Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On Oct 5, 2010, at 02:04 , Boris Liberman wrote: On 10/5/2010 9:30 AM, Joseph McAllister wrote: I think I will let this slide for now, even though it is a crappy system that makes these kinds of side-show shenanigans (worked that into a sentence) with Pentax's top of the line DA optics. Joe, with all due respect, I think that you might be making a mistake here. 3x for emphasis? Boris, the lenses will be two years old next month. If I can get them to work with a little manual manipulation, which is free, why would I send them to CRIS to a couple of hundred apiece to have the parts replaced? Especially so in that I don't use them or any of my equipment for monitory gain. I cannot afford to fix what Pentax wrought on my fixed retiree's income. Disappointed? Yes. Able to do anything about it? No! I'm not going to bug Ned Bunnell in an attempt to get a free fix unless the lens fails me again at the park this afternoon and I can't get it going once more. Later The lens behaved itself this afternoon, with the exception that I don't think it's a very sharp lens, and that I could focus it better manually than with AF on. (only one sample, so not certain). -- It's not that life is too short, it's that you're dead for so long.. — Anon Joseph McAllister pentax...@mac.com http://gallery.me.com/jomac -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On Oct 5, 2010, at 10:22 PM, John Sessoms wrote: From: P. J. Alling On 10/5/2010 7:01 PM, John Francis wrote: On Tue, Oct 05, 2010 at 01:49:18PM -0700, Larry Colen wrote: On Oct 5, 2010, at 1:43 PM, John Sessoms wrote: Well ... not a real car. I'd get my MG running again, but that's not really for transportation. I need to get my MGBGT back on the road too. And being a BGT, it actually makes pretty decent transportation. That's a matter of opinion ... I grew up with MGBs. They were perhaps a little better than the Ford Escort beloved by the boy racers of the next generation, but only a little better. Still, at least they were better than the Triumph Spitfire or MG Midget. In those days I drove a Triumph Vitesse convertible; lighter than an MGB, with a two-litre straight 6 engine (the MGB GT had an 1800cc 4-banger). A friend of mine had an MGC. Now *that* was a nice bit of machinery. Too bad it didn't have nice electrics to go with it. 'cause Lucas also makes refrigerators ... yada, yada yada! Yeah, I know... Off, dim and flicker. yeah, I know. Interestingly, the least reliable electrics I ever had was my 1st gen Rx7, which went through several alternators a year. I found that mopar alternators on MGBs were even less reliable than Lucas. And even at their worst, at least Lucas electrics aren't Marelli. -- Larry Colen l...@red4est.com sent from i4est -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On 10/6/2010 8:02 AM, Joseph McAllister wrote: Boris, the lenses will be two years old next month. If I can get them to work with a little manual manipulation, which is free, why would I send them to CRIS to a couple of hundred apiece to have the parts replaced? Especially so in that I don't use them or any of my equipment for monitory gain. I cannot afford to fix what Pentax wrought on my fixed retiree's income. Joe, I am not going to /argue/ with you here. It is your call to make. If I were you, I'd be contacting Pentax Israel (well, if I were you living here ;-) ). Disappointed? Yes. Able to do anything about it? No! I'm not going to bug Ned Bunnell in an attempt to get a free fix unless the lens fails me again at the park this afternoon and I can't get it going once more. No need to bug Ned, especially, if I were you, I wouldn't know local Ned's equivalent anyway ;-). Later The lens behaved itself this afternoon, with the exception that I don't think it's a very sharp lens, and that I could focus it better manually than with AF on. (only one sample, so not certain). From what I gathered reading forumae (I'd use my form here ;-) ) including mail list/i/ ;-) such as this one, the SDM failure is often gradual. It starts to act up and then it behaves but eventually it just breaks down leaving you with manual focus lens. Don't trust me on this one, as I am playing the broken phone here. But if I am not confusing things, then you might be wrong thinking that it will work after you play with it some. We can continue off-list, obviously. Boris -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
The E-5 is the same body, essentially, as the E-3, which grew larger than the E-1 to allow for a much bigger, brighter viewfinder. These are professional-grade cameras, compactness is a secondary priority. The K-x, like the Panasonic G1, is designed with different priorities. They feel teensy and toy-like ... ;-) On Tue, Oct 5, 2010 at 5:24 PM, Jeffery Smith jsmith...@gmail.com wrote: It has a certain rugged blue-collar look to it. The E-5 is bigger than the E-1? [groan]. I've gotten so spoiled by the petite Pentax K-x with the smallish LE lenses, I'm neglecting the E-1 with zooms. Jeffery On Oct 5, 2010, at 7:15 PM, Godfrey DiGiorgi wrote: Think Tank Photo Retrospective 10 -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- Godfrey godfreydigiorgi.posterous.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On 10/5/2010 7:01 PM, John Francis wrote: On Tue, Oct 05, 2010 at 01:49:18PM -0700, Larry Colen wrote: On Oct 5, 2010, at 1:43 PM, John Sessoms wrote: Well ... not a real car. I'd get my MG running again, but that's not really for transportation. I need to get my MGBGT back on the road too. And being a BGT, it actually makes pretty decent transportation. That's a matter of opinion ... I grew up with MGBs. They were perhaps a little better than the Ford Escort beloved by the boy racers of the next generation, but only a little better. Still, at least they were better than the Triumph Spitfire or MG Midget. In those days I drove a Triumph Vitesse convertible; lighter than an MGB, with a two-litre straight 6 engine (the MGB GT had an 1800cc 4-banger). A friend of mine had an MGC. Now *that* was a nice bit of machinery. Too bad it didn't have nice electrics to go with it. -- His lack of education is more than compensated for by his keenly developed moral bankruptcy. -Woody Allen -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
From: Larry Colen On Oct 5, 2010, at 3:10 PM, John Sessoms wrote: Problem number 2 is what's really kept it off the road. Vandals smashed the windshield and driver's side window and I can't get the broken glass out of the existing interior. I'm going to have to strip it out and completely replace it, which is just beyond my finances right now. That seems mighty extreme. At the very least a detailing place should be able to clean it all out for, at most, $200. Even if you ignore how the interior looked after having all that glass smashed into the upholstery, there are thousands of tiny little splinters of glass embedded throughout. I scrubbed and vacuumed and brushed and vacuumed and scrubbed and vacuumed and ... no amount of detailing is going to remove it. Trust me, I tried; they just wouldn't come out. I was still getting cuts, and glass splinters hurt like hell. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
From: P. J. Alling On 10/5/2010 7:01 PM, John Francis wrote: On Tue, Oct 05, 2010 at 01:49:18PM -0700, Larry Colen wrote: On Oct 5, 2010, at 1:43 PM, John Sessoms wrote: Well ... not a real car. I'd get my MG running again, but that's not really for transportation. I need to get my MGBGT back on the road too. And being a BGT, it actually makes pretty decent transportation. That's a matter of opinion ... I grew up with MGBs. They were perhaps a little better than the Ford Escort beloved by the boy racers of the next generation, but only a little better. Still, at least they were better than the Triumph Spitfire or MG Midget. In those days I drove a Triumph Vitesse convertible; lighter than an MGB, with a two-litre straight 6 engine (the MGB GT had an 1800cc 4-banger). A friend of mine had an MGC. Now *that* was a nice bit of machinery. Too bad it didn't have nice electrics to go with it. 'cause Lucas also makes refrigerators ... yada, yada yada! -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
A, Lucas, the Prince of Darkness I still like my RED '87 Alfa Romeo Quadrafoglio http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac164/gelewis_2010/Bisbee%20Blues%20Fest%202010/_ORI8154A1.jpg Jerry From: P. J. Alling webstertwenty...@gmail.com To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List pdml@pdml.net Subject: Re: It ain't like it used to be. Message-ID: 4cabde0d.1030...@gmail.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed On 10/5/2010 7:01 PM, John Francis wrote: On Tue, Oct 05, 2010 at 01:49:18PM -0700, Larry Colen wrote: On Oct 5, 2010, at 1:43 PM, John Sessoms wrote: Well ... not a real car. I'd get my MG running again, but that's not really for transportation. I need to get my MGBGT back on the road too. And being a BGT, it actually makes pretty decent transportation. That's a matter of opinion ... I grew up with MGBs. They were perhaps a little better than the Ford Escort beloved by the boy racers of the next generation, but only a little better. Still, at least they were better than the Triumph Spitfire or MG Midget. In those days I drove a Triumph Vitesse convertible; lighter than an MGB, with a two-litre straight 6 engine (the MGB GT had an 1800cc 4-banger). A friend of mine had an MGC. Now *that* was a nice bit of machinery. Too bad it didn't have nice electrics to go with it. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On 10/5/2010 2:01 AM, John Sessoms wrote: If Pentax's customers lose the perception that Pentax offers superior value, they will no longer be Pentax's customers. Very well said indeed. This is probably what I've been trying to tell all along but did not manage it with proper brevity. I am never brief, ain't I? Boris -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On Oct 4, 2010, at 21:54 , Joseph McAllister wrote: Well PDML'rs, you forced me to break out my DA* 50-135 ƒ2.8 today. I hadn't used it since I tested it when I bought it almost two years ago, at least as far as I can recall. I used the DA* 16-50 ƒ2.8 and the DA* 60-250 ƒ4.0 for all my canine action shooting. The 16-50 only occasionally. So I hooked it up to the K-7 figuring after all, it's getting dark earlier, the AF could use the extra stop a half. Focused on a few things around the house. Zip zip. No focus problems. Batteries charged a few days ago still good. Packed it up and headed off to a sunny late afternoon of shooting. Got to the park, set up, (that means sitting on a bench and turning the camera around to shoot as I carry it upside down on it's strap so it doesn't bang into doorways and nearby walls) and start shooting. Couple of shots of dogs playing 5 feet away from me, zip zip - sharp focus. Took another shot about 25 feet away — that didn't look so sharp… Another about 6 feet away — ok - that looked sharp didn't it? Woah. Now there's a pooch running and coming at me… Nothing. Removed and reset lens on body with power off. Power on. Prefocused lens so it could follow action. Nothing. Went through everything I could think of, moving switches on camera body and lens that would affect focusing. Nada. By the time I got home the batteries were indicating half charge, both of them. Mounted the DA* 16-50 ƒ2.8 to see if low voltage was the problem. Nope - it focused fine, and fast, even in room light after dark. So does the DA* 60-250 ƒ4.0. I'll finish this paragraph after both batteries are charged. I know one should do, but if it's sticky, the amps of two might free it. This could take all night - After inserting a freshly charged NiMH battery in the body alone (couldn't wait), I mounted the DA* 50-135 ƒ2.8 and turned 'er on. Nada. Messed with the switches again. Nada. Ran the focus back and forth manually from end to end, taking care not to slam into the stops that I guess are physical limits of some kind. After a dozen tries going from manual focus to SDM, the darn thing started working, and continued to do so until I got bored and watched TV some more. This is similar to what I recall having to do at times to get the DA* 16-50 ƒ2.8 to do it's SDM thing. I think I will let this slide for now, even though it is a crappy system that makes these kinds of side-show shenanigans (worked that into a sentence) with Pentax's top of the line DA optics. I'm sure they are working on it and all will be well in the world again soon. I wonder if the electrical energy to move these circular disks/plates is shaped in the camera body or the lens itself. If Pentax comes out with this new-fangled DC focus drives, then I would think the body will have to ascertain the lens's needs and supply it through those two contacts or… or… or… turning the drive shaft ! That makes me wonder if the polarity of the supply is reversed in the body controlled by the FAFOX system, or just supplied and letting the lens's circuits determine the polarity in situ based on data from SAFOX. I think about these things too much! Joseph McAllister pentax...@mac.com http://gallery.me.com/jomac -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On 10/5/2010 9:30 AM, Joseph McAllister wrote: I think I will let this slide for now, even though it is a crappy system that makes these kinds of side-show shenanigans (worked that into a sentence) with Pentax's top of the line DA optics. Joe, with all due respect, I think that you might be making a mistake here. Boris -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
My perspective is simple: I'm utterly and terminally bored with new equipment discussions. Cool new things to buy is not why I'm interested in Photography. With one or two small exceptions, I've got all the equipment I need to do Photography and am only interested in new things occasionally when there seems to be an advantage to improve on what I'm doing or add something new to what I'm doing. -- Godfrey godfreydigiorgi.posterous.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
Godfrey DiGiorgi gdigio...@gmail.com wrote: My perspective is simple: I'm utterly and terminally bored with new equipment discussions. Cool new things to buy is not why I'm interested in Photography. With one or two small exceptions, I've got all the equipment I need to do Photography and am only interested in new things occasionally when there seems to be an advantage to improve on what I'm doing or add something new to what I'm doing. What he said. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On 10/5/2010 4:14 PM, m...@robertstech.com wrote: Godfrey DiGiorgigdigio...@gmail.com wrote: My perspective is simple: I'm utterly and terminally bored with new equipment discussions. Cool new things to buy is not why I'm interested in Photography. With one or two small exceptions, I've got all the equipment I need to do Photography and am only interested in new things occasionally when there seems to be an advantage to improve on what I'm doing or add something new to what I'm doing. What he said. Interesting that you say that, Mark. Not recently, if I understand correctly, you bought into Sony Alpha system with A-850 and lenses. Doubtless you did some research on the matter before committing your money. I wonder if part of that research were equipment discussions... Boris -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
I'm getting to be that way as well. I usually drive a car for at least 100,000 miles before even thinking about getting a new one, and that is only when keeping the old car running costs the same as a monthly payment on a new car. What has surprised me a bit is that prime lenses choices are disappearing altogether, replaced by zooms. I'm not too crazy about the bulk and size of zooms. Jeffery On Oct 5, 2010, at 9:09 AM, Godfrey DiGiorgi wrote: My perspective is simple: I'm utterly and terminally bored with new equipment discussions. Cool new things to buy is not why I'm interested in Photography. With one or two small exceptions, I've got all the equipment I need to do Photography and am only interested in new things occasionally when there seems to be an advantage to improve on what I'm doing or add something new to what I'm doing. -- Godfrey godfreydigiorgi.posterous.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On Oct 5, 2010, at 9:20, Jeffery Smith wrote: I'm getting to be that way as well. I usually drive a car for at least 100,000 miles before even thinking about getting a new one, and that is only when keeping the old car running costs the same as a monthly payment on a new car. Hell, I usually only buy a car AFTER it has 100,000 miles on it. Then I drive it until it is no longer drivable. 230,000 so far on the Subaru Legacy -Charles -- Charles Robinson - charl...@visi.com Minneapolis, MN http://charles.robinsontwins.org http://www.facebook.com/charles.robinson -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On 6 October 2010 01:19, Boris Liberman bori...@gmail.com wrote: Interesting that you say that, Mark. Not recently, if I understand correctly, you bought into Sony Alpha system with A-850 and lenses. Doubtless you did some research on the matter before committing your money. I wonder if part of that research were equipment discussions... I'm more interested in getting the shot than the gear but unfortunately gear becomes the focus when it's not up to the job and the current Pentax k-mount kit is not up to the jobs that I do. So I'm keen to discuss what equipment's in the pipeline just in case it gets me closer to my equipment requisites. -- Rob Studdert (Digital Image Studio) Tel: +61-418-166-870 UTC +10 Hours Gmail, eBay, Skype, Twitter, Facebook, Picasa: distudio -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
I find it helpful to keep abreast of what's new, what's problematic, and what works well. And digital technology progresses rather quickly. To get the best results for my clients, I want to use the best options. I also believe in a replacement cycle. As a relatively heavy volume user, I find that replacing my oldest camera when the market offers a superior choice is sound policy. That way I don't end up being a test case for durability. Paul On Oct 5, 2010, at 10:09 AM, Godfrey DiGiorgi wrote: My perspective is simple: I'm utterly and terminally bored with new equipment discussions. Cool new things to buy is not why I'm interested in Photography. With one or two small exceptions, I've got all the equipment I need to do Photography and am only interested in new things occasionally when there seems to be an advantage to improve on what I'm doing or add something new to what I'm doing. -- Godfrey godfreydigiorgi.posterous.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On 10/5/2010 4:29 PM, Rob Studdert wrote: On 6 October 2010 01:19, Boris Libermanbori...@gmail.com wrote: Interesting that you say that, Mark. Not recently, if I understand correctly, you bought into Sony Alpha system with A-850 and lenses. Doubtless you did some research on the matter before committing your money. I wonder if part of that research were equipment discussions... I'm more interested in getting the shot than the gear but unfortunately gear becomes the focus when it's not up to the job and the current Pentax k-mount kit is not up to the jobs that I do. So I'm keen to discuss what equipment's in the pipeline just in case it gets me closer to my equipment requisites. I am probably geekier than either of you... Not sure if it is healthy though... Boris -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
Boris Liberman bori...@gmail.com wrote: On 10/5/2010 4:14 PM, m...@robertstech.com wrote: Godfrey DiGiorgigdigio...@gmail.com wrote: My perspective is simple: I'm utterly and terminally bored with new equipment discussions. Cool new things to buy is not why I'm interested in Photography. With one or two small exceptions, I've got all the equipment I need to do Photography and am only interested in new things occasionally when there seems to be an advantage to improve on what I'm doing or add something new to what I'm doing. What he said. Interesting that you say that, Mark. Not recently, if I understand correctly, you bought into Sony Alpha system with A-850 and lenses. Doubtless you did some research on the matter before committing your money. I wonder if part of that research were equipment discussions... Nope. My research consisted of almost everything but equipment discussions (on this and in various other fora). But I do, as Godfrey says,now have pretty much the gear I need to do the photography I want to do. I see few equipment purchases in my near future. Maybe another lens for the Sony next year. Maybe not. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
-- From: Jeffery Smith Subject: Re: It ain't like it used to be. I'm getting to be that way as well. I usually drive a car for at least 100,000 miles before even thinking about getting a new one, and that is only when keeping the old car running costs the same as a monthly payment on a new car. What has surprised me a bit is that prime lenses choices are disappearing altogether, replaced by zooms. I'm not too crazy about the bulk and size of zooms. I'll risk incurring the wrath of the people who despise equipment talk to mention that Pentax still makes a very nice selection of prime lenses William Robb -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
-- From: m...@robertstech.com Subject: Re: It ain't like it used to be. Godfrey DiGiorgi gdigio...@gmail.com wrote: My perspective is simple: I'm utterly and terminally bored with new equipment discussions. Cool new things to buy is not why I'm interested in Photography. With one or two small exceptions, I've got all the equipment I need to do Photography and am only interested in new things occasionally when there seems to be an advantage to improve on what I'm doing or add something new to what I'm doing. What he said. So, we can't talk about equipment because a few find it boring, and we can't talk about pictures because critiques end up with the critiquer being mass flamed. The PDML no longer has a reason for existing. Doug, you can pull the plug anytime, we're done here. William Robb -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On 10/5/2010 4:56 PM, m...@robertstech.com wrote: Nope. My research consisted of almost everything but equipment discussions (on this and in various other fora). But I do, as Godfrey says,now have pretty much the gear I need to do the photography I want to do. I see few equipment purchases in my near future. Maybe another lens for the Sony next year. Maybe not. You're a fascinating person, Mark. Boris -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
Gear, for me, is irrelevant until the lack of a particular piece prevents me from capturing an image as I want. Gear discussions help me to keep up with new developments, whether I need them or not. Its all about the output. Kenneth Waller http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/kennethwaller - Original Message - From: Godfrey DiGiorgi gdigio...@gmail.com Subject: Re: It ain't like it used to be. My perspective is simple: I'm utterly and terminally bored with new equipment discussions. Cool new things to buy is not why I'm interested in Photography. With one or two small exceptions, I've got all the equipment I need to do Photography and am only interested in new things occasionally when there seems to be an advantage to improve on what I'm doing or add something new to what I'm doing. -- Godfrey godfreydigiorgi.posterous.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
Agreed (particularly the LE models). I was thinking more like Sony and Olympus four-thirds. Zooms have gotten much better in the past 30 years. I used to have a Komuranon zoom that was rated as good as a prime lens back in the 1970's. The other zooms often lacked contrast because (I assume) all of the air/glass surfaces of their elements. Jeffery On Oct 5, 2010, at 9:29 AM, William Robb wrote: -- From: Jeffery Smith Subject: Re: It ain't like it used to be. I'm getting to be that way as well. I usually drive a car for at least 100,000 miles before even thinking about getting a new one, and that is only when keeping the old car running costs the same as a monthly payment on a new car. What has surprised me a bit is that prime lenses choices are disappearing altogether, replaced by zooms. I'm not too crazy about the bulk and size of zooms. I'll risk incurring the wrath of the people who despise equipment talk to mention that Pentax still makes a very nice selection of prime lenses William Robb -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
2010/10/5 Boris Liberman bori...@gmail.com: Joe, with all due respect, I think that you might be making a mistake here. What Boris said. a) don't buy a lens and let it rot in your basement b) if a lens is bad and still near warranty end date get it fixed c) if SDM is bad get it fixed all the more d) if you still can't see yourself using it, sell it to someone who will - lenses have feelings, too, you know Ecke -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
From: Charles Robinson On Oct 5, 2010, at 9:20, Jeffery Smith wrote: I'm getting to be that way as well. I usually drive a car for at least 100,000 miles before even thinking about getting a new one, and that is only when keeping the old car running costs the same as a monthly payment on a new car. Hell, I usually only buy a car AFTER it has 100,000 miles on it. Then I drive it until it is no longer drivable. 230,000 so far on the Subaru Legacy I think you get better value looking for something in the 50 - 60K range. That's enough miles for someone else to take the depreciation, but not enough miles for benign neglect of preventive maintenance to adversely affect longevity. I recently sold at 204,000 miles the Mazda I purchased at 59,000 miles. My current Ford Focus Wagon was purchased at 58,000 miles. I expect it to last until at least 200K if not longer. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
From: P N Stenquist I find it helpful to keep abreast of what's new, what's problematic, and what works well. And digital technology progresses rather quickly. To get the best results for my clients, I want to use the best options. I also believe in a replacement cycle. As a relatively heavy volume user, I find that replacing my oldest camera when the market offers a superior choice is sound policy. That way I don't end up being a test case for durability. Paul Sounds like a plan. I wonder what I should ask for my *ist-D? Should I sell the battery grip seperately? What about the FAJ-18-35? Should I throw in the CF cards as a bonus? Should I offer it all as a kit or part it out? I'm pretty sure I do still have all the boxes and packing material. I don't do eBay, 'cause I don't really understand it. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On 10/5/2010 12:04 PM, eckinator wrote: 2010/10/5 Boris Libermanbori...@gmail.com: Joe, with all due respect, I think that you might be making a mistake here. What Boris said. a) don't buy a lens and let it rot in your basement b) if a lens is bad and still near warranty end date get it fixed c) if SDM is bad get it fixed all the more d) if you still can't see yourself using it, sell it to someone who will - lenses have feelings, too, you know Ecke Yes, but mostly feelings of rage and disappointment. -- His lack of education is more than compensated for by his keenly developed moral bankruptcy. -Woody Allen -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
2010/10/5 P. J. Alling webstertwenty...@gmail.com: Yes, but mostly feelings of rage and disappointment. you can tell by how far the front element bulges out... fisheye lenses often tend to have distorted views of reality... there were even cases of walleye vision reported in scientific publications... -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
I think you should sell the seperatly, you'll probably only get about $200 for it with or without the grip. If you can sell the grip separately it's gravy. On 10/5/2010 12:09 PM, John Sessoms wrote: From: P N Stenquist I find it helpful to keep abreast of what's new, what's problematic, and what works well. And digital technology progresses rather quickly. To get the best results for my clients, I want to use the best options. I also believe in a replacement cycle. As a relatively heavy volume user, I find that replacing my oldest camera when the market offers a superior choice is sound policy. That way I don't end up being a test case for durability. Paul Sounds like a plan. I wonder what I should ask for my *ist-D? Should I sell the battery grip seperately? What about the FAJ-18-35? Should I throw in the CF cards as a bonus? Should I offer it all as a kit or part it out? I'm pretty sure I do still have all the boxes and packing material. I don't do eBay, 'cause I don't really understand it. -- His lack of education is more than compensated for by his keenly developed moral bankruptcy. -Woody Allen -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
Feel my wrath, dirty equipment talker! I had the same thought, actually. I'll risk incurring the wrath of the people who despise equipment talk to mention that Pentax still makes a very nice selection of prime lenses William Robb -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- Steve Desjardins -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
RE: It ain't like it used to be.
My perspective is simple: I'm utterly and terminally bored with new equipment discussions. Cool new things to buy is not why I'm interested in Photography. With one or two small exceptions, I've got all the equipment I need to do Photography and am only interested in new things occasionally when there seems to be an advantage to improve on what I'm doing or add something new to what I'm doing. What he said. So, we can't talk about equipment because a few find it boring, and we can't talk about pictures because critiques end up with the critiquer being mass flamed. The PDML no longer has a reason for existing. Doug, you can pull the plug anytime, we're done here. William Robb we can always talk about cormorants. B -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
RE: It ain't like it used to be.
I'm getting to be that way as well. I usually drive a car for at least 100,000 miles before even thinking about getting a new one, and that is only when keeping the old car running costs the same as a monthly payment on a new car. Hell, I usually only buy a car AFTER it has 100,000 miles on it. Then I drive it until it is no longer drivable. 230,000 so far on the Subaru Legacy cars? I can't imagine that I'll ever have a car again. B -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On Oct 5, 2010, at 10:58 , Bob W wrote: I'm getting to be that way as well. I usually drive a car for at least 100,000 miles before even thinking about getting a new one, and that is only when keeping the old car running costs the same as a monthly payment on a new car. Hell, I usually only buy a car AFTER it has 100,000 miles on it. Then I drive it until it is no longer drivable. 230,000 so far on the Subaru Legacy cars? I can't imagine that I'll ever have a car again. Segway won't fit in the back seat? Or is it the Hoveround… Joseph McAllister pentax...@mac.com There is no off position to the genius switch. Genius can, however, be observed as insanity. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
While we can't talk about bodies and lenses, there is always photo bags! And Godfrey carefully sidestepped the issue of bags. As you are no doubt aware, he has gone by the name Bagmelda Marcos in the past. ;-) Jeffery On Oct 5, 2010, at 12:56 PM, Bob W wrote: My perspective is simple: I'm utterly and terminally bored with new equipment discussions. Cool new things to buy is not why I'm interested in Photography. With one or two small exceptions, I've got all the equipment I need to do Photography and am only interested in new things occasionally when there seems to be an advantage to improve on what I'm doing or add something new to what I'm doing. What he said. So, we can't talk about equipment because a few find it boring, and we can't talk about pictures because critiques end up with the critiquer being mass flamed. The PDML no longer has a reason for existing. Doug, you can pull the plug anytime, we're done here. William Robb we can always talk about cormorants. B -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On 10/5/2010 1:56 PM, Bob W wrote: My perspective is simple: I'm utterly and terminally bored with new equipment discussions. Cool new things to buy is not why I'm interested in Photography. With one or two small exceptions, I've got all the equipment I need to do Photography and am only interested in new things occasionally when there seems to be an advantage to improve on what I'm doing or add something new to what I'm doing. What he said. So, we can't talk about equipment because a few find it boring, and we can't talk about pictures because critiques end up with the critiquer being mass flamed. The PDML no longer has a reason for existing. Doug, you can pull the plug anytime, we're done here. William Robb we can always talk about cormorants. B Smelly black fish eaters, (nto that there's anything wrong with that). -- His lack of education is more than compensated for by his keenly developed moral bankruptcy. -Woody Allen -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
RE: It ain't like it used to be.
From: Bob W I'm getting to be that way as well. I usually drive a car for at least 100,000 miles before even thinking about getting a new one, and that is only when keeping the old car running costs the same as a monthly payment on a new car. Hell, I usually only buy a car AFTER it has 100,000 miles on it. Then I drive it until it is no longer drivable. 230,000 so far on the Subaru Legacy cars? I can't imagine that I'll ever have a car again. Yeah, but don't you live somewhere that has decent bus train service, not to mention being within walking or cycling distance of most everything you need? If I could do that, I wouldn't have a car either. Well ... not a real car. I'd get my MG running again, but that's not really for transportation. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On Oct 5, 2010, at 1:43 PM, John Sessoms wrote: Well ... not a real car. I'd get my MG running again, but that's not really for transportation. I need to get my MGBGT back on the road too. And being a BGT, it actually makes pretty decent transportation. -- Larry Colen l...@red4est.com sent from i4est -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
RE: It ain't like it used to be.
. 230,000 so far on the Subaru Legacy cars? I can't imagine that I'll ever have a car again. Yeah, but don't you live somewhere that has decent bus train service, not to mention being within walking or cycling distance of most everything you need? yes If I could do that, I wouldn't have a car either. Well ... not a real car. I'd get my MG running again, but that's not really for transportation. the last car I owned was an MG. Problem was (apart from it being crap) that there's nowhere in Britain to drive it that isn't clogged up with other cars. B -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
m...@robertstech.com wrote: Godfrey DiGiorgi gdigio...@gmail.com wrote: My perspective is simple: I'm utterly and terminally bored with new equipment discussions. Cool new things to buy is not why I'm interested in Photography. With one or two small exceptions, I've got all the equipment I need to do Photography and am only interested in new things occasionally when there seems to be an advantage to improve on what I'm doing or add something new to what I'm doing. What he said. The difference being: we believe _you_. 8-) Just in case -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On Tue, Oct 5, 2010 at 8:38 AM, Jeffery Smith jsmith...@gmail.com wrote: Agreed (particularly the LE models). I was thinking more like Sony and Olympus four-thirds. My FourThirds kit consists of: 11-22/2.8-3.5 25/1.4 35/3.5 Macro 50/2 Macro 70/2.8 (50/2 + EC14) Macro 100/4 (50/2 + EC20) Macro I'd like to get the 150/2 as well. So you see, you don't really need many zooms. That 11-22 is a better lens than the primes I've used (Pentax or otherwise) in the focal length (or FoV) range. -- Godfrey godfreydigiorgi.posterous.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
Yeah, but what about the bags . . .? On Tue, Oct 5, 2010 at 5:05 PM, Godfrey DiGiorgi gdigio...@gmail.com wrote: On Tue, Oct 5, 2010 at 8:38 AM, Jeffery Smith jsmith...@gmail.com wrote: Agreed (particularly the LE models). I was thinking more like Sony and Olympus four-thirds. My FourThirds kit consists of: 11-22/2.8-3.5 25/1.4 35/3.5 Macro 50/2 Macro 70/2.8 (50/2 + EC14) Macro 100/4 (50/2 + EC20) Macro I'd like to get the 150/2 as well. So you see, you don't really need many zooms. That 11-22 is a better lens than the primes I've used (Pentax or otherwise) in the focal length (or FoV) range. -- Godfrey godfreydigiorgi.posterous.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- Steve Desjardins -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On 6 October 2010 04:56, Bob W p...@web-options.com wrote: we can always talk about cormorants. Or maybe we could simply rebrand: the Punsters Discuss Mail List? -- Rob Studdert (Digital Image Studio) Tel: +61-418-166-870 UTC +10 Hours Gmail, eBay, Skype, Twitter, Facebook, Picasa: distudio -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On Oct 5, 2010, at 15:43, John Sessoms wrote: From: Bob W I'm getting to be that way as well. I usually drive a car for at least 100,000 miles before even thinking about getting a new one, and that is only when keeping the old car running costs the same as a monthly payment on a new car. Hell, I usually only buy a car AFTER it has 100,000 miles on it. Then I drive it until it is no longer drivable. 230,000 so far on the Subaru Legacy cars? I can't imagine that I'll ever have a car again. Yeah, but don't you live somewhere that has decent bus train service, not to mention being within walking or cycling distance of most everything you need? If I could do that, I wouldn't have a car either. Try it in Minnesota, with -20F being common in December-February. Yow. Gotta be seriously hardcore to bike year-round here. And the public transit... is OK if you are seriously in no hurry and don't need to get out to (or in from) the suburbs during anything other than peak hours. -Charles -- Charles Robinson - charl...@visi.com Minneapolis, MN http://charles.robinsontwins.org http://www.facebook.com/charles.robinson -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
From: Larry Colen On Oct 5, 2010, at 1:43 PM, John Sessoms wrote: Well ... not a real car. I'd get my MG running again, but that's not really for transportation. I need to get my MGBGT back on the road too. And being a BGT, it actually makes pretty decent transportation. Mine's a MGB Tourer (roadster), and it was my daily driver for a while. With a little attention to detail, you *can* get the top and the windshield to where they won't leak every time it rains and it can be driven during most of a North Carolina winter. I bought it in '93 when I decided it was time to have a midlife crisis I wasn't going to pay 20 grand for a Mazda Miata when I couldn't even straighten my leg out enough so it wouldn't rub against the steering wheel all the time. Problem number 1 is carburetion - it was a later model retro-fitted with dual SUs and I never could keep the mixture lean enough, so I tended to burn through catalytic converters. Even at that, it got great gas mileage. But it was a pain every year when inspection time rolled around. Took some major fiddling to pass the emissions test. I think I can fix that by fitting a Webber DGV; I've got the carb, manifold and a rebuild kit sitting in the basement. Probably have to rebuild the head as well, but that's no big deal, I've done that before. I think I can get the emissions working and pass the test and keep it running clean. Problem number 2 is what's really kept it off the road. Vandals smashed the windshield and driver's side window and I can't get the broken glass out of the existing interior. I'm going to have to strip it out and completely replace it, which is just beyond my finances right now. The parts kit from Victoria British was about $2500 last time I looked. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On Tue, Oct 05, 2010 at 01:49:18PM -0700, Larry Colen wrote: On Oct 5, 2010, at 1:43 PM, John Sessoms wrote: Well ... not a real car. I'd get my MG running again, but that's not really for transportation. I need to get my MGBGT back on the road too. And being a BGT, it actually makes pretty decent transportation. That's a matter of opinion ... I grew up with MGBs. They were perhaps a little better than the Ford Escort beloved by the boy racers of the next generation, but only a little better. Still, at least they were better than the Triumph Spitfire or MG Midget. In those days I drove a Triumph Vitesse convertible; lighter than an MGB, with a two-litre straight 6 engine (the MGB GT had an 1800cc 4-banger). A friend of mine had an MGC. Now *that* was a nice bit of machinery. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
Shockingly, I have all the bags I need at present too ... although I have looked at adding the Think Tank Photo Retrospective 10 when the new body gets in (the E-5 is bulkier than the E-1 and L1 and doesn't fit what I have particularly well). I had such a mess of bags I threw my hands up, saved out the ones that I actually use and gave away the rest. None of them would fit the E-5 well, couldn't see keeping them. BTW, I remember now that I was going to look and see if I had anything for someone on the list. Didn't have anything near the size he was looking for, but the move kinda took all my attention and I forgot to post back. On Tue, Oct 5, 2010 at 2:15 PM, Steven Desjardins drd1...@gmail.com wrote: Yeah, but what about the bags . . .? On Tue, Oct 5, 2010 at 5:05 PM, Godfrey DiGiorgi gdigio...@gmail.com wrote: On Tue, Oct 5, 2010 at 8:38 AM, Jeffery Smith jsmith...@gmail.com wrote: Agreed (particularly the LE models). I was thinking more like Sony and Olympus four-thirds. My FourThirds kit consists of: 11-22/2.8-3.5 25/1.4 35/3.5 Macro 50/2 Macro 70/2.8 (50/2 + EC14) Macro 100/4 (50/2 + EC20) Macro I'd like to get the 150/2 as well. So you see, you don't really need many zooms. That 11-22 is a better lens than the primes I've used (Pentax or otherwise) in the focal length (or FoV) range. -- Godfrey godfreydigiorgi.posterous.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- Steve Desjardins -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- Godfrey godfreydigiorgi.posterous.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
It has a certain rugged blue-collar look to it. The E-5 is bigger than the E-1? [groan]. I've gotten so spoiled by the petite Pentax K-x with the smallish LE lenses, I'm neglecting the E-1 with zooms. Jeffery On Oct 5, 2010, at 7:15 PM, Godfrey DiGiorgi wrote: Think Tank Photo Retrospective 10 -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On Oct 5, 2010, at 3:10 PM, John Sessoms wrote: From: Larry Colen On Oct 5, 2010, at 1:43 PM, John Sessoms wrote: Well ... not a real car. I'd get my MG running again, but that's not really for transportation. I need to get my MGBGT back on the road too. And being a BGT, it actually makes pretty decent transportation. Mine's a MGB Tourer (roadster), and it was my daily driver for a while. With a little attention to detail, you *can* get the top and the windshield to where they won't leak every time it rains and it can be driven during most of a North Carolina winter. I bought it in '93 when I decided it was time to have a midlife crisis I wasn't going to pay 20 grand for a Mazda Miata when I couldn't even straighten my leg out enough so it wouldn't rub against the steering wheel all the time. Problem number 1 is carburetion - it was a later model retro-fitted with dual SUs and I never could keep the mixture lean enough, so I tended to burn through catalytic converters. Even at that, it got great gas mileage. But it was a pain every year when inspection time rolled around. Took some major fiddling to pass the emissions test. What needles are you running? Although the most likely problem is that the throttle shafts are worn and you've got a slight air leak around them, causing you to need to richen it up a bit extra to get it right at idle, which makes it rich through the rest of the range. I think I can fix that by fitting a Webber DGV; I've got the carb, manifold and a rebuild kit sitting in the basement. Probably have to rebuild the head as well, but that's no big deal, I've done that before. I think I can get the emissions working and pass the test and keep it running clean. I ran DGVs (or DFVs) on the Rabbit and the Cortina I raced. I hated those carbs, much more complicated than the SUs and a lot harder to dial in. The blower kit came with a single SU, but I hope to replace that with a megasquirt fuel injection set up, meanwhile replacing the dizzy with crank fired ignition. All that'll take is a bit of time. And money. Problem number 2 is what's really kept it off the road. Vandals smashed the windshield and driver's side window and I can't get the broken glass out of the existing interior. I'm going to have to strip it out and completely replace it, which is just beyond my finances right now. That seems mighty extreme. At the very least a detailing place should be able to clean it all out for, at most, $200. The parts kit from Victoria British was about $2500 last time I looked. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- Larry Colen l...@red4est.com sent from i4est -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On 10/3/2010 7:17 PM, P. J. Alling wrote: I really don't have an answer to that. Who would enforce it. When you're dealing with a Government, it will be a matter health, safety and cost, and the company's defense will be one of statistics. If people are dying and the perception is that the company simply doesn't care, there is no defense that can be reasonably raised, no matter what the actual facts. If it just puts a bunch of /apparently/ well heeled geeks out of sorts and costs them a little more of their /probably ill gotten/ loot, and the company is making a reasonable effort within the existing framework, then the geeks can go pound sand. Unfortunately for Bill, (and in a way the rest of us), that's almost exactly the situation. Now that might be costing Pentax a lot of good will, but they may have statistics, that show their failure rate to be within the norm, even compared to Canon, Nikon, and Sigma, and they will stick to their position. I don't think that the /health of geek's gotten loot/ matters here. Of course, if you buy a piece of something and it gives you grief whereas the grief is the only thing it gives you, it is possible to say that your luck was tough on you. I recall a relative of one of my friends living in ShwartzeneggerLand had a brand new tire blow up on high way causing him a broken foot and no lawyer would take it up to court. So indeed it may be logical that the only way out of this hole is by extra careful shopping and tough decisions (like switching brands). It could be an interesting theoretical question though, but it is likely too off-topic for this list. Boris -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
From: Boris Liberman On 10/3/2010 6:41 PM, P. J. Alling wrote: The discussion seems to have become about Pentax, or any other manufacturer for that matter, unilaterally extending warranty on product with a /very/ large number of defective samples. The contract on the card is no longer in question. Pentax has been honoring that. It's really become a question of how much is the customers good will worth. I'd really like to get a DA 17-70mm. But from all accounts that particular lens is poorly designed from a manual focusing standpoint, making reliable auto focus a must. The SDM controversy just becomes one more reason for my money to stay in my pocket. Peter, since you're talking about post-warranty period and substantial number of defective units, I wonder, what would have to happen for Pentax to be legally forced to admit that they dropped an egg like Bill Robb keeps saying??? It varies by jurisdiction depending on consumer protection laws, but Pentax cannot afford for it to get to that point. Pentax has always had a reputation for quality and good value for the money. If they lose that reputation, and that is a real possible consequence of not adequately addressing perceptions about SDM reliability - doesn't matter if they're real or imagined - they're in trouble. If Pentax's customers lose the perception that Pentax offers superior value, they will no longer be Pentax's customers. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
Well PDML'rs, you forced me to break out my DA* 50-135 ƒ2.8 today. I hadn't used it since I tested it when I bought it almost two years ago, at least as far as I can recall. I used the DA* 16-50 ƒ2.8 and the DA* 60-250 ƒ4.0 for all my canine action shooting. The 16-50 only occasionally. So I hooked it up to the K-7 figuring after all, it's getting dark earlier, the AF could use the extra stop a half. Focused on a few things around the house. Zip zip. No focus problems. Batteries charged a few days ago still good. Packed it up and headed off to a sunny late afternoon of shooting. Got to the park, set up, (that means sitting on a bench and turning the camera around to shoot as I carry it upside down on it's strap so it doesn't bang into doorways and nearby walls) and start shooting. Couple of shots of dogs playing 5 feet away from me, zip zip - sharp focus. Took another shot about 25 feet away — that didn't look so sharp… Another about 6 feet away — ok - that looked sharp didn't it? Woah. Now there's a pooch running and coming at me… Nothing. Removed and reset lens on body with power off. Power on. Prefocused lens so it could follow action. Nothing. Went through everything I could think of, moving switches on camera body and lens that would affect focusing. Nada. By the time I got home the batteries were indicating half charge, both of them. Mounted the DA* 16-50 ƒ2.8 to see if low voltage was the problem. Nope - it focused fine, and fast, even in room light after dark. So does the DA* 60-250 ƒ4.0. I'll finish this paragraph after both batteries are charged. I know one should do, but if it's sticky, the amps of two might free it. This could take all night - On Oct 4, 2010, at 17:01 , John Sessoms wrote: From: Boris Liberman On 10/3/2010 6:41 PM, P. J. Alling wrote: The discussion seems to have become about Pentax, or any other manufacturer for that matter, unilaterally extending warranty on product with a /very/ large number of defective samples. The contract on the card is no longer in question. Pentax has been honoring that. It's really become a question of how much is the customers good will worth. I'd really like to get a DA 17-70mm. But from all accounts that particular lens is poorly designed from a manual focusing standpoint, making reliable auto focus a must. The SDM controversy just becomes one more reason for my money to stay in my pocket. Peter, since you're talking about post-warranty period and substantial number of defective units, I wonder, what would have to happen for Pentax to be legally forced to admit that they dropped an egg like Bill Robb keeps saying??? It varies by jurisdiction depending on consumer protection laws, but Pentax cannot afford for it to get to that point. Pentax has always had a reputation for quality and good value for the money. If they lose that reputation, and that is a real possible consequence of not adequately addressing perceptions about SDM reliability - doesn't matter if they're real or imagined - they're in trouble. If Pentax's customers lose the perception that Pentax offers superior value, they will no longer be Pentax's customers. Joseph McAllister pentax...@mac.com “If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn’t need to lug a camera.” –Lewis Hine -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
Joseph McAllister wrote: /mild rant on\ Very little for me to disagree with. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On 10/3/2010 2:09 AM, Joseph McAllister wrote: /mild rant on\ rant snipped \mild rant off/ Joe, I agree with most of what you said. I do tend to think that I care about FF but otherwise, I am getting progressively disillusioned about the practical improvements in image taking and resulting image quality that new bodies may/will provide on top of the current ones /for my particular style and-or level of shooting/. As a matter of fact, my K-7 is approaching the 10,000 shutter actuations and I am planning to write a blog entry on that occasion. It seems to me now that for most part it is going to be in lines with your mild rant. Boris -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
I got the K7 because it was much cheaper on the downward side of it production life. I like it fine. As time has gone by, I find myself giving a chunk of my fun money to Harley-Davidson, so the camera money I have will go to lenses. Especially since i have now decided to keep a DSLR and an EVIL system. FF doesn't phase me at all (although all of my remaining lenses are M or FA) probably because I'm not a big wide angle guy. Interesting question about Pentax fixing its problems under warranty. I do not have sufficient business experience to say for sure, but it would not surprise me if this were no longer a viable business model. Companies need to release frequently to survive, which affects extended testing and QC as the parts change a lot. As honest and fair-minded as warranty fixes of obvious problems would be, Companies that do so may simply go out of business, just leaving the ones that don't. On Sun, Oct 3, 2010 at 5:38 AM, Boris Liberman bori...@gmail.com wrote: On 10/3/2010 2:09 AM, Joseph McAllister wrote: /mild rant on\ rant snipped \mild rant off/ Joe, I agree with most of what you said. I do tend to think that I care about FF but otherwise, I am getting progressively disillusioned about the practical improvements in image taking and resulting image quality that new bodies may/will provide on top of the current ones /for my particular style and-or level of shooting/. As a matter of fact, my K-7 is approaching the 10,000 shutter actuations and I am planning to write a blog entry on that occasion. It seems to me now that for most part it is going to be in lines with your mild rant. Boris -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- Steve Desjardins -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On 10/3/2010 5:47 PM, Steven Desjardins wrote: Interesting question about Pentax fixing its problems under warranty. I do not have sufficient business experience to say for sure, but it would not surprise me if this were no longer a viable business model. Companies need to release frequently to survive, which affects extended testing and QC as the parts change a lot. As honest and fair-minded as warranty fixes of obvious problems would be, Companies that do so may simply go out of business, just leaving the ones that don't. My understanding, Steve, is that when you buy a piece of gear from a company, say, Pentax, the text on the warranty card and the proof of purchase together make it a legal contract between you and Pentax. It is therefore Pentax obligation under law to provide you with proper service. You might not be able to sue them to submission, but at least formally you're entitled to proper service as far as the written conditions thereof go. However I may be wrong. Boris -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
As you say, a warranty is a legal contract. You can get from it what you can under the law. For example, many buildings come with warranties of 25 years or so. In practice, these warranties are only good for the most major of problems since you inevitably have to sue the builder to enforce the warranty. Legal is what you can practically get out of it. The production of every item these days has factored in the cost of legal issues. If Pentax or any company can get away with something, it will. This may be cynical but I trouble putting corporate and ethical together anymore and I deal with them accordingly. On Sun, Oct 3, 2010 at 12:03 PM, Boris Liberman bori...@gmail.com wrote: On 10/3/2010 5:47 PM, Steven Desjardins wrote: Interesting question about Pentax fixing its problems under warranty. I do not have sufficient business experience to say for sure, but it would not surprise me if this were no longer a viable business model. Companies need to release frequently to survive, which affects extended testing and QC as the parts change a lot. As honest and fair-minded as warranty fixes of obvious problems would be, Companies that do so may simply go out of business, just leaving the ones that don't. My understanding, Steve, is that when you buy a piece of gear from a company, say, Pentax, the text on the warranty card and the proof of purchase together make it a legal contract between you and Pentax. It is therefore Pentax obligation under law to provide you with proper service. You might not be able to sue them to submission, but at least formally you're entitled to proper service as far as the written conditions thereof go. However I may be wrong. Boris -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- Steve Desjardins -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On 10/3/2010 6:21 PM, Steven Desjardins wrote: Legal is what you can practically get out of it. The production of every item these days has factored in the cost of legal issues. If Pentax or any company can get away with something, it will. This may be cynical but I trouble putting corporate and ethical together anymore and I deal with them accordingly. Unfortunately this is the case. Among other things, the end user has to factor in (as you say) the quality and availability of local service center. For example, no matter how much I praise Pentax Israel for their service, I still would not want to have to deal with the re the infamous SDM problem... Boris -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On 10/3/2010 12:03 PM, Boris Liberman wrote: On 10/3/2010 5:47 PM, Steven Desjardins wrote: Interesting question about Pentax fixing its problems under warranty. I do not have sufficient business experience to say for sure, but it would not surprise me if this were no longer a viable business model. Companies need to release frequently to survive, which affects extended testing and QC as the parts change a lot. As honest and fair-minded as warranty fixes of obvious problems would be, Companies that do so may simply go out of business, just leaving the ones that don't. My understanding, Steve, is that when you buy a piece of gear from a company, say, Pentax, the text on the warranty card and the proof of purchase together make it a legal contract between you and Pentax. It is therefore Pentax obligation under law to provide you with proper service. You might not be able to sue them to submission, but at least formally you're entitled to proper service as far as the written conditions thereof go. However I may be wrong. Boris The discussion seems to have become about Pentax, or any other manufacturer for that matter, unilaterally extending warranty on product with a /very/ large number of defective samples. The contract on the card is no longer in question. Pentax has been honoring that. It's really become a question of how much is the customers good will worth. I'd really like to get a DA 17-70mm. But from all accounts that particular lens is poorly designed from a manual focusing standpoint, making reliable auto focus a must. The SDM controversy just becomes one more reason for my money to stay in my pocket. -- His lack of education is more than compensated for by his keenly developed moral bankruptcy. -Woody Allen -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
I have bought no SDM lenses. I would no doubt be angry if they didn't work properly, especially if I bought them for that reason. I'm certainly not defending Pentax. I expect the worst and am usually rewarded accordingly. ;-) On Sun, Oct 3, 2010 at 12:41 PM, P. J. Alling webstertwenty...@gmail.com wrote: On 10/3/2010 12:03 PM, Boris Liberman wrote: On 10/3/2010 5:47 PM, Steven Desjardins wrote: Interesting question about Pentax fixing its problems under warranty. I do not have sufficient business experience to say for sure, but it would not surprise me if this were no longer a viable business model. Companies need to release frequently to survive, which affects extended testing and QC as the parts change a lot. As honest and fair-minded as warranty fixes of obvious problems would be, Companies that do so may simply go out of business, just leaving the ones that don't. My understanding, Steve, is that when you buy a piece of gear from a company, say, Pentax, the text on the warranty card and the proof of purchase together make it a legal contract between you and Pentax. It is therefore Pentax obligation under law to provide you with proper service. You might not be able to sue them to submission, but at least formally you're entitled to proper service as far as the written conditions thereof go. However I may be wrong. Boris The discussion seems to have become about Pentax, or any other manufacturer for that matter, unilaterally extending warranty on product with a /very/ large number of defective samples. The contract on the card is no longer in question. Pentax has been honoring that. It's really become a question of how much is the customers good will worth. I'd really like to get a DA 17-70mm. But from all accounts that particular lens is poorly designed from a manual focusing standpoint, making reliable auto focus a must. The SDM controversy just becomes one more reason for my money to stay in my pocket. -- His lack of education is more than compensated for by his keenly developed moral bankruptcy. -Woody Allen -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- Steve Desjardins -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On 10/3/2010 6:41 PM, P. J. Alling wrote: The discussion seems to have become about Pentax, or any other manufacturer for that matter, unilaterally extending warranty on product with a /very/ large number of defective samples. The contract on the card is no longer in question. Pentax has been honoring that. It's really become a question of how much is the customers good will worth. I'd really like to get a DA 17-70mm. But from all accounts that particular lens is poorly designed from a manual focusing standpoint, making reliable auto focus a must. The SDM controversy just becomes one more reason for my money to stay in my pocket. Peter, since you're talking about post-warranty period and substantial number of defective units, I wonder, what would have to happen for Pentax to be legally forced to admit that they dropped an egg like Bill Robb keeps saying??? Although some people vote with their pockets by walking away, there are still many who bought these lenses and suffered the consequences... Boris -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On 10/3/2010 12:54 PM, Boris Liberman wrote: On 10/3/2010 6:41 PM, P. J. Alling wrote: The discussion seems to have become about Pentax, or any other manufacturer for that matter, unilaterally extending warranty on product with a /very/ large number of defective samples. The contract on the card is no longer in question. Pentax has been honoring that. It's really become a question of how much is the customers good will worth. I'd really like to get a DA 17-70mm. But from all accounts that particular lens is poorly designed from a manual focusing standpoint, making reliable auto focus a must. The SDM controversy just becomes one more reason for my money to stay in my pocket. Peter, since you're talking about post-warranty period and substantial number of defective units, I wonder, what would have to happen for Pentax to be legally forced to admit that they dropped an egg like Bill Robb keeps saying??? Although some people vote with their pockets by walking away, there are still many who bought these lenses and suffered the consequences... Boris I really don't have an answer to that. Who would enforce it. When you're dealing with a Government, it will be a matter health, safety and cost, and the company's defense will be one of statistics. If people are dying and the perception is that the company simply doesn't care, there is no defense that can be reasonably raised, no matter what the actual facts. If it just puts a bunch of /apparently/ well heeled geeks out of sorts and costs them a little more of their /probably ill gotten/ loot, and the company is making a reasonable effort within the existing framework, then the geeks can go pound sand. Unfortunately for Bill, (and in a way the rest of us), that's almost exactly the situation. Now that might be costing Pentax a lot of good will, but they may have statistics, that show their failure rate to be within the norm, even compared to Canon, Nikon, and Sigma, and they will stick to their position. -- His lack of education is more than compensated for by his keenly developed moral bankruptcy. -Woody Allen -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On top of all that, I'm retired on a fixed income that's fixed a little lower than I'm happy with. If I got to make a choice between eating and gear acquisition, I think I have enough will-power to do the right thing. What, go on a diet? ;-) -- Steve Sharpe d...@eastlink.ca http://earth.delith.com/photo_gallery.html -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
I made the same observation some time ago and the responses that I got suggested that nowadays there are other places in the net to have such technical conversation and that this list is more 'picture oriented' with all the PESO's and GESO's conversations, for instance. Regards, Jaume - Mensaje original De: John Celio n...@neovenator.com Para: PDML@pdml.net Enviado: sáb,2 octubre, 2010 00:00 Asunto: It ain't like it used to be. I noticed something recently: there is not *nearly* as much discussion of new Pentax cameras as there was just a few years ago here. I remember threads going for weeks when new products were announced, but that seems to have been reduced to days or even hours sometimes. It got me wondering: Are we generally happy enough with current cameras that new models aren't worth getting excited about? Has the dSLR market reached a point where new models are pretty much more of the same, with few real innovations appearing with each new model, and thus don't warrant much discussion? Or are we all just holding our tongues until Pentax comes out with with either a 35mm-sensor'd or mirrorless body? These two camera categories seem to elicit the greatest response these days, even though we're invariably talking about other brands and wishing out loud. Just some things I've been wondering about. John -- http://www.neovenator.com http://www.cafepress.com/jacelio -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
Whenever a new technology is introduced, there is an explosion of interest followed by improvements at a rapid pace followed by a plateau where things sort of stay the same, followed by survival of the fittest as the best things survive and the others disappear. This all reminds me of personal computer and software in about 1985-6. At one point, there were about 30 kinds of word processors all trying to make it to the top, some based on power, some based on user friendliness. One PC magazine had an issue devoted to a view of each (remember Einstein Writer, Perfect Writer, XyWrite II, Nota Bene, Volkswriter, WordStar, PFS Write, DisplayWrite, Leading Edge WP?). Over the next few years, all but WordPerfect and MS Word were pretty well weeded out, with a few other specialized word processors still alive. In digital, Canon and Nikon seem to have the pro market covered, and aren't too threatened by others. The sensor size of fourthirds and microfourthirds seems to keep them from threatening the Canon and Nikon pro SLRs, but compact cameras are where all of the excitement seems to be. Pentax, for me, is squarely between the big flagship Canon and Nikon dSLRs (which feel like carrying a medium format camera to me) and the m4/3 cameras (which are more like a Rollei35). Carrying the Pentax K-x with a 43/1.9 is more comfortable and weighs less than a Leica M. The K-7 with a 31mm lens is heavier, but doesn't approach the big dSLRs in bulk. Just my $02. Jeffery -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
From: Jeffery Smith Whenever a new technology is introduced, there is an explosion of interest followed by improvements at a rapid pace followed by a plateau where things sort of stay the same, followed by survival of the fittest as the best things survive and the others disappear. This all reminds me of personal computer and software in about 1985-6. At one point, there were about 30 kinds of word processors all trying to make it to the top, some based on power, some based on user friendliness. One PC magazine had an issue devoted to a view of each (remember Einstein Writer, Perfect Writer, XyWrite II, Nota Bene, Volkswriter, WordStar, PFS Write, DisplayWrite, Leading Edge WP?) Come to think of it, I have a copy of Professional Write (later version of PFS Write AFAIK) somewhere around the house. It was about as close to typing on a type-writer as a word processor came. Easy formatting, you want at tab click on the ruler where you want the tab to be; want to indent, drag the margin; CTRL+B = Bold, CTRL+I = Italics, CTRL+U = underline; highlight, cut paste and you've about exhausted the formatting options. No auto-format; no need to get all wrapped around the axle fighting the program to get it to do what you want to do like with M$ Word. Didn't have to tell it how you want to do things, you just did them. Wonder if it would run under Vista in a DOS box? -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
Yeah, it seemed to run in slow motion compared to today's standards, but that was intentional. Do a search and replace and it would delete the original word letter by letter, and then type the replacement word letter by letter. No surprises for us guys who had been using a typewriter for 20 years. Jeffery On Oct 2, 2010, at 12:48 PM, John Sessoms wrote: From: Jeffery Smith Whenever a new technology is introduced, there is an explosion of interest followed by improvements at a rapid pace followed by a plateau where things sort of stay the same, followed by survival of the fittest as the best things survive and the others disappear. This all reminds me of personal computer and software in about 1985-6. At one point, there were about 30 kinds of word processors all trying to make it to the top, some based on power, some based on user friendliness. One PC magazine had an issue devoted to a view of each (remember Einstein Writer, Perfect Writer, XyWrite II, Nota Bene, Volkswriter, WordStar, PFS Write, DisplayWrite, Leading Edge WP?) Come to think of it, I have a copy of Professional Write (later version of PFS Write AFAIK) somewhere around the house. It was about as close to typing on a type-writer as a word processor came. Easy formatting, you want at tab click on the ruler where you want the tab to be; want to indent, drag the margin; CTRL+B = Bold, CTRL+I = Italics, CTRL+U = underline; highlight, cut paste and you've about exhausted the formatting options. No auto-format; no need to get all wrapped around the axle fighting the program to get it to do what you want to do like with M$ Word. Didn't have to tell it how you want to do things, you just did them. Wonder if it would run under Vista in a DOS box? -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
John, I opine that you're plain wrong here. 1. On Russian Penta Club, which I happen to be a member of, although I'm in a process of leaving, the introduction of K-7 and more recently K-r and K-5 produced a tremendous amount of correspondence. 2. It seems that Pentax Forums behaves similarly to its Russian counter part. Plenty of talk, lots of messages, etc. As opposed to these two communities which I visit from time to time, PDML seems to have become more relaxed towards such announcements. I think it is for the better. In my subjective, biased and ill-informed opinion, before K-7 was introduced, there was a lot of things happening on the net that I couldn't explain (*). As a result, e.g. Russian Penta Club became somewhat more indoctrinated and polarized about all things Pentax. PDML, however keeps itself immune to this silliness. As such, PDML is very diverse with some more prominent members using more than one system or sometimes not using any Pentax gear at all. Thus, I think, PDML takes new announcements of Pentax cameras on the stride, walking swiftly by them. But PDML is relatively small and it is also not the only Pentax community out there. Boris (*) Conspiracy theorists may say aye :-). On 10/2/2010 12:00 AM, John Celio wrote: I noticed something recently: there is not *nearly* as much discussion of new Pentax cameras as there was just a few years ago here. I remember threads going for weeks when new products were announced, but that seems to have been reduced to days or even hours sometimes. It got me wondering: Are we generally happy enough with current cameras that new models aren't worth getting excited about? Has the dSLR market reached a point where new models are pretty much more of the same, with few real innovations appearing with each new model, and thus don't warrant much discussion? Or are we all just holding our tongues until Pentax comes out with with either a 35mm-sensor'd or mirrorless body? These two camera categories seem to elicit the greatest response these days, even though we're invariably talking about other brands and wishing out loud. Just some things I've been wondering about. John -- http://www.neovenator.com http://www.cafepress.com/jacelio -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
/mild rant on\ There are many aspects of technology and finance in the trend during the past decade that influence how exciting or boring a new camera body from Pentax will be. No manufacturer can introduce a model that is a show stopper, because the rapid advances in digital electronics and the firmware that runs them is progressing so fast that every 6 to 18 months, new features can be introduced that kills the market for the previous generation. Because the shelf time is so short for each model, and development so competitive, the quantities sold of each model is pretty small. This is especially hard on Hoya/Pentax because they are so mired in the mid- range of DSLR sales. They don't have the demand from the professionals who are willing to pay $5000 and up for each new generation. We Pentaxians who can afford it, do add each new generation to our collection of Leicas and Rollies. We love the technology of the various forms the industry has produced of the past 70 years or so. I know my basement used to have 5 units of industrial shelving filled with cameras and lenses, most f them I only used once if at all. I bought them for less than I knew I could sell them for. Loved them, played with them, admired them, but it after time made no sense to keep them. So I sold off the Hassies, the Rollies, the Zenzas, Mamiyas, Leicas and the minutia of accessories for each system that I had accumulated. Other than a few older Pentaxes, and a half dozen 4x5 and 8x10 field or studio units, and the obligatory drawers full of their boarded or not lenses, I own 3 cameras. A K-7, K10, and a Z-10. I now realize that thinking about a K-5, or K-3, is what the industry wants me to do. But I feel now that all Pentax is offering me is something to fix some, but not all, of the problems that I paid good money for less than a year ago. Something that they should have fixed under warranty. If the product does not match the advertising hype that preceded the introduction of each generation, make it right. Take the defective unit back and repair of replace it with a body that does it's job as advertised. When the generations were a decade apart, a product that would pass the test of time was offered for sale. A manual typewriter and the dial telephone were all I needed for 20-25 years. My Spotmatic, some good lenses, and a hand held light meter produced thousands of images from 1965 until 1991, when a robbery replacement of a PZ-1 and some AF lenses tempted me away from what M42 lenses and bodies that remained. Then I got an electric typewriter, which didn't last as long. But I continued to use it for forms that needed filling in. Computers were bad at that task. Soon I was using the computer for many tasks, but had to replace those every 2 - 5 years when the draw of new features and software became too strong. I don't care about full frame or not. My K-7 has problems that bug me, but I am also on a fixed income that gives me shelter, feeds me and the dogs, and puts just enough gas in my 20 year old car to get me where I need to be. When you nice people on PDML tell me after six months of owning that a new body has solved the AF problems, the frame rate is up to 8 or 9 RAW frames per second, and the camera adjusts it's focus for each individual lens to hit the sweet spot on the sensor, the finder screen, and the LCD all at the same time. And that LCD had better be densely packed with pixels so I can tell it's in focus. If they can correct the optical finder with diopters, why do I have to put my glasses on to see the LCD? Get an algorithm going that corrects the viewed image on the LCD for vision problems! And tilt. And swivel. So I can sell my collection of right angle finders. I'll be reading and waiting. But my tongue won't be hanging out while I do. I'll be digitizing my photos and my ancestors photos in between trips out to the never-lands in search of the unseen. \mild rant off/ On 10/2/2010 12:00 AM, John Celio wrote: I noticed something recently: there is not *nearly* as much discussion of new Pentax cameras as there was just a few years ago here. I remember threads going for weeks when new products were announced, but that seems to have been reduced to days or even hours sometimes. It got me wondering: Are we generally happy enough with current cameras that new models aren't worth getting excited about? Has the dSLR market reached a point where new models are pretty much more of the same, with few real innovations appearing with each new model, and thus don't warrant much discussion? If it doesn’t excite you, This thing that you see, Why in the world, Would it excite me? —Jay Maisel Joseph McAllister pentax...@mac.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
I can only speak for myself but I'm just not as interested in hardware any more as I was last year. I've run low on inspiration, too so that makes gear even less interesting. These past two days I spent many hours completely taking apart a Canon film EOS to shoot a Canorama for the PUG but I ended up unable to produce anything remotely interesting. So why worry about gear? I need ideas =( Ecke 2010/10/2 John Celio n...@neovenator.com: I noticed something recently: there is not *nearly* as much discussion of new Pentax cameras as there was just a few years ago here. I remember threads going for weeks when new products were announced, but that seems to have been reduced to days or even hours sometimes. It got me wondering: Are we generally happy enough with current cameras that new models aren't worth getting excited about? Has the dSLR market reached a point where new models are pretty much more of the same, with few real innovations appearing with each new model, and thus don't warrant much discussion? Or are we all just holding our tongues until Pentax comes out with with either a 35mm-sensor'd or mirrorless body? These two camera categories seem to elicit the greatest response these days, even though we're invariably talking about other brands and wishing out loud. Just some things I've been wondering about. John -- http://www.neovenator.com http://www.cafepress.com/jacelio -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On 2/10/10, eckinator, discombobulated, unleashed: why worry about gear? I need ideas Mark. T shirt. -- Cheers, Cotty ___/\__ || (O) | People, Places, Pastiche -- http://www.cottysnaps.com _ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
Digital bodies are upgraded too often. Aside from financial considerations, it's time to concentrate on digital technique and not hardware. This doesn't include lenses, of course. Lenses are life. -Original Message- From: John Celio n...@neovenator.com Sender: pdml-boun...@pdml.net Date: Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:00:33 To: PDML@pdml.net Reply-To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List pdml@pdml.net Subject: It ain't like it used to be. I noticed something recently: there is not *nearly* as much discussion of new Pentax cameras as there was just a few years ago here. I remember threads going for weeks when new products were announced, but that seems to have been reduced to days or even hours sometimes. It got me wondering: Are we generally happy enough with current cameras that new models aren't worth getting excited about? Has the dSLR market reached a point where new models are pretty much more of the same, with few real innovations appearing with each new model, and thus don't warrant much discussion? Or are we all just holding our tongues until Pentax comes out with with either a 35mm-sensor'd or mirrorless body? These two camera categories seem to elicit the greatest response these days, even though we're invariably talking about other brands and wishing out loud. Just some things I've been wondering about. John -- http://www.neovenator.com http://www.cafepress.com/jacelio -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
I think the lower level of conversation is due mainly to the more frequent releases. A new Pentax camera used to come once every decade or so -- well a bit more often than that but not by much. Now they come every 18 months or so. Those who are waiting for a 24 x 36 sensor to converse, will be mum for some time to come. I expect there will be more D-5 conversation once some of us get our hands on it. Paul On Oct 1, 2010, at 6:00 PM, John Celio wrote: I noticed something recently: there is not *nearly* as much discussion of new Pentax cameras as there was just a few years ago here. I remember threads going for weeks when new products were announced, but that seems to have been reduced to days or even hours sometimes. It got me wondering: Are we generally happy enough with current cameras that new models aren't worth getting excited about? Has the dSLR market reached a point where new models are pretty much more of the same, with few real innovations appearing with each new model, and thus don't warrant much discussion? Or are we all just holding our tongues until Pentax comes out with with either a 35mm-sensor'd or mirrorless body? These two camera categories seem to elicit the greatest response these days, even though we're invariably talking about other brands and wishing out loud. Just some things I've been wondering about. John -- http://www.neovenator.com http://www.cafepress.com/jacelio -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:00 -0700, John Celio n...@neovenator.com wrote: I noticed something recently: there is not *nearly* as much discussion of new Pentax cameras as there was just a few years ago here. I remember threads going for weeks when new products were announced, but that seems to have been reduced to days or even hours sometimes. It got me wondering: Are we generally happy enough with current cameras that new models aren't worth getting excited about? Has the dSLR market reached a point where new models are pretty much more of the same, with few real innovations appearing with each new model, and thus don't warrant much discussion? Or are we all just holding our tongues until Pentax comes out with with either a 35mm-sensor'd or mirrorless body? These two camera categories seem to elicit the greatest response these days, even though we're invariably talking about other brands and wishing out loud. Just some things I've been wondering about. Yes, I think it's pretty hard for manufacturers to get the 'WOW' factor into their new releases these days. I'm using a K200D with no plans for upgrading in the short term (I haven't even finished reading the manual yet, 2 years down the track :-) ). Yes, I'd like live view and higher ISO performance but, when I look at what I can do with it compared to my last film SLR, I think I can live without those extra features. Cheers Brian ++ Brian Walters Western Sydney Australia http://members.westnet.com.au/brianwal/SL/ -- -- http://www.fastmail.fm - Or how I learned to stop worrying and love email again -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
very true. I still look at all of those shots I took in India with the DS and the FA 20-35 and don't think if only I had another camera. -Original Message- From: Brian Walters supera1...@fastmail.fm Sender: pdml-boun...@pdml.net Date: Sat, 02 Oct 2010 10:52:34 To: Pentax-Discuss Mail Listpdml@pdml.net Reply-To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List pdml@pdml.net Subject: Re: It ain't like it used to be. On Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:00 -0700, John Celio n...@neovenator.com wrote: I noticed something recently: there is not *nearly* as much discussion of new Pentax cameras as there was just a few years ago here. I remember threads going for weeks when new products were announced, but that seems to have been reduced to days or even hours sometimes. It got me wondering: Are we generally happy enough with current cameras that new models aren't worth getting excited about? Has the dSLR market reached a point where new models are pretty much more of the same, with few real innovations appearing with each new model, and thus don't warrant much discussion? Or are we all just holding our tongues until Pentax comes out with with either a 35mm-sensor'd or mirrorless body? These two camera categories seem to elicit the greatest response these days, even though we're invariably talking about other brands and wishing out loud. Just some things I've been wondering about. Yes, I think it's pretty hard for manufacturers to get the 'WOW' factor into their new releases these days. I'm using a K200D with no plans for upgrading in the short term (I haven't even finished reading the manual yet, 2 years down the track :-) ). Yes, I'd like live view and higher ISO performance but, when I look at what I can do with it compared to my last film SLR, I think I can live without those extra features. Cheers Brian ++ Brian Walters Western Sydney Australia http://members.westnet.com.au/brianwal/SL/ -- -- http://www.fastmail.fm - Or how I learned to stop worrying and love email again -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
On Fri, Oct 1, 2010 at 9:24 PM, drd1...@gmail.com wrote: very true. I still look at all of those shots I took in India with the DS and the FA 20-35 and don't think if only I had another camera. I'm happy with the shots I get with my K10D. It's the shots I don't get that bother me. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
LOL. I hear you. Still, the K7 is the best camera I've ever owned. I know there are better cameras out there, but I also know that I am the weak point in this photography business. -Original Message- From: Matthew Hunt m...@pobox.com Sender: pdml-boun...@pdml.net Date: Fri, 1 Oct 2010 21:31:02 To: Pentax-Discuss Mail Listpdml@pdml.net Reply-To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List pdml@pdml.net Subject: Re: It ain't like it used to be. On Fri, Oct 1, 2010 at 9:24 PM, drd1...@gmail.com wrote: very true. I still look at all of those shots I took in India with the DS and the FA 20-35 and don't think if only I had another camera. I'm happy with the shots I get with my K10D. It's the shots I don't get that bother me. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
John, this touches on something that I've been thinking, and perhaps even commented about. On Oct 1, 2010, at 3:00 PM, John Celio wrote: I noticed something recently: there is not *nearly* as much discussion of new Pentax cameras as there was just a few years ago here. I remember threads going for weeks when new products were announced, but that seems to have been reduced to days or even hours sometimes. It got me wondering: Are we generally happy enough with current cameras that new models aren't worth getting excited about? Has the dSLR market reached a point where new models are pretty much more of the same, with few real innovations appearing with each new model, and thus don't warrant much discussion? Part of it is that for the most part, the changes are evolutionary. Occasionally there will be a surprise, such as the K-x, where it won't seem like much at first, but as it's used it gains a lot of respect. Or are we all just holding our tongues until Pentax comes out with with either a 35mm-sensor'd or mirrorless body? These two camera categories seem to elicit the greatest response these days, even though we're invariably talking about other brands and wishing out loud. There are several things going on. First of all is the aforementioned evolution versus revolution. Another, is something that within the scope of its ability, I find that I can get as good of photos with any of the cameras that I use. Better equipment doesn't allow me to take better pictures, it just lets me take as good of pictures in different conditions. Almost all of the discussions of camera bodies seem to devolve into people stating whether a camera will, or won't do something that their current gear won't do. Would I get better pictures with a 645D than, for example, the shot with my K100 that was displayed in Chicago? Probably not. I could likely get photos that are clearer and sharper when printed up at the size of a garage door, but since I've never done anything bigger than 12x18, the differences in clarity may not be noticeable in the vast majority of pictures that I take. I do a lot of photography pushing the low light performance envelope of my gear. For me, the K5 would probably make a big difference in the number of shots that I can get, and in how low of light I can get shots of people dancing. The greater dynamic range would make a big difference in my band photography as well. Better autofocus and automatic metering could mean that those functions would actually be useful for me, enabling me to take pictures faster under dynamic conditions, and miss fewer shots. When I got my K20, I was very, very happy with its low light performance compared with my K100. I was able to get shots in much more challenging conditions. When I got the little stormtrooper, I was so impressed with it, I pretty much stopped using the K20 in low light conditions. Last night I went to see some friends play at a local club. I had my gear, but with a backlog of about 2,000 unsorted/unprocessed photos (It's been a busy month) I wasn't planning on doing much shooting. When I walked in, it was band break and when the drummer saw me he said Do you have your rig? We need you to come up on stage and get some shots with the band facing into the colored lights. I mounted different lenses on the K20 and the K-x. When I was processing the shots, I was blown away by how rough the high ISO K20 shots are compared to the K-x shots. So, yes, the steady improvement in performance is important to some of us, but different features to different people, for different reasons. Being able to use my slower lenses like the 16-50 in a wider range of conditions is exciting to me, but probably not worth a lot of discussion on the list. Especially when there are important cormorant puns to make. Just some things I've been wondering about. John -- http://www.neovenator.com http://www.cafepress.com/jacelio -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- Larry Colen l...@red4est.com sent from i4est -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: It ain't like it used to be.
From: John Celio I noticed something recently: there is not *nearly* as much discussion of new Pentax cameras as there was just a few years ago here. I remember threads going for weeks when new products were announced, but that seems to have been reduced to days or even hours sometimes. It got me wondering: Are we generally happy enough with current cameras that new models aren't worth getting excited about? Has the dSLR market reached a point where new models are pretty much more of the same, with few real innovations appearing with each new model, and thus don't warrant much discussion? Or are we all just holding our tongues until Pentax comes out with with either a 35mm-sensor'd or mirrorless body? These two camera categories seem to elicit the greatest response these days, even though we're invariably talking about other brands and wishing out loud. Just some things I've been wondering about. I don't know. IIRC, I got back into 35mm with an A3000 sometime in the mid-80s. I went from that to a Super Program in just a few months. Added a K1000 probably around a year later, and an LX maybe a year after that. Resisted auto-focus until I bought a PZ-1P in 2003, *ist-D in 2004, K10D in 2006. I was going to skip the K20D, figuring to sit it out until something better than the K-7 came along, but I got a deal on a used K20D in 2010 that was just too good to pass up. Now, I don't expect to buy another body until I get to the point where I need more than the K20D can deliver, and right now that day ain't anywhere on the horizon. Unless/until Pentax does bring out a full-frame DSLR I can afford or I get to the point where I think I can afford a 645D. (where afford == I think I can make money with it). Or maybe at some point a used K-5 will show up at a price point I just can't refuse ... But for now the K-7 K-5 (K-x, K-r ... K-whatever) don't offer enough extra bang for the buck to prompt me to fit an upgrade into my budget. I am still looking around for some good fast auto-focus primes to fill some gaps in my arsenal - but not looking real hard. And I'd really like to find a good, fast, constant aperture zoom in the 28-105 range, but I don't think anyone makes or ever made one in Pentax mount. In the meantime I'll continue to rely on my 28-70f/2.8 for my workhorse. And for now, I'm certainly not buying any more glass that won't cover a 24mmx36mm frame without vignetting. On top of all that, I'm retired on a fixed income that's fixed a little lower than I'm happy with. If I got to make a choice between eating and gear acquisition, I think I have enough will-power to do the right thing. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
