Re: K-mount again (was Re: More info on Tamron's new AF 28-75 f/2.8 Di
From: "Alexandru-Cristian Sarbu" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: K-mount again (was Re: More info on Tamron's new AF 28-75 f/2.8 Di Date: Fri, 13 Jun 2003 19:14:24 +0200 Afaik, FA-J means FA-Junior. It's quite strange to name your best lenses "Junior" - that's why I really think that FA-J lenses will only be entry level. ;) True. That's why it surprises me that so many MZ-S users wants them. Best wishes Roland _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: K-mount again (was Re: More info on Tamron's new AF 28-75 f/2.8 Di
From: Caveman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: K-mount again (was Re: More info on Tamron's new AF 28-75 f/2.8 Di Date: Fri, 13 Jun 2003 11:55:34 -0400 a) A complete line of new USM and IS lenses and bodies, not compatible with previous K-mount. A full electrical mount. This one is already available. It's called Canon. Oh, I thought it was called Sigma. b) Some new USM and IS lenses, but with bodies that supports both the new lenses and the old ones. An electro-mechanical mount. It doesn't seem to be the current direction. Of course not. Judging by the latest releases, Pentax will only make entry level bodies and entry level zooms with plastic lens mounts. Instead of competing with Canon and Nikon, Pentax now see Cosina as the brand to match. That's the logical conclusion if we judge Pentax future by the FAJ lenses. Best wishes Roland _ Coola downloads från adidas! http://www.msn.se/mobil/adidas
Re: Compatibility
From: "whickersworld" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: Compatibility Date: Thu, 12 Jun 2003 18:19:58 +0100 When claiming that Nikon's two top 'pro' Nikon film bodies (F100 and F5) offer matrix metering with manual focus lenses, you are obviously unaware that neither AI nor AIS lenses cannot provide matrix metering on either camera body. However, matrix metering was possible with the F5's predecessor, the F4, and with the F100's predecessors, the F801/F801s which were sold in the USA as the N8008/N8008s. Therefore Nikon have removed yet another important element of compatibility. But I haven't claiimed that matrix metering works with manual lenses and the F100 and F5. Where should I have done that? But they can use the aperture ring on the lenses and aperture ring seems to concern Pentax users more than matrix or centreweighted metering. I have, for example, never seen any complaints about the fact that K and M lenses doesn't work with the multisegment metering. With A-lenses, the *ist can use the multisegment metering. Best wishes Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Compatibility
From: Caveman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: Compatibility Date: Thu, 12 Jun 2003 13:08:10 -0400 Roland Mabo wrote: Just compare it with the new Nikon F/N 75. C'mon. Don't set the reference that low. The Nikon F/N 75 is in the same market segment as the *ist. Isn't it strange that all Nikon's models below the F/N 80 are so bad (under featured cameras with strange restrictions), and still manage to sell in bucket loads? Best wishes Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Compatibility
Hello There has been a lot of discussion lately on the future of Pentax. And everything is nothing but pure speculation. When the MZ-50 was released, I don't remember that we had a discussion about an aperture-less future. And when the MZ-30 was released, I don't remember that we had a thread going on about Pentax releasing new high-end models without support for older lenses. But we have one now. I don't really see why. Pentax has, in the past, had limited compatibility with the budget bodies. This has not been a big issue. With the release of the Z/PZ-70, Pentax moved away from Power zoom. The Z/PZ-70 did not have full support (as the Z/PZ-1-p-) for power zoom, and it was also the first entry model from Pentax with a plastic lens mount. When the MZ-line was introduced, the MZ-5 could power the PZ lenses but nothing more. Power zoom was not a great idea. Power zoom is not used by the majority of those who has power zoom capable lenses and bodies. Why should Pentax continue to support an idea that the customers never wanted in the first place? In contrast to Canon, who changed cameras and lenses overnight - Pentax seems to believe in a slow process. Instead of changing everything at the same time, as Canon did, Pentax changes a little bit here and a little bit there and has been doing so for many years. Since the process is slow, Pentax gives time for the users to update their equipment. To change a little bit here and a little bit there. Pentax may speed up this movement from a mechanical lens mount to an electrical in the future and the budget FAJ lenses may be a sign to this change. At least in entry level equipment. Many says "Pentax are following Nikon" and seems to have forgotten that Nikon still supports mechanical aperture rings in their higher end bodies. I see no reason to why Pentax should remove full compatibility in the semi-pro and pro models when Nikon has showned no signs of doing it. Instead of complaining, we should applaud Pentax to move more upmarket. Previously, Pentax entry level models had a strange mix of good and bad. (like 3-point AF without spot AF in the MZ-10 and MZ/-7, centreweighted not selectable by the user, lack of exposure memory lock). The *ist is the first entry level from Pentax, for a long time, that's near perfect. Full automatic control with manual overrides of almost everything. And it beats the competition hands down when it comes to technical specifications. Has this ever happened in the Pentax history (with an entry level body)? We now awaits two more filmbased *ists. The replacement model for the MZ-3/5n and and the MZ-S replacement. I'm sure they will be something special and well worth the wait. Instead of relaying on optics and compatibility with old cameras, Pentax seems determined to become "leader of the pack" when it comes to technology, value for money and technical specifications. Instead of buying Pentax because "my 20 year old lens can still be used", Pentax wants us to buy Pentax because "Pentax has the newest and most modern technology, Pentax has the best performance". Pentax needs to attract new customers and by concentrating on technology (like the new 11 point AF with 9 cross sensitive points) Pentax can attract them. New users does not care about compatibility, they want the best technology, the best performance at the lowest price possible. And this is what the *ist delivers. I feel confident that the more up-market *ist models will retain K-mount compatibility, to make upgrading easier. I do believe that they will feature support for IS and USM lenses, but those IS and USM lenses may not be usable on older bodies (same thing with Nikon and Minolta). Canon has full compatibility within the EOS system, but this is because it's a full electronic system with no support for mechanical transmission. Pentax moves to a full electrical mount, but it's a slow process because they allow time for the users to upgrade. Pentax has not removed compatibiliy with all manual focus lenses, just the K and M lenses. And I believe that if the A serie had become a hit when it was introduced, then this discussion would never happen. But since the A serie flopped, and many K and M users didn't upgraded to A lenses and A bodies when the A serie was introduced 20 years ago, we have this discussion. Best wishes Roland _ Coola downloads från adidas! http://www.msn.se/mobil/adidas
*ist and BG-20
Hi! An *ist brochure can be downloaded from Pentax Canada: http://www.pentaxcanada.com/products/pdf/ist_eng.pdf At the last page, it shows an *ist with the new BG-20 battery pack/hand grip. Looks very stylish indeed. To those who complains about cheap build quality etc. - the *ist is entry level. Not pro-level nor mid-market. It's not more plastic, not more cheaply built, than Nikon F/N 75, Minolta Dynax/Maxxum 5 or Canon EOS 300 V. And to those who judge Pentax future cameras and lenses by the entry level *ist and FAJ - it's not fair to Pentax. Different market segments needs different products. I see no reason to fear that the upcoming high-end versions of the *ist lacks support for aperture ring. Best wishes Roland _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: *ist/*istD are crippled because Pentax kneecapped them (was: *ist Drevisited)
From: "Anthony Farr" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: *ist/*istD are crippled because Pentax kneecapped them (was: *ist D revisited) Date: Fri, 6 Jun 2003 23:08:17 +1000 There is NO electric stop-down mechanism in A, F, FA or even FAJ lenses. No motors or solenoids exist in the lenses to close the diaphragm. I remember that we had a discussion a while back about an aperture motor inside the FAJ lenses since Pentax seems to have changed the electrical protocol for the aperture, I don't think that we came to an absolute conclusion. Best wishes Roland _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: The *ist camera
From: "Christian Skofteland" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: The *ist camera Date: Fri, 6 Jun 2003 08:25:01 -0400 what I don't understand (not from you, Don, but from other posts) is that everyone is ready to run out and buy a 10D because the *ist-D is not compatible with K and M lenses. Well guess what? Neither are the offerings from Canon and Nikon. You'll still need to replace ALL your lenses, right Tom and Cotty? That's something I dont understand too. Many here assumes that the *ist D is not going to be as good as Nikon or Canons DSLR's. I wonder how people will react if it simply outperforms the Nikon D100 and the Canon 10D in terms of image quality... Best wishes Roland _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: The *ist camera
From: Bruce Dayton <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: The *ist camera Date: Fri, 6 Jun 2003 01:23:14 -0700 One thing that I haven't heard much about that concerns me is the manual interface. It appears that it works much like a ZX-50 or 30. Which means there really is only one dial to spin. That changes shutter speeds. To change apertures, you have to hold in a button and spin the same dial. I have tried that and REALLY disliked it. Perhaps people attracted to it will rarely shoot it in manual mode? The MZ-6 and MZ-7 works the same way if you don't use the aperture ring on the lenses. Anyway, Nikon F75/65/55, Canon EOS 3000/300 and Minolta Dynax 4/5 uses the same method. One dial to turn for both aperture and shutter, one button to press to change between aperture or shutter. The *ist D uses twin dials, so it's different. Best wishes Roland _ Hitta rätt köpare på MSN Köp & Sälj http://www.msn.se/koposalj
Re: Why the name *ist ???
From: "Alan Chan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Why the name *ist ??? Date: Fri, 06 Jun 2003 00:51:00 -0700 Perhaps someone from Japan could tell us how this camera was pronounced in Japan, and the reason for this name? This has been discussed before... :-) It seems to exist several "ist" products in Japan, and "ist" means something small, stylish and packed with features. I believe someone telling that Toyota has an ist-car for the Japanese home market only. Pentax has said that '*' can mean anything and they have said "humanist" as an example of that 'ist' means. I believe that they're trying to say that they have created an unlimited product that suits everyone. Best wishes Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: The *ist camera
From: "Alan Chan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: The *ist camera Date: Fri, 06 Jun 2003 00:29:04 -0700 Since Pentax is going to push FAJ lenses from now on (judging from the spec of *ist D), we could expect there will be another high end model to replace the MZ-S. The only catch is, it won't support non-A lenses. We *don't know* that yet. The new high-end model might support old lenses, because those who wants one are likely to have been using Pentax for a long time and so has old lenses - while the tiny *ist is mainly for newcomers to Pentax. But, on the other hand - the new high-end model might not have support for older lenses. If it has a new lens mount with support för internal lens motors and image shock absorbtion/vibration reduction, then it may be too complicated and too expensive to support both the new electrical features and the old mechanical ones in one package. But, we don't know yet. Allt this is nothing but pure speculation. Best wishes Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: *ist D revisited
From: Arnold Stark <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: *ist D revisited Date: Fri, 06 Jun 2003 07:31:18 +0200 Manual aperture lenses stops down by tehmselves. No coupling between lens and body is required. Does this mean that the FA Soft focus 85 and 28 will work in aperture priority mode with the *ist and *ist D? What "manual aperture lenses" does Pentax have in the K-mount? Best wishes Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: *ist Position
From: Peter Jansen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: *ist Position Date: Thu, 5 Jun 2003 20:38:24 -0700 (PDT) Check the Pentax Canada website. They have the *ist listed as a novice/intermediate SLR, which is the same as the MZ-6 & MZ-7. The MZ-5n is listed as intermediate & the MZ-S is listed as pro. In Sweden, the price for the *ist with FAJ 28-80 will be the same as for the MZ-6/ZX-L and FA 28-90. So, the *ist really is a replacement for the MZ-6. Best wishes Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
*ist D not only one to be delayed
From http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk "Fuji has delayed the launch of one of its flagship digital cameras, the F700, from late spring to late summer because it is worried there may not be enough cameras to satisfy demand. The official reason for the delay put forward by Fujis Japanese HQ was a delay in material procurement. " Pentax is not alone, Fuji is delaying also. What a relief! :-) Best wishes Roland _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: *ist in stock
Nice picture! Sure looks thick, seems to have a good grip. But I wonder about the aperture button in front of the main dial. Isn't that uncomfortable to reach and hold down while spinning the main dial? Best wishes Roland From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: *ist in stock Date: Wed, 4 Jun 2003 09:49:20 EDT Not sure of the price as yet as the invoice has not yet arrived. http://members.aol.com/junk2cash2002/ist.jpg First impressions - why doesn't it weigh anything? Kind regards Peter _ Hitta rätt köpare på MSN Köp & Sälj http://www.msn.se/koposalj
Re: *ist SLR and K-mount lenses
From: Artur Ledóchowski <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Wed, 4 Jun 2003 13:11:25 +0200 One thing I'm sure is that the *ist is not the camera for me - I need full backward compatibility... Regards I believe the *ist is designed for newcomers to photography, and as a step up from MZ-30, MZ-50 etc. And those users interest in K-mount lenses from the 70's are probably limited. If I buy one, it will be as a replacement for my dead MZ-10. Now, it really is time for Pentax to release teleconverters and extension tubes with full aperture- and autofocus coupling. Best wishes Roland _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
New Optio 550 review
A good Optio 550 review can be found at: http://www.megapixel.net Click on "New Reviews", then on "Optio 550" and enjoy! (It is a good review, because they praise the image quality and other things. :-) ) Best wishes Roland _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: Is this the new digital? Or, prosumer digital #2?
It seems like Olympus will make two DSLR cameras for their 4/3 system. One professional (presented at this year's PMA show) and a more consumer friendly model at a lower price (not yet presented). They will use Kodak CCD sensor technology. We'll see what happens... The 4/3 system is an interesting option. Best wishes Roland From: Keith Whaley <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Is this the new digital? Or, prosumer digital #2? Date: Mon, 02 Jun 2003 02:01:40 -0700 This is news to me! From Digital Preview on the 'net. http://tinyurl.com/d8fs keith whaley _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Delivery of *ist/*istD in USA
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Contacted Pentax USA. They stated. 1) *ist to ship in "several weeks." In Sweden, the *ist is scheduled for marketing introduction after midsummer week - that is, at the end of June. They may get it earlier. According to Pentax U.K, the *ist will arrive in mid June. 3) *istD to ship August/September Pentax Scandinavia has said to it's dealer that the *ist D will be delivered at the end of August. 4) "grip" for *istD seems to be up in the air. Asked, "grip?" I'm not surprised. Pentax has not presented the grip for the *ist D yet. Best wishes Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: 50mm Lenses
I wrote: The 1.4 performs way better at f/1.4 than the f/1.7 does. :-) :-) :-) Alan Chan wrote: Not the 2 A50/1.4 that I had. The A50/1.7 was noticably sharper at wide open. The 50/1.4 wasn't sharp until f4, similar to the FA*84/1.4. But the 50 f/1.4 still performs better at f/1.4, because the f/1.7 doesn't have f/1.4... :-) Best wishes Roland _ Coola downloads från adidas! http://www.msn.se/mobil/adidas
Re: All's quiet on the *ist front
I believe that the reason for the near-silence about the *ist - is that it is a dissapointment for many current Pentax users. It is "just another" plastic budget camera, and many are awaiting news for a true flagship, a true professional camera that would make Canon and Nikon nervous. Something with metal, sealed against dust and moisture, full compatibility with older lenses, and with a more "classic" camera design. At least 4fps and 1/8000... And - of course - IS and USM. But I see the *ist as a promise for greater things to come. At this stage, I'm not interrested in getting one. I await the true MZ-5n/MZ-3 successor. I might get one as a replacement for my broken MZ-10, but I might as well get a MZ-6 at a low price. Best wishes Roland From: "Robert Soames Wetmore" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: All's quiet on the *ist front Date: Thu, 29 May 2003 13:01:43 -0400 It is a tribute to the importance of digital in Pentax's future that so little has been said on the list about the *ist (non-D, to be precise). Here we have a radically new camera design which is trickling out to magazines (how many read Herb Keppler's assessment?) and even into select stores. Yet, so little discussion about it... Even the astonishing news about the new SAFOX VIII has been discussed very little (which is the more surprising since I suppose it will feature in the D version as well). What gives - no interest in film bodies? Admittedly it will be positioned as a lower-middle class (like me!) item, but is anyone else happy to see Pentax at the technological lead in a price point for the first time since the PZ-1p? Anyone planning on getting one? Anyone eager for news of what is next in the series (such as a true PZ-1p successor and Maxxum 7 killer)? Anyhow, I was thinking the *ist + 43/1.9 would make a neat little package. Rob _ MSN 8 helps eliminate e-mail viruses. Get 2 months FREE*. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: 50mm Lenses
From: "Alan Chan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Thu, 29 May 2003 02:34:07 -0700 I don't think it's going to make a lot of difference. Besides, the 1.4 doesn't perform well at wide open. You might find yourself with more useful shots with the 1.7. But the 1.4 is a brighter lens, so it's easier to focus and compose in dim lit conditions - and it's nice to have f/1.4 even if the performance wide opened isn't as good as stopped down, but then... this is normal with all lenses. :-) The 1.4 performs way better at f/1.4 than the f/1.7 does. :-) :-) :-) Best wishes Roland _ Hitta rätt köpare på MSN Köp & Sälj http://www.msn.se/koposalj
Re: 50mm Lenses
From: Daniel Liu <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Wed, 28 May 2003 17:09:56 -0700 Hmm, a little off topic here, but anyway: I have a great SMC-A 50mm f/2 lens now, but i find that i do an awful lot of low light interior candid shots. I have a chance to get the A 50mm f/1.7 for $25, but that's not much of an improvement. Or is it? Or should i save some money and get the 1.4? You should save moeny and get the 1.4. I have the A 50 f/2, and the FA 50 f/1.7 - and the aperture difference is hardly noticeable. Best wishes Roland _ Hitta rätt köpare på MSN Köp & Sälj http://www.msn.se/koposalj
Re: Moving on!
But Citroën is doing very well around the globe, PSA (Peugeot Citroen SA) is the fastest growing car maker in Europe. Citroën is the fastest growing brand in Sweden. (to find out more: http//www.citroen.com) But I thought more about things like distinctive styling and odd features, a flair of being different - introducing odd technology. Best wishes, Roland From: Bruce Rubenstein <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Fri, 04 Apr 2003 11:40:50 -0500 Yep, dropped out of the US market years ago. _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: Moving on!
From: Andre Langevin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2003 09:31:19 -0500 Nikon the Mercedes, Canon the BMW? Then, we'll all waiting for a Citroën SM mk II... Hm, the Airdream might be a hint of great things to come. But isn't the Pluriel a bit like the *ist? Stylish, very compact, fun and with many functions? (Cab, cabriocoach, mini-truck). Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Moving on!
Hm, I'm driving a Citroën. I see Pentax as the Citroën of the camera world. :-) Best wishes, Roland From: "Mike Ignatiev" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: Moving on! Date: Fri, 04 Apr 2003 18:02:12 +0400 Not much, unless we are talking about P67. It would have been much more on topic if he were driving Honda Civic (with the aforementioned ME-Super). Good luck to you, Greywolf, keep the journal updates! Best, Mishka _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Sigma EF430 Super?
* Peter Farkas wrote: any experience with the Sigma EF430 Super flash? Is it any good? What about light and build quality? Are there any compatibility problems between it and an MZ-S body? No Sigma flash is compatible with P-TTL mode, wireless flash sync and high-speed-flash sync, with Pentax bodies (MZ-S, MZ-6/ZX-L and *ist). None of the 3rd party flashes are compatible with Pentax new flash system and it's features. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt köpare på MSN Köp & Sälj http://www.msn.se/koposalj
Re: My fork in the road-tell me which way to go!
According to Pentax Scandinavia the *ist has a KAF mount (not KAF2) and in the user manual (which is translated and ready) they will only list KAF2 (no power zoom), KAF and KA lenses in the compatibility chart. Not K-mount. The *ist D are going to have Pentax traditional K-mount compatibility. This is the goal of the technicians. The *ist D are probably not going to have a KAF2 mount, not KAF. Probably something else... I expect to see USM and IS lenses, and two more bodies in the *ist serie, within the next 12 months. The first *ist is the first model in a new serie which are going to replace the MZ-serie. (Pentax has promised that the *ist lineup will consist of three filmbased SLR's). It exist several rumours about those models, one is about a flagship with retro feel (to make LX users happy) and sealed design, another is about a mid market *ist and a third is about a junior *ist model. I don't believe in a junior model below the current *ist, because... * The design of the *ist D is very filmlike. It looks like a filmbased camera. A digital doesn't have to loo like a filmbased camera, because they don't have a film chamber. This may suggest that Pentax took an existing design and based the *ist D around this. * The flagship rumours are about a retro-designed camera, sort of an AF version of the classic LX. The design of the *ist D aren't retro at all. * The design of the *ist D, with HyperModes and twin control dials, are more advanced than the current *ist, this hints to a new *ist model - between the current *ist and the upcoming flagship (which will replace the current MZ-S, the flagship may be an update to the current MZ-S). Since the MZ-serie, the entry model in the serie has limited metering compatibility with lenses pre the A-serie from 1982 - so there's no surprise that the *ist has this too. Best wishes, Roland From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: Re: My fork in the road-tell me which way to go! There may be some misunderstanding here somewhere. B&H claims under the specifications of the *ist: "Lens mount KAF2 (also KAF, KA & K mounts usable)" Perhaps there still is some hope... _
Re: Too much gear
Dear Mr Rubenstein, I know that you are an expert commentator, but may I dare to ask - Why do you, as a Nikon users who loves to tell about how good Nikon are and how bad Pentax are, care about Pentax marketing? I eagerly awaits your response. Yours sincerely, Roland Mabo From: Bruce Rubenstein <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Too much gear Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2003 07:40:32 -0500 It is typical for how Pentax in the US has portrayed their customers. Remember some of the goof-ball looking owners in the ZX ads? BR [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: that guy who's modelling it looks like a real pro. _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: 18-35 FAJ
Dear Mr Rubenstein, You claim that I'm wrong, but you don't provide any evidence that supports your claim. The facts are: * Pentax is using an APS-sized sensor. * The sensor is bought from Sony. * The sensor is based upon the sensor used in the D100. * The sensor is *not* identical to the sensor used in the D100 (D100: 23.7x15.6, *ist D: 23.5x15.7) * The sensor is not yet manufactured. * Pentax *ist D will be the first camera to use this sensor. * APS sized sensors are used in DSLR's, not in digital compacts. * Canon uses their own sensor, Fuji uses their own sensor. * Kodak uses a different size. * Nikon has not presented nor announced any update to the D100. * The major photo and computer shows this year, has already been held. Yours sincerely, Roland Mabo From: Bruce Rubenstein <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: 18-35 FAJ Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2003 07:37:17 -0500 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: please explain which customers Sony has that are interested in an APS sized sensor. I have to explain nothing. I am not making statments of facts about what Sony and Pentax are doing; you are. The burden of proof is on, and you have presented no facts only opinion. BR _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: 18-35 FAJ
Dear beloved friend, As I'm sure you already know - the *ist D has a 23.5 x 15.7mm sensor and the Nikon D100 has a 23.7x15.6mm sensor. I'm sure that you agree with me that if the sensor was *exactly the same*, then this difference (even if it's small) wouldn't exist. Another proof is that we have seen reports in this forum, that states that Sony has not yeat begun it's production of the chip to Pentax. Now, if Pentax uses *exactly the same* chip as in the D100, then why would Sony produce a batch especially for Pentax? Pentax could just pick up the D100 chips that Sony has laying around in the warehouse. The D100 is getting old now, It would not be logical that Pentax uses a chip that hasn't been improved since the original launch of the D100. I'm sure the chip is improved and bettered, I believe our friend Mr. Spock would agree with me here. Best wishes, Roland From: Bruce Rubenstein <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2003 09:49:47 -0500 And how do YOU know this? Have YOU seen the engineering specifications? Have YOU seen the contracts? Have YOU seen the purchase orders? _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: Re[2]: 18-35 FAJ
The FAJ 18-35 covers 35mm. Best wishes, Roland From: "William Robb" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2003 06:26:32 -0600 Does the 18-35 cover the full 35mm frame or just the digital sensor? _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Re[2]: 18-35 FAJ
From: Alin Flaider <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2003 12:56:27 +0200 Alarmingly low... it's half the price of the FA 20-35/4 - and it looks to me the crippled mount and lack of aperture ring cannot justify the price reduction by themselves. I'm afraid it's the optics that may be compromised for the starist d, with acceptable definition in the center but poor corners and vignetting. The FAJ's are budget, consumer lenses. They compete with the low end lens offerings from the competition. Plastic lens mount and no aperture ring. I doubt that the FAJ 18-35 is going to be any worse than the Cosina/Vivitar/Soligor AF 19-35. Pentax has promised new lenses, tailor made for the *ist D in fall. I don't consider the FAJ 18-35 to be custom made for the *ist D, it's a budget wide-angle lens for Pentax entry level bodies. It appears to me Pentax is cutting every corner in order to lower the price of the digital slr. Are they? Too bad they don't have control of the image sensor as Canon does. How do you now that? To my knowledge, the Sony CCD in the *ist D is a tweaked version of the chip in the D100. It's tweaked by Pentax and it's manufactured by Sony to Pentax requirements. It's not a chip that they have taken from Sony's warehouse. It's a Pentax-special version. Best wishes, Roland _
Re: 18-35 FAJ
Hi, some prices from Jessops (http//www.jessops.com): (UK Pounds) FAJ 28-80 f/3.5-5.6 : 159.95 FA 28-90 f/3.5-5.6 : 159.95 FA 28 f/2.8 : 199.90 FA 28-105 f/3.2-4.5 AL (IF) : 229.90 FA 24-90 f/3.5-4.5 : 449.90 I couldn't find the FA 20-35 f/4 AL at Jessops. 199.90 for the FAJ 18-35 sounds very low... Best wishes, Roland From: Rüdiger Neumann <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: 18-35 FAJ Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2003 23:04:57 +0100 >>The UK list price for the 18-35 FAJ lens is just GBP199 inc VAT. Hallo, that seems not much, as normaly 1 GBP = 1 Euro for photo equitment. How is the price for the 4/20-35, for the 4/28-70, or 3.2-4.5/28-105 in GB. So, we can compare how the price will be in our contry. When will the 18-35 available? regards Rüdiger _ Hitta rätt köpare på MSN Köp & Sälj http://www.msn.se/koposalj
Re: Pentax Zoom Help Requested-Again
From: "Frank Knapik" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2003 13:04:37 -0500 Hello. I am going to purchase one of the following Pentax Zooms: -FA 28-105 Power Zoom-$357.00 -FA 24-90 Zoom-$399.95 Can anyone recommend one lens over the other with regards to the following criteria(I do not consider the difference in price a factor): -optical quality -construction -dependability I know Pentax makes other 28-105's, but it is too confusing trying to >figure out which is which other than the Power Zoom(maybe I'm just >dense). I don't think that it's so hard. FA 28-105 f/4-5.6 = the oldest, with power zoom. FA 28-105 f/4-5.6 (IF) = re-badged Tamron lens. OK for the price. FA 28-105 f/3.2-4.5 AL (IF) = new and much better than the f/4-5.6 (IF). I have it myself and I like it a lot. Quite similar in character to the 24-90 I believe, but perhaps not as sharp. But then, you can buy almost two 28-105 f/3.2-4.5 for the same price as one 24-90... When it comes to build quality, all lenses has a plastic outside and lots of plastic inside. I'm happy with my 28-105, it feels solid and well put together. But I know that some doesn't like lightweight lenses and plastic (I have never found them to be inferior, neither in optical performance and long-term durability, to all metal lenses). Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Complaints
From: "T Rittenhouse" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2003 18:11:19 -0500 At this point I think we would be better off with a political/religious thread it would be more interesting. Not on this list, please. But this is a typical PDML thread. It is called analyzing the nonexistent camera. Once the camera is on the shelves no one has much to say about it. No, when the camera is on the shelves - half of the PDML members will complain about it. It's a tradition around here. :-) Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Complaints
The MZ-S comes with a data back, but other Pentax models can be bought with or without - except for the *ist. The MZ-S is a special case, I believe it's the databack that does the exposure data imprinting between the film frames, and when they put this in the camera - I believe they thought that "let's do it so it can imprint date also, when we're on it anyway"... I have no databack in my MZ-5n. EOS 30/33, 300/300V, 3000, Nikon F55, F65, F75, Minolta Dynax 3, 4, 5, Pentax MZ-60, MZ-7, MZ-6, MZ-5n, MZ-3 - can all be bought with or without data back. And if you have bought the non-date version, but really wants the data back - this can often be bought as a separate accessory. Many dislikes databacks, but obviously some people likes it. Best wishes, Rolnad From: "Kenneth Waller" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: Complaints Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2003 17:35:08 -0500 I had no choice when I picked up my MZ-S, AFAIK there is no other back for that camera. IMHO, the date backs, recently available from, Pentax are really useless on camera of this level (PZ1, PZ1P, MZ-S etc.) If you want to date stamp a photo buy a good point and shoot. An excellent data back was available for the SF1, it has several modes of date and time imprinting along with sequential imprinting - A- 00 through something like G -99. Kenneth Waller - Original Message - From: "Roland Mabo" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2003 5:13 PM Subject: Re: Complaints snip, snip, snip > and they're making money on them because some people actually > finds it useful. If not, why did they buy it? _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Complaints
Not really, no. Most SLR's can be bought with or without data back. Haven't I said this already? Best wishes, Roland From: Bruce Rubenstein <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Complaints Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2003 17:35:27 -0500 Because that's the only way it comes! It's another useless feature buyers get stuck with. _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: Complaints
From: Bruce Rubenstein <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2003 16:10:32 -0500 Not most! Usually only models that have "Dummy" auto modes have date in the picture printing. It's a low to mid-range, Gadget Freak frill. I meant "most" because it exist more models with optional databacks than models that can't be fitted with a data back. Only the semipro and pro models lacks a data back. As you say - low to mid-range bodies has databacks as an option. And there's more low to mid range bodies than pro and semi pro models on the market. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Complaints
From: Bruce Rubenstein <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2003 12:29:21 -0500 On these types of cameras it prints the date and maybe time, but no exposure info, in a visible portion of the picture. What most people want to know is, "How do I turn off this stupid thing that ruined all my pictures?" If that is so, how come that customers actually buys the data version? With most cameras, you have an option. You can buy one with or without. I believe camera maker makes versions with data back because they're making money on them, and they're making money on them because some people actually finds it useful. If not, why did they buy it? Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt köpare på MSN Köp & Sälj http://www.msn.se/koposalj
Re: Complaints
From: Nick Zentena <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2003 11:57:03 -0500 The B&H current price is quite a bit lower then Jessops in the UK. I >say current because until they actually change it from coming soon to >selling now anything can change. Cameras are less expensive in U.S than in Great Britain. The pricing isn't really comparable. But it's interesting that the price of the *ist is closer to the EOS 30 in the U.S, and closer to the EOS 300V in Europe. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
RE: Complaints
From: "David Chang-Sang" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2003 12:08:00 -0500 I don't ever recall talking to anyone who was purchasing a camera that >the date function was going to be a "make or break" item. Then why does it exist as an option to most SLR's? I believe it must exist those who finds it important. Not everyone buys the non-data model... :-) I have never said that date is essential, but we simply has to accept the fact that the *ist can't be bought without one. The "feature" can be turned off. It's not in the way. I believe it was easier and simpler to build it into the body from start instead of offering it as an add-on piece. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Complaints
From: Nick Zentena <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2003 11:58:55 -0500 How much is the date feature worth to people? All big makers has SLR's with data backs. Seems to me like some customers wants it. If not, why does the option exist if they makers are only loosing money on it? I believe Pentax made data back as standard because it was less expensive this way. Well, I believe it's more useful than the Panorama facility that some MZ/ZX-bodies had. The *ist seems to lack Panorama (even if you buy it Adorama, hey that's funny. :-) ) Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt köpare på MSN Köp & Sälj http://www.msn.se/koposalj
Re: Complaints
Date might be more popular in Japan than in the U.S. I believe Pentax decided to have it as standard, was to save cost. It cost money to make an add-on, it's less expensive to include it with the body from start. Since they already had planned the LCD panel to be at the back, they could use the existing display instead of adding a new one. I have no use for QD-backs, but I believe some may. Best wishes, Roland From: Bruce Rubenstein <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Complaints Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2003 11:39:44 -0500 In the US, only the 7E model can be had with the date option. It is a virtually worthless option for SLRs. Unless you have some very special need it is only for the P&S crowd. The date function will not sell more *ists vis-a-vis the Elan 7. BR [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: Bruce Rubenstein <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2003 10:53:53 -0500 They're only $40 (not the E version) apart here, and the Canon name is worth $40 to a lot of people. Do you compare date models? The *ist comes with a data back as standard, it can't be bought without one. You must compare with date models from the competition. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/ _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: Complaints
From: Bruce Rubenstein <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2003 10:53:53 -0500 They're only $40 (not the E version) apart here, and the Canon name is worth $40 to a lot of people. Do you compare date models? The *ist comes with a data back as standard, it can't be bought without one. You must compare with date models from the competition. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Complaints
From: Chris Brogden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 23:09:05 -0600 (CST) Price will play a part, too. If the *ist is priced below the F80/Elan >7, it should do very well. If it's priced comparably, it's going to >be a tough call. Prices from Jessop (http://www.jessop.com) - one of britains largest photo chains: Canon EOS 30 date, body only 479.90 UK pounds Canon EOS 300V date, body only 289.90 UK pounds Canon EOS 300V, body only 249.90 UK pounds Canon EOS 300V + 28-90 USM 290 UK pounds Minolta Dynax 5, body only 229.90 UK pounds Nikon F65 + 28-100 G 269.90 UK pounds Nikon F75 + 28-100 G 299.90 UK pounds Nikon F80, body only 349.90 UK pounds Sigma SA-7 + 28-80 279.90 UK pounds Pentax MZ-3 date + 28-90, 469.90 UK pounds Pentax *ist date, body only 299.90 UK pounds Pentax *ist date + FAJ 28-80 349 UK pounds The *ist date is only 50 UK pounds more than the EOS 300V date, and you compare it with EOS 30 (Elan 7) which cost 180 UK pounds more! If we look at the prices, it's clear to me that the *ist competes more with EOS 300V, F75 and Dynax 5 than with EOS 30, F80 and Dynax 7. So, the *ist is not a mid market model. It's entry level, or advanced entry level if you wish. Not mid market. One thing to consider when comparing prices - the *ist has a data back as standard, I wasn't able to find prices for bodies with databack on all of the cameras I compare with. (I couldn't find prices for Dynax 5 date, F75 date and F80 date). Data back adds to the price. Please has this in mind when making comparisions. On a related note, after reviewing the *ist's specs, I can definitely >see room for a model below it. Look at all the features they could >leave off I still believe that Pentax will continue with the MZ/ZX-60 to cover the absolut low end market. For the mid market segment (EOS 30, F80 and Dynax 7), Pentax will make a new *ist. Then they will make an *ist that replaces the MZ-S (and competes with F100 and EOS 3). I don't believe in the 4th *ist as you. Best wishes, Roland _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: Complaints
From: Chris Brogden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 17:27:52 -0600 (CST) It doesn't matter if the p&s's are film or digital; both suffer from the same limitations that drive people to buy an entry-level SLR in the first place. I sell cameras. I see on a daily basis what people want. As I wrote, the MZ/ZX-60 will continue to sell as long as there's a demand for it. It will no be replaced any time soon. Pentax does not abandon this market just because the *ist is the entry model in the *ist serie. They will still have the MZ/ZX-60. Replacing a model serie with another one takes time. The Z/PZ-70 and the MZ/ZX-5nco existed for a couple of years, the Z/PZ-70 was still on the market when the MZ/ZX-10 came. In two years, how do we know how the market is? It can happen much in two years. Pentax looks into the future. I simply believes that they will not come a new *ist to replace the MZ/ZX-60. When then demand for the MZ/ZX-60 is gone, there will be no more *ist. Since the MZ/ZX-60 is so new, it will probably sell for the next 2 years. And after that, who knows how the market looks like? Perhaps everything is digital. The digital revolution goes fast. I believe that the *ist is the last filmbased SLR serie coming from Pentax. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt köpare på MSN Köp & Sälj http://www.msn.se/koposalj
Re: Complaints
From: Mark Roberts <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 18:20:45 -0500 The *ist is a competitor for the Canon Elan 7 and Nikon N-75 rather >than the entry level Rebel 2000 and N-55. The Nikon F/N 75 is only slightly more expensive than the F65. It's essentially a F/N 65 with some additional features (like spot meter linked to AE-L button) in F/N 55 design. I have no doubt that the F/N 75 replaces the F/N 65. The EOS 30/33 (Elan 7) is far more expensive than the F/N 75. It essentially replaces both the ZX-7 (production stopped recently) and the ZX-5n (production stopped a while back). When the MZ-6/ZX-L was introduced, we had a discussion here if this one replaced the MZ/ZX-5n or not. We came to the conclusion that it does not, because of the inferior viewfinder and the lack of spot metering available in all modes. The *ist has a pentamirror, not pentaprism like the MZ/ZX-5n, and it's going out on the market for less than the MZ/ZX-5n. The MZ/ZX-7 was replaced by the MZ-6/ZX-L. There's no way the *ist can replace both the MZ/ZX-7 and the MZ/ZX-5n since the MZ-6/ZX-L is in the middle. Logically, the *ist must replace the MZ-6/ZX-L also. Anyway, I believe the MZ-6/ZX-L will continue to live, just as the MZ/ZX-7 continued to live despite the release of the MZ-6/ZX-L. I'm sure that Pentax will lower the price of the MZ-6/ZX-L. There's no way the *ist competes with the EOS 30/33 (Elan 7), Dynax/Maxxum 7. It simply isn't in the same class. It can compete with F/N 80, but the entry Dynax/Maxxum 5 has a better specification than the mid market F/N 80 so it's not hard to compete with it. :-) Looking at the specification, the *ist is only slightly more advanced than the entry level Dynax 5 - so how can it be a mid market model? For mid market, the *ist is not enough. For entry level - it's competetive and up to what's expected for the price. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Re: Pentax <--> Canon
From: Artur Ledóchowski <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 22:37:38 +0100 Yes, by all means:) And I'm glad Pentax seems to be returning to the Z-series philosophy by implementing HyperProgram into the *ist D and >perhaps into the bodies to follow. I believe that all future SLR's from Pentax will have aperture control on the body (and in the lenses too :-) ). I believe that the aperture-only-in-the-lenses-days are definately over. I, on the other hand, believe that we humans have minds and senses to >look around, compare, analyse, ask, search etc. "on the other hand"? We must always look around, that's part of human behavior. It's only natural. But sometimes, especially in this group, this gets to extreme levels. It's obviously hard to please Pentaxians. It's always like that. Pentax release a new product, the first week everyone goes "Wow, fantastic, finally Pentax did the right thing", then the next week almost everyone goes "But... too late, too expensive, too cheap, too plastic, too heavy, too light, too small, too big, too many features for the price, not enough features for the price"... :-) Pentax are moving forward with new exciting products, let this brightness lit up the darkness. That's my advice to all who feel unhappy with what Pentax has been doing, or not doing, in the past. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Complaints
Bruce, for the first time I agree with you. But I promise that this is far from becoming a habit. I'm sure that the regular programme will be back in no time. :-) Best wishes, Roland From: Bruce Rubenstein <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Complaints Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 16:02:05 -0500 If a sensor location responds to horizontal and vertical lines, it is functionally a "cross pattern" sensor. How it was implemented, and if that implementation meets some criterion of "real", is down at a level of technical detail that is immaterial. BR [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: However, we still do not know whether there really are real "cross" sensors. _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Complaints
From: Chris Brogden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 16:29:11 -0600 (CST) Agreed. I'm not saying that the *ist is mid-level, just that I can't >see it being the least-expensive 35mm AF SLR in Pentax's lineup. Ok, on that we don't agree. Pentax entered the low-end with the MZ/ZX-50. When the Z-serie was released, Pentax had the Z-1 (semipro) and Z-10 (beginner). Then came the Z-20 (advanced). Z-50 was only sold in a few countries, and some sort of a mix between the Z-20 and Z-1. The Z-20 was replaced by the lower featured Z-70. At this time, the Z-50 and Z-10 were gone. And when the lineup was Z-70 and Z-1, the MZ-5 entered the market. Then the Z-70 was replaced with the MZ-10. Now, the MZ-50 appeared. Pentax first low-end model. So, with this I simply mean that it's not part of Pentax AF history to have a model in the absolut low-end. > "at least one below it". Pentax has said 3 filmbased SLR's, not 4. Where did they say this, and who from Pentax said it? The marketing director of Pentax UK was interviewed a couple of months after last years Photokina. I believe the magazine was Amateur Photographer. He stated that Pentax are moving from film to digital and to free resources, they were going to reduce the filmbased SLR line to three models. He also said that Pentax are developing a new SLR chassi that will form the base of a new SLR generation. How on earth do you figure? We sell the MZ-6, F65 and Rebel Ti for >about $500 CAN. We sell the MZ-60, F55 and Rebel 2000 for $380-$400 >CAN. The MZ-60 with the new FA-J lens will sell for about $350 CAN. >There is no way that the *ist will sell for $350 CAN with a lens in >the forseeable future, and there is no way that Pentax will abandon >that market segment. As I said, I believe that Pentax will sell the MZ-60 as long as there is a demand for it. The *ist will compete with the F/N 65/75, EOS 300V (Rebel Ti) and Dynax/Maxxum 5 and 4. Not with the bodies below this. And I don't believe that Pentax will make an *ist below the current. I believe that those who takes SLR serious, will want a more advanced model. Those who wants a p&s camera will buy a digital zoomcompact instead. So, the absolut low-end SLR market are likely to disappear. I believe the market for advanced to semi-pro models will still exist for some years. The pro-market will also go digital. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Professional Pentax
The 645 is a really nice MF camera with many features from their 35mm cameras (autofocus, multizone metering etc.). I believe that the original 645 were once marketed as "as easy to use as a SLR". If you want to go pro, then Pentax answer is that you have to go to medium format. It's an excellent medium for pro photographers, even wildlife. And I believe that Pentax has earned more money on MF equipment than they would have on a F5 or EOS 1 clone. However, Pentax might come up with a more professional body than the MZ-S. It's even likely. As I've said before - I believe Pentax has many tricks hidden up their sleeve. New, exciting things to release. We just have to wait and see. I have faith. Best wishes, Roland From: Chris Brogden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 14:21:21 -0600 (CST) What I'm trying to say is that high-end 35mm SLR's and MedF cameras are really two entirely different things, meant for entirely different situations. Saying that Pentax makes MedF cameras answers the >question of why Pentax doesn't make professional-level cameras (they >do), but doesn't really answer the question of why they don't make >high-end 35mm ones. Or you could show them an MZ-S. _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Complaints
From: Mark Roberts <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 14:46:55 -0500 The *ist that's just been announced (to become available in early June) is the mid-level one, basically a replacement for the XZ-7. Early june? Reports from the U.K says early April. This may be different in different countries. In Sweden, the *ist is expected to arrive "during spring" (late April, early May). June is summer. Or are you suggesting that the *ist is delayed? The ZX-7 is not mid level. It's entry level. Mid level is EOS 30/33 (Elan 7), F/N 80 and MZ-3. Entry level are MZ/ZX-5n, MZ-6/ZX-L and MZ/ZX-7, Dynax 5 and 4, F75 and F65, EOS 300. EOS 3000, F55 and MZ/ZX-60 are low end models. P&S SLR's. There will be one above it and (at least) one below it. The lower end >one probably won't appear until the ZX-60 and ZX-L go away in about 2 >years. "at least one below it". Pentax has said 3 filmbased SLR's, not 4. Anyway, I don't believe in an *ist below the *ist. It's no room in the market for it. The *ist is going to go on sale in between the MZ-6/ZX-L and MZ/ZX-5n (quite similar to the F/N 75, slightly more than for the EOS 300V/Rebel Ti) - pricewise. After a while, the prices will go down to the level of the MZ/ZX-7. I don't believe that there's room in the market below. I believe the *ist will cover both entry level and low end P&S. I don't believe Minolta is making much money on the Dynax 3, I don't believe Canon is making much money on the 3000. Canon's most sold model is the EOS 300, not the 3000. Best wishes, Roland _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: Complaints
From: Chris Brogden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 13:33:08 -0600 (CST) > >The *ist sounds like a nice little camera. > > Oh dear, it *sounds*. ;-) Yup. Until I actually see and hold one, I'm not going to act as >though I have. I simply tried to make a joke... about the *ist *sounds*... sounds = making a noise. You don't like noise. I thought my joke was quite clever, perhaps too clever. :-) If you think about it, there's no way that the *ist can be the lowest->end camera. I have thought about it, and I don't agree with you. Pentax has always weighted the majority of their lineup >at the low >end, and the *ist is too fully featured to compete with >entry level >Rebels and the F55 in price. It's my impression that the *ist will compete with EOS 300V, F75 and Dynax 5. Not with EOS 3000, F55 and Dynax 3. The MZ-60 will compete with the low-end models from other makers for the time being. The MZ-60 will be available as long as there's a demand for it. The MZ-serie will not be replaced overnight and some of the current MZ bodies are going to sell, but at lower prices. Anyone who thinks that the >*ist will be >the least expensive entry->level Pentax body doesn't >understand the current market. The *ist will be the least expensive model in Pentax *ist line up. I don't believe that there will be an *ist below the *ist. This topic has been discussed before on this list. Not enough people buy mid-market stuff compared to entry level. Think about the number of MZ-5n's and Z-1p's sold compared to the number of MZ-60's and MZ-6's. The *ist is overkill for an entry-level SLR. I'd >be happy to eat my words later, but I don't think I will be. Pentax plan is to reduce their filmbased SLR line to three models - entry, mid and top. Instead of making 3 entry level models, they're going to make one. This saves money and broadens the market. One model that replaces three. And this is what the *ist does. *ist has a good specification, but it's not mid market. It's not that different from Dynax 5. The Dynax 5 has 1/4000 shutter, 7 point AF, cross sensor, 3fps drive, high-speed-flash sync and many other neat things. The Dynax 5 has a better specification than the mid market F80. The *ist has a better specification than the Dynax 5, but it has to be if it's going to be competetive. It's not mid market specifications, Minolta has changed this. They put mid-market specifications in the entry level Dynax 5, they put top-market specifications in the mid-market Dynax 7. Yesterday's midmarket is tomorrows entry level. If Minolta can, why not Pentax? It seems to me that it's hard to accept the fact that Pentax has put advanced features in a low priced, entry level SLR - because this is very un-Pentax like. It's more Canon and Minolta behavior than Pentax, and this change is very hard for Pentaxians to accept. They simply refuses to believe it. Best wishes, Roland _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: Hand Meters
Pentax has good spot meters. :-) The spot meters from Capital is less expensive, and gives good value for money. Ambient meters... It exist many on the market. Minolta has good digital ambient meters, Gossen Sixtomat is another nice one. Nissin D4001i has great features for the price - it's an ambient/spot meter - even for flash photography. Half the price of Minolta V. Since your camera has a spot meter, then an ambient meter is the one to go for. But the evaluative metering in the MZ-S is very good. If I say that it's the best on the market, then I probably get a naughty message from Bruce R. so I simply says that it's very, very good. :-) Best wishes, Roland From: "Steve Desjardins" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Hand Meters Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 13:40:01 -0500 What would folks recommend in a handmeter, spot or ambient? Steven Desjardins Department of Chemistry Washington and Lee University Lexington, VA 24450 (540) 458-8873 FAX: (540) 458-8878 [EMAIL PROTECTED] _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Complaints
From: Chris Brogden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 11:52:14 -0600 (CST) The *ist sounds like a nice little camera. Oh dear, it *sounds*. ;-) I'm not sure how well it's going to fare as an F80 / Elan 7 contender (my Pentax rep describes it as an MZ-5n replacement, so there will be >a body below it), but it looks good on paper. I'm surprised by this, since everything so far has pointed in the direction that the *ist is a MZ-6/ZX-L and MZ/ZX-7 replacement - not MZ/ZX-5n. That the *ist competes with EOS 300V (Rebel Ti), Nikon F/N 75 and Dynax/Maxxum 5. That the *ist is an entry model, and that there will come two more bodies - one mid-market (MZ/ZX-5n and MZ-3 replacement) and one up-market (MZ-S replacement). But the *ist may function as a MZ/ZX-5n replacement until the mid-market model (*ist L?) comes out. The MZ/ZX-6 are much newer, so it will live longer than the MZ/ZX-5n. Both the F/N 80 and EOS 30/33 (Elan 7) are more expensive. Unfortunately, I won't buy any more Pentax AF bodies until AF is quieter than it currently is. I'd prefer Canon's silent operation, >but I'd even be happy with Nikon's volume. I have not seen any report on the AF sound (Heiko, Arnold, anyone?). Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt köpare på MSN Köp & Sälj http://www.msn.se/koposalj
Re: Complaints
If I have understood everything right, it seems to me that the *ist has 3 rows of sensords. The top and bottom row has 3 sensors and the middle row has 4 sensors. The outer sensors of the middle row are linear sensors, sensitive to vertical lines. The central sensor is probably a cross sensor, and probably 2-3 more. I believe we have 3 possible layouts here: 3 cross sensors (in the middle column or the middle row except the two outer sensors) 5 cross sensors (in the middle column plus the middle row, except the two outer sensors) 9 cross sensors (all sensors except the two outer sensors in the middle row). Best wishes, Roland From: Arnold Stark <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 17:50:45 +0100 I would like to clarify: When trying t focus on a simple horizontal line on a white wall, the centre sensors and 2 or 3 adjacent sensors were able to focus no matter whether I held the camera horizontally or vertically. I do not know whether these sensors are real cross sensors, but in thsi my test they offered the same functionality like cross sensors. The sensors on the very left and on the very right were able to focus only with one orientation, they obviously are vertical sensors. This is not a rumour but the result of an experiment. Arnold _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: Complaints
From: Chris Brogden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 10:36:57 -0600 (CST) Some sensors may be sensitive to vertical lines, but I was talking about Pentax's lack of vertically situated sensors, which C/N have and which can be helpful for subjects >a little higher or lower than usual. Ok, I understand. Thank's for the clarification. The *ist seems to have 3 lines of sensor, so this is now corrected. Bench tests for AF speed mean very little in the real world, when a camera's ability to switch sensors on the fly may be more important than the time it needs to >focus and lock onto a subject. True, but a benchmark test can give some sort of idea about the speed. I don't believe in the existence of 9 cross-sensors in a mid-level >camera because that seems excessively high, and I don't believe every >rumour I hear. The *ist has cross sensors, or sensors that acts likes cross sensors. I wouldn't call this a rumour. The number is yet unknown, but it seems to be at least 3-4 and probably 9. My impression is that Pentax has developed an AF system that they are going to use in all *ist models, from the entry level to the high end. I believe that this is a clever and cost effective solution. I'm not commenting on other aspects of the Pentax system, or on future models, just on what's already out there. But since you are not pleased with the AF in the MZ-bodies, then I thought you might be happy of the fact that Pentax is coming out with a new AF system - with multiple cross sensors. I'm sure that they are working on USM lenses too, and the *ist may have support for this. It's too early to tell. Anyway, I believe that you will be pleased with the performance of future products. (if *ist really is a "future product", it will go on sale within 2-3 weeks). While we're on the subject... on what grounds do you base your claim >that Pentax has better low-light AF capability? That has been answered by others, but in addition to the specs others has already written about - I can mention that several tests that I've read, and also user comments on the net, do shows that Canon's low light sensitivity isn't as good. Best wishes, Roland _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: Complaints
From: Chris Brogden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 09:44:29 -0600 (CST) The MZ-3 offers fewer overall focusing points (no verticals at all!), The MZ-5n and the MZ-3 has the same AF system. One linear sensor and two verticals. You've obviously never used a Rebel Ti. Put one of those up against an MZ-6 and you'll be blown away by how much faster the Ti is. USM lenses are still fast on entry-level bodies because the USM is in >the lens (body has a relatively small role to play in focusing speed). And I have no idea how you can claim that Pentax's AF is more than slightly faster >than Canon's. The swedish magazine FOTO always measures the AF speed when they test cameras. All Canon entry bodies prior the EOS 300V (Rebel Ti) was slower than Pentax bodies in terms of AF speed. EOS 50, 500, 500N and 300 - all of them was found to be slower than the Pentax MZ-bodies. The speed of Pentax MZ-50, -10, -7, -6, -5n and -3 are basically the same (which those tests also has showned). When the MZ-5 was launched, it was a mid-market model and it was far better than the EOS 50 - a comparable mid-market model. (500 and 500N had slower AF than the 50). I can't understand those speed differencies in the Canon system if everything is dependand on the lens. (FOTO tested the Canon's with the 28-85 and 28-90 USM, a lens which has been updated during the years but it's basically the same lens). According to FOTO, the EOS 30/33 has faster AF than the EOS 300. In fact, Dynax 5 and F65 was found to be faster than the EOS 300. Canon has cured this with the 300V which entered the market last year. Now Pentax has answered with the *ist. If it's true, it'll be very nice. Why don't you believe in the 11 point SAFOX VIII? Arnold Stark tested an *ist at CeBit and wrote here about his findings. He has found that it has several cross sensors, he didn't tested all of the sensors but he found several of them (I believe he found 3-4 sensors that were cross, of those he tested). According to reports from Japan, the *ist has 9 cross sensors. The competition has one, in the center. Even if the *ist only has two, it still twice as much as the competition offers. Pentax should be praised for this, but most people here seems busy complaining. First they say "Pentax should make this and that", and when Pentax does it, they say "Too late" and starts complaining again. Cheer up! Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Pentax <--> Canon
From: Artur Ledóchowski <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 00:15:43 +0100 I'm strongly against the statement that the smaller camera, the better. I needed a battery pack for my MZ-5n to be held firmly. IMHO >its grip is poorly shaped unless the battery pack is on. I prefer using my MZ-5n without the grip, because I place the camera in the palm of my left hand - this gives a steady grip. I control aperture, zoom and focus with my left and - and controls the shutter time and release with my right. If I have the battery grip attached, I can't place the camera in my left palm because there's a height difference between the pack and the lens in use. I bought the AA pack because I wanted to save money on batteries. My P30 was not bigger than my MZ-5n, it was in fact a bit thinner. The ME bodies are also of a similar size. Oh, and if nothing is loose in your FA 28-105/3,2-4,5 than either you >are very careful or it's only the matter of time. "A matter of time"... I've had it for 3 years and it still feels like brand new. Why are you sending me away to a different brand? Because you have written many posts about how good Nikon is and how bad Pentax is... So, it seems like you're not happy and if you're not happy then I believe you must do something about it. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt köpare på MSN Köp & Sälj http://www.msn.se/koposalj
Re: Pentax <--> Canon
From: Bojidar Dimitrov <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2003 07:58:27 +0100 The idea seems similar to Pentax's idea to make the *ist the world's smalest and lightest SLR, so they left the aperture mechanics out. I believe that the main reason for Pentax to introduce the FA J lenses, and to leave out the aperture mechanics - is price. Not size and weight. Why buy a Pentax 28-80 with aperture ring when you can get a Nikon 28-100 without aperture ring for less? Nikon faced the same dilemma when they saw the cheap Canon and Minolta zooms. I like the idea of the FAJ's. Good starter lenses for first time buyers. Pentax can now concentrate more on optical performance in the entry level segment. (the FAJ 28-80 AL is the first entry zoom from Pentax with an aspherical lens element. Previously, AL was for the more expensive lenses. Even the FAJ 75-300 has an AL lens. This is something I don't understand, AL in a telezoom?). What Pentax needs now is to make nice mid market lenses. I believe they will concentrate more on this in the near future, because there's a gap between the entry level and the pro-line. We need a good mid-market telezoom. Pentax has nothing between the FA 80-320 and the FA* 80-200 f/2.8. I'm sure that this gap will be filled soon. It will come with the release of the more upmarket *ist models. In the meantime, Sigma 100-300 f/4 EX is a good solution. Best wishes, Roland _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: Lens tests (was: Pentax <--> Canon)
From: "Alan Chan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2003 14:00:20 -0800 When someone said the opposite, everyone started to defend how good Pentax lenses are, or even better than Canon or Nikon. I know SMC is excellent on flare control. But I just wonder, where is the hard evidence to prove SMC lenses are superior in general (at least not in test results I have read so far)? Where is the hard evidence that SMC lenses are *not* superior? There are those on this list who insist that Nikon and Canon has the edge on lens performance. (very strange, because - what are they doing here then?) I've read lens tests for the last 14 years (Aktuell Fotografi, FOTO, Practical Photography, Popular Photography, Buying Camera (they merged with Practical Photography for some years ago)), and the general conclusion I can get from them is that Pentax usually is at the very top (often with Leica and Zeiss) when it comes to the prime lenses and the FA* zooms. The consumer zooms are more average, but Pentax are getting better and better here. Some magazines actually uses the lenses, not only measures them. Sadly, this is still very unusual. Any way, Pentax is the leader of the pack when it comes to flare control (according to those field tests). Colour rendition and contrast is not easy to say something about, since this comes down to personal preferencies. Those who prefer Nikon, does it because of the lenses special optical characteristics, those who prefer Pentax does it because of the lenses special optical characteristics. And so on. Some says that Nikon are "neutral" and Pentax "warm", some says that Nikon are "cold" and Pentax "neutral". What can be said that Nikon lenses has, in general, a more narrow contrast range than Pentax lenses. Some likes this, some does not. Just like some likes Velvia, some likes Agfa. Best wishes, Roland _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: SV: Little Pentax quiz
From: "Jens Bladt" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2003 19:50:22 +0100 Or - it could be: The Power Zoom (Minolta had it for a while, though) >and functions related to Power Zoom. Yashica 270 AF and two zooms. I believe it was a 28-80 and a 80-200. Yes, power zoom. It even had "zoom clip" function. Quite a nice design. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt köpare på MSN Köp & Sälj http://www.msn.se/koposalj
Re: Pentax <--> Canon
From: Arnold Stark <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2003 18:48:30 +0100 At half the price, the build quality of the FA28-105/f3.2-4.5 is >forgivable. I don't understand this. Sure, the FA 28-105 f/3.2-4.5 is plastic and the manual focus has low friction (but it's rather nice to use anyway). But it's solid and well put together. Nothing wobbles, nothing rattles. When I zoom out to the 105 length and shakes the lens up and down, I have absolutely no play in the zoom barrel. It's rock solid. I can't move it sideways even if I use the strength of my hands... I did have a little play in the 28-70 f/4, but not so with the 28-105. I think this is very impressive. I also enjoy the zoom feel. Much better than on my F 100-300 which has an unpleasant feel. Apart from the use of plastic, it's no difference in build quality between the FA 28-105 and the Tokina 28-105 - I actually rates the FA higher, because it's more smooth and pleasant to use. On the Tokina, I had to use The Force to move the lens from A to a an aperture value. And the manual focus feel was, well, it was no feel at all. Best wishes, Roland _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: Little Pentax quiz
From: "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2003 12:44:32 -0500 Is it the "hyper" modes, or do other brands have something similar? That's all I can think of, though I haven't used anything more recent than the Super Program myself. Canon, Nikon and Minolta has "shiftable program". It's a program mode where you can alter the combination of the suggested aperture and shutter to suit your liking. It's not the same as HyperMode, since HyperMode is automatic shifting between aperture- and shutter priority. To my knowledge, the shiftable programs goes back to standard program mode when the shot has been taken, while HyperMode stays in the mode that was last selected. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt köpare på MSN Köp & Sälj http://www.msn.se/koposalj
Re: Pentax <--> Canon
From: Artur Ledóchowski <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2003 17:55:33 +0100 Have you seen the new Minolta 24-105/3,5-4,5 AL IF D? That's quite a >compact lens, has very useful focal range and excellent sharpness. It's not an interesting lens for me, I don't believe in 24-nnn zooms. The 24 end usually has distorsions. I prefer a 28-nnn zoom partnered with a prime 24. The FA 28-105 f/3.2-4.5 AL (IF) is as compact as the FA 28-70 f/4. Mount it on a Dynax 7 and you'll get a very light and capable kit, >smaller and more ergonomical than many Pentax kits... I wouldn't call the dynax 7 small. It's the same size as my MZ-5n with battery grip attached. Ergonomical? It has large dials and knobs, but it still has a menu system - not direct access to aperture and shutter. It's not to my liking. C'mon, don't tell me it takes years to make a 1/2EV faster lens while maintaining the same filter thread. They wanted it to be compact too. And the 28-105 f/3.2-4.5 is very compact. I've had a Tokina AF 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 AL (IF). It has a 62mm filter thread, and it was twice as long as my FA 28-105 at the shortest position. It was twice as heavy too. And the optics, while perfectly OK, wasn't in the same class. It was a full metal construction, but I don't rate the build quality as higher than my FA 28-105 f/3.2-4.5 AL (IF). My FA 28-105 is well put together. Nothing rattles, nothing is loose, the manual focusing feel is much better than on the Tokina, the aperture ring is much smoother to turn and more pleasant. The 'A'-pin is easier to press. And when I compare the lens mounts, the Pentax has the best mechanical precision. And the edges of the metal parts are smooth too. On the Tokina, they were sharp as knifes! I agree that small size is one of the important values. However, it's >much more about the weight of a lens than of its filter thread >diameter - the latter has never been a factor of any importance for >me, as well as any person I know (not just Pentaxians), when deciding >what lenses to buy... The compact size, low weight and 58 mm filter thread was the main reason for me to switch from the Tokina to the Pentax 28-105. My FA 135 f/2.8 has 58mm filter thread too. 62mm isn't used by Pentax. Pentax uses 49 - 52 - 58 and 67. I have a 58mm Pentax SMC Skylight filter. A chain is as strong as its weakest link... Then you probably would do better with another brand, since it can't be healthy to feel fear when using Pentax products. You feel fear, Bojidar has expressed that he felt cold shivers around his back. Come on, what's the problem? Is this a kind of virus or something that spreading among Pentaxians? :-) Best wishes, Roland _
Re: Pentax <--> Canon
From: Bruce Rubenstein <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 19:08:17 -0500 BTW, Mr. Spock is a fictional character. Your grasp on reality seems to be a bit tenuous. Is he? I thought you were. :-) Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Complaints
From: Chris Brogden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 18:01:02 -0600 (CST) There's more to a camera's AF system than speed and sensitivity, >though. But speed and sensitivity are very important factors if we talk about AF *performance*. Low light sensitivity is a major drawback of the Canon system, because it must light the AF assist beam earlier and this drains batteries. Pentax can still focus when the Canon needs assist. Pentax has the noisiest AF of the Big 4, and when the lens has trouble locking on a subject the noise becomes very noticeable in quiet situations. The noise depends on the lenses. My Sigma AF 24 f/2.8 is more noisy than the smooth sound of my FA 50 f/1.7. My 135 f/2.8 seems to be least noisy. If you are in a quiet situation and don't like the noise, then you can always focus manually. The shutter noise of my MZ-5n is low and smooth. Also, until the MZ-6, entry-level Pentax bodies "bodies"? Only the MZ-7 had 3-point, all others had a single point. didn't even give you control over which focusing point was being >used. Even the MZ-6 (like the MZ-5n) only lets you select the center >point if you want control, otherwise the camera will choose one of the >three points for you. Pro-photographers prefers center AF, because the AF gets more speedy this way. Multiple focusing points slows down AF operation. I finds a center sensor easier to operate. You forget that the MZ-5 entered the market at the same time as Dynax 606 Classic. This one had also only a 3-point AF system, just as Dynax 808. It was very well received in it's days. The MZ-5/5n is the oldest body in it's category, but it's also the most unique one. It's the only one left with a retro approach, and this alone makes it an excellent buy. The MZ-3 was awarded "top class" by the swedish magazine FOTO. Now "top class" means that the camera is one of the best on the market, regardless of the selling price. They liked the AF performance a lot. When Practical Photography tested the MZ-3 against F80, Dynax 808 and EOS 30/33 (february 2002), they didn't found the AF to be inferior to the competition. Canon's focusing may be slightly slower than Pentax (though their USM lenses are quite fast) The USM lenses isn't fast on Canon's entry level bodies. And the difference is more than "slightly". Personally, I can't see how the option of having several AF sensors is about AF performance. Performance is how the AF system *performs*, not how easy it is to select different AF sensors. Anyway, I guess that you're thrilled by the fact that Pentax has developed an even faster AF system with 11 sensors, all of them can be user selectable. And Pentax uses more cross sensors than the competition. Now, isn't this *nice*? Instead of complaining about what Pentax hadn't done in the past, can we focus on what they're doing? Obviously, Pentax has listened to you and tailor made an AF system - just for you. Isn't this fantastic? Shouldn't they be praised for this? Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt köpare på MSN Köp & Sälj http://www.msn.se/koposalj
Re: Release Date for *ist D???
From: Steve Pearson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 15:44:26 -0800 (PST) I've been away from the list for awhile. Any news on when the *ist D might be available to purchase? Did I see someone mention a July date? Pentax has said late june - early july. No exact release dates has been given. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Pentax <--> Canon
From: "Alan Chan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 15:35:23 -0800 Come on, I think FA135/2.8 is a good lens too, but it's not perfect. I don't think there is such a thing as a perfect lens. My only problem with my beloved FA 135 f/2.8, is the weight. It's far too heavy. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt köpare på MSN Köp & Sälj http://www.msn.se/koposalj
Re: Pentax <--> Canon
From: Bojidar Dimitrov <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 22:27:04 +0100 Hi Boz, welcome back. :-) I hope that Arnold will tell you a story about his FA 135/2.8. I've listened and when I take a look at my FA 135 f/2.8 - it seems to me that Arnold has had bad luck with his sample. While these are not bad, ask your friend, the owner of the EOS 3 to >show you some Canon lenses: the EF 28/2.8 or AF 50/1.8, if he has >them. An even better example yould be the very ordinary EF 24-85/3.5->4.5 USM or EF 28-105/3.5-4.5. Then play with an L lens, if you can... He has the, uhm what is it called now... the very long one. 35-350? IS? Something like that. It's white and has a tripod mount. I'm not impressed. Big, bulky and ugly. But, I'm sure the optics are just fine. I dislike Canon's cameras more than the optics. Big, bulky, ugly and feels like plastic toys. The shutter sound of the EOS 3 makes me going nuts. It's very unpleasant. It doesn't sound like a camera. It sounds like something is loose inside an otherwise empty tank. Not healthy. Maybe they just don't like Pentax's AF offerings, or there are NO auto-focus offerings to replace the K, M or A lenses? It is, but it's fun to keep the old lenses. I have M 28 f/2.8 *and* the FA 28 f/2.8 AL. The FA is much better, but the M has charm. It's softer and warmer. It has charm. I don't have the heart to get rid of it. Either I do not fully understand the MZ-S or you do not fully >understand the EOS 3... My MZ-5n exposes much better than the EOS 3, and the MZ-S is even better. My friend with the EOS 3 often complaints about underexposure problems. And when he attacahed an E-TTL flash, and wanted to use it with aperture priority, he complained that the shutter speeds he got was so low that he was forced to use a tripod. He tried to read the flash manual but he gave it to me, because it was so confusing. I read it, and found that his Speedlite flash was working properly. He was about to leave it to the repair shop because of the slow shutter speed. But it functions as the manual states. When the aperture rings disappear, there will be no MZ-5n any more. They will not disappear, not on the better lenses. The FAJ lenses is a good idea to get the cost down, but I'm sure that we will see many new Pentax lenses with aperture rings for many, many years. Best wishes, Roland _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: Re[2]: Pentax <--> Canon
From: "Alan Chan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 15:26:56 -0800 Perhaps Canon realized most consumers didn't understand or notice the importance of flare control so they didn't waste their money on this technology. So SMC is a waste of money? Well, I believe I understand what's going on here. Pentax photographers cares more about optical character, and Canon users cares more about the electronical gadgets inside the lenses. And I thought photography was a form of art, a personal and creative expression. Not for the technical minded, but for those who has soul and who wants to express this soul in their art. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Pentax <--> Canon
From: "Alan Chan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 15:23:09 -0800 Unfortunately, Pentax "cheated" on the mechanical design of the FA135/2.8 in order to achieve faster AF speed. So to the FA100/2.8. Now you're being rude to the FA 135 f/2.8. It's one of my most beloved lenses. Lenses has feelings you know. That's part of their optical character. Perhaps that's why I prefer the warm hearts of Pentax lenses instead of the "cool" Nikon lenses. Best wishes, Roland _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: Pentax <--> Canon
From: "Alan Chan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 15:08:14 -0800 the lenses totally depend on batteries. So are all Pentax bodies since the A series. But you can mount a Pentax autofocus lens on a mechanical body and fire away, without batteries. Again, the lenses doesn't require batteries. They can be used on bodies that don't require batteries. No problems. Best wishes, Roland _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: Pentax <--> Canon
From: "Alan Chan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 15:06:14 -0800 The metal film guide was molded on plastic structure. Only that metal film guide part is metal actually. Pentax did it well (even on Z-1p) so its not obvious. So now we're up to two metal parts: lens mount and metal film guide. And you claimed that only the lens mount was made of metal. Actually, I can find one thing more - the tripod mount. Seems like metal to me... So "the whole thing is plastic except for the lens mount" isn't true then. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Pentax <--> Canon
From: "Alan Chan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 15:04:37 -0800 Btw, it's f4-5.6 which is slow, when everyone else has been offering f3.3-4.5 for years. Oh dear 1/2 EV difference. Not enough to difference to complain about. I personally have never seen one switching systems because of 1/2 EV difference on one particular zoom. This is getting silly... I doubt that very much. I have never seen any scientific data to support it either. FA* prime lenses are great, but claiming they are the best must require solid proof. I wrote "among the best", not that they were *the* best. Just remove the top & front cover and see for yourself. The metal mount was mounted onto a plastic structure. Don't be fooled by the metal mount. So you mean that Pentax is lying when they claim that the MZ-5n is based upon a stabilizing plattform of plastic? I can see metal in the film chamber, I can feel it too. I'm probably dreaming or maybe I have a very strange MZ-5n body... Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt köpare på MSN Köp & Sälj http://www.msn.se/koposalj
Re: Pentax <--> Canon
From: Arnold Stark <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 23:58:23 +0100 It IS built like a tank. Execpt for two unfortunate details: The lens is easily scratched on the barrel Not mine, mine looks like brand new. I've had it since 1997. , and the focusing ring is much more loose than on other FA primes. No, not mine. It's similar to the FA 50 f/1.7 and FA 28 f/2.8. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Pentax <--> Canon
From: Bojidar Dimitrov <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 21:47:00 +0100 No, I mean "top" for the buyer, that is, low. > Perhaps you could elaborate. Just go to eBay and follow a few Canon auctions... Good for the buyer means that it's bad for those who sell. So Canon has low value on the 2nd hand market then. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt köpare på MSN Köp & Sälj http://www.msn.se/koposalj
Re: WHY PENTAX? WAS: Re: Pentax <--> Canon
From: Peter Jansen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 11:38:56 -0800 (PST) why are we using Pentax?? The optical character of the lenses (low flare, nice colour rendition, lifelike images). Ergonomics, handling, compact size and low weight Fast AF performance and accurate metering systems Easy to find 2nd hand gear at low prices (K, M and A, F and FA are harder to find 2nd hand, but when found - they often has a low price) Few compatibility problems with 3rd party lenses Design The sound of the shutter And - finally - value for money. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt köpare på MSN Köp & Sälj http://www.msn.se/koposalj
Re: Pentax <--> Canon
From: Bruce Rubenstein <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 14:04:40 -0500 It has nothing to do with logic. True, that's why I prefer Pentax because it's more logical. I'm sure Mr Spock uses Pentax too. :-) If you had some real, extensive, first hand experience with both control systems, switching between modes and settings, you would know something. Right now you're just guessing. Am I? Really? Before I tested my friends EOS 3, I thought Canon was OK. Now I know better. And my Canon-friend agree with me that Pentax is easier. Best wishes, Roland _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: Pentax <--> Canon
From: Bruce Rubenstein <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 10:57:44 -0500 It may be intuitive, but that is because you used cameras with controls like that in the past. It is also a slower interface. How can it be slower to just doin what I would like to doinstead of 1) telling the camera what I would like to do, 2) doing it. Pentax has a more direct access to apertures, shutters and exposure settings than the competition. Slower? That's not logical. I'm sure Mr. Spock would agree with me here. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Pentax <--> Canon
From: John Mustarde <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 09:52:12 -0700 ...and the least featured. The NIkon and Canon 300/4 and 300/2.8 lenses have ultrasonic lens motors which allow full-time manual focus; the Canons also have image stabilization. These are modern, valuable, and useful features. The Pentax FA 300/4.5 does not even have a tripod mount; the Pentax 300/2.8 is way overpriced in the US compared to K-mount lenses just as good (Sigma, Tamron, Tokina.) IS comes at a price few can afford. Original brand lenses are more expensive than a 3rd party brand. That's normal. It has been like this since the dawn of photography. If you don't like the price of a Pentax lens, then buy from Sigma or whatever. If this comparison includes 400/5.6 lenses, the Sigma 400/5.6 APO Macro beats this whole group hands down in value-for-dollar. I did not include 3rd party makers, I didn't included Minolta either. I can't include everything. I only have two hands and 10 fingers. :-) I have to make a selection, and I choosed Pentax, Nikon and Canon because that's been on topic lately. Sigma, Tokina - and Tamron, makes some very good lenses. I'm personally more tempted by Sigma's telephotos than Pentax, I have no problems buying a Sigma (my first telezoom was the Sigma A70-210 f/4-5.6 and I liked it a lot, I now have the Sigma AF 24 f/2.8 which I think is awesome when considering how little I paid for it). But, as we can see from my comparision - stating that Pentax aren't competetive in price (when compared to Nikon and Canon, not when compared to Sigma) is not true. Let's face it - Canon has all the goods in pro quality lenses and accessories. But at a price. Pentax can do fine in many areas. They are doing fine in many areas. Nikon has a couple of very good lenses but the Nikon line as a whole is not yet substantiality more advanced than Pentax. Even the Nikon lenses without IS and USM are in general more expensive than comparable lenses from Pentax. With IS and USM technology, they're more expensive than Canon's offerings. I don't believe that Nikon lenses are better than Pentax in terms of optical performance. I know that they have higher contrast (smaller contrast range), which means that they lack the micro detailing of Pentax glass - but this can give a false impression of sharpness. I prefer the natural colour rendition of Pentax glass. (thank god for SMC!). And yes, SMC is a feature and a technological breakthrough. But I guess that some value USM more than SMC, very strange. Best wishes, Roland _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: Pentax <--> Canon
From: Bruce Rubenstein <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 11:11:08 -0500 I know you like it in your Pentax Fantasy Land citadel, but a first hand reality check probably wouldn't kill you. I simply refered to a test in Practical Photography. Are they living in the Pentax Fantasy Land? May I ask, where can I find this amuzement park? Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Pentax <--> Canon
From: Bruce Rubenstein <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: Pentax <--> Canon Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 10:46:55 -0500 I think that Canon made 1 AF body that used EF mount lenses. You mean 1 MF body that used EF mount lenses? When I was out shopping for my first SLR, back in 1988, I remember that I did test a Canon wich focusing dial at the back of the camera. When I rotated the focusing dial, the lens focused. Spooky! I laughed, returned the camera and bought a P30 instead. I've never regreted this choice. Due to economy of scale, and Canon being a well run company, you get more "bang for the buck" from them than any other maker. "More bang for the buck"? I would say "more plastic for the buck". When I compare prices at the swedish online store Cyberphoto - Pentax has lower prices on comparable lenses than Canon. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Pentax <--> Canon
Because the whole thing is plastic, except the mount. The bottom platter, underneath the plastic shell, is full metal. The film chamber uses many metal reinformcements too. So you're statement is not correct. It's not just the mount that's metal in the MZ-5n. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt köpare på MSN Köp & Sälj http://www.msn.se/koposalj
Re: Suitable body for FA24mm lens?
The most natural back-up to the *ist D, is of course the *ist. The *ist shares much of the technology used in the *ist D (autofocus, shutter, metering, P-TTL flash system). But it's not available 2nd hand. If you want a 2nd hand, then MZ-5n is a nice camera. But totally different from the *ist D. The lower priced MZ-6 shares more of the technology with the *ist D (shutter and P-TTL). Best wishes, Roland From: Harold Owen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 11:42:00 GMT Whilst waiting for the release of the forthcoming * ist D I am looking for advice regarding a camera body for use with FA lenses. The body will be purchased second-hand to be used as a back-up to the * * ist D, so far after reading advice about camera bodies on "Bojidar Dimitrov's Pentax K-Mount Page" page I am tending to favour the MX and MZ5n models. Any other recommendations? Harry -- Harold Owen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> _ Hitta rätt köpare på MSN Köp & Sälj http://www.msn.se/koposalj
Re: Pentax <--> Canon
From: "Alan Chan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 02:44:11 -0800 Aside from some Tamron rebadged zooms, the choice of true Pentax FA zooms are quite limited when compared to C, N & M. They have many good quality consumer zooms (I don't mean those truely low quality lenses), but Pentax was stuck with FA28-105/4.5-5.6, and now the FA20-35/4 & FA24-90/3.5-4.5. Still, the choice is rather limited. The FA 28-105 f/4-4.5 (power zoom) was rated as the best 28-105 in it's class when Practical Photography tested it, I believe this test was in -98. Better than Nikon 35-105, Canon, Minolta and Sigma. It took time for Pentax to replace the 28-105 f/4-5.6, but since it was better than the competition it didn't really needed to be updated for some time. the competition had to update their lenses so they could be in the same class. I can assure you the FA135/2.8 was not built like a tank. Then tell this to my FA 135 f/2.8, since my 135 obviously are just pretending to be built like a tank then. The focus ring feels truely bad, so to the FA100/2.8. I say that the focus ring feels truely good, I prefer the rubber grip to the unpleasant feel of my M lenses. One thing that many has been upset about, is that autofocus lenses doesn't have the same feel when turning the focus ring as manual focus lenses has. I have no problems with focusing my FA lenses manually. They feels well put together. Nothing is loose, nothing rattles, nothing wobbles. Turning the focusing ring is smooth and pleasant. The FA 28-105 f/3.2-4.5 AL (IF) is better here than the FA 28-70 f/4 AL, and perfectly comparable to FA 135 f/2.8, 28 f/2.8 and 50 f/1.7. I like the feel when focusing manually. These lenses have metal shells and quite ok, but it's no Nikkor AF lenses (similar lenses). Then please switch to Nikon since you obviously prefer them. If I remember correctly, most FA* lenses were more expensive than Nikkor AF and similar to EOS equivalent. So we are speaking about the past now? The FA*80-200 and FA*28-70 were selling like US$16xx & US$12xx respectively. The FA*200/2.8 costed US$12xx too. The only truely affordable * lens was FA*24/2, and the FA*85 & FA*300/4.5 were selling at US$8xx. Some prices... * Macro Canon EF 50 f/2.5 Macro: 5 576 SEK Nikon AF 60 f/2.8 Micro: 4 120 SEK Pentax FA 50 f/2.8 Macro : 4 084 SEK Nikon AF 85 f/2.8 PC Micro : 16 958 SEK Canon EF 100 f/2.8 Macro : 6 970 SEK Nikon AF 105 f/2.8 Micro : 8 978 SEK Pentax FA 100 f/2.8 Macro : 6 036 SEK Pentax A 100 f/2.8 Dental : 5 184 SEK Pentax 100 f/4 bellows : 2 269 SEK Pentax FA 100 f/3.5 Macro : 2 262 SEK Canon EF 180 f/3.5L Macro : 13 995 SEK Nikon AF 200 f/4D Micro: 20 625 SEK Pentax FA* 200 f/4 Macro : 13 035 SEK Pentax A* 200 f/2.8 Macro : 16 444 SEK Comments: Pentax has the least expensive optics, the Nikon 200 f/4 Macro cost nearly twice as much as Pentax 200 f/4 Macro. Is it really better? Canon does not have a 200 Macro. * Telephotos Canon EF 85 f/1.2L : 23 100 SEK (pro quality) Canon EF 85 f/1.8 : 5 540 SEK (consumer grade) Nikon AF 85 f/1.4D : 13 468 SEK (pro quality) Nikon AF 85 f/1.8 : 5 736 SEK (consumer grade) Nikon AF 105 f/2.0 : 14 964 SEK (pro quality) Pentax FA 85 f/2.8 Soft: 5 076 SEK (pro/consumer?) Pentax FA 77 f/1.8 Limited : 7 682 SEK (pro quality) Pentax FA* 85 f/1.4: 9 815 SEK (pro quality) Comment: Pentax pro-quality lenses are less expensive than the pro quality lenses from the competition. The FA 77 Limited is very inexpensive for it's superior performance. Pentax gives best performance for the money. Pentax lacks a pro-quality non-Macro 100/105 lens, and a consumer 85 f/2.8 - but how important is this? Canon EF 135 f/2L : 11 600 SEK (pro-quality) Canon EF 135 f/2.8 Soft: 4 200 SEK (consumer) Nkon AF 135 f/2.0 : 14 963 SEK (pro-quality) Pentax FA 135 f/2.8: 4 010 SEK (consumer) Comment: Pentax is the least expensive here. Pentax lacks a pro-quality 135, but Nikon lacks a consumer 135. Canon lacks a consumer 135 which isn't soft focus. Canon EF 200 f/2.8L: 9 660 SEK Nikon AF 180 f/2.8D: 10 973 SEK Pentax FA* 200 f/2.8 : 13 545 SEK Pentax A* 200 f/2.8: 13 568 SEK Comment: All those are pro-quality. Canon is the least expensive, Pentax the most expensive. Nikon really doesn't fit in here since it has 180 and not 200. Canon EF 300 f/2.8L IS : 58 624 SEK Canon EF 300 f/4 IS: 17 175 SEK Nikon AF 300 f/4D : 13 850 SEK Pentax FA* 300 f/2.8 : 45 644 SEK Pentax FA* 300 f/4.5 : 9 126 SEK Comment: Pentax has the least expensive options here. Canon EF 400 f/2.8L IS : 95 725 SEK Canon EF 400 f/5.6L : 20 160 SEK Nikon AF 400 f/2.8D :107 730 SEK Pentax FA* 400 f/5.6 ED : 15 316 SEK Comment: Pentax has the least expensive options here, Nikon is the most expensive. (Nikon's lens cost as a Citroën
Re: Pentax <--> Canon
From: Keith Whaley <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 01:10:37 -0800 What this means to me is, there are a lot of people selling a lot of EOS gear! Why is that, do you suppose? Because they're switching to Pentax? :-) But seriously, an answer could be that Canon is used by many pro photographers and when Canon comes out with new gear, they sell their old gear and buy the new gear. I believe some amateurs has the money to do this also. Some are also buying 2nd hand gear all the time, and when they got tired of it - perhaps they couldn't find use of the great 300 f/2.8 they just bought, or their wifes got mad when they saw the bill - they sell it, so they can buy other 2nd hand gear... Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt köpare på MSN Köp & Sälj http://www.msn.se/koposalj
Re: Pentax <--> Canon
From: Bojidar Dimitrov <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 07:32:22 +0100 ++ top lenses in every focal length (sadly, mostly older manual focus ones) Hu? I personally ses the FA primes, the entire FA* serie (primes and zooms) plus the limiteds - as top lenses (they have got good reviews in magazines too). The bad lenses are the entry level consumer zooms, but Canon's offerings in the entry level market segment isn't good either. -- desirable products lag about 5 years: FA20-35/4, FA24-90/3.5-4.5, FA28-105/3.2-4.5, modern flash features But Pentax has had 28-105's for a long time. FA 28-105 f/4-5.6, 28-105 f/4-5.6 (IF) and now the f/3.2-4.5. I don't understand you here. -- virtually all FA lenses are cheaply built (the FA* are very good) My FA 135 f/2.8 is built like a tank, I'm sure that it can stand the attack of missiles. It's a full metal construction. I also like the build quality of my FA 28 f/2.8 and FA 50 f/1.7. They feels very solid with great mechanics. I like the build quality of my FA 28-105 f/3.2-4.5. It's much more solid than my FA 28-70 f/4 was. So, FA lenses are *not* cheaply built - except from some consumer zooms. -- the second-hand market is VERY small: the good stuff is difficult to find, there are lots of people who want it, and it is expensive Obviously Pentax photographers hold onto their gear. They don't sell it. K, A and M lenses are easy to find since the original buyers as a) bought new AF bodies and AF lenses, or b) changed to Canon, or c) changed to a zoom compact. - top-of-the-line Pentax = serious amateur from the other manufacturers (for example MZ-S = Canon 30/Elan 7e) That's your personal rating. MZ-S = EOS 3. - the good new gear is more expensive than from the competition The FA* 80-200 f/2.8 is more expensive than the competition, but the other lenses are not. In fact, some are even less expensive. The FA* 28-70 f/2.8 is the least expensive 28-70 f/2.8 on the market from a major manufacturer, and the FA 28-105 f/3.2-4.5 AL (IF) is less expensive than Nikon AF 28-105 f/3.5-4.5. The 50 f/1.4 is the least expensive 50 f/1.4 on the market, same with is true for the legendary FA 100 f/2.8 Macro.Well, they were when I checked Cyberphoto (http//www.cyberphoto.se). - limited support for "modern" flash operation: only two bodies >support flash compensation, high-speed flash, wireless flash No, 4 bodies supports it. MZ-S, MZ-6, *ist and *ist D. With more to follow. ++ top lenses in every focal length Not the entry level consumer zooms (like the 28-85 USM and DC). They have not got favourable reviews, at least not in Sweden. + most lenses are very-well built; the L lenses are superb But the entry level lenses are very plastic with no distance information scale. Canon even has plastic prime lenses with plastic lens mounts (like the 50 f/1.8). Now, all Pentax prime lenses has higher quality than that. We must also consider... --- Bad build quality in the entry level bodies. Very plastic from the outside to the inside. No metal reinforcements. One exception: the new EOS 300V. It is much better than previous Canon's here. Canon is famous for using more plastics than the competition, even in the lenses. A friend of mine is a professional photographer, he has a Canon EOS 3 with some lenses. I rate the build quality of my MZ-5n higher than his Canon. I know that the EOS 3 has an aluminium chassi underneath the *very* plastic outside, I know this because the plastic has been scrated off in some places so the aluminium shines through. Now, this has never happened to any of my MZ-bodies. The dials and switches feels much better on my MZ-5n than on the EOS 3. The MZ-5n is far more intuitive to use. To change from program mode to aperture priority on the EOS 3, one has to press the "mode"-dial, then turn the main command dial until the display says "Av", then one can set the aperture. On the MZ-5n, one simply turns the aperture ring. And this is a great feature of the Pentax system - with Pentax, you simply turns aperture and shutter. You don't have to tell the camera first what you want to set before you can set it, as you have to do with the cameras from other makers. The more I use my MZ-5n, the more I like it. It's a beautiful camera. Best wishes, Roland _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: SOT: Canon 10D
From: collinb <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2003 17:59:10 -0500 SMALL finder display. Just what I expect the istD will have. According to the reports from CeBit (Heiko Hamann and others), the *ist D's viewfinder shows an image that's similar in size to the MZ-5n. #2 What does Pentax need to beat the Canon? a. The improved ist AF It has that. b. At least $300 price difference if the body is going to be a lightweight. Hm, somehow I find it more logical to have it the other way around. Lightweight should be a *feature*, and features cost money. c. Better UI. It's got to be easy to use. The Canon has too many button. I wouldn't be worried here. Canon's UI has always been more complicated than Pentax. Best wishes, Roland _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: France
From: Andre Langevin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2003 14:29:41 -0500 It depends on the location in France... You want nice weather without the Florida humidity? Go to Provence. I have always liked the surroundings around Colmar. Best wishes, Roland _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: Stupid question about M lens on *ist
From: Greene <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2003 09:56:39 -0800 (PST) I was under the impression that Pentax "K" and newer bodies worked with "Stepless" metering? That is, the camera body closes down the aperture to the setting you input. If you set f/8 on the lens, the camera body sets that aperture the moment the shot is made, then opens up full again. Am I wrong? *I thought the only time you could "see" the effect of the set aperture was by either actuating DOF preview or taking the shot? Am I dead wrong? Why then would not an *st or *st-D body do the same? The *ist does not have a standard K-mount (but the *ist D will probably have, so we leave the D out of this discussion). According to Pentax U.S.A, U.K and Scandinavia, K and M lenses and accessories are not compatible with the *ist. (I thought that if I ask Pentax distributors in three different countries, then the chances that I can get a correct answer is much higher than if I only ask in one country :-) ). Now, I once posted in this forum a scenario when one uses a M lens with the *ist. I wrote that if I have the M f/2.8 on an *ist, wouldn't it then be possible to meter it at f/2.8 (and getting, for example, 1/250) then I set it to f/5.6 and adjust the shutter to 1/60 and fire away. I got several messages that this was incorrect, and that K and M lenses only could work on the *ist at the widest aperture, because the *ist lacks the stop down lever. Now I have seen other messages telling the contrary. So, I'm feeling rather confused right now. I'm going to have a hot bath and meditate in the bubbles. I might eventuelly come back, yelling "Heureka!" at some improper time. :-) Best wishes, Roland _ Lättare att hitta drömresan med MSN Resor http://www.msn.se/resor/
Re: Good-bye Pentax (2)
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2003 15:27:57 EST Roland. Absolutely. Minolta too, after all they were first. Wasn't the >650 the first Canon? Hm, I don't think so but, you know, it was a long time ago. :-) Memories seems to fade away... :-) When I started with SLR photography in 1988, I choosed a P30 because it was manual and Pentax had a nice system back then. I didn't want to pay for things that I wouldn't use. At that time, I saw autofocus as something very useless. The P30 felt more tempting, and it had depth-of-field preview. I remember visiting a shop and they recommended me a Nikon F501 (I believe it was called so). More expensive but "the glass is better, you can clearly see the difference between Nikon and the others.". Well, we all know that Pentax has some nice glass too. :-) I jumped onto the AF-train with the MZ-5. I was never really temped by the Z-serie. I liked the Z-20 but, well... I liked my P30 more. But the MZ-5 felt just right. I changed it to MZ-5n only because I wanted to have depth-of-field preview. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: THE FRENCH
From: collinb <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2003 14:32:43 -0500 #2 We live in a fallen and sinful world where there can be no peace. Of course it can! But we can't find peace in the world if we don't find the peace in ourselves, that's where everything starts - with ourselves. Peace is not achieved or maintained in this world by the irrationality of nonviolence as promoted by the Left (Marxists & Neo->Marxists). The fantasy ignoring everything and just living for today >appeals to the thoughtless (aka John Lennon) who do not want to or cannot look toward tomorrow's higher goals of freedom and prosperity shared for others. Now, you're not nice. You talk about peace, but you show no understanding to those who believes in peace, love and harmony. Peace is not a political direction like right or left, it's not a colour like blue or red. Peace is about compassion and understanding to all living beings. There cannot be peace, if we don't love ourselves. Bush, Hussein, Bin Ladin - thy have so much to work inside theirselves - that's why they show hate - because they really hate themselves. They need professional help to solve their inner problems. It's much easier to love others, if we love ourselves. It's within ourselves everything starts. We can't force peace, it must be found within. And every human who finds inner peace, has won a great victory. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt köpare på MSN Köp & Sälj http://www.msn.se/koposalj
Re: Good-bye Pentax (2)
From: Boris Liberman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2003 21:14:55 +0200 I am not sure about Canon since I think I never actually held any Canon SLR camera for more than one minute. A friend of mine, who is a professional photographers, has an EOS 3. For me, it simply feels like a big, bulky and empty tank. The build quality is very low, my MZ-5n feels much better built. And the shutter noise... Hard to describe, but it's annoying. But it has a chassi of aluminium. I know this because the thin plastic has scratches so one can see the bare aluminium. Everything about it feels so cheap. As for the discussion about *ist*. I think it is indeed a little too early to arrive to any conclusion. Though the number of crippled mount cameras grows dangerously. And now the new lenses. There has always been one MZ-body with crippled mount (MZ-50 became MZ-30 which became MZ-60). And it will exist one *ist with crippled mount. So I can't say that the numbers are increasing. I'm not worried about the new lenses. They're entry level. My MZ-5n would be angry at me if I put entry level el cheapo plastique lenses on it. It deserves better than that. :-) Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt köpare på MSN Köp & Sälj http://www.msn.se/koposalj
Re: Stupid question about M lens on *ist
From: Bruce Rubenstein <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2003 12:43:42 -0500 You hardly know how the Pentax mount works, what makes you think you know anything about the Nikon one? The N80 may not meter ambient light with MF lenses, but does with TTL flash and can perfectly control (stop down the aperture) a MF lens in manual mode. Go back to mindlessly waving the Pentax banner. In those hostile times of hatred and violence, I believe that it's more important than ever to be nice to each other here. Anyway, if the N80 can't meter with manual focus lenses then why use it? Bruce, it's clear that you prefer Nikon over Pentax so why are you here? Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Filter system?
From: Greene <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2003 09:31:51 -0800 (PST) I like the LEE filter system because you can buy graduated filters that slide up/down in the holder. That's nice, and true for the Cokin too. I have the Cokin system and I do it all the time with my graduated grey's and blue's. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt köpare på MSN Köp & Sälj http://www.msn.se/koposalj
Re: Stupid question about M lens on *ist
From: Mat Maessen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2003 11:37:07 -0500 H... does the *istD have a DOF preview button? Wouldn't be too hard to change the firmware to meter when it's pressed, and indicate that exposure. Or even to do stop-down metering in aperture priority mode. I remember that Pål has written that the *ist may have a problem with K-mount lenses and the DOF-preview function... Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt köpare på MSN Köp & Sälj http://www.msn.se/koposalj
Re: Good-bye Pentax (2)
From: Bojidar Dimitrov <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2003 16:11:29 +0100 Do you remember the time about three weeks? Pentax had said "full compatibility" for the *ist, and everyone was talking about how his personal Pentax sources were confirming that. Pentax-Europe's >marketing director had confirmed it, and I was still not believing it because it was not fitting together with several technical observations of mine. The press release from Pentax U.S stated that K and M lenses could be used. But the press releases from Pentax Canada, Pentax Germany and Pentax Scandinavia didn't. Obviously Pentax U.S made a misstake, they have done this before (in the first press release for the ZX-L, K and M lenses weren't in the lens compatibility chart. This was, as we all know by now, wrong). So, never listen to Pentax U.S. They have a tendency to get things wrong. But everyone, not just Pentax U.S, are stating K and M compatibility with the *ist D. That's why I believe it. I don't believe Pentax U.S, but since Pentax Scandinavia tells it - I listen. You see, when I first read Pentax U.S press release, I asked Pentax Scandinavia. They said that they hadn't got any information about compatibility. They didn't knowed, so they didn't say anything at that time. I believe this is true for Pentax U.S also, I believe that they simply *assumed* that the filmbased *ist were full K mount compatible. But they didn't have any information to back this up. (I don't believe that Pentax Japan tells Pentax U.S more than Pentax Scandinavia). This difference to the situation with the *ist is very important. I have learned not to listen to Pentax U.S, but I do listen to Pentax Scandinavia. They don't release information if they haven't got it confirmed by Pentax Japan. This we have only seen on paper, just like we saw similar texts about the *ist. The only HARD evidence (the early prototypes at PMA and CeBit) show the contrary. Now, I am quite certain that the prototype >at PMA is a different one from the one at CeBit, and both featured the crippled mount. Are you feeling small waves of coldness on your back? I am... No, because I have a strange feeling (not waves of coldness :-) ) that Pentax has things hidden up their sleeves, and this is about the lens mount. They haven't showned the true lens mount on the *ist D, because this would reveal secrets that Pentax are not ready to reveal yet. One can always discuss when to show new technology, to preview and not to preview. Previewing new technology to the public means that the technology is previewed to the competition too, and I believe Pentax doesn't want this. It's better for them to release the secrets when the camera is ready to go on sale. Anyway, don't judge future *ist models by the entry level model. It's not fair. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt på nätet med MSN Sök http://search.msn.se/
Re: Crippled mount; was Re: Good-bye Pentax (2)
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2003 09:35:31 US/Central What bothers me, (I am not Boz, and I am not switching to Canon >anytime soon) is that the film *ist is now the FOURTH entry-level body >they've introduced with this mount. But it's still entry level. Pentax has not made a mid or pro-market camera without full K and M compatibility. They could have done it with the *ist D, but everything points that the *ist D will have full K and M compatibility. Feel no fear, my friend. Don't worry, be happy. Best wishes, Roland _ Hitta rätt köpare på MSN Köp & Sälj http://www.msn.se/koposalj
