Re: Pentax k-70 - damn! now I'm in trouble!

2018-07-07 Thread Leon Altoff
Ann, have you considered plugging in a HDMI monitor (or TV) into the K5 and using live view for studio work? All you need is the right cable (very cheap on ebay) and no more sore neck - I know my life improved dramatically when I started using a screen on the K3 and I wasn't always bending over a

Re: Image transfer from camera to PC in real time

2017-10-23 Thread Leon Altoff
and doing about 3 to 4 stacks then moving on to the next for the sponges. The stylets, I'm yet to investigate Leon On 23 October 2017 at 02:13, Jostein <p...@alunfoto.no> wrote: > > > Den 22.10.2017 10:56, skrev Leon Altoff: > >> Hi Larry, >> >> I'm actually

Re: Image transfer from camera to PC in real time

2017-10-22 Thread Leon Altoff
for software - am I asking that much? The Mobi Pro looks more useful for my purposes than the Flash Air, as I will often be away from my home network when using this setup. Thanks for your help Leon. On 22 October 2017 at 21:16, Larry Colen <l...@red4est.com> wrote: > > > Le

Re: Image transfer from camera to PC in real time

2017-10-22 Thread Leon Altoff
? Leon On 22 October 2017 at 18:45, Larry Colen <l...@red4est.com> wrote: > > > On Oct 21, 2017, at 10:35 PM, Leon Altoff <leon.alt...@gmail.com> wrote: > > > > Hi, > > > > I'm trying to find a way to transfer images from my camera to a PC in &g

Image transfer from camera to PC in real time

2017-10-21 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi, I'm trying to find a way to transfer images from my camera to a PC in real time. I have a K3 and a K70 to work with. I can use WiFi or USB. Does anyone have a way of doing this? -- Leon -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to

Re: Anybody use the Cactus V6 ii ?

2016-10-02 Thread Leon Altoff
HI Larry, I use the V6 not the V6ii, and I'm not sure of what added features there are, but it seems to include high speed sync. The system essentially gives you manual control of remote flashes via radio. Not TTL control. You set one unit on your camera as a transmitter and each remote flash

K3, Live view and X sync

2016-03-19 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi, I have a question for the list on the behaviour of X-sync and live view. I'm using x-sync and manual flash through live view and a HDMI monitor for macro photos. The issue I have is that the live view behaves like manual, displaying a dim image rather than an automatically adjusted bright

Re: Super-crazy macro photos of a ruler (PESO, but not really)

2013-01-01 Thread Leon Altoff
I'm glad I'm not the only one who photographs rulers. My maximum set up covers 1 x 1.5 mm using an Olympus 20 mm macro lens on bellows. The trouble is that anything more than f11 and it goes completely soft, anything less and the depth of field is nothing (It's next to nothing at f11, but better

Re: Advice on Use of Macro Lens

2012-12-04 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi, I like this lens too, though the hunting did annoy me. I've changed over to the smaller WR version for most of my current work. The controls do this: Clamp: as stated by others stops the lens from moving when pointing it down (or up). It puts a drag on auto focus which will lock it anyway.

Re: 100/2.8 Macro Issue - Thoughts?

2012-04-27 Thread Leon Altoff
You don't say if you are using the F, FA, DA or DA WR version. My FA100 will sometimes refuse to get a focus lock and sit at infinity. I press in the mount lock button to release the AF drive and manually focus to approximate focus and it then seems to work ok till the next time it decides it

Re: OT: Gasoline prices?

2011-07-17 Thread Leon Altoff
Looks like you are paying about US$3.75 per gallon. I just did a calculation and based on the price I saw advertised yesterday (prices fluctuate on a daily basis but are best on a Saturday at present) converted to US dollars we are paying about US$4.82 per gallon with the Aussie dollar at it's

Re: Minimum focus distance DOF relative to extension (tubes)?

2011-07-16 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Darren, When doing macro I've always found that magnification is more important than minimum focusing distance. I usually set up a combination and photograph a ruler and while I'm at it measure the distance between the front of the lens and the subject just for good measure so I know what I

Re: Can we talk about fill flash pttl?

2011-07-14 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Christine, Can I ask what lens you were using? I had this sort of problem using an A lens. It improved when I set the focal length for the shake reduction (don't ask me why), though it was still not correct it was then controlable. Leon On 14 July 2011 01:11, Christine Nielsen

Re: Where are the rumors?

2011-06-09 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Boris, I don't want to participate in growing the rumors, I'm just curious as to if there is another camera on the horizon. The Australian dollar is doing well at the moment and it's possibly a good time to buy a new camera, but if I buy one and then 2 months later they announce a camera with

Re: OT: Stupid Google Maps

2011-06-08 Thread Leon Altoff
Google can give interesting instructions at time. If you ask for directions from Japan to China, step 48 can get a laugh. Leon On 7 June 2011 01:55, John Sessoms jsessoms...@nc.rr.com wrote: Google maps allows you to make routes and get driving directions by marking locations for Directions

Where are the rumors?

2011-06-08 Thread Leon Altoff
Isn't it about time for the rumors about the K5 replacement to start appearing? The K10 had a production run of 2 years but the K20 and K7 only ran for 1 year before being replaced. On that record the K3 (?) should be appearing soon - or at least start being talked about. I keep looking at the

Re: Android Camera Apps Suggestions

2011-05-09 Thread Leon Altoff
My Android photo apps are: Photographic light meter by Tom Reay Does light metering and depth of field calculation. Sunrise by Ixonos Kosie Gives the time to sun rise or sun set in your present location. It's useful for timing when you want to be sure you get to a location with the lighting

Re: K7, A Lenses and PTTL (was Re: What next in an SLR?)

2011-04-30 Thread Leon Altoff
that the dual flash setup mess up anything. I'm very confused by my own dual flash setup, but I suspect that's down to different power rating (GN 54 vs GN 16), so it might not apply to you at all. :-) Jostein 2011/4/24 Leon Altoff leon.alt...@gmail.com: I need to find out more about this, because

Re: K7, A Lenses and PTTL (was Re: What next in an SLR?)

2011-04-30 Thread Leon Altoff
the aperture all the way? If that makes the preflash register with the camera, you should get underexposure. :-) lørdag 30. april 2011 skrev Leon Altoff leon.alt...@gmail.com følgende: Close, you may have missed my message to Paul about the change in behavior if I actually feed in a focal

Re: K7, A Lenses and PTTL (was Re: What next in an SLR?)

2011-04-30 Thread Leon Altoff
I do at the moment, but it means I am adjusting the manual power on 2 flashes, which is annoying. I'm just trying to make my life easier. Leon On 1 May 2011 09:03, Larry Colen l...@red4est.com wrote: On Apr 30, 2011, at 2:41 PM, Leon Altoff wrote: If I open the aperture all the way it just

Re: K7, A Lenses and PTTL (was Re: What next in an SLR?)

2011-04-29 Thread Leon Altoff
right now, but I'm a bit curious. How is the lens described in the file metadata? Is there any difference between K-7 and the older cameras there? Jostein 2011/4/24 Leon Altoff leon.alt...@gmail.com: I need to find out more about this, because it doesn't work for me. At least, not with the lens

Re: K7, A Lenses and PTTL (was Re: What next in an SLR?)

2011-04-29 Thread Leon Altoff
wrote: Leon, I don't have any A lens suitable for testing right now, but I'm a bit curious. How is the lens described in the file metadata? Is there any difference between K-7 and the older cameras there? Jostein 2011/4/24 Leon Altoff leon.alt...@gmail.com: I need to find out more about

Re: Archimedes moment or Homer moment?

2011-04-29 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Jostein, This may have something to do with my P-TTL problems and my macro set up, given that I am running 2 flashes at a distance of 5 to 10 cm. Though I'm metering the preflash with the aperture closed to f16 on a 38 mm or 20mm lens with up to 25cm of extension, so it's unlikely that the

K7, A Lenses and PTTL (was Re: What next in an SLR?)

2011-04-24 Thread Leon Altoff
mode. Paul 2011/4/18 Leon Altoff leon.alt...@gmail.com: Hi Tim, I've considered this same thing, though Pentax normally do manage to make a nice improvement between models.  Personally I've decided to upgrade every second major upgrade - bought a K10D, skipped the K20D, bought the K7

Re: What next in an SLR?

2011-04-18 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Tim, I've considered this same thing, though Pentax normally do manage to make a nice improvement between models. Personally I've decided to upgrade every second major upgrade - bought a K10D, skipped the K20D, bought the K7, skipped the K5, buy the K3?. I'll admit I'd like the improved low

Re: Canon EOS 7D

2011-04-14 Thread Leon Altoff
My wife disagrees with you, your picture is better. The Canon shot is too over exposed in the foreground and looks like it has been over sharpened for a misty scene.The sepia tone doesn't help the Canon image, neither does the large expanses top and bottom of sepia toned featureless cloud and

Re: Video length limit for K-7

2011-04-09 Thread Leon Altoff
I'd like it if it automatically started a new file when the one in use reached capacity. Does the K5 do anything like that? Leon On 10 April 2011 09:58, David Parsons parsons.da...@gmail.com wrote: Not unless you know a way to put a different file system on the card that the camera could use.

Re: what i think i learned yesterday

2011-04-08 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Steve, The smallest extension tube works fine. I have been doing this since my *istD and have used it for the K10D and K7 with no problems. At present I use it with a set of Olympus bellows and 20, 38 and 80mm Olympus lenses (just changed the mount at the camera end and it works great. Leon

Re: The right zoom

2011-02-09 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Paul, Before the 60-250 came out I was looking at replacing my 50-200 Sigma lens. I took a memory card into a shop and did some test shots with the Pentax 50-200 and 55-300 and neither could convince me to change. I am however very happy with the 60-250. I got mine by having CR Kennedy

Re: Looking for app to help me log f-stop, shutter when taking, film photos?

2011-02-04 Thread Leon Altoff
Sam, Did you ever actually find an iPhone app? I have an Android phone and after searching eh market for data collection found several apps that could be used for this with drop down lists and all sorts of features. If you found something good for the iPhone let us know which app you ended up

Can anyone suggest a use for a 16MB SD card?

2011-01-01 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi All, I've just been cleaning my desk and have come across an old 16 MB SD card that came with a Canon point and shoot about 6 years ago. It's still in its antistatic wrapping as I never bothered to open it. I hate throwing things away as it's environmentally unfriendly, but this is just too

Re: Can anyone suggest a use for a 16MB SD card?

2011-01-01 Thread Leon Altoff
HI Brian, I don't know what happened to my 8MB Kodak CF card. I think it's in a part of the room I haven't cleared up for several years. Mind you, if it was a Pentax one, I'd likely keep it and add it to my small old camera collection. Leon On 2 January 2011 10:01, Brian Walters

Re: Can anyone suggest a use for a 16MB SD card?

2011-01-01 Thread Leon Altoff
The first hard drive drive I ever met belonged to my brother. A 5MB SCSI that he had connected to 3 Apple II computers at once. Each one had a different boot routine. Sophisticated stuff for its day. Leon On 2 January 2011 13:00, paul stenquist pnstenqu...@comcast.net wrote: I have a 10

Re: The third PDML Photo Annual is underway (and needs your photos)

2011-01-01 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Mark, I get the 403 as well. IP address is 61.9.136.121 (static IP so it will only ever be me). On 2 January 2011 11:28, Mark Roberts m...@robertstech.com wrote: Dario Bonazza wrote: Where's my key to open the door? I get a 403. Let me know your IP address. I've had *lots* of script

Re: I want to digitize slides

2010-12-25 Thread Leon Altoff
HI Collin, I use an old Minolta macro focusing rail with a slide copy attachment on it and a DA 50 Macro. I stick an AF360FGZ flash behind pointing right at the diffusion plate of the slide copier for lighting and use my K10D in Av mode which allows me to control the flash using the compensation

Re: So, 60-250 F4 or a 3rd party 70-200 2.8?

2010-12-17 Thread Leon Altoff
But you don't use the 2.8 just for shooting wide open. f2.8 provides more light for focusing and shallower depth of field which should give more accurate focus. That said I have the 60-250 and love it. (chosen over the Sigma 100-300 f4 because the 60 end of the range lined up with the 17-70 zoom

Re: New 12-35 lens on the way

2010-12-17 Thread Leon Altoff
The WR is a nice feature, but I don't think it will replace my 12-24 and I can't justify having both. Leon On 18 December 2010 15:04, David Parsons parsons.da...@gmail.com wrote: http://www.pentaxforums.com/Pentax-DA-12-35mm-DC-WR-lens-coming- Looks interesting. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail

Re: Like I'm supposed to know how to use a point and shoot?

2010-12-16 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Larry, I've been in a similar situation but without my camera to hand (and unfortunately not just a group of girls) (I hate it when that happens). Most people have their point and shot cameras set to really silly modes - or even just the green mode. I find by changing the flash setting and

Re: OT: Russian names required.

2010-12-08 Thread Leon Altoff
Hello All, I'd like to thank everyone for their ideas both on and off the list. Those that were not useful made us smile, though I'm not sure we have a conclusion as yet. We now have a better idea of Russian names and will investigate the names of the bells at our tower as well to see if any of

OT: Russian names required.

2010-12-07 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Everyone, We are about to buy a female Russian Blue cat and want a Russian name for her. We are buying her with money earned from ringing church bells for weddings and thought that a bell related name would be appropriate. The only problem is that no one we know speaks any Russian. Is there

Re: DA 16-45 f/4 lens

2010-12-04 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Dave, I have this lens and I like it. It's not ever going to be as sharp and fast as the 16-50 f2.8 (and it won't be a s heavy either), but for the money it's a very good lens. My only problem with it was that I always seemed to want a little bit more length out of it and was constantly

Re: Benbo Trekker Mk3 Compact Tripod

2010-11-21 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Larry, I have a tripod for long night time exposures. And it is too heavy for hikes in the woods. I managed to track down a compact trekker today and it seems to be just right for what I have in mind and for hikes in the woods (or even the bush or the forest depending on the continent you

Re: off-camera flash

2010-11-20 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Ecke, I use Pentax wireless controlled from the camera flash in almost every situation. The one exception (which is one I encounter all the time unfortunately) is where you are shooting towards or through a reflective surface - in which case the on camera flash is reflected back to you. In

Benbo Trekker Mk3 Compact Tripod

2010-11-20 Thread Leon Altoff
Hello All, I'm looking for a lightweight, sturdy and flexible tripod that has the ability to slide the centre column very accurately (for macro shots where I want to raise it 1mm from where it's currently positioned). The maximum height I need out of it is 43 inches (109cm), and the shorter it

Re: Benbo Trekker Mk3 Compact Tripod

2010-11-20 Thread Leon Altoff
HI Ann, I'm very tempted by the Benbo. Can you tell me if the main post is adjustable while the legs are locked in place? And how smooth the movement is? This is very important for what I want to do with it and hard to tell from the pictures. Thanks Leon On 21 November 2010 17:07, Ann

Re: Looking for the perfect flash(es)

2010-09-19 Thread Leon Altoff
Thanks everyone for your comments, I'm going to have to find out more about the Metz 58AF2. The website mentions a permanent modelling light which could be useful - I know about the strobe effect modelling light, but the word permanent suggests something else. I'll forget about the Sigma

Looking for the perfect flash(es)

2010-09-18 Thread Leon Altoff
I'm looking to consolidate my flash collection to a single type of flash that will do all I need. I currently have 2 AF360 FGZ and 2 AF500FTZ flashes. I tend to use the AF 360's in PTTL mode and am happy with the results except when they simply aren't powerful enough to do the job required.

Re: Enablement: Pentax Optio W60

2010-09-14 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Jens, I have a W60, as do a few others in my marine research group. It works well, though I the menu system to change settings is slightly annoying - I like moving through with dials, but to make the waterproofing better it's all buttons. The picture quality is good and I have blown some

Re: Messenger-style shoulder bags

2010-08-25 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Rick, I bought a Domke J803 bag in November 08 and then carried it every day on a 3 month trip around the world. I have only bought one bag since then, and that was another J803 as a spare. In it I carry a K7, 12-24, 17-70, 60-250, dfa100 2.8 WR and AF360FGZ along with spare cards,

Re: K-7's return from Pentax Repair

2010-07-01 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Bob, Glad to hear that it all went well. Now you just have to go out and take pictures. Enjoy. Leon On 1 July 2010 07:28, Bob Sullivan rf.sulli...@gmail.com wrote: I sent my K-7 in to the Pentax Service Center in Chandler, Arizona. US Postal service Priority Mail got it there in 2 days,

Re: Optio W60

2010-07-01 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Toine, I bought one of these for underwater use (as have several others in my group). It does work well, though the battery life while snorkelling is limited and it's not easy at that point to change the battery. My only other complaint is the working distance when doing macro, but this is

Re: K7 formatting shortcut?

2010-06-27 Thread Leon Altoff
I've never formatted a memory card in my life. Is there something I'm missing out on? Why do people format their memory cards? Leon On 27 June 2010 03:51, Rick Womer rwomer1...@yahoo.com wrote: Does anyone know a way to format the memory card in a K7 with fewer than 16 button pushes? Does

Re: Dust spots ;-( Give me some help!

2010-06-13 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi bob, I'd send it off to Pentax. Include the 2 images you linked to so they are aware of the problem and exactly what they need to fix. Has the spot been there since new and you just didn't notice it for a while due to the images you have been taking? I'd also check your early images, just

Re: Dust spots ;-( Give me some help!

2010-06-12 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Bob, It's almost certainly not beneath the filter - if it's right against the sensor then changing the aperture doesn't make it disappear (it's the distance between the dust and sensor and the lower angle of the light that makes the dust disappear as you open the lens aperture). Depending on

Re: The State of The List

2010-06-12 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Doug, Please set up the Paypal button before putting the K20 on eBay (I have seeing people loose equipment they like and use). IF not on the PDML home page then in a message on the list, by the sounds of it we should all manage to keep the list going without forcing you to give up photography

Re: Sensor native color balance setting?

2010-06-06 Thread Leon Altoff
Larry, I've always thought that the native colour balance was for daylight. Everything else is measured in terms of what colour of light is missing. It's also the most used colour balance (with flash coming a close second and it's not that different). Leon. On 6 June 2010 16:50, Larry Colen

Re: Any Aussie PDML'ers going to PMA in Melbourne?

2010-05-07 Thread Leon Altoff
HI Tan, I had completely forgotten about PMA. I'll certainly be in Melbourne and happy to catch up and show off equipment and so on (with my wife Audrey in tow - that's OK, she understands photography). When you have the list of those who will be around and when you plan on catching up with us

Re: Macro lens recommendation needed. [Scanned][Spam score:8%]

2010-04-30 Thread Leon Altoff
On 29 April 2010 23:40, CheekyGeek cheekyg...@gmail.com wrote: IMHO, autofocus on a macro lens is ridiculous. In a lot of cases yes. Without quick shift yes. But when you are hanging in a precarious position using one hand to stop you from falling into the ocean and the other to hold the

Re: Macro lens recommendation needed.

2010-04-29 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Malcolm, Nothing beats a dedicated macro lens. I've had a few and here are my comments. Sigma 105 f2.8 EX macro. Very sharp. Quite well built. Nice wide focusing ring making it nice to use. Very harsh bokeh which really annoyed me. No quick shift focusing. Pentax FA100 f2.8 macro. Very

Re: Panoramic disc - WTB and info wanted

2010-04-12 Thread Leon Altoff
it was listed. Leon On 12 April 2010 07:35, eckinator eckina...@gmail.com wrote: 2010/4/11 Leon Altoff leon.alt...@gmail.com: I may take you up on that.  I'll probably order in a week or so. Customs into Australia is not a problem, there is no charge if the value is under AU$1,000. if you choose

Re: Panoramic disc - WTB and info wanted

2010-04-11 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Ecke, Thanks for that. I've always liked the look of the Novoflex gear, but it's not really available locally. It's good to have a first hand recommendation. I'll have to see about sourcing it from Germany (the Novoflex web site lets me enter an Australian address, but I have yet to check

Re: Panoramic disc - WTB and info wanted

2010-04-11 Thread Leon Altoff
Thanks Ecke, I may take you up on that. I'll probably order in a week or so. Customs into Australia is not a problem, there is no charge if the value is under AU$1,000. Leon On 12 April 2010 04:43, eckinator eckina...@gmail.com wrote: Hi Leon I can be of assistance if you want/need; I am in

Re: Panoramic disc - WTB and info wanted

2010-04-10 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Ecke, I'm always interested in the gory detail. The Novoflex is $5 cheaper,40g lighter and 5 mm thinner than the Gitzo - all are good - but I can't find it's maximum load capacity on the net. Have you used both? Thanks. Leon On 10 April 2010 17:32, eckinator eckina...@gmail.com wrote: I

Panoramic disc - WTB and info wanted

2010-04-09 Thread Leon Altoff
Hello everyone, I know people in this group are great enablers, so I thought I would see if there was someone with a panoramic disc hidden away that they don't have any further use for.I'm after a Gitzo/Manfrotto 3750 panoramic disc or something that does the same job (I do need to be able to

Re: FS Friday - *istD plus accessories

2010-03-10 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Adam, This is good to know. I have plans of my K10D becoming an IR camera once it is retired from active use. I have 2 *istD's which one day will become a stereo camera setup. I have no idea what I will do with my old digitals after that. I may need to stop buying new ones. Leon On 7

Re: Question of English, American and otherwise

2010-02-02 Thread Leon Altoff
John, You make the points I was wanting to make, thanks for saving me the effort. I would point out that even if it is your boss tha is making the suggestion you can still argue with it (I have several times and often win the discussion). The boss always has the option to say Do it anyway., but

Re: Pentax DFA Macro 100mm F2.8 WR

2010-01-30 Thread Leon Altoff
Margus, None of your minuses bother me, particularly the lack of a delimiter - mine will always be in the macro range (it is a macro lens after all) and aperture ring (I seem to have completely given up on film despite having an MX and MZ-S sitting looking at me all the time). My only question

Re: Semi OT: 64 bit Operating Systems and PhotoShop

2010-01-25 Thread Leon Altoff
On 25 January 2010 09:30, John Sessoms jsessoms...@nc.rr.com wrote: Nothing was where I expected it to be; it wasn't organized the way I had learned to operate. And I *STILL* despise Vista's search function. I don't want to use an internet browser to find where I put certain files on my

Re: Semi OT: 64 bit Operating Systems and PhotoShop

2010-01-24 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi John, I used to run Vista Business with PS CS3 and now run Win 7 64 Professional with no problems for CS3. I get all 4 gig showing as available now. Get rid of Vista as soon as you can. Win 7 is much improved, though you may have problems finding drivers for some of your printers, scanners

Re: Why Pentax?

2010-01-16 Thread Leon Altoff
My first SLR was an MX with an M50 f1.7 lens bought new in 1981 (before I know about second hand gear). I still own them. Since then I have been slowly buying new gear, upgrading and building up to my current kit. Every lens is Pentax (with the exception of 3 Olympus macro lenses I use on a set

Re: Fairygirl is in the house!

2010-01-09 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Tan, Welcome back. The K7 is worth the upgrade from the *ist D. It was worth the upgrade from the K10D too, but someone else will have to tell you if it's worth spending the extra over the K20D. I know I would due to the K7 being smaller, but that's me. Both are weather sealed so that

Re: Whingeing about workflow

2010-01-08 Thread Leon Altoff
I find I like to work the same way I used to with a selection of slides on a light box. I view the small thumbnails, click to view full screen (viewing with loupe) then another key stroke to view 100% if I want more details (stronger loupe). Breeze Browser has a better interface than Adobe

Re: official: DFA 100Macro WR

2009-12-10 Thread Leon Altoff
Looks like I am buying another lens. I currently have an FA 100 f2.8 macro because the bokeh is better than the Sigma and Tamron options (apart from having better build quality and less flare). I carry it around attached to a K10D in a waterproof bag to protect it from the salt spray and the

Re: K-x body, anyone have any experiences to pass on?

2009-11-07 Thread Leon Altoff
Looks like the K-x is a nice camera that would suit my friend's needs quite well. Thanks for the comments. People's experiences with AA batteries is interesting. I do think that the chargers people use play a big part in how well the batteries last. I've had a lot less problems since I changed

Re: FA100/2.8 Vs DFA100/2.8

2009-11-07 Thread Leon Altoff
I think I have only once used the limiter on the FA so I'm unlikely to miss the feature. My 100 Macro is probably my most abused lens. 95% of pictures taken with it have the front element inches away from salt water (I tried the DFA 50 for a while but the working distance is just not enough and

Re: DA* AF problem - diagnostic opinions welcome

2009-10-28 Thread Leon Altoff
Stan, Good luck with the repair, I hope any separation from your equipment is short. You will like the 60-250. It was on my list for so long while I waited for it to come out that my wife happily let me buy it just to stop me saying how useful it would be in this particular situation (included

Re: DA* AF problem - diagnostic opinions welcome

2009-10-27 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Stan, It could very easily be a problem with your K20. The DA* 300/4 may have a larger motor in it than the 50-135 which needs more current to operate. A partly faulty power regulator in the camera that supplies the lens may overload with the 300 and not the 50-135 due to the increased

Re: Front Element Protection (was: Dropped K200D)

2009-09-09 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Ecke, I have transparent lens caps (AKA UV Filters) on all my lenses. As with all lens caps they can be taken off when necessary to improve your picture, but are far cheaper to replace than a front element of a 60-250 or 12-24 lens, and I tend to take pictures in some really silly places at

Re: Boris reviews Pentax K-7 (part 2)

2009-08-28 Thread Leon Altoff
Boris, You comment about auto focus being slow in Live View. You can set the K7 to use the standard autofocus detectors rather than Contrast AF. It removes the live view image for a split second, but it's a lot quicker than waiting for contrast AF to do it's thing. -- Leon 2009/8/27 Boris

Re: why I am a fossil

2009-08-11 Thread Leon Altoff
Bran, When I was facing a large range of lighting conditions while travelling with my K10D I tended to use SV mode so I could select the ISO and the aperture as needed. It was the most versatile mode for changing conditions and having instant access to the ISO certainly gets you used to changing

Re: workstation

2009-08-07 Thread Leon Altoff
I've often wondered about the need for a really good monitor. I'd certainly like one, but I've yet to find an IPS or VA monitor readily available in Australia. Then there is the question of what the image you are editing is going to be used for. 4 colour printing doesn't have the colour gamut

Re: K7 Comparison?

2009-07-08 Thread Leon Altoff
2009/7/8 William Robb war...@gmail.com: I can think of several things I'd rather do, but as most of them involve middle aged women and leather straps, I expect I'll just post high ISO pictures from both cameras. So, high ISO shots of middle-aged women and leather straps? My wife does

Re: Another Aussie jumps on the bandwagon

2009-07-04 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Paul, Looks like CR Kennedy have looked after us in regard to the cost and availability of the K7. It's nice to see that they are selling well. I forgot to ask, but then I got to the shop about an hour after they arrived there (they already had a display one in the cabinet). I'm retiring my

Re: Another Aussie jumps on the bandwagon

2009-07-04 Thread Leon Altoff
Paul, It's a big manual. I have it sitting beside the couch and have been reading it on and off trying to find those things Ihave noo idea about that I saw while doing the setup. I'm glad I'm not the only one who is likely to use the level control. It works in live view and movie mode, which

And I don't even have to charge the battery (K7 has arrived).

2009-07-03 Thread Leon Altoff
I got a phone call just as I finished eating lunch and was wondering if I had time to go for a walk. Your Camera has arrived. OK I do have time to go for a walk. I managed to leave it in the box all afternoon (I did have a lot of work to do) and now it is unpacked at home. I'll charge the

Re: And I don't even have to charge the battery (K7 has arrived).

2009-07-03 Thread Leon Altoff
2009/7/4 mike wilson m.9.wil...@ntlworld.com: Leon Altoff wrote: Looks like you are number one.  Spill the beans. I don't have a lot of beans to spill yet. Picture taking will happen over the weekend, so you will have to accept testing and setup for now. One major annoyance

Re: And I don't even have to charge the battery (K7 has arrived).

2009-07-03 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Tim, CS4 already handles the K7, but the latest version of Camera RAW doesn't work with CS3 which is what I have. CS3 does work perfectly with the K7 DNG files (as Photoshop CS handled the K10D's DNG files, but not the PEF files). It's Adobe's way of making money. I have enough hard drive

Re: Pentax K-7 is arriving to Israel

2009-06-29 Thread Leon Altoff
I'm still amazed at the prices we can get Pentax cameras for in Australia. AU$1538 (US$ 1231) from http://www.cameraaction.com.au/call1300-303-191/products.asp?sku=216208dept=18 It's all a plot to sell lenses at ridiculous prices. Leon 2009/6/28 Boris Liberman bori...@gmail.com: Just checked

Re: My wishlist has run out.

2009-06-20 Thread Leon Altoff
Brian, I have a cupboard full of camera bags that says it isn't possible, but 2 and a half months of lugging gear around the world and a few more trips besides that says it is. Leon 2009/6/20 Brian Walters supera1...@fastmail.fm: On Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:26 +1000, Leon Altoff leon.alt

My wishlist has run out.

2009-06-19 Thread Leon Altoff
Well, almost. I was comparing prices that are being advertised for the K-7 that I was thinking of buying about the end of September and found that it's about AU$150 cheaper to buy it in Australia than to import it from the US so I gave in and put down a deposit. When it arrives my wishlist is

Re: Australian price matching for Pentax gear

2009-06-13 Thread Leon Altoff
John, I was hoping that there wasn't that great a price difference and I could actually buy the camera from one of the local shops. They are helpful and it's not their fault that they are uncompetitive on the world market. Still it is good to know as the K7 is on my shopping list too. At that

Australian price matching for Pentax gear

2009-06-12 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi all. My new lenses arrived today from C.R. Kennedy (Pentax's Australian importer). They matched BH's price exactly, paid via credit card and delivered to my P.O. Box quicker than I could get it from the states. I have an invoice so I have Australian (world wide) warranty. The invoice does

For Sale:DA 16-45/4, K 28/3.5 Shift, FA 20-35/4 MZ-S

2009-06-10 Thread Leon Altoff
HI All, Well, not a lot of interest from my last message. If you feel I have an over-enthusiastic idea of what an item is worth then feel free to make me an offer. Anything I don't sell here will be on e-Bay this week-end. Feel free to ask for more information or more pictures. Prices include

For Sale - Cleaning out the cupboard.

2009-06-06 Thread Leon Altoff
It is time to clean out the cupboard of some equipment that is simply too nice to be locked away (while making room for new toys).  Feel free to ask for more information or more pictures. Prices include delivery worldwide via Express Post International to meet Paypal’s tracking rule. Payment via

Re: The cost of buying locally

2009-06-05 Thread Leon Altoff
photographing lenses I will be selling. Leon 2009/6/3 Rob Studdert distudio.p...@gmail.com: On 6/3/09, Leon Altoff leon.alt...@gmail.com wrote: Hi Rob, I am considering SDM lenses - 17-70 and 60-250.  If they will price match or at least come close I will happily give them my money.  Do you know who I

Re: The cost of buying locally

2009-06-04 Thread Leon Altoff
Hi Rob, Well the e-mail and all the maths has been sent (I didn't have time this morning unfortunately). I'll let you know what the offer and how it goes. Wish me luck. Leon 2009/6/3 Rob Studdert distudio.p...@gmail.com: On 6/3/09, Leon Altoff leon.alt...@gmail.com wrote: Hi Rob, I am

The cost of buying locally

2009-06-03 Thread Leon Altoff
HI All, I want to buy a couple of lenses. I've priced them locally and via mail order from BH. If I buy locally it will cost me an extra AU$900 (after GST, shipping and currency exchange, etc). That's over half a K7! The disadvantage is a USA warranty so I would have to ship it over if

Re: The cost of buying locally

2009-06-03 Thread Leon Altoff
. Leon 2009/6/3 Rob Studdert distudio.p...@gmail.com: On 6/3/09, Leon Altoff leon.alt...@gmail.com wrote: I like to support my local traders and importers, but $900 is a lot of money and for something that is not likely to go wrong having an international warranty is not much of a justification

Re: The cost of buying locally

2009-06-03 Thread Leon Altoff
rather than have items sent together and exceeding the AU$1,000 limit. But yes, it's taking everything into account except the toll and petrol to drive over and put in the customs forms (which realistically I could do via fax anyway). Leon 2009/6/3 Ralf R. Radermacher fotor...@gmx.de: Leon

Re: Lens considerations

2009-05-30 Thread Leon Altoff
Thanks Joseph, I was thinking it wouldn't cover full frame, but hoping it would. How are the image sharpness and bokeh of the 17-70? -- Leon 2009/5/30 Joseph McAllister pentax...@mac.com: On May 29, 2009, at 22:21 , Leon Altoff wrote:  Does anyone know at what focal length the 17-70

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