PZ-5
Does anyone on this list know anything about the Pentax PZ-5? (Not the ZX-5, but the Euro-version-only PZ-5, which was never sold new in the States.) I'm thinking of getting one, but I do have some questions I'd like to ask first before I do so. I'm mostly concerned about the changable options. (Such as spot metering instead of CWt'ed, rewind film leader out or in, etc...) On the PZ-1(p) these can easily be changed by the camera owner. But specs for the PZ-5 say these options there can only be changed by an authorized factory rep. So what happens if the body I get is not set up with the options I prefer? Who could change it, as Pentax of America says this is not their camera and they won't support it? (They won't even supply me with a manual for it; it's as if for them this camera doesn't exist. Which I find a bit strange...) Any responses here would be greatly appreciated. I did notice on the Pentax owners list that one person there owns a PZ-5. If that person is still around perhaps they could clue me in on this camera. (And, of course, anyone else who's also knowledgable about it...) Remember though, it's not the ZX-5, or the ZX-5n. It's PZ-5. Peace, Skip - 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 .
Speaking for oneself here....
- Original Message - From: "PAUL STENQUIST" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, April 04, 2001 7:18 PM Subject: Re: Big Bad Bill?? It is unlikely that you'll get in the last word on this one, Bill. (We've been there before.) But please understand that the list bears you no ill will. Paul No, I would certainly hope not. But I'm beginning to bear some ill will against you, Paul. What's with the "WE'VE been there before..?" Aren't you the same lovely person who responded to an earlier post of mine (that again wasn't directed personally to you,) with "Skip excreted..."? Yes, I think so. And always you hide behind the cowardly "we", as if you've been elected spokesman for this group, or have taken an off-list poll of members before responding... I have responded to you before, privately, on this matter, but since you chose to ignore it I feel the need to post publicly here, the way you do. No, not quite the way you do; I'm speaking for myself here, and only for myself. (I would not be so arrogant as to presume to speak for this list.) If you don't like what I say, fine! I'm an adult. I will not wither. But if you are going to post negative and subtly character maligning posts about me and about subjects you know little or nothing about, then at least have the courage and the common decency to speak for yourself and not assume the mantle of power as group "spokesman." That, my friend, is called scapegoating...! Skip - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: State of Science -- OT stuff...Sticking Bill
Good advice James. Strictly for others, though? Skip Subject: Re: State of Science -- OT stuff...Sticking Bill Perhaps we should limit idle off-topic chat to direct email, or some other means. Likewise with slanderous crap leveled at Bill Visser. My generation were brought up to respect people, their feelings etc., so when unsure of a persons intentions, or more aptly have contracted the Ebay mentality, try and CLARIFY before STICKING BOTH FEET IN MOUTH. James - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Trust. (Was;; Re: No Sale, Bill...)
Bill--- http://www.kenmarcamera.com/ Skip - Original Message - From: "Bill Kane" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2001 8:10 PM Subject: Re: Trust. (Was;; Re: No Sale, Bill...) Skip, Do you have a url for Ken-Mar? Sounds like I'd love to look them up and see if they have anything I 'need.' Bill dosk wrote: Fr: Skip When I stated I would probably now buy 'used' only from eBay and from shops like KEH and Ken-Mar, I inadvertently left out another very much trusted resource. And that, of course, is the regular (and not quite so regular) members of this list, with whom I believe I could buy from (and sell to) with trust and safety. I also, on second thought, feel that I have may have been a little too sarcastic with some of my comments as to the seller in that recent screwed up transaction, and afterwards, also, to Tom. My apologies... As far as trusted sales places; Ken-Mar has just returned my $63 Kiron 24/2 that first came with a stuck shutter and so was returned to them. It was fixed under the store warranty, no charge, mailing or otherwise, so I think that is a pretty good deal. I doubt if they made any money at all on this double transaction, and it was nice to see that they deal in good faith and I would definitely use them again. Skip I would have to say the PDML is a great resource for buyers and sellers. For long-time list members, we have developed a sort of trust, that is backed up by the fact that if a dirty deed is done, our own reputation would be shot. - 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 . - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Big Bad Bill??
- Original Message - From: "Bill Visser" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, April 04, 2001 4:11 PM Subject: Big Bad Bill?? Hi Skip, Oh well, I tried but I see that you just don't get it. I quote your closing remarks in today's reply as follows, (I have highlighted your words that are slanderous - again): "IMO the next time you want to deal you should be ABOVE BOARD straightforward about it. In any case, if you were STRICTLY HONEST about the whole thing.." If that is not personal slander than you tell me what it is. Choose your words carefully. Now please go away Skip, you are wasting my time. Sorry to the PDML group, this is the last time you'll hear from me on this subject, I promise. But again I am forced to defend myself when someone chooses to slander me on this forum. Fr: Skip I've already explained to you what I consider not being straight forward here! (ie; You accepting my offer, then telling me you've ALREADY SOLD THE GOODS we were negotiating on, but this only AFTER I stated I wanted an escrow transaction...!? ) Hey, and now you won't even quote me right... Please don't clip my words out of context! Below is the entire thing I last said to you... If you want to consider that slanderous, then it's now become your problem and not mine. (At least, unlike you, I didn't try to slander all of your decent countrymen too.) So you want to pout now? Go right ahead "Big Bad Bill..." I've apologized for my part in this mess. If you want to insist on remaining the saintly victim here, be my guest. And good luck. You're quite welcome to your resentments. Skip "IMO, the next time you want to deal you should be more above board and straight forward about it. In any case, if you were strictly honest about the whole thing, (outside of your silent dismissing of my prior offer for the camera,) then what we have here is a case of mishandled communication on both our parts. And for my part in it, I do apologize. Skip" - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Big Bad Bill??
Replies from Skip Att: Skip, I am replying to your personal public slander of me, which leaves me no option but to reply in the same public forum, although this would not be my choice. I would prefer to deal with you personally. Skip: What does that mean Bill? Sorry to bore the rest of the PDML members. No I am not the bad defrauding person that has prompted you to warn others of my un-substantiated mis-deeds. If your aim was to hurt me or get even for some perceived wrong-doing, then you have certainly accomplished your goal. The following points give my side of the story: 1)April 3, you wrote to PDML "The way he dropped from 150 to 115 for such a pristine SF1N body so very quickly, and then offered a "wild" lens to up the amount again, really put me off... While it looked like a good buy, I was never sure it was authentic" - On Tuesday March 27 I listed the camera body at 150usd (or best offer) You told me on Thursday March 29, that you had seen an excellent SF1N body for sale on KEH for 133 USD and you offered to pay me 115, I did not quickly drop the price but agreed with your price of 115 USD. Skip: Isn't that what I said You didn't negoiate at all. I knocked down the price a considerable amount, and you just said, okay great... - This "wild" lens was manufactured in Japan under license from Zeiss-Jena back in the mid sixties with a pentax mount. As an after-thought I offered the Zeiss lens w/UV filter and two replacement lithium batteries to you at 105 USD extra. -You advised me that you would need to check out the Zeiss lens with a friend and you are not sure that you want to purchase it and if you buy the complete package then it would have to be an escrow type of deal. - That weekend I accepted a local offer for the body w/Zeiss lens and on Monday I informed you that the camera and lens are no longer for sale. Skip: Bill, you are not as entirely innocent here as you make yourself out to be. We were negotiating a deal. You had an honest offer of $115 from me for the camera which you accepted right away, but then later decided that it was not of any importance whatsoever when you sold the camera without informing me of what your new other offer was. I might have matched or bettered it... So tell me, why didn't you even try, if you were not "offended" by an escrow deal? Also, the main reason we did not go straight ahead with the original camera deal was your subsequent throwing in of a lens, (for addl' monies by the way), that I'd never heard of. Which only served to confuse the matter. 2) On April 2 you wrote to PDML "I mean after all a brand new SF1N and a Carl Zeiss-Jena 28-80 zoom f1.4-5(???) lens (which a knowledgeable person has told me that he never knew Zeiss-Jena made a zoom), with a skylight filter thrown in too, for only $100.00 more?" and "Just don't go and offend this cat by mentioning escrow transactions and you should be ok! And his address, given only after being requested, Western Canada, is not that big a place, right? Should be able to track him down easily if you should get shafted, right?" - The camera was not "brand new" and at 115usd I considered it a fair price Skip: I received the pictures of it AFTER I'd offered the $115. And they startled me; the camera sure looked brand new to me. And SF1n bodies in this nice of a condition are going for $200 (USD) and up, at KEH... - A similar Zeiss-Jena zoom lens is presently listed on e-bay at 85usd therefore I consider the 100usd to be a fair price. - I was not offended by being asked to make it an escrow deal. - My address was at the bottom of the listing to PDML on Tuesday March 27 Skip: After it was requested by someone else on this list. It says (and I quote) "Located in Western Canada. Will courier at your expense." That's a BIG address... - No, Western Canada is a fairly big place, about 1/3 the area of the USA. You must be American, is it true that geography (outside of the USA) is not a required school subject? (sorry if I offended you, but I find your observation about the size of Western Canada quite humourous) Skip: Insulting the nationalities of people will not help your cause here. But I'm glad you found the remark humorous. That's what it was meant to be. I've seen Western Canada... - And then what would you do once you tracked me down, if in fact I am the bad guy you make me out to be?? (just kidding Skip, pleeease don't write another slanderous letter to PDML, you scare me) Skip: Another humorous remark. And I said, myself, also, that IF (IF! IF!) you were not on the level here, how would anyone ever track you down at the address given, "Western Canada"? 3) On April 2 you wrote to PDML, "Now I'm not saying anything was wrong with Mr Bill Visser's deal. No. But I'd just thought I'd mention it to other PDML members" - If there was
Re: PZ1 grip
Does it block the availability of the cable release, without unscrewing and removing the grip? It looks like this in the photos... Dosk - Original Message - From: "herbet brasileiro" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, April 02, 2001 10:24 AM Subject: PZ1 grip Hi guys, I just got an e-mail from Dave. According to him the grip would be avalailable in 8 weeks or so. It has a vertical release, have a look http://wdcamengineering.com/pentax.htm It looks good. I just think that a vertical release should have a better grip where you could hold on to it more firmly. Herbet. __ Do You Yahoo!? Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail. http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/?.refer=text - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: PZ1 grip
Re; New PZ1 battery pack Fr: Bruce Dayton--- snip "Perhaps a better question is how fast can it be removed and put back on" I agree. And also could it be usable as only an AA battery pack? Maybe one could remove the new vertical release wire and its plug, or at least tuck it back inside the bottom pack so the camera's remote terminal would then still be available? I wonder how well the PZ1p will operate on AA power alone, instead of the usual lithium? Has anyone checked this out? Dosk - 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 .
April Pug Comments; Theriault and Brogden
Assignment: "Yin Yang" by Frank Theriault--- I saw this photo just after my partner got herself a book on the paintings of Vermeer, and I was immediately struck by the similarities of this double animal portrait to Vermeer's style. (All rich and dark browns and blacks and whites.) The subjects are quite relaxed and peaceful, and the overall impression one gets of the shot is one of serenity. The composition is centered and frame filling, excellently done IMO. I enjoyed the delicate contrast of the cats' fur against the smooth and plain background, and I especially like the way the white and dark edges are soft and blending while the rest of the portrait is sharp. Three questions: 1)Was the shot taken with a spotlight or a flash against a black dropcloth, or was the surrounding area blackened in afterwards on a PC? 2)Is the 55/2 Tak you used considered to be a "soft" lens? 3)Did you crop around the frame to enlarge the center? And if so, how much? Rating: A well done portrait. Would really enjoy having my own portrait taken in this style! Assignment: "Breaking Out" by Chris Brogden--- Playful shot. The black camera in the center really looks like it's jumping up and out of line, because of the focus. Also reminds me of a famous WWII photo I've seen somewhere of fighter planes taking off on a carrier deck... Must've been fun setting it up? I do think it could use a bit more contrast. It's not as "arty" as my personal taste prefers, but I also think it has an excellent marketing sense about it and would make a good commercial shot (if more contrasty) for a camera ad. Y'know, like "there's always one that wants to break out of the crowd...", that sort of thing. I would suggest an improvement though; I feel that the framing would be better served with perhaps one inch cropped off of the botto so that only the upper third of the first camera's lens shows... This is of course but personal taste, and I would be curious to see if Chris (and any others) would agree with it? Two questions: 1)How was photo lit? Lighting looks soft and sepia, like natural available light? 2)What is a "Dental Eye" lens, and why do you use it? Rating: A playful shot with commercial potential. Skip - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: No Sale, Bill...
Hey Tom, if you want I'll give you this guy's email address. Yes? Maybe there wasn't really anything wrong with this guy's deal. (I did leave that option open, didn't I? You know, that option you ridiculed with your self righteousness?) But maybe you could get a better deal from him. I mean after all, a brand new SF1n for $115 and a Carl Zeiss-Jena 28-80mm zoom f1.4 - 5 (???) lens (which a knowledgeable person has told me that he never knew Carl Zeiss-Jena even made a zoom), with a UV and a skylight filter thrown in too, for only $100 more? Hey silly, maybe you might even get an almost new PZ1p from him for $150 or so? (One never knows, right?) So you go boy and give it a try. And let me know how it works out will'ya? I wouldn't mind it at all if you proved everything here was on the up and up. Not at all. The guy has great prices..! Just don't go and offend this cat by mentioning escrow transactions and you should be okay! And his address, given only after being requested, Western Canada, is not that big a place, right? Should be able to trace him easily if you should get shafted, right? (Talk about pains in the ass...) Skip dosk wrote: A Bill Visser (from "somewhere in Western Canada") came on this list to sell things. Checked him out with some of the long-timers here; they'd not heard of him before, or ever recall him posting anything here before. H. Well that certainly means he's suspect if we've never heard of him. He sent me pictures of what looked like a brand spanking new SF1n, then dropped his asking price to suit me, very very quickly! Then he offered to also sell me a "Zeiss-Jena" lens (to fit on the Pentax?) Yes. and two filters, all for only $100 more. Could be a reasonable deal, depending on the lens. And oh man he was all hot for the deal! Ready to run with it, he was! Too good to be true, man. I was beginning to think this guy was maybe Santa Claus? Why? You haven't specified the price of the camera, nor what lens and filters he was offering. But a funny thing happened along the way; right after I said I'd only deal with him via my using an escrow account, suddenly the camera and everything else was "Sorry; just sold it locally..." Now I'm not saying anything was wrong here with Mr Bill Visser's deal. No. Yes. You are. Take responsibility for what you say. Maybe he sold it, or maybe he just found you to be a pain in the ass. Or maybe he was trying to screw you. I don't know, you haven't really made a case for it. But I'd just thought I'd mention it to other PDML members... Thanks. tv - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: No Sale, Bill, again..
I don't know now. Maybe I was wrong in reporting my transactions with that seller the way I did. It's true, the deal just didn't feel right to me... But I thought I tried to present what happened in a non-slanderous manner. I was (and am now) not wanting to hurt anyones reputation. I was trying to warn others about a possible (and only a possible) danger. Perhaps I could've been fairer? But I also think it's counter-productive to accuse anyone of being a possible "pain in the ass", (as someone did here), just because I wanted to protect myself and go with an escrow transaction! Hell, I never even knew anything about escrow transactions until I got some (earlier) good advice from people here on this list! And I don't think people should be discouraged from protecting themselves... Strange world sometimes. Skip - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: My switch to APS
Ah, I'm not dork enough to fall for that one on April 1st. But nice try... (If you would've said you wer switching to Polaroid from now on though, now THAT I could've believed...) Skip Subject: My switch to APS I want to let everyone know that I shall no longer be printing my own black and white. I've been quite impressed with some of the recent technological innovations which I have seen lately, and I am now taking all of my photos with an APS point and shoot and ISO 400 C-41 film. The level of quality from such an instrument is surprising, at least to me. The grain is very pleasing, and evokes fond memories of shooting Kodak's recording film, especially when I enlarge the prints. I have already bequeathed the majority of my Pentax equipment to select list members, so if you haven't received an e-mail from me about it then you can safely assume that I don't much care for you. I have no regrets. I've done a lot of BW work in my life, and now I want to devote my remaining days to unravelling the mysteries of APS. What a wonderful format! And I never have to worry again about misloading film. Not to mention the three different picture sizes. I always had trouble figuring out how to crop, burn, dodge, and all those other darkroom techniques, and now I don't have to. Good riddance to bad 35mm! -- Shel Belinkoff mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs. - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Can't see the LEDs in Bright Light (ZX-5n)
Subject: Re: Can't see the LEDs in Bright Light (ZX-5n) Maybe it has to do with lens speed? A F1.4 lens is going to have a much brighter image than a F4 lens, so the brighter image of a faster lens might be what is washing it out? I'll have to try the ZX-M and my 50mm F1.4 lens on a bright day. Nah, Tod I don't think that's it... I also lost my ZX-M's viewfinder LED's using an M 75-150 f4.0 on a bright day. But what about batteries? Do you use lithium or the AA's? I use AA's in the Fg add-on pack, and I'm now wondering if they possibly could produce less internal lighting power than the lithium's? Skip - 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 .
An improvement for seeing the LEDs in Bright Light ? (ZX bods)
Wow, that is just so much different from my experiences with the ZX-M it's amazing! Did you buy yours recently? I wonder if Pentax has improved this?, although I find it unreasonable that they would do so without announcement... I got mine about 6 months ago from BH... And you say your display "dims" in dim light? While mine gets more brighter as the outside light grows dimmer? I think you've got yourself an exceptional ZX body there! I'm envious And along these same lines, Pentax has told me that the "M" eyecup, ($14.95), will fit on both the ZX-5n and the ZX-M, and can be ordered directly from them if I can't obtain it from a local camera shop. (And someone here has already posted that this eyepiece has improved their ZX-30 viewfinder's LED visibility...) Anyone interested can email me directly, and I will provide them with the Pentax ordering information. Skip Subject: Re: Can't see the LEDs in Bright Light (ZX-5n) I just went outside with a 50mm F1.7 lens, and no matter what I pointed it at I could still read the LED's. I use AA batteries. Some things I have noticed is that the display automatically dims in dim light, and DOF preview shuts the display off. Todd At 03:00 PM 3/30/01 -0500, you wrote: Subject: Re: Can't see the LEDs in Bright Light (ZX-5n) Maybe it has to do with lens speed? A F1.4 lens is going to have a much brighter image than a F4 lens, so the brighter image of a faster lens might be what is washing it out? I'll have to try the ZX-M and my 50mm F1.4 lens on a bright day. Nah, Tod I don't think that's it... I also lost my ZX-M's viewfinder LED's using an M 75-150 f4.0 on a bright day. But what about batteries? Do you use lithium or the AA's? I use AA's in the Fg add-on pack, and I'm now wondering if they possibly could produce less internal lighting power than the lithium's? Skip - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Can't see the LEDs in Bright Light (ZX-5n)
Same thing with the ZX-M. Viewfinder LED's just disappear in bright light. Damn dumb engineering is right! Skip - Original Message - From: "Alexandre A. P. Suaide" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2001 2:03 PM Subject: Re: Can't see the LEDs in Bright Light (ZX-5n) I have the same problem I think it is just dumb engineering What I do, sometimes, is press ML button and put my hand in front of the lens, than I can see the LCD in the viewfinder (it is also a dumb solution, but...) Alex [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Is it just my eyes, or do other people find that it's almost impossible to see the LEDs in the viewfinder of a ZX-5n when shooting outdoors in bright light? Most of the time I end up guessing what it says. Do I need a black cloth over my head like a view-camera photographer? Or are my batteries starting to fade? Or is this just dumb engineering? J. John Cohen, M.D., Ph.D. Department of Immunology, B-184 University of Colorado Medical School Denver, CO 80262, USA phone: +1 303 315-8898 fax: +1 303 315-5967 [EMAIL PROTECTED] - 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 . -- --- Alexandre A. P. Suaide, Ph.D. mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Physics Department University of Sao Paulo - BrazilPhone: 1-313-577-5419 Wayne State University - MI -USAICQ number: 78139605 --- - 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 . - 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 .
PZ-20 vs SF1n?..
Which autofocus in general would be considered better? The no-servo, predictive kind found in the PZ-20, or the continuous/servo, no-predictive type, as found in the SF1 cameras? And yes I do know that one can get both options, together, in the PZ-1 cameras, but the PZ-1(p?) is a treat I'm saving for myself for sometime in the future. (I don't like to leap to the top right away. For me, experimenting with the intermediate stuff for a while would be more fun!) Thanks, Skip - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Can't see the LEDs in Bright Light (ZX-5n)
You haven't? You must have some special ZX-M then. I have the "M" (and I like it too), but on a bright sunny day my viewfinder's LEDs all but disappear... Skip I have never had this problem with the ZX-M. I don't know why the ZX-5n is different. Todd At 08:59 PM 3/29/01 -0500, you wrote: Hi John, You wrote: Is it just my eyes, or do other people find that it's almost impossible to see the LEDs in the viewfinder of a ZX-5n when shooting outdoors in bright light? Most of the time I end up guessing what it says. Do I need a black cloth over my head like a view-camera photographer? Or are my batteries starting to fade? Or is this just dumb engineering? My comment: This has been a major complaint of mine for years with this camera. I've also heard others mention it, and seen it referred to in print in Practical Photography. IMO, it's an oversight that Pentax did not consider in the cookie-cutter ZX bodies. Thanks, Ed - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: They ARE out to get me
Where there any cows in the area? Skip Subject: OT: They ARE out to get me OK. That does it. I got a 5 gallon propane bottle filled at a hardware store last night on my way home from work. Anyway, I went inside to pay and came out 5 minutes later. I was parked just next to the propane tank. I opened the door on the Montero and smelled a strong gas smell, thinking it was the main propane tank. I dismissed it and was just about to turn the ignition key when I heard a hissing sound coming from the back compartment. I stopped in my tracks and went around and opened the rear hatch. The propane was venting and the valve had been left open about quarter turn! I let the vehicle air out for 5 minutes. The attendant wished me a nice day and got on his walkie-talkie. From here on out I'm reformed, I promise. Can anyone recommend a good insurance salesman? Tom C. - 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 . - 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 .
Good News! (Oil?)
GOOD NEWS arrived yesterday via old Ma Bell... Seems the Kiron 24/2 k-mount I returned to Ken-Mar Cameras (LI, NYC) can be repaired, and Ken, the man himself, says his tech will do this thing and I should expect the lens's return shortly! Yay!! My $69.00 WA is coming home! (And it will earn it's keep too; I have all kinds of shots lined up and waiting patiently for it...) Ken, the man himself, says the problem was "oil on the shutter blades." So, what's "oil on the shutter blades" mean anyway? I've heard this phrase before, but why is there oil inside a lens in the first place? Is it needed? How does it get in there? (Is it 10W???) Skip - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Your all time favourite lens....
Zoom: The 75-150/f4 M. Sharp, very versatile, compact, not overly heavy, nice feel to it. Great daylight lens... Built in hood allows almost no flare ever. Easy to zoom and focus with one touch. It's not a macro, but 150mm at 24" sure looks close enough to it. (And it cost me $53!?) Prime:FA 50/1.4 Very sharp, nice color representation. Quick and easy to focus manually. It's not cheap, but not bad either at $200. And it just about abolishes flash! Best in the world, maybe, for natural light at night... (Actually this was not a very hard question for me to answer, as these are (currently) my only two lenses...) Skip - 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 .
Help with a favorite lens?
My favorite zoom is my 75-150/f4 M. Good range for close-up work, and the one touch manual focusing zoom action is very smooth. But I'm wondering if sometimes it isn't a little too smooth, as every once in a while the focal length moves by itself slightly, and I have to readjust it. (If I don't like the new view the lens has picked for me...) This doesn't happen all of the time and so is, to me, only a minor nuisance. But I am wondering whether this is a typical occurance with such older one touch zooms, or whether mine needs some work? Skip - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Help with a favorite lens?
Thanks Bill, but I think I'm probably going to have to live with the automatic focal length selector. At least on this lens. The M75-150/4 must be quite different from the A70-210/4, as there's not a bit of rubber on the M anywhere... Skip Skip wrote: Every once in a while the focal length moves by itself slightly, and I have to readjust it. (If I don't like the new view the lens has picked for me...) Of course, this is the automatic focal length selection feature! :-) Seriously, I had the same problem on an A70-210/4 that I picked up recently. This is also a one-touch zoom, and it's one heavy bugger -- about a third again as long and half again as heavy as the M75-150/4. Assuming the barrel of your zoom is built like mine, you should be able to fix it in the following fashion. Roll up the rubber sleeve around the barrel (the section closest to the camera body, if I remember) and find a small screw securing a plastic (nylon?) washer. This washer rides in a groove milled into the outer surface of the lens barrel. You may even want to replace the washer if you can find one the right size. Tighten the screw to get the desired resistance to barrel sliding, then roll the sleeve back down to its original position. Hope this helps. Bill Peifer Rochester, NY - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Help with a favorite lens?
- Original Message - From: "Peifer, William [OCDUS]" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, March 26, 2001 11:34 AM Subject: RE: Help with a favorite lens? Skip wrote: Every once in a while the focal length moves by itself slightly, and I have to readjust it. (If I don't like the new view the lens has picked for me...) This doesn't happen all of the time and so is, to me, only a minor nuisance. But I am wondering whether this is a typical occurance with such older one touch zooms, or whether mine needs some work? Hi Skip, Of course, this is the automatic focal length selection feature! :-) Seriously, I had the same problem on an A70-210/4 that I picked up recently. This is also a one-touch zoom, and it's one heavy bugger -- about a third again as long and half again as heavy as the M75-150/4. Assuming the barrel of your zoom is built like mine, you should be able to fix it in the following fashion. Roll up the rubber sleeve around the barrel (the section closest to the camera body, if I remember) and find a small screw securing a plastic (nylon?) washer. This washer rides in a groove milled into the outer surface of the lens barrel. You may even want to replace the washer if you can find one the right size. Tighten the screw to get the desired resistance to barrel sliding, then roll the sleeve back down to its original position. Hope this helps. Bill Peifer Rochester, NY - 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 . - 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 .
PZ-20 Info request.....
I was going to buy an SF-1(n), but a nice person on this list (and there are a few) suggested that I look into the PZ-20 first, saying also that it was "like a smaller PZ-1". I have looked at it, and I like it... But I have one reservation. I've learned to use and like the memory lock feature on my ZX-M. Mostly because the 2 segment AE metering on the ZX-M is really not all that good when there's lots of shadow contrast... (The center weighted metering, available with "M" lenses, is much better IMO). So I've learned to meter FA lenses by aiming a bit into the dark side, then memory locking, then re-framing. Works very well... But the PZ-20, at least on Boz's site, does not show as having any memory lock option? This might be okay with the 6 segment metering that's available on this camera, but what happens with it's spot metering? If you want to reframe the picture after spot metering, how do you lock the AE settings? Do you have to set and lock them completely manually, or is there perhaps some trick here with the Hyper Manual option that I don't know about, that might take care of this..? Also, is the PZ-20's AF similar to the PZ-1's? (ie; one center focus spot, and continuous AF with predictive at end when set on servo, and an AF lock when the shutter release is 1/2 down, when set on single? Thanks for any and all assistance here, Skip - 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 .
LX Watch......
Spotted. Two LX's for sale, both $400. Also two LX winders... At: www.kenmarcamera.com Skip - 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 .
Fw: LX Watch......
Subject: LX Watch.. Actually that should read, both $400. Skip Spotted. Two LX's for sale, both $400. Also two LX winders... At: www.kenmarcamera.com Skip - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: OT:Definitely a horror tale...
Yep, "top of the food chain" would be an apt description for you. I'd be careful where I went swimming though; there might be a few sharks who would contest that claim of yours. They might like to see just how fast you could "claw your way to the top..." But seriously though, (if you have a good gag reflex) you should take your little camera and go to Dodge City Kansas and do a photo essay on the feeding pens... You could label it, "Why I'm A Real Man And Don't Eat Broccoli". Or maybe, "Why I'm Proud To Be A Superior Being..." But be sure and bring a bandanna or something for the stench. Oh, and some kind of bug spray too. There's lots of flies... (And they aren't scared away by all those added artificial hormones the cows are fed...) Dosk - Original Message - From: "Bob Blakely" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, March 23, 2001 5:05 PM Subject: Re: OT:Definitely a horror tale... I love it! Keeps the quality of the beef up (controlled moo-vement and fattening feed) while keeping the price down with smaller land requirements. I do love my beef tender! Good management - I'll have to buy more stock. Later this year, I'll be going up north with my M1A to shoot Bambie. He'll be tasty to, and besides, Papa needs a new pair of gloves! Perhaps I'll bring pics. I'd mount a camera to the rifle, but the lenses can't take the recoil. My species didn't claw it's way to the top of the food chain through millions of years of evolution to eat only bushes! I can't wait for barbeque time. Make mine medium rare please! Regards, Bob... --- Your village called. They're missing their idiot. From: "dosk" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To all those big shot "investors" and "cattlemen" who are so anxious to protect McDonald's integrity: I've been not serious here on this matter before, but I'm getting real sick and tired of all you McDonald's cowboys! Have you ever been to Dodge City? Well I have. Hundreds of thousands (perhaps millions) of head of "prime" cows confined to endless row upon row of feeding pens so tiny the poor beasts can only stand upright in their own excrement. Huge earth mover dump trucks arrive constantly with tons of feed grain to fatten these confined creatures for the slaughter house. (The amount of grain forced into these poor animals could feed all of the world's poorest nations if used in better ways...) The animals' cries are constant and heartbreaking, and the stench rising from the entire area is absolutely nauseating! (And I won't even mention here what the slaughterhouses are like...) You're proud of your investment in this system? In McDonalds? You want to defend it? I think you should all go away and hang your heads in shame for perpetuating such an atrocity...! Dosk - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: OT:Definitely a horror tale...
- Original Message - From: "Doug Brewer" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2001 11:40 AM Subject: Re: OT:Definitely a horror tale... I've been to Dodge City, seen the pens, shooed the flies. I've also worked in a chicken processing plant and a pickle plant, and worked in restaurants and specialty food warehouses. All of these things have something in common. What do you think it is? Not a damn one of them belongs on a Pentax discussion list. Doug Neither does threatening to "report people" to (of all things!) a corporation, for what is said here to one another! What kind of fink would even think of doing something like that? This is still a free WWW, isn't it? And in a free speech country? (Isn't it...??) And what's the "OT" here for, anyway? But okay, I'll drop it, you're probably right. It is probably straying too far off topic now. Dosk - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
OT:End of Definitely a horror tale...
It never ceases to amaze me that zealots think the truth will change folks minds. Folks know the truth, and still barbecue briskets. (Got some great barbecue picks too!) Hell, I know what's in a hot dog and I had several yesterday! You're right there. Repetitive lying is a much more effective way to mold people's minds. And it's being done to us so intensely and frequently by the big corporations in this world that it's getting harder and harder to see the reality of our lives underneath all of the bullshit... But sometimes telling a little of what you see as an alternate, different kind of truth, helps. Maybe not right away, and maybe not for everyone. But sometimes some people, in their own time, begin to open their eyes and look around and then maybe make up their own minds for themselves... And maybe I am a zealot for a little truth saying now and then. So what? You don't seem to mind preaching your truths at us either, though you disguise it under the cover of sarcasm... But I mean you no personal ill will. And good luck with your beef eating habits. (Remember James Gardner...?) EOT for me. Back to the cameras! Skip - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: SF7/SF10 manual
Check out the Pentax USA Co.'s website. At their request-for-literature page they have a 1-800 number to call and order manuals for almost all of their cameras. They're only $4.00 ea, and they mail them out quickly. Dosk - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2001 1:17 AM Subject: SF7/SF10 manual Where could I find an user manual (from web site or hardcopy) for SF7/SF10? Frankie - 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 . - 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 .
Three Guys With Cameras....
Bush, Chaney, and Clinton were walking to OZ on the yellow brick road. (They were also taking pixtures of the surrounding scenery with their cameras, which is why this posting is on-topic. Chaney and Bill were using Pentax PZ1p's, but George had to use a Minolta QTSD...) They talk- Bush says, Oh, if I only had a brain Chaney says, I need a new heart. I'm gonna' ask the Wiz for a heart! Clinton says, H, -I wonder where Dorothy is...? Oh well. Dosk - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: O.T, Rolling blackout in Ca.
. I have a PC operating on Windows ME. I'd like to ask members of the list who are more knowlegable if there is any precaution I can undertake to prevent problems that may arise, if and when power goes off. . Good advice from William here.. Turn your computer off when you are not using it. Nothing bad can happen when it is shut down. Windoze works best (I know, thats an oxymoron) with frequent reboots anyway. If you are not certain of the stability of the power, save files that are open and being modified frequently. If the power goes off during the day, go for a walk, if at night, make love to your wife. Always remember, the computer is the enemy. They are vampires of time. William Robb It's happened to me a few times with Win98. If Bill Gate's boys have not totally screwed up Windows ME, then generally the worst that will happen is you lose the latest update of the current file you have open and are working on. (Which is why it is wise to have frequent "saves" of these files as you go along.) Then, when the PC comes back on, you get scolded by B. Gates and Co. for not closing Windows properly, and then the blue screen ScanDisk maintainence routine runs as the PC boots up. Almost always there is no serious damage. (At least this is the way it is with Win98, anyway...) Skip - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Worth a Look
The Pentax collection is now being readied for sale at Wal-Mart. (Just kidding, just kidding... ;} It's nice tho, how all those cute little Leicas all had all those cute little babies in all their own cute little boxes And just think, almost all 21 of them have never had their cute little shutters fired for them. (Poor guys.) Skip Geez, where is the great Pentax collection? Looks like Leica has all the neat commemoratives. Bid now - only $50,599.00 and counting. http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=1220440728 -- Happy Trails, Texdance http://members.fortunecity.com/texdance http://members1.clubphoto.com/john8202 - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: ZX-5N vs. PZ1 vs. PZ1p vs. lousy AF???
And I too apologize Chris, for snapping at you in return. I have this thing about criticism from experts that I need to work on, I guess. But your expertise in the matters that I and some others have been asking about is much appreciated by me also Thanks, Skip - 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 .
Another one about (Pentax) AF?
Okay. Two cameras. (Both Pentax) One has lock-on 3-point AF and also spot AF, and each of these (selectable) options also uses an automatic "predictive" focus change that operates when the shutter is fully depressed, but this also operates only whenever the camera chooses to use it. This camera also has no continuous, or servo, mode. (Guess which camera?) (ZX5n, maybe?) ;} Another camera. This one also has AF, but has no "predictive" automation whatsoever. However, it does have a servo AF mode that focuses continuously in order to stay on a moving subject. But of course no "predictive" stuff kicks in at the last second when the shutter is fully depressed, so you get only the last view the servo AF focuses on... (Guess which camera?) How about the older SFX/SF1 camera? Now here's the tricky part; forgetting about which may be the best all-around camera here, which one of these two cameras, IYO, would you consider as best for capturing fast moving objects? And if the ZX5n is better, would you still consider the SFX to be a good AF camera for the purpose? (It doesn't have to be the cream of the crop here. Just, maybe, good?) Reason I'm asking is that these SFX and SFXn cameras can now be bought (in "excellent" condition,) for a song (almost) from KEH... IY(esteemed)O's, would it be worth it for me to get one (for around $95 to $133,) just to play around with the AF while I'm waiting for the next best (camera) thing to come into my life? So. Another round. Skip - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: ZX-5N vs. PZ1 vs. PZ1p vs. lousy AF???
So the MZ-5n will use predictive AF in single-shot mode, but the Z-1p won't. Interesting. I guess that's due to the relative age of the two cameras, since I can't think of any other reason to leave it off the Z-1p. Still pretty odd. chris Sort of a kind of focus lock here, maybe? If it is available in continuous mode, maybe they figured why add it to the single mode too. Let the single mode stay locked on the last view without the camera adjusting it...? Dosk - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: SMC A-50mm f1.4 vs FA 50mm f1.4
If the used f1.4/50mm A's are now up to $100, it might be worth your dough now to buy new. A new FA 1.4/50 can be bought currently for about $179 (less shipping) from both KEH and BH, and Adorama might even be a few bucks cheaper... And of course, the FA 1.7/50 goes new for somewhere around $80, which is gotta' be the best new lens bargain available anywhere! Skip - Original Message - From: "Dan Scott" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2001 12:02 PM Subject: RE: SMC A-50mm f1.4 vs FA 50mm f1.4 Any difference in picture quality between these 2? A brand new FA 50mm f1.4 cost US$250 where I stayed, and over at eBay a used SMC A-50mm f1.4 can be bought for US$50 + US$40 shipping. I'm tempted to go for the 2nd-hand one at eBay. What do you think? Kelvin Very hard now to find the 50mm 1.4 A lens for only $50. They now easily reach $100 on ebay. JCO Yep. I'd love to find an A 50/1.4 for $50. I did find a very nice A 50/1.7 for $53 on eBay, and an A 50/2.0 for $21, though. Dan Scott (another rainy weekend :-( [EMAIL PROTECTED] - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Worth a Look
a mere bagatelle! At a Leica specialists in London last year there was a Leica formerly owned by Secchiarolo (sp?) the 'original paparazzo'. It was on sale for, iirc, GBP60,000- (sixty thousand). That's close to one hundred thousand US dollars. For one camera. It was on the store's website for a while, but the store and the website have now closed following the death of the owner. Who died from prolonged holding of breath... - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: ZX-5N vs. PZ1 vs. PZ1p vs. lousy AF???
{Sigh}
Well lessee now The ZX5n has only predictive AF, while the PZ1 and PZ1p
have continuous AF, AND predictive AF...!!
Izzat right?
Okay
So that means I would like the AF options on the PZ's much better, because
all else being equal, it should be far easier for me to capture my sports
loving grandchildren at their (hard driving) play with the PZ1's than with
the ZX/MZ's. (Even though there's more to photography than capturing fast
moving targets, as some of you have been so kind as to remind me of this
great mountain top secret...)
Okay.
But I like the shape and feel and look of the ZX/MZ cameras better.
Okay.
So when does this stupid MZ-S camera come out in the USA anyway? What is
Pentax waiting for, an engraved invitation?
{Sigh...}
(BTW, I just recently got a web look at some of the publicity and hoopla
that accompanied Pentax's last great triumphful door busting release, the
MZ5. And this publicity release stated that the camera was going to list in
the USA for $800-$900, and would probably sell discounted for around $600.)
(Sound familiar to anyone?)
Skip
-
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Re: ZX-5N AF again (was Re: ZX-5n - Good price at BH photo: A Question to All....)
Re: Pentax ZX-5n AF performance.. I would like to hear some more on this matter too! (On the various AF capabilities and comparisons of both the PZ1[p] and ZX-5n. Forget the MZ-S; at its projected price that's just not realistic for me at all...) I don't understand what you're saying here Ed, about the ZX-5n. Isn't locking on a subject and staying focused with it exactly what is supposed to happen in the Spot Focus mode? And what happens then when you switch over to the Six Segment AF mode? And what do you mean by "no continuous focus mode"? Doesn't this camera have something called Predictive AF, which is supposed to be one step ahead of a moving object[s] in order to keep in focus?? Can you please explain more? Are you using all of the AF modes, or maybe just sticking with one? Or does this camera simply not really do what's claimed for it? (Seriously considering buying one myself... A new ZX-5n goes for $280USD right now. And a new MZ-S, hey for $800-900USD?? Not in my budget, friends. Not even close!) Plus, if you look at the Pentax AF codes, the PZ1[p] uses something called Safox 1, while the ZX-5n uses Safox IV. Are you saying Pentax's AF systems have gotten worse as they've updated them??? Skip Ed Matthews Wrote: :I don't find the ZX5N auto focus particularly well suited to moving subjects. :It has no continuous focus mode, and will lock on and stay focused sooner than you like. :I'd either wait for the MZ-S or maybe even try a PZ1-P. Not what I want to hear ;) I thought the PZ1p got a bad rap for it's "out of date unPROfessional AF" If this is not the case and other would like to chime in, please reassure me The way people sometimes talk, the ZX5n's AF is better. l8r, Douglas E Harmon [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://personal.mia.bellsouth.net/~genius91/ - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: pic o' the day
How come she only has 4 toes? Good shot though. Nice texture and grain... Skip - Original Message - From: "tom" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: "PDML" [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, March 16, 2001 9:36 AM Subject: ot: pic o' the day http://www.bigdayphoto.com/tom/feet_12279901_3.html FA 20-35/4, Tri-X tv - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: ZX-5N AF
Hey Eric, what makes you think you could get better answers (or for that matter, any answers at all) from a dealer? There are so many cameras out there, many sales people have absolutely no idea at all as to how particular cameras work. Here, at the PDML, is exactly the place to learn about such things! (And no, I don't know the answers to your questions either. But I'm waiting to see what we both get...) Skip - Original Message - From: "Eric Lawton" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, March 16, 2001 10:11 AM Subject: Re: ZX-5N AF Can someone explain how the autofocus works on a ZX-5n. When you turn the camera on (and you are in the AF mode) is the autofocus active? Does pressing the shutter slightly lock the focus so you can recompose without the camera focusing on something else? Sorry to ask such basic questions. I have no dealer nearby to check these things out myself. How does the wide sensor choose what to focus on? Does it choose the nearest subject in the focus zone? Thanks, Eric _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Tennessee Aquarium
Rubber hood method only for flash? No. Absolutely not. You can of course use this method quite effectively with flash, but I mostly use it without flash, to prevent reflections in the glass barrier I'm shooting thru... What would you do, press a lens or a hard hood against the glass of the exhibit, and risk scratching and sliding? Or are you planning to stand back away a bit from the exhibit glass? This works too, but it depends on the way the room is lit. If it's dark all around you and the exhibit is lit brightly, fine! You'll be okay. But if the room around and behind you is well lighted, you might well get mucho reflections in the exhibit glass... What could possibly be your objections to the rubber hood method? (If the aquarium will allow you to get that close...) Skip - Original Message - From: "Provencher, Paul M." [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, March 16, 2001 10:03 AM Subject: RE: Tennessee Aquarium Well, that's if you want the flash lighting effect... ppro -Original Message----- From: dosk [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2001 5:19 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Tennessee Aquarium $5.00 rubber hood, pressed right up against the glass. (If they'll allow it...) Cuts out all glare and side light interference. Works like magic on museum glass and store fronts and windows also Skip - Original Message - From: "Provencher, Paul M." [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2001 3:10 PM Subject: RE: Tennessee Aquarium I have not been to Tenn. But if it is like Baltimore and Boston, you can pretty much forget about using flash - everything is behind glass. You might want to contact the aquarium for their rules and regs regarding photography. You can probably use a monopod but not a tripod. I would suggest some fast film for the indoor exhibits and a moderate telephoto or zoom for anything happening outside. Since the fish in tanks will not fill the frame (in most cases) you will need to set exposure using a reading from just the fish, or under expose some to compensate. You can get some great shots if you try! Paul M. Provencher ppro - 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 . - 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 . - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Zenit SLRs?
Subject: Re: Zenit SLRs? Damn thing looks just like a MZ-S.. (How much did you say it was?) Dosk The one in the auction is a new style, or atleast it looks newer. It's also a K-mount too, and the lens is the only K-mount 58mm I can think of. 58mm (along with 55mm) used to be popular focal lengths but now it seems hardly anyone makes them anymore, and I don't have any idea why. Oh, BTW here is an auction for what appears to be the same camera, but M42 mount. Probably about the only M42 camera you can buy new nowadays: http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=1221576960 Todd Here's the auction: http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=1222635295 New style or old. I had a Moscow Olympics commerative edition of a Zenit with an Industar lens. kinda klunky but everything worked and it does take M42 lenses if that is your objective. BTW the Industar was a pretty decent lens itself. The new ones are a bit more modern and I don't know anything about them except they are still fully manual. For not alot of money and if you need a M42 body it could be fun. Jerry in Houston - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Never to be found on ebay
And one could always use it for a portable chair when one got tired of carrying it around. And also cook in it Dosk - Original Message - From: "David P. Chernicoff" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, March 16, 2001 10:39 PM Subject: Never to be found on ebay and I can't be this enabled: http://www.cameraquest.com/zoomar13.htm David - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Tennessee Aquarium
$5.00 rubber hood, pressed right up against the glass. (If they'll allow it...) Cuts out all glare and side light interference. Works like magic on museum glass and store fronts and windows also Skip - Original Message - From: "Provencher, Paul M." [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2001 3:10 PM Subject: RE: Tennessee Aquarium I have not been to Tenn. But if it is like Baltimore and Boston, you can pretty much forget about using flash - everything is behind glass. You might want to contact the aquarium for their rules and regs regarding photography. You can probably use a monopod but not a tripod. I would suggest some fast film for the indoor exhibits and a moderate telephoto or zoom for anything happening outside. Since the fish in tanks will not fill the frame (in most cases) you will need to set exposure using a reading from just the fish, or under expose some to compensate. You can get some great shots if you try! Paul M. Provencher ppro - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Battery drain :(was: Best shot you _know_ you missed - What do you shoot)
Ah, but what electronic circuits are you talking about keeping energized all the time? I doubt anything is energized in the ZX-M except the LCD (which probably draws as much power as a digital watch), because the meter on the body does not come on until the shutter is pressed half way down... What other circuits are there? I doubt that the winder motor is activated either; at least not until the shutter is fired. (Why would it be?) Would good shutter readiness require a constantly energized circuit when the camera is set to "on"? (And if so, isn't that just the very reason to leave the camera "on"? And how much power would this draw? -I'm asking here, not being contentious..,) I've left the ZX-M on (accidentally) for days at a time in my camera bag, and it's been up for 3-4 months now with no ill effects. But of course it has no flash, and I use the FG 4/AA's battery pack, so those things have to be considered also. But I would bet that this camera's power, with its switch left on, should easily last as long as a single AA battery powered clock on a wall... Anyway, I'm not really talking about keeping the switch on ALL the time! (Keeping it on in the bag was a mistake, of course...) But if I were at a sporting event, say a basketball game I was shooting, I most certainly would keep the camera on constantly whilst it was hanging around my neck! (And would probably miss my best shot anyway, while changing rolls...) Skip On the ZX-10, the autofocus does not work until the shutter release is depressed to the first detent (probably the same point where the meter energizes on the ZX-M.) So I would think the battery drain would be the same or similar as on your camera. But I think you underestimate the drain on the battery. Even though the camera is basically idle, I would think keeping all the electronic circuits energized would drain the battery rather quickly. This is the case with all other electronic equipment. I know when I first changed to K-mounts, when the MESuper was first released, that I accidentally left the battery switch in the on position several times. I was used to my Spotmatics turning the battery switch off after making the exposure. For several months all I did was complain about the life of the batteries in the MESuper, and use the "sunny 16" rule until I realized that I needed to ensure that the selector switch was in the "Lock" or Off position. After making a conscious effort to do this my batteries would last several months instead of a couple of weeks, while shooting several rolls per week. I don't think the ZX/MZ series of cameras have the option of even one mechanical shutter speed. We've all missed photos where the camera wasn't turned on, or there was no film in the camera, or we had the wrong lens, wrong film, no flash, and especially no camera. My experience indicates that leaving the power on is not the solution on a camera that needs batteries to operate the shutter. K. - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: FA 50mm f/1.4
Yes. Although the DOF, [the part of the picture available just in front of, or just behind, the focused upon subject] is greatly limited as far as what one can include in a close-up f1.4 shot. But this is true with every fast, wide open lens... And at least the FA 50/1.4 focuses sharp as a tack [at every aperture, tho some better than others, naturally] on whatever subject matter is included. And can do so w/o flash, and in very dim light! I have it, and it always goes wherever my SLR goes... A must for outdoor night scenes, and interiors in available light! A fantastic lens! Skip Subject: FA 50mm f/1.4 Hi, I've read many good comments about this lens. Does it perform well in the entire range of aperture settings, particular wide open at f/1.4? Thanks, Kelvin __ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Free email you can access from anywhere! http://mail.yahoo.com.sg/ - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
My on-going education here....
I find it simply amazing what I can learn here on this list! Thanks, knowledgeable people! And having buttered you up thusly, a few more questions. Okay? (I'm starting to feel like a pest...) 1] A Tamron Adaptall mount is required to mount certain Tamron lenses (like the 24mm f2.5 MF) to a Pentax k-mount. Okay. But then, what's a ka-mount? And which do I need for a Tamron Adaptall to a Pentax ZX series camera? 2] Also, what brands of lenses are the following mounts used for: T-mount to Pentax K? C-mount to Pentax K? (I think I know what the Universal mount to Pentax K is. A mount for the older Pentax screw mounted lenses to go onto a k-mount, right?) Thanks again for your assistance, Skip - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Help! Is this lens busted?
With the ZX-M, does the lens open and close when you move the aperture ring when the lens is mounted on the body? (You can check this better with a flashlight.) And does the viewfinder lighten and darken in DOF mode when you move the mounted lens's aperture ring? If so, you're okay. In my case, nothing happens, so I'm sure the lens is broken... Skip Subject: Re: Help! Is this lens busted? Now I'm worried. I picked up my Vivitar 18-28 PK-A mount from the repair shop last week. The front part was a tad loose and they tighten it back up. Now looking through the back of the lens and moving the F stops, the aperture stays the same. When I push the small protruding lever with my finger, it opens. I tried it both on my ZX-M and MZ-10 and moved the F-stops, and the meter responds as it should. Is the meter fooling me (I haven't had a chance to run a roll of film throught) or is the camera controlling the F-stops properly? thnx - Martin --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Skip, Last year I bought a Kiron 105/2.8 1:1 macro lens from a mail-order dealer. It was advertised to be in EX condition. When I tested it mechanically, I found it to have the exact problem that you have! I took it to my local dealer, an extremely knowedgeable camera buff. He advised me that the spring that is supposed to close the diaphgram is either missing, out of place, or weakened. He added, "Send it back. If the dealer is any good at all, he'll fix or replace it." Sure enough, the dealer was extremely apologetic. All used lenses are supposed to be tested, he explained, but this one somehow must have slipped through the cracks. One month later, it arrived, repaired. It probably helped that I first emailed him in a tone that did not put him on the defensive. Since it worked so well for me, here is my letter for one and all; the subject line read, "Kiron PK Macro: Diaphragm Problem": "I'm afraid there's a problem with the Kiron PK 100/2.8 macro that I picked up from my Post Office last Tuesday (Nov. 21): The diaphgram won't close; it stays fully open, both on the camera and off. My local dealer examined it and believes the diaphgram spring is missing or loose. He added that this could not be a result of an impact (recent or otherwise), because there are no scratches or dents anywhere. "I discovered the stuck diaphgram over the holiday weekend, when I removed the lens from the SLR and looked through the rear element while rotating the aperture ring. On the camera, the lens correctly tells the camera what aperture it "should" be set at; the shutter speed changes accordingly. "I assure you my SLR with the lens on it was cradled in my padded camera/lens case until then. "I would like to return the lens. Where do we go from here?" PS to Pentax discussion list: Quality control wasn't this dealer's only deficiency. After instructing him--and later reminding him--to send the lens to my work address or I'd be dead meat, he sent it to my home address. Lucky for him, I was able to intercept it at the Post Office. Then, after repairing the lens, his "shipping department" sent it again to my home. At least that time I could honestly tell my wife it was a repair job. Paul Franklin Stregevsky [EMAIL PROTECTED] - 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 . __ Do You Yahoo!? Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail. http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/ - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Advice for 'entry level' portrait lens
There is also the inexpensive option of buying a 'normal' 50mm and a 2x teleconvertor. For portrait purposes, I find it works well for me, and also I then have virtually two different lenses... Skip - Original Message - From: "Jaume Lahuerta" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, March 09, 2001 6:06 AM Subject: Advice for 'entry level' portrait lens Hi everyone, I am thinking on a lens that helps my in enhancing my, really limited, portrait skills. It seems that the best focal ranges are between 80 and 150mm so I imagine that a manual focus prime in this range will be the best starting point. What do you think? (The closest think that I currently have close to this range is the 28-70/4 AL zoom) What lense would you recommend me that delivers a fair quality for a moderated price? (if any of you is selling one we can talk about... :-) ) My firt though is the M135/3.5... Thaks in advance for your advice, Jaume __ Do You Yahoo!? Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail. http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/ - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: respect and cameras (was: First look at MZ-S)
Heavy, monstrous, black, deadly looking equipment getting odd looks, that, anyone can understand... (But who wants to use this awkward stuff? Just to impress people? I'd rather not get that kind of impression; one gets better photos without it.) But, people looking at you differently because you're using one type of SLR instead of another? That sounds like a mild case of consumerist paranoia to me. IMO, most people are just not that camera wise; they couldn't care less what brand you are using... And some people just generally don't like having their picture taken also. Have you ever considered that? Dosk Subject: Re: respect and cameras (was: First look at MZ-S) Hi, If I wanted respect for my camrea, not for my pictures, I'd buy a Leica- or perhaps a Nikon. you'll never get any respect using a Leica. Whenever I use mine people completely ignore me and just carry on doing what they were doing anyway. They must think I'm just some scruffy old git who can't afford a new camera. It's great :o) Yes, I found the same thing. If I happen to use my Chinon CE5 with the PW530 winder, a large Tokina ATX28-85 with a huge hood attached, (large, heavy, black equipment, and Chinon can be easily misread), most of the people think I must be a pro PJ. They make room for me, etc. With my SFXn or K2 and primes, they look at me if I were a poor tourist or a retarded photo-student... Using an RF camera, things are different: they don't even notice me as a photographer. It's useful sometimes as well. And at last, when I go out with my really big and heavy Zenit80 (Russian Hassy) equipment, tripod, handheld light meter and the like, they stare at me as I were a Martian, to say the least... Some (older) people do recognize it, and they assume that I am working on something very important or artistic. Good conversations can be started like this.. Gabor - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
My Ideal mini set-up. (Was, Re: WTB)
From Skip Ok; Here's what I consider a perfect mini system for me: (All K-mounts---) a 24mm fast WA lens. (still in process) a 50mm f1.4 (have: the excellent Pentax FA version) a moderate tele zoom (have: a great Pentax 75-150mm f4 M) a good 2x convertor. (have: a good Tamron 2x) And oh, a good Pentax body to mount these guys on. (Have: a ZX-M. But am in process toward's something else good too...) (Pentax, of course!) As you can see, I only like my zooms in the telephoto and up format. This is for close-ups of distant stuff, naturally, but also because it's not always easy to move around something that's farther away, in order to compose it. But for closer stuff I like prime 'normals' and WA's. I like to move all around a close subject with my arms, head, hands and feet. (And with even a camera, sometimes.) One can still do this with a zoom of course, but then I find myself unnecessarily fussing with the focal length too, which takes some of the 'decisive' pleasure out of it. (Do you understand this? Best I can put it...) And I don't think that some of that extra, annoying, (to me, anyway,) zoom focal length fussing really always gets me a better shot in the long run, either. Skip (And please, no flames needed here. That's just dumb kid stuff. This perfect personal system is only one guy's opinion, and if you want to differ I'll be glad to hear about it. But in friendly words...) - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Silver MZ-S/ Re: Imperfect hoods....
Read an article in a photomag by an older, experienced writer whom I respect. He says these new tulip shaped "perfect hoods" are anything but! Seems their odd scooped-out shapes allow all kinds of flare and glare into the lens. Man says nothing beats a $5 (imperfect?) rubber lens hood for effectiveness... I agree... Because IMO, form should always follow function! But in our modern consumerist culture, if it looks good (sexy?) (-a machine?) then that's much more desirable even if it can't do the job... Dosk What's the lens on the silver body? FA*85/1.4? Yes. The hood is impressive. regards, Alan Chan _ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - 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 .
Good Third Party Lens Site
Following site, (thanks be to Daphne,) is an excellent resource for those of us who like to experiment with third-party lenses Skip http://www.smu.edu/~rmonagha/third/ - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Primes Vs. Zooms
- Original Message - From: "Jan van Wijk" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2001 1:42 PM Subject: RE: Primes Vs. Zooms On Wed, 7 Mar 2001 21:14:31 +1000, Rob Studdert wrote: Looking at those "Leica versus Nikon" shots I can't help to think the obvious difference in brightness is caused by the scanning/adjusting in Photoshop much more than by the difference in lenses ... Ignoring the colour and tonal range differences the Leica shots are generally more engaging and are simply a better set of shots, don't you think? Yes, the choice of subject and framing seems a bit more pleasing too. Regards, JvW It looks like those rigged before and after weight-loss shots The Nikon pics look seriously washed out and faded, perhaps deliberately under-exposed? Also they are far less (intentionally?) pleasingly composed. I would myself tend to think that a Leica or a Carl Zeiss lens would generally be better than any Nikon stuff, but these tests look deliberately, and probably unneccesarially, rigged Skip - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Primes, Zooms, and Portraits
I absolutely concur on this about the 75-150/f4 M lens. I recently had to take some shots of damage on my house, and the pictures of a roof 35 feet up and away are every bit as sharp with this lens as the pictures I took of the lower part of the house, only five feet away, with my FA 50mm f1.4. (Another lens also noted for its sharpness...) Skip Collected comments on the 75-150: George Stanley: "Really, really excellent! Because it has only a 1:2 zoom ratio, the designers were able to achieve really superb optical performance. Grab it!" Tom Addison: "By keeping the range of zoom low, Pentax made a very useful, highly portable, fine quality lens which only been replaced in my bag by the 70-210 f/4 A. Even now it has its place, when weight is a factor." Dave: "The 35-105 is an outstanding lens, one of the best Pentax or any other manufacturer has made, according to my experience AND the tests. The other zoom I use without deference to primes is the 75-150 F4 M. I just wanted to echo Mike's opinion of the 75-150 f4 M. Wow! Very sharp for any lens." George Stanley: "I used [another Pentax zoom] for many years and the image quality is excellent at f/4 and smaller. Another excellent choice would be the SMC Pentax-M 75mm--150mm f/4 zoom lens, which equals it, and is positively the sharpest zoom lens I have ever used." JCO: "If you dont need wider waist up type shots the SMC-M 75-150 F4 is also an excellent portrait lens." Paul Franklin Stregevsky [EMAIL PROTECTED] W: (703) 834-4648 - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: MZ-S Press Release in Japan Part II (Was: Silver MZ-S)
- Original Message - From: "Dan Scott" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, March 06, 2001 12:01 PM Subject: Re: MZ-S Press Release in Japan Part II (Was: Silver MZ-S) Thank you Take! Dan Scott [EMAIL PROTECTED] - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: More on being a PUG Commentator
I'll try it, for a little while anyway. Let me know what to do... Skip [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: "Chris Brogden" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, March 06, 2001 10:50 PM Subject: More on being a PUG Commentator One thing I never thought to mention and that someone kindly pointed out to me: you don't have to be an expert! You don't have to have any training in anything, or live in a certain country, or use a certain kind of toothpaste. If you read this list occasionally and can put three words together without embarrassing yoruself, you're elegible! There is no "right" or "wrong" about opinions; you're just saying which parts of each photo you like and dislike. And you can still comment about other photos if you want... the more the merrier, as long as you also talk about the ones you're supposed to. :) That way they all get commented upon, and everyone is happy. Think of it as an elite club if that helps. :) I'll probably limit it to 30 list members if we ever get up that high, so in a way it is. g But we're currently sitting at 3 people, so we've got some distance to go yet. :) chris - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: What's a Kiron?
Thanks John, Daphne, and Mark for responding to my questions about the Kiron 24/2 lens. I'd been looking for a fast WA and found this one on Ken-Mar Camera's web site; they're a shop located in Long Island NY. (The web site itself I initially got from their ad in Shutterbug mag.) The lens is listed in "excell+" shape, and the shop guy on the phone said they were practically giving it away for that price. I hope he's right, because I never expected to get a 24/2 for anything even near that price! (Pentax's FA 24/2, which is supposed to be very good, costs $400, and is a little rich for my blood...) Sometimes we just get lucky, I guess. But thanks for telling me about it. I might not have bought it but for your encouraging information... Skip I'll take it, if you don't want it. All my Kiron lenses have very good build quality. In my limited experience, Kiron's build quality was equivalent to comparable Pentax lenses, and certainly equal or better than similar third party lenses by Sigma, Tokina, and Tamron. I would not hesitate to get a Kiron 24/2 for $69, assuming it does not have any major defects. That price is dirt cheap for any 24mm lens - and really a bargain for two reasons: first, the Kiron 24/2 lens is probably good enough to keep for awhile, and, second, f2 is plenty fast for a 24mm lens. -- Happy Trails, Texdance http://members.fortunecity.com/texdance http://members1.clubphoto.com/john8202 - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Back to Pentaxia with questions....
So what then is the body of a PZ1 made of? (It sure looks like plastic to me in its pictures, no?) Also, the MZ/ZX bodies are not a light "plastic", but some kind of heavy polycarbonate fusion material. Having owned older metal cameras, (such as the tank-like 1970's Canon TX,) I believe an MZ/ZX would survive knocks, or even a fall, with much more safety! IMO where metal severly jolts the insides of a camera upon impact, the polycarbonate stuff would absorb better the vibrations of this very same impact! (I do not think one should assume that older and heavier metal bodies are always better. It really depends upon the individual camera, and how well it's put together...) And as for durability, well, a ZX5n sure as hell ain't gonna' wear out in my lifetime. (My kids can buy their own damn cameras. Probably will too. Digital...) And a PZ1 has a lot more little buttons and intricate features to it; which means more stuff to have possible trouble with later on, yes? The "bigger and heavier" part of the PZ1 interests me though; it might be easier to hold onto and maneuver than a ZX? Skip I am very concern about the quality rather than quantity. When I bought the Z-1p, I compared the MZ-5n as well. IMHO, the built quality of MZ-5n is no match to the Z-1p. Not to mention that all MZ/ZX bodies were made of plastic (even the mounts are metal). I reckon the Z-1 share the same chassis so I would prefer the Z-1. However, it is significantly bigger than the MZ-5n. regards, Alan Chan - 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 .
Back to Pentaxia with questions....
Seems I have returned from sunny Florida just in time to catch what promises to be the biggest snow storm NJ has had all year! (Gotta' do sumthing about my silly timing here, no?) My 75-150mm f4 M zoom came in handy recently when I had to take a picture of some damage on our home's second floor roof edge. The lens put me right up there for some beautifully sharp close-ups without me having to go near a ladder! I still think this lens is a bit too heavy for my ZX-M, but as long as I shoot it at higher speeds the shaking camera syndrome doesn't bother anything. I was going to sell it but I'm becoming rather attached to it now, and it really is such a good quality lens. Can't decide yet between buying a brand new ZX5n or a used "excellent" PZ1. Both are about the same price... 5n seems to be winning as I don't need the extra zoom features the PZ1 has, and its hyper modes with the fancy wheels don't really do anything that the 5n can't do (in other slower ways) when you come right down to it. The 5n also has a wider flash field, easier basic controls, and hot damn it doesn't look like a bath tub toy either. (I know, I know, I'm a trouble maker...) And another big advantage, to my way of thinking, is the 5n's AA battery pack. Things I would miss from the PZ1 though are: 3fps, double exposure capability, and being able to rewind in mid roll. Oh well. Se la vie. Anyone want to offer any suggestions or advice here? Something I'm missing perhaps, or unaware of? Also, has anyone here any experience with Sigma's Pentax AF mount, 28mm f1.8 Asp II lens? It's rather reasonably priced for such a fast WA, and I would dearly love to be able to take pictures of a wide roomful of rambunctious relatives without using flash... Thanks, Skip - 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 .
The Flagship Direction.....
I haven't been much involved with the many MZ-S discussions in Pentaxia, figuring I didn't want to spend that much for a camera I didn't particularly want anyway. But in reading back posts recently, I did notice something that stuck out. And that is, the new camera's greater resemblance to a ZX5n than a PZ1p (ie; 1.8fps advance, aperture priority set by physically moving aperture ring off "A", shutter priority set the same way with a speed control top knob) Sounds just like a ZX-5n here, no? No Hyper P or Hyper M modes? No Av or Tv dial wheels? So to me it looks like Pentax is now shifting its R+D priorities over to the MZ/ ZX line, and away from the PZ's I wonder why? Skip - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Tech'nal Questions for PZ1p owners....
Thanks Gianfranco Now I understand. (Mostly.) And MTF sounds like a fairly useful feature... But when you say the PZ1p's MTF mode set-up never selected f1.4 on your F1.4 lens, (I guess because it considered f2 to be the sharper setting), couldn't that sometimes create problems? As when you're shooting, hand held, without a tripod, in very dim light that would require say, f1.4 at 1/30 to be successful, while f2 at 1/15 would be very risky, and f2 at 1/8 would certainly not do? (Perhaps, in your own preferred style of shooting, you've never run into this problem?) Do you think your PZ1p would NEVER select f1.4 in its MTF mode? And also, does it ever select f1.7 or f1.8? Perhaps it is me who is misunderstanding something here? Thanks, Skip - Original Message - From: "Gianfranco Irlanda" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, February 24, 2001 3:37 PM Subject: Re: Tech'nal Questions for PZ1p owners.... dosk [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: A few questions; 1] If one is not using any of the special zoom effects (such as IST), of what use is the power zoom? Doesn't it just do the exact same thing you can also do manually, without draining batteries? Hi Skip and all, My answers: 1] Three speeds electrical zooming. Yes (never used the feature); 2] When one selects the MTF program line, the manual says it makes the camera select the aperture on an AF lens "at which that lens is sharpest". Does it select this setting regardless of available light? IOW, would it select a lens sharpest (but perhaps inappropriate) f11 for a non-flash night shot? 2] No, it will select the "best" aperture according to the available light (with my FA 50/1.4 the MTF program chooses f/2 when the light is very low. It doesn't choose the max. aperture value). 3] And what does it do with shutter speeds in this MTF mode? 3] The speed follows the aperture. 4] And, if an MTF set-up camera does select the "sharpest" lens aperture, but also only the one appropriate for the current lighting, isn't this just simply an aperture priority program line? 4] Yes and no... The MTF mode surely takes care of the light like a normal program mode, but with the plus that it avoids to let the lens shoot wide open. The last summer in France I left my Z-1p almost always in MTF mode. The pictures were all very sharp and I rarely felt the need to switch to another exposure mode (the most used lenses were the FA 50/1.4 and the FA 20-35/4, which are sharp at almost every aperture...) And pray tell, what in the world does the "Normal" program line do? I mean, what's left for it? PS style shooting? ;-) Thanks, Skip You're welcome Gianfranco Get free email and a permanent address at http://www.netaddress.com/?N=1 - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Tech'nal Questions for PZ1p owners....
But isn't this because you're using either the ZC (Zoom Clip), or the IST (Image Size Tracking) modes, also? (PZ1p manual states that these special zoom control modes require the power zoom feature to be on before it can be utilized...) In this case, yes, I could see where power zooming would be very valuable in order to keep certain images in matching size, regardless of perspective. But in plain ordinary type zooming, it seems to me that the power feature is completely redundant and wasteful of battery life, no? Skip Hi I think the value of the power zoom is often underestimated. As I'm working as a technician (architect) I find it very usefull. The power zoom functions allow me to photograph many different objects - like a door handle, a window hinge etc. so that all the shots will come out in the same measure. This is really nice for documentary work, for reports etc. Jens - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Camera weight/Tech'nal Questions for PZ1p owners....
Okay, Gianfranco, thanks again. (Good help from Italy!) I am especially glad to hear what you have to say about your style of shooting, as that's just exactly what I enjoy doing also. For some reason I really like to avoid using flash if it is at all possible I've found the ZX-M to be a good manual camera for this kind of work. Only it has one serious drawback for me It's a little light of weight, even with the battery pack. It works just fine with "plastic" lenses and "plastic" TC's, and if I stay with my FA 50mm 1.4 and my Tamron 2x TC, everything works perfectly! But when I put an older M series moderate zoom on it, (75-150mm,) I get camera shake (because of my hands), and because the lens is too heavy for the camera. Some of these older Pentax lenses I think were really designed to work with K and P and LX metal bodies; all of which are heavier than these newer ZX series composite bodies. But the PZ1p is also quite heavy (heavier than a K body), and this, and the fact that you say you do not get any camera shake, is welcome news for me... And my new experiences now are telling me not to knock the newer plastic lenses. If they work better, (for me anyway), then why should I seek out heavier, more traditional glass? (Except for price, of course. But a bargain price means nothing if the equipment is not right for one, yes?) But with the heavier PZ1p? Well maybe some of the old glass might well be okay with me, with that camera. We'll see. Thanks again, Skip Needless (or not?) to say that if you need a speed faster then the one chosen by the MTF mode you can shift the program line, as you can do with the default P mode, and then return to the MTF line by pressing the IF button (Ah, the beauty and usefulness of the HyP modes...). I hope it sounds clearer now. Yes, it does! Gianfranco ps: about my style of shooting, I often use speeds around 1/15, 1/10 handheld (theatre, available light reportage), and the Z-1p acts really well, no shacking or vibrations, although I'm used to the feel of the release button of the LX with winder in such situations (almost no stroke of the button). I hope the MZ-S has, if not the same, a similar feeling. - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Camera Bag......
Can anyone recommend a good camera bag that would be large enough (and small enough) to carry, let's say, a PZ and a ZX body, along with 4 lenses? (I'm leaving myself some room for future expansion here...) Something less than $100?? All responses appreciated. Dosk - 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 .
Rubber Hoods
In answer to one of my own earlier rambling questions; I found a good reason why not to use a rubber lens hood all of the time. On the end of a longish zoom or tele, they tend to make the lens more tip-heavy and prone to shaking. My 75-150mm handles far steadier just using its own narrow smallish hood extension. I still think that the rubber style is great on my 50mm however, and I think they would be also perfect for all such shorter barrelled, normal and WA lenses Skip - 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 .
More ramblings in Pentaxia....
The f4 M75-150mm came in the mail today from KEH. Nice, not-too-heavy, old timey lens. Easy to operate on my ZX-M. Smooth and easy push-pull zoom and focus with one hand... Center weight AE metering... No blemishes on either outside covering or glass, aperture ring clicks as smooth as butter, and it was classified as a "bargain"! ($53.00 -Wow!) View through it is bright and clear, will see how it does its intended work better after current snowstorm passes here in NJ. (I still find it hard to believe that such good equipment can be obtained so inexpensively today...) This 75-150 lens may well replace my Tamron 2x, FA50mm f1.4 combo for outside use, although the 2x 50 is still great for interior, low light conditions. Used this combo (with my ZX-M) to photograph kids playing basketball in a gym; only four pictures out of focus, out of total 27. Pretty good for manual focusing of sports action. (Before AF, this was the way it HAD to be done.) (But I still will spring for an AF camera, as the FA50 and the 2x will operate that way also. And I want them ALL to be in focus...!!) Comparing the FA50 with the FA50 2x TC Naturally the light was harder to work with the 2x on, as the lens then became an f2.8. Big difference for ambient light work. Big difference! But I was also surprised to learn that the focusing became more "delicate", with seemingly less leeway in lens movement as to focusing it down sharp. (My imagination here?) Got some good night shots (with 2x) of an antique shop's interior showcase thru the window, (rubber lens hood is great for this,) almost macro type stuff of backlit glasses on shelves. F2.8 100mm is great for close-ups in low light, even when done via 2x TC. But when I continued on to shoot a wider rainy night scene of this same street it was a relief to then take the TC off and use the 50mm's full potential. (Got one beautiful, PUG worthy shot here...) One big drawback with F1.4 for close-ups though, is limited DOF wide open. Not as noticable when focusing on infinity, but with close-up of shelves, glasses are in focus up front, glasses a foot behind are not... I don't understand why people complain about, or put up with, flare in lenses? Rubber lens hoods are great way to eliminate this (at aprox $5 per), and can usually be put on any lens in place of extending the lens's (too short) built-in hood. They also fold back when not in use to make great additional protection for the lens. Am thinking about getting a used PZ1 body for my AF camera. KEH price for one in "excellent" condition is aprox the same as a new ZX5n body at BH. I really don't like the way the PZ's look (like a kid's fake camera, or a plastic beach toy), and I hate the way people say they eat (expensive) batteries, but I am intrigued by what they can do... (Especially with the hyper-program and hyper-manual modes. Although I see no real reason to ever shoot over 1/2000th sec, since only 1/500th is capable of stopping almost any damn thing.) But the PZ's do seem to have some interesting features that the ZX's lack. And if KEH's "bargain" stuff is so good (as per my "new" M75-150mm), then I can imagine what their "excellent" must be like... Don't like the manual VF on my ZX-M. The center focusing-aid ring shines too bright in the middle of the matte glass when camera is stopped down, or when DOF option is used, and is quite distracting. I think the clear matte screens on the AF cameras would probably be even better for manual focusing than this silly VF that is designed for it... Enough ramblings. My woman is missing my presence. (Nice, this...). Pentaxia is closed for the night. Skip - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: (OT-OL) ping
: Re: ping pong. Regards, Bob... Re; ping. Re; pong. Definitely OT,OL, and BS too! Ding. - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: PZ1 vs. PZ1p. Hmmmmm... ..
- Original Message - From: "Bob Wilkinson" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2001 9:53 PM Subject: Re: PZ1 vs. PZ1p. Hm... .. On Tue, 20 Feb 2001 00:07:59 -0500 "dosk" [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Still looking at good, used Pentaxes. Now noticing the differences between the PZ1 and the PZ1p. .. Oh, one more big difference. $100. (Aprox.) Just curious - what's the going price for PZ1 and PZ1p bodies? I have used a PZ1 for several years and think it's the best value in a used Pentax body. (I have a second PZ1 body that I am putting on consignment at a local photo shop - haven't ever needed it for a backup) GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO! Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less! Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj. - 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 . - 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 .
PZ1 vs. PZ1p. Hmmmmm... ..
Still looking at good, used Pentaxes. Now noticing the differences between the PZ1 and the PZ1p. Main ones seem to be, Z1 has 1fps drive less speed (NoBigDeal), no red eye reduction(NBD), and no 2 sec mirror lock-up. On this last one my ignorance shows What is a 2 sec mirror lock-up, and why would I need, or want, to have it? Oh, one more big difference. $100. (Aprox.) Thanks, Dosk - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: I've been enabled...
- Original Message - From: "David A. Mann" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, February 18, 2001 2:41 AM Subject: I've been enabled... Well, I did it: I've bought another K2 body, this one with a 50mm f/1.2 lens. I've turned the body straight over to be serviced: When you do something like this, where is a good place to "turn bodies (Pentax bodies of course) over" to? Dosk - 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 .
Z-5 VS. ZX-5n....
Which would you choose: Z-5 ? ZX5-n ? Leave out price considerations. Which would you choose, based solely on their features.?? Thanks, Dosk - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
My New Camera......
http://www.keh.com/shop/SHOWPRODUCT.CFM?CRID=1571186SKID=TF0499904340702SI D=newusedBID=TFCID=04SOID=NISPRICE=149.0 - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Z-5 (Z5, NOT ZX-5) VS. ZX-5n....
No Mark, A Z-5, not a ZX-5. A Z-5 is probably more similar to a PZ style camera than a ZX. That's why I'm asking people what they think. But thanks anyway Dosk - Original Message - From: "Mark Erickson" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: "Pentax-Discuss" [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, February 19, 2001 12:01 AM Subject: RE: Z-5 VS. ZX-5n I have a ZX-5 and I really like it a lot. It is missing two useful features as compared to the ZX-5n: Auto-bracketing and depth-of-field preview. It is pretty easy to manually bracket exposures. If you ever intend to use a gradient filter for landscape work, depth-of-field preview is a must-have, and I really miss it a lot. I'd buy a ZX-5n over a ZX-5 specifically for the DOF preview. --Mark - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Pentax glasses are the WORST (for CdI)
Bravo Mike! Good reminders here about enjoying yourself and forgetting about perfectionism Dosk If you love a lens and some "test" says it sucks, who are you going to believe? All lens tests are wrong. --Mike - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Are Sigma lenses trash??
No, there is no such inverse relationship between the cost of the lens and the web site Sigma complainers. In fact, most of the complaints seem to come from advanced amateurs (or "pros") using high end glass, while the defenders are from the lower priced consumer end. (Which is what I said in my first post, if you read it again, you'll see that.) And yes, an entire line damn well can be criticized if the company lies in its ads, does not respond quickly to damaged goods, and cannot fix what even they sometimes admit are "products not designed for your type of autofocus camera", -even after they've previously advertised that they are.! And there are complaints aplenty, as to these factors, there also... (Let me find the URL again for this Sigma stuff, and I'll post it so you can see for yourself as to what I'm talking about...) Dosk - Original Message - From: "Mark Roberts" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, February 17, 2001 1:30 PM Subject: Re: Are Sigma lenses trash?? "dosk" [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: "All lens tests are wrong." Maybe. But I would like to know about Sigma, for Pentax k-mounts. If all lens tests are wrong, then all generalizations about an *entire line* of lenses are even more wrong! You'd be better off asking about a specific Sigma lens. Perhaps every complaint about Sigma on the web site you mentioned is true (though that's unlikely), but I doubt *every* lens Sigma makes in covered. They make some expensive fast glass that's pretty well regarded and some cheap consumer zooms that aren't. I'm pleased with the 28-135 Sigma zoom I just bought for $210.00, considering what I use it for. But I wouldn't use it for my serious photography unless I didn't have another lens with me. Get the latest BH Photo ad from any photography magazine and look at the price range Sigma lenses cover. No go back and look at the lenses being bitched about on the web. It won't be 100%, but I'd expect there's a strong (inverse) relationship between the price and the complaints. - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: There's OK, Then There's OT, and Then There's OL (was: PDML rewriting hi...
Exactly. Instead of trying to correct the errant behavior of all us screwball OT characters, just set your mail program to delete (or not even download) anything from PDML that has OT in the subject line. (Or perhaps you only like some OT themes and not others? If that's the case, then what you really want here is censorship and control...) But maybe we should set up another designation, called WOT. That might solve things.. Dosk Most e-mail programs will allow you to filter out messages by "OT" in the subject line. Maris - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: PT (MT (OT))
PT:
What would you think of using non-shiny old fashioned electrician's tape to
cover up the tops of the silver ZX cameras?
I think it would make them look way cooler. Sort of like a new pebble
grained F100, or MX-S, y'know?
Dosk
PT: Pentax topic.
PRT: photography-related topic
OT: off-topic
OL: off-list
BT: bullshit topic
TC: trivial comment ("I agree," "thanks," "me too" etc.)
RBT: really boring topic
MT: meta-topic, i.e., post in which we discuss the appropriateness of
various topics.
P.S. There was a thread on the Leica User Group that went on for hundreds
of
posts about camera straps, and a _recurring_ thread about whether one
should
use black tape on one's M6 to cover the white letters that say "Leica M6"
(that one really gets peoples' blood boiling). So things around here could
be worse.
-
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Re: What's a Z-5?? (Again.)
Phred has lots of interesting specs. Much of which I don't understand. But ok. However, no picture?! What does a Z-5 look like? (I'm guessing it looks something like a PZ1p, but I'd like to know for sure...) Dosk on 2/17/01 8:27 PM, dosk at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: What's a Z-5? Not a ZX-5, just plain, simple, Z-5? See; http://www.phred.org/pentax/k/bodies/Z-PZ/index.html Cheers, Ken - 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 . - 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 .
Are Sigma lenses trash??
"All lens tests are wrong." Maybe. But I would like to know about Sigma, for Pentax k-mounts. I found this weird site on the web that is all about Sigma lenses. The first three quarters of all the postings there are horror stories from people completely knocking Sigma(s); ie; "they're trash held together by metallic tape, they fall apart quickly, the company doesn't know how to repair them, they don't meter or focus correctly with AF cameras, it's all false advertising..." etc, etc... The last fourth of the postings are in defense of Sigma, although these sometimes seem somewhat lame. -"Lenses are great for us non-pros because they're cheap and do the job, pros are harder on glass, more demanding, they don't know what they're talking about as Sigmas are actually quite good for the $$..." etc, etc... So, in a general PDML consensus, what is the story with Sigma? (I have a personal reason for asking in that I want a fast WA, and they have a 28mm f1.8 that is amazingly low priced...?!?) Skip - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
OT: Rewriting pre-history....
It's interesting that some on this list are discovering the re-writing of history. But what about the re-writing of current events so that network news conforms to corporate and government approval? See: http://www.fair.org/ff2000.html IMO the only real news one can get now days that is not some form of censored entertainment propaganda is either on C-SPAN, or BBC, or PBS radio. (And possibly still Pacifica, although that outfit is currently embroiled in a fight for it's life, fighting against a privately financed corporate take-over designed to reduce, if not silence, its voice...) Skip - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: my pics
Yes you do have something interesting here. Some really great pics. I especially enjoyed the train picture, and the one in Rome with the bird and the man reading the newspaper Actually I thought most all of them were superb, and especially the Rome pictures Dosk - Original Message - From: "Timo Hartikainen" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, February 16, 2001 4:34 AM Subject: OT: my pics and nothing really important or interesting this time, I just want you to check out my updated web gallery: http://pp.hok.fi/hartikainen/MOREPICS.HTM - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Lens Ramblings in Pentaxia
Wells, I did it. Went for an inexpensive "M" lens. Was going to get the 3.5 135mm M that KEH had for $79, but by the time I got back there some @#()*%^ had beat me to it But say, lookee here Homer, there's a 75-150 f4 M zoom that looks to be still there, and for only $59. Hmm! (With my 2x, that's also a 150-300mm, too!) Check the gray pages (Pentax Lens Reviews) quick Homer!! Hey, some there says, A REAL GEM! Another espouses, BEST ZOOM PENTAX EVER MADE; AS GOOD AS A PRIME!! Well. So hopefully it's mine. I mean, I ordered it; KEH says they have to still check to see that it's still in stock before they'll ship it Any experiences with this lens out there? (I already know Shel doesn't like it.) And thanks also to everyone out there who helped me with info about older glass and ZX body compatability. My partner Donna thanks you too, as I didn't go for the $$ to buy a new AF zoom. (Almost the FA 70-200...) Skip - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: OT: Fasten seatbelts: MZ-S price!!
Re; Is that okay with you? Tell me why it's so curious that I've decided to actually test drive the MZ-S before passing any serious judgement on it Whether or not it's "okay" with me makes no difference, does it? The thing I picked up on was your original choice of wording;- "compelled" to get it... (Wording which I see you are now lowering in intensity.) And I am curious as to why you picked those exact words? And I am not critisizing you. Please! I myself have some of these very same feelings...! However I am coming to believe that our world is becoming more and more controlled by those who create obsessive demands for, manufacture, and then sell products. (Especially the entertainment and toy industries.) What I am amazed about here (in Pentaxia) is the absolute frenzy that seems to be generated on this list by the simple fact of a corporation producing a new toy As someone has already said, it's a camera, not a religion. (Or is it?) Someone else has also said here (and in approval, not jest, I believe), that one's machines (alright, a car, they said) soon become the subject of adoration and worship. I find that sad, and somewhat foreboding. I am wondering, how will it be when TC's rule the world? (TC's = Transnational Corporations, not tele-converters!) Anyway, I thought my initial poem/complaint about it (did any here recognize it as a poem?) was pretty good! (Even if no one else did.) And I will use it (albeit slightly modified) in a new book I am working on. I consider prose and poetry about the cultural and social dangers of the new Consumerite religions and the sad doctrines of their high (CEO) priests, to be far more pertinent and up to date than the (by now) moldy tackiness of Monty Python... (Whom I loved when they first came out, but grew tired of after the 600th episode.) I've no wish to offend anyone here. I do think that Pentax, after all, does make the best SLR cameras I've ever used. But I could live without (several of?) them. (Really I could...) But also I thought this was a forum for photographers (hobbyists or otherwise) who used Pentax equipment because they liked it, and not because they worshipped it... Anyway, IMO all of this does make for good discourse, as it is enlightening to me. The TC's already seem to know how to capture our minds, and now they're going after our souls! (And no, I myself am not particularly religious. Just scared for my grandchildren...) Greywoulf. Dosk. Skip (Take your pick...) - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: OT: Fasten seatbelts: MZ-S price!!
Quite okay! Wish there were some photo shops as accommodating in the NY/NJ area though. Perhaps there are, but I've never heard of, or encountered any, that would allow one to run a roll of film through a camera prior to buying. My loss, this... Dosk - Original Message - From: "Doug Brewer" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, February 14, 2001 7:50 AM Subject: Re: OT: Fasten seatbelts: MZ-S price!! Skip, Lots of camera stores will let you run a quick roll of film through a camera. It's not exactly a trade secret. But if you simply have to know, I spent some of the last season photographing autocrosses for the local chapter of the SCCA. I'm curious whether the MZ-S will fit in with my potential plans to shoot the whole season this year. If it's comfortable to use, and the AF system is quick and responsive, well, maybe you get the idea. Is that okay with you? - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Metering question, still....
May be quite simple, but I still don't understand it, Philippe. Your answer seems only to complicate it even more for me... But thanks for trying anyway, Dosk - Original Message - From: "Philippe Trottier" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, February 14, 2001 5:31 PM Subject: Re: Metering question Quite simple point at a light area thrue a black board -Center weight will gradually go up and down -Spot will "nearly" jump from all to nothing Quite simple Philippe Subject: Metering question Can someone tell me what the difference between center-weighted metering and spot metering is? It seems to me like they would both do the same thing..? Dosk - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: OT: Fasten seatbelts: MZ-S price!!
Re the stuff below from Doug and Len. Why? Why do you feel compelled to buy it? First. And then try to find a place to fit it into your world? Sounds to me like you don't really need it, do you? Have you checked that out? First. And why has someone told you that this is "good" attitude? Is this someone the firm by any chance? They would think this is a reeeallly good attitude. I'm sure. But I for one do not understand it... Why? Do you feel COMPELLED?? -Greywoulf The "I" part of "we" does not feel compelled to be disappointed with Pentax at all. What I feel compelled to do is hold the MZ-S in my hands, use it to make some photos, and then decide where it will fit in my photographic world. Doug Now that's a good attitude! Len --- - 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 . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: OT: Fasten seatbelts: MZ-S price!!
How are you going to use it to "make some pictures" first then before deciding where it fits in your world? (If you don't buy it first? Or does Pentax now have loaners for certain people to actually try out cameras before they buy them...?) Also, I wasn't trying to make any decisions for you. Was just curious about why you were making yours? Greywoulf - Original Message - From: "Doug Brewer" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, February 14, 2001 12:33 AM Subject: Re: OT: Fasten seatbelts: MZ-S price!! Did I say I was going to buy it first? I'm compelled (or, as you put it, COMPELLED) to try it out before making any judgements. I'm compelled to try it out to see how it feels, to see if the AF works as well as I suspect it does, to see if it's as ergonomic in design as other Pentax offerings I own, to see if the build quality is as described. And I'm compelled to to try it out in the same way I am compelled to pick up and look through, focus, =feel= many cameras I run across. We have an old Nikon F2 in the museum that the planetarium guys use in their work. I had it out the other day to check it out. I've been compelled to examine F5's , Minoltas, EOS models, old Kodak folders, Rolleiflex TLR's, a WWII era aircraft 4X5, and dozens of other bodies, because I am curious about cameras and interested in them. Now that Pentax has announced a new camera that sounds like something I might want to add to my set of photographic tools, I am compelled to examine it and decide if the features and feel it offers will fit into my daily life, a good portion of which revolves around the use of a camera. And =I= will decide what I need and don't need, thanks. Doug At 11:58 PM -05002/13/01, dosk caused thus to appear: Re the stuff below from Doug and Len. Why? Why do you feel compelled to buy it? First. And then try to find a place to fit it into your world? Sounds to me like you don't really need it, do you? Have you checked that out? First. And why has someone told you that this is "good" attitude? Is this someone the firm by any chance? They would think this is a reeeallly good attitude. I'm sure. But I for one do not understand it... Why? Do you feel COMPELLED?? -Greywoulf -- Douglas Forrest Brewer Ashwood Lake Photography [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alphoto.com - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Way OT: Virus Control re Outlook Express...
Re; previous message(s) to Dosk: Dosk, the truth is out there. The main problem is that Microsoft alone has extended HTML with tags like IFRAME, which allow automated saving and execution of other code, eg. from attachments. Yes. But as in most cases, the truth is multi-faceted. I still feel that saying one can get a virus by simply opening an email is an over-simplification of a partial truth. What is meant by that statement? Should a person then never open an email, never preview one, never then open an attachment? Listen, one cannot get a virus from simply opening a plain text email in O/E. (So far, at least) it is absolutely impossible, and one should not scare people into believing otherwise! Plain text code cannot initiate a virus! Period! (See url link below) http://www.txla.org/pubs/tlj75_2/virus.html Attachments, as I said before, are another thing and all such should always be screened by a good anti virus program. But to never allow any of these attachments to load via your mail program is, IMO, a sorry thing. One misses out on a good deal of computer fun that way, and it gives the virus creators exactly the creepy victory they are looking for! Now, html code is different from plain text. And John Francis did us all a favor on this list when he gave us his informative link. (Repeated here, below.) There is good information in this link on how to set up your IE browser (and also OE) so as not to blindly accept active scripting, active-x; sneaky stuff that may be imbedded in the html code. Although this is a rarer way of transmitting viruses (it's a much harder thing to do, for more doubtful results, for one thing) it does happen and should be protected against. (This is also why people get mad when someone transmits an email message to them in html, when it is just so much safer and easier to do it in plain text!) This is John Francis's supplied link, for those who may have missed it... http://antivirus.about.com/compute/antivirus/library/weekly/aa121500a.htm This site, while containing lots of good info and links, I feel is still a bit over dramatic about things though. (There are software selling sponsors on this page looking to make a buck, after all...) One of the "open-an-email-get-infected" viruses (VB-Forgotten) they describe requires an OE user to have almost all of his IE browser and OE mail settings to be set to no security options at all for it to work. This email virus even asks the potential victim to first go into his browser settings and change them this way, then re-open the email. (Which by the way has the typical spammer subject line of "Financial Security" or some such garbage.) IMO, anyone falling for this crap is really reaching to become a victim... Another virus described is the "Kak" virus, which is a more interesting one. True, it is transmitted via an email signature file, but again it is embedded in html (not text) code, and again it requires the potential victim to have his security settings in his browser and email program set on low, or none! BTW, the About.com site John Francis gave us also has links to all the Microsoft patches that eliminate the need for fearing these security holes, even if one does not have their own IE security settings set on "high". To be really safe, one should download and apply these MS patches and then also set one's IE settings onto "high". Between doing these things, and then pre-screening all attachments onto disk prior to opening, one need have no fear (as of yet, of course) in opening email and attachments via IE and O/E 5.0... See, I said all of that and not one mention of "paranoid" Apologies to all, (and especially John Francis,) if my previous postings where too abrupt. It's been a rough week. Dosk (Skip) - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Way OT: Virus Control re Outlook Express...
Re; previous message(s) to Dosk: Dosk, the truth is out there. The main problem is that Microsoft alone has extended HTML with tags like IFRAME, which allow automated saving and execution of other code, eg. from attachments. Yes. But as in most cases, the truth is multi-faceted. I still feel that saying one can get a virus by simply opening an email is an over-simplification of a partial truth. What is meant by that statement? Should a person then never open an email, never preview one, never then open an attachment? Listen, one cannot get a virus from simply opening a plain text email in O/E. (So far, at least) it is absolutely impossible, and one should not scare people into believing otherwise! Plain text code cannot initiate a virus! Period! (See url link below) http://www.txla.org/pubs/tlj75_2/virus.html Attachments, as I said before, are another thing and all such should always be screened by a good anti virus program. But to never allow any of these attachments to load via your mail program is, IMO, a sorry thing. One misses out on a good deal of computer fun that way, and it gives the virus creators exactly the creepy victory they are looking for! Now, html code is different from plain text. And John Francis did us all a favor on this list when he gave us his informative link. (Repeated here, below.) There is good information in this link on how to set up your IE browser (and also OE) so as not to blindly accept active scripting, active-x; sneaky stuff that may be imbedded in the html code. Although this is a rarer way of transmitting viruses (it's a much harder thing to do, for more doubtful results, for one thing) it does happen and should be protected against. (This is also why people get mad when someone transmits an email message to them in html, when it is just so much safer and easier to do it in plain text!) This is John Francis's supplied link, for those who may have missed it... http://antivirus.about.com/compute/antivirus/library/weekly/aa121500a.htm This site, while containing lots of good info and links, I feel is still a bit over dramatic about things though. (There are software selling sponsors on this page looking to make a buck, after all...) One of the "open-an-email-get-infected" viruses (VB-Forgotten) they describe requires an OE user to have almost all of his IE browser and OE mail settings to be set to no security options at all for it to work. This email virus even asks the potential victim to first go into his browser settings and change them this way, then re-open the email. (Which by the way has the typical spammer subject line of "Financial Security" or some such garbage.) IMO, anyone falling for this crap is really reaching to become a victim... Another virus described is the "Kak" virus, which is a more interesting one. True, it is transmitted via an email signature file, but again it is embedded in html (not text) code, and again it requires the potential victim to have his security settings in his browser and email program set on low, or none! BTW, the About.com site John Francis gave us also has links to all the Microsoft patches that eliminate the need for fearing these security holes, even if one does not have their own IE security settings set on "high". To be really safe, one should download and apply these MS patches and then also set one's IE settings onto "high". Between doing these things, and then pre-screening all attachments onto disk prior to opening, one need have no fear (as of yet, of course) in opening email and attachments via IE and O/E 5.0... See, I said all of that and not one mention of "paranoid" Apologies to all, (and especially John Francis,) if my previous postings where too abrupt. It's been a rough week. Dosk (Skip) - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Way OT: Virus Control re Outlook Express...
Re; previous message(s) to Dosk: Dosk, the truth is out there. The main problem is that Microsoft alone has extended HTML with tags like IFRAME, which allow automated saving and execution of other code, eg. from attachments. Yes. But as in most cases, the truth is multi-faceted. I still feel that saying one can get a virus by simply opening an email is an over-simplification of a partial truth. What is meant by that statement? Should a person then never open an email, never preview one, never then open an attachment? Listen, one cannot get a virus from simply opening a plain text email in O/E. (So far, at least) it is absolutely impossible, and one should not scare people into believing otherwise! Plain text code cannot initiate a virus! Period! (See url link below) http://www.txla.org/pubs/tlj75_2/virus.html Attachments, as I said before, are another thing and all such should always be screened by a good anti virus program. But to never allow any of these attachments to load via your mail program is, IMO, a sorry thing. One misses out on a good deal of computer fun that way, and it gives the virus creators exactly the creepy victory they are looking for! Now, html code is different from plain text. And John Francis did us all a favor on this list when he gave us his informative link. (Repeated here, below.) There is good information in this link on how to set up your IE browser (and also OE) so as not to blindly accept active scripting, active-x; sneaky stuff that may be imbedded in the html code. Although this is a rarer way of transmitting viruses (it's a much harder thing to do, for more doubtful results, for one thing) it does happen and should be protected against. (This is also why people get mad when someone transmits an email message to them in html, when it is just so much safer and easier to do it in plain text!) This is John Francis's supplied link, for those who may have missed it... http://antivirus.about.com/compute/antivirus/library/weekly/aa121500a.htm This site, while containing lots of good info and links, I feel is still a bit over dramatic about things though. (There are software selling sponsors on this page looking to make a buck, after all...) One of the "open-an-email-get-infected" viruses (VB-Forgotten) they describe requires an OE user to have almost all of his IE browser and OE mail settings to be set to no security options at all for it to work. This email virus even asks the potential victim to first go into his browser settings and change them this way, then re-open the email. (Which by the way has the typical spammer subject line of "Financial Security" or some such garbage.) IMO, anyone falling for this crap is really reaching to become a victim... Another virus described is the "Kak" virus, which is a more interesting one. True, it is transmitted via an email signature file, but again it is embedded in html (not text) code, and again it requires the potential victim to have his security settings in his browser and email program set on low, or none! BTW, the About.com site John Francis gave us also has links to all the Microsoft patches that eliminate the need for fearing these security holes, even if one does not have their own IE security settings set on "high". To be really safe, one should download and apply these MS patches and then also set one's IE settings onto "high". Between doing these things, and then pre-screening all attachments onto disk prior to opening, one need have no fear (as of yet, of course) in opening email and attachments via IE and O/E 5.0... See, I said all of that and not one mention of "paranoid" Apologies to all, (and especially John Francis,) if my previous postings where too abrupt. It's been a rough week. Dosk (Skip) - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Rep here from Ulan Bator Speaking to you...
Have you heard from our representative in Ulan Bator yet? That's actual where me is from. And you guys are pissing me and compatriots offoff. Keep this large BS up and we will never send you MZ5-N, MX-S, freaking new MZ-S, or any of large hidden stockpiled film that saving against digital takeover... We will then be new Time/Life/People! We will be new Magum! We will be the only freaking photographers you will have see!! You have been varned! Keep your big Yunkeee mouthz shut!! Dosku (Hey you fellows don't tell me such guys really don know people from S.A. be Americans too? For shame boyz shame!!) - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Way OT: Virus Control re Outlook Express...
Re; previous message(s) to Dosk: Dosk, the truth is out there. The main problem is that Microsoft alone has extended HTML with tags like IFRAME, which allow automated saving and execution of other code, eg. from attachments. Yes. But as in most cases, the truth is multi-faceted. I still feel that saying one can get a virus by simply opening an email is an over-simplification of a partial truth. What is meant by that statement? Should a person then never open an email, never preview one, never then open an attachment? Listen, one cannot get a virus from simply opening a plain text email in O/E. (So far, at least) it is absolutely impossible, and one should not scare people into believing otherwise! Plain text code cannot initiate a virus! Period! (See url link below) http://www.txla.org/pubs/tlj75_2/virus.html Attachments, as I said before, are another thing and all such should always be screened by a good anti virus program. But to never allow any of these attachments to load via your mail program is, IMO, a sorry thing. One misses out on a good deal of computer fun that way, and it gives the virus creators exactly the creepy victory they are looking for! Now, html code is different from plain text. And John Francis did us all a favor on this list when he gave us his informative link. (Repeated here, below.) There is good information in this link on how to set up your IE browser (and also OE) so as not to blindly accept active scripting, active-x; sneaky stuff that may be imbedded in the html code. Although this is a rarer way of transmitting viruses (it's a much harder thing to do, for more doubtful results, for one thing) it does happen and should be protected against. (This is also why people get mad when someone transmits an email message to them in html, when it is just so much safer and easier to do it in plain text!) This is John Francis's supplied link, for those who may have missed it... http://antivirus.about.com/compute/antivirus/library/weekly/aa121500a.htm This site, while containing lots of good info and links, I feel is still a bit over dramatic about things though. (There are software selling sponsors on this page looking to make a buck, after all...) One of the "open-an-email-get-infected" viruses (VB-Forgotten) they describe requires an OE user to have almost all of his IE browser and OE mail settings to be set to no security options at all for it to work. This email virus even asks the potential victim to first go into his browser settings and change them this way, then re-open the email. (Which by the way has the typical spammer subject line of "Financial Security" or some such garbage.) IMO, anyone falling for this crap is really reaching to become a victim... Another virus described is the "Kak" virus, which is a more interesting one. True, it is transmitted via an email signature file, but again it is embedded in html (not text) code, and again it requires the potential victim to have his security settings in his browser and email program set on low, or none! BTW, the About.com site John Francis gave us also has links to all the Microsoft patches that eliminate the need for fearing these security holes, even if one does not have their own IE security settings set on "high". To be really safe, one should download and apply these MS patches and then also set one's IE settings onto "high". Between doing these things, and then pre-screening all attachments onto disk prior to opening, one need have no fear (as of yet, of course) in opening email and attachments via IE and O/E 5.0... See, I said all of that and not one mention of "paranoid" Apologies to all, (and especially John Francis,) if my previous postings where too abrupt. It's been a rough week. Dosk (Skip) - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Cheap zoom wide-angle
Eduardo, are you sending postings in html format? I can't speak for everyone here, but we've just recently been hit with some transmitted viruses on this list, and I for one would certainly appreciate it if you would change your submissions to this list to be plain text? Html is far more liable to be contaminated with a sender's (unknown usually) virus! Thanks for your consideration in this, Dosk - Original Message - From: "Eduardo Carone Costa Jnior" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, February 09, 2001 10:26 PM Subject: Re: Cheap zoom wide-angle Thank you all for sharing your insights about this topic. You can be sure your thoughts will be taken into consideration when I finally place my order. As a inexperienced amateur I can only be glad for having the possibility some "online" lessons. Eduardo. - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
OT: Virus Control re Outlook Express...
Outlook Express users, do not despair.. Someone has mentioned here on this list that one can get a virus (or worm, or trojan) just by opening e-mail. This is, I believe, one of the many unfounded, slightly paranoid, rumors about viruses. (Virii?) Email comes through to a Microsoft O/S system (such as Windows) as the file extension, .eml, ONLY. Windows does nothing with .eml extensions except designate them as words for you to look at. There is nothing that tells it, "there is code here for the O/S to execute and do something with". The same holds true for .jpg extensions, which are designated as pictures for you to only look at. On the other hand, .exe extensions are very dangerous (as are some others), as when opened they tell the Windows O/S that this is an operating program and you should do what it says... (There is a vast difference, within not only Microsoft but all computer O/S's, between simple readable or viewable data, and operational code.) In Outlook Express (version 5.0) there is an excellent option available. Whenever you dbl-click on an email extension a pop-up says, "All email extensions have the potential for danger" (or something similar to this) "-do you want to open this now or load it to disk?" (And when this question is asked, at this time, and only at this time, OE/5.0 then shows what the actual file extension is...) Always answering this question with "load it to disk" takes but an extra few seconds and allows any of the various virus killer programs (the good ones, anyway) to check out the file. If it is not a clean file, you should (depending upon which virus killer program you are using) get immediate (and pronounced ) bells, whistles, warnings, not to proceed with opening this extension, and sometimes even automatic deletions. If the file is judged clean, you get no further messages and can then open it in relative safety. (Nothing is ever perfect however; on very very rare occasions a new type virus comes along that the killer programs are not prepared for. (There was even a virus killer once, a Norton program I think it was, that was released with a virus in it!) But again, this kind of stuff is extremely rare. Also, most good virus killers have constant online update options to catch up with these occasional new things.) I sometimes think there are more computer problems caused by virus rumors than there are by viruses... (And definitely more problems caused by knocked over coffee containers!) Wishing you (and me) a virus free environment. (Which is a nice way of saying ,"down with these immature computer creeps!") Skip (An ex-systems programmer) - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: OT: Canon fast lenses (was: Re[2]: AdaptAll?)
Previous message: BTW, how sharp the A 1.2 is at 1.0 ;-) (the DOF at 1.0 is propably NONE, so I would say that lens would be actually UNUSABLE for photography! You would get almost nothing or every time the bad thing in focus. Like tip of person's nose, but not their eyes. Perhaps nice for creative effects, but at that cost? Canon snobbery, of course! That's very interesting. Something I hadn't thought of It seems a quite logical truism, but I would still like to hear from someone who's actual used a name brand (Leitz, Canon) 1.0 lens to confirm this... Also, a question; as DOF deepens the more you stop down a lens, would a 1.0 lens, perhaps because of all that much more glass available, have a proportionately better DOF at say 1.2, 1.4, 1.7, 2.0, etc, etc?? Skip - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Way OT: Virus Control re Outlook Express...
Someone has mentioned here on this list that one can get a virus (or worm, or trojan) just by opening e-mail. This is, I believe, one of the many unfounded, slightly paranoid, rumors about viruses. (Virii?) I assure you that both the statements made about being able to get infected simply by opening mail were true. In fact in one case you didn't even need to explicitly open the email - Microsoft Outlook would automatically open the last email fetched from the post office. I don't spread unfounded, inaccurate rumours. Assure me all you want. Just because you say something is true, doesn't make it so. I have never seen any proof anywhere, or any article, in PC World or any other such mags, that such sophisticated viruses exist anywhere outside of anyone's imagination. In fact, there's a website entirely devoted to denouncing such wild virus rumors (I'll see if I can get it's URL for you if you want), and they also claim that many of these so called super viruses are just so much BS Email comes through to a Microsoft O/S system (such as Windows) as the file extension, .eml, ONLY. Windows does nothing with .eml extensions except designate them as words for you to look at. There is nothing that tells it, "there is code here for the O/S to execute and do something with". The same holds true for .jpg extensions, which are designated as pictures for you to only look at. Much, much, misinformation. First of all ".eml" is an application- specific file type (or extension); if you don't happen to be using that specific email program you will never see .eml (Netscape Messenger, for example, stores email in a completely different way) Yeah, ok, but I was only talking about Outlook Express (and specificially, version 5.0) here anyway, wasn't I? How are you helping things by talking about apples when I'm talking about oranges? On the other hand, .exe extensions are very dangerous (as are some others), as when opened they tell the Windows O/S that this is an operating program and you should do what it says... (There is a vast difference, within not only Microsoft but all computer O/S's, between simple readable or viewable data, and operational code.) Unfortunately this line has got very blurred. Email can contain embedded HTML, which in turn can contain embedded JAVA or JavaScript. It's rare to see a virus with a .exe payload extension, too. The recent ones have been attacking other extensions (such as .vbs, .scr, or .pif). Add to that the habit of hiding the real extension , and what looks like an innocent file name like MeNude.jpg can really be MeNude.jpg.pif I did say other extensions besides .exe are dangerous too, although not specifying them, didn't I? Your .vbs, .scr, pif, warnings are true enough. But you won't be able to show me a virus that comes thru (to Outlook Express now, mind you) as an .eml or .jpg. The virus creators are not such super-brains that they can turn just plain viewable data into operational code... Also, O/S-5.0's pop-up box shows the entire file name, even if it be Nonsense.jpg.pif.exe.vbs.. In Outlook Express (version 5.0) there is an excellent option available. Whenever you dbl-click on an email extension a pop-up says, "All email extensions have the potential for danger" (or something similar to this) "-do you want to open this now or load it to disk?" (And when this question is asked, at this time, and only at this time, OE/5.0 then shows what the actual file extension is...) Outlook Express is actually rather less error-prone than full Outlook. But the default install for either of them leaves some options set in a way that leaves gaping security holes that script-kiddies are only too eager to exploit. Not that Microsoft is the only culprit, by any means; default install options from Eudora, Netscape, or iPlanet all have similar weaknesses. It's just that Microsoft is particularly bad, and is most frequently targetted by virus creators (often because that's the mail system they are most familiar with, but sometimes simply because Microsoft is viewed with contempt by the hacker community). Hackers are not virus creators. Hackers are avid computer geeks who sometimes like to break into top security sites (and sometimes leave messages that they did so) just to prove they have the wherewithall to do so. Most of them wouldn't be caught dead creating a "simple" virus that harms everyday people. Your labling of them (hackers) as virus creators betrays your one sided beliefs... Always answering this question with "load it to disk" takes but an extra few seconds and allows any of the various virus killer programs (the good ones, anyway) to check out the file. If it is not a clean file, you should (depending upon which virus killer program you are using) get immediate (and pronounced ) bells, whistles, warnings, not to proceed with opening this extension, and sometimes even
Someone has a ZX-5n for sale?
Didn't someone on this list recently say they had a used ZX-5n for sale? I know someone who might be interested. Skip (Can also contact me privately at::) [EMAIL PROTECTED] - 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 .
