Re: 432mm@f/2.8, image stabilized, 5 megapixels, $600!
I bought FZ-20 before the *istDS was announced. The FZ-20 is a mixed bag, but still manages to provide a lot of fun all the same. I like the FZ-20 output a lot, but I wish the ergonomics had been designed by Pentax instead of Panasonic. The handgrip is too small for my hands and the controls and menu systems are awkward (to me, but this is my first digicam (and zoom lens, for that matter). EVF just isn't a good substitute for an optical viewfinder). The LCD screen on the back of the camera is good, but you have to look at it dead on to get a good sense of how well exposed the image will be and it's not always that easy to see it in bright sunlight (which is pretty damn bright and pretty common here in San Antonio). However, the lens, the optical image stabilization, the color sensitivity of the chip, and the lack of shutter lag are good enough to overcome the body's chunky shortcomings. Manual focusing works wellthe center of image shows up a highly magnified portion of the shot allowing you to fine tune the focus pretty well. The menu system for controlling the electronic functions of the camera (WB, exposure compensation, metering style, and autofocus pattern) is clunky, but it works. I paid $600 for mine, but the online price has come down quite a bit since then. The lowest I've seen so far is $520. SD memory cards are getting really cheap, too. Dan On Oct 12, 2004, at 10:55 PM, Mark Erickson wrote: The FZ-3 has been reviewed by Digital Photography Review(tm) and by the Digital Camera Resource page: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz3/ http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/panasonic/dmc_fz3-review/index.shtml The FZ-20 has been reviewed by the Digital Camera Resource page and Steve's Digicams: http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/panasonic/dmc_fz20-review/ index.shtml http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/fz20.html All of these reviews have original-size JPEG images available for your perusal. On the Digital Camera Resource Page you can compare images that were taken at the same time with the FZ-3, FZ-20, and Canon EOS-20D. My impression is that the Panasonic/Leica lens is amazingly good, and Panasonic didn't screw up the images with bad post-processing. As expected, the small imager yields more shadow noise than the EOS-20D. Chromatic aberration and purple fringing is noticably absent. Let's face facts. The FZ-20 lens goes from 36mm to 432mm equivalent 35mm focal lengths, and it maintains F2.8 throughout the range. Add image stabilization and a pretty good manual focus capability (I played with one in a store and found it amazingly easy to use) and you have a camera that gives capabilities unmatched by any digital SLR. As I see it, its main weakness is shadow and high ISO noise that is unavoidable with a small sensor. With the addition of the (not cheap) wide-angle converter, I wouldn't hesitate to use one as my primary travel camera. I can't imagine a better safari camera for an amateur (i.e., not willing to lug a 20D or F100 and 300mm F2.8 lens around) photographer. In fact, as I write this my mom is on safari in South Africa with her FZ-1 (the predecessor to the FZ-3). I'm looking forward to the pics! --Mark
Re: OT: Sobig virus question
On Saturday, August 30, 2003, at 10:46 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I am getting 1 sobig email per MINUTE. People REALLY need to install antivirus, there are many free ones out there so if anyone here does not have one please install one. Thanks Al http://www.usefilm.com Even I'm getting them. Someone on the list asked a little while ago about Mac viruses (s0rry, can't remember who) an article I read yesterday stated there were 70,000?! identified viruses for Windows and only about 50 of the same for all of the older versions of the Mac OS combined no viruses at all for the contemporary Mac OS (unix-based). I'm counting my blessings and knocking on wood. Dan Scott
Re: pentax close-up lenses
On Saturday, August 30, 2003, at 09:13 AM, Tom Reese wrote: I haven't been able to determine if the pentax close-up lenses are single element or multiple element like the ones Nikon made (makes?). If they're single element are they really any better than the generic diopters? Thanks. IIRC, a few of the Pentax CU lenses for the 67 are 2-element lenses but none of the 35mm ones are (I have one and it's crap). Nikon makes great 2-element CU lenses and they are dirt cheap even when you figure in the cost of a step-up/step-down ring. Greg Erker has a page on 2-element CU lenses google his name and you'll find his site. Dan Scott
Re: Pentax 67II
On Saturday, August 30, 2003, at 05:19 PM, Juan Diaz wrote: Is there anyone in this forum who'll be kind enought to tell me, what the recommended price is for a Pentax 67II body in either UK or USA. Here in Denmark where I live, I have the notion that they are much more expensive in comparison with other countries. (Here the body costs around £2000 or $4000)! J.Diaz $4000! You could buy two here and still have enough change left for airfare back home. Dan Scott
Re: I went shopping for a *ist D today.
On Saturday, August 30, 2003, at 01:41 AM, Leon Altoff wrote: The only question left is who will be the first person to put a picture on PUG taken with a *ist D? If I get it before the September deadline I plan on it being me. Leon Bill Owen (I believe) was the very first PDMLer to shoot with the *istD eerily, the 1st shot was a Waffle House. Dan Scott
Re: OT: before I waste my time, advise requested (printing from low res digicam)
On Saturday, August 23, 2003, at 07:21 AM, Lon Williamson wrote: My wife's sister died suddenly, and I am in receipt of a passle of JPEGS from which to select pictures to print and pass out at a service in her memory. My wive is asking for 5x7 prints of a recent portrait of her sister. The pictures were taken with one of those Sony digitals that write to floppy and have a max resolution of 640x480. I have any number of photoshop techniques to enhance resolution, including genuine fractals. I've never used any of them because my 3600 DPI film scanner has produced satisfactory prints up to 8x10 without resorting to rezzing up techniques. Any advise on this? I could easily waste hours trying for the best possible method. Thanks in advance, gang. -Lon Hi Lon, Sorry to hear about your family's loss. Try making a couple of test prints, 1 using Photoshop to enlarge, and 1 using your printer's scaling functionsee if either one produces a good enough image (surprisingly, sometimes they can do a fairly decent job by most non-photogs standards). Something else you can try is enlarging in photoshop by very increments and judicious use of the blur and unsharp mask commands along the way. Good luck, Dan
Re: *istD and the future (WAS: Re: Digital Formats and Partial Coverage Lenses)
On Thursday, August 21, 2003, at 01:37 AM, William Robb wrote: Nikon has a more reasonable product turnover, they seem to have real technical improvements before the release a new camera. Pentax will probably chug along with the *ist D for a couple of years before releasing another digital SLR camera. William Robb While Pentax probably won't keep up with Nikon's relatively slow pace (or Canon's jackrabbit sprint), I don't think it will take Pentax two years to produce another dslr. They've already done two (tho' the first was a noshow) at glacial pace, by this time they should have the needed design teams and support systems in place to start speeding up (1 year to a year and half at the latest). I wish mostly for Pentax to catch up with technologies already on the market, and (gasp) actually innovate once in awhile. Refinement of existing technology is great, but at some point they're going to be in the position of offering the finest buggywhip in the world to a market that has moved on to superhighways and high speed mass-transit. Dan Scott
Re: Way OT - Mid-life Crisis
Hi Frank, I just read this (taking me awhile to catch up on my PDML). It's a bummer, especially having to temporarily move away from your kids. But hey, like you saidit's big opportunity, too (got to be better than ending up a flat, frozen popsicle). Hang in there. Dan On Thursday, August 7, 2003, at 04:09 PM, frank theriault wrote: Well, not really a mid-life crisis per se, but I'm in my mid-life, and this is close to a crisis! g A few of you know that the bike courier biz has really gone down the tubes in the last year or so. In fact, my income has dropped by over 30%, such that not only has my discrectionary income disappeared, but making ends meet has become a problem. Given my age, the fact that I've been riding a bike for a living for about 71/2 years, and since I've been promising myself for the last 3 or 4 winters that I'm not going to do another winter, I've decided to start life anew. I've given my notice at work (effective Aug 31), and given my notice on my apartment (effective Sept 30), and will be moving down to Nova Scotia to stay with my Mom and Sis for a while. I've come to the conclusion that I can't find a job while I work at the current one, and I can't afford to live in Toronto if I'm not working. Besides, I need a vacation in the worst way - living from pay to pay is very draining. So, mid-September or so, I'll be off on an adventure (unfortunately, moving away from my kids, which I'm not happy with), and we'll see where I end up, and what I end up doing! Will likely only be away from PDML for a couple of days or a week - mom has a computer. g cheers, frank
Re: Way OT - Mid-life Crisis
On Thursday, August 21, 2003, at 01:04 PM, Dan Scott wrote: That was supposed to be off list. :-(
Re: *istD and the future (WAS: Re: Digital Formats and Partial Coverage Lenses)
On Thursday, August 21, 2003, at 05:13 PM, William Robb wrote: Dan, they have been selling buggy whips to people who are too darned stubborn to buy into horseless carriages for about 15 years now. This is their market. William Robb Looking at my gear, I can see that's truebut even I'd be in the market for a new-fangled horseless-carriage whip if Pentax could figure out how to make a few Pentax-style (i.e., well thought out well made, not late, late, really damn latealthough the later is Pentax-style, too). Dan
Re: More serious competition for *ist-D - Kiss Digital/300D
On Wednesday, August 20, 2003, at 04:30 PM, Jostein wrote: Does anyone else get the feeling that before 2005 ought to be before 2004 if Pentax are to keep up with the competition? Jostein Should and Ought To have no conceptually equivalent terms in the Pentax lexicon (belongs in the class of things that include the number of dolphin words for doorknob). Dan
Neat gizmo
http://www.bmumford.com/photo/camctlr.html Has a neat gizmo for catching high speed events, unattended triggering, time lapse photography. Haven't used it, but it looks cool. Dan Scott
Re: Scotland pics up
On Saturday, August 16, 2003, at 06:33 AM, Cotty wrote: Scotland as you've never seen it, featuring Jostein, Mike W, Gianfranco and a cast of thousands. http://www.macads.co.uk/snaps/photoessays/scotlandday1.html Cheers, Cotty Clearly the major problem with these pages pics is the shear _number_ of them. When you hit the last photo on that last page you suddenly discover you've run out of essay before you've run out of interest. Very nice work Cotty. Dan Scott
Re: OT Virus warning (no hoax beleive me)
On Friday, August 15, 2003, at 10:49 AM, Cotty wrote: Keith, you should try OS X - stability like you wouldn't believe. And a nice bonus, I use 'Safari' - Apple's own web browser (still in beta) and so have rid myself of all MS software on my Macs. Having said that, the Mac team at MS do a very good job - IE 5.x is no slouch and I used it in preference to Netscrape or iCab or Mozilla. I also use Safaribtw, non-beta vers. 1.0 has been out for a little while now. The fact that Safari is designed to work with OS X by the people who wrote OS X is killer (see http://www.apple.com/applescript/safari/ for some of the perks). Pre Safari I preferred Mozilla and iCab over I.E.the only problems I ever had were with websites that were designed exclusively for I.E. (Microsoft's lovely embrace and exclude policy). Right now, there are more good browser options for Macs than ever before (see http://www.macorchard.com/) While waiting to film the interviews I went over and cleaned up all the Macintosh desktops, getting rid of nonesense and setting mouse speeds and sizes to something half-decent ;-) Gotta keep the side up! Me, too! Dan Scott
Re: please comments
On Wednesday, August 13, 2003, at 09:32 AM, arathi-sridhar wrote: thanks Dan for taking time to analyze and comment at such length. I felt that the 'other' shot (without the goat) was perhaps static, but you have rightly pointed out why it is the more interesting of the 2. -Sridhar You're quite welcome. Dan Scott
Re: Just printed the test pictures from the *ist D...
On Sunday, August 10, 2003, at 10:35 AM, T Rittenhouse wrote: There is no doubt that digital is currently a fad, especially at the comsumer level. When that fad goes the way of all fads, then we will see where digital is in the real world. Ciao, Graywolf http://pages.prodigy.net/graywolfphoto As for me, I'm still waiting to see how this whole electricity fad shakes out. Steam rules! G Dan Scott
Re: ist-D shutter sound (was Re: Japanese IstD site, translation needed)
On Wednesday, August 13, 2003, at 02:44 AM, Lawrence Kwan wrote: On Tue, 12 Aug 2003, Brendan wrote: http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2003/0808/pentax.htm This site has a mp3 recording or *ist-D shutter sound. It also has a good shot with the battery grip attached; and another one with the DA lens mounted. -- --Lawrence Kwan--SMS Info Service/Ringtone Convertor--PGP:finger/www-- [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.vex.net/~lawrence/ -Key ID:0x6D23F3C4-- Sounds like my grass clippers. To bad there isn't some info that would give an idea of how loudly that sound is being made. One of the benefits of shooting digitally ( I had hoped ) was the ability to shoot silently. Dan Scott
Re: Just printed the test pictures from the *ist D...
Hi Bill, They state the raw image was processed with their PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory? included software, I guess, with sharpness set to Standard. I'd guess High or Fine are probably options, too. Opening the samples in PS and applying a modest .5 pixel unsharp mask puts a good edge on things. One of the biggest criticisms their early digicams had was overly aggressive sharpeningmaybe they've taken that to heart here? The images shown are quite pleasing with regard to not looking particularly digital. A big plus for my taste. Dan Scott On Saturday, August 9, 2003, at 03:03 PM, William Robb wrote: - Original Message - From: Mark Roberts Subject: Re: Just printed the test pictures from the *ist D... I was concerned about that at first, but since first looking at the shots I've been wondering about how much depth of field is affecting what I'm seeing. DOF looks pretty shallow to me and trying to judge sharpness and resolution outside that range doesn't tell you anything. I wonder if Pentax's desire to have excellent bokeh hasn't clouded their judgement on making sharp demo pictures. Most images can be sharpend up considerably by stopping down a bit. William Robb
Re: ist-D shutter sound (was Re: Japanese IstD site, translation needed)
On Thursday, August 14, 2003, at 06:57 AM, Dario Bonazza 2 wrote: I believe you can change (or cancel) its (ist D's :-) shutter sound. The *ist D I saw (and heard) at Pentax Day featured a funny clickwhirr sound (like that of shutter + winder of a film camera). Dario Bonazza www.aohc.it Dario, Great news if it is so. It seems the sound you heard is not the same as what I heard. If there are 3 available sounds (two different shutter sounds and none at all) how many options might there be? Is this an expansion of the digicam feature setsort of like user selectable ringtones for cell phones? That could easily get out of hand...while a shutter emulator isn't bad, what if it extends to other sounds, tones, tunes or tiny digitized voices chirping gotcha! every time you shoot? Seriously silly food for thought, Dan Scott
Re: Puking Euphemisms (WAS: please comment)
On Thursday, August 14, 2003, at 10:12 AM, William Robb wrote: Moose are like Sherman tanks. William Robb But not nearly as friendly. Dan Scott
Re: ist-D shutter sound (was Re: Japanese IstD site, translation needed)
On Thursday, August 14, 2003, at 12:52 PM, Lon Williamson wrote: Dan Scott- As an aside, it's good to see you back. You were gone for a while. Nice to be back. I went on vacation and came back to thousands of unread pdml messages (more pdml than spam, if you can believe it). Originally had intentions of reading them all, but by the time the # of unread passed 16,000 Anyway, avoiding the list gave me a chance to learn the names of some people I'd seen scurrying about the house. Turns out they're all related to me. Dan Scott
Re: Update -- exchanged SMC-FA 35mm f/2 from BH
On Thursday, August 14, 2003, at 12:20 PM, Joe Wilensky wrote: The FA 35mm f/2 does have a slightly larger manual focus ring on its end, and a better manual focus feel, than the other FA primes I have (50/1.4 and 28/2.8). Joe It's a beaut. My favorite lens, in fact. Dan Scott
Re: please comments
On Tuesday, August 12, 2003, at 12:27 PM, arathi-sridhar wrote: hi. have uploaded this one http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=1675094 have got viewings and ratings too... and no comments :( please feel free. theres another similar one in the same folder. thanks. Sridhar Sridhar, Between the two images (of the goat and of the shrine) you certainly have enough elements for a decent shot. The photo of the shrine from your folder is far more interesting on its own (IMO) than the picture of the goat but neither one is what it could be. The photo you want comment on is very static. The goat and the tree are just dead center in the photo--which is not necessarily bad, but the goat doesn't fill up enough of the image to make looking at him particularly rewarding, and the shrine is pretty much obscured by the goat. The horizontal framing combined with the obscuring goat makes me wonder where the shrine is, and whether the parked bicycle on the side is telling me the visitor to the unseen shrine is around, but not in the photo. Lots of ambiguity and not many clues as to what's going on or where the focus is. Framing vertically and possibly including the sign on the tree in addition to goat or having the goat not completely blocking the shrine could be one approach and it would enable you to leave out dead space and distracting elements. Not having the goat and the tree stranded, at loose ends out in the middle of your photo would help. Getting closer to the goat or the tree, or anything pertinent would help clue the viewer in to what you want them to focus their attention on. Placing the subjects of your photo such that they make use of the foreground, midground, and/or background could be an approach, too. Contrasting the color or texture of the goat with or against that of the tree and the shrine could be another way to add to the appeal of your photo. Hope this helps (disregard if it doesn't). Dan Scott
Re: Texas Members
On Friday, March 21, 2003, at 09:18 AM, Ken Archer wrote: Here is a list from Chris Brogden. I don't know how up to date it is. Amarillo; Jackie Lee Mowery [EMAIL PROTECTED] Austin; Delano Mireles [EMAIL PROTECTED] Austin; Jose Rodriguez [EMAIL PROTECTED] Burleston; Gary Murphy [EMAIL PROTECTED] North Texas; John Mustarde [EMAIL PROTECTED] San Angelo; Charles Hardwick [EMAIL PROTECTED] San Antonio; Eleanor Reed [EMAIL PROTECTED] San Antonio; Ken Archer [EMAIL PROTECTED] San Antonio; Dan Scott [EMAIL PROTECTED] Spring; Tiger Moses [EMAIL PROTECTED] Waco; Jeff Wiseman [EMAIL PROTECTED] Whitewright; Nicholas Wright [EMAIL PROTECTED] It's out of date. My old ISP was shot out from under me months ago. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dan Scott
Re: Size of *ist D
On Saturday, March 8, 2003, at 11:35 AM, Boris Liberman wrote: Hi! I have only one thing to say, when I looked at the picture and noticed new Kodak camera (the 14 MP one), it made me feel immediately as if I was looking at some Borg technology. Man, it looks ugly... --- Boris Liberman Indeed it does. Dan Scott
Re: Nice photo
On Saturday, March 8, 2003, at 12:50 PM, William Robb wrote: http://www.photoblink.com/imageView.asp?ImageID=59147 William Robb Great shot. And it's amazing the things can fly. There's a lot of people around here who're built somewhat like that and I'm pretty sure most of them can't fly (I pretty sure they can't run, for that matter). ;-) Is it just me, or do the photos from Canon's digital cameras look better than photos from their film cameras? Dan Scott
*ist D finder is 95% fov and 0.95X Pentaprism
Woohoo! An optical pentaprism viewfinder was developed especially for the *ist D. This makes viewing easy with an ample 95% field of view and 0.95X magnification. There is also a superimposed display function which assists composition by illuminating the AF points in red. Dan Scott VBG
Re: And it's HERE!
On Wednesday, February 26, 2003, at 10:26 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Flash sync to slow at 1/150,damn.Nice to see it takes just about any Pentax lens though. Dave Brooks Perhaps it goes higher with the last flash Pentax released. The something 360? Dan Scott
Re: classic user interface
On Wednesday, February 26, 2003, at 11:25 AM, Bruce Dayton wrote: It seems that the interface by description, is a bit more like the PZ-1p style. Still not bad. If the price is good, they could have a really good thing going here. With two dials up top it sounds like a marriage of the PZ-1p and the MZ-S. Wonder if the slanted deck from the MZ-S could account for some of the 7mm difference in height from the film *ist ? (pentaprism, too, of course) Dan Scott
Re: *ist D!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On Wednesday, February 26, 2003, at 03:43 PM, Kevin Waterson wrote: Depreview: * New 16-segment metering system achieves more accurate exposure * New 11-point AF sensor (SAFOX VIII) realizes enhanced focusing * Fast 1/4000 sec. shutter speed and high-speed flash sync at 1/150 1/4000, this is enough for most applications but I would not try anything too fancy. * Continuous shooting at approx. 2.7 fps Does it have an mpeg feature? 2.7 is a bit slow for real sports or wildlife shooting * PC-based camera control and easy data transmission with USB 1.1 compatibility I was hoping for a firewire plug also * Convenient playback functions, such as nine imageand 12X magnification-display gimmicks I will go out on a limb here and offer that software is available only for MS and MAC systems and that *nix folks have been left out. Let's not forget this is their entry level DSLR. I imagine that if this does well bigger and better things will be along, in due time. Dan Scott
Re: And it's HERE!
On Wednesday, February 26, 2003, at 04:16 PM, Chris Brogden wrote: On Wed, 26 Feb 2003, Cotty wrote: This is my last post on the subject: http://www.bigdayphoto.com/tom/images/more_crap.jpg tv URGH! That picture has no soul. Cotty Or one too many. chris It definitely has soul. Clearly a tormented and, most likely, evil soul Dan Scott
Re: Picture of *istD
On Wednesday, February 26, 2003, at 10:10 PM, Mark D. wrote: Hey Folks, This might be a picture of the coming DSLR (provided the link works): http://www.excite.co.jp/world/url/ ?wb_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.digitalcamera.jp%2Fwb_lp=jaen-ATL Mark __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Tax Center - forms, calculators, tips, more http://taxes.yahoo.com/ It works! These might get you there more directly (maybe not): http://www.digitalcamera.jp/html/HotNews/image/2003-02/27/ist-D-1L.jpg http://www.digitalcamera.jp/html/HotNews/image/2003-02/27/ist-D-2L.jpg Sort of looks a little like the PZ-1p in the grip, doesn't it? Definitely not much MZ-D influence. Dan Scott
Re: *ist D photos
On Wednesday, February 26, 2003, at 09:00 PM, Rob Studdert wrote: On 26 Feb 2003 at 20:50, KT Takeshita wrote: Comrades! http://www.digitalcamera.jp/html/HotNews/image/2003-02/27/ist-D-1L.jpg http://www.digitalcamera.jp/html/HotNews/image/2003-02/27/ist-D-2L.jpg Wow! It's very different from the film *ist. Rob Studdert Yes. And it looks like they aren't production models, just a prototype or mockup. Dan Scott
Re: Picture of *istD
Oops. Never mind. I should read all the threads before I post. Dan Scott On Wednesday, February 26, 2003, at 10:39 PM, Dan Scott wrote: On Wednesday, February 26, 2003, at 10:10 PM, Mark D. wrote: Hey Folks, This might be a picture of the coming DSLR (provided the link works): http://www.excite.co.jp/world/url/ ?wb_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.digitalcamera.jp%2Fwb_lp=jaen-ATL Mark __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Tax Center - forms, calculators, tips, more http://taxes.yahoo.com/ It works! These might get you there more directly (maybe not): http://www.digitalcamera.jp/html/HotNews/image/2003-02/27/ist-D-1L.jpg http://www.digitalcamera.jp/html/HotNews/image/2003-02/27/ist-D-2L.jpg Sort of looks a little like the PZ-1p in the grip, doesn't it? Definitely not much MZ-D influence. Dan Scott
Re: It's HERE!... Bah!
On Wednesday, February 26, 2003, at 07:44 PM, Rob Studdert wrote: I'm holding out for it (10MP+ FFS), a smaller-than-35mm sensor is a major disadvantage to my mind. But we've been through all this before... Thank your chosen deity they've finally done something but I'll stick with my Oly E for the mean time. Rob Studdert C'mon Rob, won't you be itching to use some of that pristine Pentax glass sitting on your shelf? I bet you'll quickly tire of looking at other peoples' sample photos (shot with the wrong lenses) and then you'll decide you have to take one for a spin just to see what you can squeeze out of it with your glass. g I'm hoping it will turn out to be a decent camera, not just one that's finally compatible with Pentax glass Dan Scott
Re: What the D*ist REALLY MEANS...
On Wednesday, February 26, 2003, at 09:17 PM, Cesar Matamoros II wrote: I for one and not planning on getting rid of my film cameras. Still archival in my book. Cesar Panama City, Florida in Baltimore, Marylandt Not to mention that a working camera in my hand is worth 100 super-dooper cameras I don't have. :-) Guess I'll have to make due with old analog, out of date 20th century technology g Dan Scott (packing my lovely ZX-5n, 24, 35, 77, 100, and 135 for a brief trip to FLpaying my last respects to a much loved family member)
Re: *ist D photos
On Wednesday, February 26, 2003, at 11:11 PM, William Robb wrote: - Original Message - From: Butch Black Subject: Re: *ist D photos It appears not to have a PC socket. Harrumph. Is it me or does it look like there is a PC socket covered with a button cover just left of the IR thingee? I saw that, and thought that the cover looked too big to be a PC socket cover. OTOH, I don't know what else it could be hiding, either. William Robb It's where you plugin the controller for those micro-RC cars. ;-) Dan Scott
Re: What the D*ist REALLY MEANS...
On Wednesday, February 26, 2003, at 12:24 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: But for someone who never plans to _sell_ her cameras, because they're _tools_, this only means that buying backup gear on the used market get easier, n'est-ce pas? (Though it does mean that buying _lenses_ gets tougher for a while...) As long as the profit margin on new film cameras stays just high enough for them to continue to be manufactured at all, and for Pentax to keep repairing them when they wear out, anyhow. -- Glenn You know, if Pentax sells a caboodle of these things, they'll be making lots of new lenses to sell to the people buying 'em 'cause they don't make any money off of lenses sold on Ebay. I bet there will be plenty of good used glass to go around (especially when people go digital and want to shoot with the new lenses that match the perspective of their old film lenses). Dan Scott
Bye
See y'all in a week or two. Dan Scott
Re: Spring's coming!
On Tuesday, February 25, 2003, at 07:30 AM, Cesar Matamoros II wrote: Clean the lenses! They should be clean from all the use you have been giving it:') Cannot think of a reason not to be out shooting, unless I myself am uncomfortable. I took some shots of a parade in the French Quarter in New Orleans about two weeks ago. It was raining. So my camera is clean. Just wiped it off with a cloth. Fortunately I had a change of clothing in the car since I came out fairly soaked from that experience. Curious to see how relying on the MZ-S's AF and meter did in that environment. I was shooting the FA* 24/2. Cesar Panama City, Florida in Baltimore, Maryland Let me clarifymy people kit has been getting good use, but my flower kit hasn't. Better?;-) Dan Scott
Re: Mucho Gray Pic
On Tuesday, February 25, 2003, at 10:58 PM, J. C. O'Connell wrote: The are tons of different grays. To me it almost looks like a painting/surrealistic except it's got incredible details only large format can record. This was about 2 miles from my house in a city park. The web image pales to the actual print. I'm actually satisfied with this one for a change! The ferns are really fantastic looking in the full rez scan. http://jcoconnell.com/temp/woodspath01s.jpg I think it was 1/30 @ f22 Tmax 400 Hazy Sun tree cover. 90mm F8 on a Speed Graphic. Neat! Dan Scott
Re: Mike's new column
On Monday, February 24, 2003, at 09:07 AM, Nick Zentena wrote: So is this a common problem with the ZX-5n? Is there a ryhme or reason? When does it decide to rewind? Nick I wouldn't describe it as a problem with the ZX-5nit works exactly the way it was intended. When the camera reaches the end of the film it rewinds the film back into the cartridge. Individual photographers may find it not to their taste, but it doesn't mean there is anything wrong with the camera. The rewind sound level is on par with the autofocus sound level and, since this is a camera designed for autofocus lenses, I'd guess Pentax figured the sound of the rewind wasn't going to be anymore intrusive than the sound of the lens focussing for all the previous shots. Dan Scott
Serious competition for Pentax's new 5MP PS digital
I saw this, http://www.dpreview.com/news/0302/03022406sonyv1.asp , this morning and am quite impressed with the specs. This looks to be an awesome 5 megapixel PS. Just slightly larger than the Optio 550, it features a flash hotshoe, ISO 100-800, a Zeis Vario-Sonnar 4x zoom lens, and 30 to 1/2000 shutter speeds. Shoots in the dark, too. Pretty neat. I've been looking at the Canon G3 and the Optio 550 but, with the new Sony added to the mix, the Optio is really lagging. :-( Dan Scott
Re: Spring's coming!
On Monday, February 24, 2003, at 07:35 AM, Collin Brendemuehl wrote: Maybe for you. We got got 5 of snow with another 6-12 coming later in the week. Collin (From SnOwHIO) Brendemuehl On Monday, February 24, 2003, at 10:21 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Ah, that explains the foot of snow we got on Saturday night then! --- Wendy Beard Don't despair, I'm pretty sure Spring will work its way up to you, as well. If it's any comfort, yesterday's 79 degree F temp has been replaced with today's 42 F (one of you forgot to close the door, maybe?). Dan Scott
Re: Serious competition for Pentax's new 5MP PS digital
On Monday, February 24, 2003, at 11:49 AM, Bruce Rubenstein wrote: You're supposed to want cameras that fit into candy tins. BR Actually, Bruce, I really *want one of those, toobut in addition to, and not as a replacement for, one of the better 5MP PS. Dan Scott *Whether my pennies can accomplish both, or either, of course, is an entirely different question. g
Re: Taking this Waaaay OT: Re: Waving chickens
You know you've crossed over into old the first time a sweet young thing looks you straight in the eyes and calls you Sir. Of course, as you continue to get older, 20 and 30 year-olds move into the category of sweet young things and begin to address you as Sir, as well (anyone else see an ugly trend developing here?). Dan Scott
Re: Serious competition for Pentax's new 5MP PS digital
On Monday, February 24, 2003, at 11:58 AM, Bruce Dayton wrote: Dan, I don't know how the Optio 550 is in size, but if it is anything like the other Optio's, you are comparing apples to oranges. The great thing about Optio's is the size - very small and compact. If that is what you are looking for - many people are, then the Optio's compete. If all you are looking for is any old digicam with specs, then yes, the Optio's don't compete very well. A G3 is no small pocket compact. Bruce Bruce, I hear ya, but as it's the only 5MP PS Pentax has mentioned, fair or not, it's the only Pentax I can compare to the other 5MP digicams. :-( Plus, while the Canon G3 dwarfs Pentax Optio 550, the new Sony DSC-V1 is in the same petite ballparkthough the Pentax is still a little smaller: Sony DSC-V1 99 x 65 x 57 mm (3.9 x 2.6 x 2.2 in) Pentax Optio 550 100 x 59 x 40 mm (3.9 x 2.3 x 1.6 in) Canon G3 121 x 74 x 70 mm (4.8 x 2.9 x 2.8 in) I have no doubt that the Sony images will be at least as good as the other Sonys, Pentax don't have enough of a track record yet (and the 550's macro sample is more than a little soft). I'm hoping Pentax has got a few rabbits in the hat, though. Dan Scott
Re: Spring's coming!
On Monday, February 24, 2003, at 03:21 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dan Scott posted: Still dropping too; it was about 35 F when last I looked. Balmy 37 F here. Guess I ought to put my sandals on when I go out. Dan Scott
Re: The Cost (was RE: Mike's camera sense ;^))
On Sunday, February 23, 2003, at 12:32 PM, Bruce Dayton wrote: tom, I would *waste* shots because it was so quick to shoot or needing to *finish* off that roll of 36. 36 shots per roll is both great and terrible. Bruce I really appreciate Portra 160NC being available in 8 shot rolls. Dan Scott
Re: PUG deadline
On Sunday, February 23, 2003, at 06:06 PM, Bruce Dayton wrote: Aren't all flower pictures Cliché? Cats too! Just take a look on photo.net at the number of new posted images that are either flowers or cats! Bruce And People images, too! Cripes, like WHO hasn't taken a couple hundred people shots!? t Folks, it's been done. Give it a rest! No more People shots, please. :-P Dan Scott g
Re: To Everyone who has been published
On Monday, February 24, 2003, at 03:34 PM, Albano Garcia wrote: My first one was a couple of months ago, in a magazine for buildings-home-owners:Nuestro Consorcio (small run of 1000 magazines). It was the cover. I'll be doing the next cover, next month. If you want to see the pic and cover: http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder.tcl?folder_id=285079 Regards Albano That is a beautiful building. Great shot (and one of the few 28mm shots I've seen that I really like). Congrats, Dan Scott
Re: Serious competition for Pentax's new 5MP PS digital
On Monday, February 24, 2003, at 03:59 PM, Mike Johnston wrote: Dan, Yeah, that one does look killer. --Mike It does. Just noticed Steve's Digicams has a link to the Sony brochure. Dan Scott
Re: Serious competition for Pentax's new 5MP PS digital
On Monday, February 24, 2003, at 04:52 PM, Lawrence Kwan wrote: On Mon, 24 Feb 2003, Dan Scott wrote: I hear ya, but as it's the only 5MP PS Pentax has mentioned, fair or not, it's the only Pentax I can compare to the other 5MP digicams. :-( But you forgot Pentax has a *5X* optical zoom vs Sony's 4x. You really cannot compare camera with different zoom range. Sure I can. I did it in the message you quoted. Plus, while the Canon G3 dwarfs Pentax Optio 550, the new Sony DSC-V1 is in the same petite ballparkthough the Pentax is still a little smaller: Actually, Sony is almost 55% larger than Optio 550! Not insignificant at all. I didn't say insignificant, I just said a little smaller. For me, 3/10 of an inch in height and 6/10 of an inch in depth is well within pocketable for me. Sure, your pockets might be smaller than mine, and I can see that a relatively small difference in width and height for me might make it or break it for you. Likewise, the 5x vs. 4x isn't a big seller for me. I usually shoot in the 24mm-135mm range, so the Optio reaching out to an equivalent 185mm isn't that big a plus for me (the longer the lens, the greater the magnification of my tremor). What is a draw for me is the night shot ability, the long exposure capability, and the accessory hot shoe. The Sony's ability to take 52mm filters as well as the option of an accessory wide-angle lens is frosting on the cake. Of course, at this point all of this is comparing marketing to marketingand we know Pentax's marketing/advertising skills leave a lot to be desired. Anywho, I'm looking forward to seeing reports and sample images from all the usual reviewers. Dan Scott
Re: Weird scanning problem
On Monday, February 24, 2003, at 08:27 PM, J. C. O'Connell wrote: I've been scanning 4X5 negs the last few days with my Epson 2450 and I'm getting a weird pattern on my scans that looks kinda like a fingerprint but it's definately not. I've tried scanning in the holder and flat on the glass with same results. Also tried 1800 as well as 2400 ppi, same prob. The patterns are showing up randomly in my scans. Havent tried going back to 35mm or 6X7 yet Anybody ever have this? Is my scanner broken? THIS SUCKS! Sample scan, cropped showing problem: http://jcoconnell.com/temp/apartment02p.jpg BTW, I just got a Schneider 90mm/F8 S. A. wide angle for my 4X5 and this lens kicks some serious ass!! Newton's rings, I think. Somebody here know what to do. Dan Scott
Re: *Ist but what does it mean?
On Sunday, February 23, 2003, at 02:32 PM, KT Takeshita wrote: On 03.2.23 3:06 PM, Pl Jensen [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: There has been some reports that *Ist is more than a camera name but a brand name for certain Pentax products (SLR's). Hi folks, As long as I can see in Pentax Japan's web site, above is exactly what it says. It is not the name of the camera but is their new brand name for the new series of Pentax's SLR lines. Cheers, Ken That poses questions, because if *ist is the name of a line, the *ist we've seen photos of has already taken the name of a whole line for itself. How will they differentiate between the various *ists?**ist, ***ist, or what? Dan Scott
Spring's coming!
Henbit is starting to bloom here, which means Spring is just around the corner. Time to get those lenses cleaned up and shake last year's desiccated mud out of the ground cloth. Dan Scott
Re: Hello
On Sunday, February 23, 2003, at 02:04 PM, Eric Edvalson wrote: Hi, I have been reading what you guys have on the archive here for awhile. My name is Eric, I am 20 and live in Washington state. I shoot skateboarding, I had my first published photo in a magazine alst month. Hi Eric, Welcome to the PDML. Dan Scott
Re: More Pentax news/rumors (Now taking a poll)
On Saturday, February 22, 2003, at 12:32 PM, Joseph Tainter wrote: Is Pentax off in la-la land again? How many serious photographers, like those on this list, would buy an FAJ lens without distance markings, to use on a digital or any camera? It's a serious question. Please share your thoughts. Well, I know there are quite a few serious photographers on this list, but what portion of Pentax's current 35mm customers would fit into the serious, 35mm photographer category? Dan Scott
Re: Cover Shot
On Saturday, February 22, 2003, at 07:52 PM, Mark Cassino wrote: It's not Rolling Stone and I doubt if anyone on the list is a subscriber, but I'm honored to have the photo credit for the winter, 2003, edition of American Entomologist: http://www.markcassino.com/temp/DSCN0506.jpg (Sorry for the poor snapshot of the mag - I don't have a flatbed scanner anymore.) Just to make this post on topic - the shot was taken with an Mz-S, A* 200 macro, AF360FGZ... heck - the whole setup was Pentax except for the flash bracket, which came from parts bought at Gale's Hardware... - MCC Congratulations! Your hobby shots from a few years ago were better than 99.99% of what one usually finds in entomological publications. I bet they were thrilled to have it. Dan Scott
Re: SMC lens on Japanese Optio550!
That's why I think some of the photos are of preproduction models (along with things like misalignment of graphics and a few others). Dan Scott On Friday, February 21, 2003, at 10:05 AM, Rob Brigham wrote: And here they both have SMC markings... http://www.digit.no/Nyheter/Kameraer/ny_pentax_450_550-filer/ ny_optio_45 0_550.htm -Original Message- From: Iren Henry Chu [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 20 February 2003 01:43 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: SMC lens on Japanese Optio550! Dear all, According to the press release from Pentax Japan, the lens on Optio550/450 is SMC coated! http://pcweb.mycom.co.jp/news/2003/02/19/09a.jpg However, from the photos of dpreview, there is no SMC marking on Optio550: http://www.dpreview.com/news/0302/pma2003/pentax/optio550-frontback.jpg The Japanese list price of Optio550 is 99,000yen and they expect a street price around 80,000yen, i.e. around US$670 Regards, Henry Chu 20/2/2003
Re: *ist complete specifications
On Friday, February 21, 2003, at 07:29 PM, Peter Alling wrote: I've seen them for sale. Manufacture is probably restricted in some way. At 01:26 PM 2/21/2003 +1000, you wrote: I don't think so, mercury switches are probably banned here in North America. North of the Rio Grande at least. Mercury thermometers too? Rob Studdert Honeywell sells thermostats with mercury switches. Dan Scott
Fuji's got a D-MF back in the pipe
From Fuji's press release: New Digital Camera Back with 20.8 Million Total Pixels Super CCD Fujifilm will announce the development of a new state-of-the-art medium format digital camera back for professional use. The back is equipped with Fujifilm's newly developed 20.8 million total pixels Super CCD with a 52 x 37 mm size chip capable of producing a record breaking 7,648 x 5,408 (41 million) recorded pixels for exceptional quality. The CCD will produce ultra high-resolution images with superb color fidelity for professional photographers.
Re: More on the *ist
On Thursday, February 20, 2003, at 06:46 AM, KT Takeshita wrote: RE NEW BRAND [*ist] This is the new brand name of Pentax's SLRs, combining the asterisk which is one of the wild card characters in the computer language, and the English suffix -ist which means people who do or believe in certain things. It is pronounced ist with the silent * (it actually says so). * can be replaced by various words, composing for example Artist, Liberalist, Idealist, Naturalist, Humanist etc (my note: yes, they actually list those words! Well, you can joke about it or add some more words :-). [*ist] was named with the tribute to those who have their own ideals and live proactive life. Way cool! :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) Dan
Re: Pentax Hero
On Thursday, February 20, 2003, at 09:37 AM, Chris Brogden wrote: and then Dad would break both of our legs *if* we were lucky! chris Spoiled rotten. When I wuz a kid we had to break our own legs (and we were grateful, too). Dan
Re: Digital *ist - would you buy it?
On Thursday, February 20, 2003, at 10:58 AM, Bruce Dayton wrote: Ironically, *ist seems to be pretty much the plastic bodied MZ-S type camera that many have been asking for. An MS-Z type camera with a lower price point. Seems to be just what people want. I'm not sure what the disappointment is. It's *ist's mirror viewfinder that makes me think unkind thoughts, although I'm trying hard to believe it won't be as bad as it sounds. Dan
OT: Quiz (was Re: More on the *ist
On Thursday, February 20, 2003, at 12:18 PM, Mike Johnston wrote: Commun*ist! g --Mike Not quite that extreme. :-) http://www.self-gov.org/quiz.html See where you fit, it's quick, superficial, and fun (quite surprising for some folks, too). Dan Scott
Re: Here it is the perfect lens for the pentaxian with everything.
$$$ because precision hole constucted 1st, steel and plastic cap fixed in place around hole afterwards. very high tech g Dan -- :-( #@! keyboard down On Wednesday, February 19, 2003, at 07:15 AM, Collin Brendemuehl wrote: Midwest Photo sells these. Yes, it's a body cap. The metal in the center is a nice piece of steel. It's smoothly drilled and finished, and mounted securely. imnsho, it should sell for $15. $40ish is way too much me thinks. Makes for some interesting effects. Collin
Re: *ist opinion
Agreed. Dan -- #@! keyboard down On Tuesday, February 18, 2003, at 10:25 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: It will fill the position the 5n, L/6, 1p, leaving a spot for the (maybe it needs updated) M. IMO, because of the special nature of the -5n's interface, it cannot be replaced by a camera that does not share that interface.
Re: The first Pentax 5M pixel digital camera - Optio550
On Sunday, February 16, 2003, at 07:24 AM, Iren Henry Chu wrote: Dear all, News from the coming PMA - Pentax will reveal its first 5M pixel digital camera - Optio550 and a low-end 3M pixel compact digital camera - Optio 33L: http://www.fotopolis.pl/index.php?gora=4lewa=1e=820 Regards, Henry Chu 16/2/2003 Strange looking. Doesn't seem to have SMC on it either. Dan Scott
Re: Leaving for a while
On Friday, February 14, 2003, at 05:26 AM, Jostein wrote: Folks, I'm now at a stage where I have to delete 90% of the messages without reading them. Not because I want to, but because I try to avoid sleep deprivation to the same level as poor Brad Dobo... :-) Work has been more demanding lately, and I have a few other projects in my spare time (incl. more picture taking). Will be back in a fortnight, if things go as I hope. Would hate to miss the activity here around PMA :) Keep up the steam, folks. Pentax rulez. BCNU, Jostein I've been thinking along the same lines, lately. Good luck! Dan Scott
Chip tech
Anyone seen this? Is it likely this chip would make it into a slr? http://www.dpreview.com/news/0302/03021303atmel8mpccd.asp Dan Scott
Re: do you practice any other arts?
On Friday, February 14, 2003, at 03:05 PM, Bob Walkden wrote: Picasso was an astonishingly good draughtsman. --- Bob Bob, Nothing astonishing about that. What I found (in my days as an art student) curious was the number of fellow students who dismissed the ability to draw or paint in a realistic mode as something uncool, not really connected to Art except in a historic sense. They were busy making bad copies of contemporary art without understanding that most of the people they were aping had developed and honed control of their tools via very traditional, representationalist means. Once you master your tools and techniques, you have the power to place every element where you want it and the freedom to explore, bend or break rules as you please. Not mastering the Craft aspect of an art one wishes to practice is astonishing. Soapbox mode off. Dan Scott
Re: Pentax 43mm vs. Nikon 45mm test
On Friday, February 14, 2003, at 05:53 PM, Bruce Rubenstein wrote: I found a test comparing these two lenses here: http://www.pictchallenge.com/TestPN28full.html It's all in French, but there are lots of picture samples. There are many other comparison tests with Pentax lenses. The main index is here: http://www.pictchallenge.com/indextest.html BR Clover used to be a regular member of the PDML. He had a bunch of comparisons like that that he shot with his buddies. Dan Scott
Re: do you practice any other arts?
On Friday, February 14, 2003, at 07:09 PM, William Robb wrote: That sounds a lot like what I was saying during the 50mm lens debate a while back.. William Robb You're pretty smart sometimes. Dan Scott
Re: Where's Brad Dobo???
On Wednesday, February 12, 2003, at 04:23 PM, Peter Alling wrote: Do you really miss him. Aw, cut him some slack. Brad was pulling it together toward the end. He and Bill were finally able to talk to each other without either of 'em trying to get the other bustedthat's growth. Dan Scott
Mike's kryptonite?
I saw this, and immediately thought of our favorite editor. http://www.usefilm.com/showphoto.php?id=9139 Should we warn Mike? Anyone know if he has a home defibrillator? g Dan Scott
Re: Shameless Self-Promotion
On Thursday, February 13, 2003, at 01:42 PM, tom wrote: Guys, I have a new website: http://www.thomasvanveen.com Let the berating begin. tv Jeez! That is so totally ... nice. Dan Scott
Re: 2x Tele Converters
On Wednesday, February 12, 2003, at 11:32 PM, Steve Pearson wrote: Peter: Thanks for your response. That's very good to know-I'm LOL! Sorry for your experience. Good thing it (the Soligor) was given to me for free. I think I will send it straight to the garbage can. I don't even want to take a chance on it, especially if it might stick to the body. Check it out before you toss it. Peter's might have been previously bent and then straightened. Hard to imagine even the crappiest lens maker building a converter that was only good for one use. And, anyway, even if it is a dog optically, you could take the lenses out and keep it around for an extension tube. Dan Scott
Re: While were on tubes and flowersg
On Wednesday, February 12, 2003, at 11:15 PM, Doug Franklin wrote: On Wed, 12 Feb 2003 21:00:16 -0600, Dan Scott wrote: cheek to jowl in recycled plastic pots, on rough PT lumber, in an aging and, understandably, mildewy fiberglass green house (which also looked a lot like some sort of clandestine chemical laboratory). That's why we care about bokeh. :-) TTYL, DougF KG4LMZ I did consider shooting with the lens cap on, but couldn't figure the proper f/stop... :-) Dan Scott
Re: Mike's kryptonite?
On Thursday, February 13, 2003, at 04:44 PM, Mike Johnston wrote: Right, Dan actually loves that photo. The flower petal blooming with the adorable little kitten inside it, it just makes Dan choke up with sentimental feeling, brings a tear to his eye and a dulcet aww to his throat... Wow Mike. I do have a big soft spot in my heart for carnivorous plants, but how did you know that? You know, if this photo was in black and white and shot, say, with an old manual focus 50mm ... Dan Scott vbg
Re: Mike's kryptonite?
On Thursday, February 13, 2003, at 07:03 PM, Bob Walkden wrote:
Thursday, February 13, 2003, 10:44:57 PM, you wrote:
[...]
Right, Dan actually loves that photo. The flower petal blooming with
the
adorable little kitten inside it, it just makes Dan choke up with
sentimental feeling, brings a tear to his eye and a dulcet aww
to his
throat...what, after all, are prettier than flowers? What cuter than a
kitten? ...
well, I think the photo would be improved almost beyond measure if the
flower and the kitten were in a basket, and a small puppy (called
Patch) was carrying the whole ensemble in its mouth. A little touch of
soft-focus would have been good, too.
Bob ('smack my kitsch up') Walkden
I hear you Bob. I thought that if she could have captured the kitten
with a paw raised, then she could have merged the two images so that it
appeared the kitty was folding a petal blankie over its fuzzy little
self for a kitty nap. And the soft focus, definitely. And a soft yellow
background, give it all that sunny day touch.
You know, this could make a great Hallmark card, or possibly even a
Hummel figurine. Too bad the idea's already been taken.
Dan Scott
Re: do you practice any other arts?
On Thursday, February 13, 2003, at 09:41 PM, Amita Guha wrote: I attended my first drawing class last night. It was just a one-session thing, to get me started with drawing. I'm trying to learn to draw because I want to get into logo design as part of my web business. Drawing is a commpletely alien exercise to me, but I feel I need to learn it to add to my skillset. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone else on the list draws or engages in any other visual or other arts. If you do, do you think practicing one helps your skill in the other, or maybe hinders it? I am wondering if learning to draw will affect my photgraphy at all. Amita Hi Amita, I draw (and engage in other visual arts). Anything that encourages you to be more aware of line, tone, balance, the interaction of positive and negative space, etc., can only help you with your photography, too. Consider taking more drawing classes and some composition classes, also. In fact, you might want to see if one of the schools in your area offers any Ad Art (advertising art) classes. Designing logos is something you'll get lots of practice at. Dan Scott
Re: Hands up who crops?
On Tuesday, February 11, 2003, at 03:51 AM, Rob Brigham wrote: OK lets have a show of hands. Me. Whenever I think a photo can be enhanced by cropping, I do it. Same with increasing contrast, blurring, burning, dodging, applying usm, etc.. Just another tool. Dan Scott
Re: Pentax DSLRs
On Monday, February 10, 2003, at 10:47 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I found that highly ironic -- since switching to the ZX-5n I've been using auto-focus (everything else on manual) because I've decided I am now nearsighted enough that its better than my manual focus (except when doing macro). I'm nearsighted, too, but grateful that I haven't quite reached that point (yet). I can't figure out why I can see things so clearly through my lenses (which aren't tailored to my eyes at all) than I can see through my prescription eyeglasses? To avoid the constant zooming in and out as the Tokina (and sometimes the Pentax) tries to focus, what I have been doing is focusing on one point, getting the auto-focus to sort of lock on it, and then switching the switch to manual focus so it won't keep working. Then taking my shot. The memory lock seems to really only be for aperture setting, etc. That lock button is to lock in exposureyou'd meter off something that will give the values you want, hit the button to overide any changes the camera decides on for the next 10 seconds and take your shot. Pressing the shutter button half way allows you to pre-focus and hold so you can compose the way you want without having the camera decide what you really wanted to focus on was in the dead center of the viewfinder. Anyway, is there a better way to do this, or am I doing it right? TIA, Doe aka Marnie ;-) Sounds ok to me. Dan Scott
Re: Pentax DSLRs
On Monday, February 10, 2003, at 11:48 AM, Mike Johnston wrote: Sorry for rambling, but I've been thinking about digital a lot lately. It's possible your doctor may be able to prescribe lithium for that. g --Mike No. No. No. Lithium is for bipolars so despondent they are thinking of _leaving_ Pentax. Xannex, for panic and anxiety attacks, is designed for people who can't stop thinking a lot about digital lately. ;-) Dan Scott
Re: Who said no more film cameras?
On Monday, February 10, 2003, at 12:21 PM, Doug Brewer wrote: umm...Joan Crawford? Michael Jackson
Re: Optio S first look
On Sunday, February 9, 2003, at 09:27 AM, Paul Franklin Stregevsky wrote: 1. You can shoot at ISO 320 (vs. Pentax's ISO 200). 2. You can transfer your images to your PC easily with a docking station. 3. You can shoot images at 1600 x 1200 and 1280 x 960. I think the Pentax offers nothing in-between its maximum and 1024 x 768. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Well, no one knows which is the better camera or bargain since neither is available yet. All we can do is compare spec sheets, which don't necessarily tell you which is the better camera either. But, since spec sheets is what we got ;-), for the $425 Pentax and the $450 Casio (suggested US retail prices), I see: 1.Casio's website lists the Casio's ISO as 50, 100, 200 as does Pentax 2. The craddle is a Casio disadvantage (from my perspective). With the Casio you _must_ transfer your photos through the cradle and cable to a computer or a printer. Pentax needs only a USB cable. 3. Casio has committed to 4 steps in image size from min to max. while Pentax is TBD 4. Pentax has spot, center weighted, and matrix metering (3 metering modes) and Casio has matrix metering (1 metering mode) 5. Pentax is smaller and lighter than the Casio and cased with textured aluminum alloy. The Casio is larger and heavier than the Pentax and cased with plastic. 6. Pentax specs 11 MB of int. mem. and Casio specs 10 MB 7. Pentax has a customizable user function, but Casio doesn't 8. Pentax has time lapse modes that Casio doesn't, but Pentax has no double exposure and Casio does 9. Pentax has a voice memo mode which Casio doesn't (carry a note pad and a pencil along with your cradle and cable) 10. Pentax has 6x zoom (2x digital by 3x optical) and Casio has 12x zoom (4x digital by 3x optical) Specwise, the Pentax appeals to me more than the Casio does. Dan scott
Re: Most unknown Pentax lens
On Saturday, February 8, 2003, at 03:55 PM, Peter Smekal wrote: What do you think is the most unknown Pentax lens? My guess: SMC M 35-70/2.8-3.5. Peter Smekal Uppsala, Sweden [EMAIL PROTECTED] I'd guess the M 35/1.4, the 20/1.4, the 300/2 or any other prototypes Pentax showed and then decided not to release are likely to be the most unheard of. Dan Scott
Re: Scammed
Hi Tonghang, It sounds like the same story I read last night, which had me digging through last week's emails and realizing I'd been had. I'm slipping up and getting less paranoid the older I get. : - [ Not a good thing. I think I need to put up some posters reminding myself, Smart people really ARE trying to get you. :-P Dan On Saturday, February 8, 2003, at 01:34 AM, Tonghang Zhou wrote: Transmeta Corporation mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (408) 919-6380 On Fri, 7 Feb 2003, Dan Scott wrote: I've just finished reporting the incident to my CC company and Ebay. Doesn't appear to be unusual activity on my CC account, which worries methese con artists have had my name, e-mail address, and CC number since Tuesday and haven't tried to charge anything. Anyone have any tips on what to do if you suspect identity theft? Dan Scott I heard a news item today on radio while driving, about some con artist pretending to be eBay and sent email to people getting account numbers on some pretext for account confirmation or something. Way back I got an email like this myself, that I forwarded to ebay abuse department. I thought it was very audacious. The radio story must've been about the same con. Tonghang.
Re: MZ-S AF accuracy and the Dutch
On Wednesday, February 5, 2003, at 09:33 AM, Steve Desjardins wrote: Let me mention a situation where I did have AF problems with the MZ-S. Last night I was taking pictures of a swim meet. The pool area was dim enough that I had to use my 50 at f1.4 to get 1/60 exposure time. (No flashes allowed) There were a few shots when the camera would not fire the shutter, since I had it on the AF-C setting. I figured that there was no point in switching to AF-S since the shutter would fire but the shot would be out of focus. I tried MF but I suspect that I'm going to get out-of-focus shots. I realize that this is a terrible condition for AF. Any suggestions for the future? Pick your area to have in focus, then set your focus there and leave it. You can get more depth of field with a faster film or a longer exposure, so use a tripod or at least a monopod to help the camera steady at speeds lower than 1/60 and/or consider pushing your film or using faster film. That's all I can think of, hope it helps. Dan Scott
Re: Sample images of Optio S revealed
On Wednesday, February 5, 2003, at 01:18 PM, Bill Owens wrote: IMHO, they're pretty damned good for a small, consumer grade digital PS. Bill Sure, I agree, except for what's happening in the black area I mentioned, they look great. I haven't tried printing it, so I don't know how visible that mottling will be in a print, but on my monitor it is visible. Dan Scott
Re: Sample images of Optio S revealed
On Wednesday, February 5, 2003, at 04:34 PM, Mark Roberts wrote: Jostein [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Mottling is barely visible on my Eizo F76 (calibrated with Adobe gamma loader) too, but it's there. Reason for me to suggest velvet was that I loaded the whole 1.7 Mb image into Photoshop and looked at it with 200% magnification. To me, it looks definately like some kind of fabric, and velvet was my first association. The dots are lined up in a curved (or maybe folding) pattern, and they are very uneven in size and brightness. Main point, I guess, is that the mottling is no kind of digital or optical artefact. It's quite visible (when viewed at full magnification) on my Viewsonic PS775 but it definitely looks like the texture of the cloth they used as a backdrop. I was beginning to wonder if my monitor, LaCie electron19blue, was playing tricks on me, but if Bill and you guys see it I feel better about it (my monitor). That that mottling might be fabric texture never occurred to me. Glad there are possibilities other than noise (though, even if it is noise, it isn't intolerable). I'm really impressed that this Pentax dcam image isn't that smeary-TVish look I've seen in samples from earlier Pentax dcams. I hope we get to see a wider range of samples soon. Dan Scott
Re: Women of PDML
On Wednesday, February 5, 2003, at 04:56 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I think there were about 12 (I lost count, though) -- however, let's hold off on the calendar until we see how well the Men of PDML calendar sells. [confused look] Which calendar am I supposed to pose for? You get to pick one or the other, or maybe both, I guess (you haven't committed yet, have you?). I wonder how often this question comes up on Canon lists? Dan Scott
Re: MZ-S AF accuracy and the Dutch
On Wednesday, February 5, 2003, at 04:04 PM, Steve Desjardins wrote: BTW, just to make it worse, there is this guy next me all night with an F100, a D100, and some tan colored Sigma Tele (it looked about 300mm) who, despite requests, was using this monster flash. I just couldn't figure out any way to have him and/or equpiment end up in the pool without them being able to assign blame . . .;-p Blink, stagger, Oops! blink blink Oh dear! I am so sorry. I was blinded by this big purple splotch ... don't worry, I'll get you a paper towel for that. Dan Scott
Optio S first look
http://www.letsgodigital.nl/webpages/firstlook/pentax/optioS/ pentax_OptioS_uk.html has a first up on the Optio S. Haven't read it yet, but that's what I'm doing after I hit send. Dan Scott
Re: Women of PDML
On Wednesday, February 5, 2003, at 04:12 PM, tom wrote: Here's the cover image: http://www.bigdayphoto.com/tom/images/mag_cover.jpg Sales have been a disappointment, probably due to Mr. December (Bruce R.) mooning the camera. tv Did they unwrap the rest of the mummy? Dan Scott
Re: Mike:Email Threading (was Re: Three Tips and an Announcement)
On Tuesday, February 4, 2003, at 03:01 AM, Mike Johnston wrote: It's very tempting to simply re-title each reply, but people complain when I do that, so now I try to copy the existing thread title and paste it in. --Mike And it's a much appreciated change. Dan Scott
Re: Women of the PDML Re: OT Pentax wife
On Tuesday, February 4, 2003, at 01:30 AM, Antti-Pekka Virjonen wrote: At 22:12 3.2.2003 +, you wrote: OK, so now we're at least seven -- Annsan, Amita, Wendy, me, Jeepgirl, Pat in SF and Kathy with the name neither Dan nor I can spell. Hmm.. Katrin from Germany ? Antti-Pekka Wasn't there a Daphne from Israel? I seem to remember she was replacing all her M glass with K glass because of the feel. Dan Scott
Re: ten new cameras
On Tuesday, February 4, 2003, at 11:42 AM, Bruce Rubenstein wrote: If you look at the cut-away, you would see that the camera is flat only with the lens stored. To make it pack flat the center element group is moved out of the light path so the front and rear groups can be brought closer together. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Well, I guess I thought it was obvious I wasn't suggesting covering up the lens or any piece of the camera that couldn't function if coveredbut if wasn't obvious let me state that I was only suggesting covering up those flat surfaces of the camera which could be covered without reducing or interfering with the Optio S's functionality (i.e., not covering the lens, viewfinder, lcd, control button, etc.) Dan Scott
Re: ten new cameras
On Tuesday, February 4, 2003, at 08:53 AM, Pål Jensen wrote: Bob wrote: I've got to wonder if Mike W. has not got it right... new Espio's. Think small, compact, popularly priced, mass market digital. This is how you take the stock price to 1000 yen, and this is the same market as the ME/ME Super some 20+ years ago. One DSLR, one film sibling and a new 67. That leaves a maximum of seven Espios :o) Pål 6 Espios, as there has to be one body devoted to that popular Pentax accessory Proct-O-Scope®. ;-) Dan Scott
