RE: OT: A question about filtering posts
Filtering posts won't have any effect on the rest of the list with any email software I'm aware of: It just auto-deletes the stuff after it hits your inbox. If you're looking for software I can heartily recommend Forte Agent. Very versatile filtering capabilities (which I've been making use of long before last Tuesday). -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: THE NEW PENTAX
I expect my recently-ordered (and should-be-arriving-any-day-now) MZ-S will be the last film camera I buy. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Slide Mounts
I use a fine tip Sharpie permanent marker to write on plastic mounts. I've always preferred plastic but never enough to get unduly concerned about it. Now, though, I'm going to prefer plastic because they're easier to pry open when I need to see what f-stop and shutter speed my MZ-S has imprinted between the sprocket holes! VBG - 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 NEW PENTAX
David A. Mann [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I had my picture taken at work yesterday (ugh, I hate cameras). The guy had this fancy Sony digital camera that will shoot stills onto memory stick and video onto digital videotape. You can download everything to your computer via firewire. Functionally very impressive but what got me was the recorded click- whirr sound it plays when you take a photo. The guy hadn't figured out how to disable it yet (so much for digital's ability to be unobtrusive). I wonder if you can upload new sounds. I'd record the sound of a Pentax 67 clunk. Or a K2 complete with the sound of manually winding the film. I absolutely LOVE that idea! Sampled shutter noises of your choice to upload. Collect and trade 'em on line! - 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: Ball Point Pens Pencils (Was Re: THE NEW PENTAX)
Treena Harp [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Bravo! I confess I have never seen such a comprehensive treatise on such underappreciated objects. I find such odd facts fascinating (I'm not joking.) You have heard, of course, where all your missing ball-point pens go when they (inevitably) disappear? (Hint: HHGTG) - 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 needed: flower photographs
mike wilson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I've been given (told I'm going to do!) an assignement. The local Red Cross is running a large flower display this weekend and they've asked yours truly to do some photos at the preview on Thursday evening. Mike Johnston's your man for help on this one ;) - 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: NASA Photo Tonight
If the absurdity of the idea didn't tip anyone off, the phrase pass this on to as many people as possible should have been a red flag ;) Gerald E. Lewis wrote: This is a HOAX Please pass this on if you wish. A formal request from NASA: 10:30 EASTERN TIME 9:30 Central, 8:30 Mountain, 7:30 Pacific NASA has asked that everyone step out on their lawns tonight at 10:30 and light a candle. They will be positioning a satellite to take a picture of the U.S. and posting it on the news tomorrow morning. Please pass this on to as many people as possible. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: OT: Replacement ink cartridges - Yooouuuuch!!!!
Ed [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Does anybody out there have any suggestions where I might be able to find the ink cartridges for less money, or some sort of refill kit? If I can't find them less expensive than this, it might be cheaper to trash the printer the next time it runs out of ink! Try http://www.inksupply.com/ -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Filter Factors
Anand DHUPKAR [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I think I missed some e-mails, however, there was some discussion on 13% grey or 18% grey. Would someone explain that part to me a bit ? More importantly, is there any book which would explain the zone system ? There was a long thread on this subject a while back. To sum up: ANSI PH3.49-1971, the U.S. standard for reflectance ligh meters (there is *no* international standard, by the way!), specifies about 12.5%, not the 18% of commercially available grey cards. Kodak says, when using an 18% grey card, For subjects of normal reflectance increase the indicated exposure by 1/2 stop. Camera and light meter manufacturers, however, are free to calibrate their meters any way they want so it's best to learn you *your* equipment performs under real life conditions. Some links: http://www.richardhess.com/photo/18no.htm This page shows the calculations involved. The math is basic algebra (but it does involve some rather arcane units of measurement like footlamberts!) http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=000gMS Danny Cirillo of Mamiya America lists the reflectivity constant for Sekonic meters as 12.5 and Minolta as 14. The Sekonic owner's manual list 12.5 A book: Ctein, Post-Exposure: Advanced Techniques for the Photographic Printer. (See Metering and the Myth of 18% Gray on page 29.) -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: MX Focusing
Ian Fleming [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have noticed that my MX ,bought used,does not quite make infinity on focusing,I have tried the lenses in my LX and they are OK.I have tried reseating the focussing screen to no avail.any ideas? A service is in order I suspect. Either or both of two things that could be wrong: The position of the focusing screen or the film-to-lens-flange distance (the latter is set with shims between the camera's lens flange and the camera body). You need to give a little bit clearer description of the problem you're having. Find a subject far enough away to be accurately in focus when a 50mm lens is focused at infinity (check with another camera). Mount the 50mm lens and set it wide open (maximum aperture) and focused at infinity. Take some pictures. There are three possibilities: 1) The viewfinder image is out of focus but the exposed image on the film *is* in focus. -- This would mean the focusing screen position is out of adjustment. 2) Both the viewfinder image AND the exposed image on the film are out of focus. -- This means the film-to-lens-flange distance is wrong and shims need to be changed to correct it. 3) The viewfinder *shows* that the image in focus but what comes out on film is NOT in focus. -- This means that the film-to-lens-flange distance is off and that someone has foolishly adjusted the focusing screen to try to compensate. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: MX Focusing
Absolutely right. I'd forgotten that one. Regardless, the first step is to get the infinity focus at the film plane correct. When you're sure that that's right you adjust the mirror position and/or focusing screen to make the viewfinder image match. Frits J. Wüthrich [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I thought of a third option, the mirror is off somehow. I don't know if that makes sense or not. Frits Wüthrich Ian Fleming [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have noticed that my MX ,bought used,does not quite make infinity on focusing,I have tried the lenses in my LX and they are OK.I have tried reseating the focussing screen to no avail.any ideas? A service is in order I suspect. Either or both of two things that could be wrong: The position of the focusing screen or the film-to-lens-flange distance (the latter is set with shims between the camera's lens flange and the camera body). -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 . -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
RE: Images or Photographs
Hey, what's all this talk about images? For more than a century the pictures we've taken with our cameras have been called photographs, or photos. Of late, images have been used to describe or define our pictures. When did this happen, and why? Is this some newspeak resulting from digital technology, from the posting of scanned photos on the 'net, or from the electronic transfer of pictures, which are not really photographs but reproductions of photographs. When should I call pictures photographs and when is it appropriate to call them images? Calling photographs images is like calling spaghetti pasta. It's new and trendy, but not inaccurate. The former term is a subset of the latter. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: This is too weird
My favorite of the recent urban legends is the Nostradamus prophecy that was actually written by a Canadian student in the early 1990s. (It's also on snopes.com) There are two schools of thought on Nostradamus: either (1) he had supernatural powers which enabled him to prophesy the future with uncanny accuracy, or (2) he did for bullshit what Stonehenge did for rocks. - Cecil Adams -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
RE: OT: Nostradamus (was: Re:= 20This is too weird)
Don't be concerned about it. A lot of Nostradamus's writing, besides being ambiguous in the extreme, has been the subjected to some exccedingly helpful translations into other languages (with, of course, the benefit of 20/20 hindsight). Then it get passed on orally with the attendant alterations and clarifications. Good entertainment value, but that's all. -- Original Message -- Believe it or not... Some years ago I saw a documentary movie about Nostradamus: one of the prophecies (at least the interpretation of the prophecy) stated that around the end of the XX century a NEW city should have been destroyed by a man with a turban (or a similar headgear)... I still recall it since I live near Naples, in Italian Napoli, from the greek Neapolis which in fact means new city... Now I'm afraid that the city he was talking about was another. Gianfranco - Original Message - From: Mark Roberts [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2001 6:53 PM Subject: Re: This is too weird My favorite of the recent urban legends is the Nostradamus prophecy that was actually written by a Canadian student in the early 1990s. (It's also on snopes.com) There are two schools of thought on Nostradamus: either (1) he had supernatural powers which enabled him to prophesy the future with uncanny accuracy, or (2) he did for bullshit what Stonehenge did for rocks. - Cecil Adams - 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 . -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: SURPRISE! (was: Re: Digicams and 35mm--Warning! Long post)
Yes, and the same alien intervention that keeps making money disappear from my bank account only to reappear in Pentax's. Damned aliens! BTW: I'm off to visit my parents in Georgia this weekend and plan on giving the MZ-S a thorough workout. Full report later. Bill Owens [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Must be that same alien intervention that caused the streaks on my recent roll of Delta 400 Bill, KG4LOV [EMAIL PROTECTED] This has nothing really to do with this thread, but everything to do with being surprised. Some time ago I developed a roll of Tri-X, and was astounded to find the first two frames on the roll contained an image I had no recollection of taking. In addition, they appeared to be double exposures. On both there was a close-up of a woman's face on the left side of the frame, and superimposed over that was a man with a backpack climbing a mountain. Both images were pretty much centered in the frame with a large area of clear negative around it - IOW, the space would have printed black. It was eerie. Now, for those who don't know me, or where I live, let me say that I do not shoot double exposures, and it's hard to imagine how I'd do that accidentally. Further, both were almost identical shots, the only difference being that the man was a few steps further up the mountain in the second shot. I don't live anywhere near a mountain, and I certainly had not traveled to a mountainous area during the time the roll had been exposed. And how that blank space all around the image got there is beyond me. Yes, I sometimes get surprised as well. -- Shel Belinkoff mailto:[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 . -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Images or Photographs
Aaron Reynolds wrote: I don't see how printing from the negative by shining light through it onto sensitized paper differs from printing the negative by shining light through it, recording the light as data and then laying down the data with inks on coated paper. Or recording the light as data and laying down the data on conventional photo paper, as is done with the Kodak/Noritsu Digital Light System (I believe this is how the Fuji Frontier system works as well?) I get prints from slides done on the Kodak/Noritsu system locally whenever I need prints larger than 9.5 x 14 (too big for my home system with 2820 dpi film scanner). Quality is far superior to conventional printing IMO. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
A Kodak moment
Last Saturday I ran in a 15k race locally. Just this evening I was talking to the race director and she told me that just after the first 3 or 4 runners finished a couple drove up and asked if they could sit by the finish line and cheer the runners in as their daughter was running in the race. The answer was obviously yes because for these small local events you need every body you can get to provide crowd support at the finish line. So they parked, pulled a couple of folding chairs out of their car and sat by the finish line encouraging the finishers. My friend the race director pulled out her point and shoot to get photos of the runners as they crossed the line. Smile, it's a Kodak moment! she would shout and No Fuji film in this camera! The guy seemed to appreciate this but my friend didn't think much about it...until after the race when she found out he was the CEO of Kodak. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: 645 or 67?
I went with the 645 myself because of the size/weight advantage. I like to go backpacking to inaccessible locations and I can get a reasonable 645 kit AND 35mm kit in my Lowepro Trekker AW. Another thing I like about the 645 is the 3:4 ratio of the format. I prefer it over the 2:3 ratio of 35mm and the 4:5 and 6:7 ratios of bigger gear. It's not a big issue (I'm not an anti-cropping fanatic) but I do prefer to use as much of the film that I've exposed and I find the 3:4 ratio works best for my eye. Mark -- Original Message -- Thank you all very much for the response, I'm definitely closer than I was. I'm going to head down to the shop and try out both the 67 and the 645, though I'm focusing on the 645 as I do alot of macro work as well as spur of the moment grab that shot kind of stuff. You folks were exactly what I needed to get my brain clear, thanks again. :) -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Re[2]: Preparing for a Day of Photography
Yep. That's the original word. Puritanical Americans morphed it into the word tidbits that's familiar to those in the U.S. (This bit of trivia never fails to elicit roars of laughter from Brits.) Titbits ? Bill, KG4LOV [EMAIL PROTECTED] When all this is done I'm ready to go. Have I missed anything? Your sarnies and thermos ;- ) unfortunately for Shel he lives in California, where they don't have such glories. He has to make do with bronzed beach babes tossing titbits 'twixt his teeth, and pouring the local chilled Zinfandel over his waiting tonsils. It's a hard life for some... -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: medium format scanners
Tiger Moses [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: My dear fellow medium format film users, I have just joined your ranks. What are youusing to scan negatives/slides of 120 film? and what is the resolution of that equipment? Do you recommend someone buy the same thing? I'm using the Minolta Dimage Scan Multi II and think it's wonderful. It only scans medium format at 1120dpi (2828 for 35mm) but I find that adequate for my purposes, meaning printing on my Epson 1270 up to 11x14. The occasions when I want to do anything larger are so few that it makes more sense to send the job out anyway. I believe there's a new version of this scanner coming out that does 35mm and MF at high resolution (4000dpi?) and surely a higher price (the old Scan Multi II goes for about $2000). If they start to offer close-out prices when the new one's due you might get a real bargain. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Great Deal on a 67 kit, Hu rry
28mm is probably a misreading of 2.8 (as in f2.8), especially likely since the seller, judging by the price, clearly didn't know what he had (if indeed he had it; the feedback rating of 2 didn't exactly inspire confidence for me). -- Original Message -- tom writes: http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=1281821351 Especially with that 28mm. Strange, I thought the widest 67 lens is the 35mm fisheye. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Lancia (was: Re: MZ-S Cost...Hey Pentax.)
I have a 1984 Subaru GL with 140,000 miles on it (it's going to get me through one more winter...I hope). If you own a nice car you're not spending as much money on cameras, lenses and film as you might be otherwise ;-) Trevor Wiebe [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have a well-used Saturn. It has four wheels, a steering wheel and a horn that goes BEEP. SO THERE. --- Lewis, Gerald [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Well Gianfrance, I do not have a Lancia..but I do have a 93 Alfa Romeo 164L and a 1983 Alfa GTV-6. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: OT: Honda Longevity
When *I* was a young man we had to work down the coal mines 23 hours a day... -- Original Message -- Here there are Hyundai Pony's running 570,000+ MILES now who would have thought that possible. --- Mike Johnston [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: 375,000 miles is quite impressive for a Honda CRX, i wouldnt have though it possible :) A guy I worked with years ago had a Honda Prelude that he drove for more that 450,000 miles. He took very good care of it, and reported that he did suffer from new car envy every so often, but then he'd just think, hey, the Prelude's running fine, and it's paid for...I never did find out how long it lasted, because I left that job. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Dear Squid
William Robb answered this query: William, May I ask you to explain what a Dear Squid letter is ?? I'm at a serious loss here ! A rejection letter that leaves you feeling really depressed. William Robb I know what would cheer you up - a nice slice of toast! Oh no. Don't tell me you're our chirpy breakfast companion! -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
RE: Newbie
See Stan's Pentax lens page for lots of user comments on Pentax lenses. You can spend hours reading this stuff (I know - I have!) Fascinating and very useful. http://www.concentric.net/~Smhalpin/ -- Original Message -- Greetings all, I am a newbie to the line of Pentax cameras not to mention a newbie to the wonderful world of photography. Recently I have been given two K1000 bodies with 50mm lens attached plus a vivitar 24mm lens. I have various questions and I hope that some of you will take the time to answer them. First, what type of lens will fit into the K body? Am I limited to only manual focus lenses? Is there a 24-105mm lens available for this camera? Were I to get prime lenses which ones would you recommend from 24mm on up to 200mm? My questions would qualify as duh questions but I am sorting things right now and getting ideas from various people and hopefully in the future will add more lenses to my minimal collection. Thank you for your input/comments and be assured that all comments/information are welcomed and most definitely needed. Have a great day!! Francis M. Alviar Irvine, CA -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: New leather coverings for Pentax bodies
Outstanding! I love the commentary that goes with his descriptions, too: The K-1000 in Antique Brown Snakeskin. This is the same type of skin that Leica puts on their special edition M6's. Depending upon your instructor, this kit will get you a better grade in Photography class, or it may get you thrown out. Bob Wilkinson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Several different leather covers are now available for Pentax bodies (Spotmatic, LX, K1000, ME Super). These have been very popular with Olympus owners for some time, and come in a variety of colors and finishes (including snake and lizard). For info, look at: http://homepages.together.net/~msparks/pentax/pentax_l.htm -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Pentax 67-II, leaf shutter lens, TTL flash metering
Last night I was talking with the co-owner of my favorite local photo lab and he was telling me about his problems trying to get his 67-II to wirk with a leaf shutter lens and TTL flash metering. He (and, apparently, Pentax) says it can't be done. The primary reason is obviously that the flash wants to fire as soon as the focal plane shutter opens, at which point the leaf shutter is closed. I believe there's a PC flash connector on the lens itself, but of course this provides triggering only (in other words, it has only ground and one electrical contact rather than the multiple contacts of the hot shoe which send TTL metering information to the flash. Could a PC flash cable from the lens be spliced into the hot shoe wiring to solve this? Any 67 users dealt with this? -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.com -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Pentax 67-II, leaf shutter lens, TTL flash metering
Yes, I've already thought of this. SInce it's not my 67 I not going to try it, though! Just wondering if anyone else has actually done it. Leon Altoff [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm not a 67 user but I am into electronics (yes doing it for a living not just playing with it). Taking the trigger from the LS lens instead of from the camera MAY work. It really depends on the how Pentax do things inside the camera. It certainly won't break anything if you try. I would do it this way: 1. Get hold of a Hotshoe adaptor F 2. Remove the 4 screws from the bottom of the adaptor and carefully separate the 2 halves. 3. Remove the centre pin and the spring that holds it. Put them in a zip lock plastic bag so you don't loose them and can put them back if you ever want to. 4. Get an old PC flash sync cord that is long enough to go from the pc socket on the lens to the hotshoe of the 67. Cut off the end you don't need and strip off about 1 cm (a bit under half an inch) of the insulation. Solder the centre wire to the contact where you removed the centre pin, then insulate the braided outer wire of the pc cable and solder the end to the hot shoe ground. 5. Make a small hollow in one half of the adaptor case (I'd probably do it to the top half) to allow the PC cable to exit and then put it together. The result should look quite professional and MIGHT even work. It will even allow you to use the 5P cables to give you TTL using multiple off camera flashes with the LS lens. If it doesn't work you can remove the modification and you end up with a hotshoe adaptor with a hole in it. If you do give this a go please let me and the rest of the group know how it goes. Leon http://www.bluering.org.au http://www.bluering.org.au/leon - 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 . -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: The REAL reason the Pentax MX rules!
Ken Archer [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: An extra battery and a roll of film are also small enough to throw in your bag just in case and maybe even smaller ;-) Yeah. If you've got 'em! -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Spotmatic service manual: On line th is week!
After many weeks of work and even more weeks of procrastination and even *more* weeks of not having enough time to work on it... The Pentax Spotmatic service manual PDF is nearing completion. The exploded diagrams are all done. I have finished the scanning and OCR (and manual OCR corrections) on all the text. It's all formatted and waiting for the addition of the various mechanical drawings that go with the text. I'll be working on it this week and it's not really that big a job. Should be on line some time this weekend at http://www.robertstech.com/pentax.htm -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: The REAL reason the Pentax MX= 20rules!
Tom Rittenhouse wrote: I read this and the other comments deniging the MX. Most MX were bought by very serious photographers who used them heavily unlike most ME, ME Super cameras which spent the last twenty years in a sock drawer. I had two MX bought in 78, and 80 which I used ten years, five of them semi-professionally. The only problem was mirror misalignment on the chrome one after being dropped. It amazes me how people who buy a worn out 20 plus year old camera are sure those cameras were junk to start with. The MX was a rugged professional camera however any camera tends to become junk after a few thousand rolls of film have been run through it. Read how many folks on this list treat their MX and think how many other cameras will stand up to that kind of abuse. Hear, hear! -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Pentax Digital NEWS - FULL S TORY from AP 27th OCT.
Mike wrote: All this smacks of great good sense to me. What they're going to do is release a smaller-CCD-size, LOWER COST, 3-5-mp digital SLR ASAP, and put off MR-42 until both the market and the technology are more stable. I like the idea. What it means for the Pentax loyalist is that we will have a potentially MUCH more affordable digital SLR to cut our teeth on, technology we buy now will be more reliable and more tried-and-true, and we will still be able to use all our existing lenses and system accessories. I certainly hope you're correct. Right now I'm still *furious* at this latest development. I spent several thousand dollars on equipment this year, largely based on the confidence that the digital SLR was coming and what I bought would be compatible. This sudden change, whatever the rationale, is inexcusable. Yes, digital technology is advancing at a tremendous rate and the market for it isn't stable. But in October of 2001 they can't really expect me to believe that this is NEWS to them and that it's taken them by surprise. P.S. I have to say that I'm totally NOT sold on the idea that a full-size sensor (meaning 35mm size, 24mm x 36mm) is a good idea. I am. At least if your statement that we will still be able to use all our existing lenses is important. It is to me and I love wide angles, so I'd be totally screwed by a smaller CCD. Hell, I'm totally pissed off just *thinking* about my recently acquired Pentax 80-200/2.8 becoming a 90-260 (I almost bought the Sigma because it went down to 70mm rather than 80). I'm really not sure it is. A smaller sensor size is really a great advantage: it means lenses can be significantly smaller and lighter and significantly faster, and depth of field can be greater for a given angle of view. All these are true advantages. I suspect that 24 x 36mm sensors will prove to be an evolutionary dead end in the long run. Right now we think we want this because it conforms to the old standards. No, I want it because it makes all my lenses (an investment of several thousand dollars) compatible: my 20mm will still give me the angle of view of a 20mm. But once digital shakes free of 35mm conventions, the smaller CCD size will seem like just one more natural advantage of digital. Having the *option* of using a smaller size CCD would certainly be an advantage. But one of the natural advantages of Pentax is backwards and forwards lens compatibility and I don't think having a 15mm lens act like a 22mm really qualifies. That said, if Pentax doesn't have *some* kind of digital SLR on the market by spring I think they'll have missed the boat for good. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Addendum to Pentax 67 flash metering question
Haven't learned anything new regarding my question about TTL metering with the Pentax 67II and the leaf shutter lens but... I didn't mention my impressions when I was shown the camera itself. It was the first time I'd ever seen a Pentax 67 in the flesh and two thoughts immediately struck me: 1) Wow! What a beautiful piece of engineering! 2) Wow! I'm glad I bought a 645! (That 67 is huuuge!) -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Pentax Digital NEWS - FULL STORY from AP 27th OCT.
Mike Johnston [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Mark wrote: This sudden change, whatever the rationale, is inexcusable. Yes, digital technology is advancing at a tremendous rate and the market for it isn't stable. But in October of 2001 they can't really expect me to believe that this is NEWS to them and that it's taken them by surprise. While I sympathize with you, Mark, I don't think I agree...if you're getting a complex cutting-edge electronic product from a subcontractor, and the subcontractor runs into unexpected problems and delays, what are you going to do? You can't very well will a product to market that you can't bring to market. Ah, you're assuming it's delays in availability of parts from the subcontractors driving this. I was assuming that they were telling the truth and had *decided* to halt or push back development of the digital SLR because the market's moving too fast. I believe you may be right. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
RE: Funny OT: Canon ad
Full page ad in Nov. Scientific American: Nothing screams AMATEUR like a third party lens Yeah. Saw it. Just about the most offensive ad I've seen since the famous Nike You don't win the silver you lose the gold ad. Nothing screams TWIT like a person who buys expensive stuff so they can LOOK like a professional. I think Sigma's latest EX series lens offerings are scaring the sh*t out of a lot of camera manufacturers. Canon seems worried, anyway ;) -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Pentax Digital NEWS! Part one
Juan J. Buhler [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Tue, 23 Oct 2001, Matamoros, Cesar A. wrote: We received our Nikon D1H and D1X yesterday afternoon. I will begin playing with them today. The manual states that the viewfinder shows 96% of the frame recorded. Ouch. That means a *really* tiny viewfinder then... No, I think perhaps you're confusing image coverage with image magnification. 96% coverage (which is what's being discussed here) just means that 4% of what's recorded by the CCD will be cropped from the view in the viewfinder. The remaining 96% can be *magnified* (or reduced or presented life size). -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Funny OT: Canon ad
Frank Theriault [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: But I AM an amateur... Maybe, but you're saying it quietly and with dignity, not screaming it. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Pentax digital direction
Juan J. Buhler [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Tue, 23 Oct 2001 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: [Thoughts on Mike J.'s comments on possible future digital SLRs] Illuminating as ever, Mike, and the point that there is no law of nature that favours a 36x24mm frame is a fair one. However, if Pentax is to move to a smaller-frame digital SLR, while still maintaining compatibility with the lenses we all value so highly, there's some work to do in the area of wideangles. Well, this would break compatibility with film cameras, but how about making lenses that are optimized for the smaller CCDs? They wouldn't have to have as big a coverage, and you'd get heavy vignetting if you used them on a K-mount film camera, but they'd probably be compact and high quality... ...and those who shoot film and digital would have to have two sets of lenses instead of one. And *carry* both sets whenever we're out shooting both film and digital. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: The REAL reason the Pentax K1000 rules!
Frank Theriault [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Bah, yourself! K1000's are just Spotmatics with no dof and lots of plastic parts. Plastic parts on a K1000? Not on the early ones. (OK, now lets get the early K1000 owners fighting with the late K1000 owners!) -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Circular polarizer suggestions
And definitely don't use it for portraits. Makes everyone look like Lech Walesa. But whatever you do, don't, don't, for God's sake DON'T use it while on the Equator, or it will destroy the space-time continuum as we know it... I hope you didn't pay too much for it. Circular polarizers are specifically designed only to be used above the Arctic circle, or below the Antarctic circle. If you're shooting penguins in black white (and why woudn't you?) the use of one of these filters increases the contrast, particularly on King Penguins. If you use it in conjunction with a red filter then you'll get pictures of flamingos. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Our Faces
Amita Guha [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: If anyone wants to see a picture of me, look here: http://www.picturesofmyfinger.com/aboutme.htm There's something odd about that picture but I just can't...put my finger on it. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Fast 35mm Lenses
I think Doug Brewer either has or *wants* the FA 35/2.0 AL Either way, I know he's used it and is very impressed. Bob Rapp [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From my experience, the K35 f2.0 is sharper than the M/A f2s. The K3.5 is the sharpest of the manual focus lenses and the auto focus FA 35 f2.0 AL is reported to knock that marvellous lens over. Bob -Original Message- From: William D. Sawyer 35mm is my favorite focal length for general photography. I like the perspective better than a Normal lens. I also like the speed of an f2 version, as it allows me to shoot in many of the spots walking around lands me in. I currently have the A version of the 35mm f2, which I got at a very good price. I'm VERY disappointed in it's performance, as evidenced by a series of shots I recently took of some old buildings with very weathered wood. The grain in the wood simply is not sharp. It was shot with XP-2 rated at 400 in daylight, so the lens was well stopped down, probably in the f8-f16 range. I was using a Super Program, motordriven, on a monopod. Likely shutter speeds in the 1/60-1/250 range. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Real DOF the Pentax K1000
Erik Nordin [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: But, as one other member said some time ago, it's useful for evaluating the amount of fuzziness in out-of-focus areas. The opposite of DOF, in other words. Right. I use the depth-of-field preview more as a quality-of-bokeh preview. I know the background's going to be out of focus, I just want to see *how* out of focus it is. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Funny OT: Canon ad
mike wilson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Bob Walkden wrote: no - that's Artist... My favourite definition of art: Lying with style - Ki Longfellow Stanshall (widow of Vivian) Viv Stanshall, one of the greats. Just heard a Public Radio interview with Niel Innes a couple of weeks ago. Gonna have to break out my old Bonzo albums now. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Bonzos (was: Funny OT: Canon ad= 29
mike wilson wrote: See the website: http://www.neilinnes.org/ All my albums burgled last year (again) so I'm starting the collection once more. Looking for the Alberts/Bonzos/Temperance Seven album. Got it. Want a tape? My Brother Makes the Noises for the Talkies -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
=?iso-8859-1?Q?RE=3A=20Pentax=20Digital=20NEWS=21=20Part=20one? =
On Wed, 24 Oct 2001, Matamoros, Cesar A. wrote: Looking at the specifications - Magnification 0.8x with 50-mm lens set to infinity and -1.0 m(-1) So that *does* mean a tiny viewfinder. Keep in mind that not all the 24x36 original frame is shown, so you start with a small image. Add that .8x magnification, and you get what, about 1/3 to 1/4 of the size of the MX viewfinder? Or am I still missing something? I think so but I'm afraid I'm missing the same thing. It looks as if the magnification spec above refers to magnification in relationship to view of the actual scene (or how the human eye sees it), rather than to the image being put on film. (After all the magnification ratio between the image on film and the image in the viewfinder is the same no matter what lens you use and how it's focused, so why specify 50mm at infinity?) -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
RE: Chasseur d'Images Pentax Lens Ratings
I haven't heard about that Sigma 24-90/2.8 anywhere before. If it's any good I may be screaming amateur soon ;) -- Original Message -- As required, here are the Cd'I last issues : snip July-August 2001 (#235): - Nikkor AF 28-80mm f/3,3-5,6 G - Nikkor AF 70-300mm f/4-5,6 G * SMC-Pentax FA 24-90mm f/3,5-4,5 AL IF - Sigma AF 24-90mm f/2,8 EX DF Asph. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
RE: =?iso-8859-1?Q?RE=3A=20C hasseur=20d=27Images=20Pentax=20Lens=20 Ratings?=
On second thought, I think it's a misprint and they were referring to the 24-70/2.8 I haven't heard about that Sigma 24-90/2.8 anywhere before. If it's any good I may be screaming amateur soon ;) -- Original Message -- As required, here are the Cd'I last issues : snip July-August 2001 (#235): - Nikkor AF 28-80mm f/3,3-5,6 G - Nikkor AF 70-300mm f/4-5,6 G * SMC-Pentax FA 24-90mm f/3,5-4,5 AL IF - Sigma AF 24-90mm f/2,8 EX DF Asph. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Little White Half Sphere
Paul Jones wrote: I'm trying to get that little white half circle that is on M series lenses, the thing you line up with tab to release the lense. I have a 35/2.8 which its missing from. Does any one have an M series lenses that is stuffed and they dont need the white thing from it? The one from the M50/1.4 looks the same, so i assume they are the same from lense to lense. Paul, I have one I just extracted form an old M-series organ donor lens. Email me with your address and I'll mail it to you. Mark -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Pentax digital info
Philips is almost certainly having some *major* problems with the production of the 6 megapixel CCD. Since I'm the Components Engineer responsible for semiconductors (mostly discretes but including all optoelectronic devices) at my company I've been doing some investigating. I've been going back and forth with their North American distributors for over a week and they still won't cough up pricing *or* availability information. The latest voice mail I got from the local rep tried to steer me toward looking for alternative devices. It seems that no one at, or associated with, Philips even wants to *talk* about this device. Considering that they've just lost one significant customer for this part with the cancellation of the Pentax 6MP digital SLR, unavailibility of this part is more than suspicious, IMO, and indicates they're having major problems of some kind. Perhaps yield issues, perhaps the soft semiconductor market has forced them to cut back in general and this part was one that got the axe. Who knows. Don't know if this the same CCD that was to be used in the Contax digital SLR. The Philips press release only mentioned Pentax (http://www.semiconductors.philips.com/publications/content/file_735.html) I'll post more information when/if I get it but I think I'm getting about as much as I'm going to find out without a personal spy inside Philips! We'll see. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Pentax digital info
From what little more I've been able to dig up I'm pretty sure the reason Philips is not making the CCD is for financial reasons rather than technical: The semiconductor business was in a big slump *before* the Sept 11 terrorist attacks and is doing even more poorly now. They just aren't in a position to produce anything that isn't going to sell in big numbers (and a 6 megapixel CCD falls squarely into that category). I suspect they're hoping to produce this part when the economy picks up at a later date (they insist it's an active part in their catalog even though they won't give me pricing or availability). This would explain why Pentax was so diplomatic in their announcement, not saying Philips has bailed out and left us holding the bag. They want to be on friendly terms so they can use this part when it finally does become available. (A little company like Pentax is in no position to upset a multinational behemoth like Philips even slightly.) lbparis [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Mark, I'm personally pretty sure you are right. I expect to see a Pentax digital SLR body in the 5MP range for no more than $2KUS (maybe less). In which case, I'll be right in line with an order. Len --- - Original Message - From: Mark Roberts [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2001 1:40 PM Subject: Pentax digital info Philips is almost certainly having some *major* problems with the production of the 6 megapixel CCD. Since I'm the Components Engineer responsible for semiconductors (mostly discretes but including all optoelectronic devices) at my company I've been doing some investigating. I've been going back and forth with their North American distributors for over a week and they still won't cough up pricing *or* availability information. The latest voice mail I got from the local rep tried to steer me toward looking for alternative devices. It seems that no one at, or associated with, Philips even wants to *talk* about this device. Considering that they've just lost one significant customer for this part with the cancellation of the Pentax 6MP digital SLR, unavailibility of this part is more than suspicious, IMO, and indicates they're having major problems of some kind. Perhaps yield issues, perhaps the soft semiconductor market has forced them to cut back in general and this part was one that got the axe. Who knows. Don't know if this the same CCD that was to be used in the Contax digital SLR. The Philips press release only mentioned Pentax (http://www.semiconductors.philips.com/publications/content/file _735.html) I'll post more information when/if I get it but I think I'm getting about as much as I'm going to find out without a personal spy inside Philips! We'll see. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 . -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: MZ-L
Bill Owens [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I feel confident that the PZ form-factor and build quality will not be seen again. IMHO the build quality of the MZ-S is much better than that of the PZ-1p Agreed. It FEELS like a camera that costs much more than the PZ-1p. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Pentax Spotmatic service manual now on line!
I put in a couple of extra hours and got it finished before weekend. The Pentax Spotmatic service manual, complete with meter addendum, and two service memoranda, is now officially on line at http://www.robertstech.com/pentax.htm It's a big document, but the PDF is only 3.7 Megabytes, thanks to using OCR on all the text and careful optimization of all the images. This service manual is just superb. Not due to my efforts, of course, but because of the care that went into it on the part of the original writers. It has tons of detailed text descriptions and plenty of diagrams. Top notch effort. Even the English is pretty understandable ;) Hope all the Spottie fans and screw-heads enjoy it! -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Pentax Spotmatic service manual now on line!
Thanks to everyone for the compliments. I have a Super Program service manual that I may start on soon but it's even bigger than the Spotmatic manual (and probably less useful since fewer people have the electronics background to work on this camera). I'm still looking for k-series manuals as I believe they would be the most useful items to add next. Thanks for doing a great job. Dave Begin Original Message From: Ken Archer [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thu, 25 Oct 2001 21:30:17 -0500 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Pentax Spotmatic service manual now on line! Beautiful job, Mark. I know it looks better than the original you started with. On Thursday 25 October 2001 20:34, Mark Roberts wrote: I put in a couple of extra hours and got it finished before weekend. The Pentax Spotmatic service manual, complete with meter addendum, and two service memoranda, is now officially on line at http://www.robertstech.com/pentax.htm It's a big document, but the PDF is only 3.7 Megabytes, thanks to using OCR on all the text and careful optimization of all the images. This service manual is just superb. Not due to my efforts, of course, but because of the care that went into it on the part of the original writers. It has tons of detailed text descriptions and plenty of diagrams. Top notch effort. Even the English is pretty understandable ;) Hope all the Spottie fans and screw-heads enjoy it! -- Kenneth Archer + San Antonio, Texas [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ #24980801 Powered by Linux ++ Mailed by Kmail - 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 . End Original Message Pentax User Stouffville Ontario Canada Sign up today for your Free E-mail at: http://www.canoe.ca/CanoeMail - 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 . -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
RE: Pentax digital info
I considered that but my sources tell me it's not the case: Philips simply isn't making this part at all at this time for anyone; their fabs are producing just parts they can sell in big quantities. Don't forget that the bigger the chip die size the lower the initial yield. Possibly they have found that they can't produce enough good chips to meet their contract requirements for both Contax and Pentax so Pentax may have bowed out because they could not get guaranteed enough chips to have the required number of cameras for sale at introduction. Lots of possible scenarios. Maybe a low yield on the contract allows them to charge more per chip and Pentax didn't want the camera to get even more expensive while maybe Contax didn't care because their target consumer tends to be more affluent than Pentax's. Kent Gittings -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Mark Roberts Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2001 9:07 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Pentax digital info From what little more I've been able to dig up I'm pretty sure the reason Philips is not making the CCD is for financial reasons rather than technical: The semiconductor business was in a big slump *before* the Sept 11 terrorist attacks and is doing even more poorly now. They just aren't in a position to produce anything that isn't going to sell in big numbers (and a 6 megapixel CCD falls squarely into that category). I suspect they're hoping to produce this part when the economy picks up at a later date (they insist it's an active part in their catalog even though they won't give me pricing or availability). This would explain why Pentax was so diplomatic in their announcement, not saying Philips has bailed out and left us holding the bag. They want to be on friendly terms so they can use this part when it finally does become available. (A little company like Pentax is in no position to upset a multinational behemoth like Philips even slightly.) lbparis [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Mark, I'm personally pretty sure you are right. I expect to see a Pentax digital SLR body in the 5MP range for no more than $2KUS (maybe less). In which case, I'll be right in line with an order. Len --- - Original Message - From: Mark Roberts [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2001 1:40 PM Subject: Pentax digital info Philips is almost certainly having some *major* problems with the production of the 6 megapixel CCD. Since I'm the Components Engineer responsible for semiconductors (mostly discretes but including all optoelectronic devices) at my company I've been doing some investigating. I've been going back and forth with their North American distributors for over a week and they still won't cough up pricing *or* availability information. The latest voice mail I got from the local rep tried to steer me toward looking for alternative devices. It seems that no one at, or associated with, Philips even wants to *talk* about this device. Considering that they've just lost one significant customer for this part with the cancellation of the Pentax 6MP digital SLR, unavailibility of this part is more than suspicious, IMO, and indicates they're having major problems of some kind. Perhaps yield issues, perhaps the soft semiconductor market has forced them to cut back in general and this part was one that got the axe. Who knows. Don't know if this the same CCD that was to be used in the Contax digital SLR. The Philips press release only mentioned Pentax (http://www.semiconductors.philips.com/publications/content/file _735.html) I'll post more information when/if I get it but I think I'm getting about as much as I'm going to find out without a personal spy inside Philips! We'll see. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 . -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept by MIMEsweeper for the presence of computer viruses. www.mimesweeper.com
RE: 'analogical' lenses coating an d CCD, not fully compatible?
Bill Peifer wrote: it will be interesting to see the technical references. Here's everything I've found relating to the Philips ftf3020c CCD Web page for CCD: http://www.semiconductors.philips.com/pip/ftf3020c Datasheets for CCD (PDF file): http://www.semiconductors.philips.com/acrobat/datasheets/FTF3020C.pdf Application Notes for CCD (PDF file): http://www.semiconductors.philips.com/acrobat/applicationnotes/an01-r2.pdf General digital camera information: http://www.semiconductors.philips.com/cms/imaging/dig_still_camera/ Press release about Pentax camera (interesting that there was never such a release regarding the Contax digital): http://www.semiconductors.philips.com/publications/content/file_735.html Also: I did finally get to talk to a Philips rep. about the CCD. Price is $1000.00 each if you buy in quantities of 5000 units. If you just want one it'll cost you about $5000.00! -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
RE: 'analogical' lenses coating an d CCD, not fully compatible?
Leonard Paris wrote: I suspect that Phillips wants more for the 6MP CCD than Pemtax is willing to pay. Well, the price is ~$1000.00 (U.S.) each in lots of 5000 pieces. And that's just for the CCD. When you can buy a 5MP camera for less that $2KUS, you aren't going to sell many 6MP cameras for $7KUS. If Phillips drops the price on the 6MP CCD, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that the MZ-D (perhaps with a label) is on the schedule again. I'd pay $2KUS for a nice 5MP Pentax digital body. I think there's a market for one. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: 'analogical' lenses coating and CCD, not fully compatible?
Paris, Leonard [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I wonder if Kyocera is still going to use this CCD for their Contax digital? Has anyone ever confirmed that this *is* the CCD Contax was planning on using? Everyone seems to be taking it for granted and I must admit I don't know what other CCD they might use, but as far as I can tell Contax never announced that they were using the Philips part. Philips had a press release announcing the selection of this CCD for the Pentax camera... but nothing about the presumably more prestigious Contax. Of course, the lateness in arrival of the Contax digital (I believe it was announced even before the Pentax digital) tilts the odds toward the Philips CCD. If so we'll probably be hearing an announcement about a delay or postponement of the Contax soon. - 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: Ok, I'm a convert.
William Robb [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Less than 5 minutes later, I was looking at as nice a photograph as I have seen. If you're a current or former bw darkroom fan like me, you'll be absolutely hooked on digital color printing (like I am). Like Mike Johnston said, it goves you the control over color printing that was formerly only available for black and white. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Only using my prime lenses - I promise
Mike Johnston [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Photographs don't present themselves (usually); they have to be looked for. I have a friend who will sometimes show me a bunch of similar proofs and say I know there was a shot there somewhere, but I didn't get it. That's a great way of putting it. There a few places I go to repeatedly to try to get *the* shot. I know I have taken some good ones but I haven't got the *one*! Come to think of it, I almost always use primes when I go to these places. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Idea: PDML Reference Book?
Damn! The photos from this book were part of an exhibit at the George Eastman House last year and I missed it! You can see some of them at http://www.geh.org/taschen/htmlsrc15/taschall_idx1.html but you better put aside an hour or so of your time before you visit that page... Good stuff. Mark Mike Johnston [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I was going to throw out a suggestion for everybody to consider--do you think it might be useful for us to pick an official book that might help provide examples for us when we engage in discussion? I was thinking along the lines of a cheap, readily available book with a great variety of pictures from the whole history of photography. If each of us were to purchase a copy, then we could refer to it when trying to illustrate a point, ask somebody else to provide an example from it, or otherwise refer someone else somewhere else in the world to the same page from the same book so we can be looking at the same thing. Sort of like a PDML Handbook. Do people think that might be useful? If so, I'd like to propose a candidate: the George Eastman House compendium published by Taschen, called _Photography from 1839 to Today_ (ISBN 3-8228-7073-0). Go to www.taschen.com or find it at amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/002-612-5578426 It's a small but very fat paperback with more than a thousand illustrations in particularly high-quality reproductions (for this sort of thing) and yet it's very cheap--only $20. I think this might give us a mine of photographs of all sorts that we could refer to (and, unlike using pictures from the PUG, nobody's ego would be on the line). Plus, it's a great little book that I don't think anybody would mind having. Just an idea. What say ye? -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Only using my prime lenses - I promise
aimcompute [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I recognized was the potential of the subject. In fact, if I recall, I stopped on the way in and tried to get the boats. I gave up, walked around looking at other things for a while, and when I came back to leave I stopped again. I remember a sense of internal frustration that here I had something I liked, but could not get it right (in the viewfinder). But when finally it snapped in... I was basically wanting that roll of film back to see this one shot. Tom, I remember the shot you're talking about without even going back to the PUG to look for it! I believe I sent you a note saying how much I liked it. It's interesting what you say below, because usually the times it has happened it was with the 50mm. Has 50mm lens ever been done as a PUG theme? -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Expensive BW film!
The trail race was on a overcast day (Ektachrome 200) but the Boston Marathon was mostly sunny, sometimes cloudy. The It's Like Woodstock, Man photo was during one of the sunny intervals, for example. I shot the Boston Marathon stuff on ISO 800 color negative film (my telephoto at the time was a less-than-stellar-quality 400/5.6 Sigma), mostly Fuji but with one roll of truly wretched Kodak 800 Max which I purchased in an emergency. I Shot negative film instead of slides so I could get it processed in an hour at the Walgreens on Boylston street, go back to my hotel room, scan the prints with a flatbed scanner and laptop and have them on the web the same day. Incidentally, I found a great use for the 18-35 zoom in places where I couldn't get near enough at the start. I set it at 18mm, put it on my MX and stuck the MX on my monopod. Then I set focus at the hyperfocal distance and used the self-timer to take the shot while I held the the bottom of the monopod to put the camera way over everyone's heads, John Coyle [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thanks Mark, I will be interested to see how it turns out. I would guess the shots you link to were taken on a fairly dull day: do you have a note of the film you used? I took mine today on Jessops(UK photo shop) 200ASA C-41, on a sparkling Aussie day (32 degrees, hasn't rained in a few days), and was well satisfied with the lens sharpness. I will be shooting some HP5 next, so will be interested to check the resolution of the lens with that. John Coyle Brisbane, Australia Mark Roberts keyboarded: I wouldn't say it's a brilliantly sharp lens, but it's a tremendously *fun* lens! I have one and generally use it when I'm going somewhere I don't want to take my SMC-A 20/2.8 (in the woods covering a trail race or through the crowds at the Boston Marathon). I used this lens for the wide angle shots on these web pages: http://www.robertstech.com/run/graphics/runpic34.htm http://www.robertstech.com/run/graphics/runpic33.htm -- Mark Roberts - 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 . -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: What your favourite photo?
Paris, Leonard [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Some other questions you can ask yourself could be: How can I, through my selection, show how politically correct I am? Which photograph can I choose that will show my obvious superior taste, intelligence, and impress the group? LOL! Too true! I've seen a lot of photos that I liked a lot over the years. Picking my favorite would be impossible. But, if I could choose, what would it mean? That you were willing to risk scorn and ridicule on the PDML? G Oh wait, we do that all the time anyway! Never mind. Everyone has their own opinion, anyway. Perhaps, if the question was, What is your favorite photo of all those you have taken? the question would have more meaning. Then again, maybe not. I think it would if you explained *why* it's your favorite photo. I suspect the explanations would be more revealing than the photographs. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
RE: Introduction
Glad to have you aboard! Hi all, just allow me to introduce myself. My name is Paul Delcour, 41, choir conductor and arranger and composer of choir music (nothing orchestral to avoid misunderstandings). Since the age of about 9 I had my own camera. In 1978 I bought my first real camera a Pentax K2 black. I still have it and still use it and wouldn't want to part with it, although I would like more light measurement options and maybe AF. But it's a great body, robust and never failed me. I agree on the K2 (I'd love to have a black one). The only other Pentax that matches it for solid feel is the new MZ-S (even though it's much lighter). During the years I acquired: 17/3.5 Tokina (only some months ago and the only non-Pentax one) 24/2.6 (great!) 35/3.5 (seldom used) 50/1.7 (great!) 85/1.8 (possibly my favourite!) 100/4.0 macro (seldom used) 200.4.0 (not often used) converter 2x Pentax bellows with 100 (never used...) Metz 60 (previous a 45) flashlight (great though clumsy and heavy) You're a brave man mentioning that you have a 35/3.5 and seldom use it. Prepare to be innundated with emails offering to buy it! Welcome to the list. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Getting better lenses for my MZ5?
The FA*24/2.0 is a fabulous lens (my favorite) but the FA-28/2.8AL is a real sleeper. It doesn't have the glamour of the wide maximum aperture and it isn't as big and impressive looking (small is sometimes better, though). If budget is a concern the 28 and the 100/3.5 macro would be a great pair. Any of the 50mm lenses are excellent. If price is no object, get the 31mm and 77mm Limited lenses. Hell, get the 43/1.9 as well ;-) -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: AF280T Flash (reposted forgot subject sorry)
Leon Altoff [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I haven't got it but I've seen lots of people say how good it is and it has a useful feature if you do the occasional macro shot - the head will tilt down by 5 degrees (I think - it could be slightly more) so you can leave the flash mounted on the hotshoe and still have it illuminate the subject. Tilts down by 15 degrees. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Windows Maintenance (was Windows XP - Scary! )
John Coyle [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: One more thing I am tempted to do is to designate a newly acquired 4-gig drive as a permanent data file drive, and just have the main system holding OS and programs - that may well give me a faster system, as the amount of file rewrite on such a setup should be much lower, particularly if I set up the TEMP system variable to point to the data drive. Anyone know for sure whether Win98 and later use this setting in the same way as the original DOS systems? Partitioning is good. Separate physical drives are even better! I have one 15 gig (the smallest I could get at the time!) just for my operating system. My other (bigger) hard drive is partitioned so that I have one logical drive just for my applications, another for data files and a couple of assorted others for various specific uses like building a CD-ROM image before burning the CD itself, mirrors of a couple of web sites I maintain, etc., etc. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Which body would you BUY today ?
Mike Johnston wrote: This is not an official survey question, but after pondering Martin's question I'm just curious as to what people think... If you had to BUY only one Pentax body today, to use for your photography, cost aside, what would you choose? Cost aside? I'd put a deposit on the upcoming Uber-Flagship/LX-II that Pål's predicting for next year ;-) (Of course, by then, the MZ-Digital may be back on the production schedule.) -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Obligatory fall foliage photo
This was taken last Saturday around 7:30 a.m. http://www.robertstech.com/temp/7d105230.jpg Warning: It's big (115k) -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Obligatory fall foliage photo
Bruce Dayton [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Mark, I like it! It really makes me feel something. I like the hazy feeling. The joggers provide good balance. The composition is nice. The only detractor for me was the top right corner where there is an out-of-focus branch that is somewhat distracting. This would have made a nice PUG entry Yeah, that branch bothers me as well. You have no idea how I maneuvered all around that bridge (the one from which I took the photo) trying to keep those branches out. I hate to crop it. Maybe I'll photoshop it out. P.S. MZ-S with FA*80-200/2.8 (@200mm) 1/45sec f4.0 (I opened the slide mount to get the exposure data ;-) -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Obligatory fall foliage photo
OK, version 2.0 is on line: sans branch, -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
RE: I'm becoming disillusioned with= 20Sigma
Kent Gittings wrote: Yes both Sigma and Tokina have stopped production of those 2. As a result members of both the Pentax and Minolta lists I'm on are scrambling to find either of these 2 late models before they disappear entirely. Some countries already have no stock left. Either lens is definitely better than the Sigma 135-400 and 400mm. All this in spite of the fact that shooters like Art Morris say every one shooting wildlife should have one in their inventory of this size. It's a shame to see lenses like this going away. Sigma seems to be the only 3rd party lens manufacturer serious about making prime lenses at all these days (I love my 300/2.8). Anyone heard if their recent 100-300/4.0 is any good? It's one of their EX series so I expect it's pricey but it looks like a useful zoom range and reasonably fast aperture. Mark Roberts Screaming amateur! and proud of it! ;-) -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Windows XP - Scary! (Was=3 D3 A OT: A computer question...)
Top Ten Rejected Marketing Slogans for Windows XP: 10 Ooh, Look! It's Shiny! 9 Does a Little More, Sucks a Little Less 8 Now with Tailfins! 7 Anti-Trust-Free Since 2001 6 Screens of Death in All the Colors of the Rainbow! 5 Look, lemmings -- a Cliff! 4 Where Do You Want Your KY Today? 3 We're Microsoft -- Stay on Our Good Side 2 Invest in America! Purchase a Completely Unneeded Upgrade Now! It'll Drive the Taliban NUTS! 1 What Else Ya Gonna Do, Buy a Mac, You Artsy-Fartsy Little Weenie? -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Pentax AF 1.7 converter
John Mustarde [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Fri, 9 Nov 2001 20:33:04 -, you wrote: I won one for $104.50 on eBay in EX+ shape. Is that a good price? It's about a standard price for one in that condition. Not a bargain, but not overpriced either. I bought one five years ago, and another one about six months ago. Both of them were second-hand, in good condition, and they cost about $100 each. KEH gets about $120.00 for ones in EX/EX+ condition. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Kodak Paper,off my list
David Brooks [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In my quest to find a back up paper from the Canon Photo Paper Pro, i tried the Kodak Ultimate paper yesterday.Package say's for ALL ink jest printers.Not the BJC8200.The page i printed took about 25 minuites to dry to touch and any greenish pigment came out in a mosaic type pattern. My supply of Canon paper arrived to day but the search continues. Mike suggested the Epson Matte,if i can find some i'll try it. I will attest to the fact that the Kodak Ultima paper sucks in my Epson 1270 printer as well. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Cleaning/oiling shutter mechanism
Signature Sound [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have a Pentax ME Super. I know it is not the most revered Pentax Far from the least revered, though. Great little camera! However, I believe that the shutter mechanism is now in need of oiling. It seems to be over-exposing at the faster shutter speeds. Yikes! Oiling is the *last* thing that you should do to a shutter! Gives the same effect as oil on lens diaphragm blades: Makes it stick. Is this something I can do myself and if so, how and with what lubricant? Nope. Shutter probably needs adjustment. A regular CLA (Cleaning, Lubrication - of the camera as a whole, not the shutter! - and Adjustment) should take care of it. If not, can anyone suggest a good camera repair company or individual somewhere close to New York City? Pentax say that they no longer support this model and none of their service centers will touch it, so if I can't do it myself, I need a talented independent. I don't want to trust this camera to someone who doesn't know what they are doing or just doesn't give a damn. Shel compiled a list of repair shops and has it on the web at: http://home.earthlink.net/~belinkoff/cameras/pentax_repair_shops.html -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: A Nice Thing Happened
Tom, Having seen your aurora photos I'm not at all surprised at their reaction. Congratulations! -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
RE: Cannon 2400UF Scanner
Bob Rapp wrote: Has anyone had experience or seen any comments about Cannon's 2400UF scanner. Is said to scan anything up to 4X5 negatives. I have though about using a scanner to proof my BW negatives. Also, has anyone used a scanner as a transmission densitometer? I can't comment on anything except your idea of using the scanner to proof BW negatives, which is what I do. It has some disadvantages over a contact sheet (you can't judge the exposure of one negative as compared to another very well) but I find they're far outweighed by the advantages. By scanning my negatives I can judge which ones are worth printing and by working with the contrast and brightness settings in photoshop I can work out a great deal of what needs to be done in the darkroom. I find it has *drastically* cut down the amount of time I need to spend in the darkroom to get a good print (and since I pay by the hour for darkroom time, this is a real money saver). -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: OT:free sites to post pictures ??
Cotty wrote: If you have Photoshop 6 (I don't know about earlier versions) it will automatically prepare a website of images which you can just upload. Maris 5.5 does that too. Anyone know if version 6.0 does it any *better* than 5.5? I'd really like to be able to customize the HTML output a little. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Transferable knowledge
Bob Walkden [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: One of the Leica ads has this copy If you can see, you can also take pictures. But learning to see may take a long time. Europeans always seem to create the best advertising slogans (although that Leice one sounds distinctly Zen). I remember one for Peugeot that I really liked: It *looks* like an ordinary bicycle -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: www.pdml.net getting worse
Doug Brewer [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: It's a conspiracy. There are dozens of computer operators sitting around waiting for a search request to come down the pipe. When it does, they choose which of the messages shall be returned with full text and which only get the headline treatment. What's really impressive is that this is all done in a matter of tenths of seconds. These are highly skilled conspirators, able to discern which search terms are more important to you, based entirely on the way you enter them. The more important terms, as you have no doubt noticed, are those that only return titles. You forgot to mention that the conspiritors are stationed in satellites positioned in geosynchronous orbits. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
RE: Eveready Case for K1000
Just listed: http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=1297161301 It's being sold by Henry's Camera of Toronto. I've bought several items from them on eBay and found them very good to deal with. -- Original Message -- Hi, I sent this several weeks ago. Thought I'd try again. I'm looking for an Eveready case for a K1000. I've looked on e-bay. Does anyone have one they would like to sell? Does anyone know what other K-series cases would fit a K1000? Thanks. 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 . -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
RE: Miracles happens (was shit hap pens)
Congratulations Albano! Great story (and a happy ending, no less) -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Vivitar extension tubes
Timothy Sherburne wrote: Does anyone have experience with Vivitar's K-mount auto extension tube set? What's the quality like? I'd prefer Pentax, but the price of Vivitar's set is about 1/3 that of a new Pentax set. I've had both and I can assure you that there's no functional or performance difference. The Pentax ones were cosmetically a little nicer but only enough to be worth a few dollars extra, not 3 times the price. I suppose the Pentax ones might be higher spec. as far as parallelism of the front and rear mounts is concerned but I think you'd have to be doing extremely high magnification of perfectly flat subjects to notice any difference. If there is any. Definitely go for the Vivitar: Put aside the money you save for film, processing or a nice new lens. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Remembrance day - some pics up
Nicw shots, Cotty. Cotty [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In case anyone gives a wotsits bottom, I've put a few pics up of a Remembrance Day service here in the UK on Sunday. http://www.macads.co.uk/pentax click on the 'remembrance day' link on the left... Cheers, Cotty ___ Personal email traffic to [EMAIL PROTECTED] MacAds traffic to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Check out the UK Macintosh ads www.macads.co.uk - 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 . -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Vivitar extension tubes
Maris V. Lidaka, Sr. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: And having compared the two side-by-side, can you tell us specifically what the differences are in the fit and finish? I've owned both but never at the same time, so it's not quite a side by side comparison, but the Pentax tubes have a nice textured (anodized, I believe) black finish. I think the Vivitars are just painted black. Quite nice but not as nice as the Pentax. And, more importantly, what the differences are in the resulting image? None at all. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: WARNING: OT: Re: Points of Order
John Mustarde [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Wed, 14 Nov 2001 01:00:16 -0600 (CST), you wrote: On Wed, 14 Nov 2001 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Of course the question comes to mind, if a digital file has an almost infinate data life, what difference does digital print life make? I can see one: my CD-R/RW disks may not be playable in twenty years ala 8-track tapes. Last Friday I finally got all my 78 rpm records transferred to 8-track tapes. So what's next? Getting your 8-tracks dubbed onto Elcassette, of course! (Anyone actually remember that abortion from the 70's: a cassette that contained 1/4-inch tape?) ...either that or the Philips DCC digital cassette! -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Digital SLR?
J. C. O'Connell [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: What's the latest rumor on a Pentax digital SLR? Cant wait to mount my SMCTs on that baby. My information from the industry is that Philips isn't making the chip at the moment; for economic rather than technical reasons, though. The semiconductor industry is suffering its worst slump in over 20 years and the fabs (at least those of giants like Philips) are turning out only parts that will sell in big numbers. The business is in a scary state at the moment. Many people think AMD won't survive at all (my guess is Via for a buyer). Motorola just sold off their *entire* RF power MOSFET line to M/A-COM (including all the manufacturing equipment from their fabs). Rumor is that Motorola is going to dump *all* their remaining semiconductor divisions (LDMOS and microprocessors included) before long. When the semiconductor industry pulls out of recession you'll likely see announcements that 6-megapixel full-frame digicams are on the way. Not until then. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
RE: WHY NOT A NUMBERED INDEX??=3 F
MacBurt wrote: Several times I've written and asked why this site cannot use a numbered index. It is easier to look at a numbered index and then find a numbered entry. It is easier then attempting to read similiar entries from a long list, unnumbered. List maintainer Doug Brewer answered you at least once. Basically, it's beyond the constraints imposed by his already stretched time and money budgets for keeping the list going. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: WHY NOT A NUMBERED INDEX??=3 F
Bill Owens wrote: MacBurt wrote: WHY CANT WE LOOK LIKE THIS??? BECAUSE DOUG DOESN'T HAVE THE TIME OR FUNDS TO DO THIS. NOT BAD BILL BUT YOU SHOULDA USED SOME EXCLAMATION MARKS!!! -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Critique request
Delano Mireles [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: If anyone has the time I'd appreciate any critique on the following image: http://www.photocritique.net/g/s?00n2Vn Lovely shot. Beautiful lighting. What lens did you use? -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: First 6-mp full-frame digital SLR is out
Francis Tang [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Fri, Nov 16, 2001 at 02:49:22PM +1300, David A. Mann wrote: Plus, unlike the Nikon/Canon behemoths they've actually made it look quite compact. Maybe the pictures just shows it with a very big lens I think all the AF Contax lenses are pretty huge, aren't they? BTW: When I first heard that this camera was to be available in February I thought -- just for a moment -- mybe... But then I thought about lenses. Not the quality, just the selection or lack thereof. Not only are the lenses for the Contax very expensive, there are very few to choose from. Perhaps there'll be some 3rd party lenses available in Contax mount after this camera hits the market? (If this camera doesn't do it nothing will!) -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
RE: Watermarks
What is the thinking on watermarking web images? ~Any~ images? Yes or No? I do it for my web images using the Digimarc watermark built into Photoshop, but I realize it's only good for catching the most ignorant image pirate; there's plenty of free watermark-removal software available. Do a web search for unzign, for example. There are others. Every one I've tried works :( Since the watermarks are so easy to remove, don't even think about *paying* for watermarking software. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
RE: First 6-mp full-frame digital= 20SLR is out
Rob Brigham wrote: Surely you wouldnt market a camera when you could not get the parts anymore even before it is launched? Oh yes they would! RD on this baby cost a fortune and it's time to get some of that back. Contax is rumoured to be in dire financial straits and some kind of return is crucial. This would be commercial suicide: 1 if they sell like hotcakes you cant supply any more. Having demand exceed supply is a *good* thing. harley-Davidson has used this to keep prices up for years in a price-competitive market. 2 if there are problems, you cannot get components to repair them under warranty and have to refund your customers money. Keeping stock for spares would be part of the original purchase plan. Always is. I would guess that either Philips has some exclusive deal with Contax and cannot supply anyone else, or they were already contractually obliged to supply Contax but they are making a loss on the product so dont want to supply anyone else, or Contax are buying as much stock as they can produce so there is none to supply to anyone else, or Contax havent been told that Philips have ceased supply. I just cant believe Contax would issue this release unless they had an ongoing supply of these parts... I'm *certain* they would, *especially* if they've already invested a fortune in buying these devices for current production, but I also believe that Philips will be building these parts again within a year. If the February release date gets puched back at all, the Contax probably won't be widely available for quite a while. -Original Message- From: Mark Roberts [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: 16 November 2001 02:00 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: First 6-mp full-frame digital SLR is out Rob Studdert [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On 15 Nov 2001, at 14:19, Rob Brigham wrote: And at $6500 US! This is inside the tantaive price spoken by Pentax for the MZ-D. Hi Rob, Pentax never made claims about the price, the figure that was floating about was a speculated price only based on the cost of one off CCD purchase that was printed in one of the French photo magazines. Sounds like Pentax had a change of heart then, because the sensor is obviously available, and it can be done for the money that was rumoured. The CCD has been confirmed to be unavailable as per Mark Roberts reports to the list, the information is straight from Philips AFAIK. Well, Philips *says* it IS available...but I got the infinite runaround when trying to get information on procuring any for my company. My surmise is that it's in the catalog but they aren't building them now for financial reasons (no matter how expensive it is, it won't sell in sufficient volume to be worthwhile for them at the moment). If the Contax is really in production, they may have already purchased what they needed for the initial build. Who knows. Let's see what happens in February. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: Watermarks
SudaMafud wrote: [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Since the watermarks are so easy to remove, don't even think about *paying* for watermarking software I didn't know they could (can) be removed so easily. Most people don't and the watermark software people obviously keep pretty quiet about it. I have a program: All Thumbs which has a watermark utility built-in. Thanks to you, I don't think I'll bother. Doesn't do any *harm* to add a watermark. Maybe a slight loss of image quality but certainly not a big deal for web use (which is where virtually all image theft takes place). -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: First 6-mp full-frame digital SLR is out
Tom Rittenhouse [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I sure agree with you Mark. Now the real question, are Pentax marketing droids as smart as you and I? I think they'd have to be blind and deaf not to see the writing on the wall and hear the fat lady, well, warming up, at least. By next year, lack of a digital camera to convince the public of the Pentax line's long-term viability will start to hurt sales of the MZ-S. It may be hurting sales already. I probably wouldn't have committed myself to Pentax's lens line to the extent I have this past year if I hand't thought my gear would be compatible with an upcoming digital body. I certainly wouldn't have spent a thousand dollars on a new body (MZ-S) to go with my existing lenses if I thought I'd have to replace them soon to go with a different brand digital SLR. I just bought Ed Mathews 43/1.9 Limited but that's going to be my last Pentax lens or body purchase until I'm confident that there'll be a compatible digital body in the near future. I can't afford to go down a dead end path. (I don't think I am, by the way; I'm just being cautious.) 2002 will be the crunch year. Any camera manufacturer without a digital body for it's 35mm lens line will be getting out of the 35mm SLR business whether they want to or not. It'll be interesting to see what happens with Minolta. I haven't heard anything about them producing a digital body for their system. Will they be content with point-and-shoot film cameras and high-end all-in-one digicams? Might not be a bad way to go from a profit standpoint. But because of this uncertainty, right now I wouldn't even *think* of buying a high-end Minolta body unless I already had a huge investment in Minolta lenses. Even then, I'd think very hard first. I think the main market for the Contax digital SLR isn't people just getting into a high end 35mm system or even the people who already have the Contax N1: I'll bet it's the professionals now working with the Contax 645. It's a relatively inexpensive (compared to a medium format digital back!) way for them to add digital to their repertoir because it will accept all the Contax 645 lenses they already own. - Original Message - From: Mark Roberts [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is also why Pentax needs the digital SLR fast. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: First 6-mp full-frame digital SLR is out
Yes, that's wild speculation. But it's more realistic sounding than *any* other scenarios I've heard ;-) Time to wait and see. Kristian Walsh [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: snip wild-speculation It's possible that Contax are doing what Apple did when they launched the PowerMac G4 desktop in September 1999: basically, Apple didn't have an agreed supply of G4 processors for the computer, and their main supplier, Motorola, couldn't guarantee adequate yields until January 2000. Apple, not wanting to lose sales in their busiest quarter, decided to use the couple of thousand validation samples they had got from Motorola previously, and use them to build machines. When these dried up, it was very difficult to get a G4 Mac until Motorola came up with the goods on schedule the following January (Apple, of course, blamed Moto for delivering late when in fact they were a couple of weeks early, but that's Steve Jobs for you...). If you assume that Philips are at the very best deferring the volume manufacture of the 6Mp chip until late 2002, and if you compare the kind of volume that Contax will be shipping next year compared with what Pentax would be expecting, it's obvious that of the two companies, only the low-volume, premium-price manufacturer (Contax) could get away with building a few hundred units with pre-production samples, and charging more for the camera to keep demand down. If the N-1 uses the new Contax lens mount, then the pent-up demand is going to be low enough anyway, unlike the deluge that would descend on a K-mount digital SLR. Who knows, maybe Pentax made a few quid by selling their initial stock of the chips to Kyocera...? I think we'll see a 4-5Mp reduced-frame SLR from Pentax early next year using most of the parts from the MZ-D, and then the real deal by mid-2003, most likely at higher resolution, considering Moore's Law. /wild-speculation Total value : EUR 0.02 ;-) -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: First 6-mp full-frame digital SLR is out
Jan van Wijk [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Fri, 16 Nov 2001 19:12:44 -0500, Mark Roberts wrote: I certainly wouldn't have spent a thousand dollars on a new body (MZ-S) to go with my existing lenses if I thought I'd have to replace them soon to go with a different brand digital SLR. I just bought Ed Mathews 43/1.9 Limited but that's going to be my last Pentax lens or body purchase until I'm confident that there'll be a compatible digital body in the near future. I can't afford to go down a dead end path. (I don't think I am, by the way; I'm just being cautious.) I feel exactly the same, I was planning on buying the 3-lens limited set (31, 43 and 77) for my MZ-3 / PZ1 / LX, and waiting for the MZ-D to use them on later. I will certainly wait for a formal announcement of a new Pentax Digital SLR now! I'm sure we're not the only ones who have deferred purchases until the situation is clarified. I hope it will be a 4 to 5Mp, with a focal-multiplier of 1.3 or 1.4. If that is offered for US $3000 to $3500 with other specs comparable to the MZ-D, I will get one for sure ... I won't buy one until full-frame version is available, but the release of any digital SLR - even with a smaller-than-full-frame CCD - would give me enough confidence to resume buying Pentax gear in general (a 15mm would be first on my list: I would have killed for one today!) What's interesting is that within two or three years we'll see people just getting into photography (just getting serious about it, anyway) *starting out* with a digital SLR, having moved up from an all-in-one digicam. Then later, when they consider *film* (it'll happen eventually!), they'll look for a film camera that's compatible with the lenses they already have for their digital. Just the opposite of the situation we have now. -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
Re: OT: I just got engaged
Amita Guha [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Nate asked me to marry him tonight Wow! This guy was in even more of a hurry than Mr. Jeepgirl! and I accepted. :) So the honeymoon begins tomorrow? ;-) Congrats -- Mark Roberts www.robertstech.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 .
