Some sort of duck?
this is my very first submission to public critique of any kind, so please be gentle... :) http://zee-photoz.blogspot.com/2010/02/wetlands-walk.html - a bird i shot while walking around wakodahatchee wetlands in florida a few weeks ago... -Z -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Some sort of duck?
P. J. Alling wrote: On 2/20/2010 3:46 PM, Z wrote: this is my very first submission to public critique of any kind, so please be gentle... :) http://zee-photoz.blogspot.com/2010/02/wetlands-walk.html - a bird i shot while walking around wakodahatchee wetlands in florida a few weeks ago... -Z That's very colorful, ugly environment for a background. Still, if it's the birds natural environment it can't be helped. yeah, those reeds are where this guy liked to hang out... can't really help the background without massive post processing to throw it out of focus... -Z -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Some sort of duck?
Christian wrote: It's a Purple Gallinule. It's a bit soft and I'd prefer a side-on or front-quarter shot rather than the back, but the setting is nice and the colors are certainly there. i would have preferred that, as well but he just wouldn't turn around for me :) -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: tamron 18-250
Subash wrote: what *is* available is the tamron 18-250. it looks like a very convenient travel lens but i would like to hear the opinion of people here who have used it before buying it. so, appreciate and welcome your inputs. i haven't used it, but http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/tamron_18-270_3p5-6p3_vc_n15/ is a good writeup... there's also http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/sigma_18-200_3p5-6p3_os_n15/ which is in the same class... -Z -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: pedo - dance
On 3/7/2010 7:51, Carlos R wrote: The picture is very nice, but "pedo" means "fart" in Spanish :-) it has unfortunate connotations in english, too... it's short for "pedophile" or "pedophilia" that aside, it's a good catch of the dancers in mid-air - they look like they're floating - but it leaves me wishing you'd caught a more dramatic moment in that jump. it really does look like they were just lifted a few inches off the ground. -Z -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: PESO - Underwhelming
On 3/6/2010 18:03, Jack Davis wrote: "Marketing Wimps" Love the small dumpster for "Canadian Waste." Jack foreign waste goes in the bin around the corner? :) this reminds me of the store i saw in new orleans many years ago: "billy bob's chinese laundry" -Z -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
PESO: Train Station
on my way to get dinner the other week, I stopped for gas across from this train station and decided to have a little fun while the car filled up... http://zee-photoz.blogspot.com/2010/03/train-station-night.html i was leaning against a post, hand holding the thing, so be gentle :) -Z -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: PESO: Wild Oats
On 3/17/2010 15:28, Jack Davis wrote: Been in a barn mood again lately. Noted others likewise afflicted, so thought I'd try to infect others. This was shot a few years ago with a tripod mounted Mamiya 6 w/50mm lens. Allowed the barn to remain dark to emphasize the fence and oats. Sad to see the lost detail in web file. Jack All comments gladly received. http://photolightimages.com/aspupload/detail.asp?ID=464 wow, that's quite the barn picture... it looks like something i might find on Dorothy's farm after the twister... very, very good work -Z -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: PESO: Wild Oats
On 3/18/2010 18:17, John Sessoms wrote: From: Mat Maessen On 3/17/10, paul stenquist wrote: > Do you have a name? We generally have names here -- most of us have nothing to > hide. And those of us who do have something to hide, like Cotty and Frank, have > already been exposed:-). Of course a name is optional. But somehow a real honest to > gosh name seems to make it all a bit more friendly. I've known Z for 17 years now, and I can assure you he is a real person. And everyone really does call him Z. It's easier than trying to spell his last name. I think you're under-estimating our creativity. ;-D i've had all sorts of spellings and pronunciations over the years (truth be told, my finger get tied up typing it once in a while) :) if there's a boston meetup that i can make it to, we can play "how to spell Z's name" ... it's always a fun game at parties -Z (and ken can vouch that i'm a real person! he sold me the lens i used for the train station peso!) -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: PESO: Wild Oats
On 3/18/2010 21:42, Mark Roberts wrote: Z wrote: if there's a boston meetup that i can make it to, we can play "how to spell Z's name" ... it's always a fun game at parties You can't come to the one this Saturday? prior commitment :/ ... maybe in april? -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: PESO: Wild Oats
On 3/17/2010 21:34, paul stenquist wrote: Hi Z, Are you the same "Z" who rated thousands of photos on photo.net without ever posting? No offense intended, just curious. that person is obviously a usurper of my name and should be flogged with a roll of T-MAX... the only things i've looked at on photo.net are the pesos posted in the last few weeks (since i joined this list) Do you have a name? We generally have names here -- most of us have nothing to hide. And those of us who do have something to hide, like Cotty and Frank, have already been exposed:-). Of course a name is optional. But somehow a real honest to gosh name seems to make it all a bit more friendly. mat covered this for me, but i'll answer anyway... the name on my license is 'mike' but i've gone by Z for so long, i tend to introduce myself that way in informal settings... even my wife calls me that. In any case, welcome to the PDML. thanks! it's good to be here :) -Z -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Totally OT Z
On 4/18/2010 21:36, Mat Maessen wrote: On 4/18/10, David J Brooks wrote: I did not want to say anything, in case i failed the test.but i did not, so , i now have my Z endorsement, and now have a leverage in case the new" company" does not come through. I'm sure Z will be happy to hear that. :-) -Mat (who has an M endorsement, but no Z) I officially endorse you, Mat :) and what the hey, i'll endorse dave, too :) -Z -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Newbie flash question...please help
RE: Newbie flash question...please helpThanks a lot, I looked the model you mentioned and it seems to be the same as 440AF... <- Original Message - From: Peifer, William [OCDUS] ...In your case, you'll need the 444D (about US $100 new from places in New York City like B&H or Adorama), and a Sunpak PT-2D dedicated module (about US $33 new from the same places). I don't know about the Sunpak 444AFP -- never heard of it. - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Nature photographer using *istD
Hello. Just came across this site; the guy who owns it is a nature photographer, who mentions the *istD and Pentax glass as his gear. Some of his stuff is amazing. Those of you exclusively interested in image aesthetics may wonder why he has some technically below-par photos on his site. In it might interest you to know that in those cases the shown subjects are incredibly hard to photograph (his series of Goshawk shots comes to mind. Impossible bird to photograph, normally), which in nature photography can be a valid argument IMHO. Aopart from that he uses some really heavy compression, I assume to prevent image piracy. The site is in Dutch, but just click on random hyperlinks; it's not a hard site to navigate. http://home.versatel.nl/mcj.schaap/ -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.7.1 - Release Date: 09/03/05
Re: Buying Lens in Holland
FWIW, I live in Amsterdam and from experience I can say it's not the easiest place to buy new Pentax gear. Even the "official Pentax specialist", a shop named Esser, generally has little in stock and sells at or near the importer's recommended retail price. For new gear, I concur with others who have recommended kamera-express.nl. There are a few nice second-hand places that you might want to visit though, most notably in the Haarlemmerstraat just west of Central Station. The city of Utrecht (less than half an hour from Amsterdam by car or train) has some excellent shops as well. I don't know where you're located, but I'm under the impression photo gear tends to be a lot more expensive in Europe than in North America. Not just photo gear, FTM... when it comes to musical instruments, we usually pay around double the US prices (even when the instruments are manufactured here). Zed
Re: Free Market Photography? (was: Re: No more photography in Europe?)
Cotty wrote:
There are police snatch squads patrolling popular tourist venues like
Trafalgar Square in London, on the lookout for - literally - dirty old
men with cameras. They watch for men who photograph children, monitor
their activities, and move in and arrest where necessary (to them).
Hmm, reminds me of my little reptile photography trip to the
Slovene/Croatian cost. Local friends had assured me snakes were quite
abundant there, and indeed after about an hour of searching I found a
freshly shed skin of a large specimen near the parking lot of a
children's holiday camp. Now, when out in the field, I tend to carry a 600
mm for bird photography and shorter telephoto lenses for reptiles. After
several hours of searching in that area, it hit me what would happen if
someone saw a single adult man lurking around in the bushes around a
children's camp, carrying two long lenses. I bolted out of there
immediately ("Sure, you were photographing SNAKES, sir. You can admire some
snakes in prison while we process your film.").
Bizarre thing is that several hundred meters down the road, I found a pair
of snakes at a construction site near the road. I decided to look around
there, because the place was obviously really quiet... The presence of
marijuana ciggy butts and a collection of smutty magazines lying about gave
me that impression. THEN it hit me what would happen if the guy who was
spotted carrying long lenses around a children's camp was now discovered at
an abandoned site with smutty magazines and reefer... Nature photography
has its drawbacks. Ah well, at least I got to photograph the snakes.
As far as the legislation goes... I'm no lawyer (nor do I play one on TV),
but my guess is (like others already suggested) that this new European
ruling means that judges will get to play a larger role to decide on
case-by-case basis. If someone takes my picture on the street and I take
them to court over that, the judge will probably laugh at me (before fining
me for wasting time), UNLESS I can make a case my privacy has been
seriously compromised. IF I can make such a case, the judge may rule
differently. My guess is that this ruling will serve as a handle to prevent
stalking excesses (whether it involves celebs, children, former lovers,
whatever; any case were some maniac decides to follow you around with a
camera all day every day) more than some Draconian measure to ban people
from taking each other's photographs. I guess we'll have to see how
jurisprudence develops.
Z.
Question about shutter release cables
Hello. A while ago I bought a shutter release cable switch for my MZ-6 (ZX-L), because when working with hand-held long lenses, I usually need both hands for focussing and camera support, and consequently lack a limb to press the shutter button. When I received the switch, I felt a bit cheated for paying 42 (which was a bargain; most shops here ask about 70) for what essentially is a walkman headphone cord with a button that shorts the three leads together; short one lead to mass and the thing focusses/calculates the exposure, short the third lead to the other two and the thing trips the shutter. I probably could have fabricated one myself for 2 or so. Now, I don't mind paying top money for decent stuff, but this mark-up is ridiculous IMHO. Now of course, Pentax uses a different cable release for nearly each model. This one has a mini stereo jack, and only one or two other cameras (the *ist and another, I think) accept this plug. However, I also have an SFX and two winder-equipped M-series cameras that all use a three-pole cable release (with two different plugs, of course). I have already tried tripping the shutter on the SFX by touching the poles of the cable switch socket with jeweller's forceps, and yes, it works. So, I was wondering... does anyone here know (and is willing to share that knowledge ;-)) if ALL pentax electric able release switches operate on this same priciple? Because if so, I can simply make plug adapters for the different systems, and use the MZ-6's cable to operate all cameras. I'd be happy to put the "how-to" drawings on the web somewhere. And yes, I'm cheap ;-). TIA, Z.
Re: Question about shutter release cables
Mike wrote: And rather unlucky. If you find an "adaptor" for any of the (as far as I can find out) custom Pentax fittings, be sure to let the list know. There are rather a lot of us who will be wanting to do the same. Which is why Pentax has made them themselves Well, there may be hope here. The little 4-pin data cable for a 3.5" floppy disc drive in a computer works perfectly for the SFX. Just remove the connector's contact pins, cut off one of the outer guide routes of the connector, and re-insert the contact pins in the resulting 3-path plug. Solder the three leads to the corresponding positions on a female 2.5 mm stereo jack, and plug the MZ-6's relase cord plug into that. Et voila, you have a cheap-ass adapter. Of course, this way the new plug for the SFX doesn't lock in place, but the amount of friction is high enough to keep the thing firmly in place (and low enough as not to damage the connector pins on the camera). You can opt to leave it permanently in place and just plug in the release cord when necessary. For more complex plugs, a simple way to make your own is by simply slipping mini connectors (again, from some cheap multi-pin computer cable) over their contact points on the camera (or whatever, I used this technique in a neurophysiology lab and have also applied it to '60 musical instruments with weird connectors) and then glue the wires together in situ. I prefer to use dental acrylic, but when unavailable some two-component synthetic resin works just fine. Of course, you'll have to make sure the glue doesn't permanently affix the wires to the camera, but using a little grease or plastic foil between the contact surfaces works miracles. Z. > So, I was wondering... does anyone here know (and is willing to share that > knowledge ;-)) if ALL pentax electric able release switches operate on this > same priciple? Because if so, I can simply make plug adapters for the > different systems, and use the MZ-6's cable to operate all cameras. I'd be > happy to put the "how-to" drawings on the web somewhere. > > And yes, I'm cheap ;-).
Re: Question about shutter release cables
Heheh, I should have read ahead before replying to Mike. Thanks for the replies, guys. Michel, that's an excellent guide you put up there (and a good excuse for me to brush up on my French ;-))! Z. At 19:18 13/10/04, Emiliano wrote: - I molded a plug for my ZX-50 with 2-component epoxy glue. I encapsulated inside three small gold female connectors that mate with the connectors in the camera. With a smal file I shaped the epoxy block to fit. It has been working for a couple of years now. That's how I connect the my camera to the focus and shutter release buttons of my underwater camera housing. You can make adaptors or cables for almost nothing this way. and then Michel wrote: My (french) solution: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/krg/trucs/telecommandes.htm
Re: MZ-S discontinued?
FWIW, I just checked Pentax' Dutch website, and there film SLRs are now not even mentioned anymore, except for the "product archive" section. The Dutch distributor's current price list only features the MZ-M, MZ-60 and *ist, and something tells me that's just while stocks last. In contrast, the *ist DS is now prominently featured on the site(and available in shops), with a MSRP of 999 incl. VAT. I don't know if the Dutch market is in any way representative for the rest of the world, but if so, I guess this suggests that Pentax has declared not just the MZ-S, but in fact all 35 mm film cameras, things of the past (as predicted before by others on this list). Bummer. Z.
Re: FA 35mm f/2 European prices please
Best I could find (in NL) tonight was 325 incl. VAT at www.geengeld.nl. In comparison, it's 381 at the normally very cheap www.kamera-express.nl. Z.
Re: Use of the word 'classic'.
Don't know about the formal definition, but some advertising lines
certainly are instant classics ;-). I'm still recovering from the
"Official digital camera of the Internet" slogan in that other thread (and,
in fact, wonder whether Al Gore approved of that statement - given he's the
Inventor Of The Internet, right? ;-)).
Classic is probably going the way of "vintage" ("wine year", now pretty
much meaning "used crap") and "collector's item" (surely, if people collect
beer bottle caps or desiccated flies, there must my someone out there who
will regard my particular piece of junk as an item worthy of collecting?).
Ah well.
Malcolm Smith wrote:
When I think of the word 'classic' in connection with cameras, I immediately
think of anything M42 or perhaps K2s & other early bayonette fitting
equipment. I was quite surprised in the 16.10.04 edition of Amateur
Photographer for an advert (pg5 for those interested) promoting their own
classified section to see a Canon D60 referred to as a classic digital
camera. They've only been out a few minutes in camera years! Should I look
forward to new classic in a box status, when buying a digital SLR? It's
taken film cameras years to be classics, but at this rate, my *ist D will be
one by, er, next year.
Malcolm
tus
Re: Waves of Cranes
OK, normally I stay out of these PAW/PESO discussions as I don't feel I'm qualified to comment in most cases, but simply because the main topic of this one is related to mine (birds) I had a look Dang! This is a stunning shot. What stands out most (to me, at least) is how the formation of the cranes echoes the shape of the mountain (hills maybe, but I live in Holland, so everything over 3 ft is a mountain to me) ridge. It's almost like there's a progressive wave moving upwards in the picture... I expect the cranes on the right-hand side of the frame to start moving upwards at any time, to follow the shape of the mountain peak below them. This makes the shot really dynamic. Anyway, kudos! Z.
Re: Tangentially ... (Gas Guzzlers)
I'm not hindered by any actual knowledge here, but don't fighters generally fly faster than the speed of sound, where (some) airliners only rarely do that? Crossing the sound barrier gives that nasty "boom", which adds to their loudness, I'd think. D. Glenn Arthur Jr." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote Which reminds me ... Are fighters actually much louder than jetliners, or is it just that when they pass over my house they do so at a much lower altitude than jetliners do?
Reverse mount question
Hello, I'm planning to do some macro experimenting with a reverse-mounted lens. I noticed the adapters are available in 52 and 49 mm diameter versions. If I get the 52 mm version, would I be able to use 49 mm lenses with a filter step-up ring, or would the lens-to-film distance be wrong then (this probably seems a silly question to many, but I really have no clue how all this works). TIA, Z.
Re: Reverse mount question
Thanks for the replies, guys. I now go kick myself for not realising in the first place that it would only affect the infinity focusing...d'oh!
Re: seeking recommendations for a good 300mm prime
Hope I'm not breaking some auction disclosure rule here, but have a look at this one: http://cgi.ebay.nl/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=30070&item=3852615056&rd=1&ssPageName=WD2V , a fast (f/2.8) Tamron with adapt-all mount and novoflex focusing grip. Might be an interesting option; fast enough to add a teleconverter if needed. I do agree with others who mentioned a 300 mm is rather short for bird photography. It might suffice if you limit yourself to birds without shyness issues (gulls are great), or have access to a good hide. But on hiking trips with a major serendipity factor I find that I basically constantly have to leave my 1.7 x converter on my novoflex 600 mm in order to get half-decent shots. But then again I mainly do birds of prey, which tend to stay as far away as possible. Z. At 07:15 17/11/04, you wrote: - Original Message - From: "Amita Guha" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, November 16, 2004 8:50 PM Subject: seeking recommendations for a good 300mm prime > I had a chance to shoot some birds on Cape Cod last week, and - surprise! - > my old Sigma 70-300mm was just as crappy at bird shots as it was the last > time I tried it. ;) So I decided to come home and just run down to B&H and > buy the FA 300mm f/4.5. But now I can't find it on the website at all. It's > not even listed as backordered; it's just not there. Does anyone know if > this lens is being discontinued? And if it is, does anyone have one they'd > like to sell me? :) > > Failing that, can anyone recommend a good third-party lens? I just want a > reasonably fast lens that I can hike with and that has some nice contrast. > An f/4.5 would be fine. > > Does anyone know what the deal is with Pentax? There are a couple of other > lenses I'm interested in that aren't available. Are they slowing down > production or shifting everything over to consumer digicams? > > Amita > --
Re: seeking recommendations for a good 300mm prime
On the misguided guess we might not have a disclosure rule? Oops, apologies, hope you weren't intending on bidding on that. I should go stand in the corner and read some list FAQs. Z. Just out of curiosity, on what exactly are you basing your hopes? Kostas
Re: MZ-6?
ression of an MX that way (although of course it will never work without a power supply, which I still find the best trait of the MX). It has a number of "Pentax functions" that allow one to customise operation of the camera (e.g., the range of the scale in exposure time correction and the actual exposure steps in auto-bracketing mode, both very useful for photographing birds in flight). Finally durability... that's where I see some crimson flags going up. I really don't like the fact that the camera is made out of plastic, although that may be unrealistic bias on my part - ample plastics are more durable than aluminium. At least the lens mount is metal. What worries me most is that the specs list ends with "number of exposures: 5000". Now, I REALLY hope that number signifies the number of exposures per set of batteries (it more or less corresponds with the listed number of films per battery set) and not the number of exposures before the shutter wears out. If there's a remote chance it is the latter, that would be something to be cautious about. Anyway, this concludes my reviewette... I've left out the flash functionality, because I haven't used the flash except for snap shots, so far. I aim to dedicate a film to all that though, as I recently bought the dedicated camera adapter for my Metz flash. Let me know if you want me to look up or try out something. Later, Zed (33, male, Amsterdam, NL) (Oh, BTW, just in case a gear list is standard requirement for newbies:) Bodies in use: MZ-6, MX (with winder), ME-F (with winder) Lenses in use: SMC Pentax-M 1:1.7 50 mm SMC Pentax-M 1:3.5 28 mm (I also have SMC-M 135 and 35 mm lenses which have been on permanent loan to someone, as I never use them). SMC Pentax-FA 1:4-5.6 35-80 mm zoom Tamron (for Pentax-FA) 1:4.5-5.6 80-210 mm zoom Novoflex 1:8 600 mm with fast-focusing grip "B" and bellows Sigma 1:8 600 mm CAT (pretty cool thing, though no match for the Novoflex in image quality) Soligor 1.7x tele converter for Pentax FA (obscenely good for the price, BTW) Panagor 2x tele converter (obscenely crap, even for the price). Flash: Metz 32 z-2 Main film: Fuji Provia 400, usually pushed a few stops. Some photos: http://uk.photos.yahoo.com/the_dude_in_the_suit (the "reptiles and amphibians" albums, more later). Everything "corrected" with photoshop, obviously. At 01:23 22/08/04, you wrote: From: Toralf Lund <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: MZ-6? Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit John Whittingham wrote: >Those Penta-mirrors are terrible or so I've been told, > It didn't look that bad inside the shop, but maybe that's not much to go by. > the MZ-5/5n/3 are >reasonable but not brilliant with the prism. I guess I was spoilt with the >MX. > I've never looked through an MX viewfinder - which from what I hear is just as well when you're stuck with a different one. I have an ME Super, though, and its viewfinder is definitely better, or at least larger (in terms magnification ratio) than the one on PZ-20 (my other camera) - and the MZ-6 on felt similar one to that, but I should really have compared them more closely (I actually had the PZ-20 in my bag when trying the MZ-6.) > The viewfinder glass on my MZ-3 is positively awfull to view through, I >use manual focus mainly despite having several AF lenses. > Really? I don't mind turning the focus ring manually myself, but I still often rely on the "in-focus" indicator of the AF-system. > The MZ-6 is one >very well specified camera but not very intuitive from the reports I've read, >but I guess you just get used to it. > Hopefully. Actually, I rarely care how intuitive an interface is, I think the most important thing is that it's efficient once you've learned how to use it. > I'd have to try one before I buy, I like >to be able to adjust everything without taking my eye from the viewfinder, I >can with the MZ-3. > > I would guess that the viewfinder info is the same as on the MZ-3/5n, but I could be wrong... >John
Re: MZ-6? (Re: pentax-discuss-d Digest V04 #121)
t it just feels a bit silly. And how about the visibility of the viewfinder (Aperture/Exposure time) display? On my PZ-20, it's hard to read in bright light. I find this visibility excellent. Often I find myself wielding a 600 mm lens (the old kind, actually 600 mm long) at the sky to capture some %^&* fast-flying falcon or something, and despite the fact that I mostly see bright sky in the viewfinder, all settings are clearly visible. ... and I don't take pictures like that. In fact, a dislike for wedding/christening/children-learning-to-walk/holiday/take-a-picture-or-you-may-forget-it type pictures kept me away from photography for years. But I digress... Sometimes they're fun though. A couple of weeks ago I shot this "household" picture of one of my girlfriend's cats. He had just brought in a mouse he killed in her garden, and was flinging the lifeless little mouse through the air. I just shot away (with the internal flash in operation, actually), and this is one shot that amuses me somehow, although from a technical point of view it's pretty much crapissimo (nasty shadows, cat facing away from the camera): http://uk.f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/the_dude_in_the_suit/detail?.dir=/9f0f&.dnm=8e99.jpg Yes. Thanks... But apart from what I've mentioned already, I can't think of anything. OK ;-). Damn, I was hoping to find someone who really hated this camera, There must be a Minolta forum somewhere ;-). Glad to be of service, Z.
Re: ZX-l (pentax-discuss-d Digest V04 #212)
Well, AFAIK it's an MZ-6 with a data back. So, if you disregard the data back, this recent thread might be useful: http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/msg198866.html Hope this helps, Z. At 16:27 02/09/04, you wrote: -- Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2004 10:15:49 -0400 From: "Christien Bunting" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "pentax-discuss" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: zx-l Does anyone have any views on this Camera?
Re: A pair of birds
Just to solve the species ID: the pictured birds are Ring-necked Parakeets, Psittacula krameri. Indeed they are an introduced species, that is rapidly becoming a very familiar sight in most of the major cities in Western Europe (recent counts here in Holland yielded figures of about 1800 for Amsterdam and 3200 for The Hague). Numbers in especially Paris and London are substantially larger, I think. Closest natural population is in southern Turkey. They are completely resilient to our winters and breed prolifically. They are quite a cheerful addition to the city (I have flocks of hundreds of them flying by each morning and evening; they sometimes come to my balcony to dine on seeds of my plants - I had to remove a thornapple otherwise I might have had dead parakeets there)if it weren't for the fact that they are quite aggressive and squat woodpecker nesting holes (spotted woodpeckers are becoming a rarity in the city). The recent advent of large bird-eating birds of prey (Goshawk and peregrin falcon) as breeding species in Amsterdam may limit their numbers in the future though. If similar things happen in the other cities, who knows, things may turn out to be manageable. Anyway, someone asked for the scientific name of the European Roller: Coracias garrulus. A picture may be found here: http://www.birdpix.nl/album_page.php?pic_id=6784 Hope this helps, Z.
Re: OT:strange error messages from the postmaster for successful postings
FWIW, I also got an error mail like that, even though the message it was referring to made it to the list (or at least to the archives, I find it easier to read this list on the archive website). Zed Markus Maurer wrote Sun, 19 Dec 2004 17:39:42 -0800 after my last dozen messages went successful onto the list - I saw them and got answers - I get an error email for most of them now with the following text: -
Re: Novoflex tele lenses
Hi Carlos, I use a Novoflex f8/600, basically as my main lens since lately I've been shooting little else than birds. As mentioned by others, center sharpness and contrast are excellent, but in the corners there's something to be desired. Also, when used on newer Pentax bodies, expect a lot of vignetting in the corners (which according to the Novoflex literature is caused by the narrow light path of the small pentax bodies). However, with an *istD this might not be much of an issue. Unless you work from a hide or photograph birds that are relatively tame, 600 mm still isn't a very long lens. I routinely put a 1.7x converter behind it, and even then I normally do get rather small birds on big slides ;-). However, I mainly do raptors, and they are among the more shy of the bird realm. As a consequence, I also have to use rather fast film, so most of my shots end up rather grainy. I like that, but it isn't exactly be publication quality. Again, with an *istD you circumvent that problem, I'd imagine. You might want to have a look at this: http://www.birdpix.nl/album_search.php?search_type=username&search=Karel The recent pictures in this guy's album were shot with a canon 300D and a Novoflex/Leitz 560 mm head. Not entirely comparable, I know, but perhaps it gives some idea. You might be able to filter his technical data out of the Dutch comments. Novoflex lenses are best suited to use with a shoulder mount and perhaps a bean bag. The optional tripod collar can only be mounted near the lens' center of gravity, which leaves quite some room for vibration on even the heaviest of tripods. The old novoflex shoulder stock is, however, the finest shoulder mount I've ever used. Brilliant design. A huge advantage of the old Novoflex heads is the price...check German eBay, they are quite common there. You should be able to get a fully functional kit for only a few hundred dollars. They weigh about 2.5 kilograms, so shipping costs should be manageable. Hope this helps, Z. At 22:37 16/01/05, you wrote: Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2005 22:25:43 +0100 From: Carlos Royo <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "pentax-discuss@pdml.net" Subject: Novoflex tele lenses Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit As some people around here are much more knowledgeable than me about long lenses, I would like to know their thoughts about the performance of the follow focus tele lenses made by Novoflex. I have only used a Sigma 400 5.6 AF, which I sold to a list member years ago, and the excellent F* 300 mm. 4.5 I still keep the F* 300 mm. but it is a short lens for birding and other kind of nature photography. If I ever get an *istD or other Pentax DSLR, perhaps the crop factor will allow a narrower FOV, but I will surely need a longer lens. Carlos
Re: Novoflex tele lenses
At 20:53 17/01/05, Carlos wrote: You say you use your 600/8 with a 1.7x converter. Is that combo as difficult to focus as it may seem? Surprisingly, not at all, provided of course the weather isn't too bad. I still can't figure out why the Novoflex (even with converter) is easier to focus than my 600/8 Sigma mirror lens. I'm not just talking about the rapidity of focus... even when I'm shooting the proverbial sitting duck the mirror lens just projects a darker image on the focusing screen compared to the "rocket launcher". Of course, both don't work very well with screens that incorporate any focusing aids. Zed.
