PopPhoto Review of the K7
Here's the URL for the PopPhoto review of the K7: http://www.popphoto.com/Reviews/Cameras/Camera-Test-Pentax-K-7 Please note the date the site claims Philip Ryan posted the review - November 15, 2008. I guess someones been playing with the way-back machine again. The conclusion: Ultimately, the Pentax K-7 lands in an odd place in the DSLR world. Its got some high-end features, particularly its tough build and terrific viewfinder. But, its sluggish AF in low light and otherwise middling test results don't scream Buy me! If you've got Pentax lenses already, the K-7 is a highly competent camera that will let you build on what you have. But, if you're an experienced photographer who's starting a DSLR outfit from scratch, you can get more bang for your buck elsewhere. Gosh, I miss Bert K. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: how many (US) national parks have you been to?
I'm not watching Ken Burns latest opus because I find it too frustrating. I love national parks and have been to a few: Acadia in Maine Big Bend in Texas Everglades in Florida Hot Springs in Arkansas Redwood in California Then there's the National Monuments: Castle Clinton in New York George Washington Birthplace in Virginia Grand Canyon in Arizona Governors Island in New York Muir Woods in California Navajo in Arizona Statue of Liberty in New York White Sands in New Mexico It's a big and varied country Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: prices started going down
This week, Fry's is advertising the K7 with its kit lens and a throw-in bag for the previous price of the body alone. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: HCB (was Katz Eye K7 Focusing screen now available)
Silly me. When P. J. Alling referred to Henry Carter Benson, I thought he was refering to Thomas Harte Benson's long lost brother who couldn't paint worth a damn and had to resort to using mechanical means to convey images and ideas. Somehow, on this list we should all know whom HCB really was. If you're ever in Paris, don't miss the HCB house. I dragged my non-camera adict wife there and she was blown away by Cartier-Bresson's photography. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Front Element Protection (was: Dropped K200D)
I haven't seen Pentax filters in years. With the Hoya acquisition, I doubt if I'll see them again. Hoya itself makes a full range of filters. When I was last buying them, the top of their line was Pro 1 Digital. During my research, I disccovered that these were the same as the Kenko Pro 1 Digital filters. The Kenko brand were available from Asia at about half the BH price of the Hoya versions. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Dropped K200D
I come from the capital K Klutz school of carefulness. Starting with the 10D, I've been putting Giottos Aegis screens on the LCDs. It's a lot cheaper to replace if (when) something goes wrong. I'm also one of those who typically puts a UV filter in front of the lens. When I dropped my camera bag in an airport, the only damage was some cross-threading in the lens (which Eric fixed for me) and the replacement of the filter (which had given itself up to save the lens). Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Hoya to seek digital camera alliance
No surprise here. Isn't this what we all (should have) expected when Hoya bought Pentax to get the non-camera parts of the company (e.g., endoscope)? Hoya is an optics company, not a camera company. The surprise is that with the world-wide depr (oops) recession, they waited this long. Perhaps, Hoya hoped that Samsung would be a full-time partner. However, this is not the way the Samsung CEO has stipulated he wants to run Samsung. If Samsung can't be a major player in an area, he wants them to concentrate on venues where they are or will be a major player.I don't think that their adventure with Pentax led anyone to think of Samsung as a force in DSLRs. Casio has been expanding up-market. However, Kashio-san already had an arrangement with Pentax to make his lenses. I don't think he saw sufficient bottom line benefit in the Pentax name on Casio digicam lenses. It hasn't been there for years. Panasonic seems wedded to their lens size, and has a relationship with Leica for a name on the glass. I guess, this leaves the two former film giants - Fuji and Kodak and perhaps independent lens manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron. How likely is any of these to succeed? I've been shooting Pentax bodies and lenses since just before my 41 year old daughter was born. I love the quality of the old lenses and that they work on my new DSLRs. I've got 3 DSLRs and even new lenses and flashes, etc. But I'm an old guy. Other than health care or nursing homes, I wouldn't want to actively invest in an industry with a bunch of people like me as my target audience/market going forward. The K7 seems to be a good start to a better future. Then again, I thought that the K10d and the *istD were bold entries and look at how much Pentax made on them. If Hoya wants to have an attractive package for a potential partner, they have to have a road map showing a path to future expanded profit and market share. And, perhaps more importantly, they have to define the role they want each of the partners to play going forward. Let's hope they do. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Pentax rebates
The rebate card was included in the K7 box. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: K7 minimum ISO; K7 Heat
Thanks guys, When I deploy the full start-up info screen, turning of fthe Highlight Correction function enables ISO 100. The icon displayed when Highlight Correction is enabled says DR 200 and the lowest ISO available is 200. There is nothing about this in the manual. I think it's related to the dynamic range expansion stuff don't know the specific terminology for it as I don't own one. Yep, if shadow compensation/high synamic range is ON, iso range is 200-6400 instead of 100-6400. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: K7 minimum ISO
Joseph McAllister wrote: But you do understand that for the camera to be able to expand the dynamic range, it has to have somewhere to go to get that data. So it forces ISO 200 for you to be able to capture HDR or Shadow Compensation, and might knock out access to 6400 if you choose Highlight Correction. Now that you put it that way, OF COURSE. So, if I want to be operating at ISO 100 and attempt to use HDR, the computer has no lower to go to get more data. It's always nice when someone points out something absolutely obvious that I've missed. Thanks Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
K7 minimum ISO; K7 Heat
What's the lowest ISO for your K7? Mine only goes down to 200, but the book mentions 100. I've had no heat problems with the sensor. I've used it several long days with the ambient outside temperature well above body temperature with no evident adverse effect. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Pentax in Fry's, other stores?
Wolfe/Ritz can't order any new anything from Hoya (read Pentax) since they went Chapter 11. Hoya won't ship to them. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: A Pano Tip that looks interesting
There's a local professional photographer who swears by AutoPano Pro. I've seen him work with it using a digicam. He takes the shots vertically with LOTS of overlap and lets the software do evereything (especially the stitching) automatically. The results were truly outstanding. The key is remembering where the film plane is and using it as the basis. You have to pay for AutoPano Pro. PTGUI is a freeware panorama stitching software, but it's no where near as automatic as AutoPano Pro. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Seeking Compact Digital Advice
Canon seems to be the only major (easily available) manufacturer still providing an optical viewfinder in many of its digicams. Other than the brand name, they offer lots of positive attributes, not the least of which is good glass, SD cards and a plethora of features. (After fooling around with some of these features, I've found them much more useful than I expected.) A sensible way to make a decission is to pick up several and see which comes best to hand. They vary from sleek shirt pocket size to significantly more bulky models. My wife never felt comfortable with either extreme, and since she's the member of the family with international photocredits, who am I to argue. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Photographer Being Sued
Let's see, when I last studied this over three decades ago, the logic followed this path: If you commit an illegal activity (trespass), then any other action that you perform (photographing) while commiting that illegal activity is an action from which you are not allowed to profit (sales of said photographs). Of course this totally disregards any infringement of the copywrite or trademark rights of the owner. Normally, such rights would have to have been at least applied for before you could infringe upon them. Larry in Dallas (in a state where you should not expect to win a malpractice suit against any emergency room people unless you can prove intent to injure) -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Digital SLR Guide News - Best Budget DSLR
Chris Roberts, in his Digital SLR Guide News has selected the K100D as best begommer budget DSLR Question: What's the best beginner budget SLR? Answer You've been longing to improve the quality of the photos you take and capture moments that just aren't possible with a compact point-and-shoot, but you find the price of digital SLR cameras extreme. I'm not surprised - back in the heyday of the film SLR, it often seemed silly to spend $300 on a camera when you could get a simple compact camera for less than $100. Now that the minimum price for a digital SLR is right around $500, it makes them pretty expensive investments. I firmly believe that the additional cost is justified when you take into account the fact that digital SLRs are able to capture a wider variety of shots than compact cameras. It's why the SLR has been the choice of professional photographers for years. Why tell you this? It will put my answer to the question above into some perspective. Right now, I think that the best digital SLR camera for a beginner on a budget is the Pentax K100D. Recently replaced by the K100D Super, the original K100D has benefitted from a price drop that makes it significantly more affordable. The Pentax K100D is the least expensive camera you can buy that also includes built-in image stabilization. This feature oscillates the camera's sensor to counteract the effect of camera motion on your photos. While you can't really see camera motion when you're using fast shutter speeds with plenty of light, dim lighting and slow shutter speeds can lead to a lot of blurry shots. Since the image stabilization is built into the camera itself, it works with every Pentax lens that's compatible with the K100D. In addition to image stabilization, the 6 megapixel sensor offers plenty for anyone who doesn't want to print at sizes larger than 11x14 inches. The compact frame can be made even more so if you can get your hands on one of the specialized Pentax pancake lenses. These lenses don't stick out far from the camera, making the K100D a portable option for those who like to travel. Finally, the K100D runs on regular old AA batteries, which works well if you're one of those types who always forgets to re-charge batteries before a photo outing (many other cameras use special Lithium Ion rechargeable batteries that take about 2-3 hours to reach a full charge). You can pick up a K100D for less than $500 with a lens, and for less than $400 without a lens. This second option works well if you already have some Pentax lenses from a film SLR camera, or know of a local camera swap where you can pick up some used Pentax lenses without paying full price. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Just Bought a KX
Glen, You'll love the KX. It's built like a tank. I always thought it could serve as a hammer in an emergency ;-) You can download a free PDF copy of the manual at http://www.pentaximaging.com/files/manual/KX.pdf You should also be able to get an actual manual at http://www.craigcamera.com/default.htm Welcome and enjoy. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
KX Manual
Glen, I just noticed that Pentax is offering printed manuals at: http://www.pentaximaging.com/customer_care/manuals_literature/show_purchase_manual They even list the KX. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: A flag question for Canadians (frank theriault)
Frank calmly stated: Think what you want about Quebec - I don't intend debating your views here. However, I think that if you referred to African Americans as 'coons (or worse), Chinese as Chinks, Jews as Yids or Kikes, you might ruffle a few feathers. Calling a person who speaks French (no matter where they reside) a Frog is akin to the above, IMHO. If the language referred to above is unacceptable, so is Frog. Such epithets have no place on this list (or anywhere else), IMHO. Thanks, Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re:Why did you upgrade to K10d?
When I did my research, the K10D offered significantly more direct contol than the K100D, and it seemed like a logical step on the path from Z-1 through *istD. I was in the early stages of recovering from a severe case of ARDS, and given the sudden lack of hand strength, the SR seemed to be just the ticket. Besides that, my wife felt sorry for me and it was an easy sell. I do regret what was the cause for the decision, but I love the choice I made. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re:Why did you upgrade to K10d? (keith_w)
Keith Whaley wrote: That's extra nasty stuff [ARDS], Larry. Take care and beat it! Thanks. I've had some great rehab therapists who really pushed me. Rehab started in March, and I'm about 85% back. Not bad considering that I couldn't even move my fingers when I started. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: FS Friday: D-BG1 Battery Grip for *ist-D
John Francis is quite happy to say: I'm now withdrawing this For Sale offer - I just got a call from our local Police Department, and they've caught the guy who broke into my house and walked of with my two cameras (and a few other little incidental items). So, as I still have a *ist-D, I guess I still need the grip. That's great. All too often, the police report is the end of the story. I hope all items work as well as they did before they left your house. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Reliable inexpensive filters
Where is a good place to buy Hoya Pro filters. I need a circular polarizer and two UV(0)s in 52mm. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Any one regret upgrading to the K10D?
Recently, I had a severe case of ARDS that left me with virtually no muscle tone when I was allowed out of a 6 week induced coma. Since I had virtually no capability to steadily hold a camera, and more than 10 Pentax lenses, I decided that a K100D or K10D was in my future. Coming from an *ist D, I ruled out the K100D as a step backwards. After I was discharged from the hospital (I can't say enough good things about the staff at Baylor in Dallas), one of the first items to appear in my house was a K10D. (I think my wife felt sorry for me.) It's great! However, after adding the necessary optional battery grip, this is a h-e-a-v-y camera. At first, I could barely carry it, let alone use it. Since I continued outpatient rehab, that didn't last long. Now it's just right even though it is closer in weight to my Z-1 than the *ist D. The regret: This is not a TTL body and the AF500FTZ is not suited to it as it was to the *ist D. Since I have no experience with P-TTL, I'm still searching for the improvement it brings. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Any one regret upgrading to the K10D?
On 16/5/07, I, discombobulated, unleashed: Recently, I had a severe case of ARDS that left me with virtually no muscle tone when I was allowed out of a 6 week induced coma. Since I had virtually no capability to steadily hold a camera, and more than 10 Pentax lenses, I decided that a K100D or K10D was in my future. Coming from an *ist D, I ruled out the K100D as a step backwards. In his usual manner, on 5/17/07, Cotty replied A 6 week induced coma?? Great Scott. Welcome back to the land of the living. Hope all is well. Sheesh, I could do with a break - can you recommend it ? ;-) I do NOT recommend it. Aside from not remembering anything but the morphine-induced halucinations (which I still find strange) during that 6 week period, it's taken me twice as long to be able to walk and groom my Bearded Collies. I'm still far too much of a burden on my wife. I learned just how bad it was when I went back to see the hospital staff. They were far too happy and effusive. Apparently the odds were against my recovering. Do your best to avoid it. Even the K10D is not worth the risk. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
K10D Book Delayed
I received notice from Amazon that my Magic Lantern Guide to the Pentax K10D has been delayed into July. Bummer. Fortunately there is a book out there now to supplement the User Manual. Yvon Bourque's book on the K10D has enough additional information on the K10D as well as it being in an easy to use format to warrant looking into. -- Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: hyperdrive space portable storage
I been using a Wolverine MPV for well over a year with no complaints. The MPV has an actual display and supposedly can also serve as an MP3 player and show videos. I've never used the M and V, but the P is intuitive and works quickly. Got it at Frys when they had a drastic mark down (way less than half price) for a reconditioned unit. The unit I got home was missing several acoutrements, so they wound up replacing it with a new in the box version. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Need help deciding between k100d or k10d
FWIW: While on the road to recovery from a severe case of Acute Respiraory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), realized that I now needed some form of shake reduction. Since I was used to an *istD and a Z-1, the K10D presented the lowest learning curve and the better path toward the future. The negatives for the K10D included its substanially greater heft - almost 1/3 heavier, coupled with its significantly higher cost. Therefore, for me, if I could remotely come up with the difference in cost, there would be no question. Larry in Dallas Thanks for all the responses so far, keep-em coming. The K100d is almost the same size as the *ist models. The grip has been redesigned (different profile) and is also slightly thicker, maybe by 8-10mm. The rest looks the same. I can relate to the kinked up right hand (no, not for *that* reason) after shooting for a while. In my case the DL gives me nowhere to put my pinky. It gets curled up underneath and is very uncomfortable. Ok, knowing there are other options for batteries helps eliminate the issue. Pentaprism is still a biggie. I HATE the DL's VF. The question now is, is it worth an extra 400 bucks? 400 bucks that can be spent buying... additional lenses? I have a lot of expensive hobbies. My road bike cost me quite a bit (and that's me picking and choosing EVERYTHING. Saved over a grand doing it that way.) I spend way too much on computer crap. I like higher-end audio, etc. So far NONE of these hobbies has had as much capacity to financially ruin as cameras. All that to say that i have no problem spending money, but I am still a student with a part time job, so 400 bucks saved in the body makes all the difference at the end of the day. Question to go along with the above: Do microprism/split circle focus screens help mf in the case of the DL? Or is the VF too dim for these to be effective? Alex On 4/19/07, P. J. Alling [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: No, they're slightly larger. But I think they're slightly lighter. (I'm too lazy to look it up). J. C. O'Connell wrote: Are the K100D K110D the same size/weight as the istDS? jco -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Paul Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2007 5:54 PM To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List Subject: Re: Need help deciding between k100d or k10d I have a K10D and much preferred the size and ergonomics of the ist*DS which i assume is like the K100D. The size of the K10D actually puts me off using it. Paul AlexG wrote: Hi guys, I have been quite annoyed at all the low-light shots that I had to delete because of slight camera shake. While I'd love to have the use of a tripod, I A- Don't have one and B- wouldn't bring it with me if I did, so I've decided that shake reduction is a feature worth having. Also the JPEGs out of the DL are only satisfactory under very specific conditions. The k100d and k10d are both much better from what I've seen. I currently have an *ist DL, with 18-55 and 50-200 lenses. My M42 50mm/1.4 is currently sitting on ebay, because I suck at focusing when the light is low. Anyway, I am in a bit of a pickle. I am hesitating between k100d and k10d, the former being about half the cost of the k10d makes it extremely attractive right now. Here are the advantages of each, as I see them. K100d: CHEAP!! Lower noise Up to iso3200 Better dynamic range than k10d (as measured in raw by Imaging-Resource) AA Batteries K10d: 10MP makes for an extra 800x600 of breathing room when cropping Pentaprism viewfinder SSD/SSM/USM in-lens focus compatibility (==future-proof) Excellent firmware (customizable white balance presets, mtf priority, adjustable autoiso range, hyperprogram, etc) Plan is to sell the DL, body-only for 250-300 on ebay, as it is almost new (2100 pics vs the 17000 that seems to be the norm here :) ) I will get the FA50/1.4 at the time of purchase. I have been concerned about the k10d's image quality, both from a noise and 'banding' perspective. Proprietary li-ion batteries piss me off because they cost so much to replace. But the pentaprism looks gd. As do some of the pictures I've seen. And SSM seems to be the proper solution to the pentax SLR slow autofocus syndrome, though this has yet to be verified. The lenses (DA*) seem to be very nice, and quite fast compared to the current DA zooms so they'd be nice to upgrade to. If I get the k100d, i can get SR RIGHT NOW and worry about a super-high-end camera in a year's time when the k10d's successor comes out. Anyway, I am thoroughly confused and I apologize for being a windbag in this thread. I realize this has probably been debated ad nausea, but I need some help to push me off the fence in either direction. Alex -- Entropy Seminar: The results of a five yeer studee
Re: Another Blow Against Photography
In the US, it's more complicated. TSA has the right to examine your checked bags even if they are locked. (I know that they actually do thisk because frequently my bag winds up with a TSA inspected paper inside.) If they choose to look inside a locked bag, they simply clip the lock. The way around this is to use a combination lock designed specifically for this purpose. It can also be opened by a TSA key. This means that the potential thief has to simply get a copy of the TSA key to provide himself with free access to your bag's contents. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: People in academics
Good timing! Congratulations. Does this mean you'll have to change your signature? Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Enablement
On the third try, I actually got an 80-320 that works on my D. This is not an indoor lens. Busy working on some Astor Piazzolla stuff, so I can't give it a workout 'till tomorrow morning. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Sad but true...
Mark, Sorry it came to this. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: So. Whos getting the K10d right away or are we waiting
I'm still learning how to use my *istD that I bought in '04. I'll at least wait until everyone writes about how much better it is. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Safety
Sridhar, Considering what is going on in your part of the world, I'm glad that you are safe. Hope you remain so. Hmm, no one seems to question the legitimacy of the length of time Hindus have lived in India. Boris, Considering what is going on in your part of the world, I'm glad that you too are safe. Hope you remain so. Hmm, wonder why people question the legitimacy of the length of time Jews have lived in the land. Probably as long as Hindus have lived in India. Stay well. Pentax needs every potential buyer out there. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Serendipity
I've been having trouble finding a working FA 80-320mm lens in black. Lenses from National Camera Exchange and KEH both looked great and did not communicate with my *istD. Just on the odd chance that they might have one, I drove over to the Dallas Wolf (Ritz) Camera clearance center. While they had one in silver (which I don't want) they didn't have one in black. As long as I was there, I looked at what else they had available. I was happily surprised to come upon a 1.7X Pentax AF Adapter. I've wanted one of these for years, but never wanted to part with the asking price. This time I couldn't resist - $25. I'll have to check it out on my non-auto k-mounts and 42s. This was better than what I went for. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Non-working FA 80-320
I felt that I needed a little greater reach on my *ist D, so I found and bought an FA 80-320. The lens looks great, mounts well and has a major problem. The D does not recognize or change the settings on the lens. Additionally, when I use the preview switch, the lens does not stop down. On my Z-1, the camera does not set the lens in P mode, manual settings seem to work and preview stops down. Off camera, moving the lens lever controls the diaphragm. Is there a reasonable fix for this? I do like the reach and would not like to have to return it. Help -- Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Non-working FA 80-320
Thanks for the suggestions. I started out in A. The lens doesn't transmit information in any setting. I've cleaned the mounts on both the lens and body - to no avail. The body continues to work well with other lenses. What would disassembly fix entail? Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Your Favorite Zoom Lens
Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2006 18:33:32 -0400 From: David J Brooks [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Your Favorite Zoom Lens To: pdml@pdml.net Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; DelSp=Yes; format=flowed The PZ 28-105 Good range and good quality both build and image wize. CS This lens is once again available new from BH. It IS expensive. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Your Favorite Zoom Lens
For years it was the SMC FA 28-105mm f/4.5-5.6. When I started to use my D, I found myself using the SMC FA 20-35 f/4 with ever more frequency. Larry in Dallas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Olympus competitor
That's the definition in The New York Times' crossword puzzle today. Larry in Dallas
Re: Paying to shoot in US National Parks
It's only a matter of time. In the UK, the national organisation that looks after much of the building heritage has banned indoor photography for the last decade or so. Partly for security and partly to make you buy the guidebooks and postcards. The same will happen in National Parks, although it will be more difficult to enforce. It's their land so they make the rules. No. Actually the National Park land belongs to the people. The government administers it. They can set up rules that the park rangers will find it impossible to enforce, and the rangers simply won't enforce them. Usually, there are license fees for using the land for commercial ventures (e.g., a commercial film) and no fees for private use. If we accept that it is OK to charge to take photographs in public places, by extension, we will have to pay for the right to take pictures anywhere. Examples include: from a roadway, on a street, at a harbor, etc. Somehow, I don't think this will happen. Larry in Dallas
Re: PESO -- Shad Shack
http://www.mindspring.com/~pjalling/PESO_--_shadshack.html That picture did its job. Over 20 years ago, my wife and I covered (she wrote, I photographed) the shad season for the Hartford Courant. Shad is a v-e-r-y bony fish. It was amazing how quickly and carefully the women (I never saw a man do this) in the shad shacks could fillet a buck or roe shad. Thanks for bringing back the memory. Larry in Dallas
Re:What would be a good name for the new body?
Let's see, the professional models were KX, MX and LX. This leads me to the conclusion that the inevitable name is DX Larry in Dallas
Re: CRASH! Always Wear Your Seat Belt
Ken in a fit of perception mused: (it was hit by a telephone pole). Hey Larry, any idea how fast the pole was movin? I was wondering if anyone would catch that. In actuality, the driver swerved the car in order to miss a dog that decided to cross the road in front of him. Unfortunately, while the car swerved, the telephone poll adamantly refused to move and the result was a crash. Must have been the pole's fault. Larry in Dallas
Re: CRASH! Always Wear Your Seat Belt
In response, Bob Shell queried In actuality, the driver swerved the car in order to miss a dog that decided to cross the road in front of him. Unfortunately, while the car swerved, the telephone poll adamantly refused to move and the result was a crash. Must have been the pole's fault. You sure it was a Pole, and not a Czech? You may be right. Its name tag read SNETCO. Larry in Dallas
Re: CRASH! Always Wear Your Seat Belt ..
Shel, Glad you survived the crash with minmal human body damage. After finally getting the replacement DS, you'd want to be able to actually have a lot more time and free movement to use it and develop the type of expertise you've accumulated with its film ancestors. Seat belts save more than lives. Shoulder bruises heal a lot faster than cracked heads. At young ages, our daughters were passengers in a car that was involved in an accident (it was hit by a telephone pole). With their belts on, they had almost no bruises. The unbelted driver had to learn to practice dentistry while seated. Larry in Dallas
Re: istD grip strip like Z1(p)
Toine asked: Has anyone successfully mounted a third party grip strap on a istD with BG1 grip connected? Something similar like the FDP grip strap for the Z1(p). I've got a Hakuba Grip-PH attached to my istD with or without the BG1 grip connected depending on how I'm using the body. This is a sturdy hand and wrist grip. It's comfortable in with or without the BG1. Since I'm used to a neck strap, my set up includes both the wristgrip and neck strap. Larry in Dallas
Re: Miffed at Adorama (Gotta vent!)
Shel continued: I'm not looking for guarantees, but I do have an expectation of a certain level of service. That probably stems from my background. Pretty much my whole family was in a service business at one time or another. Plus, I grew up in the era of trust and respect. Sure, many here are looking for a low cost, reliable purveyor. That's what buying on line is all about. However, when it's time to interface with a real person, it would be nice if that person possessed knowledge, skill, common sense, and a friendly, helpful demeanor. The entire process starts going downhill when you're on interminable hold listen to a message every few minutes that says Your call is important to us. Well, if the call is so friggin' important, pick up the effin' phone. Staffing of customer service calls has become a science. In order to apparently provide a specific level of service for their customers, companies have learned: -how long a wait is too long -what is the level of knowledge their responders should have They address the first by staffing levels They address the second by staffing training High levels of customer service cost money. We've already told them we don't want to pay any more. Companies now are trying to walk the narrow line called cost effective customer service. Go below the level and your lack of service drives away customers. Go above the same level and your increase in costs either makes your sales unprofitable or prices too high - again driving away customers. WE did this when we turned our backs on the small, local, expensive, high service provider stores and move to their lower priced competitors. This is for any product that can be commoditized. Know any small businesses that successfully serve any but a niche market? For years, I've tried to patronize small local stores, often paying a premium to do so. I seem to be in a very small minority. Where I live most of them have either gone under or been bought up by national chains. All too often, this means that now when I actually need customer service, it really isn't available or I have to almost scream for it. It's our fault. Larry in Dallas
Re: Miffed at Adorama (Gotta vent!)
A truly miffed Shel posted: Yesterday I ordered an istDS2 from Adorama. The item was prominently posted on their site. It's time consuming to fill out all the forms and provide the information, but it had to be done ;-)) I was so happy to have found the camera I've been looking for available here in the US. This afternoon I received an email from Adorama. The camera is on backorder. They don't have the thing in stock. What a friggin' waste of time. That info should be posted right up front with all the other ordering and camera info. Welcome again to the world of customer-service that is not customer tested. I can certainly empathize with you. Of course, you could have spent your time on something more productive (like sleeping) and never had the desire to have your expectation raised to only have it dashed by lack of availability of the item you enthusiasticly plowed through the process to order. Unfortunately, this is all to common. At work (I'm a retired consultant/systems designer working at RadioShack) I have to deal with systems that were evidently not tested using real people. For example, to issue a new Cingular cell phone I request a desired area code early on page 2 and than enter all sorts of detailed information in pages 2, 3, 4 and 5 before the system tells me that that area code is not currently available and I have to back through all the pages and select an alternative number. Then I have to re-enter the data going forward again. This can happen for several iterations. No one bothered to think of checking for availability when requested. It would be all too easy for the site designer to have the system go through a routine to check availability before asking you to give them all that detailed data. But then again, their database may have indicated availability and the software would have blithely let you go on anyway. Sometimes I think that there is a huge market for people who will test and critique websites before they go live to the public. Usually the testers have too mujch knowledge and make assumptions that the real user wouldn't know enough to make. The public often just gets annoyed and goes away. The opportunity losses would pay for an huge amount of real testing. So what's the solution to your issue? I'm a systems kinda guy (beginning with first generation vacuum tube computers and programming in machine language), but when I really want to know about something, I call. This means I can talk to a real person who will tell me about the product actually being physically there and available for shipping to me. Most of the standard internet companies we deal with (e.g., KEH, Adorama, BH, etc.) will actually do this. Every once in a while, this process doesn't work for a more arcane product. I saw a Refconverter-A on the 17th Photo site for a great price. Not trusting this, I called and their rep went and got it. I ordered it and received a Refconverter (huge difference). I was even more disappointed than I had been while I was in the search process. I called them and they took it back and refunded me all my out of pockets with an apology. They even updated their website. I'm not complaining about 17th Photo. They made a mistake which they corrected. I'm just pointing out that even working with a live person leaves room for customer service errors. Good luck with your ongoing quest for a DS2. Larry in Dallas
Re: Re: Magnesium or plastic?
The usual reason for leaking/releasing data about products to be introduced prior to its actual introduction is to freeze the market. This keeps the Rob's of the world from making an early decision which may be detrimental to Pentax. Again, remember we are still dealing with a prototype. Sometimes production necessities rear their ugly heads and details may change prior to introduction. If Pentax released detailed specs and than was forced to change we'd all howl. Larry in Dallas
Re: Miffed at Adorama (Gotta vent!)
In passing Shel provided: The last two purchases I made from BH went to my PO box and were shipped from Brooklyn, NY, not from Manhattan where the store is located. Makes sense considering where their warehouse is located. Larry in Dallas
Re: Magnesium or plastic?
Rob Studdert rightfully complained: I just because it's apparently of no real bother to you when an upgrade camera is due or what its final specs are doesn't mean that it doesn't matter to or bother others. Info about what's coming from Pentax is important to me and will sway my decision to stay with or move away from Pentax. Moving away from Pentax will be both costly and time consuming for me so I really would like to know which way to go. Timing is an issue to me for various reasons which I'm not about to publish here. Unfortunately, you're just the type of person Pentax is trying to keep hanging around until they actually release the *ist D upgrade. If they didn't tell you what they were going to release, you'd have no problem making your decision, expensive as it may be, and go in another direction. They want to keep you around and are releasing as much information as necessary to do so. One of my systems was excedingly popular. For its first release, we shipped the second highest iterations of any commercial system (OS was the highest). While we were working on making it more effective and efficient, our competitors started releasing specs about their vaporware so as to both interest prospective purchasers and give us additional enhancements to add for our next release. Their initial releases were scheduled to be earlier than our enhancements. To keep our customer base from bolting (and I'm talking about a 7 figure system), we had to release prospective specifications before I knew just what would really work. I had lots of araguments with marketing over that issue. Unfortunately, it's often about who you know at the releaser. I'd get calls from customers I had good relationships with, asking about specific capabilities. I had to walk the line of telling them what I expected to release as tested and working without giving any guarantees as to what would be there. I'm sure this is working with the Pentax upgrade, but the people getting the skinny aren't allowed to spread it around. You've got a business to run, and this doesn't help you to make timely decisions. I've been there and I know how hard it can be. I remember designing another system based on the promised capabilities of a database enhancement. I really didn't like gambling a lot of people's food and rent money on someone else's promise and worked out a drop-dead date for adequate proof to be available before cutting off pursuit of alternative (and expensive) paths. It was a painful period. Larry in Dallas
Re: Miffed at Adorama (Gotta vent!)
Shel continued to vent with: While in general you're correct about calling and speaking to a person live, that's still no guarantee of getting good service these days. I've made numerous calls to various stores about this camera, and only three people I spoke with were knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely helpful. Another was helpful but neither knowledgeable nor friendly. I guess a (generously graded) 25% hit rate's not too bad these days LOL I didn't know you wanted guarantees of good customer service. Usually that costs more :-) On this list, most of us are looking for the low-cost reliable purveyor. Sometimes, gurantees of proper customer service are one of the costs the provider chooses to pare. Larry in Dallas
Re: Curious
Derby Chang responed to my delineation of the *ist D timeline with a wonderful summary: I'm in medical device product development. Consumer gear has different constraints, but I'll bet the frustrations are the same. * Marketing changes their product requirements every 3-2 months * Upper management moves the company in different strategic directions once a year * Regulatory hurdles get tighter each year. Europe and China are currently putting in ROHS and WEEE requirements for recyclable and waste material * Software bugs are found requiring big iterations through marketing, design and testing again * Hardware bugs are found requiring big iterations through marketing, design, refabrication, and testing again * Engineers put off finishing their required documentation until right at the end * Suppliers fail to meet delivery schedules * Finance puts on the brakes because the product doesn't meet the initial cost of goods estimate * Service guys get upset because they have been left out of the loop and haven't been trained and there is no service strategy before product release. I love it, and wouldn't want to be in any other job. For over 3 decades, I was a technology consultant. I find Derby's description dead-on. It fits most product development in most industries. (If the product is a financial instrument, there are additional ramifications to make up for the lack of supplier-related problems, etc.) About the only thing he left out is sales having informed the market of an apparently totally different product while all this was going on and having to deal with this while trying to introduce what was actually created. I have learned that: In the garment industry - go for the first cut (each ensuing production run will use cheaper and quicker methods and materials) In mechanical products - try for the third iteration (if the comany is still in business, they'll have worked out the tiniest of details that get in the way of using the product as intended) In electronics - try for the second iteration (this is where the corrections are implemented and before the enhancements can screw it up further) In software - try for the third release (it may actually do what you were sold - this is typical for MS) Any wonder I waited to get an *ist D that was about a year into production? Larry in Dallas
Curious
Pentax has us all on tenterhooks by the way they are introducing the new version of the D. I'm curious as to why we would expect anything faster than we are getting from them. In October 2001, Pentax announced the cancellation of their full frame DSLR. That announcement mentioned the production of a different DSLR which wound up being the *ist D. In October 2002, Pentax alluded to introducing a DSLR in 2003. In February 2003, Pentax actually announced the *ist D with an expected launch date of June/July 2003. They showed a prototype in March 2003. In May 2003, Pentax announced the delay in availability from June 2003 to August 2003. In August 2003, they released the specifications. Digital Photography Review posted its review of the D in October 2003, fully two years after Pentax first indicated its existence. If past is prologue, why should we have expected anything faster? Larry in Dallas
Re: Question: Should I buy an ist D?
It's really very simple. Where are you now? What feels comfortable? What are you going to shoot after your spurt? If you are coming from the ability to use Hyper mode, you'll miss it on any other body than the D. (Surprise, this was the key reason I spent the extra money.0 How does it feel in your hand. I liked the build quality and the ease of working. If it doesn't feel right, you have to overcome that feeling to get comfortable using it. Sometimes that point never arrives, and the camera feels like a chore to take with you and use. For me, coming from a Z-1, it felt just a tad small. The availability of a battery grip clinched it. You've got a whirlwind of activity coming, but at these prices, you'll probably be using the body for a lot longer. What do you normally shoot? If you are primarily involved in action shots, you may want to look elsewhere. I've never had a write time or focus issue, but food doesn't normally run around. It might melt under the lights, but that just means not placing the delicate items under the lights' heat until just before the shooting. Good Luck with whatever you choose. There's a lot of great choices out there. Larry in Dallas
Re: Viewfinder accessories Q
David queried: I need to find a magnifying right-angle viewfinder for ME Super and ZX-5. The Refconverter-A seems to be rare and expensive. I've heard that an Olympus Varimagni will fit over the Pentax eyepiece and work just fine. Can someone confirm (or deny) this? Fred replied: 'Tis true. The OM Varimagni fits just slightly more snugly than the Pentax, but it works quite well. (It does give a mirror image, unlike the Godfrey further elucidated: I obtained an Olympus VariMagni unit and find that it fits the MX and *ist DS viewfinder eyepieces *perfectly*. Here's a picture: http://homepage.mac.com/godders/ds-w-olympus-varimagni.jpg It is very crisp and clear, the two magnifications are both useful. Compared to the Refconverter A, the only disadvantage is that it doesn't correct the image for left-right reversal. I purchased mine as NOS for $134, with box and case. KEH.com had a few in EXC condition used for around $90. I find this to be a brighter, clearer, more useful right-angle finder used with the *ist DS than the Canon Angle Finder C with the Canon 10D. Godfrey I offer an alternative: There is a Seagull Right Angle Viewfinder from China. It offers clear 1x 2x images that are corrected left-right (no reversal). It is well constructed and comes with a passle of adapters to enable its use on post-K Pentaxes, Nikons, Canons, etc. The Pentax adapter fits it to my MX and D. In the 1x mode, I can still read the viewfinder data as well as see the image. The Seagull is available as a Buy-it-now from several shops on e-Bay for well under $100 including shipping and insurance. Larry in Dallas
Re: Delkin pop-up shade for *ist D
John Celio explained: The screens on the D and the DS are the same size, I believe. You're probably thinking of the DL's screen, which is much bigger. Had the DS's screen been bigger than the D's, I probably wouldn't have had to cut and move the hood to properly fit the D. I used my Dremel tool with a thin cut-off wheel for the cutting, and 5-minute-setting epoxy to put the pieces back together. Anyway, here are some pics I took just now: http://www.neovenator.com/special/hood2.jpg The parts that look wet on the black plastic are where I tried to wipe off excess epoxy. The eyepiece used to be centered over the hood, so you can see here how far off it was when put on the D instead of its intended camera model, the DS. http://www.neovenator.com/special/hood1.jpg Since I don't own another digital camera but wanted to show the hood on my D, here is a mirror-in-mirror shot of the hood in action. It fits like a glove now, and I love having it there. The hood fits right under my glasses if I look through the viewfinder while the hood is open By the way, to the right of the viewfinder on the D, the body rises towards the user a little bit. In order to get the hood to fit squarely, I had to cut away a little bit from the back of the hood's eyepiece (if your heart just skipped a beat or two thinking I was going to cut into my camera, sorry about that). It was a minor modification, but it makes it fit perfectly square now. Good luck with the surgery if you get the hood to try on your D. :) Given your enthusiasm, I located the subject DS shade, checked it out on the store's D (yes, there are still stores that have at least 1 in stock), and bought it. Actually, the DS has a slightly larger screen (2.0 vs 1.8). This means that it sort of works as it comes out of the plastic. In fact it is currently residing on my D. Now, I'm trying to convince myself to follow your quite explicit instructions. Especially since it provides me with a reason to have a Dremel. Thanks, Larry in Dallas
Delkin pop-up shade for *ist D
An enabled John Celio wrote: -- Delkin pop-up LCD shade http://www.delkin.com/store/customer/product.php?productid=270cat=63page=1 I had to do a little surgery to get this to fit properly on my *ist D, but it was worth the effort (had to cut the eyepiece off and epoxy it back on a little to the right). The shade makes a huge difference in bright sunlight, and I like having it there to protect my screen anyway. John - What does the end result look like? I'm looking for something to protect the still unscratched D LCD and, since Delkin doesn't have one specific to the D, I've been looking at their 1.8 generic. Hadn't thought of hanging the DS on - there's that difference in screen size. Larry in Dallas
Re: lens around to buy?
In a fit of rare lack of understanding Rob Studdert admitted: missing something given my view of Pentax's apparent practices, they don't strike me as a company who are striving to service their customers, hell even Pal said so in a roundabout way. :-) Rob is missing the animal husbandry meaning of the term servicing. In the recent past Pentax has been extensively using that defintion with regard to its customers. Larry in Dallas
Re: Which lens do you use most?
1. FA28-105 f4-5.6 2. FA20-35 f4 used with evermore frequency on *istD 3. Everything else Larry in Dallas
Re: OT: Martin Luther King Day
On 1/16/06, Tom C [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Not taking anything away from what you said Frank. But I wonder... if they hadn't been assasinated, would they be viewed as such stellar figures? We shall never know as their works ended abrubtly. Andd Frank replied You're right. Here's my thoughts (not that you asked...): I think that RFK would have won the Democratic ticket in '68. Had he done so, I think he'd have beaten Nixon. He'd have gotten the US out of Vietnam much faster than Nixon was able to. He'd have also brought in comprehensive social programmes. He'd have increased US support for Israel. How all of those things would have played out is hard to say. I think the US (for better or worse?) would have been a far different place than it is today. As for MLK Jr., that's harder to say. By the time of his assassination, he was increasingly being seen as old guard in the Civil Rights Movement. More radical groups and individuals were pushing him out of the spotlight somewhat. The inner cities of the US were burning, and he and his fellow-advocates of non-violence didn't seem to have any answers to that. In any event, all I was thinking (even if I didn't quite say it g) is that the assassination of those two figures changed America in a way that we will never fully comprehend: for better or worse, who knows? What I do know is that Martin Luther King accomplished more in his 39 years than most of us could accomplish in 10 lifetimes. No matter how his legacy might have changed were he not assassinated, his life speaks for itself; in my eyes he was one of the towering figures in the 20th Century (or any other century, for that matter). It's interesting, last night I heard some reasons against devoting a day to memorializing Martin Luther King. One of which was to attack him on a personal basis (I guess I'll have to stop looking at Picasso's artwork and listening to Wagner's music, etc.) and the other was a complaint that he is the only American to have a day devoted solely to him. We have combined Lincoln's birthday (not previously celebrated in many states) with Washington's birthday in celebrating President's Day. I thought about this for a while, and realized that we celebrate a day honoring the birth of an individual who also had his life terminated in his 30s (and therefore we don't know what he could have accomplished in his later years) and he wasn't even an American. Yet these same people seem almost violent in their promotion of celebrating Christmas. Oops! My bad. I was looking for logic. Larry in Dallas
KEH enablement
For quite some time, I've wanted the FA 20-35 zoom lens. Then I saw it available from KEH as an excellent +. When I called, KEH said they couldn't promise its arrival prior to Christmas. I told them I didn't care since it was for me. Of course, it arrived on the 23rd and the only differences I could discern between their excellent+ and a new lens are the absence of the box, the soft case and the instruction manual. I typically toss the box, have several cases that I don't use and have other instruction manuals that pertain to this lens. The lens looks cosmetically perfect to my eyes (they must be amazingly picky) and the resultant pictures are just what I bought the lens for - any imperfections are due to operator error. A thrilled Larry in Dallas
RE: Any reason not to buy a *istD?
It's been my tool of obvious choice since it's owned me. I have yet to shoot in a situation that caused me to want something else currently available that isn't significantly more expensive. Sure, I'd like my wide angle lenses to retain their apparent perspective when mounted on the *istD, but I haven't seen a remotely affordable alternative. That said, the reason not to buy one is that it costs more than its siblings. I think that it's better constructed and the way it works fits the way I had become accustomed to work, but if the advantages it offers aren't worth it to you, than that's ample reason not to buy it. Larry in Dallas
Re: Orphaned Power Zoom Lenses
I've used the FA 28-105 and 100-300 on my Z-1 since they all came out. Loved and used the power zoom facility other than when I was trying to be more discrete (the whining noise attracts attention even before the mirror whack). However, I also used them on earlier models (e.g., SuperProgram and MX) before I went for the D. This meant that when I began shooting them on the D, I really didn't miss the zoom capability. I also realized how much of a battery drainer it is. 'Twould be nice to see it come back - but way down the list which primarily includes full K M capability as well as not having the 1.5 magnification effect. Larry in Dallas
JCO is right, so ...
OK! JCO's premise makes sense, and it would have not cost Pentax any 'significant' money to continue with the enabling of K M lenses. They didn't do it. Now what? I think one of his premises is falacious. He seems to be attributing logic to their choice of what to include. If recent past is prelude, we should not expect logical behavior from Pentax. Was it logical to pre-introduce a full-sized sensor seemingly based on the MZ-S before being absolutely sure that they would produce such a much-desired (at least within this list) DSLR? It certainly wasn't prudent. Maybe we should treat Pentax like religion. (And to some of us, this might not be much of a stretch.) Then we wouldn't expect it to follow logical laws, and simply have faith. Of course JCO is vainly trying to convince us of the validity of his logic by iteratively presenting the same material in a similar manner. I remember consistently performing the same activity while expecting different results as being a definition of something. Oh well, we all do that at times. Larry in Dallas
Re: JCO is right, so ...
Lets examine this post - ---Why not examine what I actually wrote (you did include it below), and not what you felt like writing about. you are stating that I am correct and logical in this premise ---Actually I said that it made sense and it would have not cost Pentax any 'significant' money to continue with the enabling of K M lenses. but that's just a religion of mine ---Neither what I said nor what I meant. I said that maybe we should treat Pentax like religion and not expect it to be logical. I am asking people to follow vainly ---Where did I say this? I said you were vainly trying to convince us of the validity of [your] logic by iteratively presenting the same material in a similar manner. The vainness has nothing to do with vanity, but has to do with the apparent lack of success you've had in getting a substantial number of people to recognize the validity of your logic. Thus your attempt may have been valid, but it was in vain. and PENTAX is illogical. ---Here their behavior has not met your logical standards. They have behaved illogically in the past. so **I am insane*** because I don't expect illogical behavior from PENTAX? ---Did I call you insane? I don't see that in the text. If you read it into the text, I'm sorry. I described a continuous performance of an activity expecting a different result. I was not arguing ad hominum. I even included myself as a practitioner of this type of activity. I think you need medical help if you are serious. You've mentioned your engineering background. I had no idea that your background also included medical training. And I am dead serious. I think this is the crux of the issue. Lighten up. Sure it would be nice if Pentax produced a DSLR that fully enabled usage of K M lenses. In the grand scheme of your life or mine, how important is it. You've certainly seriously tried to convince us of how important it is. 1 - We are not the appropriate target. Pentax is. 2 - Most of us really agree with you. You may be pressing the issue so hard that some find it more enjoyable to disagree. JCO -Original Message- From: Larry Levy [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2005 10:30 AM To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: JCO is right, so ... OK! JCO's premise makes sense, and it would have not cost Pentax any 'significant' money to continue with the enabling of K M lenses. They didn't do it. Now what? I think one of his premises is falacious. He seems to be attributing logic to their choice of what to include. If recent past is prelude, we should not expect logical behavior from Pentax. Was it logical to pre-introduce a full-sized sensor seemingly based on the MZ-S before being absolutely sure that they would produce such a much-desired (at least within this list) DSLR? It certainly wasn't prudent. Maybe we should treat Pentax like religion. (And to some of us, this might not be much of a stretch.) Then we wouldn't expect it to follow logical laws, and simply have faith. Of course JCO is vainly trying to convince us of the validity of his logic by iteratively presenting the same material in a similar manner. I remember consistently performing the same activity while expecting different results as being a definition of something. Oh well, we all do that at times. Larry in Dallas --
De gustibus
JCO opined: I think you are overlooking a MAJOR truism I have found in my experience, and that is that when it comes down to it, the average person DOESN'T WANT what the pros use because they are just plain cheap when it comes to buying things that are not their main hobby or interest and when they hear the word professional they run for cover because They don't need that due to an instant knee jerk reaction that professional means expensive and it's most likely just overkill for them even if its not the case at all. For the vast majority of non enthusiasts good enough is BETTER than professional in their minds... JCO does not cause us to have to guess his opinion, however, it is not always based on facts. **It usually is** but if you put enough out there, you make some mistakes. Most of the people I used to work with recognized the superior capabilities of a Porsche 911 when compared to what they owned and drove. They didn't make their choices based on good enough being better than professional. They came to the conclusion that, given their available resources, it wasn't cost justified. I often sell digicams and am faced with people whose desires vastly exceed their budgets. After we go over why and how they will use the item they come to the conclusion that what they choose will meet their needs without causing them to stint on necessities. Do they realize that there is something better available? Yes. Do they want to own the better/best item? Yes. They certainly aren't enthusiasts, but they view the digicam they are going to buy as good enough to meet their needs, not as better than a professional camera. They've come to the conclusion that owning good enough is better than not owning professional. Larry in Dallas
Re: more green button wars
JCO opined: Like I said if anyone here thinks stop down metering is better or as good as open aperture metering than I would like and explanation why NONE of the camera companies use it anymore or even offer it as an option in additon to open aperture metering? Because its isnt as good that's why. He really knows better than that. The reason companies no longer offer stop down metering is very simple. There is insufficient market for it. Relative quality doesn't matter. Anyone here remember the Chrysler push-button automatic transmission? I thought it was exponentially better than the typical gear shift lever. The majority of the marketplace disagred with me and Chrysler. They went the way of stop down aperture metering cameras. Larry in Dallas
Re: Film for my digital camera
Barry Rice asked: Are all SD cards more or less equal, given storage volume? (I see BH has some 1Gig Sandisks from $88, which looks ok.) I have downloaded the pdf manual on the DS, and estimate 1Gig would hold about 86 RAW images. If this disk fills up in the field, can I slip in a new one, just like changing film? Since you are talking about use of the DS in the field, it sounds like you are more concerned with writing time than uploading time. Unless you are going to shoot in bursts, the SD speed will not be a factor. Get large enough storage from reputable manufacturers. The usual suspects (e.g., SanDisk Lexar) pertain. For speed of uploading, use a card reader. They are fast, cheap and reliable. Additionally, there is no strain on the DS batteries. Changing disks in the field is easier than changing film. Your DS is a computer. I would use typical caution, and turn off the camera while changing SDs. Nothing untoward may happen if you change SDs with the camera on, but ... Larry in Dallas
Re: Ordered the DS this Morning
Shel, I think you've agonized enough. Now that you've made the commitment, enjoy. It's a great tool. You'll pretty much love it. As with everything, there will be aspects that will truly annoy you, but you'll be having too much fun to let them bother you. After decades in technology, the only advice I normally give is not to look back. There'll always be cheaper, faster, better ones on the radar screen. Just think about how much you're enjoying what you've got. Good move! Larry in Dallas
Belkin Pop-up Shade
I asked Belkin about the availibility of a Pop-up Shade for the *istD and received the following response: We are currently reviewing this model. I will pass your request on for consideration in future model decisions and I will email you if we decide to carry this model. Thanks, Jennifer Wood New Product Specialist 13350 Kirkham Way Poway, CA 92064 858-391-1234 x164 www.delkin.com If anyone else is interested, why not contact Jennifer. Larry in Dallas
Re: Is it a grip or a strap?
Powell Hargrave stated: I like grip straps but there is the problem of what to do if you need to use both hands. I hate to set my camera down in an uncertain area so now I just wrap the normal Pentax strap around my wrist 3 times when I want the camera off my neck/shoulder. Not as nice as a grip strap but more versatile. I've solved that issue with the Hacuba wrist strap. I attach both the wrist strap and neck strap to the camera and have the wrist security when I want it, and the neck security when I think that is appropriate. Larry in Dallas
Hoodman Equivalent for *ist D
Anyone know of an equivalent to the Hoodman that would work with the *ist D? Larry in Dallas
Re: Excessive Photoshopping?
Tom Reese was reminded of the story about Henry VIII who selected a wife based on her portrait and was more than a little disappointed when she finally showed up. She eventually lost her head. Almost. Anne of Cleves was divorced. Henry didn't behead wives with foreign ties - just English wives (Ann Boleyn Catherine Howard). Hint to excessive photoshoppers: Henry was remoured to have contemplated removing the portrait painter Holbein's head. Larry in Dallas
Re: A new poll: Your first pentax?
It's a little late, but hey, I'm supposed to be retired and I'm working 2 jobs while trying to redo a bathroom. In '68, shortly before the birth of our first child, my brother-in-law got me a deal on a Spotty with a 50mm 1.4 for $100. I had seen previous versions in a PX in Heidelberg, so I knew this was what I wanted. It's been better than I had hoped. I had been having a great time with it and the lenses I accumulated over 20 years (28, 35, 135, 200) when I moved to Texas and a co-worker led me to explore what the world of photography had become. Suddenly, I was shooting a SuperProgram with a Tamron 35-210 3.5-4.2. That, plus a K adaptor and the world was wonderful. Now, when I got lazy, I wouldn't walk to the right perspective and the camera would choose an OK exposure. I started shooting food shots for pub in newspapers and magazines and, as ever, either camera could take better pictures than I would. When work took me to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, my wife, who had joined me for our 30th anniversary, insisted that I use the occasion to upgrade my camera. So, I came home with a Z-1 and an FA28-105 and FA100-300 to take even more food and agricultural (e.g., pecan orchard, olive grove) shots. Did I say that my wife is a food writer? Years later, I unfortunately discovered something called PDML. A true mistake. Y'all somehow enveigled me into an MX, a KX and an *istD with still more lenses. OK! Now I'm even further behind the curve as to my capability vs the camera's capability. Still treasure the Spotty which continues to pull its own weight. Larry in Dallas
Re: London Bombing update
Cotty, in a feeling of mea culpa wrote: I feel responsible because I posted an update on the London angle - please find your favourite news page for further updates. Cotty, you didn't start anything. Your message was factual and informative to those of us who were following the event. I truly appreciated the early update. OK, some of us decided to rant and rave (euphemism) at each other based upon personal feelings and beliefs. You're certainly not responsible for their lack of control and vituperativeness. Larry in Dallas
Re: pentax-discuss-d Digest V05 #1631
- Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2005 8:25 AM Subject: pentax-discuss-d Digest V05 #1631 -- Content-Type: text/plain pentax-discuss-d Digest Volume 05 : Issue 1631 Today's Topics: GESO: A story about Barber Shop and [ Michael Spivak [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] Re: FishEye for digital (was: A15mm/ [ Mark Roberts [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] Re: GESO: A story about Barber Shop [ Scott Loveless [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] Re: Re[2]: OT: Linux/WINE [ Doug Franklin [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] Re: Back! (for a while) [ Frantisek [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] Re: Yet even still more photos: Gran [ Paul Stenquist [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] Re: Re: Definitions WAS Re: London B [ William Robb [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] Re: Definitions WAS Re: London Bombi [ William Robb [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] Re: FishEye for digital (was: A15mm/ [ William Robb [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] Re: Definitions WAS Re: London Bombi [ Cotty [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] Re: London Bombing update [ Cotty [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] Re: London Bombing update [ Cotty [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] Re: Re: Back! (for a while) [ mike wilson [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] Re: OT OT OT -- Re: Definitions WAS [ P. J. Alling [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] Re: Blue Dragon [ Mark Cassino [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] Re: PESO - Mittens at Dusk[ P. J. Alling [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] Philly PDML Report and Gallery[ Rick Womer [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] Re: PESO - Mittens at Dusk[ Cotty [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] Re: PESO - Mittens at Dusk[ Cotty [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] Re: Why an istDs? [ P. J. Alling [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] Re: Back! (for a while) [ Tom Reese [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] Re: Re: London Bombing update [ mike wilson [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] Re: GESO: A story about Barber Shop [ Rick Womer [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] Re: Re: Back! (for a while) [ mike wilson [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] Re: Philly PDML Report and Gallery[ Tom Reese [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] Re: Kodak HIE advice please? [ Mark Cassino [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] Re: Why an istDs? [ P. J. Alling [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] -- Date: Wed, 13 Jul 2005 13:49:29 +0200 From: Michael Spivak [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: GESO: A story about Barber Shop and what happens inside Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Content-Disposition: inline Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit I know i don't comment much.. but i REALLY watch all the photos in the list :) Here is a little story i've try to tell about 1 small barber shop that my wife likes... http://mishka.site.co.il/gallery/BarberShop Comments or critique are welcome !!! PS: please try to look at it as a story and not as each photo by it's own Michael -- Date: Wed, 13 Jul 2005 07:54:18 -0400 From: Mark Roberts [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: FishEye for digital (was: A15mm/3.5...) Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Bertil Holmberg [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Would you buy a A15mm/3.5 for a *istDS? I mean, at 22mm practical focal length it would be a bit waisted. How does a fisheye of similar length perform comparison wise? I have no experience of that kind of lens at all. Is the 16/17mm fisheye at all useful with the *istDS? I find the 15mm f/3.5 very useful on the ist-D. True, it works like a 22mm would on a full-frame (film) SLR, but that's a useful focal length for me :) I've also tried the Zenitar 16mm fisheye. It is also very useful on the ist-D. Very wide angle of view and the fisheye distortion can be corrected in Photoshop if you want. It's not as sharp as a Pentax lens and exhibits really bad flare, but it's a bargain for the price. -- Mark Roberts Photography and writing www.robertstech.com -- Date: Wed, 13 Jul 2005 07:58:00 -0400 From: Scott Loveless [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: GESO: A story about Barber Shop and what happens inside Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Content-Disposition: inline Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Ok, I tried to look at it as a story. They're all wonderful, but I still like number 5 the best. The overall feel and the composition of the last photo really appeals to me. I like the slight tilt, too. Thanks for sharing. Good work. On 7/13/05, Michael Spivak [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I know i don't comment much.. but i REALLY watch all the photos in the list :) Here is a little story i've try to tell about 1 small barber shop that my wife likes... http://mishka.site.co.il/gallery/BarberShop Comments or critique are welcome !!! PS: please try to look at it as a story and not as each photo by
Re: The instigation of enablement
OK! Your cure for the enablement disease (find a more expensive hobby) doesn't work. I went from buying recordings (over 8,000) to getting involved in photography. I was doing fine until I encountered all of you wonderful enablers. I'm starting to realize how the '50's bebop jazz pianist Sonny Clark must have felt. He was addicted to heroin and decided that the best way to kick it was heavy drinking. Guess who died an alcohol-related death at 31. Oh well, on to Debtors Anonymous ; ) Kidding aside, members on this list have introduced me to a much wider world of photography than I dreamed of. Sometimes the information is overwhelming and I reach saturation. You guys (I grew up in NYC. Guys is all inclusive.) have taught me a lot and made photography much more challenging and enjoyable. Larry in Dallas
Re: A new poll: Your first pentax?
Shortly before my first child was born in 1968, I upgraded from a very early
('59) Olympust PS to a Spotmatic. This is the first in a long line of
Pentaxes that are capable of taking better pictures than I am. I've won
awards with the Spotty and had pictures published in newspapers, but I'm
proudest of my daughter having asked me to take her college yearbook picture
with it.
It still works quite well. If I decide to use it, and want to avail myself
of the metering capabilities, I just get a replacement battery at Radio
Shack and the meter is as accurate as ever.
Strange. I bought each of our daughters an SLR when she graduated from high
school (a Nikormat and a Ricoh). I don't think either even knows where it
is.
Larry in Dallas
Re: The instigation of enablement
This list is beyond an instigator - it's more of a pusher. Since I've been reading, and sometimes contributing, somehow I've managed to acquire: Bodies: KX, MX, *ist D Body Attachments: Motor Drive A (for SuperProgram), Winder MX, Hand Grip FDP (for Z-1), Battery Grip D-BG1 (for *ist D), Hakuba Wrist Grip-PH (for *ist D) Lenses: SMCP-F FEZ17-28, SMCP-F Z 80-200 (plus filters) Flash: AF500FTZ, Stratos Bracket SI-1035 Additional: Hot-Shoe Adapter F, Sync Cord FP, Manfrotto Monopod 680B with Manfrotto Head 3229, Lowepro NOVA 5 AW bag, Domke PhoTOGS Vest It's not that I didn't have an inkling that I had a preponderance, but three bodies from 1968 to 2003 along with a gaggle of lenses and accessories, didn't prepare me for what might happen. OK, I know about the disease, anyone know about a cure? Larry in Dallas
Re: *ist DL in the New York Times
Paul Stenquist informed us: The *ist DL gets a nice brief review and picture in the New York Times today. The author gives kudos to Pentax for backward lens compatibility. Very nice. It's on page C8 in the national edition. Let's give Pentax marketing and PR full marks. This dovetails very nicely with their new advertising For those of you without easy access, here's the text of the NYTimes story: Nice Fit: Old Lens on a New Digital S.L.R. Ian Austen Owners of single-lens reflex film cameras often find there is a catch when they try to use their lens collection on new digital camera bodies: with some brands, the old lenses simply will not fit. Others accept the lenses but do not offer any light metering when they are attached. A new $800 digital S.L.R. from Pentax, the oddly named *ist DL, accepts every lens Pentax has made for its 35-millimeter cameras, although adapters are required in some cases. Pentax also offers adapters for lenses originally made for its larger-format film cameras. The *ist DL's light metering system will work with older lenses, although it may not always operate in automatic mode. The 6.1-megapixel *ist DL is similar to Nikon's recently introduced D50 and Canon's Digital Rebel XT because it shares many parts and specifications with the company's more expensive digital cameras. To lower its price, which includes an 18-55 millimeter zoom lens, a few higher-end features have been removed or altered. For example, instead of using a prism to straighten out the viewfinder image, the *ist DL uses a less sophisticated series of mirrors. But the camera's display screen, at 2.5 inches, is big. It's accompanied by a picture of the not yet released DL. Larry in Dallas
Re: PAW PESO GESO POW WOW ZOWIE - Film is Not Dead
frank theriault fantasized (gloriously) about Mr. Greenjeans Actually, he was the Godfather. Not just of Pee Wee Herman (which he was), but in the Don Corleone sense, of the whole late-50's early-60's Children's TV empire. No one could make a move without him: Jim Henson: Godfather, there's this new children's television show, Sesame Street. They' re calling for puppets, just like I do. I'd be perfect for their puppeteer. They say they won't give it to me. They say there's no chance, no chance. I don't know what to do, I don't know what to do... Mr. Greenjeans: You can act like a man! (slaps Henson in the face) What's the matter with you? Is this how you turned out? A Hollywood finocchio that ah cries like a woman? (then imitates Henson, as Mr. Kangaroo giggles). Yup, behind that those unassuming green overalls was an evil genius, a cruel but effective leader, controlling the whole industry... I knew Mr. Greenjeans and frankly, you're no Mr. Greenjeans. Actually Lumpy was a great guy. I was on the Captain Kangaroo Show once with a litter of Bearded Collie puppies. Lumpy got all the information from me to use on the show. When the shooting in Hell's Kitchen was over, it was around 4:30. He suggested that the pups would do better if I waited till after six to start my drive home. He than sat around and talked with me for over two hours. A truly interesting gentleman with great wit and inquisitiveness. Some people deserve what they achieve. Larry in Dallas
Re: PAW PESO GESO POW WOW ZOWIE - Film is Not Dead
Shel Belinkoff mused: What most people don't know is that Captain Kangaroo (Keeshan) and Mr. Rogers (Fred Rogers), each of which had very successful shows for children, and who were acknowledged good friends, were really lovers, and Pee Wee Herman (Paul Reubens) is their secretly adopted son - a love child, so to speak. And where does that place Lumpy (Mr. Greenjeans)? Larry in Dallas
Re: Recognition
In response to Larry Levy's, discombobulated, unleashing of: Finally, we've achieved true recognition. Look at 24 down in today's New York Times crossword puzzle. Larry in Dallas bewildered Cotty asked For those of us not in north America, or without access to the NY Times, can you put us out of our misery? OK, for the disenlightened community (the NY Times xword puzzle is also published in the International Herald Tribune), the definition for 24 down was Canon competitor. Surprizingly, the answer wasn't Nikon. The correct answer was Pentax. Larry in Dallas
Recognition
Finally, we've achieved true recognition. Look at 24 down in today's New York Times crossword puzzle. Larry in Dallas
Re: Ready to order an Ist-D but a quick question to be sure
John Dalman, in a fit of adventure, wondered I'm still on the 1.0 firmware with an early *istD body, and wondering about updating. John, The update does positive things. It's existence was the clincher in my determination to go with the D. It allows me to use my non-automatic K-mount lenses in a simple, convenient way. I certainly am not sorry that I upgraded. My question is - since I don't use more than 1 gigabyte CF cards (I'm a many basket kind of guy), is the latest upgrade important? Larry in Dallas
Re: istd or istds or wait?
Buying a DSLR has become the photographic equivalent of buying a computer. If you wait, the new one will be better, faster, smaller and cheaper, but what will you use while you wait? Do you have a need/desire/itch for a DSLR? Is there one that will comfortably do what you want? Can you aford it? Go for it. Keep waiting and you'll be in what I used to call analysis paralysis, and you'll be waiting for years. Think of all the fun (artistic satisfaction?) you'll miss. This is a great list for enablement. If you ask the question should I? you can always rely on someone answering with a resounding yes. Just decide what it is that you think you'll need to take the pictures the way you'd want, and we'll give you lots of answers. Larry in Dallas
New Price for ist DS
In today's New York Times, I saw JR advertising the ist DS with 18-55mm kit lens for $829. I checked their website and it was $841 after you added shipping. They are a truly reputable firm I've dealt with over 3 decades. Their website is: http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4003306 Larry in Dallas -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.7.0 - Release Date: 3/8/2005
Re: *ist DS owners - Yay or Nay MODIFIED
Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2005 09:18:42 -0500 From: Scott Loveless [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: *ist DS owners - Yay or Nay Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Francis Alviar originally initiated this survey when he wrote: I'd like to ask *ist DS owners regarding their experience with this camera so far. Yay or nay? Any problems encountered? Ease of use? Any feature you wish it had? Satisfaction so far? I'm at the stage where I can finally (although barely) afford a DSLR and want to get owner's opinions on the camera. Thank you very much and hope to hear from the group. Scott Loveless modified this as follows: I'd like to modify Francis' question a bit if no one objects, as I'm in a similar situation. I've been weighing the D vs. DS. For the price of the D body, I can get a DS and a decent lens, such as the DA 16-45/f4. So it comes down to this: Do those of you who own a DS ever find yourself wanting a D, and do those of you with the D feel you could live with the DS? Why? I am responding as a D owner who actively chose the D over the DS. 1. Yay or nay? Emphatically yay. 2. Problems encountered? None. I've used it extensively since November 2004. 3. Ease of use? Intuitive. Slightly off-putting 4-way switch, which I've become accustomed to. 4. Features I wish it had? Full frame CCD so I wouldn't be looking for a new ultra-wide lens. Grip strap with the battery grip (addressed by adding the Hacuba accessory). I don't think the DS would have satisfied: - I already had a stock of CF cards, the replacement of which would have greatly eaten into the cost difference. - I came to the DSLR directly from a Z-1 and the D required very little change. - I take a lot of quickly moving subjects and prefer the option of continuous autofocus from hypermode. - The DS seemed to limit my facility for instantly changing what I want to do, and do it intuitively. - I would greatly miss the battery grip. It makes verticals easier, gives someplace for my pinky to rest, and, of course, provides for more shooting without having to replace batteries. Larry in Dallas -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.7.0 - Release Date: 3/8/2005
Wrist Grip for Camera
When I first got my ist D, I knew that I would opt to add the Battery Grip. I was used to the Hand Grip F on my Z-1, and there wasn't any place for the rest of my hand on the ist D body. The Battery Grip was great, giving me the additional benefit of more power and a vertical shutter release. However, I missed the hand strap aspect of the Hand Grip F. I began the search for a similar strap for my hand.that would work on the ist D with the Battery Grip in place. I found the Op/Tech Grip Camera Strap. It wraps around both hand and wrist and appeared quite effective. I didn't like the look or feel and thought that I might find it too warm in Texas summers. I looked further. I found the Hakuba line. They produce the Hand Grip Strap featured on ebay 3877946031. I thought this too flimsy and looked at the Grip-PH (model KGP-01). This fits around bth hand and wrist and provides enhanced grip and support. I also liked the way it looks and feels. It does not interfere with my access to the CompactFlash. I've been using it for several months. It's even more secure in feel than the Z-1's Hand Grip. Note: Hakuba's directons depict attaching the camera shoulder strap to the open slot on the other end of the hand grip attachment screw mount. I wasn't happy with the idea of the camera hanging vertically from my neck (as this set-up would require). In stead of attaching the camera shoulder strap to this slot, I attached it to the same camera strap fixture to which I had attached the Grip-PH. This replicates, in principal, the way the Hand Grip F and the strap are attached to my Z-1. It works well for me. I highly recommed the Hakuba Grip-PH. Larry in Dallas -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 266.5.5 - Release Date: 3/1/2005
Wall St Journal Recognition
I guess the ist DS is selling well enough to be included in today's (2/17/05) Personal Journal section of the World Street Journal. In an article (I don't have a link), by Pui-WingTam, about price wars escalating in DSLRs. Pentax is the second manufacturer mentioned (of course, after Canon and followed by Olympus Nikon). There is not much mention of Pentax in the story Canon is mainly featured,with Nikon second), but the *ist DS is pictured and depicted in the side-bar as $999.95 with lens and weighs in as one of the lighter SLRs, at less than 18 ounces. It's not the most technically accurate article, but it's there. Note: the new Canon Digital Rebel XT, with an 8 megapixel CMOS and weighing in at 17 ounces (does this have implications on feel and build quality?) will be in stores next month. Larry in Dallas -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 265.8.8 - Release Date: 2/14/2005
RE: OT - Anti is Upped
In the discussion of comparing 8MP to 6MP, JCO stated 8MP vs 6MP is simple to calculate in terms of larger print sizes while maintaining same image quality your print can now be ~15% wider AND ~15% taller with same absolute (dpi) quality level. If aspect ratio wasn't locked it would be easy to see the gain. You could make a print 33% wider, just like HDTV is 33% wider than the old 4x3 SDTV. I don't know how you can come up with 1 inch bigger without specifing the original. and it would never be 1 inch bigger in BOTH dimensions if he aspect ration doesn't change it would be 1 inch bigger on one dimension and 1.5 inch bigger on the other or 0.666 ich bigger on the other. Cant be 1 on BOTH dimesions with same aspect ratio. As and example if you had 6Mp 4x6 print, with 8MP you could do roughly a 4.5 by 7 inch print with same absolute dpi. but if you start with 8x12 print, then obviously the 8Mp could do 9 by 14. John, I think you are operating under the misundertanding that all pixels are created equal. As the article I posted recently indicated CMOS pixels and CCD pixels are not really comparable on a one-to-one basis. In the real world, you've got to take the pictures, make the enlargements, print them and compare. I've seen lots of situations where a 4MP digicam produced pictures that certainly weren't 1/3 better than those produced by a 3MP digicam (same manufacturer and lens). In some cases, they weren't measurably better. I guess we'll have to see production versions (and how they marry with their lenses) before we'll really know. It's sort of like asuming that all lenses with similar specs from different manufacturers are equal. I KNOW you know better than that. Larry in Dallas -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 265.8.8 - Release Date: 2/14/2005
About Digital Image Sensors
As part of my work at Radio Shack, I was refered to this web page: http://homepages.ihug.com.au/~parsog/photo/sensors1.html It provides an easy overview of the relationships of sensor type (CMOS and CCD),sensor size and picture noise and quality, as well as an explanation as to how and why all pixels aren't created equal. Larry in Dallas -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 265.8.7 - Release Date: 2/10/2005
Which 80-200?
I've got a chance to buy either a new FA 80-200 4.7-5.6 or a new F 80-200 4.7-5.6 lens for $100. Other than the obvious color and feel, which should I consider and why? Larry in Dallas -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 265.8.6 - Release Date: 2/7/2005
Fw: PENTAX *istDS FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION (1.01)
a.. At the long time exposure situation such as astronomical photography, green noise might be generated partially on the image when the noise reduction is turned on. This phenomenon only occur rarely under special shooting condition such as starry sky, and will never occur at the general situation that we are assuming. The version 1.01 will minimize this phenomenon as much as possible for the customer who use *istDS for this purpose. The above is a quote from the Pentax Japan website http://www.pentax.co.jp/english/support/ the download site is http://www.digital.pentax.co.jp/ja/info/20050121e.html This is only for the *istDS. Larry in Dallas -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 265.7.2 - Release Date: 1/21/2005
Re: More Dog Stuff
For many years, I would have said: Do your research, pick a breed, do more research and go to a reliable breeder for a puppy. I had a built in prejudice. My wife and I bred the first litter of Bearded Collies whelped in the New World, founded the Bearded Collie Club of America the day man first set foot on the moon and bred and showed champions in many categories (conformation, obedience, herding, etc.). It was fun, but we tired of the politics. We loved the breed (it's amazing how photogenic a shaggy dog can be) and later decided that there were too many unwanted specimens out there. We came to the conclusion that the way for us to go forward was to participate in the breed's rescue program. Now we have rescued (formerly unwanted) dogs number 4 and 5. It can take a while for an adult dog to learn to accept his new life and realize that this is where he belongs, but it is worth it when you see the light go on and become the recipient of its total affection. So now I would say: Do your research, pick a breed, do more research and find the right rescue association. They come in a variety of sexes (male, female and neutered) and ages, and you should get much more than you expected - a devoted pet and a free model. Larry in Dallas
Re: *istDS - first thoughts
Derby Chang posted Popped up some random thoughts about my first weekend with the *istDS. http://homepages.ihug.com.au/~derbyc/1st_DS/first_shots.htm On your website you bemoan the lack of a gripstrap available for the DS like the one for the PZ-1. You're half right. Pentax doesn't have a comparable Hand Grip FDP for the DS and it doesn't have a Battery Grip like the D-BG1 for the istD (and no port for the power). Still, all is not lost. After adding the Hand Grip FDP to my Z-1, I became quite used to using it as it made the camera more comfortable and the strap provided insurance. When I got my istD, I added the D-BG1. This made the D more like what I was used to, but gave me no insurance. Someone posted that he added an Op-Tech hand grip to his D, and that this compounded the difficulty in accessing the CF card. I liked the idea, and went looking. I wound up with a Hakuba Grip-PH which I screwed into the tripod mount of the D-BG-1 and attached to the D strap lug (attaching the strap to the Grip-PH). The Grip-PH is made of material similar to the FDP's material and has the added advantage of wrapping around my wrist. (Note: If I remember to position the strap correctly, it doesn't provide any additional interference with CF access.) Hakuba also makes one that doesn't include a wrist strap. So, while I can't recommend anything to replace the hand grip aspect of the FDP on your PZ-1 for your DS, I can recommend the Hakuba to replace the strap aspect. Larry in Dallas
Re: Pentax Z-1
Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2005 10:42:21 +1100 From: Trevor Bailey [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Pentax Z-1 Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Trevor shouted: G'day All. I have just acquired a used Pentax Z-1. I am looking for comments from people that have used this model as to the pro's con's of it. Is there a battery grip for the Z-1 ? Also, comments please on how it compares to the ZX-L and to the SFXn. The lenses to be used are the run of the mill Pentax A 50 f:2, F 35-135, F 70-200, F 35-105. Tamron AF 28-105, AF 28-200 And Sigma AF 28-105, AF 28-200, AF 28-300. Trevor, You'll love it. I've used a Z-1 since they first hit Asia (was working in Singapore Malaysia) as the next step from my Super-A. Everything very quickly became intuitive (and it's an ideal predecessor to the istD - my latest fascination) and it feels good in my hands. It's bigger than the istD and handles better with the (NON-Battery) grip which also makes it less likely to drop. It works fast and is bright and easy to frame. I guess that I'm one of the few that use the power zoom (except when the sound would be intrusive). Since a lot of my shots are food related, and paella doesn't easily startle, I use it. However, your lenses won't use that feature and it is a battery eater. It also works well with 42m lenses (a legacy from my '68 Spotmatic - which still works quite well) using the Pentax adapter. Larry in Dallas My, you've got a lot of overlapping glass -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 265.7.0 - Release Date: 1/17/2005
Re: Is Pentax Broken? Is it time for a Eulogy
Last month, the Pentax rep was at the Wolf multi-rep show in Dallas. She enabled me to side-by-side compare the istD DS and helped in my deciding to go with the D. However, when I went back there this week to thank my salesman and make sure that he got his commission (he wasn't there when I actually bought it), he said that he's got two more customers waiting for a D (back-ordered from Pentax) and still did not have any DSs to display or sell. In my life as a consultant, I would try to explain to my client that this type of behavior is quite fine if you are attempting to enter chapter 11 (reorganization aspect of business bankruptcy) but a really poor way to actually make money. Making a good product is only the beginning of being successful. Maybe, this is based on the Pentax history of making a great product (SP) that placed them sufficiently ahead of their competition, that the product drove sales, and people would willingly wait to obtain it. (Probably lots of people on this list weren't even alive when this was true.) The world changed, but apparently the Pentax culture never really changed. We're all members of this list because of distinct affinities toward Pentax. We are the core of their quality market, yet I doubt if any of us can delineate concisely what Pentax is and what it is trying to become in five years. Usually, when your key customers don't know these key attributes, it's because you as a company don't know. If you don't know where you are and where you're going, how do you choose what to do and where to invest your money to get there? There is nothing wrong with a few mistakes on the journey, but having an absence of direction decisiveness is a prescription for disaster. So, I guess Pentax has a critical, but curable, disease, which, if they don't take action will mean that we'll only be able to buy old inventory or used equipment. Larry in Dallas --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.805 / Virus Database: 547 - Release Date: 12/6/2004
