Re: Pentax USA
You might find that the problem is not Pentax USA but the parent Asahi Corp, their lack of keeping Pentax USA and their other subsidiaries informed of the direction they plan to take with future Pentax products. For example try finding anything out about why the new AF360 Flash has never been brought to market. Pentax USA can't tell you because Japan has keep them in the dark. By the way all camera manufacturer market OEM equipment made by other manufactures to included the KING of Amateur Cameras CANON. By the way from what I heard was that Pentax designed then the 28 - 200 and Tamron manufactures and markets the lens under license from Pentax. Darryl [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: But if anyone does buy a Canon, don't buy any of those 3rd party lenses for it!! After all, nothing screams AMATEUR... Nothing screams amateur as a person who does not explore what other companies have to offer. When anyone makes a lens as good as the Tamron SP 24-135 for tyravel then I'll buy it. Your Pentax 28-200 is Tamron made. Amateur is someone who blindly buys a label because he does not know better. By the way, try reading the Canon or Nikon lists and see some REAL subjects. Telling someone to go elsewhere is amateur. I use Pentax because I like using it. I don't have to like the company. Nor do I have to like their unprofessional way of doing things. I'm not knocking the reps. Never spoke to one. I'm complaining about Pentax USA at 1-800-877-0155. Try them. Speak to them. Its an experience. Burt Yust NYC USA - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: PZ-1 matrix metering
The default on the PZ-1 and Z1 is matrix metering. Therefore, there is no icon on the display. The icon that appears to be a spot meter is either spot or center weighted depending on how function one was set. Darryl [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In a message dated 7/25/01 11:05:25 PM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: First of all though, I have the PZ-1 , not the PZ-1p. My problem is this: After looking at a pz-1p manual online, to try and reverse learn most of the features on my pz-1, I noted that on the 1p, when using multi segment metering there is a display that shows a rectangle, with the segments on it. As opposed to the spot meter display that shows a rectangle with a dot in the center. However, on my pz-1, I cannot find the icon that differentiates spot from multi. Any help appreciated. Jeremy, I'll look on my PZ-1, but it definitely does multi-segment metering. I don't remember what the Icon is, but there may be only spot and NOT spot icons. For some time I was confused about what the PZ-1 does. Unless you have a FA, F or A lens mounted on it, forget about spot metering. It doesn't do it with the K and M lenses. Similarly, forget about multi-segment metering with the K and M lenses. It will give you center weighted no matter how you set the camera. As to the PF functions, there is one to set center weighted or spot metering (PF #1). This is what your PZ-1 will use when you have an A, F, or FA lens mounted. The Spot switch will TOGGLE you between Matrix and Spot or between Matrix and Center Weighted. The manual is not too enlightening on this. I used the PZ-1 for years and never understood this feature. Only when I started reading this list did some of our kind Japanese readers help me out. By the way, I still have a copy of the PZ-1 wallet card describing the PF functions up on the web at... http://members.aol.com/rfsindg/PZ-1a.jpg (and the back side of the card at) http://members.aol.com/rfsindg/PZ-1b.jpg Hope this helps, Bob S. - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: AF360FGZ Overview
The article doesn't say, but from the small picture it would appear to have both a tilt and rotating head. Darryl Nicholas Wright wrote: I've asked this before, but cannot remember ever seeing a reply. But, does the article (or can you tell from any pix) say anything about the flash having a rotating head? Thanks! Nick --- Darryl Lafferty [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Petersen's Photographic has a brief overview of the new AF360FGZ in the Aug issue. It has manual power setting from full power to 1/32, plus full TTL, red eye reduction, wirless remote, flash exposure compensation, modeling flash, stroboscopic flash, auto zoom covering 24-85mm (plus a pull out 20mm), a pull-out catchlight panel and of couse the wireless remote. Guide number is 97.5 in feet ISO100. Darryl - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . __ Do You Yahoo!? Get personalized email addresses from Yahoo! Mail http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/ - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
AF360FGZ Overview
Petersen's Photographic has a brief overview of the new AF360FGZ in the Aug issue. It has manual power setting from full power to 1/32, plus full TTL, red eye reduction, wirless remote, flash exposure compensation, modeling flash, stroboscopic flash, auto zoom covering 24-85mm (plus a pull out 20mm), a pull-out catchlight panel and of couse the wireless remote. Guide number is 97.5 in feet ISO100. Darryl - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: MZ-S flash questions.
Nick, The way I read the manual (page 71 of the US manual) the metering remains on the central section when using the spot meter and does not follow the focus points. There is nothing in the operation of the MZ-S would lead me to believe that the metering follows the focus points in the spot metering mode. Page 91 of the manual says that the high speed sync can be used in the wireless mode. Darryl Nicholas Wright wrote: A couple of questions concerning the use of flash with the MZ-S. It has been said that the metering can be linked to the active autofocus point; is this also the case with flash metering, or is there only central flash sensor (like the z1p)? Also, does anyone know yet if the wireless TTL flash function can be used with the high-speed sync? Thank you very much for your time. Nick __ Do You Yahoo!? Get personalized email addresses from Yahoo! Mail http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/ - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Old vs New Lenses
Jim, Excellent point. Unfortunately, the quality is all about what the consumer can afford now. There was a time in the past when all the camera companies made one grade of equipment. Now they all market to different levels of affordability. Canon specifically has three grades of lens each targeted at a specific level of photographer. The L lens being the pro lens or the equalivent of the Pentax FA* lens. To put a consumer lens on a Canon EOS 1 IV would also be a mismatch too, but the marketing department at Canon has people thinking they have the best when it comes to SLRs and lens. But us X Canon users know that they really don't have the better product. The real problem is that Pentax has done such a poor job of marketing their high in SLRs that the volume will never be high enough to produce the volume of top quality pro Pentax lens today like Canon or Nikon. Pentax's market is in the consumer SLR and point and shoot camera area so that is where the majority of the lens will be produced. Ever once in a while Pentax will produce something like the Limited lens to keep the high end market alive. My greatest fear is that Pentax will go the way of Miranda if they don't do a better job of marketing. Great product just not enough sales. Darryl Jim Brooks wrote: Following the recent discussion about the quality feel of older metal bodied lenses I thought I'd throw in my 2p. Just lately I find I am using my old smc A 70~210/4 on both manual and autofocus bodies. This is in preference to the FA 80~320 which is easy enough to focus manually on the ME super. I am satisfied with the optical quality of both lenses, and the weight is not an issue as I find there is very little practical difference between them. I rarely need focal length beyond 200mm. The only appreciable difference is the build quality. The 80~320 feels like it will snap in half, especially when it creeps out to 320mm and minimum focus, something it does in approximately 45 seconds of being carried on the shoulder. OTOH the 70~210 is rock-solid, and exudes quality of construction. It also looks the part with none of that silly silver finish that makes the 80~320 look like plastic junk. Lately Canon launched a constant f/4 telezoom with good build quality priced at £800. I'm sure there's a demand out there for well-built equipment that is not bulky and heavy like the f/2.8 zooms. I would pay a premium for something that was made to last, like a limited zoom. How about it Pentax? Imagine an MZ-S with the 80~320 mounted on it. What a mismatch! Jim Brooks E-MAILS are susceptible to interference. You should not assume that the contents originated from the sender or the Zetex Group or that they have been accurately reproduced from their original form. Zetex accepts no responsibility for information, errors or omissions in this e-mail nor for its use or misuse nor for any act committed or omitted in connection with this communication. If in doubt, please verify the authenticity with the sender. Visit us onhttp://www.zetex.com - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
MZ-S Second Impression
Pentax may have created a couple of classics. I just finished shooting a wedding with the MZ-S and the new SMC Pentax 24-90 using Kodak Portra 400VC. The proofs are outstanding. They are very sharp and the contrast is excellent . The color is extremely accurate for the film. The auto focus is dead on both in the single shot mode and continues mode, including the speeding groom's car as they left the reception. No hunting for a focus point was noticed during the continues focusing mode. The auto focusing is much faster in my opinion than PZ1p. It also works flawlessly with the 1.7x auto focus extender on my 200mm 2.5. Shoots using the TTL mode with a AF280T Pentax flash with a LumiQuest Promax Ultrasoft yield a properly exposed print in every case. Using slow speed sync on the flash yielded excellent results. Metering is very accurate in both the spot and mufti segment modes with compensation for known variations. Adjustments for spot meter readings from both black and white were very predictable. The readings (with know adjustments) were within a third stop of my incident meter. Didn't try the average mode. Both the MZ-S and the 24-90 were a pleasure to work with. This camera works for me! Darryl - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: MZ-S questions
Yes, read Bob Shell's excellent artical on Seknoic meters on page 56 of July issue of Shutterbug. He explains how we got to the Kodak 18% gray card, and how we had accepted it as a standard. But the camera manufactures never accepted 18% gray and still set the meters in the cameras at 13%. Darryl Tom Rittenhouse wrote: Strange, Kodak seems to think their gray card has 18% reflectance. 18% is the average reflectance taken from many scenes. Where do you come up with something different? --Tom Darryl Lafferty wrote: Ramesh Kumar_C wrote: Hi These questions are about MZ-S. 1) Camera being in SPOT Metering mode, when I select different focus point, does the SPOT Metering area too change with the focus point? The spot metering point stay in the center of the frame it does not move to the focus points. 2) Assume I am shooting a flat surface having different illumination at different parts. I select the focus point which is on dark area and do MULTI SEGMENT metering. Then I select the focus point which is on bright area and do MULTI SEGMENT metering. Do the metering readings be same? The Multi Segment is going to read the entire frame from each of six segments and set the exposure based on computer logic of the program established by the camera manufacture. The multi segment is a compromise exposure at best. Metering is really an art. Every camera meter is set to an 13% Gray (not 18% as most people think.) If you metered off a 13% gray surface for every exposure you would have a perfect exposure. If you meter off a white surface the meter will think it is a gray and the exposure will come out dark. If you meter off black the surface will meter will again think it is gray and the exposure will come out overexposed. Therefore, I use the spot metering and adjust depending on the color. Light colors get plus above the meter reading and dark colors get a stop down from the camera reading. If you are going to use the multi segment meter I would recommend bracketing. I had visited http://royalcamera.com/, they charge 799USD for camera(MZ-S), which is less compared to others on-line sites, but shipping is cost 59USD. They seems to make money from shipping. Thanks Ramesh -Original Message- From: Darryl Lafferty [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2001 3:04 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: MZ-S questions The shutter release on the MZ-S is faster than on the PZ1. The entire operation of the MZ-S is quiter than the PZ1. Advance and rewind are really quite. In my opinion the view finder is not affect by by bright sun light. The screen is much brighter than the PZ1. I have had no problem with wearing glasses. The metering was very accurate and predictable. Darryl Andreas Wirtz wrote: Sorry if these questions were already discussed. Even I handled one of first MZ-S I would be very glad if anyone can answer me. What is shutter delay (comparing with Z-1 or MZ-5)? Is camera noisy when rewinding (comparing to Z-1 or MZ-5)? Are informations in display visible even on bright sunlight! Does light coming from viewfinder disturb camera's metering system (when photographer is wearing glasses). Are there any modifications on camera's hot shoe for mounting flash which would cause flash not to fall down when slightly unscrewed. Best wishes! Andreas Wirtz __ Do You Yahoo!? Get personalized email addresses from Yahoo! Mail http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/ - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Z-5 vs. PZ-1
If I remember correctly Pentax introduce the Z5 for the Japanese market only. Which could be the reason that you can't find an English manual for the camera for the camera. Darryl [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have checked Boz's sight and these to bodies are very similar. Other than shutter priority and user set Pentax Functions, the camera's seem the same. Does anybody on the list have any experience with the Z-5 and how do you like it? Where can I get a copy of the users manual in English? Or can I use one from a PZ-1 and ignore the functions that the Z-5 does not use. Thanks in advance. Jim Fellows - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: MZ-S questions
The answer to your question is yes to allow easy viewing with glasses. I have no problem seeing the entire viewfinder with the MZ-S with my glasses on. Where the I could not see the entire frame of the viewfinder on the PZ1. Darryl McRae, Max MS wrote: Darryl Lafferty wrote: The screen is much brighter than the PZ1. I have had no problem with wearing glasses. The metering was very accurate and predictable. Darryl, As a fellow spectacle wearer, is the eye relief sufficient to allow easy viewing? I personally find the Z1p does not have enough eye relief for me, and hoped that the MZS is a little more generous in this aspect. Max Auckland , NZ EOM NOTICE - This message contains information intended only for the use of the addressee named above. It may also be confidential and/or privileged. If you are not the intended recipient of this message you are hereby notified that you must not disseminate, copy or take any action in reliance on it. If you have received this message in error please notify [EMAIL PROTECTED] - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: MZ-S questions
Ramesh Kumar_C wrote: Hi These questions are about MZ-S. 1) Camera being in SPOT Metering mode, when I select different focus point, does the SPOT Metering area too change with the focus point? The spot metering point stay in the center of the frame it does not move to the focus points. 2) Assume I am shooting a flat surface having different illumination at different parts. I select the focus point which is on dark area and do MULTI SEGMENT metering. Then I select the focus point which is on bright area and do MULTI SEGMENT metering. Do the metering readings be same? The Multi Segment is going to read the entire frame from each of six segments and set the exposure based on computer logic of the program established by the camera manufacture. The multi segment is a compromise exposure at best. Metering is really an art. Every camera meter is set to an 13% Gray (not 18% as most people think.) If you metered off a 13% gray surface for every exposure you would have a perfect exposure. If you meter off a white surface the meter will think it is a gray and the exposure will come out dark. If you meter off black the surface will meter will again think it is gray and the exposure will come out overexposed. Therefore, I use the spot metering and adjust depending on the color. Light colors get plus above the meter reading and dark colors get a stop down from the camera reading. If you are going to use the multi segment meter I would recommend bracketing. I had visited http://royalcamera.com/, they charge 799USD for camera(MZ-S), which is less compared to others on-line sites, but shipping is cost 59USD. They seems to make money from shipping. Thanks Ramesh -Original Message- From: Darryl Lafferty [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2001 3:04 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: MZ-S questions The shutter release on the MZ-S is faster than on the PZ1. The entire operation of the MZ-S is quiter than the PZ1. Advance and rewind are really quite. In my opinion the view finder is not affect by by bright sun light. The screen is much brighter than the PZ1. I have had no problem with wearing glasses. The metering was very accurate and predictable. Darryl Andreas Wirtz wrote: Sorry if these questions were already discussed. Even I handled one of first MZ-S I would be very glad if anyone can answer me. What is shutter delay (comparing with Z-1 or MZ-5)? Is camera noisy when rewinding (comparing to Z-1 or MZ-5)? Are informations in display visible even on bright sunlight! Does light coming from viewfinder disturb camera's metering system (when photographer is wearing glasses). Are there any modifications on camera's hot shoe for mounting flash which would cause flash not to fall down when slightly unscrewed. Best wishes! Andreas Wirtz __ Do You Yahoo!? Get personalized email addresses from Yahoo! Mail http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/ - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: New Series of Lenses ???
Doug, Your right on the lens. I messed up all around on the size of the lens. Darryl Doug Brewer wrote: These must be brand new. It's the first I've heard of them. 25-35 f4 AL and the 35mm f2.8 AL Are we talking about actual new lenses, or are these the 20-35/4 AL and the 35/2 AL that we already know about ? Doug At 8:37 AM -05006/17/01, Darryl Lafferty donned the ruby slippers, tapped the heels together three times, and chanted: The contacts on the 24-90 zoom are the same as on the other FA lens. Just my opinion, but I believe that the new series of lens that Pentax is talking about includes the new the 25-35 f4 AL and the 35mm f2.8 AL. These lens all have the same cosmetic appearance (very close to the 645n lens) and somewhat lighter in weight than previous lens. Despite the weight the lens have a very solid feel. Darryl -- Douglas Forrest Brewer Ashwood Lake Photography [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alphoto.com - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Klum Pentax
The camera has to be a Pentax Z1p. Why because the Lens in SMC Pentax F* 600 f/4 ED(IF) http://www.bdimitrov.de/kmp/ Darryl mike wilson wrote: Hi, It seems that it is his wife who uses Pentax 35mm, and he uses Pentax 645 67 gear. He uses Nikon 35mm. See:http://www.klumphotography.com/expedition/equipment.html mike - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: First Impressions-Pentax MZ-S
I happen to like the over and under scale. It works for me better than my PZ-1. Darryl Doug Brewer wrote: But what of the orientation of the over/under scale? Seriously, like I've been saying all along, the camera simply has to be held in the hands. Congrats, Doug At 10:03 AM -05006/10/01, Darryl Lafferty brandished a favorite crayon and scribbled: Stopped by Arlington Camera yesterday and they had one MZ-S in stock. I walked out of the store as the proud owner. My first impressions are that the camera is extremely solid. Of the modern day cameras only the Nikon F-100 felt as solid in my hand. The MZ-S is like no other Pentax that I have ever used. The controls are well placed. The depth of field preview button is the best I have ever seen. Everything about the camera is first class in my opinion. Darryl -- Douglas Forrest Brewer Ashwood Lake Photography [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alphoto.com - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: First Impressions-Pentax MZ-S
Barry was the salesman. He said that they had it a bout 2 hrs before I walked in the store. He told me that Pentax was allocating one to a store, because of the short supply. They had no accessories for the camera. Just the one body. Darryl [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Who was your salesperson? Rick is a good friend of mine from when he lived here in San Angelo. And to think he didn't let ME know they had a MZ-S! Robert Stopped by Arlington Camera yesterday and they had one MZ-S in stock - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
