Re: Survey Results: How do you do exposure?
I've used the camera's built-in meter since I had a camera that had that (it was Kiev-19, Russian manual SLR with Nikon lens mount). At that point I learned to work with a point meter by pointing the center spot to the area by which I would like to do the metering, and if necessary do some thinking (e.g. compensate for reflective or bright backgrounds such as water or sky). Even with the matrix metering available (ZX-5n, *ist DS), very often I've been doing the same, while switching to the center-point metering. Igor Fri, 10 Feb 2006 11:02:37 -0800 Adam Maas wrote: [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: And some film cameras, like you mentioned, did not have matrix metering, only spot metering or center weighted metering. So matrix metering was mentioned quite a few times because it does a better job for people. But people can draw their own conclusions based on the data. Marnie aka Doe I suspect a lot of this has to do with the Meter getting better, rather than the move to digital. I wouldn't be shocked to find out that most of the people who used to use handheld meters and now use the camera meter were moving up from MF bodies or older film bodies that had less intelligent matrix metering or just centre-weighted. For them, the excellent matrix spot meters on the *ists would be a major upgrade. -Adam
Re: Photoshop- Windows printing under semicolormanagement question
It's all in how you use it. The Z55 is my everyday printer, and the heads are filled with third party ink, cheap stuff in bottles. I have a set of saved curves for that printer using very cheap photopaper that serves as a proofing machine for what output of the HP, which only has the photo carts in it, will look like on top grade HP paper. The Z55 surprised me more than once by producing nice looking prints despite being used this way; I've run a LOT of ink through it and understand it pretty well by now. Used to work well, and will again, I'm sure, once I complete the Win98 setup and roll back to what I was doing in 2002. We're off the original question again; I guess I'll subscribe to the Adobe User To User forum long enough to post the question there. I wish I'd written down all my settings back then. Thanks anyway, Adam. -Lon Adam Maas wrote: I've used a Z55 a bit. It doesn't produce anything close to acceptable prints by my standards. And given the cost of Lexmark Ink, upgrading printers (With a full set of ink) is going to cost about the same as replacing the ink will, and get you significant increase in quality, archivability and lower ink costs. snip
Re: OT: HCB with a Minolta CLE
On 10/2/06, Bob W, discombobulated, unleashed: It's not a decision I applaud either, Frank. I loathe the Chinese government, and I despise our own governments for dealing with them. I would very much like to boycott all Chinese goods, but unfortunately it seems to be practically impossible, with so many of our imports coming from there it's all too easy to buy something and only later find that it's been made in China. It doesn't mean I shouldn't try, of course, but it's difficult (for me, at least) to get uptight and moralistic about other people when I have so much Chinese-made stuff of my own. The real problem is dealing with the fact that it is the antiquated Chinese authorities that cause the problems. The people themselves are generous and kind. I would prefer not to buy Chinese goods on the basis of human rights issues (particularly Tibet), but as Bob says, it is difficult in this day and age. Remember back in the 70s when every damn thing you picked up was made in Hong Kong? :-) Cheers, Cotty ___/\__ || (O) | People, Places, Pastiche ||=|http://www.cottysnaps.com _
Re: LX grouchy when cold
On Feb 11, 2006, at 3:58 PM, Jon Myers wrote: I've discovered that my LX acts up when it's cold. But only when cold. [...] What could be the cause and remedy of this? It's alive! Move to a warmer climate :) - Dave
Re: Digital darkroom frustrations!
On Feb 11, 2006, at 5:19 PM, William Robb wrote: I was happy with the first properly profiled print off my new Epson, and that was gotten by setting the thing to automatic. I had good results straight away with my 2100, but after I ran the alignment procedure the results were even better. IIRC the 4000 and 4800 automatically keep track of their alignment so that step isn't even necessary. I read somewhere that they're also set up a lot better in the factory. - Dave
RE: Photography at airports
I wonder when they'll get round to separate Christian and Muslim drinking fountains. -- Cheers, Bob -Original Message- From: Mishka [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 11 February 2006 06:43 To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: Photography at airports also, in secaucus ups pick-up hall, there used to be a sign that because of 9/11, blah blah blah..., the bathrooms are for employees only. i am not kidding, it's probably still there. best, mishka
Re: Photoshop- Windows printing under semicolormanagement question
OK, with that sort of use, I can see using the Z55 if you've got things working the way you want (it's pretty similar to a common paper workflow in the Digital BW world, using EEM for proofing and Photo Rag for final prints). I still do recommend comparing ink costs, the Lexmark's are pricey compared to the other options in the 'ink costs more than the printer' range. Definitely ask over on the Adobe Forums. They've likely got more people doing colour managed workflows with odd setups (like 98). -Adam Lon Williamson wrote: It's all in how you use it. The Z55 is my everyday printer, and the heads are filled with third party ink, cheap stuff in bottles. I have a set of saved curves for that printer using very cheap photopaper that serves as a proofing machine for what output of the HP, which only has the photo carts in it, will look like on top grade HP paper. The Z55 surprised me more than once by producing nice looking prints despite being used this way; I've run a LOT of ink through it and understand it pretty well by now. Used to work well, and will again, I'm sure, once I complete the Win98 setup and roll back to what I was doing in 2002. We're off the original question again; I guess I'll subscribe to the Adobe User To User forum long enough to post the question there. I wish I'd written down all my settings back then. Thanks anyway, Adam. -Lon Adam Maas wrote: I've used a Z55 a bit. It doesn't produce anything close to acceptable prints by my standards. And given the cost of Lexmark Ink, upgrading printers (With a full set of ink) is going to cost about the same as replacing the ink will, and get you significant increase in quality, archivability and lower ink costs. snip
Re: Digital darkroom frustrations!
David Mann wrote: On Feb 11, 2006, at 5:19 PM, William Robb wrote: I was happy with the first properly profiled print off my new Epson, and that was gotten by setting the thing to automatic. I had good results straight away with my 2100, but after I ran the alignment procedure the results were even better. IIRC the 4000 and 4800 automatically keep track of their alignment so that step isn't even necessary. I read somewhere that they're also set up a lot better in the factory. - Dave The Stylus Pro's are aligned and linearized at the factory, the 'lesser' printers aren't. -Adam
Re: Lenses for 645D?
Hi Jens, - Original Message - From: Jens Bladt [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sharper is also a COF issue, which means 35mm lens shots don't get enlarged as much as MF shots. I thought this was the other way around. With a larger format you can enlarge more without revealing the COF. A clever guy who has money to spend would start buying up Pentax 645 lenses in order to sell them at very good prices a year from now :-) This way one could make enought money to buy a Pentax 645D - for free, actually. LOL - Well, you may be right about that, if the prices of 645 lenses inflate the way as it has for K-mount lenses. Jostein
RE: New High End DSLR Speculation
I would like a camera with which I can take pictures like this (ISO 1600-3200), but without all the noice (I don't like flash photography a lot): http://www.jensbladt.dk/Bedste-dag-album/index.html (Pentax * ist D, scm Pentax-M 4/75-150mm) This was yesterdays Grandparents Day at may grand daughteres creche (the blond girl with the pink jersey). Jens Bladt http://www.jensbladt.dk -Oprindelig meddelelse- Fra: dick graham [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sendt: 9. februar 2006 21:53 Til: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Emne: New High End DSLR Speculation Let the speculation start now. This site thrives on second guessing upcoming Pentax products. It seems very likely that it will be an 8 meg camera with image stabilization, seeing that the new point shoot A-10 offers these specs. It will have a Samsung sensor and, hopefully, a much improved image processor. Like quite a few new Pentax production introductions in the past this one will appear to have some break through technologies but then will fall short. It will end up shy of cutting edge products that C N put out but will be a solid update camera aimed squarely at previous and current Pentax owners. DG
Re: LX grouchy when cold
On Feb 10, 2006, at 10:46 PM, David Savage wrote: Cold grease? Yep. Grease has thickened and gotten gummy with age. Camera needs CLA. Shouldn't be terribly expensive, but should only be done by someone who understands the sealing on the LX and can put it back properly on reassembly. Bob
Re: LX grouchy when cold
The remedy is almost certainly relubrication. Greases change properties over time and become harder. In addition, they can accumulate particles, both from the environment and wear on the mechanical parts. Most such particles will be more partial to moisture than the grease itself, and thus impact the low-temperature performance. Jostein - Original Message - From: Jon Myers [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Sent: Saturday, February 11, 2006 3:58 AM Subject: LX grouchy when cold I've discovered that my LX acts up when it's cold. But only when cold. What it's doing resembles the sticky mirror issue, but the mirror isn't sticking to the bumper at all. So that's not the case. Pressing the shutter release causes the mirror to start to move, it gets a few millimeters off the bumper and then moves very slowly upwards while the winder complains. Works beautifully when at room temperature though. What could be the cause and remedy of this? __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: LX grouchy when cold
Not only that, but I've seen old grease separate in the container. It kinda turns into oil and a more viscous grease. If something like that is used in cameras or lenses (I'm not sure it is), it would really gum up the works with age. -Lon Jostein wrote: The remedy is almost certainly relubrication. Greases change properties over time and become harder. In addition, they can accumulate particles, both from the environment and wear on the mechanical parts. Most such particles will be more partial to moisture than the grease itself, and thus impact the low-temperature performance.
RE: LX grouchy when cold
From: Jostein [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] The remedy is almost certainly relubrication. I think that applies to most things in life... Bob
Re: New High End DSLR Speculation
Jens, How about faster glass? best, mishka On 2/11/06, Jens Bladt [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I would like a camera with which I can take pictures like this (ISO 1600-3200), but without all the noice (I don't like flash photography a lot): http://www.jensbladt.dk/Bedste-dag-album/index.html (Pentax * ist D, scm Pentax-M 4/75-150mm) This was yesterdays Grandparents Day at may grand daughteres creche (the blond girl with the pink jersey). Jens Bladt http://www.jensbladt.dk -Oprindelig meddelelse- Fra: dick graham [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sendt: 9. februar 2006 21:53 Til: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Emne: New High End DSLR Speculation Let the speculation start now. This site thrives on second guessing upcoming Pentax products. It seems very likely that it will be an 8 meg camera with image stabilization, seeing that the new point shoot A-10 offers these specs. It will have a Samsung sensor and, hopefully, a much improved image processor. Like quite a few new Pentax production introductions in the past this one will appear to have some break through technologies but then will fall short. It will end up shy of cutting edge products that C N put out but will be a solid update camera aimed squarely at previous and current Pentax owners. DG
Re: Lenses for 645D?
- Original Message - From: Jens Bladt [EMAIL PROTECTED] 35mm lenses sharper than MF-lenses? No way. The DOF is greater due to the smaller format. That's all. The rest is a question of polishing glass. Of course the 35-mm lenses are smaller, thus smaller tolerences - in order to obtain a CORRESPONDING quality measuere. That doesn't make them sharper, though. Well, my experience is still that MF lenses from Pentax are less sharp than comparable 35mm K-mount lenses as long as we keep the basement consumer stuff out of the discussion (equivalents to these doesn't exist in MF). Pål
sticky mirror... MX ?
Hi All, It's been a long time since I've posted here... it's hard to keep up with all the email traffic! It's been a while since I've used my MX and today it's exhibiting a sticky mirror problem. I've read a lot about sticky mirrors on the LX, but has anyone heard of it on an MX before? I had the MX serviced three years ago by Pentax Service here in the UK. Admittedly, since then I've hardly used the camera and it did spend most of those three years in hot and humid conditions in the Far East. Any recommendations on what I could do next? Get it repaired+serviced? Bu= y another used MX? Buy a used MZ-S? Buy a new FM3A [joke - don't flame me!]= ? I really want to stay with Pentax because I have some lenses that I'm quite reluctant to let go of: A24/2.8, M35/2, A50/1.4 and M85/2 [some people say it's a dog, but I still love it - ok?]. I'm getting really desperate now because this MX is my last Pentax - I've had two ME Supers pop their cogs within the same three years! Thanks in advance. Francis Tang.
RE: New High End DSLR Speculation
No, that's definitely not the answer. I could have used an FA 2.8/80-200mm or an FA 1.4/50mm but that would only have given me: 1) More weight (1st choice) 2) More bulk (1st choise) or 3) Less DOF (if I used slower ISO-speed) (1st and 2nd choice) Most good photographs will require at least some DOF (F.4 - F.8) for APS-sized sensors. What I need is low noice at high ISO. I want today's ISO 200-400 noise at ISO 1600-3200, please! Are you listening Pentax/Sony/Samsung - or must we wait another 20 years for good quality photographs. I don't want to fire a light gun at peoples faces in order to get high quality photographs in doors. Is that really too much to ask? Regards Jens Jens Bladt http://www.jensbladt.dk -Oprindelig meddelelse- Fra: Mishka [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sendt: 11. februar 2006 12:37 Til: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Emne: Re: New High End DSLR Speculation Jens, How about faster glass? best, mishka On 2/11/06, Jens Bladt [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I would like a camera with which I can take pictures like this (ISO 1600-3200), but without all the noice (I don't like flash photography a lot): http://www.jensbladt.dk/Bedste-dag-album/index.html (Pentax * ist D, scm Pentax-M 4/75-150mm) This was yesterdays Grandparents Day at may grand daughteres creche (the blond girl with the pink jersey). Jens Bladt http://www.jensbladt.dk -Oprindelig meddelelse- Fra: dick graham [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sendt: 9. februar 2006 21:53 Til: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Emne: New High End DSLR Speculation Let the speculation start now. This site thrives on second guessing upcoming Pentax products. It seems very likely that it will be an 8 meg camera with image stabilization, seeing that the new point shoot A-10 offers these specs. It will have a Samsung sensor and, hopefully, a much improved image processor. Like quite a few new Pentax production introductions in the past this one will appear to have some break through technologies but then will fall short. It will end up shy of cutting edge products that C N put out but will be a solid update camera aimed squarely at previous and current Pentax owners. DG
Re: Looks like GFM has sold out
- Original Message - From: Mark Roberts Subject: Looks like GFM has sold out This has to be a record for fastest sell-out. Hope all the PDML'ers who wanted to come signed up in time. There is a waiting list but I don't know how long it is. http://www.grandfather.com __ I seem to have a spare guest pass for Saturday supper.. William Robb ___ Do we get passes in the mail, or is the printed invoice our pass. Just asking as Frank and I are on one invoice number. Dave David J Brooks Equine Photography in York Region www.caughtinmotion.com Pentax istD, Nikon D2H
Re: OT: HCB with a Minolta CLE
Any attempt to punish the government of China will, ultimately, punish the people of China. I have friends who were born in China. They don't want to see that happen. Nor do I. Paul On Feb 11, 2006, at 3:38 AM, Cotty wrote: On 10/2/06, Bob W, discombobulated, unleashed: It's not a decision I applaud either, Frank. I loathe the Chinese government, and I despise our own governments for dealing with them. I would very much like to boycott all Chinese goods, but unfortunately it seems to be practically impossible, with so many of our imports coming from there it's all too easy to buy something and only later find that it's been made in China. It doesn't mean I shouldn't try, of course, but it's difficult (for me, at least) to get uptight and moralistic about other people when I have so much Chinese-made stuff of my own. The real problem is dealing with the fact that it is the antiquated Chinese authorities that cause the problems. The people themselves are generous and kind. I would prefer not to buy Chinese goods on the basis of human rights issues (particularly Tibet), but as Bob says, it is difficult in this day and age. Remember back in the 70s when every damn thing you picked up was made in Hong Kong? :-) Cheers, Cotty ___/\__ || (O) | People, Places, Pastiche ||=|http://www.cottysnaps.com _
Re: Looks like GFM has sold out
Do we get passes in the mail, or is the printed invoice our pass. Just asking as Frank and I are on one invoice number. Unless they changed something, they'll give you your passes, name tags etc. when you get there. It wouldn't hurt to bring the invoice or e-mail confirmation but I don't think you'll need it. TR
Re: sticky mirror... MX ?
On Feb 11, 2006, at 7:18 AM, Francis Tang wrote: I had the MX serviced three years ago by Pentax Service here in the UK. Admittedly, since then I've hardly used the camera and it did spend most of those three years in hot and humid conditions in the Far East. Fire it a bunch of times without film. It may be sticky just from lack of use. If the mirror doesn't go all the way up, help it gently through the lens mount with a clean cotton swab. If this doesn't make it happy, time to go back to service. Bob
RE: Lenses for 645D?
Oh, this is about Pentax MF stuff - as opposed to Pentax 35mm. Why is that an issue? You want to use MF lenses for 35mm cameras or DSLR's? Pentax MF lenses (645) should be excellent if Pentax wants to be compeditive in the digital MF segment, ehre others are alrady miles ahead (Hasselblad, Rolleiflex, Mamiya, Fuji, Sinar and who else...). I guess Pentax MF lenses are quite good, although perhaps not the best there is. Regards Jens -Oprindelig meddelelse- Fra: Pål Jensen [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sendt: 11. februar 2006 13:17 Til: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Emne: Re: Lenses for 645D? - Original Message - From: Jens Bladt [EMAIL PROTECTED] 35mm lenses sharper than MF-lenses? No way. The DOF is greater due to the smaller format. That's all. The rest is a question of polishing glass. Of course the 35-mm lenses are smaller, thus smaller tolerences - in order to obtain a CORRESPONDING quality measuere. That doesn't make them sharper, though. Well, my experience is still that MF lenses from Pentax are less sharp than comparable 35mm K-mount lenses as long as we keep the basement consumer stuff out of the discussion (equivalents to these doesn't exist in MF). Pål
RE: Lenses for 645D?
Jostein. I guess that's what I meant. COF is defined according to the wanted englargement. So, a plausible COF should not be the same for MF and 35mm. Or should it? Jens Bladt http://www.jensbladt.dk -Oprindelig meddelelse- Fra: Jostein [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sendt: 11. februar 2006 11:12 Til: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Emne: Re: Lenses for 645D? Hi Jens, - Original Message - From: Jens Bladt [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sharper is also a COF issue, which means 35mm lens shots don't get enlarged as much as MF shots. I thought this was the other way around. With a larger format you can enlarge more without revealing the COF. A clever guy who has money to spend would start buying up Pentax 645 lenses in order to sell them at very good prices a year from now :-) This way one could make enought money to buy a Pentax 645D - for free, actually. LOL - Well, you may be right about that, if the prices of 645 lenses inflate the way as it has for K-mount lenses. Jostein
RE: LX grouchy when cold
Very typical of a camera in need of a CLA. The lubricants become sticky and too viscous. When I buy used Pentax bodies I test them and then put them in the freezer for a couple of hours and test them again. Many that pass at room temp fail when cold. Don -Original Message- From: Jon Myers [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, February 10, 2006 8:59 PM To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: LX grouchy when cold I've discovered that my LX acts up when it's cold. But only when cold. What it's doing resembles the sticky mirror issue, but the mirror isn't sticking to the bumper at all. So that's not the case. Pressing the shutter release causes the mirror to start to move, it gets a few millimeters off the bumper and then moves very slowly upwards while the winder complains. Works beautifully when at room temperature though. What could be the cause and remedy of this? __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Lenses for 645D?
- Original Message - From: Jens Bladt [EMAIL PROTECTED] Oh, this is about Pentax MF stuff - as opposed to Pentax 35mm. Why is that an issue? You want to use MF lenses for 35mm cameras or DSLR's? Pentax MF lenses (645) should be excellent if Pentax wants to be compeditive in the digital MF segment, ehre others are alrady miles ahead (Hasselblad, Rolleiflex, Mamiya, Fuji, Sinar and who else...). I guess Pentax MF lenses are quite good, although perhaps not the best there is. I personally don't think it matters for the same reasons as doesn't matter for MF film. Lens quality is more crucial the smaller the format as the final quality depends on an interaction of the resolution of the medium (film or sensor) + the resolution of the lens. Pål
RE: sticky mirror... MX ?
Agreed, sit and watch a movie and cock and fire the camera the whole time. Pentax bodies thrive on being used, idle time makes them stiff (like me). ;-) I try to keep a winder on hand so I can work a body well before I sell it, keeps problems to a minimum. I have 50-75 Pentax bodies at any given time, it's inevitable that some sit idle for quite a while before getting sold/used. Don -Original Message- From: Bob Shell [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, February 11, 2006 6:45 AM To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: sticky mirror... MX ? On Feb 11, 2006, at 7:18 AM, Francis Tang wrote: I had the MX serviced three years ago by Pentax Service here in the UK. Admittedly, since then I've hardly used the camera and it did spend most of those three years in hot and humid conditions in the Far East. Fire it a bunch of times without film. It may be sticky just from lack of use. If the mirror doesn't go all the way up, help it gently through the lens mount with a clean cotton swab. If this doesn't make it happy, time to go back to service. Bob
Pop Photo D Shoot-out
For those who may be curious, or even care, the March '06 issue of Pop Photo has a performance comparison between Canon XT, Konica Minolta Max. 5D, Nikon D50, Olympus Evolt E-500 and the Pentax *ist DS2. While this listing is alphabetical, the order is a hint at the article's results. I'll skip the tedious details, but forward a final comment in their Bottom Line summary. Pentax needs a hot new rig (say, 8-10MP) in its lineup. Jack __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
The Sacrifices
1. Which lens are you willing to get beat in a harsh environment when you don't want to take the nice lenses out to play. 2. Which lens will you only bring out in the nicest conditions? (and as a result this lens, though perhaps now having some age to it, still looks like new) He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose -- Jim Elliott
RE: LX grouchy when cold
Sounds like the camera could use a CLA - clean out the old lube and put in some new. Shel [Original Message] From: Jon Myers I've discovered that my LX acts up when it's cold. But only when cold. What it's doing resembles the sticky mirror issue, but the mirror isn't sticking to the bumper at all. So that's not the case. Pressing the shutter release causes the mirror to start to move, it gets a few millimeters off the bumper and then moves very slowly upwards while the winder complains. Works beautifully when at room temperature though.
Re: Pentax Glass on a Leica?
No, Cameraquest does not have something similar. The photo I presented was of a special 43mm lens made by Pentax in a Leica screw mount. There were, to the best of my recollection, less than 1000 of these lenses made, primarily for the Japanese market, although I know of a few that found their way to North America. I believe there are adapters that allow Leica glass to be used on Pentax bodies. I had one that I gave to Juan, but it didn't focus to infinity. I believe that Juan found an adapter that allowed infinity focus, but you'd have to check with him to be sure. My memory these days has turned to porridge. Shel [Original Message] From: Gautam Sarup Camera Quest has something similar. Said to fit all M bodies except the M6 TTL. Bummer. I'd actually be more interested if it were possible to use Leica lenses on Pentax bodies. Cheers, Gautam http://www.cameraquest.com/adaptslrRFM.htm On 2/9/06, Shel Belinkoff [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: You Betcha! http://www.exblog.jp/blog_logo.asp?slt=1imgsrc=200503/18/14/a0022814_115317 2.jpg or http://tinyurl.com/89cuc Missed out on the lens a while back ... one of my biggest camera gear disappointments
Re: The Sacrifices
On 2/11/06, Collin R Brendemuehl [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: 1. Which lens are you willing to get beat in a harsh environment when you don't want to take the nice lenses out to play. All of them. Which isn't to say I don't look after them in adverse conditions. They're tools are meant to be used. 2. Which lens will you only bring out in the nicest conditions? (and as a result this lens, though perhaps now having some age to it, still looks like new) N/A This question reminds me of my old man. He has at least 2 of every tool he owns. 1 or more of high quality then the cheap one he actually uses. He pitches a fit when I go for the good stuff :-) Dave
Re: sticky mirror... MX ?
One of my MX bodies also is sticky and I suspect the foam next to the focussing screen which dampens the mirror. This foam gets very sticky almost liquid after many years and residues are present on the mirror. Could it be an option to simply remove this foam? Toine On 2/11/06, Don Sanderson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Agreed, sit and watch a movie and cock and fire the camera the whole time. Pentax bodies thrive on being used, idle time makes them stiff (like me). ;-) I try to keep a winder on hand so I can work a body well before I sell it, keeps problems to a minimum. I have 50-75 Pentax bodies at any given time, it's inevitable that some sit idle for quite a while before getting sold/used. Don -Original Message- From: Bob Shell [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, February 11, 2006 6:45 AM To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: sticky mirror... MX ? On Feb 11, 2006, at 7:18 AM, Francis Tang wrote: I had the MX serviced three years ago by Pentax Service here in the UK. Admittedly, since then I've hardly used the camera and it did spend most of those three years in hot and humid conditions in the Far East. Fire it a bunch of times without film. It may be sticky just from lack of use. If the mirror doesn't go all the way up, help it gently through the lens mount with a clean cotton swab. If this doesn't make it happy, time to go back to service. Bob
RE: New High End DSLR Speculation
At first read, that seems to be a most inane statement, but maybe there's more to it than my pre morning coffee brain can understand. Perhaps you can elaborate upon it, specifically, why is a certain range of DOF important for good photographs, what is a good photograph, and what does sensor or film size have to do with anything? Thank you for your indulgence. Shel [Original Message] From: Jens Bladt Most good photographs will require at least some DOF (F.4 - F.8) for APS-sized sensors.
Help on two issues
Hi guys, getting out of lurking mode, 'cause I need some help from you. I want to buy a Konica Minolta dual scan IV, but because of Sony it is getting more difficult. In Europe the online shops where I find it are in German language which I don't understand except the price (288€). Is there anyone in Europe who wants to get ride of one of those scanners still in good shape? Any other suggestion? I still shoot film 'cause am waiting for the digital sister/brother of my beloved MZ-S, but I would like to post more often some pictures and I don't like the digital scanning that shops in my neighbourhood do from 35 mm film. It's to much automatic for me. The other thing is a FA 24-90/3,5-4,5. Aiming high hã?! I am just asking so why not. Thanks for all the help you can give, Manuel
Re: PESO: Church Door (we have a winner)
In a message dated 2/10/2006 9:10:17 PM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Keith McGuinness wrote: As me too's don't seem (fortunately) to be discouraged on this list, I'll add my Congratulations; great image. Me, too!! ERNR === Ditto. Lots of nice detail and texture. Congrats! Marnie aka Doe
Re: The Sacrifices
1. K 50/1,4, K 35/3.5, K24/3.5 (all very good, but all rather inexpensive and not essential to my kit) 2. K 85/1.8 (love it and tough to replace) and lately the DA 12-24/4 (expensive and much needed) On Feb 11, 2006, at 8:58 AM, Collin R Brendemuehl wrote: 1. Which lens are you willing to get beat in a harsh environment when you don't want to take the nice lenses out to play. 2. Which lens will you only bring out in the nicest conditions? (and as a result this lens, though perhaps now having some age to it, still looks like new) He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose -- Jim Elliott
RE: The Sacrifices
I treat all my lenses the same, although, for various reasons (usually scarcity) I'd be more upset if something happened to some of them ... well, thinking about it a bit more, most of the lenses I use are scarce to some degree or another. Shel [Original Message] From: Collin R Brendemuehl 1. Which lens are you willing to get beat in a harsh environment when you don't want to take the nice lenses out to play. 2. Which lens will you only bring out in the nicest conditions? (and as a result this lens, though perhaps now having some age to it, still looks like new)
Re: The Sacrifices
What's the point of having good quality tools if they're not used? Shel [Original Message] From: David Savage This question reminds me of my old man. He has at least 2 of every tool he owns. 1 or more of high quality then the cheap one he actually uses. He pitches a fit when I go for the good stuff :-) Dave
Re: The Sacrifices
Collin R Brendemuehl wrote: 1. Which lens are you willing to get beat in a harsh environment when you don't want to take the nice lenses out to play. 2. Which lens will you only bring out in the nicest conditions? (and as a result this lens, though perhaps now having some age to it, still looks like new) He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose -- Jim Elliott 1. F35-135mm 2. FA* 85/1.4; FA* 200/2.8 Manuel
Re: Pentax Glass on a Leica?
Unfortunately, there is no way to enable infinity focus with a Leica rangefinder lens on a Pentax SLR. The lens will hit the mirror if it's mounted close enough to allow infinity focus. Paul On Feb 11, 2006, at 9:14 AM, Shel Belinkoff wrote: No, Cameraquest does not have something similar. The photo I presented was of a special 43mm lens made by Pentax in a Leica screw mount. There were, to the best of my recollection, less than 1000 of these lenses made, primarily for the Japanese market, although I know of a few that found their way to North America. I believe there are adapters that allow Leica glass to be used on Pentax bodies. I had one that I gave to Juan, but it didn't focus to infinity. I believe that Juan found an adapter that allowed infinity focus, but you'd have to check with him to be sure. My memory these days has turned to porridge. Shel [Original Message] From: Gautam Sarup Camera Quest has something similar. Said to fit all M bodies except the M6 TTL. Bummer. I'd actually be more interested if it were possible to use Leica lenses on Pentax bodies. Cheers, Gautam http://www.cameraquest.com/adaptslrRFM.htm On 2/9/06, Shel Belinkoff [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: You Betcha! http://www.exblog.jp/blog_logo.asp?slt=1imgsrc=200503/18/14/ a0022814_115317 2.jpg or http://tinyurl.com/89cuc Missed out on the lens a while back ... one of my biggest camera gear disappointments
Macro with Pentax lenses
Hey, I purchased Pentax kit with SMC 28-90mm lense. Low flare and quite okay lenses with F8 and smaller. See some of my macro shots. with EXIF info. Roman -- home http://roman.blakout.net/
Re: sticky mirror... MX ?
No, if the foam is removed the mirror won't be positioned correctly for accurate focus. It must be replaced. Paul On Feb 11, 2006, at 9:20 AM, Toine Kuiper wrote: One of my MX bodies also is sticky and I suspect the foam next to the focussing screen which dampens the mirror. This foam gets very sticky almost liquid after many years and residues are present on the mirror. Could it be an option to simply remove this foam? Toine On 2/11/06, Don Sanderson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Agreed, sit and watch a movie and cock and fire the camera the whole time. Pentax bodies thrive on being used, idle time makes them stiff (like me). ;-) I try to keep a winder on hand so I can work a body well before I sell it, keeps problems to a minimum. I have 50-75 Pentax bodies at any given time, it's inevitable that some sit idle for quite a while before getting sold/used. Don -Original Message- From: Bob Shell [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, February 11, 2006 6:45 AM To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: sticky mirror... MX ? On Feb 11, 2006, at 7:18 AM, Francis Tang wrote: I had the MX serviced three years ago by Pentax Service here in the UK. Admittedly, since then I've hardly used the camera and it did spend most of those three years in hot and humid conditions in the Far East. Fire it a bunch of times without film. It may be sticky just from lack of use. If the mirror doesn't go all the way up, help it gently through the lens mount with a clean cotton swab. If this doesn't make it happy, time to go back to service. Bob
Re: The Sacrifices
1. Which lens are you willing to get beat in a harsh environment when you don't want to take the nice lenses out to play. For me, the harshest environment is whale watching. For the last few years, my solution to this has been a couple user copies of lenses that are really good (which spares the prettier copies of those lens designs). For several years I have used two bodies, one with a scuffed up A* 300/4 and the other with a grizzled A 70-210/4. More recently, I have sometimes, for the long lens, used a veteran of many wars F* 300/4.5. In all cases, these lenses are in good shape optically and mechanically - their only defects are cosmetic. For me, using such extra user copies is the best solution... Fred
Re: New High End DSLR Speculation
Sensor size or film size will affect DOF for a given angle of view. APS-C will actually provide more DOF at a given angle of view than 35mm. Of course, Shel is right here, despite his lack of coffee g. Some photos are best executed with minimal DOF. Others will benefit from deep DOF. It's al a matter of executing one's vision. I frequently shoot wide open with a 35/2 or even a 50/1.4. And I've had reason to shoot at f32 with my 300/4 on the 6x7. There is no right or wrong way to produce a good photograph. I would think that is very obvious. Paul On Feb 11, 2006, at 9:22 AM, Shel Belinkoff wrote: At first read, that seems to be a most inane statement, but maybe there's more to it than my pre morning coffee brain can understand. Perhaps you can elaborate upon it, specifically, why is a certain range of DOF important for good photographs, what is a good photograph, and what does sensor or film size have to do with anything? Thank you for your indulgence. Shel [Original Message] From: Jens Bladt Most good photographs will require at least some DOF (F.4 - F.8) for APS-sized sensors.
Cold weather performance and lens test
I killed two birds with one trip up the hill in -12C. I decided to test the Sigma 400/5.6 Apo EX on the *ist D and also test how well things work in the cold. I took a pair of lithium batteries in my pocket in case the NiMH, that have been in the camera a couple of weeks, stopped working. They didn't. Everything went well and the results are in a gallery that I'll post in a few minutes. Here: http://www.kolumbus.fi/mimosa/400TEST There are twelve images: (1), (2) and (3) were taken from my bedroom window through three sheets of quite dirty glass about 3 mm thick at an angle of about 60 degrees to normal. The total thickness, including airspace, is about 80 mm. Front of lens was 100 mm from the glass. (4) and (5) top of the hill (4) with no sharpening but a little change in levels, (5) with a 50% application of unsharp mask. (6) and (7) same treatment. (8) and (9) same picture with and without the bright spots caused by snow crystals reflecting sunlight. They were removed with the Polaroid dust removal plug-in. (10) not spot removal (11) no sharpening (12) with 50% usm. The batteries still show full up on the indicator and the camera took pictures even though it was pretty cold to touch. I used the monstrous Manfrotto for this job and it stuck to my hand at the top of the hill when I took off my gloves to screw the lens to the platform. The camera is warming nicely and I took the images out while it was still well below zero. Any helpful comments would be appreciated. Don -- Dr E D F Williams __ http://www.kolumbus.fi/mimosa/index.htm http://personal.inet.fi/cool/don.williams See feature: The Cement Company from Hell Updated: Added Print Gallery - 16 11 2005
Re: The Sacrifices
2. Which lens will you only bring out in the nicest conditions? (and as a result this lens, though perhaps now having some age to it, still looks like new) Hmmm... Probably my worst example of a sacred cow lens is the A* 135/1.8. I tend to take this only when I know I am going to need the speed - most of the time, if I am packing a 135, it'll be a K 135/2.5. (And, I do have to admit that a very high percentage of photos at about 135mm have probably been taken using convenient zooms, which also - though not really intentionally - do help to spare both 135mm primes.) Fred
RE: LX grouchy when cold
The lower mirror bumper is not the only cause of sticky mirror, there are some other elastic rests in the mirror box that are likely deteriorating (turning to goo) and interfering with the mirror action. Cornelius Nuzzlemuff III
Re: The Sacrifices
What's the point of having good quality tools if they're not used? I see your point, Shel. However, certain tools might be most useful for certain tasks, so sparing them for those critical tasks using others instead may help ensure that they are available when their use is most needed. And, then again, there is the religious insanity known as collecting, that some of us are guilty of - that's a separate issue - g. Fred
Re: Pentax Glass on a Leica?
My memory of a discussion about this with Juan suggests otherwise - but, I could be mistaken. I'm looking into the issue now. Shel [Original Message] From: Paul Stenquist Unfortunately, there is no way to enable infinity focus with a Leica rangefinder lens on a Pentax SLR. The lens will hit the mirror if it's mounted close enough to allow infinity focus.
RE: The Sacrifices
I'm not sure that I understand the thinking behind this question. I happen to like 'grizzled' equipment, as you so aptly call it, but I wouldn't keep a pristine spare for Sunday best. If the grizzled piece of kit is good enough to use at all, it is good enough to use anywhere, in my opinion. However, I do understand the motivation behind keeping a spare as a replacement in case the day-to-day one gets trashed (e.g. eaten by a killer whale). I don't like new, pristine camera equipment. I can only feel comfortable with it when it's been through the wars a bit. When I got all my Contax gear new I felt very intimidated by it until it had been scuffed around on railway floors, dropped from apple trees, scraped in the bilges of fishing boats, and generally lived a bit. -- Cheers, Bob -Original Message- From: Fred [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 11 February 2006 14:37 To: Collin R Brendemuehl Subject: Re: The Sacrifices 1. Which lens are you willing to get beat in a harsh environment when you don't want to take the nice lenses out to play. For me, the harshest environment is whale watching. For the last few years, my solution to this has been a couple user copies of lenses that are really good (which spares the prettier copies of those lens designs). For several years I have used two bodies, one with a scuffed up A* 300/4 and the other with a grizzled A 70-210/4. More recently, I have sometimes, for the long lens, used a veteran of many wars F* 300/4.5. In all cases, these lenses are in good shape optically and mechanically - their only defects are cosmetic. For me, using such extra user copies is the best solution... Fred
Re: OT: HCB with a Minolta CLE
In a message dated 2/10/2006 4:24:26 AM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: On Feb 10, 2006, at 6:53 AM, Paul Stenquist wrote: Just curious, but why would you boycott Yahoo? Paul Because they have provided information on Chinese users that the Chinese government has used to imprison people. http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/02/09/china.yahoo.ap/index.html Bob I have a friend who works for a computer consulting firm. They were offered a job to write some software for handing China's telephone satellite system. (I think I have that right. Anyway, it was the telephone system, and I think it involved a satellite). The government wanted them to leave a back door in the software so they could spy on their citizens. I.E. If they made antigovernment statements they might be arrested. My friend wrestled with his conscience (it wasn't said why the Chinese government wanted a backdoor, but he could deduce it). He told his boss he couldn't do it and why. Big contract. The consulting firm turned down the job. Well-aware aware someone else WOULD do it. But still... I felt glad his boss supported him and showed backbone. I don't think he'll mind I shared this, I've kept it general enough. Marnie aka Doe
Re: Cold weather performance and lens test
Any helpful comments would be appreciated. Well, I don't know about helpful, but just a couple of pleasant surprises: 1. The shots through the window glass showed less loss of quality than I would have expected - a bit of contrast loss, I think, but the resolution held up pretty good, I thought. 2. The batteries did better than I would have expected - I'd have thought that you would have had to pop the lithiums in to replace the partially used NiMH's before you were out there that long. I guess it's winter in Finland... Fred
Re: OT The GUI grows up
In a message dated 2/10/2006 6:52:53 PM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: The requirement Mike mentions refers to the actual software. The demo is simply a large QuickTime video clip that'll play just fine on your hardware. :) Tim Yup. Except that it didn't. keith === Ditto. Marnie aka Doe
Re: The Sacrifices
I ask him that question every time he reaches for the cheap stuff. It's just one of his quirky charms I guess. :-) Dave On 2/11/06, Shel Belinkoff [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: What's the point of having good quality tools if they're not used? Shel [Original Message] Wrom: OQKEDOTWFAOB This question reminds me of my old man. He has at least 2 of every tool he owns. 1 or more of high quality then the cheap one he actually uses. He pitches a fit when I go for the good stuff :-) Dave
Re: The Sacrifices
On 2/11/06, Fred [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: What's the point of having good quality tools if they're not used? I see your point, Shel. However, certain tools might be most useful for certain tasks, so sparing them for those critical tasks using others instead may help ensure that they are available when their use is most needed. That's usually Dad's excuse. And, then again, there is the religious insanity known as collecting, that some of us are guilty of - that's a separate issue - g. This is closer to the truth :-) Dave
Re: The Sacrifices
I'm not sure that I understand the thinking behind this question. Well, Collin's two questions are likely to provoke all sorts of answers, because we're all quite different in our relationships to our gear. I can't really speak for Collin, of course, but he may have intended that some of us would agree with the thrust of the questions, while others might be horrified by the concepts proposed - g. Fred
Re: The Sacrifices
On 2/11/06, Bob W [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I don't like new, pristine camera equipment. I can only feel comfortable with it when it's been through the wars a bit. When I got all my Contax gear new I felt very intimidated by it until it had been scuffed around on railway floors, dropped from apple trees, scraped in the bilges of fishing boats, and generally lived a bit. -- Cheers, Bob I'm the same with shoes. I hate the look of new un-creased shoes. LOL Dave
Re: New High End DSLR Speculation
Jens Bladt wrote: I would like a camera with which I can take pictures like this (ISO 1600-3200), but without all the noice (I don't like flash photography a lot): http://www.jensbladt.dk/Bedste-dag-album/index.html (Pentax * ist D, scm Pentax-M 4/75-150mm) This was yesterdays Grandparents Day at may grand daughteres creche (the blond girl with the pink jersey). Hey, those are really nice! some are really, really nice ... I do a lot of shooting at 1600 with the *ist D too. Did you take those pictures at 3200? because I don't get anywhere near that much noise at 1600. (For myself, I wish I had a camera like my Optio which could go faster than 400 with no more noise than what's in those pictures you've shown. Your pictures look like what I get from the Optio 550 at 400. But that's by the way.) ERN
RE: PESO: Church Door (we have a winner)
Mark Roberst wrote: I'm not sure if I get anything besides bragging rights but what the heck, maybe it'll look good on my resume! Weel, it might help to open some doors! Congrats Jens Jens Bladt http://www.jensbladt.dk -Oprindelig meddelelse- Fra: Mark Roberts [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sendt: 10. februar 2006 15:06 Til: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Emne: PESO: Church Door (we have a winner) Some of you may have seen this in my collection of UK vacation photos from last summer. The Office of International Programs at Duquesne University, where I'm currently working on my masters degree, just had a photo contest and I won first prize with this one. I'm not sure if I get anything besides bragging rights but what the heck, maybe it'll look good on my resume! http://www.robertstech.com/peso.htm Notes: 1. Luddites rejoice! This was shot on FILM! (Pentax 645, Ilford HP5+) 2. I really do like the sepia toning, but the main reason I did it at the time was so I could print it at home: I haven't yet mastered the art of getting neutral monochrome reproduction out of my Epson 2200 and I hoped that the sepia tone would hide any slight color cast. It worked - the print looks great! 3. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the entries in the contest. Yes, there were a lot of vacation snapshots and a few really nice photos that were obviously the kind of lucky grab that we all got from time to time before we started doing photography seriously, but there were several that were clearly the work of talented people. The one I thought should have won was by someone who did people photos of locals in various parts of the Caribbean. He or she had a knack for composition, a talent for getting people to be at ease when he photographed them and a natural eye for good light. Wish this stuff was on line so everyone could see it. -- Mark Roberts Photography and writing www.robertstech.com
Re: The Sacrifices
Collin R Brendemuehl wrote: 1. Which lens are you willing to get beat in a harsh environment when you don't want to take the nice lenses out to play. The M lenses. I collected some of them for that exact reason. My rationale being that they contain no electronics. They were also cheap. 2. Which lens will you only bring out in the nicest conditions? (and as a result this lens, though perhaps now having some age to it, still looks like new) Can't think of one to which that applies. ERN
Re: Lenses for 645D?
A 645 original is 2.5 times the size of a 35mm original. So I suppose that any COF that is less than 2.5 times as large in a 645 optic will make a print of a given size look sharper than a corresponding print made from a 35mm optic. But I'm on thin ice here...:-) I would suspect that other factors may influence the apparent sharpness as well, such as chromatic aberrations. I imagine that a 645 lens would have to be better CA corrected than a corresponding 35mm lens. Jostein - Original Message - From: Jens Bladt [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Sent: Saturday, February 11, 2006 2:26 PM Subject: RE: Lenses for 645D? Jostein. I guess that's what I meant. COF is defined according to the wanted englargement. So, a plausible COF should not be the same for MF and 35mm. Or should it? Jens Bladt http://www.jensbladt.dk
Re: The Sacrifices
Bob W wrote: When I got all my Contax gear new I felt very intimidated by it until it had been scuffed around on railway floors, dropped from apple trees, scraped in the bilges of fishing boats, and generally lived a bit. Mark!
Re: Pentax Glass on a Leica?
Please report back. If there's a way to achieve this, it flies in the face of both the physical evidence and my personal experience. Paul On Feb 11, 2006, at 9:59 AM, Shel Belinkoff wrote: My memory of a discussion about this with Juan suggests otherwise - but, I could be mistaken. I'm looking into the issue now. Shel [Original Message] From: Paul Stenquist Unfortunately, there is no way to enable infinity focus with a Leica rangefinder lens on a Pentax SLR. The lens will hit the mirror if it's mounted close enough to allow infinity focus.
RE: how to change focusing screen on a ZX-5n? (The Photo)
Here is a rather large photo of the screen retaining clip in the ZX-5n. Also pictured is the tool I use to release it. It's just a cheap dental pick with just a tiny hook formed on the end with a pair of wire cutters. Oriented as it is in the picture the clip needs to be pulled 'up' just slightly to release it. (Towards the mirror bumper foam.) I just use my fingernail to lock it back in place. HTH Don -Original Message- From: Gaurav Aggarwal [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, February 09, 2006 8:50 PM To: Don Sanderson Subject: Re: how to change focusing screen on a ZX-5n? Hi Don, I feel stupid asking but I would like more help. Pictures would be great. I just couldn't figure where to put the tiny hook into. I don't see anything that has any kind of hole to insert the needle/clip into. Do take some pics whenever you get time. Thanks a lot!! Gaurav On 2/9/06, Don Sanderson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Using a large needle, or a small paper clip. Put a tiny 'hook' on the end of the needle/clip. With the camera laying on its back pull the tab up just a little(towards the front of the camera) and then towards the bottom of the camera. Very little force or movement is required. Once you get it down and look at it it'll all make sense. If you still have trouble let me know and I'll take some pics of one for you. Don -Original Message- From: Gaurav Aggarwal [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, February 09, 2006 6:07 AM To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: how to change focusing screen on a ZX-5n? Thanks Don for your note about how to change the screen. But I need more help/pointers. I can see some kind of a tab behind the foam and I tried to push, pull etc but nothing seemed to release it. I didn't use much force, obviously. On the PZ-1 it was a breeze. Is there some trick here? Using a tweezer, do I push, pull, bend, what do I do? Thanks! Gaurav On 2/8/06, Don Sanderson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I don't believe their called interchangable because no alternative screens are available. (Except the S.) However _all_ of the ZX/MZ series are user removable, hence user interchangable. Nice feature for cleaning if nothing else. Don -Original Message- From: William Robb [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, February 08, 2006 4:58 PM To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: how to change focusing screen on a ZX-5n? - Original Message - From: Gaurav Aggarwal Subject: how to change focusing screen on a ZX-5n? Hi Guys, I wanted to use two manual focus lenses more effectively on my Pentax ZX-5n and ordered the split image focusing screen of ZX-M. It arrived today. Now how do I change it? I have changed the screen on my PZ-1 (I used a Beattie Intenscreen). That was very easy. Any instructions/tips for ZX-5? I didn't think the screen in the MZ-5 (same as ZX-5) was interchangable. William Robb
Re: Cold weather performance and lens test
A couple of weeks ago I ventured out in the snow for a full day's shoot. Great trip, with a campfire lunchbreak and all. I took about 90 shots on the same set of NiMHs. Temperature was minus 5-10°C. Jostein - Original Message - From: Don Williams [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Sent: Saturday, February 11, 2006 3:43 PM Subject: Cold weather performance and lens test I killed two birds with one trip up the hill in -12C. I decided to test the Sigma 400/5.6 Apo EX on the *ist D and also test how well things work in the cold. I took a pair of lithium batteries in my pocket in case the NiMH, that have been in the camera a couple of weeks, stopped working. They didn't. Everything went well and the results are in a gallery that I'll post in a few minutes. Here: http://www.kolumbus.fi/mimosa/400TEST There are twelve images: (1), (2) and (3) were taken from my bedroom window through three sheets of quite dirty glass about 3 mm thick at an angle of about 60 degrees to normal. The total thickness, including airspace, is about 80 mm. Front of lens was 100 mm from the glass. (4) and (5) top of the hill (4) with no sharpening but a little change in levels, (5) with a 50% application of unsharp mask. (6) and (7) same treatment. (8) and (9) same picture with and without the bright spots caused by snow crystals reflecting sunlight. They were removed with the Polaroid dust removal plug-in. (10) not spot removal (11) no sharpening (12) with 50% usm. The batteries still show full up on the indicator and the camera took pictures even though it was pretty cold to touch. I used the monstrous Manfrotto for this job and it stuck to my hand at the top of the hill when I took off my gloves to screw the lens to the platform. The camera is warming nicely and I took the images out while it was still well below zero. Any helpful comments would be appreciated. Don -- Dr E D F Williams __ http://www.kolumbus.fi/mimosa/index.htm http://personal.inet.fi/cool/don.williams See feature: The Cement Company from Hell Updated: Added Print Gallery - 16 11 2005
RE: how to change focusing screen on a ZX-5n?
Again, with the link: ;-( http://www.donsauction.com/pdml/5nClip.jpg Here is a rather large photo of the screen retaining clip in the ZX-5n. Also pictured is the tool I use to release it. It's just a cheap dental pick with just a tiny hook formed on the end with a pair of wire cutters. Oriented as it is in the picture the clip needs to be pulled 'up' just slightly to release it. (Towards the mirror bumper foam.) I just use my fingernail to lock it back in place. HTH Don -Original Message- From: Gaurav Aggarwal [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, February 09, 2006 6:07 AM To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: how to change focusing screen on a ZX-5n? Thanks Don for your note about how to change the screen. But I need more help/pointers. I can see some kind of a tab behind the foam and I tried to push, pull etc but nothing seemed to release it. I didn't use much force, obviously. On the PZ-1 it was a breeze. Is there some trick here? Using a tweezer, do I push, pull, bend, what do I do? Thanks! Gaurav On 2/8/06, Don Sanderson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I don't believe their called interchangable because no alternative screens are available. (Except the S.) However _all_ of the ZX/MZ series are user removable, hence user interchangable. Nice feature for cleaning if nothing else. Don -Original Message- From: William Robb [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, February 08, 2006 4:58 PM To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: how to change focusing screen on a ZX-5n? - Original Message - From: Gaurav Aggarwal Subject: how to change focusing screen on a ZX-5n? Hi Guys, I wanted to use two manual focus lenses more effectively on my Pentax ZX-5n and ordered the split image focusing screen of ZX-M. It arrived today. Now how do I change it? I have changed the screen on my PZ-1 (I used a Beattie Intenscreen). That was very easy. Any instructions/tips for ZX-5? I didn't think the screen in the MZ-5 (same as ZX-5) was interchangable. William Robb
Re: sticky mirror... MX ?
The foam I mentioned is used to dampen the mirror when it's in the up position, during exposure of the film. In this position my MX locks up. On 2/11/06, Paul Stenquist [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: No, if the foam is removed the mirror won't be positioned correctly for accurate focus. It must be replaced. Paul On Feb 11, 2006, at 9:20 AM, Toine Kuiper wrote: One of my MX bodies also is sticky and I suspect the foam next to the focussing screen which dampens the mirror. This foam gets very sticky almost liquid after many years and residues are present on the mirror. Could it be an option to simply remove this foam? Toine On 2/11/06, Don Sanderson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Agreed, sit and watch a movie and cock and fire the camera the whole time. Pentax bodies thrive on being used, idle time makes them stiff (like me). ;-) I try to keep a winder on hand so I can work a body well before I sell it, keeps problems to a minimum. I have 50-75 Pentax bodies at any given time, it's inevitable that some sit idle for quite a while before getting sold/used. Don -Original Message- From: Bob Shell [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, February 11, 2006 6:45 AM To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: sticky mirror... MX ? On Feb 11, 2006, at 7:18 AM, Francis Tang wrote: I had the MX serviced three years ago by Pentax Service here in the UK. Admittedly, since then I've hardly used the camera and it did spend most of those three years in hot and humid conditions in the Far East. Fire it a bunch of times without film. It may be sticky just from lack of use. If the mirror doesn't go all the way up, help it gently through the lens mount with a clean cotton swab. If this doesn't make it happy, time to go back to service. Bob
Re: OT: HCB with a Minolta CLE
Your friend deserves commendation. Far too few people are willing to put conscience ahead of cash these days. Bob On Feb 11, 2006, at 10:00 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have a friend who works for a computer consulting firm. They were offered a job to write some software for handing China's telephone satellite system. (I think I have that right. Anyway, it was the telephone system, and I think it involved a satellite). The government wanted them to leave a back door in the software so they could spy on their citizens. I.E. If they made antigovernment statements they might be arrested. My friend wrestled with his conscience (it wasn't said why the Chinese government wanted a backdoor, but he could deduce it). He told his boss he couldn't do it and why. Big contract. The consulting firm turned down the job. Well-aware aware someone else WOULD do it. But still... I felt glad his boss supported him and showed backbone. I don't think he'll mind I shared this, I've kept it general enough. Marnie aka Doe
Re: OT: HCB with a Minolta CLE
On 2/10/06, Juan Buhler [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: But Frank, how much of everything we consume was made in China? The American economy (and I'd say the world's economy, for the US won't collapse without bringing all the rest down with us) depends on China's credit. It isn't like we could just stop doing business with them. Yahoo and Google are just doing what everybody else is, from Walmart to Apple: play along with China, hoping the government will change at some point. j You're reading too much into what I said, Juan. I wasn't advocating a boycott on China. I was discussing the very narrow issue of Yahoo, and whether one of their subsidiaries provides into to the Chinese gov't that has led to jailings of those who advocate free speech. Paul said (I think I'm accurate in my paraphrasing here) that, yes, the Chinese gov't is evil and wrong, but that Yahoo had to play along with them in order to service that market, and that Yahoo was not morally on the hook for the above situation. I merely pointed out that Yahoo did indeed have a choice. Choosing not to provide such information would certainly have resulted in Yahoo losing access to that vast market, and Yahoo chose profits over humanity. Whether Yahoo was right or wrong in that choice is a decision that each person must make for themselves; I've already made it clear what I think. What Yahoo did (if the reports are accurate) is far worse than simply trading with China, they've become complicite with an evil regime. Google's situation (as I understand it) is not so bad. China has basically said to them that they must censor their search engine and not show all hits, if they want to provide their service in China. Google, the great and honourable defender of internet freedom of speech and enemy of censorship said, Okay. As far as I know, no one has been jailed due to that sudden change of policy, but again, they're working in cahoots with a repressive regime, and they've shown themselves to be a bunch of hypocrites insofar as they're prepared to throw their corporate morals out the window in order to make huge dollars. I don't advocate a boycott of either Yahoo or Google, but I think that consumers have a right to know what these companies are doing, who their dealing with, and to be reminded that generally, corprate capitalism sometimes (but not always) makes profits the highest good. Personally, I try not to buy goods made in China - you're right, sometimes it's hard not to, but given a viable choice, I'll always buy non-Chinese. This is a small protest against the government, ~not~ the people. As with the repressed subjects of any regime (or indeed, people everywhere), the Chinese people are honourable, good people (and as everywhere, they have scoundrals and criminals, but in no higher or lower percentages than anywhere else, I'm sure). It's the government with which I have my beef. Over the past 1/2 century the Maoist regime has murdered literally millions - about 1/4 of the population of Tibet alone - and the West has sat by and done nothing. No boycotts, no military incursions, no threats, not even wagging of fingers. Once China became open for business, we gleefully rushed in, looking to tap into that vast market, and sell, sell, sell, for profits, profits, profits. It all makes me wonder... cheers, frank -- Sharpness is a bourgeois concept. -Henri Cartier-Bresson
Re: The Sacrifices
- Original Message - From: Fred [EMAIL PROTECTED] For me, the harshest environment is whale watching. I own one of these: http://www.zodiacmarine.com/uk/bombard/familles/fiche.cfm?num_modele=29 I use my camera equipent all summer in this boat and keep it in an ordinary camera bag. I haven't had musch problem except for some rust around the bayonet on the A 24/28 and a stucked (rusted) dial on the 645NII. Pål
Re: OT: HCB with a Minolta CLE
On 2/11/06, Paul Stenquist [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Any attempt to punish the government of China will, ultimately, punish the people of China. I have friends who were born in China. They don't want to see that happen. Nor do I. Paul The Chinese government is punishing it's own people as we speak - they execute tens of thousands of dissidents a year. Don't you think that doing something to change either the regime or getting them to soften their policies would be good for the Chinese in the long run? BTW, boycotts ~do~ work. The West boycotted South Africa, and apartheid ended and Nelson Mandell was freed and ended up leading the country. That one worked pretty well. cheers, frank -- Sharpness is a bourgeois concept. -Henri Cartier-Bresson
Re: OT: HCB with a Minolta CLE
BTW, peripheral to this, let me tell you about a friend of mine. He worked for a major computer hardware/software company for a lot of years, and had advanced to the upper levels of the company. Four years ago the company opened a subsidiary in India. My friend and everyone else at the company were assured that the Indian subsidiary would be handling business in India, China, and the rest of Asia, and that the US company would continue as always serving the North and South American markets. My friend began to make regular trips to India, and used to call me from Bombay to tell me how interesting the place was and how exciting it was to be setting up their operations there. To make a long story short, just after Christmas I sent him an e-mail because I hadn't heard from him for a while and wondered how he was doing. I sent it to his office e-mail address as I usually did. It bounced. I got hold of him a few days later and he told me they had outsourced his job to the man he trained in India and let him go. Now this is a very personal version of a story that I know has been repeated over and over in the USA. His bosses just flat out lied to him to get him to train someone who could replace him for 1/10 the salary. Business is business, they say. But morality has to enter the picture at some point, and this sort of BS is just morally wrong. Destroying people's lives to make a buck has become the new management style. My friend has sunk into a deep depression and sees his life as wasted. There must be a way to stop this. I'm doing my part as much as possible by not buying products from companies that I know have done this. Dollars and cents is the only language they understand. Bob On Feb 11, 2006, at 10:00 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have a friend who works for a computer consulting firm. They were offered a job to write some software for handing China's telephone satellite system. (I think I have that right. Anyway, it was the telephone system, and I think it involved a satellite). The government wanted them to leave a back door in the software so they could spy on their citizens. I.E. If they made antigovernment statements they might be arrested. My friend wrestled with his conscience (it wasn't said why the Chinese government wanted a backdoor, but he could deduce it). He told his boss he couldn't do it and why. Big contract. The consulting firm turned down the job. Well-aware aware someone else WOULD do it. But still... I felt glad his boss supported him and showed backbone. I don't think he'll mind I shared this, I've kept it general enough. Marnie aka Doe
Re: Lenses for 645D?
On Feb 11, 2006, at 10:30 AM, Jostein wrote: A 645 original is 2.5 times the size of a 35mm original. So I suppose that any COF that is less than 2.5 times as large in a 645 optic will make a print of a given size look sharper than a corresponding print made from a 35mm optic. But I'm on thin ice here...:-) Kraakk! Watch out! The ice is breaking and the water is cold!! I would suspect that other factors may influence the apparent sharpness as well, such as chromatic aberrations. I imagine that a 645 lens would have to be better CA corrected than a corresponding 35mm lens. You have that backwards. More CA is tolerable in a MF lens, because the final image is enlarged less. It has been a matter of pride with designers of MF lenses in Germany to make them better than they needed to be. The Japanese wanted theirs to be as good, so they followed the example. Bob
Re: OT: HCB with a Minolta CLE
On 2/11/06, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have a friend who works for a computer consulting firm. They were offered a job to write some software for handing China's telephone satellite system. (I think I have that right. Anyway, it was the telephone system, and I think it involved a satellite). The government wanted them to leave a back door in the software so they could spy on their citizens. I.E. If they made antigovernment statements they might be arrested. My friend wrestled with his conscience (it wasn't said why the Chinese government wanted a backdoor, but he could deduce it). He told his boss he couldn't do it and why. Big contract. The consulting firm turned down the job. Well-aware aware someone else WOULD do it. But still... I felt glad his boss supported him and showed backbone. I don't think he'll mind I shared this, I've kept it general enough. Marnie aka Doe I applaud your friends for the stance they took. If everyone thought and acted the same way, maybe places like China would change their ways. cheers, frank -- Sharpness is a bourgeois concept. -Henri Cartier-Bresson
Re: OT: HCB with a Minolta CLE
On Feb 11, 2006, at 10:54 AM, frank theriault wrote: Paul said (I think I'm accurate in my paraphrasing here) that, yes, the Chinese gov't is evil and wrong, but that Yahoo had to play along with them in order to service that market, and that Yahoo was not morally on the hook for the above situation. I merely pointed out that Yahoo did indeed have a choice. Choosing not to provide such information would certainly have resulted in Yahoo losing access to that vast market, and Yahoo chose profits over humanity. Whether Yahoo was right or wrong in that choice is a decision that each person must make for themselves; I've already made it clear what I think. If Yahoo had been around back then, they would have chosen to work with Hitler and spy on Jews and help load up the trains to Dachau. The if I don't do it, someone else will defense didn't work then, and it doesn't work now. What they are doing is a crime against humanity, and I hope they are made to face up to that. Remember when some American companies were charged with paying bribes to foreign officials to secure contracts? Their defense was, But everybody else does it. That didn't fly, and they were held to account. American moral values must not stop at our borders. Bob
SV: Geso: Reflections
Beatutiful pix, Francis. I love them. Surely these will sell - if you want them to. Regards Jens Jens Bladt http://www.jensbladt.dk -Oprindelig meddelelse- Fra: Francis [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sendt: 9. februar 2006 03:33 Til: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Emne: Geso: Reflections http://www.photosynth.ca/photo/f/reflections/index.html What do you think about these? I don't know why, but for some reason I have an unreasoning attraction for these reflected abstracts. Since switching to slide film last year I have taken more photos of water than of all the rest of my family put together. At first I thought there was an infinite number of good shots available in any given piece of water but after about six months I started to repeat my self, so I've been sort of winding down since then, but I still usually take a few every time we go sailing. These were all taken with my P3n and K200mm f2.5 as far as I remember. Thanks, Francis
Re: Cold weather performance and lens test
Up to today I've been going out for up to fifteen minutes at a time. This hardly gave the batteries time to get really cold, although it was well below -20C once or twice. It was as much as I could stand anyway -- having to take off my gloves to handle the camera. I have/had a pair of very thin, rather warm leather gloves, but I can't find the damned things. Don Jostein wrote: A couple of weeks ago I ventured out in the snow for a full day's shoot. Great trip, with a campfire lunchbreak and all. I took about 90 shots on the same set of NiMHs. Temperature was minus 5-10°C. Jostein - Original Message - From: Don Williams [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Sent: Saturday, February 11, 2006 3:43 PM Subject: Cold weather performance and lens test I killed two birds with one trip up the hill in -12C. I decided to test the Sigma 400/5.6 Apo EX on the *ist D and also test how well things work in the cold. I took a pair of lithium batteries in my pocket in case the NiMH, that have been in the camera a couple of weeks, stopped working. They didn't. Everything went well and the results are in a gallery that I'll post in a few minutes. Here: http://www.kolumbus.fi/mimosa/400TEST There are twelve images: (1), (2) and (3) were taken from my bedroom window through three sheets of quite dirty glass about 3 mm thick at an angle of about 60 degrees to normal. The total thickness, including airspace, is about 80 mm. Front of lens was 100 mm from the glass. (4) and (5) top of the hill (4) with no sharpening but a little change in levels, (5) with a 50% application of unsharp mask. (6) and (7) same treatment. (8) and (9) same picture with and without the bright spots caused by snow crystals reflecting sunlight. They were removed with the Polaroid dust removal plug-in. (10) not spot removal (11) no sharpening (12) with 50% usm. The batteries still show full up on the indicator and the camera took pictures even though it was pretty cold to touch. I used the monstrous Manfrotto for this job and it stuck to my hand at the top of the hill when I took off my gloves to screw the lens to the platform. The camera is warming nicely and I took the images out while it was still well below zero. Any helpful comments would be appreciated. Don -- Dr E D F Williams __ http://www.kolumbus.fi/mimosa/index.htm http://personal.inet.fi/cool/don.williams See feature: The Cement Company from Hell Updated: Added Print Gallery - 16 11 2005 -- Dr E D F Williams __ http://www.kolumbus.fi/mimosa/index.htm http://personal.inet.fi/cool/don.williams See feature: The Cement Company from Hell Updated: Added Print Gallery - 16 11 2005
Re: how to change focusing screen on a ZX-5n? (The Photo)
On 2/11/06, Don Sanderson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Here is a rather large photo of the screen retaining clip in the ZX-5n. Photo? Dave
Re: The Sacrifices
I don´t make that kind of distinctions. When I use a lot of money on equipment it is because I want to be able to use it under all circumstances. So, my A*85 has been through a lot, and it shows. It has even been repaired once. In about 15 years the A*135 will probably look the same, as it sees more use now than the A*85. DagT Den 11. feb. 2006 kl. 14.58 skrev Collin R Brendemuehl: 1. Which lens are you willing to get beat in a harsh environment when you don't want to take the nice lenses out to play. 2. Which lens will you only bring out in the nicest conditions? (and as a result this lens, though perhaps now having some age to it, still looks like new)
Re: how to change focusing screen on a ZX-5n? (The Photo)
Whoops! Never mind. Found it elsewhere. Dave On 2/12/06, David Savage [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On 2/11/06, Don Sanderson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Here is a rather large photo of the screen retaining clip in the ZX-5n. Photo? Dave
Re: The Sacrifices
- Original Message - From: Collin R Brendemuehl Subject: The Sacrifices 1. Which lens are you willing to get beat in a harsh environment when you don't want to take the nice lenses out to play. None. I'm made of sugar. 2. Which lens will you only bring out in the nicest conditions? N/A. William Robb
Re: Photography at airports
- Original Message - From: Mishka Subject: Re: Photography at airports this tuesday i was in a traffic court of a small westchester county town, and the first thing the clerk announced was the new rules in effect after 9/11 (basically, if an the cop who wrote the ticket is not there, the ticket is *not* automatically dismissed anymore -- the cops have more important things than to come to court. like, catch (speeding) terrorists on I95). Kinda takes away your right to face your accuser. William Robb
Re: OT: HCB with a Minolta CLE
- Original Message - From: Paul Stenquist Subject: Re: OT: HCB with a Minolta CLE Any attempt to punish the government of China will, ultimately, punish the people of China. I have friends who were born in China. They don't want to see that happen. Nor do I. Cuba. William Robb
RE: The thread that spread. was: Re: PESO: Church Door (we have a winner) With a
Yes you've said it before and I understood it before. Why do you and others keep missing the point that I wrote Marco and was planning on participating? Stop acting like I was not. I have been defending my position, when attacked and ridiculed as being ignorant and stupid when it comes to copyright laws, not bellyaching about protocol. It would be somehow ironic if any of the people who are bitching about Pentax being slow in the marketplace somehow helped can a project that could have, even in a small way, made the company more profitable. Read again: Why do you and others keep missing the point that I wrote Marco and was planning on participating? Stop acting like I was not. Tom C. From: William Robb [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: The thread that spread. was: Re: PESO: Church Door (we have a winner) With apologies to Mark Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2006 22:04:07 -0600 - Original Message - From: Tom C Subject: Re: PESO: Church Door (we have a winner) What I don't understand is the ridicule I received from you and at least one other on the list when I suggested that Pentax Canada did not follow the normal protocol I would have expected. As has been explained to you at least as often as you have brought the point up is that this was something cooked up by a sales rep, not a summons for photos by the Board of Directors. One individual (likely a sales guy) seems to have set it up, he seems to have, based on some hate mail and mail asking for legalese he wasn't prepared to provide, decided to can his little project. That he was a little prickly about it would be perfectly understandable if Aaron is being factual about the less than polite missives. No one likes having their face slapped. This isn't the protocol you expected. Get on with life and forget about it. It would be somehow ironic if any of the people who are bitching about Pentax being slow in the marketplace somehow helped can a project that could have, even in a small way, made the company more profitable. William Robb
Re: how to change focusing screen on a ZX-5n? (The Photo)
Where did you find it Dave? On 2/11/06, David Savage [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Whoops! Never mind. Found it elsewhere. Dave On 2/12/06, David Savage [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On 2/11/06, Don Sanderson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Here is a rather large photo of the screen retaining clip in the ZX-5n. Photo? Dave
Re: how to change focusing screen on a ZX-5n? (The Photo)
In the original how to change focusing screen on a ZX-5n? thread Here's Don's response with link: Again, with the link: ;-( http://www.donsauction.com/pdml/5nClip.jpg Here is a rather large photo of the screen retaining clip in the ZX-5n. Also pictured is the tool I use to release it. It's just a cheap dental pick with just a tiny hook formed on the end with a pair of wire cutters. Oriented as it is in the picture the clip needs to be pulled 'up' just slightly to release it. (Towards the mirror bumper foam.) I just use my fingernail to lock it back in place. HTH Don On 2/12/06, Gaurav Aggarwal [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Where did you find it Dave? On 2/11/06, David Savage [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Whoops! Never mind. Found it elsewhere. Dave On 2/12/06, David Savage [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On 2/11/06, Don Sanderson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Here is a rather large photo of the screen retaining clip in the ZX-5n. Photo? Dave
RE: how to change focusing screen on a ZX-5n? (The Photo)
http://www.donsauction.com/pdml/5nClip.jpg (Bad Brain Day!) Don -Original Message- From: Gaurav Aggarwal [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, February 11, 2006 11:26 AM To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: how to change focusing screen on a ZX-5n? (The Photo) Where did you find it Dave? On 2/11/06, David Savage [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Whoops! Never mind. Found it elsewhere. Dave On 2/12/06, David Savage [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On 2/11/06, Don Sanderson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Here is a rather large photo of the screen retaining clip in the ZX-5n. Photo? Dave
Re: The Sacrifices
1. Which lens are you willing to get beat in a harsh environment when you don't want to take the nice lenses out to play. Pretty much all of them - even my new M*300/4. 2. Which lens will you only bring out in the nicest conditions? (and as a result this lens, though perhaps now having some age to it, still looks like new) I'd be saddened if my nicer stuff got ruined (applies to camera bodies too, not just lenses), but I'll use it wherever anyway. Usually have a filter of some sort on the front element in harsh conditions tho. __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Image quality in Photoshop
Why is it when I open a scanned image saved as TIFF files in Photoshop the quality is much deteriorated compared to the original scan. That is, if I open the file in Nikon Scan 4.0 the image is great. In Photoshop sharpness is reduced and there are noise artefacts as well. Any idea? Pål
It's Happened Again
My DA 10-17 is here in Phoenix at the UPS facility. But I won't get it until Monday. This is the third or fourth lens that has come in this way over the past few years. Memo to myself: Always order on Monday. Joe
Designing and Testing D FA Lenses
Having time for my idle brain to get into mischief, I got to wondering how Pentax designs and tests the D FA lenses without having a full-frame (24 x 36 mm) camera to test them on. Do they use the two (or so) prototypes of the MZ-D that they must still have? Do they use full-frame Canons with a lens adapter? Do they have a non-camera setup -- that is, a stationary box with a 24 x 36 mm. sensor, shutter, and lens mount? This solution seems most likely. Any thoughts? Joe
RE: It's Happened Again
UPS won't even deliver to my door anymore in the winter. Their driver has had two accidents this season on the dirt road. Therefore when I order something next day or 2nd day, it get's put on the delivery truck and carted around town for a day. Then we get a call that the item is at UPS for will call pick up. If that happens on a Friday, forget about getting it because UPS is not open on Saturday. Tom C. From: Joseph Tainter [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: It's Happened Again Date: Sat, 11 Feb 2006 10:42:13 -0700 My DA 10-17 is here in Phoenix at the UPS facility. But I won't get it until Monday. This is the third or fourth lens that has come in this way over the past few years. Memo to myself: Always order on Monday. Joe
Re: Pentax Glass on a Leica?
It would be doable with a Leica R lens, or a longer focal length Leica RF lens with short mount and Pentax M42 adapter. The Leica R cameras have a deeper register than the Pentax M42 and K- bayonet mount so a mount adapter could be constructed easily enough if the flanges and aperture actuators, etc, are not placed with too much interference. Leica RF lenses are designed for a much thinner mount register and could not be adapted to Pentax without optics, unless you use a short mount lens (designed for bellows/reflex housing) and build a custom short mount with a Pentax end. Godfrey On Feb 11, 2006, at 7:35 AM, Paul Stenquist wrote: Please report back. If there's a way to achieve this, it flies in the face of both the physical evidence and my personal experience. Paul On Feb 11, 2006, at 9:59 AM, Shel Belinkoff wrote: My memory of a discussion about this with Juan suggests otherwise - but, I could be mistaken. I'm looking into the issue now. Shel [Original Message] From: Paul Stenquist Unfortunately, there is no way to enable infinity focus with a Leica rangefinder lens on a Pentax SLR. The lens will hit the mirror if it's mounted close enough to allow infinity focus.
RE: It's Happened Again
I know the feeling. Here UPS packages show up when I'm not home on a Friday. Then I can call them Monday. And then they turn up with the darnded thing - Weddensday - almost a week later! G..* @$!([EMAIL PROTECTED] Btw: I just got an Exakta VX1000 today (my 4th sample - one died and one I returend (didn't work right). The mail man left it with my next door neighbour yesteday. The woman next door brought it to me today. Only two days from Germany! It's nice to live in a small place :-) And it works fine and has two lenses and two view finders - and a camera bag - all of it for 50 USD! Regards Jens Bladt http://www.jensbladt.dk -Oprindelig meddelelse- Fra: Joseph Tainter [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sendt: 11. februar 2006 18:42 Til: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Emne: It's Happened Again My DA 10-17 is here in Phoenix at the UPS facility. But I won't get it until Monday. This is the third or fourth lens that has come in this way over the past few years. Memo to myself: Always order on Monday. Joe
Re: The Sacrifices
On Feb 11, 2006, at 12:34 PM, Jon Myers wrote: 1. Which lens are you willing to get beat in a harsh environment when you don't want to take the nice lenses out to play. Pretty much all of them - even my new M*300/4. 2. Which lens will you only bring out in the nicest conditions? (and as a result this lens, though perhaps now having some age to it, still looks like new) I'd be saddened if my nicer stuff got ruined (applies to camera bodies too, not just lenses), but I'll use it wherever anyway. Usually have a filter of some sort on the front element in harsh conditions tho. Good answers, John. I don't own a lens that I wouldn't use in just about any environment. What's the point? I'm a photographer, not a lens fondler. Lenses and cameras are tools. Does a carpenter have special hammers that he keeps at home on rainy days? Bob
Re: Designing and Testing D FA Lenses
Lens design happens in software, lens testing happens on an optical bench not a camera. Godfrey On Feb 11, 2006, at 9:50 AM, Joseph Tainter wrote: Having time for my idle brain to get into mischief, I got to wondering how Pentax designs and tests the D FA lenses without having a full-frame (24 x 36 mm) camera to test them on. Do they use the two (or so) prototypes of the MZ-D that they must still have? Do they use full-frame Canons with a lens adapter? Do they have a non-camera setup -- that is, a stationary box with a 24 x 36 mm. sensor, shutter, and lens mount? This solution seems most likely. Any thoughts? Joe
Re: The Sacrifices
Collin R Brendemuehl wrote: 1. Which lens are you willing to get beat in a harsh environment when you don't want to take the nice lenses out to play. All of them. They are just tools and are meant to be used. I abuse my gear and expect it to hold up. 2. Which lens will you only bring out in the nicest conditions? (and as a result this lens, though perhaps now having some age to it, still looks like new) None of them. See above. It's like owning a Ferrari and not driving it. -- Christian http://photography.skofteland.net
Re: Pentax Glass on a Leica?
Hi, I somewhat understand what you're saying, but not with 100% clarity. I always have difficulty understanding descriptions of mechanical things unless I can actually see them for myself. Once I do, everything falls into place and becomes quite clear. Having thought about this a bit, it may be that Juan was talking about using a Leica (RF) lens on the istD, not a Pentax film body. That way the smaller mirror of the istD would allow the lens to fit closer to the film plane. Am I misunderstanding what you're saying? Anyway, I found what I believe is the adapter Juan has, and I may just go ahead and order one and see how it works with my Rangefinder lenses. Then I'll both understand what you're describing and will know for 100% certainty what works and what doesn't. And just to reiterate, I could very well be mis-remembering what Juan said. Shel [Original Message] From: Godfrey DiGiorgi It would be doable with a Leica R lens, or a longer focal length Leica RF lens with short mount and Pentax M42 adapter. The Leica R cameras have a deeper register than the Pentax M42 and K- bayonet mount so a mount adapter could be constructed easily enough if the flanges and aperture actuators, etc, are not placed with too much interference. Leica RF lenses are designed for a much thinner mount register and could not be adapted to Pentax without optics, unless you use a short mount lens (designed for bellows/reflex housing) and build a custom short mount with a Pentax end. Godfrey On Feb 11, 2006, at 7:35 AM, Paul Stenquist wrote: Please report back. If there's a way to achieve this, it flies in the face of both the physical evidence and my personal experience. Paul On Feb 11, 2006, at 9:59 AM, Shel Belinkoff wrote: My memory of a discussion about this with Juan suggests otherwise - but, I could be mistaken. I'm looking into the issue now. Shel [Original Message] From: Paul Stenquist Unfortunately, there is no way to enable infinity focus with a Leica rangefinder lens on a Pentax SLR. The lens will hit the mirror if it's mounted close enough to allow infinity focus.
Re: The Sacrifices
1. Which lens are you willing to get beat in a harsh environment when you don't want to take the nice lenses out to play. All of them within reason, if the conditions are right (light subject etc.). However I've also stowed my gear when the weather conditions are just horrible the opportunities weren't that great. 2. Which lens will you only bring out in the nicest conditions? (and as a result this lens, though perhaps now having some age to it, still looks like new) All of them. They're only tools. With the proper protection most conditions can be tolerated. During my last trip to Denali, I shot for hours with my 600 in a pretty good snowstorm. Got some of my best images. No issues with the equipment afterwards. Of course I kept it covered. I can also understand guys who wouldn't use their best in less than ideal conditions but suppose you're out without your pristine lens the opportunity arises that requires its use. You just blew it. We're all in this for different reasons. Kenneth Waller - Original Message - From: Collin R Brendemuehl [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: The Sacrifices 1. Which lens are you willing to get beat in a harsh environment when you don't want to take the nice lenses out to play. 2. Which lens will you only bring out in the nicest conditions? (and as a result this lens, though perhaps now having some age to it, still looks like new) He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose -- Jim Elliott
