that price I can get 2 times larger but slower card: SanDisk SDSDB-1024-A10 Secure Digital 1GB http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0001A06GW Price: $76.89 Has anybody any experience with SDs and their speeds? Best regards, Girts
Re: Ds software?
I use Pentax browser quite a lot to do initial selections of images for deletion, and for selecting images to be further processed in Photoshop, which I use for the RAW conversion. It has a few foibles I'd like to see fixed, such as jumping to the first image if I delete one, but generally find it fit for purpose. -Original Message- From: Rob Studdert[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 16/11/04 13:03:06 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Ds software? On 16 Nov 2004 at 2:58, Shel Belinkoff wrote: Looks like you're describing an image editing program and browser. I thought you meant improved camera software. I couldn't care less about editing and viewing software unless it has to be used to view and edit istDS files, which seems doubtful. Thanks for taking the time to post. Nor is there any mention of improved RAW conversion which is where the existing program really lets Pentax users down.
Re: Ds software?
I hadn't explored that option as I've only just moved from Elements to CS. I'll check it out. Thanks Nick -Original Message- From: Shel Belinkoff[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 16/11/04 22:32:10 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Ds software? If you've got photoshop, why not use the built-in browser (assuming ps7 or ps cs)? Shel [Original Message] From: Nick Clark [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 11/16/2004 2:18:17 PM Subject: Re: Ds software? I use Pentax browser quite a lot to do initial selections of images for deletion, and for selecting images to be further processed in Photoshop, which I use for the RAW conversion. It has a few foibles I'd like to see fixed, such as jumping to the first image if I delete one, but generally find it fit for purpose.
Re: I just ordered myself a *ist DS with DA18-55 lens.
The same argument would apply to CF vs PC Card (PCMCIA) memory cards, but where are they? SD cards will be cheaper and higher capacity than CF in the future due to the demand from their use in PDAs, phones, MP3 players, etc. CF will go and Pentax will be een as having led the pack into the future. Nick -Original Message- From: Rob Studdert[EMAIL PROTECTED] But, since SD is increasing capacity, and the price is coming down,as a new user there seems to be little benefit to using CF. IOW, I see them as about the same, both suited to their purpose. What I was alluding to is that at any point in time the maximum memory capacity per silicon is the same regardless of containers in which they are placed, ie SD will never catch up unless manufactures purposefully neglect the CF product line. CF are now at 8GB and SD are 2GB, the larger the solid state memory option the less we will need to rely upon sensitive and power hungry electro- mechanical devices for bulk storage in the field.
RE: Lexar 2 GB 80X
I have a standard Sandisk 1Gb and a Lexar 40X WA 1Gb card and the write speed in the *istD is virtually identical at around 9 secs. I guess the camera is the limiting factor. My Pentax 43WR is greatly improved with a Sandisk Ultra II SD card compared to a standard one. So it could be that it's just Lexar with their WA technology that's rubbish. Anyone got a Sandisk Ultra II CF card for the *istD? Nick -Original Message- From: Joseph Tainter[EMAIL PROTECTED] Has anyone timed how fast the D will write a raw file to a normal speed SanDisk? Does someone want to time it to find out? I am wondering whether there is any point in buying the faster cards for the D.
Re: how does image stabilisation work?
I would have thought that a maximum sensor shift of 1-2mm would be sensible to give 1-2 stops improvement. It's about 10% of the linear image dimension. Anything more than this wouldn't be compensating for camera shake, it would be used for earthquake stabilisation. Nick -Original Message- From: Martin Trautmann[EMAIL PROTECTED] On 2004-09-23 18:45, Alin Flaider wrote: MT - how many millimeters is the sensor shifted for stabilisation? Anyway not more than 4 mm vertically (the gaps to full frame). Giving it some short computation, the max. image circle of 43 mm would permit ± 10 mm upwards, ± 8 mm sidewards.
Re: Damaging a CCD?
I think that when using standard CCD cameras rather than cooled CCDs they make multiple shorter exposures and join them in software. This reduces noise, which is one of the reasons for cooling the CCD. Nick -Original Message- From: Keith Whaley[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 19/09/04 21:28:42 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Damaging a CCD? Alexander Grigolia, Jr wrote: Joe, This time limit seems strange to me! Amateur astronomers routinely make 30-minute, 45-minute, and longer exposures with telescope-mounted CCD cameras! Alex Grigolia Their CCDs are cooled, are they not? I think that's the limiter... keith whaley On Sunday, September 19, 2004, at 01:09 PM, Joseph Tainter wrote: Page 50 of the October issue of Pop Photo has the following statement (in reviewing the Fuji Finepix S3): ...a black-and-white image is output through the S3 Pro's video connector. (This signal lasts for 30 seconds to prevent CCD damage.) Do long exposures damage a CCD? Any of you heard anything about this? Thanks, Joe
Re: *ist series support for setting the aperture on the lens(was: ist D AE mode for K M lenses)
I don't know of any camera that does give a readout of aperture with K/M lenses, even if it does have the aperture simulator lever. The same is true for A lense off the A setting. Nick -Original Message- From: William Robb[EMAIL PROTECTED] On the istD and a few of the film cameras, this lever (it's called an aperture simulator or aperture estimator) is missing. This removes any way for the lens to impart aperture information to the camera via mechanical means. Since pre A series lenses lack the ability to transmit such information electrically, metering operation is compromised. Also, the camera cannot give a readout of what aperture value is chosen.
RE: istDs - what a great camera!
Pentax DO support the legacy products fare better than most other manufacturers. My M and K lenses work perfectly on my MX and KX which is what they were intended for. They also work perfectly on my MZ-S, and very well on the *istD. They don't work well enough on my wife's *ist, but she has newer lenses that are fine. I think the reason Pentax dropped the aperture coupler is less to do with saving the cost on the body, which as others have pointed out is minimal, but more to do with saving the cost on new lenses. I bet it's pretty uneconomical to put the aperture ring and mechanism into lenses these days, so it had to go. Without the mechanical aperture ring on lenses, what's the point of a coupler on the body. I reckon they can now harmonise the range, and that all new cameras and lenses won't have mechanical aperture mechanisms. I know they released a couple of new macros with it recently, but I bet they've been a while in the design stage. I am perfectly happy with their strategy. The cameras feel so much better than the opposition. Just hold a Pentax as they used to say. Nick -
