Re: Pentax 540 flash external battery pack
I have two Quantum Turbo Z's that I used with the 500ftz, and want to use them with the new flash, but Quantum hasn't tested one yet and won't confirm if they are compatible. I took the risk and hooked one up anyway, and it worked fine. Flash operated perfectly. and recycle was pretty much instantaneous I hope I haven't done any damage, but I didn't want to buy yet another battery pack when I have two perfectly good ones already. I just wish Quantum would get their A into G and test the bloody thing. Max Paul said: I bought the external battery pack for the 540 flash. It's the unit made by Pentax that takes six C-cells. I forget the designation, but it's easy to find at BH. I thought I was going to shoot some weddings, but hadn't done so until now. Today, I finally did. I shot about 700 frames, at least half of them flash. The pack held out right to the end, and it was only in the final few shots that I noticed that recycling had slowed. Very good. I like it. Paul -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Quantum Turbo Z and Pentax AF 540 FGZ
Anybody know if it's okay to used the Quantum Turbo Z battery pack with the new Pentax AF 540 FGZ? They worked great with the old 500 FTZ, but I need reassurance that they're okay with the new model. Talk to me people... Max. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: PDML members' web pages
And mine too please Mark: www.maxphotography.co.nz Cheers, Max -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Another new flash with P-TTL :-)
Why Pentax never made a 500 FGZ for the MZs, or*istD is completely beyond me. I mean what the hell were they thinking! The 360 is too weak, can't swivel, can't use a power-pack, and has a hot shoe locking system that's made of Swiss cheese. Mine broke the first time I mounted it. If this new Sigma flash had an auxiliary socket to plug a Quantum Turbo Z into it, I'd buy one. Wedding photographers need those featuresall of 'em! Max
Flash problems with IstD
Guys, For some unknown reason I have encountered a problem with my *istD and it's built in flash. When I deploy the in built flash, the battery check indicator shows empty,and the auto focus stops working. When I mount my 360FGZ on it, the high speed sync flash grossly overexposes rendering it useless. No amount of compensation makes any difference. I've tried fresh batteries, and even another 360FGZ on it with no luck. It was working fine with no problems, and now it seems something in the circuitry has failed. I'm going to have to send it back to the service agents next week. Hope my warranty covers it. I'll keep you posted. Regards, Max (Auckland NZ)
*istd autofocus woes
I was using my Pentax 100 f 2.8 macro lens with the *istd on the weekend, and was horrified to find that many shots of what I had taken on auto focus turned out to be so soft as to be useless. To make matters worse the shots were ones of my first ever encounter with a male Californian quail. I took about a dozen shots of this bird from as close as 2-3 meters away and relied on auto focus for all of them. Bad mistake, I only got one image that was sharp enough to be useable. The bird was stock still as I shot and in fact was listening to the auto focus confirmation beep during the encounter. He was so engrossed with it he actually stood upright once and uttered a little song in response. It was a moment to take my breath away and I was just in raptures at what was happening in front of me. To find the images so poorly focused on downloading was a disappointment to say the least. I don't quite know what to do about it. Regards, Max
Re: *istd custom function chart
Thank you Robtoo silly really. - Original Message - From: Rob Brigham [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2003 12:40 AM Subject: RE: *istd custom function chart Small. Rather than hagin Large, Medium, Small, Even Smaller and Smallest - they just have L,M and S, but let you toggle how small S is. -Original Message- From: max mcrae [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 14 November 2003 11:37 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: *istd custom function chart Question to fellow *istd owners, what is the custom function: recorded pixels of S? Ergo, what is this S? I've thunk and I've thunk, and I still haven't the foggiest. Max
Auxiliary power supply for the *ist D
Guys, I noticed on a review site that the *IstD has a 6.5V input socket. Could it be powered with a Quantum TurboZ power pack? Regards, Max
RE: interesting gig
Tom wrote: Got a call today to be the primary photographer at a fashion show. It's a benefit for breast cancer, so they're not paying, but the exposure seems good, the models are pros, and the designers are the real deal. I've never done anything like this before, so any advice is appreciated. The main event is a runway thing at ESPNZone in DC. Do any of you know how this is normally shot? I figure most of the paparazzi are just using on camera flash, but I would suspect that a few official guys get to set up some lights. Maybe set up something semi-directional (standard reflector with grid? small softbox with grid?), and shoot when the model hits that spot? Set up a few lights for different spots, maybe one halfway down the runway, one at the end? Yes Tom, you will need to find out exactly what the lighting set up is for the event. If it's just tungsten floods, and spots, you will need to use flash on camera, and maybe drag the shutter a stop below your sync. for of a bit of fill. I have done a few beauty contests where a runway was used, and I found that positioning is important...you need to be somewhere in front of the runway to get nice frontal shots that will include interesting backgrounds for depth. I found a 70-200 F2.8 with a built in tripod mount for ease of orientation,(it will mostly be in portrait mode), was ideal. Use a good quality film of at least 400 asa. (Kodak Portra VC?) If possible try be at the same level as the runway or even higher, (preferably seated, but you may need to stand on something to get the elevation you need), and use a monopod for maximum steadiness. Mount your flash on a bracket, (I use Manfrotto's height adjustable bracket, and find it ideal), to avoid red eye. Use a battery pack for fast recycling. Take a spare...flash and pack. The models are pros so they will already know to freeze momentarily at appropriate moments especially for the photographers, so it's up to you to recognise those moments when they occur, and snap accordingly. I guess most of the rest of it will just be normal event photography, like at a reception. I also get the opportunity to shoot some of the models the day before when they're getting fitted...I think I have a few ideas for this. Well, it don't get any better than that...you might want to tell the models where you'll be photographing them from on the big day, and tell them to play up to you. I think a buying spree is in order. Yep, knowing you have good equipment to do the job is vital. Wish you well, I feel your excitement. I couldn't think of a more rewarding, and exhilarating job I'd rather do. Good luck, have a ball, and tell us how it went...we want to know everything, including pictures! Regards, Max
Re: Digital SLR (wasPentax 6x7II/Digital Back)
Pål wrote: As I understand it, Pentax will release a digital slr (the MZ-D) when a CCD that meets Pentax standards and at an acceptable cost is available. When this will happen is unknown to me. I doubt Pentax will release anything but a full size chip and strongly suspect that anything like the D30 is seen as way below Pentax standards. I agree, Pentax would be silly to settle for anything less than the 6MP chip. The market is ripe for just such a SLR. If Pentax was to be the first out with one, even at a price higher than the competition, it would create such a stir, and have such appeal, I reckon serious photographers would sell their Grandmothers to have one. It has to happen, and it must happen within the new year. Just imagine such a camera coupled with the new primes. If that isn't a recipe for putting Pentax back on the top of the heap, I don't know what is. It could be Pentax's last chance to be taken seriously in the pro camera stakes. I know I'm kneeling at the foot of the bed every night before going to sleep. Regards, Max - 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: Digital SLR (wasPentax 6x7II/Digital Back)
Pål wrote: I believe the digital slr market is in some kind of limbo presently; not really taking off and doubts about when it actually does. I suspect Pentax have a wait and see philosphy but are ready to act on short notice. Well I just hope Pentax make up their mind about the MZd very soon. I had a good look at the review of the D1x and I'm sorely tempted to bite the bullet and change systems. I have funds put aside for a digital body and the more I think about what I could do with a digital SLR, the more impatient with Pentax I'm becoming. Of course if I change systems I'm in for a new lenses and that makes the conversion twice as expensive. But dammit, I want a digital NOW! I'm going to give Pentax a few more months to see if there is any new developments and if nothing is forthcoming, I'm switching. Have you seen what DPReview.com said about the D1x? You have to be impressed. Regards, Max - 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: AF360FTZ - First Impressions
Mark Cassino wrote: but here's some first impressions: Mark, Thanks for that. Can you confirm that it has the same 6 volt battery booster capability, and cable fitting, the same as the 500 FTZ's? Max - 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: The flagship dilemma (Was:MS-Z vs PZ-1p experience)
Title: FW: The flagship dilemma (Was:MS-Z vs PZ-1p experience) Pål wrote: However, to access the advanced flash capabilities of the MZ-S you need the new flash. The "drawback" with the MZ-S is that it has no flash compensation from the body. However, its quicker to do manual flash compensation on the MZ-S than automatic compensation on the Z-1p. I'm confused here. I found it a major pain to do exposure comp. on the MZ-S with the 500FTZ. Am I doing it right? 1. Obtain exposure value by pressing green button with camera in Av mode. 2. Note values and memorise them. 3. Set those values via command wheel, (manual mode), making sure the shutter speed in within 180/th sync speed, stopping down lens until it is. 4. Set your desired amount of exposure compensation on the exposure comp dial. 5. Compose and shoot. 6. Then reset the exp. comp. back to zero and repeat process all over again for the next shot. How can that be quicker than the Z1p's method? Or have I missed something here? Max Auckland, N.Z. EOM NOTICE - This message and any attached files may contain information that is confidential and/or subject of legal privilege intended only for use by the intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, be advised that you have received this message in error and that any dissemination, copying or use of this message or attachment is strictly forbidden, as is the disclosure of the information therein. If you have received this message in error please notify the sender immediately and delete the message.
Re: The MZ-S; a batteryholic?
Pål wrote: My MZ-S eats batteries. Its the most dissapointing aspect of the camera. A set of batteries, costing $20 around here, last for approximately 25 rolls. To me it means a week or two. Its going to ruin me. I don't use AF much; I'm not the kind of guy who uses AF for every shot, and only once used the built in flash. I had a scary moment with mine as well. I bought the grip with the body so never used anything else but alkalines, but when the first set failed I put what I thought was a fresh set and they also failed after a brief period, like one minute. Once again I replaced those with yet another set and the same thing happened. By this time I was suspecting my battery grip was faulty, but decided to go into town and try a set of Lithiums. Damn thing fired up straight away and I've had no further trouble. Put through about a dozen rolls so far with them so far so good. Admittedly, the alkalines I was using were cheap Korean ones that cost only $1.00 for 4 from our major discount store (The Wharehouse), but I didn't expect them to be that bad. But on the positive side, I must say the camera is a delight to use. The complete lack of shutter vibration that Pal mentioned earlier is just amazing, and instantly relegates the Z1-p to the obsolete category. It's that good! What I don't like is not being able to use it with my AF500FTZ and dial in the flash compensation. That's the one major gripe I have, and have no idea what I'm going to do when my next wedding comes around. Pentax...what were you thinking!! Max Auckland, New Zealand. - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: The MZ-S; a batteryholic?
Bruce Dayton I must agree here. I have really enjoyed the overall handling of the body. My major negative is the lack of fill flash compensation. I use that more on my PZ-1p than I realized. As soon as that new flash gets on the market...maybe this is Pentax's way of selling lots of new flash units. Further to points of discussion on this: Is there any MZ-S owner who has the new flash? Has any owner use theirs with studio flash yet? I ask this because the manual recommends lowering the shutter speed to a full stop less than the maximum sync. speed when doing so! A mistake surely. Just as an after thought guys, I'm going to fashion a piece of balsa wood as an add-on to my battery grip to try and fill out the palm swell a bit more and make it more comfortable to use.more like the Grip Strap on the Z1-p. I'll use pieces of self adhesive Velcro to hold the thing together. Should work OK, and should be easy to remove when necessary. Also adore the view finder..it's so much easier to see through than the Z1p. Lovely big screen to make your composing easy and quick. For portraiture, the vertical grip, coupled with ease of viewing the subject through the finder is an absolute snap...'scuse the pun. I love it to bitsit exudes class and style and it makes me proud to own it and look forward to any job that comes my way. Max, Auckland NZ - 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 .
