Re: Today's photographic fantasy
That's a great fantasy ... but what do you do about the portions of the film that don't get exposed to light (the shadows)? Sooner or later these portions will be exposed to light ... unless you keep the film in the dark. Of course, Polaroid makes film that does not require a darkroom to develop. They even have an instant peel apart film that produces a negative. Eric >From: "Collin Brendemuehl" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >I want a film that will chemically LOCK the image on and only on the first >exposure to light. >After that it can be removed and processed IN THE LIGHT. > >That would be convenient. No darkroom or changing bag needed. Just dip >into chemicals and get the image! Let's start with B&W positive & >negative. > >Kodak -- are you listening??? I smell hobbyist profits here! :) > >Collin _ Join the worlds largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. http://www.hotmail.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 .
Re: New Pentax digital SLR
Several times now people have alluded to this Olympus interchangeable lens digital camera. Is there any information available on it? It seems like olympus might really have the upperhand hand here since (I assume) they will be designing an entirely new lens line specifically for digital - maybe even stardardizing on a less than full frame chip. Eric >From: Pål Audun Jensen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Nothing of the sort. They did shelve the IS 300 because it wasn't >competitive (obsolete). They have release the Optio series which is highly >contemporary, competitive and far from obsolete. They same can be done for >digital slr's. Just look at Olympus soon to be released digital slr with >interchangeable lenses. It may set the standard. > > >Pål >- _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp - 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 .
Lens Fungus and Irradiated Mail
I was reading the news regarding the USPS begining to irradiate our mail and I got to thinking about the problems that would cause when sending undeveloped film through the mail. However, I did think of one possible positive aspect to this. If you ever discover a lens beginning to experience fungus growth just send it by USPS to a friend in an appropriate location and have the USPS irradiate it. That ought to kill the fungus. Eric _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp - 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: Unusual Shooting Technique
Thanks for the response Bob Yes, Steve McCurry was the guy ... and his grip did look similar to the Pentax Grip M you mention. But, from what I could see, the grip protruded down from the right side of the camera rather than the center of the camera. The tv report showed him taking photos in NY on 9/11 using the technique I described. No idea where he is now. Eric >From: Bob Walkden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Hi, > >that's Steve McCurry, a Magnum photographer. I have all of his books >and have seen some videos of him shooting, but never saw him use that >technique. The kind of grip you mention sounds like the vertical motor >drive grip that you can get for the MX and LX, and presumably also for >Nikons since that's what he uses. On Planet Pentax it's called the >Battery Grip M, and you can screw it directly into the tripod socket - >you don't need the motor drive. I think the Grip M has a shutter >release, so with the motor attached you wouldn't have to contort your >wrist. > >It's also possible, I suppose, that he was using something like the >Leitz table-top tripod with the legs removed. > >Inceidentally, Steve McCurry made his name from his coverage of the >Russian invasion of Afghanistan, and has spent most of his life since >then covering the Indian subcontinent (although he also covered the >Gulf War quite spectacularly). I wouldn't be surprised if he's in or >around Afghanistan at the moment. > >--- _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp - 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: Pentax Digital NEWS! Part one
I believe that (some of?)the Fuji cameras use a non-rectangular array of sensors (heaxagonal/honeycomb pattern maybe?). This requires them to re-map (interpolate) the data from the sensors to a rectangular pixel pattern. Eric >From: "Doug Franklin" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >On Mon, 22 Oct 2001 11:43:01 -0700, Shel Belinkoff wrote: > > > > Also, how does Fuji (?) get 6mp from a CCD that is only rated at 3mp? > > Doesn't that screw with quality, especially with larger prints? > >Interpolation. The same low-budget method used by a flatbed scanner >with 600 dpi optical resolution to get 9600 dpi resolution in software. > It takes the 600 dpi image (or 3mp image) and figures out what "ought >to" be between the large pixels it has to get the small pixels it >wants. > >For example, say you're interpolating from 100 dpi to 200 dpi. That >means that for each pixel you have, you need to create three more, for >a total of four, because four 200 dpi pixels fit "underneath" each 100 >dpi pixel. > _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp - 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: why can't the MZ bodies do matrix metering with K and M lenses?
As I understand it, the matrix metering algorithm on the MZ cameras requires the absolute light values measured by the cameras metering segments. An MZ body with and A, F, or FA series lenses mounted to it knows the value of the wide open aperture and can therefore calculate the actual scene brightness levels measured by each metering segment. A K or M series lens does not transmit the value of the wide open aperture so the camera body would only know the relative brightness levels of the various metering segments. My understanding of the MZ cameras is that if you mount an M series lens the metering mode automatically reverts to center-weighted. It would seem to me that the designers could have implemented a slightly less effective matrix metering algorithm for M and K series lenses. Probably they didn't want the expense of developing two algorithms or maybe they did and it wasn't any more effective than center-weighted metering. This would have been an interesting pentax function for the MZ-s ... allow the user of an M or K series lens to select an open aperture value to be used by the camera for matrix metering if no value is transmited to the camera by the lens. Well ... I'm starting to ramble Eric >From: Frank Wajer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2001 14:12:23 +0200 > >Does anybody have an answer? >I don't understand why having an automatic aperture influences this. > >Frank > _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp - 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: One Sentence
Why do I photograph? > >I see, therefore I photograph. >William Robb > This was the first thought I had. Those exact words. I photograph to emphasize the ordinary and make it extraordinary. Eric Lawton _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp - 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 .
Bokeh was RE: Scanner problem
Try this link for an interesting article that appeared in PhotoTechniques magazine re: Bokeh. http://fox.nstn.ca/~hmmerk/ATVB.pdf You'll need Adobe Acrobat to view it. Ann-san wrote: > On another topic, I'm kinda embarassed to ask, but what the > devil does > BOKEH stand for? _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp - 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 .
OT: Re: Finally a bargain
Dave, Definately give that Polaroid a try. I picked up a Model 250 at an auction a couple of years ago for $1. The camera looks and works like brand new. I occaisionally take it out and shoot with it and I find it quite fun. The camera is well built, the zeiss rangefinder is fun to use and the instant print is great for feedback. I learn a lot from the instant feedback since I usually shoot 35mm slides and get them developed through the mail (2 week turnaround - no local processors). The polaroid costs about $1 per shot - I usually shoot type 669 color film. The polaroid look is definately different than 35mm. I believe batteries are still available direct from Polaroid - or hook up some AA bateries to get the proper voltage (3V or 4.5V .. can't remember). Eric >From: Dave Weiss <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Subject: Finally a bargain >Date: Sat, 4 Aug 2001 15:53:34 -0700 (PDT) > >Hi all; > >Well, finally it happened. After all these years reading how pdml members >find lx's at garage sales for $10 or FA 24* lenses in trade for a moldy >beanie baby, I bought today a box of photo stuff for $17. >It contained a polaroid 250 Land camera, a bell and howell duolex-s movie >camera and (drum roll please) an all black rollei 35 s in mint condition. >I >am giddy with glee, grinning from ear to ear. What a strange little >camera! >Talk about non-intuitive controls! This must take the cake. Luckily, it >came with an owners manual. I am anxious to run some film with it. Also >picked up a spotmatic with case and super tak 501.4. Not at such a great >deal, but the condition was also near mint (no scratches on the base plate. >Ah, my wife for the first time, is happy after I bought photo equipment. >Very strange > >I actually want to try to use the polaroid but the B&H will probably be >ebayed. Both of these are in near mint condition. Too bad the film for >the >polaroid is so expensive ($7.50 per B&H). > >Just had to share. > >dave > > > > > _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp - 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: Pentax's Amatuer MZ-S and LX Autofocus
I'm "lusting" for an MZ-S and will almost surely buy it. Tax refund is only weeks away :) Eric >From: Darryl Lafferty <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Subject: Pentax's Amatuer MZ-S and LX Autofocus >Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2001 20:13:10 -0500 > ...snipped ... >Marketing is building a product and then having ability to make people >"lust" after it until they actually purchase it. Canon has this ability >Pentax do not. ...snipped ... _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp - 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: Professionals -- Markov says...
Cool post Juan! I'd be interested in learning more about this program you used. Do you have any links you could point me to? We are really broadening our horizons here on the PDML. There is some good material posted for the PDML musical and William S. Buhler here has a good start on "Naked PDML" - an abstract, cut-up documentation of the PDML. Eric >From: "Juan J. Buhler" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Subject: Professionals -- Markov says... >Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2001 16:03:54 -0700 (PDT) > > >So, Seeing how this thread won't die, I took a few postings and passed >them through a Markov chain program (a program that looks for patterns >in text, and randomly combines sentences into new ones, trying to keep >some sense) Since there wasn't too much sense in the input text, the >output is not amazingly coherent, but it is enlightening in its own >way: > snipped ... _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp - 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: snowflakes on your web site
If you are interested in photographing snowflakes then these books may be of interest to you. I haven't read or looked at these books, but they are on my list of books to read. Eric The Snowflake Man A Biography of Wilson A. Bentley by Duncan C. Blanchard The Snowflake Man is a biography of Wilson Bentley, a farmer from Jericho, Vermont, who spent a lifetime (1865-1931) studying the beauty and science of snow crystals. While still in his teens he taught himself how to photograph the intricate but transient crystals, and then he endured years of indifference and scorn as others around him derided his fascination before the artistic and scientific value of his study became known to scientists and the general public. Bentley was the originator of the well-known saying "No two snowflakes are alike!" and his more than 5000 photographs of snow crystals are widely recognized and admired for their beauty and quality. Snow Crystals Reprint of the 1931 book by Wilson A. Bentley and W. J. Humphreys. Includes over 2400 plates of snowflakes, frost, and dew. In print for more than 65 years, Snow Crystals has inspired countless artists and craftsmen offering a large selection of snowflake designs. >From: "Anand DHUPKAR" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Subject: snowflakes on your web site - resending >Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2001 10:18:57 -0400 > >Hello Mark, > >Actually, I sent this message last night, however, did not see circled back >in my in-box, hence, sending once again. > >I have been visiting your web-site for quite some time and appreciate the >photographs - bird photographs you have taken. I also read all the essays >you have written - explaining your techniques. > >What I am very keen is the snowflakes you have photographed. I want to try >it this winter and would like some guidance on that .. especially the >set-up >to go this close. I could not understand what you have mentioned under >each >photograph the configuration >"200 f4 with stacked Rikenon 50mm f1.4, bellows, extension tubes" >or >"135mm f3.5 with stacked Rikenon 50mm f1.4, bellows, extension tubes" > >Would you please explain how you have used these configurations ? >Would also appreciate any other guidance / issues to be considered. > >Thanks in advance. > > >Anand > _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp - 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: What is a fried cheese curd ?
Yes they do squeak when you eat them - of course, not the fried ones. Their texture is really a bit unusual. Can't really be described. Well, if I get my work done today I'll be heading south to Milwaukee. After all this dicussion I'll definately be stopping at the Frigo factory in Lena, WI for a bag of fresh cheese curds. And it will be squeak ... squeak ... squeak ... the rest of the way to Milwaukee. Eric Lawton >From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Subject: RE: What is a fried cheese curd ? >Date: Fri, 13 Jul 2001 09:48:10 -0600 > >I need to know--do Wisconsin cheese curds squeek when you eat them? I grew >up in Quebec eating "fromage en grains", which squeaked pleasantly. An >entire high school class eating them could drive a teacher crazy... > >Nowadays the quebecois put a mixture of gravy and cheese curds called sauce >poutine over their frites. This is guaranteed to reduce the population, >just >like fried cheese curds will eventually kill off everyone in Wisconsin. > >John > _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.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 .
Re: MZ-S in Madison or Milwaukee, WI area?
Oh Yeah! I might even be taking a quick spin down to Monroe, WI home of "cheese days". I was there quite a few years ago and ate so many fried cheese curds I nearly got sick. Or maybe that was the beer that caused that ... I don't remember ... And thanks to Paul and Mike for the Arts Camera and Crivello's tips - hopefully I'll get a chance to check out an MZ-S. Eric Lawton >From: Collin Brendemuehl <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Forget equipment. Eat More Curds! :) > >Collin > _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.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 .
MZ-S in Madison or Milwaukee, WI area?
I might be heading to Milwaukee, WI and Madison this weekend. Does anyone on the list know of any camera stores in this area that might have the MZ-S in stock to examine I'd also be interested in any recomendations for places that would have a good selection of used k-mount gear. Thanks, Eric Lawton _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.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 .
Re: Giving away a Fuji Data Guide
I think you can get these free from FUJI directly - at least I did a year ago. I think I called some phone number I found on their web page. Lots of nice information in the guide for their consumer and pro films ... and some other general exposure and photo info too. Eric >From: Chris Brogden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Subject: Giving away a Fuji Data Guide >Date: Wed, 11 Jul 2001 14:40:41 -0500 (CDT) > > > >I have one of these that I don't need and that I thought someone else >might be able to use. It has the technical specs for all of Fuji's films, >papers, etc. in 1999, as well as some other fun stuff. I just have the >one, so write to me off-list if you're interested. I'll cover the >shipping charges. > >chris _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.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 .
MZ-S long shutter speeds and aperture display
I'm starting to look seriously at the MZ-s and I have a couple questions. Shutter speeds on the MZ-S are listed as 30 sec to 1/6000 sec and bulb. On an MZ-s can one select a long (say between 1 sec and 30 sec) shutter speed manually with the shutter speed dial? If this is true I might be able to reduce my need to carry a cable release to only those situations where the timing of shutter release is critical (by using the 2sec timer and mirror prefire). I can get timed exposures on my ZX-M up to 30 sec but only in aperture priority mode - sometimes that is not convenient. Also, With a F or FA lens mounted to the MZ-s in aperture priority or manual mode is the selected aperture shown in the viewfinder and on the data imprinting? I hope so, as I am mostly shoot in these modes. I believe I understand it correctly that aperture priority mode is only available by manually selecting an aperture with the aperture ring. Thanks for the help, The people on this list are just great. Eric Lawton _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.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 .
MZ-S and limited lenses
I'm considering making the leap to auto-focus. Maybe I'll go all out and get the MZ-s and the 43mm limited. As far as I can tell the limited lenses are only available in the US with the silver finish and the MZ-S is only available in black. Has anyone mounted a sliver limited lens on the MZ-s? Does it look out of place? Bottom line is I'm concerned with functionality but, I'm in no hurry to make a purchase. So if the black limited lenses will be available in the US reaonably soon, maybe I can wait. Has anyone heard if and/or when the black limited lenses will be available in the US? Thanks, Eric Lawton _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.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 .
Re: MZ-S gripes
I can't see how anyone would have any problem with the MZ-s controls after a few minutes of thought and use. It's no different than using a shutter speed dial on the ZX-5n, ZX-m, or any other camera with shutter speeds selected by a dial. Maybe it would be easier if you think of turning the wheel clock-wise or counter-clock-wise (instead of left and right) and associating those motions with over and under exposure. Eric >From: Pål Jensen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >But the MZ-S and the Z-1p is totally different ball game. The point with >the MZ-S interface is that you can instantly switch between auto exposure >an manual mode. Ie. manual mode can be just as fast in operation as auto >mode. For this you ned an intuitive relationship between interface and >readout. Can anyone tell me whats the intuitive way to turn a horizontal >dial in order to get a bar on a scale to move upwards? >This isn't about over and under exposure but + and - which are the symbols >you see in the viewfinder. An up and down scale operated by a left/right >wheel has to be learned; a horizontal bar with an horizontal wheel don't; >its totally intuitive. Personally I'm unable to learn the direction on the >Z-1p because it isn't logical. Besides, I do believe all other cameras on >the planet have horizontal bars possibly for a good reason. >I do believe that Pentax is aware of this problem. After all they have >implemented a custom function where you program which direction on the >wheel in order to give under or over exposure. This of course would have >been totally unecesary if the exposure bar was horisontal. > >Pål > _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.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 .
New Kodak Consumer Film Packaging (was dumbing down, marketing, etc ...)
After all the discussion last week about the "dumbing down of America" etc ... that was somewhat related to news of new packaging for the Kodak consumer films, I found myself at the grocery store this weekend standing in front of the their film display looking at what must be the new packaging for Kodak Gold 200. I think the packaging is an improvement much simpler ... and all the important information is there. Film speed, number of exposures, number of rolls and expiration date. The film speed is less prominently shown in favor of a "sun or flash" description, but none of the essential information is missing. Just thought I'd let everyone know. Eric _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.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 .
Re: MZ-S : spot meter
Thanks Alin for your answer, I was pretty sure it was an error, but I couldn't ever remember anyone (or any literature) specifically stating that the spot-meter worked with pre-A series lenses. Just wanted to be sure. Thanks Again, Eric >From: Alin Flaider <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Subject: Re: MZ-S : spot meter >Date: Wed, 9 May 2001 10:29:49 +0300 > > >Hi Eric, it's certainly an omission. As with center-weighted, spot >meter is independent of the lens type, as it doesn't have to know >what the maximum aperture is. >I can confirm that spot meter works on MZ-5N even with screw mount >lenses. There's absolutely no reason for Pentax to drop this. > >Servus, Alin > _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.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 .
Re: Film rewind with memory (WAS: Photo Expo Japan 2001 - MZ-S and FA31Ltd)
> >Martin wrote: > > > > My question: > > But what happens to the 12 or 24 frames rolls?? Does the camera know how >to > > diferentiate each one (12, 24 or 36 frames)? > I believe that the DX film coding contains this information. Eric _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.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 .
Re: ZX-5N vs. PZ1 vs. PZ1p vs. lousy AF???
Chris, Thanks for the nice explanation. I've been following this thread and I must admit there was a point where I was getting a bit confused. Your post really cleared things up. I own a zx-m and am considering an auto-focus camera. I'm in no hurry so I think I'll wait until the release of the MZ-s, and see what shakes out. If the MZ-s really comes out with a street price of US$900 I won't buy one. I'd be interested in a less expensive MZ-s(minus) even if they elimated some of the features like build quality, data imprinting, and high speed flash sync. As a hobbiest, my equipment does not get rough treatment. Features most important to me are user interface, compact size, spot meter. Mirror lock-up and multi-exposure would be nice. PZ-1P comes really close but I like the smaller size of the MZ-S and ZX/MZ series and I am quite interested in (what appears to be)the simple user interface of the MZ-S. Ok ... I'm rambling ... and dreaming a bit I think. Eric >From: Chris Brogden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >On Sat, 17 Mar 2001, dosk wrote: > > > Goddamnit, I AM reading the posts! What the hell does the following say > > (from a Mr. Alexander Krohe,) if not, "PZ1 AF is continuous AND >predictive, > > and ZX5n AF is ONLY predictive!" Just because you had a tough day at the > > camera counter doesn't give you the right to be so obtuse and smug > >You're right, of course, though I don't agree with obtuse and smug... >"rude" would be a better term. It wasn't just work; I was having a pretty >bad day in general yesterday and reacted poorly. Sorry. > > > And if I remember correctly, you yourself also said that the ZX5n does > > NOT have a continuous AF mode like the PZ1's do... Skip > >This is correct. The error comes in thinking of predictive AF as a >useable focus mode. I'll describe it in a different way, and if it's >still not clear, or if you seem to be getting conflicting opinions from >list members, it would probably be best to go to a store if there's one >handy and play with the cameras. That should show you the differences >pretty quickly, especially if the salesperson knows what they're talking >about. > >The MZ-5n and the Z1-p both have single-shot AF. This is the standard >focus mode where it focuses on your subject and then locks focus as long >as you hold the shutter button down. You can then move the camera (while >still maintaining pressure on the shutter button) and it will not try to >refocus. Single-shot AF is effectively the *only* AF mode of the MZ-5n. > >Predictive AF works after you press the shutter button, and you'll never >see it working; it's not a mode you can select or see. The only thing >that predictive AF does is to say to the camera, "Hey, the subject's >moving towards the camera, so even though the lens is set to focus at 5.6 >feet, you better set it to focus half a foot closer, because that's how >far it will have moved between the time that guy presses the button and >the time the curtains actually move to record the image." Predictive AF >is available all the time while you're shooting in AF, but the camera >decides whether or not to use it. It's not a different way of focusing, >just a way of making sure that single-shot AF works a bit better with >moving subjects. > >In addition to the standard single-shot AF, the Z1-p offers continuous, or >servo, AF. Two words for the same thing. Now when you hold the shutter >button down it doesn't lock focus, it focuses continually. This mode >tends to be better for following moving subjects, since you don't have to >keep pressing the shutter button to get it to focus. I assume that >predictive AF is still present on continuous AF, but I'm not sure. > >So you could say that the MZ-5n offers only single-shot AF, while the Z1-p >offers single-shot and continuous AF. Predictive AF is just a way of >making single-shot AF more accurate, so that's why it's never mentioned as >an AF mode except by product literature. :) > >The AF bodies do have another fun feature that has to do with focusing. >Because the cameras won't take a picture unless they've found something to >focus on (I think you can override this with the Z1-p), you can put a MF >lens on an AF camera and it won't release the shutter until it thinks that >the picture is in focus (at least it works that way with Pentax bayonet MF >lenses). This only works when you have the camera set to AF; if it's set >to MF then it will take a photo when you press the button, regardess of >whether it's in focus or not. So, the practical side: if you put a MF >lens on an AF camera and set the camera to AF (not MF), then focus on an >empty space (say, a few inches above a bird's nest) and lock the shutter >with a cable release, it will take a photo as soon as something lands in >that empty space that you're focused on. This is called "trap focus," and >it's a lot of fun to do on continuous shooting mode, since the camera will >keep taking pictures as long as th
Re: Pinhole Lense Material?
Brass shim stock works well. .001" or .002" thickness is about the right thickness. available at hobby shops or auto parts stores. Eric _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.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 .
Re: ZX-5N AF
Can someone explain how the autofocus works on a ZX-5n. When you turn the camera on (and you are in the AF mode) is the autofocus active? Does pressing the shutter slightly lock the focus so you can recompose without the camera focusing on something else? Sorry to ask such basic questions. I have no dealer nearby to check these things out myself. How does the wide sensor choose what to focus on? Does it choose the nearest subject in the focus zone? Thanks, Eric _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.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 .
Re: ZX-5n - Good price at B&H photo
(laughing) ...Yes Boz, that's exactly what I was thinking. >From: "Bojidar Dimitrov" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> >I bet that the 5n with a limited lens on it will take much better pictures >than an MZ-S without a lens. Wouldn't you think so too? :-) > >Cheers, >Boz > _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.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 .
Re: Candy
Shel,
Maybe try Skittles ("taste the rainbow") ... they're shaped a lot like
M&M's. I'm not sure how many more colors you'll get but I do think the
colors are a bit brighter. They come in a red package similar in form to a
M&M package.
Eric
>From: Shel Belinkoff <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>There's a little project I'm working on in which I'll be
>photographing candy, like M&Ms, jelly beans, and the like. I just
>bought a bag of M&Ms and was disappointed because there are just a
>few colors, and they're not very bright. Once the brown and blue
>candies are removed (colors that won't work for the project),
>there's only red, yellow, green, and orange left. Are there any
>other M&M-type candies out there that have more and brighter, more
>saturated colors?
>--
>Shel Belinkoff
>mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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ZX-5n - Good price at B&H photo
I've been agonizing over an upgrade to an auto-focus camera (I own a ZX-M). Found a good price for the ZX-5n at B&H photo. US$280 for new with date back and US warranty (i called and verified that). I think these usually go for $330 mail order. Thought I'd let the list know. www.bhphotovideo.com Now what do I do? MZ-S, PZ-1p, ZX-5n ? I can only afford to buy one camera. If the MZ-S comes in at a street price of ~US$900 I doubt I'd purchase one. If I could get a MZ-S for US$700 I might go for it. But I could get a ZX-5n and a nice limited lens for the same money. Decisions, decisions I really like what I see in the MZ-S user interface so far ... any word on a MZ-S sibling that might fall between the ZX-5n and MZ-S in price? Eric _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.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 .
Re: Another Pinhole Project
Just in case someone tries this with a Pentax camera other than a LX. A pinhole body cap won't work with automatic metering on Pentax cameras other than a LX. The body cap does not engage the aperture coupling mechanism on the body. You need to mount the pinhole to a t-mount adapter or a m42-kmount adapter so the body knows that it is metering wide open. I've taken some pinhole photos on Sensia II slide film with a pinhole mounted to a t-mount adapter on my zx-m. Automatic exposures were accurate with bright sun - but I could barely see my subject in the viewfinder. Eric >From: Aaron Reynolds <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > >Hey, the best part is you could probably use the LX on automatic. > >Aww, hell, now I want to try this, too. :) Lemme see how many body caps >I can find... > >-Aaron > _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.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 .
Re: PhoRelTop: To meter or not to meter
Hi Mike,
For what it's worth here are a few thoughts I had when I read your post.
I have had a ZX-M for about a year and I shoot mostly slide film for a
hobby. To me, photography is about composition and understanding and
manipulating light. So... anything I can do to get a better feel for how
different lighting situations record on film will only improve my ability to
render my vision of a scene on film. This, of course, includes always (or
as much as possible) being conscious of the exposure parameters- whether set
manually by myself, or automatically by the camera.
I've often shot scenes using the sunny 16 rule or the guidelines on the
inside of box the film came in ... without ever looking at my camera meter.
You just have to do it so you'll develop instincts that you'll trust. I was
a little skeptical that the exposures would be good - but I've done great so
far.
Now I must say the meter in my ZX-M seems pretty reliable (note that it is a
two-segment meter when using A,F, or FA lenses) and has even given me decent
exposures on slide film of backlit subjects with an A-lens. So why do I
shoot in manual mode? Because I can. It's a challenge, which makes it fun.
It can also be more convenient. Like when I shot some available light
photos of my daughters B-day party at a bowling alley. The kids were always
in pretty uniform light, but there were various sources of bright light
about the alley. Set the camera for something like 1/30 sec @f/2.8 and
forgot about it ("set it - AND FORGET IT" - R. Popeil). Exposures were
great (composition mostly wasn't too good) but I didn't have to worry about
fiddling with the meter.
For me photography is a hobby, a meter is a convenience, and a spot meter on
the zx-m would be a really nice convenience.
Hope these comments are useful to you,
Eric
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RE: OT: Americans rewriting history
I would have a hard time believing this. Without digging into the history books I know for a fact that Ford produced gliders during WWII in a factory here in my small town in the UP of Michigan. I have always been under the impression that the Detroit automoblile assembly lines were, to a large extent, converted to support the war effort. Eric >From: "Lewis, Gerald" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >You can add Ford Motor Company to the list. Henry Ford was a fan of >Hitler. >I don't remember the details but Henry refused to make trucks, or something >like that, to be used against Hitler. > >Jerry in Houston > _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.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 .
Re: Geography
Well, actually I'm a transplanted Troll ... I grew up in Lower Michigan, which is below the bridge where all trolls live. (Mackinaw bridge that is). This is a great place to live. Winters aren't so bad ... we have the big ski jumping tournement this weekend (yooper party time) ... there will be lot's of interesting characters to photograph. Hey, a little more global warming and the seasons will be balanced just perfect up here. Eric >From: PAUL STENQUIST <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >In other words, you're a Yooper! Great place to live. I envy you (but >only in the summer:-) >Paul > >Eric Lawton wrote: > > > > That's why I listed myself as being located in the Upper Peninsula of > > Michigan instead of listing the specific town. I'm closer to Green Bay, >WI, > > Milwaukee, WI and Minneapolis, MN than I am to comparably sized cities >in > > Michigan. _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.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 .
Re: OT: eBay tactics, Was: Re: Now *here's* a 50/1.2 on eBay...
My gripe with e-bay (from a buyers perspective) is that the bid increments are so small. I would rather see bid increments of ... say ... 10% of the current bid price. I don't go to too many auctions, but I can't remember an auction where they would allow $1 bid increments on a $90 item (or $2.50 increments on a $200 dollar item). Raising the bid increments to more reasonable levels would promote early bids and eliminate a lot of the petty sniping that goes on ... and I don't think you would see any drop in prices. Eric _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.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.
Re: Kenko K-mount pinhole anyone ?
Hi Fabrice, Don't spend $50 for a pinhole for your k-mount. You can make one yourself. Use an old body cap, drill a hole in it and mount a thin sheet of brass to it (with your pinhole in the brass). Or ... I used a pentax t-mount adapter to mount a pinhole. With a t-mount, if it is bright enough outside, you can use your camera meter for aperture priority exposures. Carefull of light coming through your viewfinder though. Check out www.pinhole.com for tips on making high quality pinholes - look in the resources section. Eric _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.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.
re: Primes vs. Zooms: Unusable Sharpness?
From: Joseph Tainter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> If most films can resolve less than most lenses, and most scanners can resolve less than most films, why are prime lenses considered superior to good zooms? It would seem at first glance that the extra lens sharpness of a prime would not translate into extra image sharpness. ... snipped ... I respond: I'm going out on a limb a bit here because I've never seriously studied the math behind all this as it specifically relates to optics, but ... In general, comparing two lenses, a lens with higher resolving capability does result in more resolution on film even if the film has lower resolving capability than both lenses. There is a good mathematical explanation for this ... I wish I could give it ... but maybe a simple way to think about it is this ... each component (lens, film, scanner, etc...) in the chain between the scene and a print (or digital file) acts as a filter (in the matematical sense) or transfer function. Think of these components as neutral density filters and the system resolution as the amount of light transmitted through the filters. You can see that if we represent the resolution of the two lenses by 80% and 90% transmittance respectively and the film as having 50% transmittance. The system transmittance (or resolution) is 40% for the low resolution lens and 45% for the high resolution lens. The lowest resolving item in the system certainly has the greatest impact on the system resolution, but all the items in the system will effect the system resolution. Now, at what point does an increase in lens resolution make no practical improvements in the system resolution? Well, that depends on the relative resolutions of all the components in the system. Someone jump in here if I've screwed this up. Eric _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.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.
Re: Screw mount lens
A t-mount lens has the same thread diameter but a different thread pitch as the pentax screw mount lenses. Vivitar made many lenses in the t-mount. Eric >From: "Conrad Samuels" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Yet another question please. I promise not to speak again for a while.. > >Amongst my various screw mount Pentax lenses is a Vivitar 28mm f2.8 lens >which at first sight looks like a Pentax screw mount. Yet when you screw >it >in it stops about 20 degrees short. In other words the diaphragm >activating >pin stops about 4 o'clock on the camera flange so that it cannot be stopped >down by the camera stop down mechanism. > >Now I've looked at it from every angle I can, even dismantled it but there >is just no way one can adjust or re-set the thread. Does anyone on this >list know whether there is a similar thread which almost but not quite >matches the M42 thread? > > >Conrad F. Samuels >Kirstenhof RSA > > _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Visit the PUG at http://pug.komkon.org.
