Re: Do I still need it?
Hello Leon, I can't seem to be able to follow any thread on the list but, as it's sunday morning and the rest of the house semms to be sleeping I'll bite on this one... Leon Altoff wrote: Hi all, I worry at times about the amount of camera equipment I tend to collect. Don't worry, be happy. ... My wife says I should keep it in case I drop the first MZ-S into the water one day. ... Sage advice. ... How much equipment is too much? Most people in the list will probably answer: there's no such thing as too much equipment What would you do if you had excess equipment doing nothing? Most people in the list will probably answer: fondle it. Well, in my opinion, if it really bothers you sell it now, you'll get a bit more money then in a few months and shrug the worry off your back. You can always go back and buy another one at a later time, possibily for less. Ciao, Flavio
Re: Humble review of Wet PUG
Thanks Boris, thank you for the return, I guess ;-))). Don't worry. Actually the image on the gallery looks worse than expected but I agree I could have cohsen a better shot to start my new life in the PUG...well, win a few, lose a few... Boris Liberman wrote: ... Crumbling Church by Flavio Minelli. Flavio, I must respectfully disagree with you. The shadow is too strong, IMHO. I think it rather makes one think that there is another building that produced that shadow - hence the sense of loneliness and/or abandonment is broken. Just recently I've been told certain things about shadows of some photos I've shown. I thought, I'd return the favor grin... ...
Re: February PUG is open
I'm just opening it and I'm sorry not to find my own picture. I suppose it got lost somehow in the cyberspace... oh, well, it wasn't anything earthshaking. Jostein, could you possibly have a look if it's on the floor under the autopug machine? ;-))) Ciao, Flavio Adelheid v. K. wrote: Hi *, the February PUG is ready to go. Another month with great pics. ...
Re: flash contact on PZ-1
Frits Wüthrich wrote: ... I wonder if I should connect my PZ-1 to the flash system of the studio. If I need to do that, how do I do that? My *ist D has a PC connection, can I get a hot shoe adpater to do the same for the PZ-1? Yes, it's a common, cheap adapter. Hama and others produce them. I assume a general type of hot shoe adapter would work, right? ... Yes, unless you want TTL or dedicated function which studio flshes usually don't provide. HTH, Flavio
Re: February PUG is open
I'm a damned newbie... I wasn't connected and aws looking at a cached jan gallery. I started saying funny I do remember this picture, and this one, and this one. Nice gallery, a few ones really captured my eye but I'll comment later on... Ciao, Flavio
Re: Vivitar 19mm
Not to pour cold water on your enthusiasms, but must somewhat disagree with what have been said about this lens. I have it too but right now it's one of my most unused lenses, especially since I got a SMCK 24/2.8. Of course such a lens (the 19) will rarely see an extensive use anyway... My comments: the lens is light and compact with only 62mm thread which make the use of filters almost impossible. I tried and I think you must either use a very big step-up ring and correspondent and much more expensive filters or renounce to use them. The dedicated rubber hood (sold separately) vignettes, especially wide open. Performance is not that good at wider aperture especially in the corners (I'm not talking about distortion) but get noticeably better as you reach smaller apertures. f/11 is probably its best. Not very sharp but good enough. Flare: about the worst you can get, provided you're able to get the sun out of your FoV. To summarize: good value for (very little) money but not what you'd compare with a good Pentax lens. Just my opinion, of course. BTW I didn't sell it so it serves me well enough if/when I need such a focal lenght. I actually have good slides shot with it but I don't think I ever printed anything bigger than 8x12 (20x30 cm.)... Ciao, Flavio PS: I'd offer it to you, Tom, but shipping and all it would cost more than getting it locally, I'm afraid. graywolf wrote: I think I will have to put one of these on my wish list. I have always wanted an ultra-wideange. They are not expensive at all, and from the photos you guys show they seem to be good enough for everyday use. ...
Re: Vivitar 19mm
Not to pour cold water on your enthusiasms, but must somewhat disagree with what have been said about this lens. I have it too but right now it's one of my most unused lenses, especially since I got a SMCK 24/2.8. Of course such a lens (the 19) will rarely see an extensive use anyway... My comments: the lens is light and compact with only 62mm thread which make the use of filters almost impossible. I tried and I think you must either use a very big step-up ring and correspondent and much more expensive filters or renounce to use them. The dedicated rubber hood (sold separately) vignettes, especially wide open. Performance is not that good at wider aperture especially in the corners (I'm not talking about distortion) but get noticeably better as you reach smaller apertures. f/11 is probably its best. Not very sharp but good enough. To summarize: good value for (very little) money but not what you'd compare with a good Pentax lens. Just my opinion, of course. BTW I didn't sell it so it serves me well enough if/when I need such a focal lenght. I actually have good slides shot with it but I don't think I ever printed anything bigger than 8x12 (20x30 cm.)... Ciao, Flavio PS: I'd offer it to you, Tom, but shipping and all it would cost more than getting it locally, I'm afraid. graywolf wrote: I think I will have to put one of these on my wish list. I have always wanted an ultra-wideange. They are not expensive at all, and from the photos you guys show they seem to be good enough for everyday use. ...
Hello, I'm back. Am I a newbie again?
Hi again everybody! For those who don't know me or don't remember I'm from Rome, Italy and I've been subscribing the PDML from 1998 to oct 2002 when I gave up as I couldn't afford the time to wade through all the traffic and chatter. Now that I have a brand new DSL connection and a new machine at home, I can easily download all the stuff in a moment and allow the message count to go up. I'll still have to do the wading, though, but I finally admitted to myself that I was getting photographically isolated not being able to confront my views with other people and was I shooting less and less with time. I see Fabio Cittadini (Facit) now and then and have met Gianfranco a couple of times over the last year but it's not enough... So I'm back. I've gone through the archives at times, but it's not the same. Can you bring me up to date? Did I miss something important? I know about the *ist-D and I'm quite interested but I'll be spending a significant amount of money in a new car so it will have to wait. Good news, the one about the firmware upgrade... Well, that all for now. I even submitted a photo for the Feb PUG. Ciao, Flavio
Re: Hello, I'm back. Am I a newbie again?
Hello Brendan. No, actually I've been doing very little photography. I'll try to amend that, now. Thanks for the welcome. I've seen you're enjoying yourself... Ciao, Flavio Brendan wrote: Flavio!!! Good to see you again. Any more calendars? --- Flavio Minelli [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi again everybody! ...
Re: Hello, I'm back. Am I a newbie again?
Thanks Tom. How's with you? One of the first thing I noticed coming back was your comment on the BBC program, where you said: Skill at anything takes study and practice. I have always wondered why there are so many people who do not think that applies to photography. Woa. Great. Can I borrow it? ;-))) Ciao, Flavio graywolf wrote: Good to have you back. ...
Re: 35mm scanner, resolution needed?
JCO, the current crop of 35mm film scanners (4000 dpi) is, by and large, adequate for most uses. With all but the less grainy films this is enough to make visible the grain structure. I doubt higher resoltion could get much more information from the average film. I had a few 20x28 prints made from Provia 100F scanned at 4000 dpi and they looked fine except for the horrible color shift. HTH. Ciao, Flavio
Re: 35mm scanner, resolution needed?
Herb Chong wrote: ... who did the printing or color adjustments? Herb... The service my customer sent my slides for digitalisation :-(((. I blamed the printing which had been done on big plastic sheets (40x28) but then I got to see the scans on the CDs and they were exactly the same color... I guess they don't know what the right color of Poppies is or, more probably, they don't give a damn about the results they deliver. Not a very wise business attitude but perhaps they just weren't asked for extra care. Flavio
Re: Talking about tiny cars...
Treena wrote: Flavio, thanks for posting that police car -- I've got to show it to my husband. My pleasure. His police vehicle is a Jeep Cherokee that's seen better days (good for the bad weather here in the Boston Mts.). The only way this could be more cool is as a convertible. I'd buy it in a second! ... Are you really interested? Brace youself then: THERE IS A CONVERTIBLE VERSION! I doubt, as somebody elsa was saying before, it could possibly pass the security tests in the USA, though. The problem was felt also in Europe so the ad on the TV showed a gril being rescued from Godzilla by a Smart-driving boy in the safety of the car. The monster just stepped on it fracturing its foot... ;-))) Flavio
Re: Provia/Astia
Bill Lawlor wrote: ... Sensia 100/RA is said to be Astia sold at a lower price as an amateur film. ... I've seen a few of you saying this and I think I'm a little puzzled. I never shot Astia but I guess it can't be similar to Sensia if it is able to give good skin tones. In my experience Sensia (II 100) has rather garish, oversaturated colors and its rendition of skin tones is far from good. Anybody care to elaborate? TIA, Flavio
Re: Childrens Portfolios
Dr E D F Williams wrote: If by 'over the top' you mean painfully contrived I agree. Most of the images in the links provided make me shiver. But there are about five really great pictures in there. ... Although they have a huge marketing value I have to say I find those images plain uninteresting when not decidedly disgusting, especially since I'm a father myself. I can't see anything cute in a premature newborn held in the palm of his hand by a 7 feet tall black man. Just my thought, really. Flavio
Re: December PUG - Juxtaposition - question about theme
Maciej Marchlewski wrote: I need some clarification on December PUG's theme. ... No-no... I checked the dictionary ... That's what I would have suggested. I know that with PUG nothing is sure as far as theme's interpretation goes but I need this info as to know how much I'm stretching the theme. ... Stretch it as far as it will go and don't be shy, it will be OK. Ciao, Flavio
Re: Lighting advise needed
Artur Ledóchowski wrote: ... My questions are: - how big is the light loss due to bouncing the light off the umbrella? how much more should I open the aperture - 1/2 stop. 1 stop, more? The distance you must measure is the total light path, flash-reflector-subject. In addition you should dial in something for the scattering/loss of light due to the reflectors characteristics. I would say about a stop. BW is a forgiving film. Testing should be mandatory. - how can the flash from the AF500FTZ affect the camera TTL-flash metering of the burst from the Sunpack? I presume that it may fool the camera making it underexpose its metering but I want the Pentax flash to be the key light and the Sunpack to fill the shadows and maybe bounce a little of light off the ceiling onto the models hair... ... Use the key light in manual moded as well. If the AF500FTZ is not the key light you have to add that in your calculation. 1 to 2 stops under or even more can be assumed, depending on the ratio you like and want between key and fill lights. Test. HTH, Flavio
Re: Matjaz Roman PDML-ers
Cesar Matamoros II wrote: Flavio, I was actually talking to my cousin and mother this afternoon about my vacation next year. I have a friend whose family is from Italy (south). ... Hello Cesar. You're welcome anytime. Just let us know with a little advance warning so we can get ready... If you want any help or suggestions in laying out your plans let me know. Ciao, Flavio
Re: Prints from slides questions
Tom Reese wrote: I've been shooting a lot of slides lately and took a few to a local digital print place for some quick enlargements. I didn't expect them to measure up to a custom print but I didn't expect them to be trash either. I thought I'd get something usable from a commercial lab but they were awful. No contrast, colors were off, highlights were washed out. Just terrible. Now to my questions: The slides had to be scanned somehow. Are scanners that bad at reading color slides? If what I got is the best a film scanner can do then I've lost all interest in buying one. ... Thanks for any info you can provide. No machine can perform better than the humans that planned, made, set up and operate it does. The last is the weak link. Most non pro places (and some of the pro ones) just expect machines to do all their work for them. Customer is there to teach them they're wrong. Unemployment too. I think Bill Robb and a few more can add something on this matter... Flavio
Re: Matjaz Roman PDML-ers
Well, luckily we left some still to be uncorked or completely drained. I can get home almost in a straight line from Fabio's but chances would have been that I'd invented a bend or two in the process... The nicest thing is the sense of closeness and understanding you have with people you're never actually met before. If anybody wants to call up on us, please do it, I like these welcome parties...hic! Not to mention I had some time to fondle Matjasz MZ-s. Ciao, Flavio
Re: Vastly OT-Favourite medieval kings
frank theriault wrote: Hey, Lukasz, I ~am~ being serious. I like Pepin the Short. And it's because he has a cool name. [...] Frank, I can't remotely understand where this thread came from* but here in Italy Pipino, the translation of your Pepin, is too similar to the common nickname used by small male children for their, well, attribute, to be taken very seriously, much less thought as cool... ;-). Ciao, Flavio *: Well, maybe he used a K1000...
Re: Cross Processing
Albano, Feroze and anyone interested. Cross processing the other way (negs in E6) makes no sense. I did this (in error) and since the result is a positive on a negative base you have everything more or less orange coloured. Nothing to write home about, IMO. BTW, I don't think there's a way to get rid of the base this way. HTH, Flavio
Re: Going to start the PDML FAQ, please read me! (was Re: fisheye)
Electric cable release DIY.
Re: Going to start the PDML FAQ, please read me! (was Re: fisheye)
common DIY tips and frequent maintenance issues. For instance: Sticky mirror for LX RTF spring bracking loose (Z1) use of self made batteries and/or packs foam replacing focusing screen cleaning ...
Re: What this board is really about (and why we should keep it that way)
Jostein wrote: I think Brad's post here is a good proof of self-therapy. How about you, Bruce? Found any remedy for a poisonous tongue? ... Writing instead of talking is already a good way to prevent accidents... ;-P Flavio
Re: A funny sight and some serious help needed!
I don't know about Gianfranco who's probably up to his ears in his job in Barcelona, but I surely know, although I'm rather surprised you're talking about RED and CARS and nobody comes out with the one and only... By god, go out and find some real car...Ferrari! G Actually I'm not that interested in those, but I'm acting suitably italian, ain't I? Ciao, Flavio William Robb wrote: - Original Message - From: David Chang-Sang Subject: RE: A funny sight and some serious help needed! Oh oh oh... Tut tut tut Brad.. and you call yourself CANADIAN and you don't know what a Red Barchetta is? :-) Weren't they made in Italy? I would be much more concerned if Giafranco didn't know what they were. William Robb
Re: A funny sight and some serious help needed!
Red berries. Butterflies, birds or snakes at the zoo (red ones...). Should be the right time, now. I think you have enough suggestions as for about 4 rolls now. Isn't it cheating, thoug? ;-) Flavio
Re: err.... umm....
Arathi-Sridhar wrote: rather a basic (bordering stupid) query... how do I 'care' for my K1000? I guess it would not tolerate rain, etc. I have not taken it out in bad weather, but I wish to know how safe it is etc If you don't get it soaking wet I guess a drying towel will be enough. It's a very rugged camera and the lack of almost any electronics makes it rather insensible to humidity. It's still a camera, though. also would like some advise regarding the upcoming pug theme 'juxtaposition' for december: anything in particular? or anything at all? thanks. You have to make up your own mind. Everything is OK as long as you can justify the reason for submitting the image. It doesn't even have to be a sensible reason. Ciao, Flavio
Re: OT: visit to Ansel Adams at 100 in London
Cotty and Bob wrote: ... I can't bring myself to go to that one. I really can't see the point of it. In addition, I'm led to believe that there are some 'plastinisated' (?) children in the exhibition. I really don't see how a child could possibly give informed consent to such a thing, and I'd find it very distressing to look at. That part was very difficult to get through. There were various displays involving everything ... I carefully read your and Bob's messages and went to see the link you provided. Although I can understand you interest and I don't find it particularly morbid I couldn't to it and I feel it as quite beyond the limit of decency. I mean MY point. I don't think I could stand it, really. I know some people have to study corpses in order to learn how a uman body works but I can't see the point for the average person. This, of course, doesn't imply any judgement of your morale, it's just my sensation, and I myself am a bit disconcerted by my own reaction. Go figure... I guess this expo wouldn't be possible, here. Ciao, Flavio
Re: Still lurking...
Juan J. Buhler wrote: Hello Juan, how ya doin'? ... I was driving around Castille, and in one small town I met a group of men playing petanca (probably known to most people as bocce, thanks to the ever present Italian imperialism :-). ... Please Juan, don't say it. Our near-god Mr. Belusconi might read you and get even more ideas...please! ;-P Nice shots, BTW. I particularly like the ones with closer subjects. Did you use a 20mm or what? Ciao, Flavio
Re: Pentax 100 2.8 macro
Steve Desjardins wrote: ... Wow. Amazingly sharp. Pretty good lens, ah? I wish I could say which had a greater effect, the lens or the tripod. ... Both, especially if you shot at slowish shutter speeds (I mean even 1/125 o so). Flavio
Re: Has the MZ-S already a new mount?
Rüdiger Neumann wrote: Hallo, thanks for your answer, here my questions to find out if there is a new data transfer between lens and body? ... Hello Rüdiger and all. There must be something new since the K mount contacts (unchanged since the first KA mount) trasmit the max/min aperture info by using a binary code consisting of metal/plastic contacts. The info is coded only in half stops so there's no way you could see a 1.9 or 4.7 in any older KA or KAF1/2 camera. Now, how the MZ-s knows the exact aperture I don't know. I don't even have an idea. Does the camera have other contacts? If Dario and Boz read this maybe they'll be able to jump in with some explanation... Ciao, Flavio
Re: Focus range Limiter on the FA 100 2.8 Macro - RETRY
The limiter places an end of the focusing range a certain fixed distance (1 meter or so, I don't remember). If you're south of that it work as an upper limit, if you're over that (when you set it) it's the lower one. No way to change the placement in the focusing range. I hope I'm not wrong. Ciao, Flavio
Re: Super A shutter problem
£ukasz Kacperczyk wrote: Hi all, my recently acquired and recently servised Super A has developed a problem with the shutter release. Sometimes it just won't fire - by that I mean I can't depress the release (at least to the position where it fires). Could it be that the batteries are old? When this happens, after a few seconds everything is back to normal i.e. the shutter realease depresses smoothly and the shutter fires. ... Seems to be a mechanical problem related to the release button, I'd try fresh batteries and a check with a remote release, just to see if it's the button... I'm just guessing. Ciao, Flavio
Re: E-Bay Question
Shaun Canning wrote: Without meaning to start some full scale inter-continental feud, can someone please tell me why German sellers on e-bay almost invariably wont post outside Germany? Is it something to do with customs or GST/VAT restrictions? I have a German seller who has just told me it would be more to ship an AF500FTZ and TR200 battery pack to Australia than the auction price. This makes the postage somewhere in the vicinity of $AUD400.00 give or take. ... Shaun, I don't know how much money 400 AUD might be, but if you buy a used 500FTZ with that it's way too much, IMO. Generally speaking high shipping costs make transaction at long distances more problematic. Maybe thay don't want to be hassled by complicate shipping procedures or get caught getting money from their IRS equivalent through customs or avoid having their auctions get nowhere just because the high bidder folded after seeing the amout of money the shipping would cost. As far as the buying party agrees to pay whatever the costs are there should be no problem but I don't think I'd do that in this case... HTH, ciao, Flavio
Re: Flash trigger voltage Pentax cameras
Simon, FWIW I have an older Achiever flash (don't remember the model), GN is 28/meters and I always used it on my Program A (Program +) without problems. This unit must be at least 15 yrs. old. If you're interested I can dig it out and check the model. Ciao, Flavio
Re: Why the slower shutter and motordrive on the MZ-S?
Bill Owens wrote: ... so 1/180 while not unacceptable would have been a minus in the camera evaluation. Ciao, Flavio Except that with the AF360FGZ you have 1/4000 wireless sync. ... Of course. Plsease, don't twist the knife. ;-) Flavio - 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: Guide Numbers for the AF500FTZ
Hello Glen, I'll give it a try: Glen O'Neal wrote: The owner's manual only has a table of guide numbers for 100 and 400 speed film. I know that every other stop (i.e. 1600, 6400, etc.) doubles the guide number. Is there a chart or calculation whereby I can figure out the GN for any speed film. You already know the basics so you can make your own chart: every time you double the ISO rating you have 1.414... (sqrt(2)) times more reach (GN). For instance a GN 50 flash (at ISO 100) has a GN 70 with ISO 200 film. If you need it for in-between settings I think you can assume a linear progression (i.e. GN 57 for ISO 125, obtained dividing the difference between ISO 100 and 200 by 3 and adding it to the ISO 100 value). I hope it's clear enough. Also, my lead photographer was working with me this weekend at a wedding. I was shooting TTL. He likes to go full manual and get the exposure with a meter for ambient light then set his flash one stop down for fill and shoot. He told me, set your flash on f/8. ... Flashlights power has no relation to f/ stop, the (manual) flash will only blast its full charge when you tell it to. That's why it comes useful to have power levels. He probably meant set your flash power in order to shoot at f/8 neglecting to add some not insignificant detail in his communication. The lens' aperture setting takes charge of modulating the amount of light that will reach the film. Since you're accustomed to working with TTL flash you usually don't have to think about all this. If you had a camera with flash compensation (as the Z1-p, for instance) you could to it in a second just setting -1 flash compenastion and get the same (or better) result. I don't think you can do it directly from the flash. HTH, Flavio - 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 the slower shutter and motordrive on the MZ-S?
Robert Soames Wetmore wrote: ... Is this true - that the small bateries were the main thing governing the shutter/motordrive specs? [...] There is probably a cost related issue as well. Since the camera is thought to be directed at advanced amatorial users maybe Pentax guessed they could use a slightly slower motor drive and a less performing shutter without losing too many possible customers at a cost advantage. I have a Z1-p and I know I never used the continuous mode for the motor and never used speeds faster than 1/2000. As I shoot soome macro the max. synch time does weigh more in my personal priorities so 1/180 while not unacceptable would have been a minus in the camera evaluation. Ciao, Flavio - 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: Is this a good route for a nervous nellie??
Dave, I did something similar and really had fun. You get to know what happens after you pull the roll out of your camera and before you receive the prints and, believe me, it's magic! I could just touch the edges of it and understand how to produce something original and exactly (more or less...) the way you wanted it. It's a very creative experience even if, as myself, you can't actually set up your own darkroom afterwards. I'd do it without esitation. Ciao, Flavio - 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: Anyone heard from Shel?
frank theriault wrote: ... Quite frankly, I'm getting a bit worried. I do hope he's okay. Anyone out there know anything, or heard from him recently? ... Frank, my guess is he's given up on Pentax, maybe on photograpy at all. I hope it's not for lack of funds but you don't go selling the stuff he offered to the list if you plan to keep up shooting Pentax (200/4 A macro, 85/1.4 A and such). Let's hope he just decided to go Canon-digital or something...G. Ciao, Flavio - 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 .
True focal lenght for zooms?
Hi all, a question aimed at the Tokina 28-105/3.5-4.5 but related to any lens. I ran some tests this weekend involving the lenses I own covering 100mm F.L. and found out this lens seems to be much shorter than 105mm at the long end. I have a TIPA test covering all the 28-105 available a couple of years ago and the actual F.L. measured for the Tokina was 102mm or so. In my tests it seemed much closer to the short end of my 70-210 and not even close to the framing offered by the FA 100 macro which I think should be quite accurate. The tests were not performed with focus to infinity but to a consistent distance of about 1.2 mt/4 feet. I still have to see the slides but the different seemed apparent even through the viewfinder. What is your experience in the matter? I've been looking around for 28-105s because I felt 70/80 mm to be too short for my needs, if this is the actual F.L. of my zoom I think I'll dump it and get a Pentax 28-70/4 as I'm getting annoyed with the poor performance of this lens WRT flare control and contrast. TIA, Flavio - 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: polarizer on a 28mm
For the 28/2.8 KA you don't. Ciao, Flavio - 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: Manfrotto 055 136
Rob Studdert wrote: ... I'd keep it, too much hassle to sell/swap and still quite useful. You might consider a Proball 308RC head, it's a good match for the 055 and is good for up to a 4kg load. ... My recent choice on the matter was a 468RC ballhead as the 308RC looked too small and didn't offer a separate panning control nor frictioned controls. On the other hand is quite cheap unlike the one I bought. Ciao, Flavio - 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: Overexposing slide film
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: ... Frankly, If the exposure can't be right on the money, I'd rather have my negatives just slightly over exposed, and my slides a bit under. ... If you calibrate your camera's meter i.e. run some tests (on slides) and record what is average 18% gray for your camera, you're set. You don't care what the indication is as long as it is consistent. If the meter is 1/2 stop over, that's the 0 point for you. Is not that difficult and you can do it by over or underrate the film you use. Of course you'd think an expensive and advanced camera should offer you the *right* metering... Than again different film might/will require different amounts of over/underexposure WRT your camera's meter. HTH, Flavio - 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: Shipping to Italy
Dario Bonazza 2 wrote: Hi Jim, First of all, Simone is a male name in Italy. Female version is Simona. This said, you have to expect 15 to 30 days to deliver, including about 15 days at the customs, since they'll ask him (by very snail mail!) to send documents proofing nature and value of shipped item: invoice, order form, email, etc. Then Simone will have to pay 20% VAT, 4% customs duties and a few more extra bucks for final delivery. That's bad, but this is the qìeway things are in Italy, in spite of European Community and the Euro. Customs laws and duties are the same they were decades ago. ... Jim, I had deliveries from the USA from both business and privates. I believe the customs will charge 10% as Duty in US imports and 20% VAT. I never had to send up documents to them as long as value and nature of the delivery was declared on the box. Delivery time was around 1 week or so. He won't escape the taxes unless you declared the item as a gift and the value is less then 100 Euro/$ or so. The taxes will be paid to the postman delivering the item who, BTW, has no responsibility for the actual acquisition of the item by the recipient, he can leave it on the doormat or near the mailbox, if there's nobody home and he feels like it. Ciao, Flavio - 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: Giantism in the brotherhood?
Actually one of my first memories of the Pentax 6x7 is the image of a middle aged japanese woman standing at the edge of a canal in Venice, with *2* cameras hanging from her neck. It could have been 1983 or so, I was a youngster then so maybe the woman wasn't tht old, but I'm sure she wasn't taller than an average japanese female and a couple of those beasts should have been quite heavy... Ciao, Flavio - 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: Pesaro, Italy
Raimo Korhonen wrote: Are there going to be any PDMLers in the Pesaro area during the next 2 weeks? I will. Would be nice to meet. ... Hello Raimo, it would be nice indeed to meet, but I don't think I'll be able to get there a is quite far from Rome. If you plan to come south to visit some other place perhaps we can arrange it. Dario lives in Ravenna, not too far from Pesaro and you could be able to get some of the famous Pentax poster!! For Gianfranco and the rest of the romans there are the same distance related difficulties but maybe they enjoy more freedom than me... Ciao, Flavio - 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: Fuji Provia 100F vs Velvia ? Comments ?
David A. Mann wrote: ... I am also quite fond of Provia 400F. From the couple of rolls I tried out once, It has a nice palette. ... I find the price of this film simply outrageous. Here in Italy is about 10 Euro/USD (eh,eh) and 100F 105 Euros a 30' reel while the roll is around 6-6,50. If you consider the Sensia is currently sold in 3-pack for 10 Euro (3.33 apiece) the Pro solutions make sense only if you really need them. Last lines: I have to say the first reel of 100F I shot really impressed me. Good colors and not as saturated as the Sensia's one so it's good even for people. Very fine grain (and I had some 20x30 made from a few of my shots). HTH, Flavio - 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: Camera support choices and comments
To Rob 1 (Brigham): I don't plan to discard the 190. Of course not estending the center post is mandatory if you want to get the best results but, replying to Rob 2 (Studdert), the problem of using the plastic base is the inability to slightly adjust the camera height. When I have time I'll inspect the center post and decide if I can saw it to a more useful lenght. Bye, Flavio - 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: Manfrotto 055Cl vs Pro
David A. Mann wrote: ... Are they adjustable like the older lock mechanism? My older 055 legs just require the right size socket (3/8? I forget). In fact it came with a worthless plastic tool for this purpose that broke the first time I tried to use it. ... Yes, they should be adjustable and the tripod came with a metal tool, probably they were inundated by broken plastic ones. One of the things that makes Manfrotto a successful company is their attention to these things, they do mistakes but they promptly correct them and always try to improve their products while keeping the price low. In my case I couldn't find this head anywhere in Rome so I called directly the factory where they offered to ship one immediately to the distributor and from there to the shop in Roma which finally geve it to me. A really good service, although the distributor wasn't very pleased with my direct interaction with the factory. Flavio - 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 .
Camera support choices and comments
Hi all, I finally decided about the head-tripod combo I'd use (and need) in the future and got a Manfrotto 055PRO legset and 468RC ballhead that is a Bogen 3021PRO plus 3435QR head. The uses will be mostly landscape, both natural and artificial, and macro. I dno't plan to use it for any studio work, right now. I was starting from a 190/3001 tripod so I can feel the difference, especially wrt height and weight. At 3.2 Kg/7 lbs. this combo is not really lightweight but it feels really solid and about as heavy as I can hope to lug around for some time. Probably not an option for long treks unless it's strictly photographic (i.e. no wife or other non photographers around). John Shaw's comments on the tripod height (but wrt the older version) is fine if you're not taller than 180 Cm/5' 10 but I am exactly that tall and with the head on the camera is right at my eye level. The center post is rather long, though and I doubt I ever extend it much. Besides is a real hassle for low level shots since the lenght prevents the use of the tripod with the legs flattened out. Actually I asked for the optional short post (about 20 Cm/8) but they say they're not manufacturing it anymore and I should use the plastic thinghie attached on the bottom of the post that you can lock on top of the legs once you remove the center post. I think this is silly as that way you can't vary the height of the camera unless you extend, retract or close the legs. The macro focusing rail wasn't available at the shop either so I'll try it without it and see if it works for my macro shots. The head seems good, provided I couldn't spend the money to get a top ballhead, with a sufficently smooth movement and a friction control. In addiction it offers a separated panning control. I just tried it out with my Z1-p, Tokina 100-300 and 2x TC and it seems to absorb a smart tap on the lens rather easily. Further test in the field will say, but I'm confident. Hope you found the reading interesting. Ciao, Flavio - 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: Release for street photograpy?
Sorry if I'm late on my own thread but time is always too short to keep up with the PDML... Thanks to all who partecipated, of course law and customs are different in different countries but an insight of the personal styles in approaching the problem was exactly what I was lloking for. As Michele pointed out I'll ask some Pro association here in Italy for local use on this. Ciao, Flavio - 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: Bulk Film
James Adams wrote: I have just been offered a 100' can of Fuji Superia Pro 100 for $10 CDN, only it's AOD Aug 2000 (Refrigerated). I don't have a bulk loader, but it seems a good deal. ... Bulk loaders cost just a few dollars (even canadian ones...) but at that price I'd expect the film to be nearly trash. You can gat it and test the film, if it's not too bad load it all immediately and store the rolls in the freezer. HTH, Flavio - 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: An educational experience
Fred wrote: I've babbled long enough for now; it's time for me to go back to bed. Well, I for one enjoy your periodic alleged babblings, Glenn. Keep up the good storytelling - g. ... Just a me too. Ciao, Flavio - 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 .
A good opportunity (what I've been doing lately)
Hi all, I just want to share my great satisfaction... As Juan Bhuler I've been lurking for some time now but the reason was I'd been working on a very interesting project (and a paid assignment). A friend of mine had to provide the organization for an event here in Roma called Pelagos, 4th festival of the Submarine Image and closely related to the Festival of the Submarine Image in Antibes, France. He asked me to provide images of the coastal part of the province of Roma. I've been wandering around the zone for a few weeks and shot a whole reel of Fuji Provia 100F (what a nice film). Besides I selected about a hundred of shots from my archive. In the end 42 images were selected and 35 of them got digitally printed on 70x100 cm. (about 32x40) boards which covered the entire inside wall of the Province stand, about 2x6 mt. (2,2x10 yds.). Of course my name was there and I was really pleased to see they were appreciated by both the visitors and by the competent people (photographers and tv/cinema people) visiting and competing or judging the photo/video contests being held. I also got compliments from Mr. Daniel Mercier, founder and president of the Antibes Festival! Moreover the organization is also negotiating their presence at the 29th edition of the French Festival and they want me to provide them the images for a continuous slide show they're planing to have in their stand to promote the roman coastal region. As a bonus the shots were filmed for an italian pay TV travel channel and will be broadcasted soon. All in all a very tiring and demanding job but it got me a big satisfaction and I'm more and more thinking about going pro...who knows. As for Pentax content I've been shooting with the Z1-p and about all the lenses I have but mainly the 100/2.8 FA, 50/1.7 A, 28/2.8 A, 24/2,8 K, the newly acquired Tokina 100-300/4 formerly belonging to Mark Cassino and the Tokina 28-105 AF. Polarizers were used rather extensively. Tripod and monopod, both Manfrotto, were also important. A little flash was threw in now and then. The images were printed at 300 dpi up to about 40x60 cm. (16x20) and are all quite sharp. I plan to put up a separate gallery for these shots on my site ASAP. Thanks for reading. Ciao, Flavio - 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: limiting DOF for macro???
A little calculation using f/calc: 1 - Full frame 5 subject equals to a rough 1:5 ratio. 2 - Using your 50mm lens you'll get 1:5 at 30 cm., i.e. you need an extension tube. 3 - At f/1.4 and 30 cm. (1 ft) your 50mm will yiekd less than 3mm depth of field (with a .033 COC). Hope this helps, Flavio - 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: ProgramA, problem with aperture read mechanism
Petter Jarbo wrote: ... I saw that the aperture read mechanism, that is, the lever thats situated to the right in the lens mount if you look at the mount from the front of the camera (please correct me if Im wrong), was bent. I bent it back very gently and everything looked fine. Until now. I can no longer get a correct reading of the aperture. If I, in aperture priority mode, turn the aperture ring, nothing happens to the time. It is as the camera no longer is aware of the aperture and are stuck at the smallest aperture at all times. I do a very gentle bending on the mentioned lever and all is fine for some days/months. And then the problem comes back. ... Petter, I'm afraid the bent lever is unable to correctly copuple to the corresponding part inside the lens so the aperture reading will stay at the smallest whatever you do. Maybe you cn get it to work by trying to catch it when mounting a lens but I believe a trip to a repair shop should be in order. Sorry. Ciao, Flavio - 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: thank you for your welcome
Robert Harris wrote: Laura Cavaliere wrote: I'm really an Italian female list member and I think Bob that there are other 3-4 Italian members. Yes, Laura. I know that now. I have been privately but forcefully reminded by one of the distinguished Italian men that I cannot count. :) ... :-))). I was going to do that publicly but perhaps it's just as well. Hello Laura, I'm another PDML member from Rome, Italy. Right now I'm reduced to backlogged lurking by the execess work but I'm nonetheless very happy since the overtime is strictly photographic. As soon as I finish the job I'll let the list know (but only if it goes well...). AHOC stands for Asahi Optical Historical Club and is an association born in Italy under the loving care of Dario Bonazza and a handful of PEntax aficionados. I believe there will be a Pentax day in Firenze (Florence) next month. I'm sure you'd like it. Bye for now, Flavio - 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: Favorite wide lens?
Stan Halpin wrote: ... As to field-of-view, 24mm (or 35mm on the 645) seems about right to me for a wide angle. 20mm is too extreme (hey, you fisheye guys, don't laugh!) and 28mm seems kinda blah. ... I had a SMCA 28/2.8 and a Vivitar 19/3.8 for a long time. Being the Vivitar what it is (not so good, really) I used mainly the 28. This until I got a SMCK 24/2.8, now I think I'm addicted. 28mm FOV seems to generate in me about the same reaction it does in Stan...blah. I think I could get rid of it as it haven't seen daylight in a long time. 24mm rules! Ciao, Flavio - 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 .
My own solution for the Z1-p cable release
Following Maciej's lead I managed to put up a page with the images of my homemade cable release. Feel free to have a look... http://space.tin.it/arte/flamin/cblrelz1p.html Ciao, Flavio - 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: Color correction in PHotoshop
Albano, 1st try (more difficult but precise): Image -- Adjust -- Color Balance (Ctrl+B) and adjust the levels separately for CMY and Hilight/Midtones/Shadows. It's a bit tricky but it works fine. 2nd try (more visual) Image -- Adjust -- Variations, same stuff but with thumbnails and Saturation controls. You can set the unit of variation. HTH, Flavio - 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: Super A / Program
tom wrote: On Wed, 17 Apr 2002 09:59:23 -0400, Fred wrote: Are you saying that there are black Super Programs out there? I've only seen black Super As and chrome Super Programs. I'll have one of each shortly. I prefer the look of the Super A. I have never seen or heard or read of any Super A that was not black, or of any Super Program that was not chrome. Me neither, though there were both black and chrome Program Pluses. ... Maybe I got confused. I have a Program A so maybe it waas a black Program Plus the one I'm referring to, sorry. Flavio - 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: Delta 3200; was: Fast film recommendations?
Thanks all for the explanations, I knew the problem was the lab I went to didn't know or cared about this particular filmI guess I can develop it myself or look for a more competent lab. Ciao, Flavio - 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 .
Delta 3200; was: Fast film recommendations?
David Brooks wrote: Aaron and I like the Ilford Delta 3200 BW film.I recently tried Supra 800 and found it nice. ... Dave and Aaron, about Delta 3200. I've tried it a couple of times and I've been scared away form it by the huge garin size and the excessive contrast. How do labs manage it? Do they just throw it in with all the rest of BW film and forget about it? Is there a reccomendation for self processing and does it make a difference? Thanks in advance, Flavio - 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: Opinions on standard zooms
John Leonard wrote: ... I'm wondering whether that Sigma zoom is a bit too budget. Probably, yes. I'm tempted to replace it with a 28-105 internal-focussing (I just HATE that filter ring turning). Have considered Pentax, Sigma, Tokina and Tamron. I've been satisfied enough with the Tokina but its coating and flare resistance just suck. Pentax has been already covered. The Tamron and Sigma 28-105/4-5.6 are pretty good and inexpensive. Like the idea of faster lens, so Sigma 28-105 F2.8-4 very attractive, but Sigma again? Need to keep below 200 UK pounds (ideally). Forget it. It's a really bad lens. I've noticed that IF lenses seem to whirr more on focussing. Could the increased load on the camera auto-focus drive be a problem? IMO, no. I'm sure Pentax would say using anything but a Pentax lens might wreck the camera, but what is the truth? ... It doesn't matter in the slightest, as long as the lens fit properly. There has been some discussion about some Vivitar MF lenses getting stuck on AF Pentax Bodies but in my experience it didn't crop up. In modern AF cameras and lenses there may be some grade of incompatibility WRT electronic innards (i.e. misreading of aperture values and the like. Some Sigmas seem to have that, sometimes). Bottom line: if you want speed and quality go for an affordable set of second hand primes. Relatively fast and good quality zooms are pretty heavy and expensive. For a comparative chart I laid down some time ago you can check: http://space.tin.it/arte/flamin/28-105.html I can't check it right now but it should still be there. Ciao, Flavio - 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: Bulk Film loading HELP !!!!!!
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi, gang Devaluation is becoming killer, and film is becoming unbuyable ... Too bad, as most of what's happening to Argentina right now. Wish you come out of it soon. What I'm searching now is advice on how to load the cartridges, brands of cartridges, etc, etc. ... Cheapes solution is simply to ransack minilabs for used cartridges. They just pull the film out and cut it a cm. or two before the cartridge. Tape the bulk film to the remaining piece of the original one. Do not use the cartridge more than one or two times. If you're lucky you can get them for the most used sensitivity and you'll be able to use a DX equipped camere without hassles. PS: Color film comes in bulk too? ... Yep. Even Provia 100F slides and some more but it's not as common as BW. Ciao, Flavio - 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 .
A few quick release questions
Hi all. If you had the option of getting a tripod head with the same QR plate of your monopod or a bigger but different one what would you choose? In my case I'm thinking about the 141RC - Basic pan-tilt and 329 - Compact Pro pan-tilt, both by Manfrotto. About the same weight/max. load: 1-6 Kg. the first, 1.2-8 Kg. the second, which also has 3 spirit levels. Both to go with a 055PRO (max. load 6 kg.). Do you happen to use both kind of support in the same session? Do you use to keep spare QR plates on your long lenses tripod mounts? Thanks in advance, Flavio - 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 .
Little PDML get-toghter in Rome
All this talking about get-togheters spurred me in contacting the few italian members of the PDML. All of them (four) will be here in Rome weekend after next. Actually half of them are living there... There's a Photo Show of some importance and Dario will be attending in his usual spot in the Pentax stand. Gianfranco will join Michele Pozzi and myself here so we can also havve our little Pentax party...anybody interested? Last time I got to hold the just released 67 II and almost fainted... ;-P. Ciao, Flavio - 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 .
58 mm Sigma closeup lens
I've seen somebody looking for this. NICAM 8 www.nicam.it ) has it listed for 33 Euro (about 29 USD). Mail me if interested. Flavio - 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: French film
Collin Brendemuehl wrote: I noticed that Midwest Photo got in some French bw film -- 4x5, 5x7, 35mm This seemed quite funny to me Last year I attended a portrait workshop in a photo school here in Roma and the guy teaching it was a pro in the advertising field He also shot a portraits, of course, and he told us he often used to shoot a few faked rolls off his MedF camera at the beginning of a session, especially with green models or plain people not accustomed to posing The signal to his assistance was to load french film, he said, since there is none, he just handed the used mags to the assistants taking another one and had them staging the loading and unloading for the subject's sake When the subject finally relaxed he swithced back to the real stuff Ciao, Flavio - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List To unsubscribe, go to http://wwwpdmlnet and follow the directions Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pugkomkonorg
Re: Question about extension tubes
David A Mann wrote: Pawel Czarnul wrote: My question is whether the snap-in focus feature will work with this setup? It should, as long as the extension tube has not been painted where it mates with the camera mount If it has been painted, snap-in focus will not work so you will need to scrape the paint off I had to do this with my extension tubes which were made by Ricoh I tried it out this weekend and found out that all you really need is to allow the extra AF contact on the KAF mount to touch naked metal The contact is the last one near the bottom of the camera mount Ciao, Flavio - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List To unsubscribe, go to http://wwwpdmlnet and follow the directions Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pugkomkonorg
Kind of FS, LX and SMC 100/4
Hi all, I have access to the following equipment, if someone is interested please contact me off list. LX in good conditions, it has the ISO dial going to 3200 (should identify it as a newer version, I believe). I tested it over the counter of a small repair shop here in Roma. It comes with a waist level finder (isn't it strange?) and it seems to work fine. SMC 100/4 (should be the K version), goes to 1:2. Appears in very good condition (EX). I don't have an idea of the actual value of these items and the guy didn't appear too eager to sell them but I think I should be able to take a test roll and some detailed photo, if there's an interest. The LX tempted me but without a prism finder I can't see an actual use for it. In case you're tempted, drop me a line. If you have an idea of the items value please let me know as well, based on KEH I can guess about 400-600 USD for the LX and 150 or so for the lens, am I right? Ciao, Flavio - 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: Kind of FS, LX and SMC 100/4
tom wrote: ... For some reason the thought of a Roman LX makes me giddy. ... Actually PENTAX is a latin word (joking ;-) ). Maybe they were already waiting for the new pro one... - 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 scanner question
J. C. O'Connell wrote: ... Oh yeah the slide FILM. Whats out there in 200 and 400 speed thats good? I'm used to shooting K64, but its too slow to often. ... Personally I never found any slide film over ISO 100 to be really satisfactory in terms of grain. Besides ISO 400 are quite more expensive. Maybe recent Provia 400 (F?) is better as I heard wildlife photographers are using it more and more. I find average ISO 100 non-pro slides to be rather good, if you're not looking for natural skin tones...Fuji Sensia II 100 is fine, for me. HTH, Flavio - 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: Bellows questions
Christian, I'm no expert in this matter but I'm sure you can check at Boz's site and have the info you need. http://www.BDimitrov.de/kmp/ Flavio - 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: Is it Film or is it Digital
I don't expect the digital camera's zoom lens to have less distortion then the Elmarit, although that could be corrected digitally. So the film one should be the Is it digital (look at the stripe on the wall near the right side). Ciao, Flavio - 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: Travelling and Photography
William Robb wrote: ... I left her a note in her guestbook ... Hello Bill, if the domain name correspond with the owner's name is a He, not a She and looks like he's of italian origin. Ciao, Flavio - 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 .
Wonderful MX; (was Re: Some buying advice)
Flavio Minelli wrote: Thanks all for your advice, I phoned the guy and found out the MX already gone... BTW I already have a Program A but I'm not willing to part with it ;-). ... Well, as sometimes happen an occasion got lost but a better one cropped up again. Today I acquired an MX in very good condition, with a SMC-M 50/1.7 and an original but really worn case for only 150 Euro (135 USD). I still have to run a test roll through it - expect to do it during the weekend but everything seems to work properly. The big problem is this camera was supposed to be a present for my father's birthday but I'm already having second thoughts about that, maybe a nice sweater is fine A very nice camera, anyway, and my first totally mechanical one, since the old Voightlander RF I learnt the first basics of photography upon. Just wanted to share. Ciao, Flavio - 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: Cheap Crap Plastic Consumer Lenses
Shel Belinkoff wrote: Ho Paul, Because he wants an autofocus camera that's small enough and simple enough for his wife to use. He does want interchangeable lenses, as he might want to borrow some of mine some time, so fixed-lens PS cameras are out. He's happy with the ZX-7. What's auto wipe? ... Hello Shel, I can vouch for the Tokina 28-105 3.5/4.5. A couple years ago was the best third party 28-105 you could get. It is out of production by now but you can still find it new here and there. It's not easy to find used, probably because it's a keeper. Did you ever wonder why there are so many used Sigma 28-105/2.8 for sale? That one is real crap and the fast (relativeley) aperture is just bait... Is an heavy and rather big black lens, though, and I don't know if it would fit a ZX-7 nicely, if aesthetics are concerned. I wouldn't say any 28-200 lens would be really acceptable in quality and sturdiness but it's up to the person who uses it to judge. HTH, Flavio - 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: Some buying advice
Thanks all for your advice, I phoned the guy and found out the MX already gone... BTW I already have a Program A but I'm not willing to part with it ;-). Ciao, Flavio - 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: European mail order
In Italy: www.nicam.it From what I can see is the cheapest place in the country BUT: no english version, no credit card (only COD or Bank draft). They claim to be serious thus surviving without credit card support, I never bought anything from them, though. Germany: www.wfv.de I did buy from them, they have an english on-line catalog and the prices are fair to good. Had good service, too. UK: forget it. France: wouldn't know as I don't speak french. Others? HTH, Flavio - 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: PDML Members Web Sites List has moved
Sorry, wrong address. Paul, did you get it? As you can see I'm still alive and reading the PDML. Ciao, Flavio - 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: Tokina SL 400 mm f5.6
Hi Peter, Doug and all, Peter Jesser wrote: Has anyone had one of these? Got any thoughts on it? ... Yes I have it. I didn't use it a lot but if you think it would be useful I could post some samples to the net. It doesn't seem so bad for me, but I have nothing to compare it to. Is not a lens you can handhold very easily and the tripod collar is not really sturdy but useful nonetheless. When I use it I try to keep it on the monopod (Manfrotto) at all times. Not a Pentax in sight until I saw this Tokina 400mm at the back. M42 mount (but that's no problem with a converter) new, in its box, marked Was $310, today only $210. That's Australian dollars! I know it isn't top drawer, but I have a new 400mm for about US $108. ... The price is certainly interesting, although the screwmount makes it slower to use. I paid mine 199USD last year from KEH in BGN conditions. So - if you have used one and can give me an idea of what to expect, I would like to hear about it. I am not a professional, but some of my pics get published with my hunting and conservation articles. I won't get to try it until next weekend. ... It could be a good deal but at 5.6 is not a fast lens, especially since you're supposed to stop it down a bit. I think it could be a fair starting point. Hope it helps, Flavio - 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: Tamron 28-105 Lens.
Jim Moniz wrote: I was shown this lens today and fell in love! I'm doomed to buy it in a month or two! [...] Jim, some time ago I spent a few hours trying to get to the bottom of the 28-105 theme. I even made some web pages with my findings. They should be at: space.tin.it/arte/flamin/28-105.html but right now I can't go and find out myself. Anyway I finally chose the Tokina which I still have and are rather satisfied of. Bottom line is: stay away from the faster Sigma, the dimmer Tamron and Sigma are not too bad. The Tokina is out of production by now. Contact me if you have more questions. Ciao, Flavio - 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: Let's pray
Collin Brendemuehl wrote: for the people in NY and each for our nation. Pray for sanity. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. ... Amen to that. But let's also hope people in charge down there will be cold blooded enough not to start a nuclear war in revenge. I can't believe it's happening, I'll not be sleeping very much tonight. Let us know what's going on, every news site is frozen at this point. Good luck, Flavio - 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-- WTC attack
Frank Theriault wrote: I don't even know how to respond... ... Don't. - 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: Question re Tokina KEH
Doug Franklin wrote: ... I also have a Tokina SD 400/5.6 (about US$175 on ebay about a year ago) which is PK-A (auto exposure capable) but I haven't tested it out. I need to order the tripod collar for it from THK. If I can get the collar by the beginning of October, I plan to try it out at the Petit le Mans at Road Atlanta this year, head to head with the SMC 400/5.6. ... I have that one. Didn't use it a lot, actually, but tested it on an air-show last year and even managed to sell some windsurfers' photos out of it. Not too bad but nothing fancy either. You'll probably be disappointed with the collar, it's a rather flimsy and wobbly one. Not really useful but better than none. A good thing for the use you're planning it for is the trap focus ability with the Z1-p. Ciao, Flavio - 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: Mike Johnston unleashed -- The 37th Frame
Robert Harris wrote: ... Not available on newsstands. It is a personally produced quarterly newsletter. No ads. Cost is $18 for 1 year, $32 for 2 years. ... Hi Rob, do you know if he's willing to ship it oversea? Flavio - 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: LX and Auto Exposure
Jostein Øksne wrote: ... The LX is no smarter than any other camera with average or centre- weight metering. It just keeps working under dimmer light conditions than most. :-) ... I would disegree, here. The LX IS indeed smarter then other cameras in that it performs an integration of the light reaching its sensor DURING the exposure, unlike most cameras. That's why if you suddenly have a light entering your low light scene the shutter snaps instantly close. Pentax engineers called it IDM-Integrated Direct Metering (I think). Ciao, Flavio - 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: Hi all, I'm back
Martin Corro wrote: did you have time at least to take a picture of your baby??? ;-) Martin ... Of course... ;-)). You can see a very OT one in the Architecture PUG (I thing it was June's). I also have a few dozen more... Cheers, Flavio - 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: LX Long Exposure Metering
Mark Cassino wrote: ... I had wondered about the exposure range and whether the camera would shut off in the absence of light altogether or was limited to some maximum exposure time, but it looks like it can meter for a long time. ... Hello Mark, AFAIR the LX manual stated an exposure limit of 125 seconds, much less than what you experimented...not that I have one, though. Ciao, Flavio - 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 ever happened to... (and some other questions)
John A. Hufnagel wrote: ... Thanks all for any help you can throw my way. If it'll help I live in Union County, New Jersey. So if someone can recommend an excellent shop I'd appreciate it. (if you think of Chris's Camera in Wayne, don't bother replying... They're the ones that swiped my screen! And Chris doesn't own the shop anymore. He washed his hands of the place many years ago it seems.) ... Hi John, I think you're not far enough from NY to disregard BH. It was just a plain marvel for me to be there... Ciao, Flavio - 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 .
Hi all, I'm back
Hello everybody, nice to see things hadn't changed in the last three months, people opinating, arguing, fighting... ;-P Thanks to all the people who sent messages to me when things looked bad, now I have a perfectly healthy three-month old little guy waiting for me at home and very little free time when I'm there. I also changed job so I barely had the time to have a look now and then at the archives. Sorry I missed all the discussion on the MZ-s, could anybody recap it all for me? In no more than 10 lines, please (joking). But seriously, what about it? Did the wealthier part of the list already had the chance to evaluate it? I'd still found the time to proofread the PUG so I did see your beautiful-as-usual work. I also checked out the LX Gallery, great shots but I'm soory I could not participate. Now let me stand back, take a beer and blend in again. Ciao, Flavio - 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: The Jewel (May PUG)
Daniel J. Matyola wrote: ... I agree with the high praise this shot is receiving. When I stared into my cup of black coffee this morning and saw a few bubbles where Gianfranco had found jewels, I knew what the difference is between a hack like me and a real photographer! ... ...and between italian coffee and that thing you call american coffee or whatever...;-). Flavio, who never drank any of both... PS Gianfranco's shot is really amazing for me to. My first thought looking at the photo was that when you're a photographer inside you're never off your job. F - 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: Konica Monochrome
Hello Shel, you can check here: http://space.tin.it/arte/flamin/alessia.html The film is printed nicely on color paper at my local lab where they use a Konica minilab but on BW paper is really fine. You have to try it. Flavio - 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: Mercury Cell for older camera
Frank Theriault wrote: I always wondered about how bad those little mercury cells could be for the environment. I mean they're so tiny, and they last for 5, 10 years or more - at least in Spotmatics. ... Not much, Frank, but heavy metal pollution lasts forever (in human lifespan terms) and the effects are really bad, even at low levels of intoxication. They might be easily treated in an efficent recycling plant but probably the problem is most people just dump them. Flavio - 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: Mercury Cell for older camera
Cy Galley wrote: ... The mercury cells are no long available in the US. Are they available in England? ... Cy, since there's a very good reason for their unavailability you could try the replacement way. I know air-zinc batteries, commonly used for hearing aids, have the same voltage (1,35 V) and can substitute old mercury ones without problems. Maybe they're easier to get and less harmful for your environment. Hope it helps, Flavio - 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: Theater photo film choice
Hi all. I'm reading on a new italian photo mag that Fuji finally released a new Superia 1600 4-layers film. It's branded as consumer film, did anybody got to test it? No data sheet available as yet on Fuji's site. Others options are Supra or Superia 800 which I'd possibly try to push. I'd like to stir a bit more argument about the unpushability of negative film. If this is true why do film producers insist in giving pushing info in their documentation? Come on, Sask. Bill, get eloquent ;-). The last option is Kodak RG 1000. I used this in my last venture in this field with good results. The promo stuff from Kodak says although the film is for daylight it can be used with other kinds of lighting without need of filters. Maybe this is true for ALL negative films. I already got some useful advice from knowledgeable people but I'd like to have some more opinions, especially from those who did or do theater photo (Brian?). Thanks, Flavio - 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: April PUG comments: my assignment
Luis Pinar wrote: Hi all, Here are my comments for the April Pug Gallery. ... Casale by Flavio Minelli: The reticulation effect is the subject here as much as the building; an original interpretation of the proposed theme, since the texture is in the film rather than in the subject. I think it suits well the scene and enhances the moody, lonely feeling. The composition is balanced but a bit static to my taste; perhaps Id crop just a bit from the bottom so the horizon is lower. Interesting to know about the backstage. Makes me think of the films 1900 and Lalbero degli zoccoli (The Tree of the Wooden Clogs). ... Hello Luis, here I am. I'm not really satisfied of the effect the image makes on the monitor screen. The scene IS static indeed and cropping might have improved it but I wanted to leave the irregular edge of the frame in the print since I thought it added more of that old-times appearance you also refer to. It wasn't a very thought-of shot, is a bit difficult to stay calm and think about composition when big trucks speed by a couple of feet from your back... The big white border I left on the original print makes it better but perhaps I'm just putting a smart face on a total blunder. Not my best shot at all but I thought it would well suit the theme. Thanks for your time and comments, Flavio - 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 .
