Fool question about Pentax 21mm f/3,2
Hey Guys, So my 24 mm lens (a pretty good Sigma, although prone to flare) was a casualty of my latest trip to the field. So I'm looking for a new lens of comparable focal length. I'm looking at the SMCP-DA 21mm f/3.2 lens OK, my fool question---there's no aperture ring on it. So this means the aperture is entirely set on my camera, right? (I have K3 and K7 bodies). Cheers Barry Barry Rice, Ph.D. Sarracenia.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
AF220T flashes for postage money
Hey Guys, I'm going through my photo supplies, and culling things I simply don't use anymore. I cannot verify 100% that this gear works--it did when I last used it, but that was a couple of years ago. Anybody who wants these flashes, contact me via email (bamr...@ucdavis.edu) and it will be yours for the cost of priority mail shipping--you could paypal me for the shipping. Right now, I have a couple AF220T flashes Cheers Barry Barry Rice, Ph.D. Sarracenia.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
K7 AC power supply in a K3?
Hey Guys, Tomorrow I'm going to be doing a long term video shoot. I have an AC adapter (D-AC50) for my K7. This supplies 8.3V, 2A. Meanwhile, my K3 requires the same voltage, amperage. The plug is compatible with both. Is it safe to use this on my K3? The K3 power supply does have a different model number, but again, supplies 8.3V, 2A Cheers Barry Barry Rice, Ph.D. Sarracenia.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Using a PocketWizard
Hey Guys, I'm using my K-7 (oops, I mean my brand new K-3!) with two ProFoto Compact 600R flashes. I'm loving these flashes, because even though they're not TTL, they're great because they are absolutely consistent on their flash output (which I can dial in on each device), which is important for the focus-stacking I'm doing. Well, they guy I'm borrowing them from is letting my buy them for a vey good price. However, I have to buy a remote trigger for them. Right now I'm using his PocketWizard Flex TT5. I'm looking for a reliable but inexpensive one that will work with my K-3 and these flashes. Any idea of the PocketWizard PlusX Wireless will do the trick? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BBQ8IDS/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8; colid=22I5NPVQK4MNXcoliid=I15S8ALYOTK51Upsc=1 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=pocketwizard+plus+xN=0InitialSear ch=yessts=ps The online support for the flashes is dreadful. Barry Barry Rice, Ph.D. Sarracenia.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Using a PocketWizard (better post)
OhMy.God. I just looked at the post I sent. Did I even proofread the friggin thing? I guess not! Here it is again, but without the typos. Sorry about that! -- Hey Guys, I'm using my K-7 (oops, I mean my brand new K-3!) with two ProFoto Compact 600R flashes. I'm loving these flashes, because even though they're not TTL, they're great because they are absolutely consistent on their flash output (which I can dial in on each device), which is important for the focus-stacking I'm doing. Well, the guy I'm borrowing them from is letting me buy them for a vey good price. However, I have to buy a remote trigger for them. Right now I'm using his PocketWizard Flex TT5. I'm looking for a reliable but inexpensive one that will work with my K-3 and these flashes. Any idea if the PocketWizard PlusX Wireless will do the trick? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BBQ8IDS/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8; colid=22I5NPVQK4MNXcoliid=I15S8ALYOTK51Upsc=1 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=pocketwizard+plus+xN=0InitialSear ch=yessts=ps The online support for the flashes is dreadful. Barry Barry Rice, Ph.D. Sarracenia.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Videoing a theatrical performance
Hey guys, Thanks for your help my recent questions regarding video cards and my K7. I've gotten the cards and am experimenting with them. So, I've been asked to video an event which is about 2 hours long. This will be in a dark theatre. I'll be able to experiment ahead of time, and position my camera where it is most convenient. I can see that I'm going to have to video in snippets about 7.5 minutes each. That's a little tedious, but not such a problem. Doing some tests in my living room, I saw that after several minutes of continuous video work, the camera starts warning about internal temperature. But after 30 minutes, it wasn't shutting down. So I guess the heat wasn't so bad... But here's my question. Any advice on settings I should use that might ease this process? I suspect that potential overheating might be an issue, so is there any setting that would minimize this? I'd assume that using the native sensitivity setting of 100 would be best? Any other suggestions or tricks? Look, I'm a scientific plant photographer, so this is out of my comfort zone Cheers Barry Barry Rice, Ph.D. Sarracenia.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Memory cards for K7
Hi guys, I've been asked to do some videography--certainly something not in my comfort zone, since I normally only photograph plants! Anyway, the highest volume card I currently use on my K7 is a 16gb 30MB/s Extreme SanDisk. I'd like to get something more like 32gb cards for this event. Can the K7 handle 32gb cards? And what about these extremely fast cards (80MB/s, etc). Any problem with those? I'm currently using Firmware v1.11 Cheers Barry -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
RE: Time for a new macro purchase--possible duplicate posting, oops
Hey All, Thanks for your comments on the Tamron and Pentax mid-length macros. This was very helpful information. Cheers Barry Barry Rice, Ph.D. Sarracenia.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Time for a new macro purchase--possible duplicate posting, oops
Hey Brian, Thanks for your input. You answered what was perhaps my most critical question. Good to see that Tamron has graced Pentax with a dedicated model, instead of just Canon and Nikon. How does the focus on the AF Tamron feel? Barry Barry Rice, Ph.D. Sarracenia.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Time for a new macro purchase--possible duplicate posting, oops
Hey Folks, Long time reader to this list, although I tend to be very sporadic. (By the way, sorry if this is a duplicate posting, but I reposted in plain text in case it was necessary.) So, I do a lot of plant macro work for stock photography. I never use my camera off-tripod. Also, with my K7 (my primary camera body), I always shoot with locking the mirror up first, by either using the 2-sec lock up, or in live view mode. ANYWAY, my mid-length camera lens of choice has long been the 90 mm Tamron F/2.8 manual focus. My wife is starting to use this a lot for butterflies, but would like an autofocus lens of the same approximate length. By the way, Ive learned to hate the adaptall mount, as Ive gone through a couple, even though my lens is working great. So, I see that there is a Tamron AF 90 mm f/2.8 Di SP A/M lens on Amazon and the other usual markets, for about $438. There are also two Pentax f/2.8 100mm lenses, a WR FA smc for about $650, and a D FA for about $850. For complete clarity, Ill include Amazon links to the three lenses below. So, to the Pentax gods and prophets here, I pose my questions. 1) Im correct in thinking that all three lenses are autofocus, but can be used in manual focus too, right? 2) The Tamron for Pentax does not need a damnable adaptall mount, does it? 3) What is the skinny on how these lenses all perform? Your wisdom is most appreciated Tamron 90: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007YZLIK/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8c olid=22I5NPVQK4MNXcoliid=I2Y6DA5UN15NTRpsc=1 Pentax 100 WR: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0030GGS3O/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8c olid=22I5NPVQK4MNXcoliid=I29Z64M1ERC674 Pentax 100 D FA: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YE65Y/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8c olid=22I5NPVQK4MNXcoliid=I1AP5RPZPWJ7QN Cheers Barry Barry Rice, Ph.D. Sarracenia.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Recommended microphone for K7
Hey Folks, I'm finding the movie function pretty fun on my K7, as it is a great way to document botanical sites that I research. However, wind noise is pretty bad. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good microphone? Cheers Barry Barry Rice, Ph.D. Carnivorous Plant FAQ sarracenia.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Tamron P/KA adapter
Hey Boris, Brian, OK, now I'm a bit red in the face---you're right---green button method in manual mode works just fine with the P/K adapter. So even if I can't get a pair of reliable P/KA adapters I can use the P/K adapter. OK, in my defense I just recently upgraded from a K10 to a K7 body, and the green button position moved on these two bodies. I must have been stupidly hitting the wrong button when I was trying to get the lens to work with the adapter. THANKS SO MUCH! Barry Rice, Ph.D. Carnivorous Plant FAQ sarracenia.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Tone Curve in Lightroom
Hey Folks, I use Lightroom to develop my digital images. While white balance, exposure, recovery, and fill light are relatively straightforward, I've got questions about the Blacks setting and the Tone Curve's higlights/lights/darks/shadows settings. I shoot plants. Before I switched to digital, I used Velvia pretty much exclusively, which means I have a color sense about as extreme as a junior high school girl applying eye makeup. Are there any guides as to when the tone correction is too much? Sometimes I'm applying +-15 to the highlights and darks. Is this too much, or it is just a matter of taste? Barry Barry Rice, Ph.D. Carnivorous Plant FAQ sarracenia.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Tamron P/KA adapter
Hey Pentaxians I do my macro work using a Tamron 90mm 1:1 F2.8 macro, which is a generic lens that sits on a Pentax P/KA mount. Unfortunately, the lens is starting to act erratically and I've figured out that it is because of the adaptall mount. Unfortunately, I've discovered that the Pentax adaptall mount for automatic lenses are no longer being made, rumour has it they were unreliable, although my mount lasted for about 12 years. The regular Pentax P/K mount is useless for this lens (I know, I have one.) I've seen references to some other kind of mount, M42 or something like that. Can someone 'splain to me if this is something I can use to bring my extremely cherished 90mm back to life? I think it is a generic mount that needs some kind of Pentax add-on? Cheers Barry Barry Rice, Ph.D. Carnivorous Plant FAQ sarracenia.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Tamron P/KA adapter
Hey Boris OK, some more back story. I love my 90mm so much, that about 8 years ago I bought a second one for the day that something happened to my first one. I even bought an adaptall for it, but for some damnable reason I didn't assemble the two to make sure they worked. (I know what you're thinking--this is the exact same reason the problem with the Hubble Space Telescope wasn't noticed until after launch.) It turns out the adaptall that I bought was just a P/K, and not a P/KA. So, now I'm in the market for TWO adapters. I just bought one on eBay--it is supposedly coming my way from the UK. But I'm wondering if there's a new technology--that's the source of my curiosity regarding the M43 mount. Barry Rice, Ph.D. Carnivorous Plant FAQ sarracenia.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
K-AC50 AC adaptor
Hey Folks, Thanks for this information. It was really helpful Barry -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
K-AC50 AC adaptor
Hey Folks, I'm looking at buying an AC adaptor for my K7. The manual says I need a K- AC50 unit. I cannot find this at the usual venues (BH, Adorama, Amazon). Meanwhile, the D-AC50 is readily available, which is built for the K-10D. One person on Amazon says he uses the D-AC50 for his K-7, but I'm scared. Any hints on a place to buy one? There's an Abes of Maine that offers it, but I've been burned when I've ventured away from the venues I mentioned above. Cheers Barry -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
K-7 or K-x
Hey Charles, Hmm. I might have just been unlucky. I was certainly very happy when it returned to normal! Barry Indeed, while I was on this recent trip, a VERY well aimed, massive raindrop at the lead of a major thunderstom cracked into the back of my K10. I blew the water out, but didn't dare turn my camera back on until that night. It malfunctioned as my wife's camera did (after she doused it), so I let it dry for about 30 hours before I turned it back on. It's working fine, now, but I warn you all---that multipurpose four-way controller button on the back of the camera is pretty susceptible to water damage! That's weird. The first summer after getting my K10D, the wife and I were camping and relaxing after a 45-mile day on the bikes. Then we heard raindrops so we closed up the tent and took a nap. An hour later, we woke up and I fumbled around for the camera I knew I'd left above the head of the mattress. No camera. Opened up the tent and there was the K10D (with 16-50) sitting just outside in the wet grass, all covered with raindrops. I giggled, picked it up, blew the water off of the rear screen, and tried to calm my wife down who didn't think it was very funny. It never skipped a beat. I've rinsed it off with a bottle of water a couple of times, too. If yours is so easily affected by water, I'd say there is something wrong with it. -Charles -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
A sad event, a happy resolution, and a flash for sale
Hey Folks, I dont post here very often, but have been a lurker and off/on subscriber for oh about 12 years. Anyway, here is a bit of news. I specialize in plant photography, and have written a couple of illustrated books on plants. I just got back from a two-week photo expedition to the panhandle of Florida. This trip was an eye-opener for me .I discovered that Pentax digital SLRs are MUCH more sensitive to water than my old film cameras were! My wife uses an *istDs. (This was my camera until I bought a K10.) Alas, while photographing from a kayak (in freshwater), she lost her balance and the camera was partially submerged for an instant---a short but critical instant. I advised her to take the batteries out and dry it thoroughly. That evening, when she thought it had dried out, she put batteries in it, and examined its functionality. Alas, as she was doing this, she heard a loud POP, and the camera stopped working! There are two things you dont want to hear pop. One is your knee, the other is your camera. Anyway, the happy resolution to this is that Im giving her my K10, and Ill buy a new K7 (its a tax write off). But one outcome is that I no longer have a use for my AF-500ftz flash. Does anyone want it? It is in great condition, only a few minor scuff marks. Original case, and also the original manual (although the manual has been through a lot and is quite ugly now). If you want it, make me an offer (ba...@sarracenia.com). Otherwise, Ill sell it to keh or eBay. I suppose that if anyone here wants a dead *istDs, please contact me about that as well. It actually does work, after all is said and done, but only sporadically, and with limited functionality, so it really cant be trusted anymore. I have the original manual for it too. Cheers Barry Barry Rice, Ph.D. Carnivorous Plant FAQ sarracenia.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
K-7 or K-x
Hey Folks, Im upgrading from a K10. I do serious botanical photography for stock illustrations. Other than the obvious difference in pixels, are there any thoughts on the difference between the K7 vs the Kx? Really, I shoot almost exclusively in Av, and other than using the DOF preview, the 2- second delay (to minimize shutter shake) are the only features I consider crucial. Im planning on shelling out the extra cash for the K7, but if the word on the street is that the model is a dud, Id like to know about it! Barry Barry Rice, Ph.D. Carnivorous Plant FAQ sarracenia.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
K-7 or K-x
Hey Adam, What do you mean by The K-7 is tops over ISO 800, but the K-7 is the model to go for if you don't need the best high ISO performance possible? Was that supposed to read The K-x is tops over...? In my work, I am fanatical about getting the sharpest image I possibly can, so I almost never shoot at anything other than the native sensitivity of the detector, i.e., ISO for the K10. Barry -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
K-7 or K-x
Hey Larry, Thanks for your comments. I am unfamiliar with any water resistance features on the K-7, but it has any, it would be a huge plus. I do a lot of work in wet conditions, and while I use a rain hood when I can, accidents DO happen. Indeed, while I was on this recent trip, a VERY well aimed, massive raindrop at the lead of a major thunderstom cracked into the back of my K10. I blew the water out, but didn't dare turn my camera back on until that night. It malfunctioned as my wife's camera did (after she doused it), so I let it dry for about 30 hours before I turned it back on. It's working fine, now, but I warn you all---that multipurpose four-way controller button on the back of the camera is pretty susceptible to water damage! Barry If I were in your shoes, I'd probably spend the extra for the K7 for better low ISO quality, autofocus, metering and water resistance. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
K-7 or K-x
Hey Adam, Well, after this rainstorm, my camera certainly was malfunctioning for a while. When I turned it on, it would instantly record an image, then the stop-down DOF preview feature would engage several times. Hmmm...now I think about it, these are features associated with the shutter button. Maybe some water was in there, instead of in the four-way controller? Thanks for the suggestion on the WR lens. But I'm simply in love with my Tamron 90mm 1:1 macro. I've had it since it came out, and it is really a sweet lens. In fact, I like it so much, I bought a second to keep in my camera closet in case something ever happened to the first one! The storm itself was memorable. A typical Florida electrical storm, and my party of five botanists were studying plants in the middle of a huge field. We were the tallest things for 3/4 mile in every direction, and of course we were all carrying metal tripods. We ended up finding an erosion gully and layed down in that for 35 very wet minutes, as lightning and heavy water crashed around. The gallows humor jokes were worth it, though. Barry P.S. Sorry the web interface I'm mailing from won't let me include previous messages properly. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
k 300mm f4
Hey Folks, I just noticed a K 300/F4 lens in excellent condition in a local store. My wife does bird photography and this lens might be a nice lens to bridge the 200mm and 500 mm lenses I have that she uses. Yes, it is very manual, etc., but does $350 seem to be a reasonable price for this lens? Any comments on its performance? We'd be using this on our digital camera bodies. This is the lens: http://kmp.bdimitrov.de/lenses/primes/extreme-tele/K300f4.html Cheers Barry -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Unloading more stuff
Hey Folks, Recently I posted a note saying I was unloading some of my film gear, having gone digital. I've found takers for everything except for a single ZX-5N body. (Anyone interested?) Anyway, I just found I still have 14 pre-paid E-6 mailers that I bought from BH (or perhaps it was Adorama?). These are the Fujifilm mailers for 36 exposures that were so valuable to me in my film days. I'm willing to part with these for $30, for the lot, if anyone wants them. Last I checked, these should be mailed to the lab in Parsons KS. If you are interested, please email me directly, and HUGE apologies if this kind of posting is considered inappropriate here. Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Invasive Species Team The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Long macro lens
Hey Folks, Thanks for the suggestions. I'm thinking that the Sigma 180mm F/3.5 sounds interesting. It is a bit pricey, but so is gas 1)My current macro of choice is the Tamron 90mm, which is usually the lens that lives on my camera. I'd really be looking for a longer lens than just a 100mm. I think something in the 200mm range would be ideal. 2)I've got some manual lenses up to 200; I'll try those with extension tubes. The problem with these manual lenses is that the minor extra steps of using them on the crippled mount can be really frustrating for my wife as she's running after butterflies. I photograph plants, and don't begrudge the extra moment, but it sure irritates her in her work! Cheers Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Invasive Species Team The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Long macro lens
Hey Folks, My wife is becoming increasingly interested in photography of flighty, skittish, and sometimes dangerous animals, such as butterflies, reptiles, and snakes. I realized that the ideal lens for her would be something like a 200 mm 1:1 macro. Even better would be if it were autofocus. Is there anything like this that would fit her *istDs? Or are we in a fantasy land that I couldn't afford? Currently she uses my 90mm Tamron, but can't quite get close enough with that lens. Cheers Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Invasive Species Team The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Pentax SLR lineup
Hey Folks, I use a K10D with satisfying results. Last week I learned for the first time about the K20D. Yeah, I've been out of things! But I'm really intrigued that I can't find any information on film SLRs on the Pentax web site, or at the major vendors. Has Pentax stopped making film SLRs? I admit that it has been a couple of years since I shot anything with my ZX-5nI've got a freezer full of Velvia! Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Invasive Species Team The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Power converters and transformers/Summary
Hey Folks OK, I have to admit I'm slightly confused. It seems that some of you are saying that all I need is the converter to fit my USA plug into an Australian socket. I've written the above paragraph very carefully, since double entendre is so easy, and seeing the response I got when I referred to my wife's firmware. Meanwhile, others are saying I need a converter too? Does it matter that I'm planning on wanting to charge three devices: --K10D battery charger --white bread AA battery charger for an *istDs --JoBo GigaOne memory drive Sorry for being very opaque here, but it will be important for me not to fry my batteries in the field Barry -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Power converters and transformers
Johns right. All you need is a plug adapter. I used my Australian K10D battery charger in the US Canada with no problems at all. Also if you look at the label on the unit I think it says it works between 110-260V BTW which parts will you be visiting? Cheers, Dave Hey Dave, We're flying into Sydney, and will spend a few days slightly north visiting friends and family. Then about three days at Uluru/Kata Tjuta (I know, it seems cliché, but I love the place and my wife has never seen it). Finally, we're spending about 9 days in Western Australia on a set of primarily botanical photo expeditions. Barry -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Power converters and transformers
Hey Folks, A trip to Australia approaches. My K10D battery charger works for the 120V, 60 hz power here. Australia uses (I believe) 240V, 50 hz. Does anyone have a recommended source for whatever I need to use my USA charger in Australia? Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Global Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
SD memory cards for *istDs, K10D
Hey Godfrey Thanks for your help on the SD memory cards. I updated my wife's firmware from 2.0 to 2.02, so it should be able to read the bigger cards. Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Global Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
SD memory cards for *istDs, K10D
Hey Folks, I currently use 1Gig and 2Gig SanDisk Ultra II memory cards in my K10D and my wife's *istDs. Do the newer 4Gig (and 8Gig) cards work in these cameras? By the way, I've been field testing a new 80 Gig Jobo Giga One, and although the interface is somewhat remedial, it gets the job done pretty much as advertised. Cheers Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Global Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Lithium-ion batteries for istDs?
Hey Folks My wife photographs with an istDs (which used to be mine), while I use a K10D. I'm having some battery problems with her camera (sometimes the NiMH rechargeables seem to hold only enough charge for about 50 shots, especially if the batteries haven't been used for a while). I think that maybe I have to exercise the NiMH rechargeable batteries more completely occasionally, since I tend to recharge at the end of each day when I'm using them even if they're just partially depleted. Online battery FAQs suggest that NiMH don't have much of a memory effect, though. Any advice? And I've been wondering---can I can get rechargeable Li-ion batteries for istDs? Cheers Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Global Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Lithium-ion batteries for istDs?
Hey William, That's really interesting that you say that your istD was prone to battery induced glitches, because I was observing behavior this weekend I'd never seen before. I'd put fairly (but not completely) freshly recharged batteries into the camera, and it would light up with the display indicating a completely depleted battery. I'd take one image, and the display would change to a partially depleted battery. Another image, and the display indicated a perfectly charged battery. This behavior concerns me. Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Global Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Extreme depth of field technique
Hey Folks, A general photography question I'm a big fan of David Attenborough documentaries. Starting with his series, The Private Life of Plants, occasionally his film team uses a spectacular technique which I simply do not understand how they achieve. It is like an extreme hyperfocal depth of field. In the image foreground is some high-magnification object, such as a plant's flower, and in the background you can see the field the plant is in, ALL IN SHARP FOCUS. I was watching an episode of his Life in the Undergrowth series last night and one shot showed some ants---ANTS---scurrying in the foreground, tapping antennae, and in the background you could see Attenborough sitting on a log, all in focus. The ants were so big because of perspective effects, they looked like collies! I'm fairly confident that this is not a bit of greenscreen magic. But I'm trying to figure out the method. It probably would cost gadzillions, but wowif I could achieve that kind of perspective.. I vaguely recall that in the promotional information that came out about when The Private Life of Plants was first shown, there was a lot of broughhaha about this new technique? Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Global Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Extreme depth of field technique
Hey Rob, Indeed! That's it! But I guess I won't be doing it anytime soon, myself! Alas. The effect, by the way, is really extraordinary and far beyond what you'd expect from just using a stopped down ultra-short focus lens. Really remarkable. B Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Global Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Working with my K10D Raw images
Hey Folks, I've been happy as a pig in the sun working with Pixmantec's RawShooter, which does a bangup job with my RAW files from my *istDs. Now that I've bought a K10D, I've discovered that the raw images from it are not supported by RawShooter. I've verified at the Pixmantec forum that neither the PEF or DNG files from the K10D are being supported by RawShooter, and it appears that this program is now discontinued. Sigh. So, what do people use to work on their K10D Raw files? I'm not hugely interested in spending vast amounts of money on a full-blown version of Photoshop, so is there a stripped down version I can use? Dang, I really liked RawShooter. Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Global Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Working with my K10D Raw images
Hey Walter, Godfrey, Perry, et al. Thanks for the leads on Lightroom. I'm going to download the beta. I suppose this version will expire in February, then I'll have to buy it. I have the impression that Adobe bought RawShooter specifically to kill it; I'm not sure this is the case. By the way, almost immediately after I sent my first query about the K10D raw images, I noticed that much of this was already covered in the archives. Apologies for not noticing this, thanks for not flaming me! Cheers Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Global Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Crossed polarization techniques
Hey Folks, Has anyone on this list experimented with cross-polarization flash techniques? Basically, you put a linear polarizing sheet in front of your flash, and a linear polarizing filter in front of your lens. Orient the two filters at 90 degrees to each other. With this arrangement, light from the flash is polarized. Specular reflections off the subject are still polarized and as such are blocked by the lens on the camera. This supposedly eliminates hot spots. Since a lot of my photography involves plants with waxy, shiny surfaces, this would be very useful. Of course, the down side is that the flash is less powerful with all that polarizing sheet. Does this work? I've encountered it a couple of times in macrophotography books. Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Global Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Shake reduction---how is it accomplished?
Hey Folks, Can anyone 'splain to me how the K10D actually achieves the shake reduction feature? (And I don't mean how do I turn it on...heh heh) From the perspective of a former astronomer, I'm just curious of how this is being affected. Is the sensor somehow hooked up to some kind of inertial reference? Also, why does the manual tell you (over and over) NOT to use the shake reduction when the camera is on a tripod? There must be some kind of incompatibilitysome times I'm shooting little critters with a big lens on an overly-small tripod, and I'm wondering if the shake reduction would help Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Global Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Shake reduction---how is it accomplished?
Hey Godfrey, Thanks. Very interesting. Since I have a rule of thumb that I almost never take a photograph with my camera off-tripod, I guess shake reduction will probably not be something I'll use much. Cheers Barry There are horizontal and vertical movement sensors that feed to a controller which also knows the focal length (and the focus distance, I believe, with F/FA/DA/D-FA series lenses), calculates the amplitude and direction of the movement, and then moves the sensor on a magnetic cushion to compensate. The shake reduction system is tuned to manage vibrations in the range of amplitudes usually seen in human musculature. When the camera is on a tripod, the range and frequency of the vibrations are quite different, often beyond the ability of the control system to manage, which can cause the stabilization system to increase the amount of motion blur in the captures rather than decrease it under certainly circumstances. For this reason, and maybe for some tiny increment of savings in power consumption, they recommend that the AS be turned off. I have not found that it matters overly much with my tripod and the lenses that I normally use with the cameras I've had that supported image stabilization in the past, however I have not had much experience with the K10D in this regard as yet. Godfrey -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
K10D sensitivity for least noisy images
Hey Folks, I just got my K10D---my istDs is now in my wife's ownership! What's the skinny on the best sensitivity to use if you want the least noisy images? I know my (er, my wife's) istDs works best at the native 200 sensitivity, but what about the K10D? I'd guess 100, but is there a differing opinion? Cheers Barry P.S. I'm bummed to hear that my AF500FTZ won't work on it, in TTL mode. Drag. Big Drag.. Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. FAQ--Author http://www.sarracenia.com/faq.html Galleria Carnivora--Curator http://www.sarracenia.com/galleria/galleria.html -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Book with photos taken with Pentax gear
Hey Folks, By the way, I'm terribly pleased to mention that a book that I wrote on carnivorous plants is just about ready to hit the stands. Every photograph of mine in the book (i.e. the vast majority) was taken with Pentax bodies---a SuperProgram, ZX-5n, and *istDs. I've got a descriptionof the book on my web site at http://www.sarracenia.com/cp.html or you can see it by searching Amazon.com for my name. Interestingly, in terms of $$, about 80% of my fee comes from the photography. Knowing enough to WRITE the book only got me 20%. Cheers Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. FAQ--Author http://www.sarracenia.com/faq.html Galleria Carnivora--Curator http://www.sarracenia.com/galleria/galleria.html -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Battery chargers
Hey Dave, et al., Hmm. So in your experience, do the AA rechargeables become exhausted more rapidly than CR-V3s? Barry G'day Barry, Why not forgo chargers altogether get a few sets of AA lithiums or CR-V3's? If the trip were longer I could understand using rechargeables, but for 8-ish days, IMO, it's not worth the hassle. Just my 0.02c Dave At 06:57 AM 29/08/2006, you wrote: Hey Folks, I'm planning an 8-day-ish trip to Glacier Montana, during which I'll be car camping. I know that my *istDS will eat up my rechargeable AAs in a fraction of this time. I'm looking at options, such as bringing lots and lots of batteries, etc., but I'm wondering if there is a good AA recharger that works off the power plug (cigarette lighter) in cars? -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Battery chargers
Hey Folks, I'm planning an 8-day-ish trip to Glacier Montana, during which I'll be car camping. I know that my *istDS will eat up my rechargeable AAs in a fraction of this time. I'm looking at options, such as bringing lots and lots of batteries, etc., but I'm wondering if there is a good AA recharger that works off the power plug (cigarette lighter) in cars? Cheers Barry P.S. I posted this question to the list earlier today but it was rejected. Sorry if you see this twice. Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Global Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
2 GB SD cards for IST DS?
Hey Folks, I have a relatively new (6 months old) *istDS. I would like to buy another memory card for it. I usually use the SanDisk 1GB Ultra II, but I was wondering if there are any problems with using 2 GB SanDisk cards, i.e. http://www.adorama.com/IDSUSD2G.html?searchinfo=sandisk%202%20GBitem_no=5 By the way, a book of my photographs etc is to be published in September. Cool! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0881928070/sr=8-1/qid=1145649315/ref=pd_bbs _1/102-1759204-3076904?%5Fencoding=UTF8 Oddly, the photo on the front cover layout at Amazon.com is not mine...it is just a dummy image for a pre-production book. Cheers Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. FAQ--Author http://www.sarracenia.com/faq.html Galleria Carnivora--Curator http://www.sarracenia.com/galleria/galleria.html
50mm/F2 lens worth a CLA
Hey Folks, I just found an old pentax M 50/2 lens. I've already got a Pentax M50/1.4 and an F 50/2.8 macro. This 50/2 lens is in good shape, but would need a CLA before it would be even sellable. Is there any compelling reason to keep this lens? Any secrets about it, like oh, man this lens is sweet when reversed or anything like that? B Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Global Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
Re: 50mm/F2 lens worth a CLA
Hey Folks, OK, I guess I'll probably tear the thing apart just to see what's inside it. B Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Global Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
Re: PESO: Perth Pano (Whoops, wrong link)
Hey Dave, What technology did you use to take this? I assume something more sophisticated than stitching several images together. Very cool. Very cool indeed. Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Global Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
A photo posted for comment
Hey Folks, Since it is common for folks to post photos, I've put one of my own new images up. This came off my first roll with my new *istDS (ok, I'm still not used to thinking digitally). I'm writing a book on carnivorous plants and wanted some photos of seeds of a Federally Endangered pitcher plant. Instead of the usual diagnostic photo of seeds on a bit of paper, I wanted to show the seeds still in the dehiscing fruit, and also convey the fact the plants make seeds in the fall. http://www.sarracenia.com/temp/oreophila.jpg *istDS, Tamron 90mm macro, flash. So there you go! B Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Global Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
RE: A photo posted for comment
Hey Folks, Ah, now I know what PESO and PAW stand for! Thanks for the comments on the depth of field. Alas, I have the camera stopped down as much as possible, or maybe just one step away from the max if I'm getting diffraction blur. That's pretty much a standard operating procedure for me. I know that blurring the background is an excellent technique, but for my macro stuff it rarely seems to be needed. I'll watch the excessive sharpening. Oh, for scale, these dried fruit are about 1.5cm in diameter, i.e. about as big around as your thumbnail. The lens, by the way, is the 90mm/2.8 manual focus Tamron with 1:1 without extension. It's my favorite lens. Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Global Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu -Original Message- From: Barry Rice [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, October 25, 2005 12:46 PM To: 'pentax-discuss@pdml.net' Subject: A photo posted for comment Hey Folks, Since it is common for folks to post photos, I've put one of my own new images up. This came off my first roll with my new *istDS (ok, I'm still not used to thinking digitally). I'm writing a book on carnivorous plants and wanted some photos of seeds of a Federally Endangered pitcher plant. Instead of the usual diagnostic photo of seeds on a bit of paper, I wanted to show the seeds still in the dehiscing fruit, and also convey the fact the plants make seeds in the fall. http://www.sarracenia.com/temp/oreophila.jpg *istDS, Tamron 90mm macro, flash. So there you go! B Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Global Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
Re: Used gear
What are you looking for, Barry? BH Photo sells used gear, as does Tamarkin NY. Sometimes they have decent gear at decent prices available. Godfrey Hey Godfrey, Alas, most of the BH gear is for larger format than 35mm/digital. I'm not really looking for anything in particular, just something I must have (that I didn't know I needed before seeing the listing!). :) Since I primarily do botanical macro, I'm always on the lookout for that sort of stuff, e.g. 50 and 100 mm extension tubes, since it's a bear to stack all my other tubes together to get a lot of extension for extreme closeups. Also, of course, if I ever saw one of the 200/4 FA or A Macros for sale, I'd have to have a long conversation with my wife about budgets Cheers! Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Global Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
Used gear
Hey Folks, Is it kosher for me to ask here for a list of sites people look at for used camera gear? EekBay scares me, but I regularly look at KEH. Is there some other site I should visit? Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Global Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
Re: too many 50's?
Is the M 50/1.4 lens is comparable to the FA 50/1.4? My old M50/1.4 is starting to die, and I'm thinking it's time for a replacement. I usually If you're using it reversed then you must be using it wide open. How is the lens failing so that it can't be used for that purpose? You don't have to use the focusing helix and you don't need the aperture mechanism. Hey Tom, Something is loose inside the lens. But more importantly, the filter thread got some minor damage so threading my adapter onto the front to stack the lens is getting really difficult. I was thinking about getting a replacement M50/1.4, but I'm thinking that spending the extra bucks to get a FA50/1.4 might be sensible for my lovely wife who should use an autofocus lens more than the does. I justI just don't like the looks of the FA lenses with the little windows. I'm so conflicted. Maybe I should buy a whole mess of them, like most of you on this list! Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Global Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
FA 28-200/3.8-5.6 AL [IF]
Hey Folks, I'm thinking of getting this autofocus zoom for my wife. She's not hugely picky about image quality, and this looks like it might be a good general lense for around the neighborhood? KEH has one for a bit under $200, excellent plus. Any comments on it? She'd be using it on both a ZX-5n and eventually a *istDS. Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Global Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
Re: too many 50's?
Is the M 50/1.4 lens is comparable to the FA 50/1.4? My old M50/1.4 is starting to die, and I'm thinking it's time for a replacement. I usually use it reversed, stacked on another lens, and I'm quite fond of its properties. Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Global Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
Re: Photo Bio Suggestion?
A name I don't see listed here is Ralph Eugene Meatyard. I happened to open a book on his work years ago (OK, it was because he had a weird last name), and was immediately amazed. His work is so weird, so creepy, looking at his photos is like looking at a book documenting ghosts are real. You know how some Art films try to look creepy, sort of like the film-within-a-film in the movie, The Ring? Well, Meatyard is the real shiznit! A quick websearch will show you plenty of pictures to give you the heebie-jeebies. He's weird, very different from my style, and so quite instructive in its way. Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Global Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
Re: Non A-lenses on *ist-DS
If you want stop down manual metering, set the *ist-Ds to manual hold in the DOF preview. The Lens stops down to taking aperture and the metering bar graph turns on. Adjust the shutter speed or aperture ring until the graph centers release the DOF lever and shoot. Both work well as long as your aware that if there is too little light to give an accurate meter reading the camera will set it's shutter speed to the slowest speed available at some magic ev that it thinks is appropriate, it just won't be right. Hey Folks, Thanks for the helpful replies I got. Last night I verified this method works. And I also discovered what P.J.Alling mentioned, which was that for some reason my camera would balk at setting an exposure slower than 1/10 second. Counting F-stops I could figure the right exposure, though. I'm checking to make sure that my flash (AF 500FTZ) will be compatible in TTL in this mode. Cheers Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
Non A-lenses on *ist-DS
Hey Folks, When I'm using my old lenses that do not have an A setting, like my SMC 200mm F4, on my *ist-DS, I gather that the crippled mount only allows me to shoot with the lens wide open. Is it true that I can't use this lens in my *ist-DS at F22, because the lens doesn't close down during the exposure? I've been trying to figure out how to do this, but haven't been successful. Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
Re: Non A-lenses on *ist-DS
Hey Folks, Thanks...I'm itching to get home tonight and try this work-around. I was shocked when I ran into this problem on Friday...I couldn't believe that Pentax would abandon its old lenses. Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
Tongue operated shutter release
Hey Folks, So, when I'm in the field with my ZX-5n taking botanical photos, my camera is on a tripod, my left hand may be holding a shade cloth or diffusion screen, my right hand may be holding my flash connected to the camera by a cord. I operate the shutter using the shutter release cable (I think this is the cable switch F) in my mouth, as I have found a simple tongue manuever is effective at depressing the switch. :) So anyway, now that I have an *ist-DS, I'm wondering if either of the two shutter control options--the Remote control F or the Cable Switch CS-205 can easily be operated using one's lingual appendage? And does this rate as a strange question? By the way, BH is once again stocking the *ist-DS on its catalogue, $629.95. I wonder why it had stopped for a while? Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
Re: Tongue operated shutter release
Hey Godfrey, Why not just get an extension cord for the remote switch and click it with the same hand that's holding either the flash unit or shade cloth? any three-contact telephone headset extension cord from Radio Shack would do for the CS-205. Someone more talented might be able to do this, but while I have tried this, it just doesn't seem to work well. The diffuser I use is big and bulky, and my flash is terrifyingly expensive, and since I'm usually taking these photos in treacherous sphagnum bogs and or on false lake bottoms, I am always just one step away from plunging into a watery grave. Holding more than one thing in each hand is just asking for trouble. You might also consider buying the Canon remote switch, Canon Remote Switch RS-60E3, instead. It's $10 cheaper and works exactly the same way. Hmm. A buddy of mine has a Canon. Can I make his camera fire at unintended moments? It would be great as a practical joke. :) Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
Problems getting Velvia into my *ist-DS
Hey Folks, So, this weekend I did my first serious work with my new *ist-DS. The results are pretty good, considering it was my first time out. I am used to shooting Velvia on film cameras; with my *ist-DS the results I liked the most were obtained by setting the exposure compensation to -0.5 to -1. But I think the intense color saturation is not quite there, though. Maybe I should increase the saturation option? Or does this just do nothing that can't be done post-processing in image manipulation software? It's funny---I don't mind using Velvia, but the idea of using my image manipulation software to enhance the saturation of an image seems cheating. Silly, I know, but there you have it. Barry P.S. Taking photos, then loading them onto my computer for viewing was a trip! No mailers, no fruitless visits to the post office box...the images were right there! Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
Re: Problems getting Velvia into my *ist-DS
Were you shooting RAW or letting the camera produce a finished file? Hey Rob, Call me silly, but I've parked my camera's imaging option to shoot RAW and don't expect to shoot at anything else. I never know if an informal candid shot I take will turn out to be one I'll fall desperately in love with--it would blow to be casually snapping little pics at low-res, and then turn around to see bigfoot! :) Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
Firmware question for new *ist-DS owner
Hey Folks, I've been playing with my new *ist DS over the weekend. I'd love to show you all the fabulous photos I've been taking with it, but they've almost all been of my toes or the bookshelves as I've worked my way through the manual. So far it's all very sensible. So could someone explain what the talk is about firmware updates? Since I expect to shoot exclusively at the RAW setting, I assume I'll use the Pentax software to apply a few corrections to the images on my machine. Is there some update or patch I should download, in addition to the software supplied with the camera? FWIW, I use Paint Shop Pro instead of Photoshop, if such a comment is relevant. Cheers Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
Re: It's Here and It Works!
Hey Folks, Well, yesterday afternoon my *ist-DS arrived as well. Yee haw! I'll have to contact buydig.com because the two batteries were not in the box. A minor inconvenience, but still... Last night I spent some time playing with the camera, of course. Since I haven't gotten my memory cards yet, the camera is heavily crippled, and I can't enter the shooting-memory-cards-Olympics, but (for this user at least, familiar with SuperPrograms and ZX-5ns), the camera was VERY easy to get around. I only made it through 1/4 of the manual, so I'm sure there's plenty more to fiddle with. Since I don't normally use zooms or AF, the 18-55 AF zoom that came with the camera surprised me when I realized it had no aperture ring. But then I discovered the little adjustment wheel on the camera body. Ah... I'll be interested to see how this functions with my normal prime lenses with aperture rings. The little red boxes lighting up when focusing freak me out. They remind me of those peripheral-vision tests you take at the eyedoctor. :) Later! Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
Selecting the digital sensitivity
Hey Folks, I'm now learning how to think digitally with my *ist-DS. The thing that perplexes me is setting the sensitivity. I'm used to shooting with Velvia since minimal grain and nice saturation are important to me. What sensitivity do people use? I'm no stranger to taking 15 second exposures to maximize my DOF in my botanical fieldwork, but I'm intrigued at the notion of cranking up the sensitivity on the camera to take big DOF images with a short exposure. Could it be that I don't have to worry about the wind anymore? At what point would I expect to see noise? I don't see this addressed in the manual, except in broad terms. Barry P.S. Please forgive me if I missed an obvious paragraph in the manual. I *do* read manuals carefully---let's just say I'm excited about this new camera! B Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
Re: Selecting the digital sensitivity
Hey Folks, Thanks for the speedy comments re: sensitivity. So my follow-up question (and then I'll try to get some work done today!)is there any reciprocity failure issues with digital detectors? I'd think the detection was fairly linear with long integrations (exposures), but I'm guessing that once those little ccd buckets start to fill up with electrons, they might start losing linearity. Can you tell I was trained as an astronomer? Geek alert! Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
Film for my digital camera
Hey Folks, I've ordered an *ist-DS from Buydig, and will see if my experiences are easier than Shel's. It turns out that I really need to hit the ground running with this digital camera (I've got a very limited time to get a bunch of images together for a book I'm working on), so I apologize for this newbie-ola question...but this listserve is where I turn to when I have pentaxian questions... Are all SD cards more or less equal, given storage volume? (I see BH has some 1Gig Sandisks from $88, which looks ok.) I have downloaded the pdf manual on the DS, and estimate 1Gig would hold about 86 RAW images. If this disk fills up in the field, can I slip in a new one, just like changing film? Thanks all! Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
Re: Film for my digital camera
Hey y'all, Thanks for this information. It was much as I expected, but it is good to hear. I've ordered two 1Gig Utra II Sandisk cards. Now my next task will be to keep this camera out of my wife's hands so I can in good conscience deduct this camera purchase as a business expense! This, and not the 208 page manual, will be the real challenge! :) Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
Re: It's Here and It Works!
Not fair! I want mine too! Waaa. Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
Uh what happened to the *ist DS
Hey Folks, A while ago I asked about the differences between the *ist-DS and the *ist-DL, and got a set of great answers. I decided the *ist-DS was more attractive to me because of the pentaprism (instead of the pentamirror). Viewfinder brightness is a matter of importance for me in my macro work. Price is also a concern. Today I got ready to order, and discovered that suddenly neither B and H or Adorama carry the *ist-DS anymore! Does anyone know why this is the case? And now I see there's a DS2 on the Pentax site, although I don't see this for sale yet! Is this scheduled to be a pricey model? I'm afraid of other companies.I've...I've been hurt before. :) Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
Re: Uh what happened to the *ist DS
Hey Folks, I see the Pentax *ist-DS (body only) is available at dbuys.com, which has a good (8.96) rating from resellerrartings.com Any comment on this venue? I'm scared. Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. Invasive Species Specialist Invasive Species Initiative The Nature Conservancy V: 530-754-8891 http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu
RE: Ist DS vs Ist DL
Hey Folks, Thanks for the comments. I have looked at the reviews on dpreview.com, and saw surprisingly few feature differences between the Ds and the Dl. It baffles me that such minor differences would merit a new model. In any event, could someone explain to me the difference between the pentaprism and the pentamirror? I currently use a ZX-5N, and before that I used the ME-SuperProgram forever and a day... Really, I am mostly interested in a good, light-tight box that will accept my Pentax lenses and let me do my macro in peace. :) Cheers Barry
Ist DS vs Ist DL
Hey Folks, To date, I've been strictly a film user, doing natural area photography with a specialization in botanical macro work. I've been toying with getting a digital body, but the *ist D has been out of my price range. However, the *istDS and *istDL are reasonable purchases. Does anyone here know of a place I can see an item by item comparison of the two bodies? I'm pleased to see, by looking through the online manuals, that all three bodies offer depth of field preview, and I'm VERY pleased to see that the mirror-lockup facility is available. But does anyone have any more detailed information on other features? Cheers Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. FAQ--Author http://www.sarracenia.com/faq.html Galleria Carnivora--Curator http://www.sarracenia.com/galleria/galleria.html
RE: Pentax fish-eye
Hey William, Regarding the use of the Pentax 17/4.0 fisheye, you said not to stop down any more than necessary. Why is this? Does diffraction set in early? I'm quite curious! I do macro work so always focus manually. What matters to me is the quality of the optics. I like an extremely deep depth of field, so I expect I'll be shooting with the lens stopped down all the way... Don't stop down more than you have to. William Robb Cheers Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. FAQ--Author http://www.sarracenia.com/faq.html Galleria Carnivora Curator http://www.sarracenia.com/galleria/galleria.html
Pentax fish-eye
Hey Folks, I'm in the market for a good fish-eye lens for my ZX-5n. (Well, really, it's for me.) I'm looking at buying either a used Pentax 17/4.0, or perhaps a Sigma 15/2.8. Does anyone on this list have comments about either lens? I tend to stick with Pentax lenses, but if the 17/4.0 is considered comparatively weak next to the Sigma 15/2.8, I'd be interested to hear about it. I do macro work so always focus manually. What matters to me is the quality of the optics. I like an extremely deep depth of field, so I expect I'll be shooting with the lens stopped down all the way... Cheers Barry Barry A. Rice, Ph.D. FAQ--Author http://www.sarracenia.com/faq.html Galleria Carnivora Curator http://www.sarracenia.com/galleria/galleria.html
