from:"Dr. Shaun Canning"

I disagree. The CR-V3 rechargeables are not the 'optimal' solution at 
all. An optimal solution would have been for Pentax too release the *ist 
D with a proprietry Li-ion rechargeable battery simalar to those used in 
other Pentax digital cameras. Then again, a fuel cell might be nice...

Cheers
Shaun
El Gringo wrote:
*Rechargeable* CR-V3's are the optimal solution.  Yes they're pricey to get,
at about 25 bucks EACH.  Thats 150+ once you factor in the chargers, but,
they have nearly the lifespan of a CR-V3, and more importantly, they provide
FULL POWER even when only half charged...  This is not the case with NiMH
batteries whose voltage will slowly tail off until they run completely out.
-el gringo
-Original Message-
From: Mark Roberts [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Sunday, July 18, 2004 6:44 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: *ist D and Power sources
"Rob Studdert" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
 

On 18 Jul 2004 at 15:03, Tanya Mayer Photography wrote:
   

BTW, I posted this once before, but I'm not sure if anyone noticed.  I
"discovered" that the AC Adapter for the MUVO works perfectly with the
*istD!  I haven't found anywhere that I can buy the AC Adapter that is
supposedly available to suit the camera, so one night, I got brave and
risked blowing up my camera by plugging the MUVO adapter in.  I used it
solidly for 4 hours and it worked like a dream!  I have used it many
 

times
 

since, with no bad side effects (well, none to my knowledge)...
 

LOL. Dare-devil.
I just checked the Muvo PSU, it's rated to provide 5VDC @ 280mA, the camera
specification are 6.5VDC therefore you probably won't cause damage but I'm
surprised it worked.
   

I'm not. Using the ist-D with 4 NiMH batteries (1.25 Volts each)
provides 5 Volts total so we know the camera can operate from that
Voltage. Computer-driven portable devices like the ist-D typically use
many individual switching power supply chips (they're really tiny now)
and don't rely on the raw power supply input for any of their
subsystems. As long as the outboard supply can provide sufficient
current it should be fine through a wide range of voltages. What's more,
since the MUVO power pack is probably itself a switching supply, its
failure mode is almost certainly going to be zero volts, rather than
full unregulated voltage, like a linear power supply. In all likelihood,
if there ever *is* a problem with the MUVO supply, it'll just go into
over-temperature or over-current shutdown. No drama (but no power,
either!)
--
Mark Roberts
Photography and writing
www.robertstech.com
 

--
_
Dr. Shaun Canning
P.O. Box 21, 
Dampier, WA,
6714, Australia.

m: 0414 967644
http://www.heritageservices.com.au
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
_

Re: *ist D and Power sources

Well, it looks like my solution might be to buy some better batteries 
and a better quality charger. A Quantum rig would cost about $1300 
apparently. There are other solutions that are being nutted out, but 
none of them are as cheap as more batteries and a better charger.

Cheers
Shaun
Tanya Mayer Photography wrote:
Shaun, if anyone *has* come up with such a solution - I WANT IT!  Try using
the *istD with the Hitachi microdrive, no battery  grip, and see just how
long the batteries last!  I go through 7 sets per wedding, and usually end
up chucking in a set of Duracell's just to "see me through" the tail end...
If there was a Quantum pack, or equivalent, I'd be lining up for it...
BTW, I posted this once before, but I'm not sure if anyone noticed.  I
"discovered" that the AC Adapter for the MUVO works perfectly with the
*istD!  I haven't found anywhere that I can buy the AC Adapter that is
supposedly available to suit the camera, so one night, I got brave and
risked blowing up my camera by plugging the MUVO adapter in.  I used it
solidly for 4 hours and it worked like a dream!  I have used it many times
since, with no bad side effects (well, none to my knowledge)...
tan.
-----Original Message-
From: Dr. Shaun Canning [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Sunday, 18 July 2004 2:43 PM
To: Pentax-Discuss
Subject: *ist D and Power sources
Hi gang,
Here's a question for all the knowledgable *ist D owners out there to
ponder. I use 2300 mah Nimh rechargeable batteries in my *ist D and
AF360 flash (12 all up - 8 in camera, 4 in flash). While I am reasonably
happy with this setup, it is sometimes left wanting. Particulalry when
shooting RAW or TIFF images, there is a noticable faster drain on the
batteries life than with JPEG (which makes perfect sense with all the
extra disk writing etc).
The question is: Is anybody using any alternative power sources to power
their *ist D? For example, has anyone come up with or come across a
'power pack' that will power the *ist D like a quantum digital power
pack (which is not available for the *ist D).
Looking forward to some creative answers.
Cheers
Shaun
--
_____
Dr. Shaun Canning
P.O. Box 21,
Dampier, WA,
6714, Australia.
m: 0414 967644
http://www.heritageservices.com.au
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
_____
 

--
_____
Dr. Shaun Canning
P.O. Box 21, 
Dampier, WA,
6714, Australia.

m: 0414 967644
http://www.heritageservices.com.au
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
_

Re: Pics of the FA 200mm Macro!

Hah! No Rob, it's a jumbo big bastard hood. It appears to be about the 
same size as the FA* 300mm F4.5 hood from memory. A comparison would be 
meaningless of course, but they seem pretty close to my mind anyway.

Cheers
Shaun
Rob Studdert wrote:
On 19 Jul 2004 at 18:11, Dr. Shaun Canning wrote:
 

The new pride and joy on my *ist D
http://www.heritageservices.com.au/FA%20200.htm
Pu ain't it?
   

Yup, and it ain't got a pissy little hood like the A*200/4 Macro.
Rob Studdert
HURSTVILLE AUSTRALIA
Tel +61-2-9554-4110
UTC(GMT)  +10 Hours
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://members.ozemail.com.au/~distudio/publications/
Pentax user since 1986, PDMLer since 1998
 

--
_________
Dr. Shaun Canning
P.O. Box 21, 
Dampier, WA,
6714, Australia.

m: 0414 967644
http://www.heritageservices.com.au
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
_

Re: *ist D and Power sources

LOL! Yeah, Ken your probably right
We all whinge about everything regardless of its merit. Take the *ist D 
for example...(I love mine incidentally). Has there been some bitching 
about this thing since it hit the shelves

Cheers
Shaun
Kenneth Waller wrote:
On 7/19 Shaun Canning wrote:
"An optimal solution would have been for Pentax too release the *ist 
D with a proprietry Li-ion rechargeable battery simalar to those used in 
other Pentax digital cameras"

Then we would have another PDML thread about those darn expensive Pentax Li-ion 
rechargeable batteries
& why didn't Pentax do something else battery wise.
Kenneth Waller
-Original Message-----
From: "Dr. Shaun Canning" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Jul 19, 2004 4:31 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: *ist D and Power sources
I disagree. The CR-V3 rechargeables are not the 'optimal' solution at 
all. An optimal solution would have been for Pentax too release the *ist 
D with a proprietry Li-ion rechargeable battery simalar to those used in 
other Pentax digital cameras. Then again, a fuel cell might be nice...

Cheers
Shaun
El Gringo wrote:
 

*Rechargeable* CR-V3's are the optimal solution.  Yes they're pricey to get,
at about 25 bucks EACH.  Thats 150+ once you factor in the chargers, but,
they have nearly the lifespan of a CR-V3, and more importantly, they provide
FULL POWER even when only half charged...  This is not the case with NiMH
batteries whose voltage will slowly tail off until they run completely out.
-el gringo
-Original Message-
From: Mark Roberts [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Sunday, July 18, 2004 6:44 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: *ist D and Power sources
"Rob Studdert" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

   

On 18 Jul 2004 at 15:03, Tanya Mayer Photography wrote:
  

 

BTW, I posted this once before, but I'm not sure if anyone noticed.  I
"discovered" that the AC Adapter for the MUVO works perfectly with the
*istD!  I haven't found anywhere that I can buy the AC Adapter that is
supposedly available to suit the camera, so one night, I got brave and
risked blowing up my camera by plugging the MUVO adapter in.  I used it
solidly for 4 hours and it worked like a dream!  I have used it many


   

times
   

since, with no bad side effects (well, none to my knowledge)...


   

LOL. Dare-devil.
I just checked the Muvo PSU, it's rated to provide 5VDC @ 280mA, the camera
specification are 6.5VDC therefore you probably won't cause damage but I'm
surprised it worked.
  

 

I'm not. Using the ist-D with 4 NiMH batteries (1.25 Volts each)
provides 5 Volts total so we know the camera can operate from that
Voltage. Computer-driven portable devices like the ist-D typically use
many individual switching power supply chips (they're really tiny now)
and don't rely on the raw power supply input for any of their
subsystems. As long as the outboard supply can provide sufficient
current it should be fine through a wide range of voltages. What's more,
since the MUVO power pack is probably itself a switching supply, its
failure mode is almost certainly going to be zero volts, rather than
full unregulated voltage, like a linear power supply. In all likelihood,
if there ever *is* a problem with the MUVO supply, it'll just go into
over-temperature or over-current shutdown. No drama (but no power,
either!)
--
Mark Roberts
Photography and writing
www.robertstech.com

   

 

--
_
Dr. Shaun Canning
P.O. Box 21, 
Dampier, WA,
6714, Australia.

m: 0414 967644
http://www.heritageservices.com.au
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
_

Re: Pics of the FA 200mm Macro!

Definitely the teeth...no question about it!  :-)
Cheers
Shaun
Ryan Lee wrote:
lol! Legless can be a good thing though. If my single leg-mis-hopped and
with the FA 200 f4 in one hand, it's not very much time to choose between
lens and losing teeth.. Probably would end up losing both.
Ryan
- Original Message - 
From: "Kostas Kavoussanakis" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2004 9:39 PM
Subject: Re: Pics of the FA 200mm Macro!

 

On Mon, 19 Jul 2004, Ryan Lee wrote:
   

If there ever was a lens made for porn.. :) So what did it cost you
 

again?
 

Let me put it this way: if he drops it on his leg, he will only have
one extremity (an arm) left :-)
Kostas
   


 

--
_____________
Dr. Shaun Canning
P.O. Box 21, 
Dampier, WA,
6714, Australia.

m: 0414 967644
http://www.heritageservices.com.au
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
_

Re: Pics of the FA 200mm Macro!

ouch...
Remind me not to hang around you when you drop stuff Kostas! :-)
Cheers
Shaun
Kostas Kavoussanakis wrote:
On Mon, 19 Jul 2004, Ryan Lee wrote:
 

If there ever was a lens made for porn.. :) So what did it cost you again?
   

Let me put it this way: if he drops it on his leg, he will only have
one extremity (an arm) left :-)
Kostas
 

--
_
Dr. Shaun Canning
P.O. Box 21, 
Dampier, WA,
6714, Australia.

m: 0414 967644
http://www.heritageservices.com.au
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
_

Re: Pics of the FA 200mm Macro!

Too muchbut it was worth it!
Cheers
Shaun
Ryan Lee wrote:
If there ever was a lens made for porn.. :) So what did it cost you again?
Ryan
- Original Message - 
From: "Dr. Shaun Canning" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2004 8:57 PM
Subject: Re: Pics of the FA 200mm Macro!

 

Hah!
I was gonna take it night clubbin'
Shaun
Ryan Lee wrote:
   

I dare ya to use it as a weekend flaneur-in-the-city outfit :)
Can't wait to see some macros Shaun!
Cheers,
Ryan
- Original Message - 
From: "Dr. Shaun Canning" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Pentax-Discuss" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2004 8:11 PM
Subject: Pics of the FA 200mm Macro!


 

The new pride and joy on my *ist D
http://www.heritageservices.com.au/FA%20200.htm
Pu ain't it?
Cheers
Shaun
_
Dr. Shaun Canning
P.O. Box 21, 
Dampier, WA,
6714, Australia.

m: 0414 967644
http://www.heritageservices.com.au
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
_
  

   


 

--
_
Dr. Shaun Canning
P.O. Box 21, 
Dampier, WA,
6714, Australia.

m: 0414 967644
http://www.heritageservices.com.au
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
_________
   


 

--
_
Dr. Shaun Canning
P.O. Box 21, 
Dampier, WA,
6714, Australia.

m: 0414 967644
http://www.heritageservices.com.au
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
_

Re: Pentax is Dying?

2004-07-18 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

Hah! The same way they dealt with power supply issues with the *ist 
Dlet the owners worry about it! Many other DSLR's come with 
rechargeable batteries (or they are at least available for them), but 
not the *ist D. This is a major let down IMHO. The ability to use of 
AA's is great, but not so great when you need half a dozen sets of 
batteries to keep the thing going.

There's another thread on this very topic I started yesterday regarrding 
possible alternative methods of powering the *ist D.

Cheers
Shaun
Alan Chan wrote:
Lets not forget that the Pentax 645 system IS portable. In fact it 
weights no more than comparable Nikon/Canon high-end slr systems. The 
645 is down right small compared to EOS-1Ds or similar! I'm sure 
Pentax will make a 645 DSLR even smaller.

Without the film transport mechanisms, it is quite possible. Don't 
know how they will deal with the power supply though.

Alan Chan
http://www.pbase.com/wlachan
_
Free yourself from those irritating pop-up ads with MSn Premium. Get 
2months FREE*  
http://join.msn.com/?pgmarket=en-ca&page=byoa/prem&xAPID=1994&DI=1034&SU=http://hotmail.com/enca&HL=Market_MSNIS_Taglines 


--
_____________
Dr. Shaun Canning
P.O. Box 21, 
Dampier, WA,
6714, Australia.

m: 0414 967644
http://www.heritageservices.com.au
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
_

*ist D and Power sources

Hi gang,
Here's a question for all the knowledgable *ist D owners out there to 
ponder. I use 2300 mah Nimh rechargeable batteries in my *ist D and 
AF360 flash (12 all up - 8 in camera, 4 in flash). While I am reasonably 
happy with this setup, it is sometimes left wanting. Particulalry when 
shooting RAW or TIFF images, there is a noticable faster drain on the 
batteries life than with JPEG (which makes perfect sense with all the 
extra disk writing etc).

The question is: Is anybody using any alternative power sources to power 
their *ist D? For example, has anyone come up with or come across a 
'power pack' that will power the *ist D like a quantum digital power 
pack (which is not available for the *ist D).

Looking forward to some creative answers.
Cheers
Shaun
--
_________
Dr. Shaun Canning
P.O. Box 21, 
Dampier, WA,
6714, Australia.

m: 0414 967644
http://www.heritageservices.com.au
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
_

Re: PDML Alert! Oz PDMLers in Danger: Roo Invasions

Luckily, this time they are only 'ornery' and not horny.
Chaos ensues when ornery roos turn horny.
Seriously though, they can be a tad 'ornery' sometimes. However, they 
tend to be more afraid of humans the less tame they are. If the 
newspaper article refers to Kangaroos that live in urbanised parks, they 
become quite accustomed to humans, and also become very demanding in 
relation to food stuffs carried by passing humans. They will come right 
up and ask for it...which sometimes takes the form of an agressive 
grunting sound (not unlike some other agressive bipeds that I know).
In the 'wild' (i.e. away from urban environments) the only Kangaroo that 
a human will normally get close too is a dead one. They are off like the 
proverbial shot once humans are too close for comfort...

Cheers
Shaun
Joseph Tainter wrote:
According to the Albuquerque Journal today "Urban residents in parts 
of southeastern Australia were warned to stay away from mobs of ornery 
kangaroos"

Yikes! Ornery kangaroos. That sounds worse than a flame war. Is there 
anything we can do to help?

Just remember: Always save the camera first.
Joe

--
_____________
Dr. Shaun Canning
P.O. Box 21, 
Dampier, WA,
6714, Australia.

m: 0414 967644
http://www.heritageservices.com.au
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
_

Re: why i haven't switched to canon

Dave,
The *ist D is smaller than the PZ-1/PZ-1p by a considerable amount.
Probably about 3/4 of the size in fact. In terms of small, nothing
touches the *ist D. Many reviewers still complain that the *ist D is too
small, however if you fit the battery grip, I reckon it's damn near
perfect. I don't exactly have the smallest mitts in the
world, and I have no trouble with the size of it at all

Cheers
Shaun
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Hi Alex.
Substitute the D30 with the 1D or 1Ds or MkII and the Pentax will look like a
marble.LOL
One of the Dad's i know at another horse farm let me try his 1D(the 4mp one)last Saturday
for a few
minutes.I know 30-40 pictures is not a lot to base something on,but i found it a bit
ocward and heavier
than my D2h with equivilant lens(mind you his was the Canon with the anti vib on it.)
Screen smaller,vertical shooting a pain as the shutter releasa is hair trigger and the
interface a bit
ocward than i find the Nikon.
Having said that,i find both my D1 and D2h heavy for anything other than horse work,were
i'm standing
still and using a monopod.I therefore am "this close" to getting the *istD as a "walking
around digital
camera".Its about the same size as the PZ-1 i have and if it shoots like it,i will be
happy.

Hope fully by months end or late August depending on sales. I have the 28-105,the Sigma
100-300 dl
and the 35-70 macro for AF and several A and M lenses plus prime M42's that work better on
it as is my
understanding.
Throw in a Sigma 70-200 F2.8 and i'll be all set.

Dave

> http://phred.org/~alex/pictures/pentax/reduced/d30-vs-
istd.jpg

On the left is a Canon EOS-D30 (with grip) and the 28-135IS lens (not
sure on max apertures). On the right is the *ist D with the 16-45/4
lens (the largest one that I own).
The Canon stuff is probably great, and there is no doubt that the
selection of lenses is wider, but that is just too big.
I don't know who is going to keep the small SLRs alive though if
Pentax doesn't do it. The Olympus E-1 is also quite large and Minolta
seems to be releasing D-SLRs even more slowly than Pentax.
alex

--
_
Dr. Shaun Canning
P.O. Box 21,
Dampier, WA,
6714, Australia.

m: 0414 967644
http://www.heritageservices.com.au
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
_

Re: Inquiry to Pentax USA

That's a great reply isn't it Joe? Pentax USA are happy to tell you 
everything they know...it's just that they don't actually know anything!

Similar situation all over the world I would imagine. The distributors 
here in Australia probably know even less...and they are the main Sigma 
dealer, so they don't give a s**t about whether Pentax releases new 
glass or not, as long as they can sell more Sigma stuff...

Cheers
Shaun
Joseph Tainter wrote:
I asked about the DA 14 and FA 77. The reply I got is below. Some time 
back a Pentax rep confided to me that Pentax Japan tells Pentax USA 
nothing.

Surprisingly, I got this reply within just a few hours. Usually it 
takes them a few days to answer a query. It appears that the folks at 
Pentax USA have time on their hands, perhaps since they have no lenses 
to sell.

Joe

Joseph,
Thank you for contacting Pentax Imaging Company.
We too are anxiously awaiting deliveries of these lenses from the 
manufacturer. However, an estimated delivery date has not yet been 
made available to us from the manufacturer. As soon as supplies are 
received from the manufacturer, we will promptly distribute them to 
our dealers.

Pentax has not announced plans to discontinue either lens, however.
If you have further questions, please feel free to contact our 
Customer Service Department at: 800-877-0155

Thanks again,
Joe Virgil
Pentax Imaging Company

--
_____________
Dr. Shaun Canning
P.O. Box 21, 
Dampier, WA,
6714, Australia.

m: 0414 967644
http://www.heritageservices.com.au
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
_

Re: Camera Gear Insurance

Thanks for the info Leon.
Cheers
Shaun
Leon Altoff wrote:
On Fri, 16 Jul 2004 21:35:44 +0800, Dr. Shaun Canning wrote:
 

Does anyone in Australia have a recommended/preferred insurer or method 
of insurance for their camera gear?
   

Shaun,
My household insurance - which is only available through brokers and is
called "Gold Star" - is very good.  A bit on the expensive side but
very good.  It covers my equipment in the house or anywhere in the
country out of the house as long as it's not out of the house for more
than 6 months.  It covers it overseas for 3 months.  New for old
replacement and you don't have to specifically insure particular items
(when I bought the *istD I talked to them about it and said it was not
necessary to list it separately even with a value of AU$2500.  The
cover extends to all items, not just camera gear.  I haven't checked
about terrorism - our property insurance doesn't cover that, but I
don't think any do at that moment.
Leon
http://www.bluering.org.au
http://www.bluering.org.au/leon

 

--
_____________
Dr. Shaun Canning
P.O. Box 21, 
Dampier, WA,
6714, Australia.

m: 0414 967644
http://www.heritageservices.com.au
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
_

Re: Camera Gear Insurance

Thanks Rob, I'll email him Monday for a quote.
Cheers
Shaun
Rob Studdert wrote:
On 16 Jul 2004 at 21:35, Dr. Shaun Canning wrote:
 

Does anyone in Australia have a recommended/preferred insurer or method 
of insurance for their camera gear?
   

In the past I have used AIS Insurance, they offer a specialist policy for 
photographers. Contact George Roth <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> for details, not 
cheap but flexible, fair and comprehensive.

Rob Studdert
HURSTVILLE AUSTRALIA
Tel +61-2-9554-4110
UTC(GMT)  +10 Hours
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://members.ozemail.com.au/~distudio/publications/
Pentax user since 1986, PDMLer since 1998
 

--
_________
Dr. Shaun Canning
P.O. Box 21, 
Dampier, WA,
6714, Australia.

m: 0414 967644
http://www.heritageservices.com.au
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
_

Re: PAW: New Macro Test

The 50mm is a macro range I have never used, and this is a really nice 
shot with it.

Cheers
Shaun
Steve Desjardins wrote:
I have a new link:
http://home.wlu.edu/~desjardins/ 

This is with the new A50 2.8 macro.
Steven Desjardins
Department of Chemistry
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, VA 24450
(540) 458-8873
FAX: (540) 458-8878
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 

--
_
Dr. Shaun Canning
P.O. Box 21, 
Dampier, WA,
6714, Australia.

m: 0414 967644
http://www.heritageservices.com.au
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
_

Camera Gear Insurance

Does anyone in Australia have a recommended/preferred insurer or method 
of insurance for their camera gear?

Cheers
Shaun
John Mustarde wrote:
On Thu, 15 Jul 2004 11:30:53 -0500, you wrote:
 

Very happy. Can't wait to get out into the field in the next few days
and really test it out. Haven't got a 67mm UV filter on it yet, so it's
not going near the great outdoors yet. Don't tempt fate I always believe!
   

Do yourself a favor - buy some insurance for the lens, and leave the
filter off.  No way would I impair the fabulous optics of this lens by
permanently installing a cruddy filter in front of it.
--
John Mustarde
www.photolin.com
 

--
_____________
Dr. Shaun Canning
P.O. Box 21, 
Dampier, WA,
6714, Australia.

m: 0414 967644
http://www.heritageservices.com.au
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
_

Re: SMC-FA* 200mm macro

Yeah, I 'm thinking about that too...
Cheers
Shaun
John Mustarde wrote:
On Thu, 15 Jul 2004 11:30:53 -0500, you wrote:
 

Very happy. Can't wait to get out into the field in the next few days
and really test it out. Haven't got a 67mm UV filter on it yet, so it's
not going near the great outdoors yet. Don't tempt fate I always believe!
   

Do yourself a favor - buy some insurance for the lens, and leave the
filter off.  No way would I impair the fabulous optics of this lens by
permanently installing a cruddy filter in front of it.
--
John Mustarde
www.photolin.com
 

--
_____________
Dr. Shaun Canning
P.O. Box 21, 
Dampier, WA,
6714, Australia.

m: 0414 967644
http://www.heritageservices.com.au
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
_

Re: Z1-P repair & looking for parts or part camera

2004-07-01 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

Sounds to me like your service man got himself a really cheap Z1-p!
Getting parts for the z-1p should be no problem anywhere in the world.
Jeez, Pentax have only recently ceased to support older bodies such as the
KX and K2, and some parts are still around for them if you know where to
look.

Cheers

Shaun

myra gill said:
> i had the different defect in Z1 when during photo session
> stopped working while using with 45CT4 SCA 372. Local technician suggested
> IC failure. Nodoubt it is good machine but sorry to say as to durability,
> dependability is concerned can not compete with the two leading
> manufacturer
> of Japan. Later on it was despatched to Pentax UK and was returned with
> the
> remarks "parts no longer available". i sold it to the same technician and
> got used MZ5/ZX5. i have no intention to discourage you but the advice of
> Jens Bladt may also be considered. AFAIK and meagre knowldege of Pentax
> gears their few bodies likes MX/K1000/LX were rock build and competed with
> leading Canon/Nikon gears as to durability/dependability is concerned. If
> it
> become alive do let me know but i still feel Z1 was a wonderful machine
> and
> was in certain angle has edge over Nikon F4. Wish for Z1-P may become
> alive
> but my critical experience of repairing Z1 still pinch for remote chances.
> Gill
>
>
>

Re: New Website

2004-06-23 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

Great stuff Rolf!
Cheers
Shaun
Rolf Brenner wrote:
Dear Listmembers,
i would like to announce my new website: http://www.rolfbrenner.com .
All pictures in the menu travel are made with the Pentax LX and some 
M-Lenses. Unfortunaly there is a lot of C stuff and even a few 
with N Coolpox in the menus Landscape and Panoramas.
Comments and suggestions for improvement are welcome.
Regards rolfo

Re: Pentax 100mm Macro vs Sigma 105mm Macro

2004-06-22 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

Don't even think about it...buy the FA macro. It is head and shoulders 
above the 3rd party stuff.

Cheers
Shaun
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Has any one had experience with both of these lenses?  Has anyone seen a comparison or 
done a comparison between these lenses?  I haven't been able to find a head to head 
comparison.
I'm looking to get a macro lens and while all I have are Pentax lenses, I might 
consider a third party lens if there isn't much difference performance-wise and build 
quality.  And I can save about $150.
Thanks in advance.
--
John Lingelbach
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
"You're dumb as a mule and just as 
ugly!  And if a strange man asks 
to give you a ride, I'd say take 
it!"  - Grandpa Simpson to a Young 
Homer

Re:

2004-06-21 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

Sounds like there'a a yarn here Joe! What happened?

Cheers

Shaun

jtainter said:
> Tom, please ask your helpful, friendly Pentax rep. if he knows the name of
> the lens assembler in Vietnam.
>
> I am in Washington, DC, after my worst travel day in 14 years. I need to
> gripe to someone.
>
> G'night.
>
> Joe
>
>
>
>
>

Re: OT: Slide Dilemma

2004-06-20 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

Replied to off list with glee
Kevin Waterson wrote:
This one time, at band camp, "Dr. Shaun Canning" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
 

Karratha
   

Ahh, nice spot, have not been there since... about 1981 I think
Anywho, I have a CanoScan FS-4000US I could send to you as a loaner.
Basically, you pay for postage and if you break it, you own it.
This toy will scan 4 35mm slides at a time at various resolutions
up to 4000dpi. specs here..
http://www.canon.com.au/products/scanners/scanners_low_medium_volume/canoscanfs4000us_specs.html
I could let you have it for about 2 weeks if you like.
Kind regards
Kevin

Re: Slide Dilemma

2004-06-20 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

Thanks Brian, I'll look into it.
Cheers
Shaun
Brian Walters wrote:
Shaun
Photo CD can be organised through any Kodak "shopfront" - do they have an agency
in NW West Aus?
I've used Photo CD extensively in the past for photos for the ASGAP website -
quality seems a bit variable.  It seems to cope OK with images corresponding to
the 'standard' 18% grey but often struggles with anything darker or lighter in my
experience.  It's an interesting format though.  As Kenneth says,  each 5MB file
contains several images at differing resolutions from thumbnail size up to 2048 x
3072.
Cost a year or so ago was about $2.25 per slide or negative and 100 images can be
put onto a CD - you don't have to get 100 do all at the same time, they can add
additional images to the CD in batches.
I agree with you that a scanner is your only long term option but you could keep
Photo CD or Image Science Scanning in mind if you need a few quickly.
Regards
Brian
+
Brian Walters
Australian Plants Societies
http://farrer.csu.edu.au/ASGAP/
On Sun, 20 Jun 2004 09:21 , 'Dr. Shaun Canning' <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> sent:
 

Still 1,500 kms away from the nearest likely spot for this service Ken
Cheers
Shaun
Kenneth Waller wrote:
   

Until, I got a Nikon Coolscan film scanner, I had a local outfit do Kodak
Photo CD scans (not picture CD). Kodak no longer is supporting the
equipment, but it still is in operation. I got about 100 scans on a CD. The
scans were at 5  levels of resolution. Each scan cost  about $1.5 to $2 US
depending on the quantity.
Kenneth Waller
 


 Msg sent via Spymac Mail - http://www.spymac.com

Re: OT: Slide Dilemma

2004-06-20 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

Karratha
Kevin Waterson wrote:
This one time, at scanner camp, "Dr. Shaun Canning" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
 

No deal Shel. I'm 1,500 kilometres from the nearest place likely to have 
a scanner of that type, let alone somewhere to rent time on one. I'll be 
looking for a cheap scanner in time...
   

1500km!? where are you?
Kevin

Re: OT: Slide Dilemma

yeah, which is time consuming, but still effective by the sound of it
Cheers
Shaun
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Wow, $69 was a good deal. I think I'll buy a scanner, but money is the 
problem. I don't have any at the moment

Cheers
Shaun
graywolf wrote:
   

By the time you pay someone to commercially scan 300-400 slides you 
will have more than paid for a very good film scanner, so you might as 
well bite the bullet and buy one for yourself. You might look for a 
good deal on a recently discontinued model. I got an band new HP S-20 
for $69 that way a year ago. Found it when doing a Google search for 
film scanners.
 

The principle works, but bear in mind that the HP S20, if by that Graywolf 
means the HP Photosmart S20, scans mounted slides one at a time. 

ERN

Re: Slide Dilemma

Still 1,500 kms away from the nearest likely spot for this service Ken
Cheers
Shaun
Kenneth Waller wrote:
Until, I got a Nikon Coolscan film scanner, I had a local outfit do Kodak
Photo CD scans (not picture CD). Kodak no longer is supporting the
equipment, but it still is in operation. I got about 100 scans on a CD. The
scans were at 5  levels of resolution. Each scan cost  about $1.5 to $2 US
depending on the quantity.
Kenneth Waller
 Original Message -
From: "Dr. Shaun Canning"
Subject: OT: Slide Dilemma
 

This is slightly OT, but the slides were all taken with Pentax cameras
(except for a few), so it is still on topic I guess...
I have a collection (300-400) of 35mm slides that I really need to
digitise. Ideally, a 35mm slide scanner would be the best option, but I
can't afford one at the moment.
What have other listers done in the past to resolve there scanning
problems. I have no access to a lab or anything other than by mail...and
I would hate to lose any of these trannies.
Any ideas out there...
Cheers
Shaun

Re: OT: Slide Dilemma

Many of my slides are kodachromes Alan
Cheers
Shaun
Alan Chan wrote:
You might search a Minolta Scan Elite F-2900 on eBay. It's cheap and 
comes with SCSI card, 2820dpi & 12bit A/D. The original Minolta 
software will scan E6 slides nicely (no Kodachrome pls).

Alan Chan
ICQ: 42516180
http://www.pbase.com/wlachan
Thanks for the post George. I think I'll end up buying a scanner when 
my budget allows it.

_
Add photos to your messages with MSN Premium. Get 2 months FREE*  
http://join.msn.com/?pgmarket=en-ca&page=byoa/prem&xAPID=1994&DI=1034&SU=http://hotmail.com/enca&HL=Market_MSNIS_Taglines

Re: OT: Slide Dilemma

No deal Shel. I'm 1,500 kilometres from the nearest place likely to have 
a scanner of that type, let alone somewhere to rent time on one. I'll be 
looking for a cheap scanner in time...

Cheers
Shaun
Shel Belinkoff wrote:
Hi,
Have you checked any of the pro-type labs in your area to see if they will
rent time on a scanner?  Around here there are a few places that'll do
that, and they rent time on very high quality Imacon scanners, so the
results are quite good.  BTW, the Coolscan V is a pretty nice unit, but a
Coolscan IV may be an even better deal, especially if you can get it with
some accessories.
Shel 

 

[Original Message]
From: Dr. Shaun Canning <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Date: 6/19/2004 7:48:17 AM
Subject: Re: OT: Slide Dilemma
I think I would buy a scanner first Brian, as I would have at least
$1200 worth of scans at that rate. A slide scanner, bought on eBay or
such, and then resold, would still probably be the best bet., but I
can't spare the cash at the moment...other more pressing issues I am
afraid.
Thanks for the info though. I think I will wait until a second hand
Nikon Coolscan V or similar pops up on eBay at the right price.

Re: OT: Slide Dilemma

Yep, I think buying a scanner is going to the only real option left too 
me Joe.

Cheers
Shaun
Joseph Tainter wrote:
Shaun, the Kodal Photo CD service is pretty good. It gives 2400 dpi. 
Also, a pro lab might be able to scan them for you. But for that many 
images it will cost you the price of a used scanner.

I bought a used Nikon LS 2000 on eBay about 3 years ago for $500 
(U.S.). I'll bet they are a lot less now. It does a nice job at 2720 dpi.

This is probably your best route. Although I haven't shot any film 
since last September, I am keeping the scanner. Like you, I have many 
oldies to scan, and I don't think I am entirely done with film yet. So 
it will hang around for occasional use.

Joe

Re: SV: OT: Slide Dilemma

It would work AFAIK Jens.
Cheers
Shaun
Jens Bladt wrote:
Would auto bellows and slide copyer A work with the *ist D? You might get
one for less than 200 USD.
Jens Bladt
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://hjem.get2net.dk/bladt
-Oprindelig meddelelse-
Fra: Tom Reese [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sendt: 19. juni 2004 20:21
Til: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Emne: Re: OT: Slide Dilemma
does anyone know how this thing works? does it require an extension tube or
bellows or other equipment? Boz doesn't say much about it on his site.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43479&item=3821958420
&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
Tom Reese

Re: OT: Slide Dilemma

I think I would buy a scanner first Brian, as I would have at least
$1200 worth of scans at that rate. A slide scanner, bought on eBay or
such, and then resold, would still probably be the best bet., but I
can't spare the cash at the moment...other more pressing issues I am
afraid.
Thanks for the info though. I think I will wait until a second hand
Nikon Coolscan V or similar pops up on eBay at the right price.
Cheers
Shaun
Brian Walters wrote:
Shaun
I'm struggling with the same sort of problem.
You might like to give Image Science Scanning a try.  They are based in Melbourne
so you need to send your slides by post.  However, they recommend you send the
slides by registered post and they then return them, plus the scans, the same
way.  It's not 100% guaranteed that the slides won't go astray but it's about as
safe a method as you will find.
I recently tried a test batch of 12 slides and, for the most part, I was pleased
with the results.  The scans come back as 16 bit tif scans at about 120 to 150 MB
each.  The cost was about $4 per image although my last advice was that the
pricing structure was about to change.
They have a web site at:
http://www.imagesciencescanning.com.au
I'd be interested in hearing about any other options.
Cheers
Brian
+
Brian Walters
Australian Plants Societies
http://farrer.csu.edu.au/ASGAP/
On Sat, 19 Jun 2004 18:30 , 'Dr. Shaun Canning' <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> sent:
 

This is slightly OT, but the slides were all taken with Pentax cameras 
(except for a few), so it is still on topic I guess...

I have a collection (300-400) of 35mm slides that I really need to 
digitise. Ideally, a 35mm slide scanner would be the best option, but I 
can't afford one at the moment.

What have other listers done in the past to resolve there scanning 
problems. I have no access to a lab or anything other than by mail...and 
I would hate to lose any of these trannies.

Any ideas out there...
Cheers
Shaun
   


 Msg sent via Spymac Mail - http://www.spymac.com

Re: OT: Slide Dilemma

I agree Mal, I just said the same thing too Brian in another post.
Cheers
Shaun
Malcolm Smith wrote:
Mark Roberts wrote:
 

I can't think of any besides sending them out to get scanned. 
Most places will charge more for scanning 400 slides than the 
cost of a good scanner would be.
   

Once you get to needing several hundred slides scanned, buying has got to be
the cheapest option. I think I would get a good deal on a scanner from a
store or a good one from eBay, take my time scanning them, and if those were
the only slides I had, re-sell the scanner on eBay. Slides scanned and
overall minimal cash outlay.
Malcolm

OT: Slide Dilemma

This is slightly OT, but the slides were all taken with Pentax cameras 
(except for a few), so it is still on topic I guess...

I have a collection (300-400) of 35mm slides that I really need to 
digitise. Ideally, a 35mm slide scanner would be the best option, but I 
can't afford one at the moment.

What have other listers done in the past to resolve there scanning 
problems. I have no access to a lab or anything other than by mail...and 
I would hate to lose any of these trannies.

Any ideas out there...
Cheers
Shaun

Re: *ist D survey

2004-06-18 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

5751*** (Bought March 2004)
Dario Bonazza wrote:
Hi all,
In my effort of understanding (guessing?) something better about the *ist D,
I'll ask all *ist D owners to post the main part of the serial No. of the
camera they own, together with date of purchase.
The two cameras I used and tested are both 5646*** (tested October 2003).
Mine is 5512*** (bought April 2004),
As you can notice, there's something odd in above figures, the higher ones
beig apparently older than the lower one.
Thanks to everyone who will kindly participate in this survey.
Cheers,
Dario Bonazza

Re: Question: Minilab processing of digital files

2004-06-17 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

William, (or anyone else for that matter)...

What does 'RTFM' mean?

William Robb said:
>
> - Original Message -
> From: "Joseph Tainter"
> Subject: Question: Minilab processing of digital files
>
>
>> Sometime soon, perhaps at Christmas, I will get my wife a digital
>> point-and-shoot. She would not want to do image editing or
> printing,
>> just take the SD card to a minilab.
>>
>> With most of my *ist D images, I have to use Photoshop's Auto
> Levels to
>> get the image to the full light-level gamut. Otherwise the images
> are a
>> bit muddy.
>>
>> My wife is not going to do this with her images. So I wonder: If
> you
>> take unprocessed jpeg images on a CF or SD card to a minilab, does
> the
>> machine perform something like Auto Levels? Or do the images just
> come
>> out muddy?
>
> The joys of digital.
> It was so easy when people shot film. The cameras, were easy, the
> technology was easy, and image processing was easy.
> Not so anymore.
> Point and Shoot digital is quite the oxymoron, I do believe.
> Anyway, I really like the customers who take the time to learn what
> the various settings do, and then set their cameras up to give a
> result that pleases them with as little input from me as possible.
> Image massaging on a minilab is much the same as what we get to do
> with film, except we can do less before the image goes to shit.
> If it is underexposed, we can't fix it as much as with film (digital
> printing of film really shines here), if it is overexposed, we can't
> do anything to fix it.
> If it is shot under the wrong white balance, we can't fix it as well
> as we can with film.
> It really is a more demanding medium than colour print film.
>
> So, my advice is to RTFM, and then try a few different settings and
> get them printed at your lab of choice.
> Set the white balance to sRGB if the option is available, and leave
> it there.
> It's where we work, and you should work there too.
> After that, if you don't like the results, see if a camera setting
> can fix it.
> If it can, set your camera there and treat it as your default
> setting.
> If you can't, and the lab can't help you, take the files you have
> shot and try another lab.
> If they give you results you like, stay with them.
>
> William Robb
>
>
>
>

Re: OT: Launch of my New Website

2004-06-16 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

Cliff,

There may be no modern 500mm Pentax fast glass, but there is always the FA
600mm F4.0 telephoto! The price difference between this and a N***n or
C***n is neglible at this end of the market. And from what I hear, it is a
stunner of a lens. Ask John Mustarde

Cheers

Shaun

Cliff Nietvelt said:
>
> Thanks Cotty.
>
> The layout of this website may change, and I will be
> adding a Webstore later. I really appreciate people's
> feedback (this is my 1st webpage ever & I put it
> together myself...very taxing!)
>
> I may get a 645nII, but as for 35mm, I am considering
> a big lens (500mm f4 or 400mm F4 DO), and I need more
> choices than what Pentax has to offer, + AF
> teleconverters. Actually Pentax offers no 500mm f4
> (modern ED glass anyway), and I am not that keen on
> Sigma. I still shoot film because I work with 4-colour
> production, and make large fine-art prints, and with
> all the talk of Pentax leaving 35mm film altogether,
> it will be hard to replace my MZ-S/Z1p if it breaks.
> With Canon for example, I can always obtain an EOS-3
> or EOS-1n/V used or new, so I will be OK for a while.
> Plus I like the fact that Canon are committed to a
> full-frame digital. Just waiting for the prices to
> come down and 16 MP+. An EOS-1Ds is still $10,000
> Canadian. That is a lot of film and travel. My
> work-flow is not like that of a photojournalist
> either.
>
> I still like the feel of Pentax 35mm bodies the best
> so far. They have served me well as well, as have
> their lenses.
>
> :(
>
> Cliff
>
>
>
>
> --- Cotty <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>> On 16/6/04, CLIFF, discombobulated, offered:
>>
>> >Though I am not a regular contributer to this list
>> >(but it has been helpful from time to time), I have
>> >launched my new website:
>> >
>> >www.cliffnietvelt.com
>>
>> Nice web site Cliff, and some LOVELY shots. Very
>> nice indeed.
>>
>> One thing: I tried clicking on the three pics
>> (wildlife landscape
>> environmental) to get to the galleries, and at first
>> I thought they
>> weren't working, until I realised one has to go
>> through the Image Gallery
>> link. Can i suggest linking straight from those
>> three main headings / pics?
>>
>> I love looking at pics, but I love thumbnails
>> better, cuz then i can
>> shoot straight to what takes my fancy.
>>
>> Thanks for a great looksee.
>>
>> BTW, if you are changing from Pentax, to what, and
>> why?
>>
>> best
>>
>>
>> Cheers,
>>   Cotty
>>
>>
>> ___/\__
>> ||   (O)   | People, Places, Pastiche
>> ||=|www.macads.co.uk/snaps
>> _
>>
>>
>>
>
>
> =
> Cliff Nietvelt Photography
> PO Box 1142, Station M
> Calgary, Alberta
> T2P 2K9
> CANADA
> www.cliffnietvelt.com
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> __
> Do you Yahoo!?
> Yahoo! Mail is new and improved - Check it out!
> http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail
>
>

Re: Nikon to abandon film...

2004-06-16 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

Yes, they did say compact film cameras would be the first to go...then 
others too follow no doubt.

Cheers
Shaun
Sarbu Alexandru wrote:
Read again... they talk about compact film cameras.
Alex Sarbu
--- Sylwester Pietrzyk <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
And increase digital production. Who's next?
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0406/04061601nikonexitfilm.asp
--
Best Regards
Sylwek




__
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail - Helps protect you from nasty viruses.
http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail

--
________
Dr. Shaun Canning
Archaeologist
Cultural Heritage Services
P.O. Box 21, Dampier,
6713.
0414-967644
Http://www.heritageservices.com.au

RE: New Images

Hi Simon,

The greenery is quite amazing. All the water has pretty much dried up
since the cyclone in February. There is a bit still in the rivers, and
some of the waterholes. It was really really green about 2 months ago, but
now it is browning off again.

It isn't causing too many dramas. There were lots of March files and
mosquitos around for a while, but they are all gone now.

Cheers

Shaun

Simon King said:
>
>>Hi Shawn,
> Sorry Shaun, I should've got the name right by now...
> Simon
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Simon King
> Sent: Monday, 14 June 2004 12:46 PM
> To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]'
> Subject: RE: New Images
>
> Hi Shawn,
> Great stuff. I particularly liked the form and flow of
> http://www.heritageservices.com.au/Pentax%20Ist%20D%20Photos/Aerial%20Ph
> otography/slides/Pilbara%20Air%20Photos%2004.html
>
> After looking at it a while I thought that it could be a landscape at
> 9500 feet or a rock formation at 2 metres.
> It looks pretty green up there at the moment, is that causing any
> problems?
> Cheers,
> Simon
>
>
>

Re: New Images

Yeah I know Frank...there are 9ft tall people bleeding all over the
placeit's a war zone out there!

Sounds like you all had fun at GFm anyway.

Cheers

Shaun

frank theriault said:
> Hey, Shaun,
>
> GFM was a piece of cake.  This weekend on the List has been a different
> story...
>
> 
>
> cheers,
> frank
>
> "The optimist thinks this is the best of all possible worlds.  The
> pessimist
> fears it is true."  -J. Robert Oppenheimer
>
>
>
>
>>From: "Dr. Shaun Canning" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>>Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>>Subject: Re: New Images
>>Date: Mon, 14 Jun 2004 06:29:43 +0800
>>
>>Thanks Frank. Glad to see you survived GFM!
>>
>>Cheers
>>
>>Shaun
>>
>
> _
> http://join.msn.com/?pgmarket=en-ca&page=byoa/prem&xAPID=1994&DI=1034&SU=http://hotmail.com/enca&HL=Market_MSNIS_Taglines
>
>

Re: New Images

Thanks Bruce.

Cheers

Shaun

Bruce Dayton said:
> Shaun,
>
> Picture are interesting to look at when they help us see things from a
> different perspective.  Your arial shots have done just that for me.
> Very interesting and wonderful to view.  Thanks for sharing.  The
> flower shots are excellent, too.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bruce
>
>
> Saturday, June 12, 2004, 5:17:49 PM, you wrote:
>
> DSC> Hi Gang,
>
> DSC> Wow, you go away for a few days, and WW3 breaks out!. Phew, glad I
> DSC> missed this one, it sounds like quite a few punches were thrown and
> DSC> butts kicked.
>
> DSC> Anyway, I have just posted some new images for those who are
> interested.
>
>
> DSC>
> <http://www.heritageservices.com.au/Pentax%20Ist%20D%20Photos/Aerial%20Photography/index.html>
>
> DSC>
> <http://www.heritageservices.com.au/Pentax%20Ist%20D%20Photos/Flower%20Macro%202/index.html>
>
> DSC> Cheers
>
> DSC> Shaun
> DSC>
> 
> DSC> Dr. Shaun Canning
> DSC> Archaeologist
> DSC> Cultural Heritage Services
> DSC> P.O. Box 21, Dampier,
> DSC> 6713.
>
> DSC> 0414-967644
> DSC> Http://www.heritageservices.com.au
> DSC>
> 
>
>
>

Re: Photos from the PDML London Pub night, April 2004

That D60 looks like a bloody tank next too an *ist D. I hadn't realised 
the size difference was so much

Cheers
Shaun
Steve Jolly wrote:
The curse of the vanishing link strikes again! :-)
http://www.elvum.net/gallery/pdml0404
S
Steve Jolly wrote:
Better late than never, I hope :-)  Worth looking at for the photo of 
Cotty alone, I reckon.

The last four photos were taken with the "l'Espion Xtra" pocket 
digicam that you can see in the central photo along with Bob's Leica, 
John's *istD and Cotty's weight-lifting equipment - as you can see, 
the quality is pretty dire.  Can't beat the portability though :-)

S

--
____________
Dr. Shaun Canning
Archaeologist
Cultural Heritage Services
P.O. Box 21, Dampier,
6713.
0414-967644
Http://www.heritageservices.com.au

FS: Tokina 300mm F2.8 MF SD

Apologies for not posting this on Friday...but as usual I was out in the 
bush somewhere.

Tokina ATX 300mm f/2.8 MF SD.
This is the last of the Tokina lenses that I have recently had for sale. 
I'm not going to repeat the virtues of this lens, as most of you will 
have read all of the previous posts by Cotty, John Mustarde and myself 
about how good these things are.

The lens is in mint condition, and comes with rear cap, 112mm UV filter, 
 original soft cover, original carry case, original box, valuation (for 
insurance purposes), strap, and tripod collar.

So, make me a reasonable offer (off list) and we'll see if this 
magnificent lens can come and live with you for a while.

Cheers
Shaun
________
Dr. Shaun Canning
Archaeologist
Cultural Heritage Services
P.O. Box 21, Dampier,
6713.
0414-967644
Http://www.heritageservices.com.au

Re: New Images

Hi David,
Thanks for the comments. I have been shooting heaps since getting my 
*ist D, and I can tell you, nothing beats shooting lots to get things 
right. As for what I have been doing, I tend to shoot in Manual mode. I 
have found that my ideal exposure range is between 1/125 @ F11, and 
1/500 @ f16. I use an AF360FTZ set to P-TTL (which gives only TTL when 
camera is in Manual mode) for daylight balanced fill. I use a highly 
modified stroboframe flash bracket to get the flash head out and over 
the subject, which helps chuck light into the background as well. I only 
use an FA 100mm macro at this stage. It is a great lens for this type of 
stuff (Although I am thinking of buying a 200mm FA macro...).

I pretty much start with the camera set to 1/125 @f11 and bracket (the 
shutter speed) either side of that. Using the flash to balance daylight 
has the added advantage of freezing the subject. In this part of the 
world it is seldom completely without wind, so using flash is almost 
essential.

The *ist D LCD screen more or less becomes an exposure meter, as you can 
see your results, and determine the appropriate exposure correction from 
there. The exact same method can be used with film.

Anyway, hope this helps Dave.
Cheers
Shaun
David Nelson wrote:
G'day Shaun,
Your original email didn't make it to me (I seem to be missing a lot of 
posts), but I'm glad I went and looked for it on mail archive. The 
flower shots are absolute rippers! The aerial ones are also pretty 
amazing but I'm a macro kinda guy. I'm interested that  blown highlights 
doesn't seem to have been a problem with your flowers - in my limited 
experience of flower photgraphy (especially in sunlight) I just couldn't 
expose correctly. Any tips?
Well done for taking full advantage of the wildflower capital of the 
world. (-:
David

Joseph Tainter wrote:
Those are stunners, Shaun.
Joe


--
____________
Dr. Shaun Canning
Archaeologist
Cultural Heritage Services
P.O. Box 21, Dampier,
6713.
0414-967644
Http://www.heritageservices.com.au

Re: New Images

Thanks Paul. Had a great flight the other day, and couldn't waste the 
opportunity. Sun rise over the Pilbara is quite something...

Cheers
Shaun
Paul Stenquist wrote:
Love the aerial stuff. Flowers are nice as well, but the aerial is  
awesome.
Paul
On Jun 12, 2004, at 8:17 PM, Dr. Shaun Canning wrote:

Hi Gang,
Wow, you go away for a few days, and WW3 breaks out!. Phew, glad I  
missed this one, it sounds like quite a few punches were thrown and  
butts kicked.

Anyway, I have just posted some new images for those who are  interested.
<http://www.heritageservices.com.au/Pentax%20Ist%20D%20Photos/ 
Aerial%20Photography/index.html>

<http://www.heritageservices.com.au/Pentax%20Ist%20D%20Photos/ 
Flower%20Macro%202/index.html>

Cheers
Shaun
_______ _
Dr. Shaun Canning
Archaeologist
Cultural Heritage Services
P.O. Box 21, Dampier,
6713.
0414-967644
Http://www.heritageservices.com.au
___ _

--
________
Dr. Shaun Canning
Archaeologist
Cultural Heritage Services
P.O. Box 21, Dampier,
6713.
0414-967644
Http://www.heritageservices.com.au

New Images

Hi Gang,
Wow, you go away for a few days, and WW3 breaks out!. Phew, glad I 
missed this one, it sounds like quite a few punches were thrown and 
butts kicked.

Anyway, I have just posted some new images for those who are interested.
<http://www.heritageservices.com.au/Pentax%20Ist%20D%20Photos/Aerial%20Photography/index.html>
<http://www.heritageservices.com.au/Pentax%20Ist%20D%20Photos/Flower%20Macro%202/index.html>
Cheers
Shaun
________
Dr. Shaun Canning
Archaeologist
Cultural Heritage Services
P.O. Box 21, Dampier,
6713.
0414-967644
Http://www.heritageservices.com.au

Re: Enablement - stay away from GFMtn...

2004-06-09 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

Damn you Stan...that was mine!

I had found the only one in stock at Adorama and was going to order that
next week...

Grr



Tell me what it is like when you have had a play...

Cheers

Shaun

Stan Halpin said:
> I used Don's FA 200/4 IF ED Macro for a while. UPS Tracking says my
> order from Adorama will be here Friday.
>
> Stan
>
> On Jun 9, 2004, at 11:30 AM, Cesar Matamoros II wrote:
>
>> With all the gear around, and the ability to try it out - not just what
>> Pentax sent, but also other people's gear - it is hard not to be
>> enabled on
>> the mountain.
>>
>> I now have, new to me,
>>  Pentax-M 24mm f 4   Stan's
>>  LX screen SC-21??  I do not recall right nowStan's
>>  Pentax-FA* 200mm f 2.8 IF & ED  Pentax Rep's
>>
>> And thanks to Bob Sullivan for allowing me the use of his 67II gear
>> with
>> many lenses; Bruce Dayton for all his pointers - Bob was mentally
>> writing
>> them down; and Norm Baugher for his well-used 67.
>> I am no longer denying that there will be a 67 in my future ;-)
>>
>> So, for those that are as weak as me - you may want to stay away from
>> Grandfather Mountain :-)
>>
>> César
>> Panama City, Florida
>>
>> P.S. Don't tell me if you have a 67 for sale :-)
>>
>
>
>

Re: Camera backpack with drawers

2004-06-09 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

Domke Quest
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Yes Amita it was Domke. It is called the Outpack and I just bought a used one 
about three weeks ago. I always loved this camera bag and wanted one but they 
were very expensive. I found one used in mint condition. They're quite large 
but they hold a lot of gear. I like the drawer-type compartments, perfect for 
mid-size prime lenses. The large compartment in the middle holds my 400/5.6... 
After buying it, I'm considering selling my lowepro Nature Treker...
Vic 

Does anyone remember who made a camera backpack with front-loading lens
drawers? I'm not talking about the Lowepro Trim Trekker. The interior
was yellow. I thought it was Domke but I think I was wrong.
Amita, still in search of the perfect camera backpack

--
________
Dr. Shaun Canning
Archaeologist
Cultural Heritage Services
P.O. Box 21, Dampier,
6713.
0414-967644
Http://www.heritageservices.com.au

Re: Dpreview - New SLR

2004-06-07 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

Pentax would be a prime candidate for acquisition right now. They are 
profitable to a point, but small enough to acquire and dismember. A 
juggernaught like Canon could easily do so. Nikon, however, are in 
trouble (well at least their parent company is in financial trouble - 
they lost 3 or 4 billion USD this last year).

Cheers
Shaun
William Robb wrote:
- Original Message - 
From: "Peter J. Alling"
Subject: Re: Dpreview - New SLR


Based on the fact that they haven't introduced a new ltd. lens
lately it
may be a great finish.

True enough. I do think though, that they are going to have to turn
themselves into a brand with Leica style cachet appeal to survive.
OTOH, perhaps they can do quite well at present levels of sales,
though I suspect that those numbers will continue to erode. Canon is
just too much of a steamroller right now to not crush the smaller
players that get in the way.
William Robb

--
________
Dr. Shaun Canning
Archaeologist
Cultural Heritage Services
P.O. Box 21, Dampier,
6713.
0414-967644
Http://www.heritageservices.com.au

Baby D...

2004-06-06 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

Hot off  the Press...
http://www.dpreview.com/
Cheers
Shaun

Dr. Shaun Canning
Archaeologist
Cultural Heritage Services
P.O. Box 21, Dampier,
6713.
0414-967644
Http://www.heritageservices.com.au

Re: What I asked for

2004-06-05 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

Couldn't you have done the subscription wedding thing at any stage over 
the last 5 years using streaming video technology Collin?

Cheers
Shaun
Collin R Brendemuehl wrote:
I met the NIkon rep yesterday.  Had a good talk.
The Nikon D1 and D2 series bodies now accept a Nikon adapter which is 
802.11b
and allow specific logging into another computer.  They're now real network
devices.  There's a choice of antennas for transmitting 50 or 500 ft.

Also, they use a fast CF card as a virtual memory overflow buffer so you 
can
shoot almost continuous in JPG mode and a good while in RAW mode before
any slow-downs.

For you wedding photographers -- just set up your laptop out in the car
and you go shoot and transmit, not worrying about space.  Or ... stick a
PDA with an 4 gig card in your coat pocket and send it everything.
One could set up an engine to take wedding photos and post them
immediately to the web.  Make that a subscription item to sell so people
who can't make it can see it as it happens!
Unfortunately Pentax is now a 3rd-tier player.
Collin

--
____________
Dr. Shaun Canning
Archaeologist
Cultural Heritage Services
P.O. Box 21, Dampier,
6713.
0414-967644
Http://www.heritageservices.com.au

Re: Tokina AT-X AF Pro 80-200/2.8

2004-06-04 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

Fred,
I just sold mine to a list member recently. The 80-200 is a great lens. 
Excellent images, extremely well built, and has reasonably good MF feel. 
  Not that I used MF too often. These lenses are well worth the 
investment if this is what you want. I only sold mine because it is too 
heavy for the sort of back country hiking I do these days. I am also 
changing to a more macro/travel oriented kit.

Cheers
Shaun
Fred wrote:
Hello, Pentaxers.
Does anyone have any experience with the Tokina AT-X AF Pro
80-200/2.8 zoom?  I'm quite familiar with the manual focus AT-X
80-200/2.8, but I'm curious about the autofocus version (which is
certainly optically as well as mechanically different).  I am
particularly interested in:
a.  Optical qualities (of course).
b.  Build quality (well, I can hope...).
c.  Manual focus feel (for an autofocus lens).
And, I guess, it might be nice if anyone could offer any experienced
comparisons with the Pentax FA 80-200/2.8 (which has a very good
reputation, I guess).
Thanks.
Fred

--
________
Dr. Shaun Canning
Archaeologist
Cultural Heritage Services
P.O. Box 21, Dampier,
6713.
0414-967644
Http://www.heritageservices.com.au

Re: Canon Digital Rebel Hacked Into Almost-10D

2004-06-01 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

I wonder whether we have anyone on the list who can reverse engineer the
Pentax firmware to give us some of those missing features that everyone
wanted? (i.e. proper MLU)

Cheers

Shaun


Doug Franklin said:
> http://www.bahneman.com/liem/photos/tricks/digital-rebel-tricks.html
>
> These folks claim to have cracked the firmware in the Canon Digital
> Rebel to "unhide" a menu and some other tweaks that restore most of the
> functionality of the 10D to the DigiRebel.
>
> TTYL, DougF KG4LMZ
>
>
>

RE: Website v3.0

2004-05-30 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

For some reason, I didn't get Boris' original posting. To answer your
question Boris, I'm not 'in need' of feedback. I just want to make sure
that the site works as I intended, as everyone has very different PC
setups. I am certainly no expert when it comes to HTML work, so I just
have to 'suck it and see'!

Thanks for compliments though...

Cheers

Shaun

David Miers said:
> Win 2000 IE 6 and I'm having no problems with Shaun's site!
>
> Dave
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Boris Liberman [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Sent: Sunday, May 30, 2004 3:36 PM
> To: Shaun Canning
> Subject: Re: Website v3.0
>
>
> Hi!
>
> Shaun, your newest web page is quite heavy on scripting. Let's just
> say that my std IE 6.0 under Win2000 in my office went belly up. He
> thought your scripts had some bug and it wouldn't let go. Eventually
> it just closed...
>
> At home with IE 6.0 and Win98 and Proxymotron 4.5 it seems to work.
>
> It does look way cool though. And your photos are still your photos -
> quite good at that ...
>
> Still, I suppose other people would be responding. But you seem to be
> in need for feedback ...
>
> Boris
>
>
> SC> Hi Gang,
>
> SC> I found 2 very useful pieces of software in the last couple of weeks.
> SC> The first one is called Media Recover, and as the name suggests, it
> SC> assists in the recovery of lost files from flash memory cards. I
> bought
> SC> a copy after accidentally deleting some files from both PC and CF
> card.
> SC> Lo and behold, all were recoverable from the CF card. Excellent piece
> of
> SC> software, and pretty cheap. http://www.mediarecover.com/
>
> SC> Second piece of software is free, and absolutely brilliant. I have
> just
> SC> redone my entire website using this program, and it is just fantastic
> SC> (the software...although I like too think the website is pretty good
> now
> SC> ). The program is called JAlbum 4.4, and is available free from
> SC> http://jalbum.net/
>
> SC> Download a copy of the latter program now...you wont regret it.
>
>
> SC> Dr. Shaun Canning
> SC> Cultural Heritage Services
> SC> Lawrence Way, Karratha,
> SC> Western Australia,
> SC> 6714
>
> SC> 0414-967644
> SC> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
> SC> http://www.heritageservices.com.au
>
>
>
>
> Boris
> ([EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED])
>
>

eBay Auctions

2004-05-27 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

My auctions for the Tokina ATX-PRO f2.8 lenses finishes tomorrow.



Cheers

Shaun

Re: 16-45mm DA

2004-05-18 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

Thanks Leon. Glad to hear you are enjoying this lens. Did you buy it with
your *ist D, or later on?

Thanks for the offer too, next time I am down that way I'll look you up.
But it won't be for another 6 months or so!

Maybe we could organise a Melbourne PDML meeting?

Cheers

Shaun

Leon Altoff said:
> On Tue, 18 May 2004 15:22:52 +1000 (EST), Dr. Shaun Canning wrote:
>
>>Has anybody got/used the new 16-45mm DA F4.0? What do we know about it?
>>
>
> Shaun,
>
> I have one.  I like it a lot.  It is the lens I leave on the *istD as
> it covers a very useful range.  Optically it's good, though I haven't
> done any real comparisons.  Build quality is good even though it's
> plastic.  I like the fact that you can override the autofocus with this
> lens, though I've never actually used the feature.
>
> It has relegated my FA20-35 to the storage cupboard as it works fine on
> a 35 mm camera above 20mm.  The only thing stopping me from selling the
> 20-35 is my wife having an MZ-3 and using aperture priority most of the
> time.
>
> Next time you pass through melbourne let me know and you can have a
> feel of it.
>
>
>  Leon
>
> http://www.bluering.org.au
> http://www.bluering.org.au/leon
>
>
>

16-45mm DA

2004-05-17 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

Has anybody got/used the new 16-45mm DA F4.0? What do we know about it?

Cheers

Shaun

Re: Tokina AT-X 300 f2.8

2004-05-17 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

I can sell you a MF version Joe!

Cheers

Shaun

Joseph Tainter said:
> John wrote:
>
> "All in all, the Tokina AT-X SC 300/2.8 was one of my best lens
> purchases ever."
>
> I had always wanted the AF version of this. Now suddenly it seems to be
> gone from all web sites in Pentax mount. I suppose they didn't sell
> enough of them to continue it in Pentax AF. What a pity.
>
> Joe
>
>

Re: Web Site Take Two

2004-04-21 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

Thanks Brian, that's what I'll do!

P.S. I see you work for CSU? That's my old stomping ground (Albury)

Cheers

Shaun

Brian Walters said:
> G'day again Shaun
>
> Actually what I was getting at was not moving the external links to a
> separate
> page but including a window "target" in the HTML code so that the external
> link
> opens in a new, separate window rather than replacing your page.
>
> Most HTML editors should be able to do this but, in any case, you can edit
> the
> code manually.  For example, in the paragraph under "Wittenoom Gorge" on
> your
> home page there is a link to Mesothelioma Web.  The code for the link is:
>
>  href="http://www.mesotheliomaweb.org/mesothelioma.htm";>mesothelioma.
> 
>
> When someone clicks on this link the Mesothelioma Web site replaces your
> page and
> the visitor might not return.  However, the following code would open
> Mesothelioma Web in a new window and leave your page active.
>
> http://www.mesotheliomaweb.org/mesothelioma.htm";
> target="window1">mesothelioma. 
>
>
> Sorry if I'm telling you something you already know.
>
>
> +++++
>
> Brian Walters
> Australian Plants Societies
> http://farrer.csu.edu.au/ASGAP/
>
>
> On Thu, 22 Apr 2004 15:12 , 'Dr. Shaun Canning'
> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> sent:
>
>>Thanks for the positive comments Brian. Much appreciated. I will indeed
>>move the links to a separate page. In fact, I might get rid of that stuff
>>altogether. Undecided as yet.
>>
>>Thanks again...
>>
>>Cheers
>>
>>Shaun
>>
>>
>>Brian Walters said:
>>> Shaun
>>>
>>> Really impressive site - I looked mainly at the flower shots as that's
>>> my
>>> interest.
>>>
>>> I liked the clarity in the thumnbnails and the sharpness of the scans
>>> generally.
>>>  Were all of these taken with the *istD or have some of them been
>>> scanned
>>> from
>>> slides and then worked over in software?
>>>
>>> I've got quite a lot of wildflower shots on slides but I've found it
>>> difficult to
>>> get decent scans.  My transparency adaptor attached to the Epson 1650
>>> Photo
>>> scanner gives results which are acceptable for the web but not much
>>> else
>>> and I've
>>> found the quality of Kodak Photo CD scans ranges from excellent to
>>> abysmal
>>> with
>>> most being just OK.
>>>
>
>
>>> Back to your website - I agree with earlier comments about the size of
>>> the
>>> images
>>> and I still think they are a bit large.  Is there a reason why they
>>> need
>>> to be
>>> that large?   As a viewer of the site, I would prefer if they could fit
>>> on
>>> the
>>> screen without scrolling.
>>>
>>> The only other thing I can think of is the way you reference your
>>> external
>>> links.
>>>  At present, anyone who clicks on the "mesothelioma" link, for example,
>>> gets
>>> taken away from your site and may not return.  It might be worth
>>> "targeting" the
>>> external links to a separate window so that your site stays active.
>>>
>>> Cheers
>>>
>>> Brian
>>>
>
>
>  Msg sent via Spymac Mail - http://www.spymac.com
>
>

Re: Web Site Take Two

2004-04-21 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

Thanks for the positive comments Brian. Much appreciated. I will indeed
move the links to a separate page. In fact, I might get rid of that stuff
altogether. Undecided as yet.

Thanks again...

Cheers

Shaun


Brian Walters said:
> Shaun
>
> Really impressive site - I looked mainly at the flower shots as that's my
> interest.
>
> I liked the clarity in the thumnbnails and the sharpness of the scans
> generally.
>  Were all of these taken with the *istD or have some of them been scanned
> from
> slides and then worked over in software?
>
> I've got quite a lot of wildflower shots on slides but I've found it
> difficult to
> get decent scans.  My transparency adaptor attached to the Epson 1650
> Photo
> scanner gives results which are acceptable for the web but not much else
> and I've
> found the quality of Kodak Photo CD scans ranges from excellent to abysmal
> with
> most being just OK.
>
> Back to your website - I agree with earlier comments about the size of the
> images
> and I still think they are a bit large.  Is there a reason why they need
> to be
> that large?   As a viewer of the site, I would prefer if they could fit on
> the
> screen without scrolling.
>
> The only other thing I can think of is the way you reference your external
> links.
>  At present, anyone who clicks on the "mesothelioma" link, for example,
> gets
> taken away from your site and may not return.  It might be worth
> "targeting" the
> external links to a separate window so that your site stays active.
>
> Cheers
>
> Brian
>
> +
>
> Brian Walters
> Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants
> http://farrer.csu.edu.au/ASGAP
>
>
>
> Shaun Canning wrote:
>
>>Hi Gang,
>
>>Kevin rightly mentioned that the images on my revamped website were too
>>large, which indeed they were. So, I have revamped the site for the
>>second time to reduce the size (and download time) of the images. None
>>are now larger than about 250k.
>>
>>Please have a look and send some feedback. There was very little last
>>time, and I'm hoping it was because the images were too big, not because
>>they are crap!
>
>
>
>
>
>  Msg sent via Spymac Mail - http://www.spymac.com
>
>

FS Friday

2004-03-26 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

Sorry this is a bit late guys...another cyclone just missed us!

For Sale: 

Pentax AF500 FTZ TTL Flash. EX+ Condition (9.5/10). This unit comes with original box, 
cover and copy of manual. Perfect working
order naturally.

I have two of these puppies and don't really need this one. 

Most of you know these pretty well, so I won't bore you with the details. 

I haven't been keeping track of how much these things go for lately, so make me an 
offer (off list) if you are interested. If it
doesn't go by next Wednesday, I'll put it on eBay. 

Cheers

Shaun


Dr. Shaun Canning
Cultural Heritage Services
Lawrence Way, Karratha, 
Western Australia, 6714
Mob: 0414-967 644

[EMAIL PROTECTED]
www.heritageservices.com.au

RE: *ist D Pixel Comparison Test

2004-03-15 Thread Dr. Shaun Canning

Hi Frits, 

It seems like the hot pixel phenomena are pretty widespread, but then some dont seem 
to have any at all. It will be interesting to
see what the 'average' number of hot pixels is amongst those who submitted results to 
Rob.

Cheers

Shaun

Dr. Shaun Canning
Cultural Heritage Services
Lawrence Way, Karratha, 
Western Australia, 6714
Mob: 0414-967 644

[EMAIL PROTECTED]
www.heritageservices.com.au



-Original Message-
From: Frits Wüthrich [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
Sent: Monday, 15 March 2004 7:37 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: *ist D Pixel Comparison Test

I ran this test using a TIF file, which is recommended, as a jpg might
cause false reporting on hot pixels which are artifacts of jpg
compression.
When shooting RAW and using the converter of Photoshop CS to create a
TIFF, I didn't find any hot pixels.
With TIF writing by the camera on the flash card directly however, I did
find hot pixels, no dead ones. I did the test with Noise Reduction (NR)
on and NR off.

NR off  NR on
30 s834 3
15 s82  5
8 s 31  0
4 s 25  0
2 s 15  0
1 s 17  0
1/2 s   11  0
1/4 s   5   0
1/8 s   2   2
same results up to and including 1/4000 s (2 hot pixels with NR off and
NR on).

On Sun, 2004-03-14 at 00:39, Dr. Shaun Canning wrote:
> Hi guys, 
> 
> Anyone willing too take part in a little experiment with your *ist D? I know how you 
> guys all love comparing lenses and gear from
> time to time, so hopefully a few of you might help me out. 
> 
> I want to compare the number of recorded 'hot' pixels with other owners to see if 
> the results I got from testing are normal or
> otherwise. It'll take about 3/4 of an hour to run the tests the same way I did. 
> 
> I used a little utility called 'Dead Pixel Test' which is available at 
> http://www.starzen.com/imaging/deadpixeltest.htm
> 
> I took a series of shots with the following set-up. 
> 
> 1. Lens cap on
> 2. Viewfinder cap on
> 3. Manual mode
> 4. Manual Focus
> 5. JPEG Highest Quality 
> 6. F8.0 using FA 24mm (not that the lens should really matter)
> 7. Noise reduction On
> 
> I took frames with shutter speeds ranging from 1/4000 down to 2 seconds (all speeds 
> in between). I then used the Pentax Photo
> Browser to export a *.csv worksheet to work on in excel. Then I ran each frame 
> through the test program, as per the instructions.
I
> set the Luminance threshold to 60, and the Dead Pixel threshold to 100. 
> 
> Thankfully, I recorded no dead pixels, and the worst result was a total of 4 'hot' 
> pixels at 1/8 and 1/6 sec. noise reduction does
> cut in at 1/4 sec, eliminating all 'hot' pixel occurrences from 1/4 too 2 secs. 
> 
> As other have pointed out, some of the images I uploaded yesterday definitely 
> display hot-spots caused by these 'hot' pixels. What
I
> am interested in is the results that anyone else may get to compare to my camera. 
> 
> Thanks in advance, 
> 
> Shaun
> 
> Dr. Shaun Canning
> Cultural Heritage Services
> Lawrence Way, Karratha, 
> Western Australia, 6714
> Mob: 0414-967 644
> 
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> www.heritageservices.com.au
> 
> 
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Dr. Shaun Canning [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
> Sent: Sunday, 14 March 2004 6:37 AM
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: RE: *ist D Photos
> 
> Thanks Mark. I would have liked the 'in flight' shot to be a bit sharper, but you 
> know how fast these little buggers move. It was
> more luck than good management. I'm pretty happy with the overall performance of the 
> *ist D though, even if I do have a couple of
> 'hot' pixels. 
> 
> Cheers
> 
> Shaun
> 
> Dr. Shaun Canning
> Cultural Heritage Services
> Lawrence Way, Karratha, 
> Western Australia, 6714
> Mob: 0414-967 644
> 
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> www.heritageservices.com.au
> 
> 
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Mark Cassino [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
> Sent: Sunday, 14 March 2004 2:54 AM
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: Re: *ist D Photos
> 
> Cool photos, especially the dragonflies in flight.
> 
> I was wondering how the *ist-D would do with bugs - looks great! (Mine 
> arrived with the first snow, so no chance to test it on insects yet).
> 
> - MCC
> 
> At 12:41 PM 3/13/2004 +0800, you wrote:
> 
> >Hi gang,
> >
> >Here are the results of my first foray into the bush with an *ist D. all of
> >the shots were taken with the *ist D, battery grip, FA 100mm macro. All were
> >handheld. Photoshop work was limited to sharpening and adjusting the levels
> >a bit.
> >
> >The files are all in the

RE: *ist D Photos

Thanks William!

Dr. Shaun Canning
Cultural Heritage Services
Lawrence Way, Karratha, 
Western Australia, 6714
Mob: 0414-967 644

[EMAIL PROTECTED]
www.heritageservices.com.au



-Original Message-
From: William Robb [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
Sent: Sunday, 14 March 2004 8:58 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: *ist D Photos


- Original Message - 
From: "Dr. Shaun Canning"
Subject: RE: *ist D Photos


> Thanks Mark. I would have liked the 'in flight' shot to be a bit
sharper, but you know how fast these little buggers move. It was
> more luck than good management. I'm pretty happy with the overall
performance of the *ist D though, even if I do have a couple of
> 'hot' pixels.

That got lost in my reply.
Cool photos

William Robb

*ist D Pixel Comparison Test

Hi guys, 

Anyone willing too take part in a little experiment with your *ist D? I know how you 
guys all love comparing lenses and gear from
time to time, so hopefully a few of you might help me out. 

I want to compare the number of recorded 'hot' pixels with other owners to see if the 
results I got from testing are normal or
otherwise. It'll take about 3/4 of an hour to run the tests the same way I did. 

I used a little utility called 'Dead Pixel Test' which is available at 
http://www.starzen.com/imaging/deadpixeltest.htm

I took a series of shots with the following set-up. 

1. Lens cap on
2. Viewfinder cap on
3. Manual mode
4. Manual Focus
5. JPEG Highest Quality 
6. F8.0 using FA 24mm (not that the lens should really matter)
7. Noise reduction On

I took frames with shutter speeds ranging from 1/4000 down to 2 seconds (all speeds in 
between). I then used the Pentax Photo
Browser to export a *.csv worksheet to work on in excel. Then I ran each frame through 
the test program, as per the instructions. I
set the Luminance threshold to 60, and the Dead Pixel threshold to 100. 

Thankfully, I recorded no dead pixels, and the worst result was a total of 4 'hot' 
pixels at 1/8 and 1/6 sec. noise reduction does
cut in at 1/4 sec, eliminating all 'hot' pixel occurrences from 1/4 too 2 secs. 

As other have pointed out, some of the images I uploaded yesterday definitely display 
hot-spots caused by these 'hot' pixels. What I
am interested in is the results that anyone else may get to compare to my camera. 

Thanks in advance, 

Shaun

Dr. Shaun Canning
Cultural Heritage Services
Lawrence Way, Karratha, 
Western Australia, 6714
Mob: 0414-967 644

[EMAIL PROTECTED]
www.heritageservices.com.au

-Original Message-
From: Dr. Shaun Canning [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
Sent: Sunday, 14 March 2004 6:37 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: RE: *ist D Photos

Thanks Mark. I would have liked the 'in flight' shot to be a bit sharper, but you know 
how fast these little buggers move. It was
more luck than good management. I'm pretty happy with the overall performance of the 
*ist D though, even if I do have a couple of
'hot' pixels. 

Cheers

Shaun

Dr. Shaun Canning
Cultural Heritage Services
Lawrence Way, Karratha, 
Western Australia, 6714
Mob: 0414-967 644

[EMAIL PROTECTED]
www.heritageservices.com.au

-Original Message-
From: Mark Cassino [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
Sent: Sunday, 14 March 2004 2:54 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: *ist D Photos

Cool photos, especially the dragonflies in flight.

I was wondering how the *ist-D would do with bugs - looks great! (Mine 
arrived with the first snow, so no chance to test it on insects yet).

- MCC

At 12:41 PM 3/13/2004 +0800, you wrote:

>Hi gang,
>
>Here are the results of my first foray into the bush with an *ist D. all of
>the shots were taken with the *ist D, battery grip, FA 100mm macro. All were
>handheld. Photoshop work was limited to sharpening and adjusting the levels
>a bit.
>
>The files are all in the 1-3 mb range, so be warned, they'll take a while to
>come down the pipe via a 56k modem. None of them are resized.
>
>http://www.heritageservices.com.au/Pentax%20ist%20D%20Photos/Web%20Gallery/i
>ndex.htm
>
>Tell me what you think?
>
>Cheers
>
>Shaun
>
>Dr. Shaun Canning
>Cultural Heritage Services
>Lawrence Way, Karratha,
>Western Australia, 6714
>Mob: 0414-967 644
>
>[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>www.heritageservices.com.au

-

Mark Cassino Photography

Kalamazoo, MI

http://www.markcassino.com

-

RE: *ist D Photos

Thanks Mark. I would have liked the 'in flight' shot to be a bit sharper, but you know 
how fast these little buggers move. It was
more luck than good management. I'm pretty happy with the overall performance of the 
*ist D though, even if I do have a couple of
'hot' pixels. 

Cheers

Shaun

Dr. Shaun Canning
Cultural Heritage Services
Lawrence Way, Karratha, 
Western Australia, 6714
Mob: 0414-967 644

[EMAIL PROTECTED]
www.heritageservices.com.au

-Original Message-
From: Mark Cassino [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
Sent: Sunday, 14 March 2004 2:54 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: *ist D Photos

Cool photos, especially the dragonflies in flight.

I was wondering how the *ist-D would do with bugs - looks great! (Mine 
arrived with the first snow, so no chance to test it on insects yet).

- MCC

At 12:41 PM 3/13/2004 +0800, you wrote:

>Hi gang,
>
>Here are the results of my first foray into the bush with an *ist D. all of
>the shots were taken with the *ist D, battery grip, FA 100mm macro. All were
>handheld. Photoshop work was limited to sharpening and adjusting the levels
>a bit.
>
>The files are all in the 1-3 mb range, so be warned, they'll take a while to
>come down the pipe via a 56k modem. None of them are resized.
>
>http://www.heritageservices.com.au/Pentax%20ist%20D%20Photos/Web%20Gallery/i
>ndex.htm
>
>Tell me what you think?
>
>Cheers
>
>Shaun
>
>Dr. Shaun Canning
>Cultural Heritage Services
>Lawrence Way, Karratha,
>Western Australia, 6714
>Mob: 0414-967 644
>
>[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>www.heritageservices.com.au

-

Mark Cassino Photography

Kalamazoo, MI

http://www.markcassino.com

-

RE: *ist D Photos

Thanks Alex, I'll try the extended test(s) tomorrow and see how it fairs. 

Cheers

Dr. Shaun Canning
Cultural Heritage Services
Lawrence Way, Karratha, 
Western Australia, 6714
Mob: 0414-967 644

[EMAIL PROTECTED]
www.heritageservices.com.au

-Original Message-
From: alex wetmore [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
Sent: Saturday, 13 March 2004 10:31 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: RE: *ist D Photos

On Sat, 13 Mar 2004, Dr.  Shaun Canning wrote:
> Bucky and Gonz,
>
> The pixels turned out to be 'hot' rather than 'dead'.  I ran a test
> through a little program called 'Dead Pixel Test' (freely available
> on the web).  An image is taken with lens and viewfinder caps on and
> then run through the program.  When I first ran an image, it showed
> 132 hot pixels, 0 dead.  Then, I turned on 'noise reduction' in the
> custom functions menu, and ran another image.  The number of 'hot'
> pixels dropped to 2.
>
> It would appear that the 'hot' pixels were noise, and as such the
> *ist D's noise reduction function should take care of most of the
> 'hot' pixels.

It sounds like you ran the test with the camera at a long exposure
setting.  You should run it at all exposure settings.

My first *ist D had a number of hot pixels.  I was noticing them in
exposures of 1/125 and faster.  I didn't know about the hot pixel
test, so I just shot frames with a black body cap on from 1/4000
down to 4".  The hot pixels showed up even at 1/4000.

I bought locally, so I just returned the camera to my retailer and
picked up a different one.  They sent the camera back to Pentax.
Being able to do this was well worth the $100 extra that I paid by
buying locally.

alex

RE: *ist D Photos

Thanks William, but it really does appear to be working fine. 

I can live with 2 'hot' pixels out of 6.3 million. 

Cheers

Shaun

Dr. Shaun Canning
Cultural Heritage Services
Lawrence Way, Karratha, 
Western Australia, 6714
Mob: 0414-967 644

[EMAIL PROTECTED]
www.heritageservices.com.au



-Original Message-
From: William Robb [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
Sent: Saturday, 13 March 2004 9:12 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: *ist D Photos


- Original Message - 
From: "Dr. Shaun Canning"
Subject: RE: *ist D Photos



> It would appear that the 'hot' pixels were noise, and as such the
*ist D's noise reduction function should take care of most of the
> 'hot' pixels.

The istD noise reduction isn't used for shutter speeds shorter than
1/4 second or therabouts.
You should probably take some of that money you saved buying gray
market and invest in getting the defective chip replaced.

William Robb

RE: *ist D Photos