RE: Pentax 750Z
Hi Cottie, I have one of those at work. At home we have the 555. Nice little camera with excellent optics and great results. Antti-Pekka Antti-Pekka Virjonen Computec Oy RD Turku www.computec.fi -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Cotty Sent: Saturday, September 16, 2006 11:31 AM To: pentax list Subject: Pentax 750Z Just got one of these (refurbished grade A stock) for my son - anyone have one? Any comments? TIA -- Cheers, Cotty ___/\__ || (O) | People, Places, Pastiche ||=|http://www.cottysnaps.com _ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Pentax 750Z
On 16/9/06, John Celio, discombobulated, unleashed: I LOVED that camera when we had it in stock at my store. The lens was very sharp, and the super macro mode was a lot of fun to play with on slow days. It was a little difficult to sell because of its relatively high price, but once customers realized how many cool features it had, most of them went for it. Focus can be a little slow, which is what causes that shutter lag people have mentioned, but if you pre-focus (press halfway and hold), it snaps pretty quick. I think it has a pan focus feature too, which allows it to take a shot almost instantly. I expect your son will enjoy it. GREAT news, thanks. -- Cheers, Cotty ___/\__ || (O) | People, Places, Pastiche ||=|http://www.cottysnaps.com _ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Pentax 750Z
Just got one of these (refurbished grade A stock) for my son - anyone have one? Any comments? TIA -- Cheers, Cotty ___/\__ || (O) | People, Places, Pastiche ||=|http://www.cottysnaps.com _ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Pentax 750Z
Bill Robb has one I think. But he's probably still somewhere in the Rockies or something. What do you think of it? I've been considering getting a PS for some time now. Dave On 9/16/06, Cotty [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Just got one of these (refurbished grade A stock) for my son - anyone have one? Any comments? TIA -- Cheers, Cotty -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Pentax 750Z
On 16/9/06, David Savage, discombobulated, unleashed: Bill Robb has one I think. But he's probably still somewhere in the Rockies or something. What do you think of it? I've been considering getting a PS for some time now. My lad had a cheapy Powershot A310 from eBay (£39) but he took it on a school trip and put it in his big bag - that went in the coach (bus) underneath storage compartment and when retrieved, the LCD was cracked and unreadable. The camera was fine - it would take shots but you couldn't see anything on the screen, menus, nothin'. We also have a G2 camera and that has the flip LCD, hence I was looking for something similar. The Pentax 750Z fit the bill, but not many about. A retailer advertised 3 refurbished / grad A stock at £139 each so went for it. I imagine the plastics are probably on a par with Canon's but the flip screen will be a bonus as I presume it can be flipped closed (with the screen facing inwards) like the Canon. Short of getting him a Leica M8, it will hopefully do. Even then, these LCDs are so vulnerable. Anyone make a really robust camera with a way of protecting the LCD? Camera arrives Tuesday. I haven't told the lad about it yet - naturally I will have to evaluate it ;-))) -- Cheers, Cotty ___/\__ || (O) | People, Places, Pastiche ||=|http://www.cottysnaps.com _ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Pentax 750Z
On 9/16/06, Cotty [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: My lad had a cheapy Powershot A310 from eBay (£39) but he took it on a school trip and put it in his big bag - that went in the coach (bus) underneath storage compartment and when retrieved, the LCD was cracked and unreadable. The camera was fine - it would take shots but you couldn't see anything on the screen, menus, nothin'. We also have a G2 camera and that has the flip LCD, hence I was looking for something similar. The Pentax 750Z fit the bill, but not many about. A retailer advertised 3 refurbished / grad A stock at £139 each so went for it. I imagine the plastics are probably on a par with Canon's but the flip screen will be a bonus as I presume it can be flipped closed (with the screen facing inwards) like the Canon. Sounds like a decent deal. Christie and I bought one a little over a year ago. It's been a pretty good camera. Read on. Short of getting him a Leica M8, it will hopefully do. Even then, these LCDs are so vulnerable. Anyone make a really robust camera with a way of protecting the LCD? The 750z is fairly robust. However, the hinge/pivot for the screen isn't. Ours always felt un-precise. It failed before the warranty had expired, so we sent it back to Pentax. It took them about four weeks to get it back to us, but all is now well. It still feels wonky (just like new!) Couple of other gripes: The viewfinder is very, very small. And the eye point is just that, a point. It took a while for me to get the hang of using it, getting my eye in just the right place. It also doesn't cover anywhere near the full frame. 80%, maybe. Typical PS shutter lag. No RAW. (TIFF and JPG only.) Write times. (We have a couple 256MB cards and a 1GB card. The write times on the 1GB card become excruciatingly slow once the card is about half full. It could be the card. I don't know. The 256MB cards are fine.) Low light photos (night sky, fireworks, funky night-time trailing shutter flash kid photos) require an obscene amount of time to clear the buffer. The good stuff: It travels well and has nice ergonomics for a brick. The control lay-out makes sense. My hands aren't aching after holding the damned thing for an hour. The pivoting LCD is readable in bright conditions. If you're ever stuck in a crowd you can hold the camera over your head and keep shooting. Waist level viewing is nice if you want to be discreet. It also very nice on a tripod, not having to bend down to camera level. Your son's going to love the LCD. Image quality isn't bad. My wife routinely has 5x7 and 8x10 photographs printed. She only shoots JPG. The video function records in MOV. (I think this is dumb, but you Mac guys will probably like it.) I'm sure there are other aspects that I like and don't like, but it's early, last night's beer has worn off, and this morning's coffee hasn't kicked in. -- Scott Loveless http://www.twosixteen.com Shoot more film! -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Pentax 750Z
On Sep 16, 2006, at 3:53 AM, Cotty wrote: ... Even then, these LCDs are so vulnerable. Anyone make a really robust camera with a way of protecting the LCD? ... How about a case for the camera? I keep my Fuji F30 in a cell phone case... doesn't add much to its size, is quick and easy to pull in and out, and protects that big LCD very nicely. Godfrey -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Pentax 750Z
On 16/9/06, Scott Loveless, discombobulated, unleashed: [excellent precis snipped] I'm sure there are other aspects that I like and don't like, but it's early, last night's beer has worn off, and this morning's coffee hasn't kicked in. Thanks Scott, really appreciate that. Just what I wanted to read. Interesting re hinge. The Canon G2 hinge is pretty good, so I have a benchmark here ;-) I love the retro looks. Looking forward to playing with it, er I mean passing it onto my son. -- Cheers, Cotty ___/\__ || (O) | People, Places, Pastiche ||=|http://www.cottysnaps.com _ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Pentax 750Z
On 16/9/06, Godfrey DiGiorgi, discombobulated, unleashed: How about a case for the camera? I keep my Fuji F30 in a cell phone case... doesn't add much to its size, is quick and easy to pull in and out, and protects that big LCD very nicely. Indeed. I've ordered a LowPro case (forget which one, something like Sliplock Belt Pouch 10) and a 2GB Sandisk II card. Actually the card is for my Treo and the current incumbent - a 1GB nameless - is going in the 750Z ;-) -- Cheers, Cotty ___/\__ || (O) | People, Places, Pastiche ||=|http://www.cottysnaps.com _ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Pentax 750Z
On Sat, 16 Sep 2006, Scott Loveless wrote: Typical PS shutter lag. Standard Pentax PS gripe. Thanks for the long report. Any comments on the lens? Kostas -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Pentax 750Z
An ugly time of day, for sure... --- Scott Loveless [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: it's early, last night's beer has worn off, and this morning's coffee hasn't kicked in. -- Scott Loveless http://www.twosixteen.com Shoot more film! -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net http://www.photo.net/photos/RickW __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Pentax 750Z
On Sat, Sep 16, 2006 at 06:53:59PM +0100, Cotty wrote: On 16/9/06, Scott Loveless, discombobulated, unleashed: [excellent precis snipped] I'm sure there are other aspects that I like and don't like, but it's early, last night's beer has worn off, and this morning's coffee hasn't kicked in. Thanks Scott, really appreciate that. Just what I wanted to read. Interesting re hinge. The Canon G2 hinge is pretty good, so I have a benchmark here ;-) I actually managed to bend the hinge on a Canon PowerShot G1. It (the hinge) still worked, but it was very stiff to operate, and the screen didn't lie quite flat when in the closed position. It eventually got replaced when the camera had to go in for an unrelated repair. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Pentax 750Z
On 9/16/06, Rick Womer [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: An ugly time of day, for sure... I'm now polishing off my second lager of the evening. Once again, life is good. -- Scott Loveless http://www.twosixteen.com Shoot more film! -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Pentax 750Z
On 9/16/06, Kostas Kavoussanakis [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Sat, 16 Sep 2006, Scott Loveless wrote: Typical PS shutter lag. Standard Pentax PS gripe. Thanks for the long report. Any comments on the lens? The lens is fine, as far as I can tell. It is SMC and the front element is recessed a bit. I've not noticed any flare. Bill is probably more qualified to discuss the technical merits of the lens. -- Scott Loveless http://www.twosixteen.com Shoot more film! -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Pentax 750Z
On 9/16/06, John Francis [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I actually managed to bend the hinge on a Canon PowerShot G1. It (the hinge) still worked, but it was very stiff to operate, and the screen didn't lie quite flat when in the closed position. It eventually got replaced when the camera had to go in for an unrelated repair. The hinge on ours starting making a popping sound when rotated. The image on the screen would not invert, and the screen would shut off completely when locked against the body and facing out. It was entirely internal. There was no visible damage. -- Scott Loveless http://www.twosixteen.com Shoot more film! -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Pentax 750Z
Just got one of these (refurbished grade A stock) for my son - anyone have one? Any comments? I LOVED that camera when we had it in stock at my store. The lens was very sharp, and the super macro mode was a lot of fun to play with on slow days. It was a little difficult to sell because of its relatively high price, but once customers realized how many cool features it had, most of them went for it. Focus can be a little slow, which is what causes that shutter lag people have mentioned, but if you pre-focus (press halfway and hold), it snaps pretty quick. I think it has a pan focus feature too, which allows it to take a shot almost instantly. I expect your son will enjoy it. John Celio -- http://www.neovenator.com AIM: Neopifex Hey, I'm an artist. I can do whatever I want and pretend I'm making a statement. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Pentax 750Z
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Pentax 750Z Date: Sun, 28 Nov 2004 13:30:38 -0600 I hope Mrs Tom C is as delighted with *her* new camera as you are :-D ERNR Yeah, she said something similar... Did you get this new camera for me or so YOU could play with it? Tom C.
Pentax 750Z
Hi gang, I purchased the 750Z for my wife last week. In addition to being 7MP and looking like a classy rangefinder with the black rubber leather grained front, it's quite a nice camera. I had done a little research on it, but was still surprised at how versatile it is with focusing modes, exposure modes, custom user mode, auto bracket, intervalometer... I haven't had a chance to take a serious look at image quality, but at first glance it looks just fine, even when using video out and displaying the images on a big screen TV. I wish it didn't take a proprietary battery and would just use AA's. The plus I guess, is that batteries will not have to be purchased. Talking about 3-D, the camera has a 3-D mode, where two pictures can be taken and combined in the same frame. When printed, they can then be viewed through an optional steroscopic viewer. I find it quite strange that Pentax would waste any RD on this kind of gimmick. Is this a Japanese penchant? If anyone is interested, the price online can far beat out any local retailers. The difference was enough that I could purchase a 1G SD card and next day shipping and still be under the before-tax price of the in town store. Tom C.
Re: Pentax 750Z
On Sun, 28 Nov 2004 10:56:19 -0700, Tom C [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi gang, I purchased the 750Z for my wife last week. In addition to being 7MP and looking like a classy rangefinder with the black rubber leather grained front, it's quite a nice camera. I had done a little research on it, but was still surprised at how versatile it is with focusing modes, exposure modes, custom user mode, auto bracket, intervalometer... As well as being quite compact for a 7MP camera with a 5x optical zoom. Not to mention the flip-out LCD, metal body, M/A/S modes, etc. I wish it didn't take a proprietary battery and would just use AA's. The plus I guess, is that batteries will not have to be purchased. I don't think you'll have to recharge that proprietary battery too often. Phil at dpreview tested the older Optio 550 that used the same battery and found that it lasted longer than those huge Canon BP-511s in Canon's G-series digitals. He was able to get around 430 shots using the flash half the time, IIRC. It's a small battery, but with a huge mAh rating for Li-ions (1800, I think, where most are under 1100 mAh). I think the battery is one of the strong points of the 750. Talking about 3-D, the camera has a 3-D mode, where two pictures can be taken and combined in the same frame. When printed, they can then be viewed through an optional steroscopic viewer. I find it quite strange that Pentax would waste any RD on this kind of gimmick. Is this a Japanese penchant? Couldn't say. It's cute, and I get a lot of older customers commenting on how it reminds them of the stereoscopic photography they used to do, but I doubt that most people use it. The stitch-assist mode, OTOH, seems to be pretty popular. If anyone is interested, the price online can far beat out any local retailers. The difference was enough that I could purchase a 1G SD card and next day shipping and still be under the before-tax price of the in town store. Tom C. Did you give the local store a chance to come close to matching the price? I love buying stuff online, and I'm willing to do that if the savings are significant, but at the same time there's a lot to be said for supporting a good local store if you have one. Chris
Re: Pentax 750Z
Hi Chris, The difference in prices was $599 + tax locally (which seems to the the street retail) versus $439 online, no tax. I didn't give the local store a chance, it wasn't a camera shop, but a department store. Tom C. From: Chris Brogden [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Pentax 750Z Date: Sun, 28 Nov 2004 12:42:25 -0600 On Sun, 28 Nov 2004 10:56:19 -0700, Tom C [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi gang, I purchased the 750Z for my wife last week. In addition to being 7MP and looking like a classy rangefinder with the black rubber leather grained front, it's quite a nice camera. I had done a little research on it, but was still surprised at how versatile it is with focusing modes, exposure modes, custom user mode, auto bracket, intervalometer... As well as being quite compact for a 7MP camera with a 5x optical zoom. Not to mention the flip-out LCD, metal body, M/A/S modes, etc. I wish it didn't take a proprietary battery and would just use AA's. The plus I guess, is that batteries will not have to be purchased. I don't think you'll have to recharge that proprietary battery too often. Phil at dpreview tested the older Optio 550 that used the same battery and found that it lasted longer than those huge Canon BP-511s in Canon's G-series digitals. He was able to get around 430 shots using the flash half the time, IIRC. It's a small battery, but with a huge mAh rating for Li-ions (1800, I think, where most are under 1100 mAh). I think the battery is one of the strong points of the 750. Talking about 3-D, the camera has a 3-D mode, where two pictures can be taken and combined in the same frame. When printed, they can then be viewed through an optional steroscopic viewer. I find it quite strange that Pentax would waste any RD on this kind of gimmick. Is this a Japanese penchant? Couldn't say. It's cute, and I get a lot of older customers commenting on how it reminds them of the stereoscopic photography they used to do, but I doubt that most people use it. The stitch-assist mode, OTOH, seems to be pretty popular. If anyone is interested, the price online can far beat out any local retailers. The difference was enough that I could purchase a 1G SD card and next day shipping and still be under the before-tax price of the in town store. Tom C. Did you give the local store a chance to come close to matching the price? I love buying stuff online, and I'm willing to do that if the savings are significant, but at the same time there's a lot to be said for supporting a good local store if you have one. Chris
Re: Pentax 750Z
Quoting Tom C [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Hi gang, I purchased the 750Z for my wife last week. In addition to being 7MP and looking like a classy rangefinder with the black rubber leather grained front, it's quite a nice camera. I had done a little research on it, but was still surprised at how versatile it is with focusing modes, exposure modes, custom user mode, auto bracket, intervalometer... I've had the 550 (which feature-wise seems to be pretty much an ancestor of this camera) since July 2003 and I've often enthused about how versatile and nice a camera it is. But I do wish it had the black accent -- pics I've seen OF the 750 make me rather jealous of its good looks. In fact I glued some pieces of black leather onto the front of my 550 to try to get the same effect ... I haven't had a chance to take a serious look at image quality, but at first glance it looks just fine, even when using video out and displaying the images on a big screen TV. I wish it didn't take a proprietary battery and would just use AA's. The plus I guess, is that batteries will not have to be purchased. Talking about 3-D, the camera has a 3-D mode, where two pictures can be taken and combined in the same frame. When printed, they can then be viewed through an optional steroscopic viewer. I find it quite strange that Pentax would waste any RD on this kind of gimmick. Is this a Japanese penchant? Couldn't help you with the why on this but in case you care, the feature is also offered on the 550, which means it goes back at least two generations in Pentax Optios. Of course I can't use this feature myself, so all I know about it is that it's there. If anyone is interested, the price online can far beat out any local retailers. The difference was enough that I could purchase a 1G SD card and next day shipping and still be under the before-tax price of the in town store. I hope Mrs Tom C is as delighted with *her* new camera as you are :-D ERNR
Re: Pentax 750Z
Quoting Tom C [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Hi Chris, The difference in prices was $599 + tax locally (which seems to the the street retail) versus $439 online, no tax. I didn't give the local store a chance, it wasn't a camera shop, but a department store. Tom C. I can certainly understand saving lots of bucks, but it's a pity all the same. You found a Pentax in a DEPARTMENT STORE???!!! That REALLY needs to be encouraged! ERNR
Pentax 750z
I've never really considered a digicam but this one seems tempting. I just spoke to one who has handled one and he said the built quality and finish are outstanding with a Leica feel. If this camera can deliver gallery quality it could be a nice introduction to digital photography while waiting for DSLR's to mature. Using it as an advance meter augmenting my 645 system could be a great idea; particularly under difficult, low-light conditions. How is such a sensor expected to react in low light conditiond compared to film? Pål
Re: Pentax 750z
i.e.. web gallery ? Pål Jensen wrote: If this camera can deliver gallery quality
