RE: pentax-discuss-d Digest V03 #1290

2003-10-25 Thread Bucky
Mailwasher is my choice.  Same sort of thing, but it lets you 'bounce'
spam - those sending spam messages think it never reached you.

-Original Message-
From: Francis Ebury [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: 25-Oct-03 23:21
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: pentax-discuss-d Digest V03 #1290


This is a really useful tip. I'm downloading 'The Bat' as I write this, but
would appreciate your comments when you have evaluated it.

Regards


At 01:45 AM 26/10/2003 -0400, you wrote:
>Date: Sun, 26 Oct 2003 00:01:18 +0100
>From: Harold Owen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Subject: Re[2]: "Digital Camera Lens Optimization"
>Message-Id: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
>Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
>
>Keith wrote:-
>
> > I found "Becky" in the message header and just surmised, but have never
> > heard of it!
> > What it is?
> >
> > keith
>
>Becky is email software and I have been using it for a number of years.
>
>It has good filtering capabilities which allows me to create a good
>number of folders to accomodate all the messages I receive from
>approximately 22 mailing lists and Yahoo groups. Any incoming emails are
>then delivered to the various folders.
>
>In addition it allows me to check messages held on my ISP's mail server
>prior to downloading, so all the junk messages are marked on the server
>for deletion prior to me downloading the genuine email messages.
>
>Another decent email program is "The Bat" which has similar functions to
>"Becky", I've just installed the "The Bat" for a 30-day trial.
>
>Harry




Screw Mount lenses

2003-10-25 Thread Francis Ebury
I came across this discussion group during a search. I was hoping that 
there were a few users of the Super-Takumar lenses, but can't find anything 
much in the archives.

Could anyone kindly point me in the right direction.

Regards



Re: pentax-discuss-d Digest V03 #1290

2003-10-25 Thread Francis Ebury
This is a really useful tip. I'm downloading 'The Bat' as I write this, but 
would appreciate your comments when you have evaluated it.

Regards

At 01:45 AM 26/10/2003 -0400, you wrote:
Date: Sun, 26 Oct 2003 00:01:18 +0100
From: Harold Owen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re[2]: "Digital Camera Lens Optimization"
Message-Id: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Keith wrote:-

> I found "Becky" in the message header and just surmised, but have never
> heard of it!
> What it is?
>
> keith
Becky is email software and I have been using it for a number of years.

It has good filtering capabilities which allows me to create a good
number of folders to accomodate all the messages I receive from
approximately 22 mailing lists and Yahoo groups. Any incoming emails are
then delivered to the various folders.
In addition it allows me to check messages held on my ISP's mail server
prior to downloading, so all the junk messages are marked on the server
for deletion prior to me downloading the genuine email messages.
Another decent email program is "The Bat" which has similar functions to
"Becky", I've just installed the "The Bat" for a 30-day trial.
Harry



Re: Wireless flash and off camera clips, grips, pips, tips, salsa dips

2003-10-25 Thread Michel Carrère-Gée
Ryan Lee a écrit:
Salut Michel!

Yep that link's better. I just checked it out- I must say I don't understand
anything on that page, but for the record, the stuff you made looks really
neat. The clip for the flash looks metal though.. is it?
Yes it's an old full metal clip. There is no problem when using the 
flash as slave or P-TTL.
By "Power Tanslator":
...
To use a cordless flash slave it is necessary to use a steady support:
Trick:  I achieved a support " multifunctions " while screwing a claw of 
recuperation flash on a tablet of PVC:
- to put: it maintains the horizontal flash put for example on a piece 
of furniture.
- fast fixing: under the tablet a profile of trapezoidal section 
compliant to my tripod (DIN 4503) built in several thickness of PVC 
counter glued.
- for standard tripod: a 1/4" hole in the thickness of the profile in V.
The clip is metallic, it is not necessary that contacts are isolated.
...

Michel




Re: On how *istD handles.

2003-10-25 Thread John Francis
> 
> I wish the Av wheel was on the front of the camera to be operated by the
> index finger with the Tv wheel on the back, operated by the thumb.

Hmm. So that would be at least eight different variations; Av or Tv on the
front wheel, plus choice of direction for each of the two controls. I think
I understand why Pentax decided to stick with just one configuration.



Re: Wireless flash and off camera clips, grips, pips, tips, salsa dips

2003-10-25 Thread Cotty
On 25/10/03, [EMAIL PROTECTED] disgorged:

>I use a "home made" shoe with full metal socket

I saw that. Good film.




Cheers,
  Cotty


___/\__
||   (O)   |  People, Places, Pastiche
||=|  www.macads.co.uk/snaps
_
Free UK Mac Ads www.macads.co.uk



On how *istD handles.

2003-10-25 Thread Jostein
Gang,

Having had my first hours of quality time with the *istD, there are some
experiences I'd like to share with you guys. I'd be very grateful if other
*istDers could comment on how you have experienced these issues.

In general, the first experience is that the *istD is a natural step in the
Pentax camera evloution. Nothing revolutionary about the design, they have
scraped together ideas from both the Z-series and the MZ-series. The
interface is, as I guess everyone already know, very recogniseable from
other autofocus Pentaxes.

Still, there's room for more evolution here, IMO. So, here's some changes
I'd like to see in an *istD II.

First, I think the Av wheel is positioned too far to the right. IMO,
swapping position with the +/- button would have improved handling a lot.

Second, the on-off ring is too wide, making the distance between the shutter
button and the Tv wheel too long.

Third, the green button that takes you back to the program after messing
about with the Tv/Av wheels is also too far from any finger. I would have
preferred to have that button placed the way it is on MZ-S; high up on the
front.

Another thing that I know will annoy me in time to come, is that the
eyepiece and rubber plugs in connectors are so loosely fitted. The eyepiece
is exactly the same as on the MZ-S, btw... They got to bea able to think of
something better than that.

A personal frustration is that my hands are obviously too big for the *istD
ergonomics, even with the grip attached. This leads to a few problems, like
I cannot leave the shutter button on the grip in "on" position while
shooting horisontally because I keep tripping the shutter with the palm of
my hand. - I have already had a few confusing experiences of that...:-) ...
Also, when walking with the camera at the ready, my hand aches after only a
few minutes of just holding the camera. -Tested with a 31mm ltd, which isn't
_that_ heavy... The same lens on the Z-1 is a breeze to carry by comparison.

I guess I'm saying that I would like a camera to have ergonomics fitting
more hands than the Japanese's.

The *istD is very similar to all other DSLRs I have seen in that it does not
handle well with gloves on. The buttons and wheels are simply too small to
be felt and properly pushed with gloves on. IOW, it's a challenge to use it
properly outdoors in 6 months out of 12 here in Norway. Small hopes for a
fix on that one, though...

Well, those are first thoughts anyway. Tomorrow, I will try to find a
suitable spot and test colour aberrations with various tele lenses,
including another FA-100/2.8 macro. I will try also to check out flare
control with the wide-angles I have available. I will also bring a thinner
pair of gloves...:-)

Cheers,
Jostein
-



Re: What DSLR Improvements I'd Like To See

2003-10-25 Thread mike wilson
Hi,

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

> >> 2. Better software for chromatic aberrations This is where I am really
> >> ignorant. But it seems to me that good interpolation (?) software might
> distribute
> >> the results of chromatic aberration better, so that digital apes film
> more. I
> >> mean, people are not going to be happy when they discover that one half of
> >> their lenses do not work that well with a DSLR. I wouldn't be happy
> shopping
> > >around for older lenses, having to find out which one had bad effects on a
> DSLR.
> 
> >An area that certainly needs improvement.  I would be _very_ unhappy to
> >have bought a camera that showed the problem that has been highlighted
> >on this list in the last few days.
> 
> So would I be.
> 
> However, I don't think anyone who has already bought a *istD, or a 300D or a
> 60 or 30D is stupid. I think they just have more photographic discretionary
> spending money than I do. I want to make that non-stupid part clear.
> 

Me neither.  What I think they have done is buy something that they have
no way of knowing will fulfill the functions they require.  Rather like
I had to enter into a contract with my ISP _before_ they would answer
any technical questions.  No choice.  Doesn't make me any happier with
the outcome of my situation and I think there will be listers who are
unhappy with the outcome of theirs.

> >> 3. Greater latitude. Again ignorant. But I've been thinking maybe software
> > >could ape film types more as well. I am used to shooting slides now, so
> the lack
> > >of latitude may not bother me -- much. But for those who formerly shot
> > >negative film, it may be a bit of a shock. Maybe this could not be done by
> software,
> >> maybe it has to be firmware, but I think it might be doable. Very doable.
> >> Settings to change latitude.
> 
> >As above.  Both of these areas show what I call a "consumer development"
> >approach to product design.  You make something that doesn't work quite
> >as well as its predecessor and sell it.  If the consumer complains, then
> >it's an area to work on.  If they don't.  Anyone remember stainless
> >steel disc brakes?  People probably died from that little fiasco, yet it
> >took years before manufacturers reverted to cast iron.
> 
> I don't think it's deliberate. I think it's what happens with an emerging
> technology. They release something and find out later where the real problems
> are. There is only so much development time they can give something. Things also
> evolve and get better. But I certainly wouldn't call it planned in any sense,
> say of deliberately releasing less than they can do at that point in time.
> 
> I think it *is* what they can do at that point in time.

I think it _is_ deliberate.  It is also, to some extent,
understandable.  Otherwise you get to the stage where you never release
a product because you know you can just go one step further towards
improving it.  Rather like an ex-lister and his book 8-)  With something
like software, which is probably more complex than all the rest of the
item put together, it is more understandable that less-than-perfection
is released as the manufacturer knows that it is relatively easy to
correct.  However this may also lead to an attitude of relative
complacency.

> >> 5. Full frame sensor? Nope, don't think that is important to me.
> 
> >Why?  It would lessen some of the problems you have highlighted above.
> >It would also significantly reduce someone's profits.
> 
> Well, if full frame would solve problems, then that would be good.
> 
> I don't particularly *want* it, because I like shooting wildlife and I like
> the way long glass is "magnified."
> 

It is a relatively small attraction of present DSLRs for me, too.

> Except, I think, possibly, that I am more optimistic than you.
> 
> I see these things as solvable. And I think they will be solved. So I am very
> serious about this question... (addressed to others now)

Was it something I said? 8-)  I am optimistic that the present
"difficulties" will be dealt with.  I am not sure they will be dealt
with in a manner beneficial (both financially and photographically) to
me.

mike



Re: What DSLR Improvements I'd Like To See

2003-10-25 Thread Eactivist
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> 
>> I've been thinking about what improvements I'd like to see in DSLRs -- in 
the
>> immature c**p technology -- before I am happy or happier. And, thus, more
>> willing to spend bucko bucks on a DSLR.

>It's not crap technology, it's very expensive, cutting-edge technology.

Of  course it is.

> >Trouble is, I am rather ignorant. But I think I'd like to see:
> 
> >1. Canon solve it's exposure problems. (Not totally sure this is the 
problem,
> >but it seems that is the problem, or maybe it's auto focus in low light,
> >which is supposedly a problem with some of their film cameras as well.)

>Not interested.  I find Canon cameras unpleasant to use and will not be
buying one in the forseeable future.

Except if Canon fixes its exposure problem it means the whole front on 
digital technology moves forward. These companies R&D departments don't operate all 
that independently from each other. IE. An advance with one company usually 
means an advance with other companies as they "copy" each others' advancements.

>> 2. Better software for chromatic aberrations This is where I am really
>> ignorant. But it seems to me that good interpolation (?) software might 
distribute
>> the results of chromatic aberration better, so that digital apes film 
more. I
>> mean, people are not going to be happy when they discover that one half of
>> their lenses do not work that well with a DSLR. I wouldn't be happy 
shopping
> >around for older lenses, having to find out which one had bad effects on a 
DSLR.

>An area that certainly needs improvement.  I would be _very_ unhappy to
>have bought a camera that showed the problem that has been highlighted
>on this list in the last few days.

So would I be. 

However, I don't think anyone who has already bought a *istD, or a 300D or a 
60 or 30D is stupid. I think they just have more photographic discretionary 
spending money than I do. I want to make that non-stupid part clear.

>> 3. Greater latitude. Again ignorant. But I've been thinking maybe software
> >could ape film types more as well. I am used to shooting slides now, so 
the lack
> >of latitude may not bother me -- much. But for those who formerly shot
> >negative film, it may be a bit of a shock. Maybe this could not be done by 
software,
>> maybe it has to be firmware, but I think it might be doable. Very doable.
>> Settings to change latitude.

>As above.  Both of these areas show what I call a "consumer development"
>approach to product design.  You make something that doesn't work quite
>as well as its predecessor and sell it.  If the consumer complains, then
>it's an area to work on.  If they don't.  Anyone remember stainless
>steel disc brakes?  People probably died from that little fiasco, yet it
>took years before manufacturers reverted to cast iron.

I don't think it's deliberate. I think it's what happens with an emerging 
technology. They release something and find out later where the real problems 
are. There is only so much development time they can give something. Things also 
evolve and get better. But I certainly wouldn't call it planned in any sense, 
say of deliberately releasing less than they can do at that point in time.

I think it *is* what they can do at that point in time.

>> 4. Less artifacting. Well, most 6 mps seems to not artifact too much, but
>> there seem to be some cases where they do. I am still sort of examining 
this one.

As above.

>> 5. Full frame sensor? Nope, don't think that is important to me.

>Why?  It would lessen some of the problems you have highlighted above. 
>It would also significantly reduce someone's profits.

Well, if full frame would solve problems, then that would be good.

I don't particularly *want* it, because I like shooting wildlife and I like 
the way long glass is "magnified."

But mainly it's not something I think they will do soon, for lower end DSLRs 
(under $2,000-3,000) anyway. There is no compelling reason for them to do so. 
So it is not on my wish list.

>> 6. Being able to use older lenses on a Pentax DSLR. The more and more that 
I
>> have read this list, the more and more I think that would be a great idea. 
The
>> main reason is that there are tons of cheaper manual lenses out there. More
>> people would hop on the Pentax bandwagon (newbies) if they could pick up
>> cheaper lenses for their new DSLR. However, I am not sure if the firmware 
would
> >support it -- because the aperture is set from the camera and the right 
contacts
>> are missing from the lens mount (this is what I have gathered from reading 
the
>> list). Is an adapter ring down the line at all possible?

>Agreed.  It is the major thing that would persuade me to buy a DSLR. 
>Yes, I would pay significantly more for it.  Yes, I will wait for it to
>happen.  Yes, I will stick with film (maybe even moving to LF) for now. 
>If I need digital, I will buy a p&s.

I am not sure if it can be done technology-wise, but it certainly would be a 
selling poin

Re: Re[4]: Wireless flash and off camera clips, grips, pips, tips, salsa dips

2003-10-25 Thread Dave Miers
Bruce

Could you please explain this further.  I had actually planned on the slave
providing most of the light and the popup or hotshoe mounted flash providing
the minority of the light.  I'm afraid I'm still a bit lost here.  I have
the PZ-1p and PZ-1 cameras at this point and have no wireless to play with
as yet in my Pentax equipment.  I also have acquired a professional stand
type modeling flash with 3 variing outputs from a local photographer that
retired, only $40, and of course would like to implement it.  Unfortunately
I do not possess any metering equipment other then on camera metering.  I
have the AF360FGZ and a couple of other off brand flashes for pentax.  one
of which supports TTL and AF.  I had planned to use a minisoftbox on my
hotshoe on camera flash with the slaves.

Dave

> You are basically correct if the popup flash is stronger than the
> slave and ambient isn't too strong.  The problem is, that the reason
> to move the flash off camera is to make the main light not be direct.
>  In your proposed approach, the popup becomes the main and the
>  AF360FGZ becomes the fill.  The desired lighting effect is probably
>  not really what you are looking for.  You either need something to
>  control TTL on all flashes, including ratios or run all the lights
>  manually and flash meter for correct exposure.




Re: Wireless flash and off camera clips, grips, pips, tips, salsa dips

2003-10-25 Thread Alin Flaider
Bruce wrote:

BD> You are basically correct if the popup flash is stronger than the
BD> slave and ambient isn't too strong.  The problem is, that the reason
BD> to move the flash off camera is to make the main light not be direct.
BD>  In your proposed approach, the popup becomes the main and the
BD>  AF360FGZ becomes the fill.  The desired lighting effect is probably
BD>  not really what you are looking for.  You either need something to
BD>  control TTL on all flashes, including ratios or run all the lights
BD>  manually and flash meter for correct exposure.

  That's a very good point. Still one can exercise some control by
  dialing negative compensation on the camera to attenuate the pop-up
  flash. I never use direct uncompensated flash except for the midday
  fill-in. The illumination provided by a punctual light source like
  the pop-up flash is especially harsh.
 
  Servus,  Alin



Re: Wireless flash and off camera clips, grips, pips, tips, salsa dips

2003-10-25 Thread Alin Flaider

Dave wrote:

DM> I also am very interested in this use of slave flash.  I would have expected
DM> the TTL functions to operate normally on the camera for not only the onboard
DM> or external mounted flash but also for the slave flash.  If you set the
DM> slave for less then you expect to need  1/16 etc, then the on camera flash
DM> would make up the difference wouldn't it?  It would read the total provided
DM> light from both flashes via TTL and provide the necessary amount on the on
DM> camera flash to provide correct exposure.

DM> I'm not saying I know this to be true, but rather pose this as a question.

  It pretty much does so, provided the slave flash doesn't overexpose
  the main subject. When in a hurry, I set the 360FGZ in auto mode on
  one stop wider aperture than the one on camera to make sure it
  provides half of the necessary light at most. For careful setups I
  prefer the manually adjusted output based on aperture, distance,
  light loss on bouncing and how important the slave is in the
  combination. Even if it works quite well - still I see the need for
  a full wireless P-TTL.

  Servus,  Alin



Re[4]: Wireless flash and off camera clips, grips, pips, tips, salsa dips

2003-10-25 Thread Bruce Dayton
Dave,

You are basically correct if the popup flash is stronger than the
slave and ambient isn't too strong.  The problem is, that the reason
to move the flash off camera is to make the main light not be direct.
 In your proposed approach, the popup becomes the main and the
 AF360FGZ becomes the fill.  The desired lighting effect is probably
 not really what you are looking for.  You either need something to
 control TTL on all flashes, including ratios or run all the lights
 manually and flash meter for correct exposure.

---
Bruce


Saturday, October 25, 2003, 11:02:32 AM, you wrote:

DM> I also am very interested in this use of slave flash.  I would have expected
DM> the TTL functions to operate normally on the camera for not only the onboard
DM> or external mounted flash but also for the slave flash.  If you set the
DM> slave for less then you expect to need  1/16 etc, then the on camera flash
DM> would make up the difference wouldn't it?  It would read the total provided
DM> light from both flashes via TTL and provide the necessary amount on the on
DM> camera flash to provide correct exposure.

DM> I'm not saying I know this to be true, but rather pose this as a question.

DM> Dave


>> No TTL that way.  You must manually set flash output and probably
>> meter manually.  Also need to take into account the popup flash on the
>> MZ-5n.
>>
>> If you want off camera flash and TTL, you are going to need cords and
>> connectors from Pentax.






Re: Digital issues

2003-10-25 Thread Dave Miers

> Not really.  You can get decent results from a dedicated film scanner
> at around half the price of a *ist-D/D100/10D (or something quite close
> to the price of a 300D), but the cheaper units are usually just flatbed
> scanners with transparency adapters, which don't work as well.
>

You might consider the Minolta Scan Dual III for under $300 new.  Check the
reviews on this scanner and I think you'll find it is rated quite highly.
No, it's not a perfect solution, but does offer the digital world to many of
us at an affordable price.  Since I own this scanner I am finding it quite
hard to justify a DSLR at this point, since a good share of my motivation is
controlled by my Wallet!

Dave




Re: Wireless flash and off camera clips, grips, pips, tips, salsa dips

2003-10-25 Thread Ryan Lee
Hi Bruce,

Just using a random example, if you're metering using the camera and it
gives you say f5.6 at 1/100 with the popup of a subject say 2 metres away
(if that is enough information), and you want to use a remote slave
(non-TTL) say to the right of the subject from say 2 metres away as well,
how would you normally go about manually setting the flash output taking
into account the popup flash too?

Thanks in advance!
Ryan

From: "Bruce Dayton" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> No TTL that way.  You must manually set flash output and probably
> meter manually.  Also need to take into account the popup flash on the
> MZ-5n.




Re: Wireless flash and off camera clips, grips, pips, tips, salsa dips

2003-10-25 Thread Ryan Lee
Whoever's brave enough to answer Dave's query, could you also drop some info
on how one would usually go about doing the settings for a remote slave
flash (triggered by the popup, no TTL). If it's a af360fgz tailored answer,
even better!

Thx,
Ryan

- Original Message - 
From: "Dave Miers" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>


> I also am very interested in this use of slave flash.  I would have
expected
> the TTL functions to operate normally on the camera for not only the
onboard
> or external mounted flash but also for the slave flash.  If you set the
> slave for less then you expect to need  1/16 etc, then the on camera flash
> would make up the difference wouldn't it?  It would read the total
provided
> light from both flashes via TTL and provide the necessary amount on the on
> camera flash to provide correct exposure.
>
> I'm not saying I know this to be true, but rather pose this as a question.
>
> Dave




Re: Digital issues

2003-10-25 Thread John Francis
> 
> My (presently) biggest gripe with digital imaging is the cost.  For a
> process that is not significantly better, except in immediacy of
> results, I am expected to pay a very significant premium?  No, thank
> you.  I can do almost the same thing by buying a film scanner for about
> 1/5th of the price.

Not really.  You can get decent results from a dedicated film scanner
at around half the price of a *ist-D/D100/10D (or something quite close
to the price of a 300D), but the cheaper units are usually just flatbed
scanners with transparency adapters, which don't work as well.

Then, of course, there's the sheer tedium of doing the scanning.  You
can get film scanners with bulk feed magazines, of course, but those
cost about as much as a DSLR.  By the time you've scanned a couple of
hundred frames you'll welcome anything to relieve you of this task.

Next problem; dust.  Unless you live in a semiconductor manufacturing
plant, there's going to be dust on your slides. Cleaning up dust spots
is yet another tedious chore.  You can get semi-automated software and
hardware to help with this task, but this too is not without drawbacks.

And, finally, cost.  I'm sure that many of the DSLR purchasers here
shoot enough that using the *ist-D will end up being cheaper than the
cost of film and processing over the next couple of years.  If you
only shoot one roll a month, and if you are prepared to let WalMart
or CostCo scratch your negatives, then a DSLR isn't cost effective.
Shoot an average of more than a roll a week, though, using slide film,
and take the film to a local pro or semi-pro lab, and the costs mount.



Re: What DSLR Improvements I'd Like To See

2003-10-25 Thread mike wilson
Hi,

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> 
> I've been thinking about what improvements I'd like to see in DSLRs -- in the
> immature c**p technology -- before I am happy or happier. And, thus, more
> willing to spend bucko bucks on a DSLR.

It's not crap technology, it's very expensive, cutting-edge technology.

> Trouble is, I am rather ignorant. But I think I'd like to see:
> 
> 1. Canon solve it's exposure problems. (Not totally sure this is the problem,
> but it seems that is the problem, or maybe it's auto focus in low light,
> which is supposedly a problem with some of their film cameras as well.)

Not interested.  I find Canon cameras unpleasant to use and will not be
buying one in the forseeable future.

> 2. Better software for chromatic aberrations This is where I am really
> ignorant. But it seems to me that good interpolation (?) software might distribute
> the results of chromatic aberration better, so that digital apes film more. I
> mean, people are not going to be happy when they discover that one half of
> their lenses do not work that well with a DSLR. I wouldn't be happy shopping
> around for older lenses, having to find out which one had bad effects on a DSLR.

An area that certainly needs improvement.  I would be _very_ unhappy to
have bought a camera that showed the problem that has been highlighted
on this list in the last few days.

> 3. Greater latitude. Again ignorant. But I've been thinking maybe software
> could ape film types more as well. I am used to shooting slides now, so the lack
> of latitude may not bother me -- much. But for those who formerly shot
> negative film, it may be a bit of a shock. Maybe this could not be done by software,
> maybe it has to be firmware, but I think it might be doable. Very doable.
> Settings to change latitude.

As above.  Both of these areas show what I call a "consumer development"
approach to product design.  You make something that doesn't work quite
as well as its predecessor and sell it.  If the consumer complains, then
it's an area to work on.  If they don't.  Anyone remember stainless
steel disc brakes?  People probably died from that little fiasco, yet it
took years before manufacturers reverted to cast iron.

> 4. Less artifacting. Well, most 6 mps seems to not artifact too much, but
> there seem to be some cases where they do. I am still sort of examining this one.

As above.

> 5. Full frame sensor? Nope, don't think that is important to me.

Why?  It would lessen some of the problems you have highlighted above. 
It would also significantly reduce someone's profits.

> 6. Being able to use older lenses on a Pentax DSLR. The more and more that I
> have read this list, the more and more I think that would be a great idea. The
> main reason is that there are tons of cheaper manual lenses out there. More
> people would hop on the Pentax bandwagon (newbies) if they could pick up
> cheaper lenses for their new DSLR. However, I am not sure if the firmware would
> support it -- because the aperture is set from the camera and the right contacts
> are missing from the lens mount (this is what I have gathered from reading the
> list). Is an adapter ring down the line at all possible?

Agreed.  It is the major thing that would persuade me to buy a DSLR. 
Yes, I would pay significantly more for it.  Yes, I will wait for it to
happen.  Yes, I will stick with film (maybe even moving to LF) for now. 
If I need digital, I will buy a p&s.

> Anyway, these are my ignorant ramblings.

Odd, they are mine too.

mike



Re: Wireless flash and off camera clips, grips, pips, tips, salsa dips, not to mention chips

2003-10-25 Thread mike wilson
Hi,

Ryan Lee wrote:
> 
> Mike, Matjaz, Michel,
> 
> Correct me if I'm wrong, but I just thought of something- because the mz5n
> hasn't got wireless TTL with the af360fgz, am I right to say that to fix up
> all the connections to have a remote flash (wired) I'd probably need the
> Pentax labelled bits anyway if I wanted to use remote TTL?

Consider yourself corrected, you naughty boy 8-)

But you are right.  This is quite easy with the analogue flashes but
seems to be more complicated with the digital ones.  Basically, you need
to perm any three clips and wires from the 5P set.

mike



Re: Re[2]: Wireless flash and off camera clips, grips, pips, tips, salsa dips

2003-10-25 Thread Dave Miers
I also am very interested in this use of slave flash.  I would have expected
the TTL functions to operate normally on the camera for not only the onboard
or external mounted flash but also for the slave flash.  If you set the
slave for less then you expect to need  1/16 etc, then the on camera flash
would make up the difference wouldn't it?  It would read the total provided
light from both flashes via TTL and provide the necessary amount on the on
camera flash to provide correct exposure.

I'm not saying I know this to be true, but rather pose this as a question.

Dave


> No TTL that way.  You must manually set flash output and probably
> meter manually.  Also need to take into account the popup flash on the
> MZ-5n.
>
> If you want off camera flash and TTL, you are going to need cords and
> connectors from Pentax.




Re: Ebay

2003-10-25 Thread Boris Liberman
Hi, Brian!

===8<==Original message text===
BD> Beware of hacked accounts, esp. if you choose to conduct the transaction
BD> outside the Ebay system. From personal experience, alas:

BD> www.reed-electronics.com/ednmag/index.asp?layout=article&articleId=CA289972

BD> (long URL may break into multiple lines in your email client)

BD> ==
BD> Brian Dipert

===8<===End of original message text===

Thanks for sharing. Indeed, you had an unfortunate experience.

I suppose, you nailed it for me - no eBaying. Especially, being a
non-American citizen, I would have even less chance of recovering if I
get in trouble...

It's a pity such things keep happening...



Boris



Re[2]: Wireless flash and off camera clips, grips, pips, tips, salsa dips

2003-10-25 Thread Bruce Dayton
No TTL that way.  You must manually set flash output and probably
meter manually.  Also need to take into account the popup flash on the
MZ-5n.

If you want off camera flash and TTL, you are going to need cords and
connectors from Pentax.

---
Bruce


Saturday, October 25, 2003, 9:42:41 AM, you wrote:

MCG> Michel Carrère-Gée a écrit:

>> Ryan Lee a écrit:
>> 
>>> Mike, Matjaz, Michel,
>>>
>>> Correct me if I'm wrong, but I just thought of something- because the
>>> mz5n
>>> hasn't got wireless TTL with the af360fgz, am I right to say that to
>>> fix up
>>> all the connections to have a remote flash (wired) I'd probably need the
>>> Pentax labelled bits anyway if I wanted to use remote TTL?
>>>
>> The MZ5n has not wireless flash, but AF360FGZ con work as slave flash
>> with all bodies (use channel 2)
MCG> Use mode slave 2, not channel 2.
MCG> Michel





Re: new to list and a question

2003-10-25 Thread brooksdj
LOL.
Well there was talk earlier this month, at work, about sending me to Cold Lake for 4-5
weeks.If they 
do, and i drive out,i'll let you know.I'm sure i can stop for a min or two.:-)

Dave   

> On Sat, 25 Oct 2003 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> 
> > Chris B wrote:
> >
> > > If the buyer has a good feedback rating you'll probably be ok.  I ship
> > > internationally to most countries and have never had a problem, but I've
> > > only done that around 10 times.
> > >
> > > chris
> > >
> > I'm probably your best customer anyway eh.:-)
> >
> > Dave
> 
> True enough, you hoser.  I'll buy you some beer and back bacon if we ever
> meet up.  :)
> 
> chris
> 






Field Conditions,was: A3 printer recommends please

2003-10-25 Thread brooksdj
Brendan chimed in with: 
> Even the higher end printers like the 2200 are ink
> monsters, 

Hi all.
Now i have several examples of printers other than my Canons,thanks to Bill and Wendy.

But, i tend to use my printers and computers in some pretty dusty,hot,windy,fly 
infested
conditions.I 
have noticed i have to service the S800 quite often as the pull down rollers stop 
pulling
down,have to 
push it a bit,and after a few months in the field i noticed,under light bulb light
only,not under normal 
daylight,very fine,less than hair llike scratches on the papers surface.None noticed 
with
Ilford papers.

Has anyone used their Epson,say 925 or so or Olympus dye sub in field conditions such 
as
mine.???The 
photographer that sold me the D1 mentioned the dye sub's can produce a poor quality 
print
if ANY 
dust/dirt gets in the ribbon/ink/paper. Wendy said her first on site went well with 
good
quality prints.

Any comments.

Dave






Re: OT: Ebay

2003-10-25 Thread Ryan Lee
Hi Brian,

Sorry to hear about your unfortunate experience. I must say that you came
across pretty calm in that article. If it happened to me I'd be looking thru
the hire-a-hitman section in the yellow pages, and probably wouldn't have
enough composure to sit down and type out an article. So was that it in the
end, you not seeing your money again?

Rgds,
Ryan

PS. I suppose on the bright side your money wasn't down for a Mac Powerbook
G4.. Saw one in the shop the other day.. talk about gorgeous.. *drool*.. and
I don't even know how to use a Mac..


- Original Message - 
From: "Brian Dipert" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>


> Beware of hacked accounts, esp. if you choose to conduct the transaction
> outside the Ebay system. From personal experience, alas:
>
>
www.reed-electronics.com/ednmag/index.asp?layout=article&articleId=CA289972
>
>




Re: Wireless flash and off camera clips, grips, pips, tips, salsa dips

2003-10-25 Thread Ryan Lee
Salut Michel!

Yep that link's better. I just checked it out- I must say I don't understand
anything on that page, but for the record, the stuff you made looks really
neat. The clip for the flash looks metal though.. is it?

Cheers,
Ryan


From: "Michel Carrère-Gée" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

> From: "Michel Carrère-Gée" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

> I use a "home made" shoe with full metal socket:
> http://perso.wanadoo.fr/krg/Photo/bricolage.htm#Support%20flash




What DSLR Improvements I'd Like To See

2003-10-25 Thread Eactivist
I've been thinking about what improvements I'd like to see in DSLRs -- in the 
immature c**p technology -- before I am happy or happier. And, thus, more 
willing to spend bucko bucks on a DSLR.

Trouble is, I am rather ignorant. But I think I'd like to see:

1. Canon solve it's exposure problems. (Not totally sure this is the problem, 
but it seems that is the problem, or maybe it's auto focus in low light, 
which is supposedly a problem with some of their film cameras as well.)

2. Better software for chromatic aberrations This is where I am really 
ignorant. But it seems to me that good interpolation (?) software might distribute 
the results of chromatic aberration better, so that digital apes film more. I 
mean, people are not going to be happy when they discover that one half of 
their lenses do not work that well with a DSLR. I wouldn't be happy shopping 
around for older lenses, having to find out which one had bad effects on a DSLR.

3. Greater latitude. Again ignorant. But I've been thinking maybe software 
could ape film types more as well. I am used to shooting slides now, so the lack 
of latitude may not bother me -- much. But for those who formerly shot 
negative film, it may be a bit of a shock. Maybe this could not be done by software, 
maybe it has to be firmware, but I think it might be doable. Very doable. 
Settings to change latitude.

4. Less artifacting. Well, most 6 mps seems to not artifact too much, but 
there seem to be some cases where they do. I am still sort of examining this one.

5. Full frame sensor? Nope, don't think that is important to me.

6. Being able to use older lenses on a Pentax DSLR. The more and more that I 
have read this list, the more and more I think that would be a great idea. The 
main reason is that there are tons of cheaper manual lenses out there. More 
people would hop on the Pentax bandwagon (newbies) if they could pick up 
cheaper lenses for their new DSLR. However, I am not sure if the firmware would 
support it -- because the aperture is set from the camera and the right contacts 
are missing from the lens mount (this is what I have gathered from reading the 
list). Is an adapter ring down the line at all possible?

Anyway, these are my ignorant ramblings.

What improvements would you like to see?

Marnie aka Doe  Saying no digital at all in not allowed. :-)



Re: Wireless flash and off camera clips, grips, pips, tips, salsa dips

2003-10-25 Thread Michel Carrère-Gée
Michel Carrère-Gée a écrit:

Ryan Lee a écrit:

Mike, Matjaz, Michel,

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I just thought of something- because the 
mz5n
hasn't got wireless TTL with the af360fgz, am I right to say that to 
fix up
all the connections to have a remote flash (wired) I'd probably need the
Pentax labelled bits anyway if I wanted to use remote TTL?

The MZ5n has not wireless flash, but AF360FGZ con work as slave flash 
with all bodies (use channel 2)
Use mode slave 2, not channel 2.
Michel


Ebay

2003-10-25 Thread Brian Dipert
Beware of hacked accounts, esp. if you choose to conduct the transaction
outside the Ebay system. From personal experience, alas:

www.reed-electronics.com/ednmag/index.asp?layout=article&articleId=CA289972

(long URL may break into multiple lines in your email client)

==
Brian Dipert
Technical Editor: Mass Storage, Memory, Multimedia, PC Core Logic and
Peripherals, and Programmable Logic
EDN Magazine: http://www.edn.com
5000 V Street
Sacramento, CA   95817
(916) 454-5242 (voice), (617) 558-4470 (fax)
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Visit me at http://www.bdipert.com



Re: Wireless flash and off camera clips, grips, pips, tips, salsa dips

2003-10-25 Thread Michel Carrère-Gée
Ryan Lee a écrit:

Mike, Matjaz, Michel,

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I just thought of something- because the mz5n
hasn't got wireless TTL with the af360fgz, am I right to say that to fix up
all the connections to have a remote flash (wired) I'd probably need the
Pentax labelled bits anyway if I wanted to use remote TTL?
The MZ5n has not wireless flash, but AF360FGZ con work as slave flash 
with all bodies (use channel 2)

Michel



Re: Finally!

2003-10-25 Thread Eactivist
Oops. You already got it.

Congrats!

Marnie aka Doe



Re: Wireless flash and off camera clips, grips, pips, tips, salsa dips

2003-10-25 Thread Michel Carrère-Gée
Ryan Lee a écrit:
Hi Michel,

I tried going to the URL, but even cutting and pasting the whole line gets a
broken link. Was it a typo?
Rgds,
Ryan
From: "Michel Carrère-Gée" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

I use a "home made" shoe with full metal socket:
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/krg/photo/bricolage.htm#Support flash
Try:
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/krg/Photo/bricolage.htm#Support%20flash
or
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/krg/Photo/bricolage.htm
And go to "Support Flash"

Michel



Re: Figure this?

2003-10-25 Thread Eactivist
>Still no luck on getting PUG photos on the laptop.  I just checked all of
the tools settings against those on the desktop and they're identical.  PUG
loads fine on the desktop, but only names of contributors on the laptop.
IIRC I had this problem with the desktop machine when I installed XP, but
damned it I can remember what I did to get it to load the PUG properly.  Any
more suggestions?

Not familiar with XP, but usually that is one's browser settings -- not 
something set in Windows per se. Play around with the graphic setting in your 
browser -- preferences. You might try compress graphics or don't compress graphics 
and see what works best. Sometimes what works and won't work is a function of 
how much memory you have.

Marnie 



Re: Digital issues

2003-10-25 Thread alex wetmore
On Sat, 25 Oct 2003, mike wilson wrote:
> My (presently) biggest gripe with digital imaging is the cost.  For a
> process that is not significantly better, except in immediacy of
> results, I am expected to pay a very significant premium?  No, thank
> you.  I can do almost the same thing by buying a film scanner for about
> 1/5th of the price.

I moved away from film scanning a few years ago after getting sick one
last time of dealing with dust on the slides.  I really did like
shooting slides and viewing them, but scanning them with anything less
than a $1000 scanner just wasn't producing decent results.  I don't
know if prices for good scanners have come down and maybe that has
changed.  I was using a Nikon LS1000.

I think my photography has improved as a result of using digital for a
few years because I can preview right away and tweak the image by
taking it again in a slightly different manner.  The knowledge that
I've picked up from this would probably carry over to film too.

The only film that I expect I would shoot anymore is if my *ist D
died on a trip, or if I was going somewhere that required I carried
the smallest camera possible and then I would take my Ricoh GR-1.

alex



Re: NorCal PDML Meet Pictures

2003-10-25 Thread Eactivist
>I wanna know why there's no piccies of Marnie.

>cheers,
frank

Because, sadly, I don't photography well and never have. So when people take 
out their cameras I hide or put a sackcloth over my head. :-)  Well, I wish I 
could. I've only had about 3-4 good pictures taken of me during my lifetime.

The true answer is Bruce has access to some that we should be sharing soon.

Marnie aka Doe  



Re: Wireless flash and off camera clips, grips, pips, tips, salsa dips

2003-10-25 Thread Ryan Lee
Mike, Matjaz, Michel,

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I just thought of something- because the mz5n
hasn't got wireless TTL with the af360fgz, am I right to say that to fix up
all the connections to have a remote flash (wired) I'd probably need the
Pentax labelled bits anyway if I wanted to use remote TTL?

Rgds,
Ryan




Re: Digital issues

2003-10-25 Thread Dave Miers

> The Epson C80 and other printers makes nice prints from 4 or 6 color inks,
> due to the small nozzle sizes.  The problem is the cleaning cycles.  We
have
> central air heat, which drys things out, and at the moment the printer
cannot
> spray a single drip of ink.  My own fault; I should have printed a test
block
> of colors once per week just to keep the ink flowing.  The same thing
> happened with the color on the HP printer, but at least you can get a new
> print head when you get more ink.  Too bad HP's older inks turn colors.

I've had fairly good luck cleaning my Epson heads with a high grade of
isopropyl alcohol.  I simply pull out the print cartridges and take a cue
tip loaded with alcohol and place a drop in the opening of each print head.
I then take a clean dry one and soak up the excess.  Replace the cartridges
and run a couple of cleaning cycles.  So far so good with this procedure.

Whether or not there are any negative consequences to this I don't know yet.
But what else to do?

David




Re: Wireless flash and off camera clips, grips, pips, tips, salsa dips

2003-10-25 Thread Ryan Lee
Hi Matjaz,

That pretty much clears it up. I'll be on the lookout for one just like that
with the tripod mount.

Cheers,
Ryan


From: "Matjaz Osojnik" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>


> Ryan,
>
> ordinary plastic flash clip will do, no real need for one with pentax
> name on it. The important thing is that the surface of the clip that
> comes in contact with flash pins is all plastic so the shortcutting
> among pins cannot occur. I use one that I bought in a local photo
> store, it can be attached onto the tripod and also comes with a
> bounce joint at the bottom. It does the job of holding the flash
> where I want just fine.
>
> Matjaz
>
>
> > Hiya wise Pentaxian panel..
> >
> > About using the af360fgz flash as a wireless slave with an mz5n (using
> > the popup flash to trigger the slave), I was wondering about this bit
> > in the manual:
> >
> > "To prevent accidental short-circuiting of the flash unit's hot shoe
> > contacts, attach the Off-Camera Shoe Grip or Off-Camera Shoe Clip
> > CL-10 when using the flash unit as a slave unit."
> >
> > and this bit in a separate section:
> >
> > "When using a flash unit separated from the camera, use of the
> > Off-camera shoe adapter F or the Off-camera shoe clip CL-10 is
> > recommended."
> >
> > While the latter remark seems a bit more passive, the former seems to
> > warn of dire consequences. Since I don't have either accessory, I was
> > wondering what the real risk is (of using a wireless slave without a
> > clip, grip thingie). Also, how much do they cost anyway (anyone got
> > spares lying around they want to offload?)
> >
> > Rgds,
> > Ryan
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>




Re: Wireless flash and off camera clips, grips, pips, tips, salsa dips

2003-10-25 Thread Ryan Lee
Hi Michel,

I tried going to the URL, but even cutting and pasting the whole line gets a
broken link. Was it a typo?

Rgds,
Ryan


From: "Michel Carrère-Gée" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

> I use a "home made" shoe with full metal socket:
> http://perso.wanadoo.fr/krg/photo/bricolage.htm#Support flash
>
> Michel




Re: Wireless flash and off camera clips, grips, pips, tips, salsa dips

2003-10-25 Thread Michel Carrère-Gée
Ryan Lee a écrit:
Hiya wise Pentaxian panel..

About using the af360fgz flash as a wireless slave with an mz5n (using the
popup flash to trigger the slave), I was wondering about this bit in the
manual:
"To prevent accidental short-circuiting of the flash unit's hot shoe
contacts, attach the Off-Camera Shoe Grip or Off-Camera Shoe Clip CL-10 when
using the flash unit as a slave unit."
and this bit in a separate section:

"When using a flash unit separated from the camera, use of the Off-camera
shoe adapter F or the Off-camera shoe clip CL-10 is recommended."
While the latter remark seems a bit more passive, the former seems to warn
of dire consequences. Since I don't have either accessory, I was wondering
what the real risk is (of using a wireless slave without a clip, grip
thingie). Also, how much do they cost anyway (anyone got spares lying around
they want to offload?)
I use a "home made" shoe with full metal socket:
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/krg/photo/bricolage.htm#Support flash
Michel




Re: Wireless flash and off camera clips, grips, pips, tips, salsa dips

2003-10-25 Thread Matjaz Osojnik
Ryan,

ordinary plastic flash clip will do, no real need for one with pentax 
name on it. The important thing is that the surface of the clip that 
comes in contact with flash pins is all plastic so the shortcutting 
among pins cannot occur. I use one that I bought in a local photo 
store, it can be attached onto the tripod and also comes with a 
bounce joint at the bottom. It does the job of holding the flash 
where I want just fine.

Matjaz


> Hiya wise Pentaxian panel..
> 
> About using the af360fgz flash as a wireless slave with an mz5n (using
> the popup flash to trigger the slave), I was wondering about this bit
> in the manual:
> 
> "To prevent accidental short-circuiting of the flash unit's hot shoe
> contacts, attach the Off-Camera Shoe Grip or Off-Camera Shoe Clip
> CL-10 when using the flash unit as a slave unit."
> 
> and this bit in a separate section:
> 
> "When using a flash unit separated from the camera, use of the
> Off-camera shoe adapter F or the Off-camera shoe clip CL-10 is
> recommended."
> 
> While the latter remark seems a bit more passive, the former seems to
> warn of dire consequences. Since I don't have either accessory, I was
> wondering what the real risk is (of using a wireless slave without a
> clip, grip thingie). Also, how much do they cost anyway (anyone got
> spares lying around they want to offload?)
> 
> Rgds,
> Ryan
> 
> 
>