Pentax general discussion [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

ukcatfan

01-05-2010, 11:02 PM

I cannot believe my eyes!!! DPReview actually gave a Pentax a good review :rotfl2: Seriously though, I don't know how I missed it, but their review of the K-x is out. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxkx/

I will let those interested read it on their own, but here are a couple quotes that shocked me!

At default settings chroma and luminance noise reduction are perfectly balanced. The result is high ISO output that shows some luminance noise (which most viewers can easily live with) but very little chroma noise and a surprising amount of fine detail, even in shadow areas. With this performance the K-x easily beats most other APS-C cameras when shooting JPEGs, including much more expensive models. If you need better low light performance than this, going full-frame is pretty much your only option.

Its high ISO JPEGs are possibly the best of all current DSLRs with an APS-C size sensor; they certainly beat any of its direct competitors.

The K-x is surprisingly a lot better better in low light than its bigger brother K-7, and is no doubt one of the currently best performing APS-C cameras in low light.

Groucho

01-06-2010, 09:41 PM

I suspect that it helps when it's one of the newer reviewers, not the original guy with his anti-Pentax (and other brands) bias. Still, the K-x has been getting pretty universal praise... good stuff! I foresee one in our family's future...

Golf4food

01-07-2010, 09:58 AM

The K-x is surprisingly a lot better better in low light than its bigger brother K-7, and is no doubt one of the currently best performing APS-C cameras in low light.

Why is that?

So now I need to buy a K-7 to upgrade from my istDL for outdoors and video and a K-x for dark rides? ;)

ukcatfan

01-07-2010, 06:09 PM

Why is that?

So now I need to buy a K-7 to upgrade from my istDL for outdoors and video and a K-x for dark rides? ;)

Sounds like a plan!!! :thumbsup2

Groucho

01-09-2010, 07:46 AM

Our household might go with that plan. :)

Remember that the K-7 is in quite a different league than the K-x; I'm certainly not considering giving up the many additional features for a little extra high ISO performance. I would guess that we'll see another camera positioned inbetween them, with weathersealing, similar controls to the K-x, and hopefully with the K-x sensor.

To be fair to the K-7, it's not bad - it's on par or better than most other APS DSLRs including D300s, 50D, A700, but by default, it does less noise reduction in-camera. That means more visible noise but more visible detail. Unfortunately, that's often hard to see in reviews, especially when they insist on comparing jpgs on high-end camera!

dismikki

01-09-2010, 03:42 PM

I just got a K-x for Christmas. Love it so far! I was using a K100 so it seems very zippy to me and it is excellent with low light. Looking forward to less frustration at basketball games. :rolleyes:

Daisy14

01-16-2010, 12:41 PM

annnewjerz

01-16-2010, 01:44 PM

I am finally ready to spend some money and get us an entry level DSLR.

We really want to get some great shots for our upcoming vacations and want to get the most out of the purchase, we are opting for the Pentax over the Canon and Nikon entry levels to save a few dollars. Is trying to save money a wise move when making a purchase like this? All the reviews for this camera have been stellar so it seems a safe bet.

How does this camera perform for taking firework photos? Lol, that may seem an odd question but for years my wife seems to miss most of the firework displays trying vainly to get decent photos, so I am hoping that this camera will finally provide her some releif! :rotfl2: I am also anticipating clear photos of my children during there school recitals!

Thank you in advance to anyone that responds to this thread, I am sure I will have more questions soon!

I'll leave it to the Pentaxians on this board to really shed some light on why the Kx would be (or wouldn't be) a good purchase for you, but here are some thoughts.

Picking one camera over another to save an incremental amount of money is a very nice idea. Unfortunately, once you buy the camera you will soon realize it's an absolute money pit. Lenses, filters, batteries, straps, tripods, software---it all adds up quickly. In the long run, $100 more or less on a camera really won't seem like anything.

As mostly anyone on this board will recommend, you should probably go out and play with a few cameras you are considering first before making a final decision. A year and a half ago, I was ready to buy a Canon and after going to the store, decided on a Nikon. It felt better when I held it, for me the menu made more sense, etc. You may be thinking Pentax and want an Olympus, or thinking Nikon and end up with a Sony.

Next up, most cameras can take really nice fireworks shot. You will need some sort of tripod or surface to stabilize your camera on, as well as a remote shutter release or a timer. As long as you have a non-moving surface to keep your camera on and keep the shutter open for a second or two, you will get greatly improved fireworks shots.

Good luck and enjoy whichever camera you do decide on. From what I have read, the Kx is a great dSLR and I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Daisy14

01-16-2010, 02:18 PM

I went this morning and held all the cameras, the Nikon wouldn't power up so I didnt get the chance to peruse the menu options (in fact I don't know what all the options really are lol) but the Canon felt nice and the Pentax felt nicer still, not nearly as heavy as I thought it would be! I also really like that it takes double AA batteries, I am reknowned for never charging anything so the option of being able to just walk into anystore to buy a set of Lithiums when the rechargeables end up dead is nice for me.

ukcatfan

01-16-2010, 02:53 PM

Even though it is saving a few dollars, it is not skimping on the features. I personally believ that the K-x and Canon T1i are the best entry level models available right now when it comes to features and performance. While these two can also give a little better results at the high ISO end (from what I have read), really any new generation DSLR is going to have really nice image quality. Another plus for the Pentax is the in body IS since budget is a consideration of yours. It will work on any lens where Canon and Nikon require you to buy a lens with it, which means you spend more compared to a lens without it. Based on lab testing the lens based technically works a little better, but in real world you are not likely to see a difference. Also, since you are on a budget, you are likely to stay with the kit lens longer and the Pentax kit is one of the best there is in terms of build quality and features. Optically, pretty much all kits lenses are about the same.

disneyboy2003

01-16-2010, 02:55 PM

If you've got your heart set on a Pentax DSLR, please don't let me sway you away from that.

I answered a similar question a couple weeks ago, so I thought I'd just copy-and-paste it here (with a few minor edits)...

Regarding your question about Canon vs Nikon vs Pentax, you honestly can't go wrong with any of the entry-level DSLRs, regardless of brand.

The differences come later on if/when you decide on doing more advanced stuff. There are subtle differences in the selection of very-high-priced lenses. For the very advanced photographer, there are differences in how you wirelessly control external flashes. However, like I said, for entry-level DSLRs, you can get the job done with any brand's DSLR.

Also, take a look at rtphokie's recent post about the "Most popular cameras on Disboards" (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2360340). Whether these results are biased or not, you can see that Canon & Nikon *overwhelmingly* dominate the DSLR market. Canon & Nikon are like the Coke & Pepsi of the DSLR world (don't ask me which is which).

The advantage of this is that you'll see TONS of resources, books, message boards, camera accessories, third-party stuff that are dedicated specifically to Canon & Nikon photography on the Internet, bookstores, camera stores, etc. If you ever have a question about lenses, you'll have tons of people who can give advice on Canon & Nikon lenses / accessories...not just on Disboards, but on other photography message boards, as well. If you ever read photography magazines, they are heavily biased toward Canon & Nikon photographers (magazines do mention Sony, Pentax, Olympus, etc lenses & cameras, but I typically see them mentioned in camera / lens reviews).

Canon & Nikon are well known for their HUGE selections of lenses. Right now, you may not know what lenses you need in the future, but Canon & Nikon (and other 3rd party manufacturers) already have those lenses ready for you. (sounds a little eerie, huh?)

Oh, and if you ever decide to resell any lenses, you find TONS of takers for Canon & Nikon lenses, because of the huge popularity of Canon / Nikon DSLRs.

We do have resident Pentax experts on this message board, so you'll get great advice if/when you have questions about a Pentax DSLR camera.

I can only speak about Canon and my experience with having a Canon camera. Others will have better advice about other DSLR brands & their advantages.

One more thing. The sales rep at Best Buy told me a couple years ago that when it comes to DSLRs, you're not just buying a camera, you're buying into an entire system! I didn't quite understand what he meant back then, but now I totally do. Once I bought that Canon DSLR, all my future purchases from that point on were Canon-related: Canon lenses, Canon flashes, upgrade to a newer Canon DSLR, etc. Because I'm so invested in Canon equipment, it would be very expensive for me to switch to a different brand. So the DSLR choice you make today will be the one you're shooting with years down the road. *no pressure!* :)

Honestly, I hear that the Pentax K-x is a wonderful entry-level camera, so please don't let me sway you away from Pentax, if you've already got your heart set on it. You should be able to take great pictures with it.

Daisy14

01-16-2010, 03:09 PM

Wow, great advice here! Yes I pretty much have my heart set on it. We understand that we are taking a slight "risk" when you select a system that is not as popular. But I think that I am not turning pro anytime soon, I just want the best picture I can get for my dollar without going in for more than $900. My wife thinks I'm a little nuts for spending this much... and maybe I am but we were both wuite into photography in High School and would like to try to get a hobby we can share together... other than doing puzzles!

ukcatfan

01-16-2010, 03:49 PM

One little quirk about Pentax as a company that many people do not seem to mention is that they are selling their entire inventories out with every model. They "might" want more market share but seem content to be where they are, so there is probably not much risk of them just disappearing any time soon. As for lens and accessory selection, at the entry level to enthusiast level, just about anything you want is available from everyone these days. The third parties are making almost all new models in Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and Sony. They also make Olympus (4/3 system) but they are different models due to the system being different. So, unless you think you are going to be upgrading to a $2,000+ camera in the next few years, you really are not at that much of a risk going with one system over another. A few years ago, this was a different story.

dansamy

01-17-2010, 09:34 PM

In my initial research, I was considering Oly or possibly Sony, but the Sony just felt too clunky to me. So, I was leaning heavily towards Oly. After a little more research, I tossed Pentax onto the short-list too. Then I asked the good folks at Steve's Digicams for some help. In-body stabilization was an important feature to me, so I never considered Canon/Nikon. Given the types of things I wanted to shoot, Oly was immediately axed by Steve's. Sony and Pentax both had cameras that were capable for the shooting environment I had in mind. I hated the feel of the Sony, so Pentax won. I really like the K-x. Here's some of my pics from Ney Year's Eve (http://s1004.photobucket.com/albums/af167/dansamy/New%20Years%20Eve%202009/). Although I wasn't using a tripod or exceptionally long shutter times, I got "ok" fireworks shots. Mostly right after the shell broke. They would have been better pictures if I'd been using a tripod, longer shutter times and better lens. I may have been able to improve them somewhat using the camera settings. I haven't played enough with the Kx to know how to set it up optimally. Still on the learning curve here as it's my first SLR, film or digital.

Groucho

01-18-2010, 11:28 PM

Because I'm so invested in Canon equipment, it would be very expensive for me to switch to a different brand. So the DSLR choice you make today will be the one you're shooting with years down the road. *no pressure!* :)
I'm sorry, I've heard this chestnut over and over and I just don't buy it. Especially because it is usually used as an argument against buying anything but C/N.

This idea that you are "locked" or that you will end up losing out in a huge way if you decide to switch systems just doesn't make sense.

Your average "serious" DSLR buyer is likely going to buy a new camera every couple years or so. This is the same regardless of manufacturer, so you'll take a bath whichever way you go. Comparatively, you will usually spend more for the "big names", too. Regardless, switching bodies at this point is no additional cost since you're buying a new camera anyway.

So what's left? Accessories? Well, most accessories are interchangeable between brands; the only big one that I can think of that isn't is an external flash. But c'mon - you'd probably want to upgrade to a bigger flash at some point anyway. :) Also, flashes don't depreciate the way bodies do; you will get most of your money back. Buy the flash second-hand in the first place and you will likely lose nothing.

Lenses... well sure, the kit lens and related low-buck lenses won't retain value. (Again, you can buy used if you want to protect against that.) Quality lenses will retain their value or appreciate. I bought a lens in February that I just sold for more than four times what I paid for it. That is certainly not common - but I bet that out of my fairly extensive lens collection, I could sell virtually every single lens for more than I paid for it. And those cheap lenses that do depreciate? Guess what - you'd be replacing them with better lenses anyway, no matter what system you use.

Finally - the other problem that I have with this stance is that if no one buys anything except the "big 2", then of course other lines will suffer! The industry needs more competition, not less.

Daisy14 - don't worry, take the plunge; you're not taking a risk any more than buying any DSLR. You should be able to find the K-x for $550 in a few places. We just bought our red one for $535 w/free shipping (which we upgraded to 2-day.) (Abe's of Maine, $550 minus $15 coupon. I go with them because they don't charge NYS tax unlike Amazon; the downside is that they will make you call them so they can try to sell you a UV filter. Just say no thanks and you'll do fine.) I think that you'd have a hard time finding anything better for anywhere near that price. :thumbsup2

disneyboy2003

01-18-2010, 11:57 PM

I'm sorry, I've heard this chestnut over and over and I just don't buy it. Especially because it is usually used as an argument against buying anything but C/N.

This idea that you are "locked" or that you will end up losing out in a huge way if you decide to switch systems just doesn't make sense.

Your average "serious" DSLR buyer is likely going to buy a new camera every couple years or so. This is the same regardless of manufacturer, so you'll take a bath whichever way you go. Comparatively, you will usually spend more for the "big names", too. Regardless, switching bodies at this point is no additional cost since you're buying a new camera anyway.

Hmmm...I'm glad you brought this up.

I've been looking back at my own Canon purchases these past few years. I started with a Canon 30D, and I subsequently invested in a bunch of Canon lenses & accessories over the next several months.

A couple years later, I decided to buy a Canon 40D. From what you're saying, if I was considering switching to a different brand, then that would have been the time to do so.

For me, the benefits of going with the Canon 40D were that I could immediately use the same lenses I was already using on my 30D. Just pop my old lenses onto the 40D, and I'm good to go...right away.

If I had switched to a different brand (say, Pentax), I would then have to look into buying several equivalent Pentax lenses at the same time so that I could continue shooting with lenses that were similar to the Canon ones that I already own.

I'd then have to spend some time and energy trying to sell all my Canon equipment. You're right in that I could probably get the same price (or hopefully more) for my Canon lenses, probably a little less for my Canon 30D...and in the end, I'd hopefully come out even for selling everything off. It just sounds like a big hassle to do so. I know you have a lot more experience buying, selling, and re-selling stuff, but the thought of it doesn't really appeal to me. Maybe I'm just lazy. I'm sure I'll have to start feel differently about re-selling stuff, cuz I've got some unused lenses I should try to get rid of. :rolleyes1

However, if I were in the situation where I *DID* feel very strongly about switching brands, then I'm sure all the time & effort in buying $$$$$$-worth of new equipment all at once (my credit card and my wife would both have heart attacks) and selling all my old equipment (getting $$$ back would lessen the blow) would all be worth it.

ukcatfan

01-19-2010, 04:56 AM

I've been looking back at my own Canon purchases these past few years. I started with a Canon 30D, and I subsequently invested in a bunch of Canon lenses & accessories over the next several months.

A couple years later, I decided to buy a Canon 40D. From what you're saying, if I was considering switching to a different brand, then that would have been the time to do so.

Another thing to mention is that your move was not really the type of upgrade that people use as example when talking about this subject. You stayed in the same class of camera, just a newer model. If you had moved to say the 5D, then you might have been in the same situation of selling glass as if you had switched systems.

Daisy14

01-19-2010, 09:26 PM

I'm sorry, I've heard this chestnut over and over and I just don't buy it. Especially because it is usually used as an argument against buying anything but C/N.

This idea that you are "locked" or that you will end up losing out in a huge way if you decide to switch systems just doesn't make sense.

Your average "serious" DSLR buyer is likely going to buy a new camera every couple years or so. This is the same regardless of manufacturer, so you'll take a bath whichever way you go. Comparatively, you will usually spend more for the "big names", too. Regardless, switching bodies at this point is no additional cost since you're buying a new camera anyway.

So what's left? Accessories? Well, most accessories are interchangeable between brands; the only big one that I can think of that isn't is an external flash. But c'mon - you'd probably want to upgrade to a bigger flash at some point anyway. :) Also, flashes don't depreciate the way bodies do; you will get most of your money back. Buy the flash second-hand in the first place and you will likely lose nothing.

Lenses... well sure, the kit lens and related low-buck lenses won't retain value. (Again, you can buy used if you want to protect against that.) Quality lenses will retain their value or appreciate. I bought a lens in February that I just sold for more than four times what I paid for it. That is certainly not common - but I bet that out of my fairly extensive lens collection, I could sell virtually every single lens for more than I paid for it. And those cheap lenses that do depreciate? Guess what - you'd be replacing them with better lenses anyway, no matter what system you use.

Finally - the other problem that I have with this stance is that if no one buys anything except the "big 2", then of course other lines will suffer! The industry needs more competition, not less.

Daisy14 - don't worry, take the plunge; you're not taking a risk any more than buying any DSLR. You should be able to find the K-x for $550 in a few places. We just bought our red one for $535 w/free shipping (which we upgraded to 2-day.) (Abe's of Maine, $550 minus $15 coupon. I go with them because they don't charge NYS tax unlike Amazon; the downside is that they will make you call them so they can try to sell you a UV filter. Just say no thanks and you'll do fine.) I think that you'd have a hard time finding anything better for anywhere near that price. :thumbsup2

Well I took the plunge today, paid a little more than planned and there was a lot of leg work involved... long story... popcorn::

But I bought the small kit with only the 18-55 lens which I am sure will be enough for a little while but I really wanted a bigger lens for our upcoming cruise... I don't know if it even came with a neck strap darn it!!!:scared1:

ukcatfan

01-19-2010, 10:21 PM

I am assuming you did go wiht the K-x. Congrats! I am sure you will enjoy it. What color did you go with? Mine is the red one. It will come with a neck strap, but I suggest buying a better one. I use an OP/Tech strap.

As for the lens, you might consider picking up a used lens with some more reach. My first tele lens was only $25 from KEH. Sure it is not a great lens, but it got me through until I could afford a better one. You might also consider a used 50mm large aperture for low light shooting. There are many of them available used in a variety of different versions. They will likely be manual focus for the inexpensive ones, but there are still some very nice lenses to be had for a decent price. For ease of use, a SMC-A mount lens might be better than some of the other manual focus mounts because it allows the aperture to be controlled in camera instead of just by the ring.

Daisy14

01-19-2010, 11:03 PM

I went with the black standard... it will never go out of style! Lol, I should also get a tripod at some point as well. If you could recommend a good tripod and PM me some good deals on lenses that would be great! I still have a couple extra $$$$ to spend left in my Paypal account....

ukcatfan

01-19-2010, 11:06 PM

I just checked KEH and they have some used Pentax brand 50-200mm DAL lenses (same as in the K-x kit) from $105-119 in excellent to like new condition. They also have the DA version in excellent for $133. The main difference is that the DA has a metal mount and is slightly heavier.

Daisy14

01-19-2010, 11:09 PM

What is KEH? I am very new to all this and AM going to post a lot of newb questions... thanks again for everyones advise and patience during my transition period of P&S to DSLR!!!

Daisy14

01-19-2010, 11:12 PM

I just googled it... WOW!!!

KAT4DISNEY

01-19-2010, 11:28 PM

I just googled it... WOW!!!

Now you're in trouble! ;)

Enjoy your new camera!

Groucho

01-19-2010, 11:28 PM

Another thing to mention is that your move was not really the type of upgrade that people use as example when talking about this subject. You stayed in the same class of camera, just a newer model. If you had moved to say the 5D, then you might have been in the same situation of selling glass as if you had switched systems.
True - Gdad is a good example of this; he got rid of some lenses when he went full-frame, as would anyone with digital-only (read: APS-sized) lenses when going from a crop-sensor to a full-frame DSLR.

I went with the black standard... it will never go out of style! Lol, I should also get a tripod at some point as well. If you could recommend a good tripod and PM me some good deals on lenses that would be great! I still have a couple extra $$$$ to spend left in my Paypal account....
Congratulations on the camera! Try checking the Marketplace section over at www.pentaxforums.com - there are an enormous amount of lenses that pass through there and many of them are very good buys. You may also want to check your local Craigslist - around here at least, there's a lot of photo equipment getting listed including a fair amount of Pentax stuff.

Daisy14

01-20-2010, 12:19 AM

ukcatfan

01-20-2010, 05:03 AM

Groucho

01-20-2010, 05:52 AM

This chart doesnt' make a lot of sense to me... has th k-x listed twice, and on one it says the lens works, on the other says it doesn't...

http://www.mosphotos.com/PentaxLensCompatibility.html

I'll look at it tomorrow after I get some sleep, maybe it will make more sense to these blurry Plumbers eyes then!
With Pentax lenses, there is always backwards compatibility. The only issues are when you use newer lenses on older cameras, and even then they will generally work but you may lose autofocus or the ability to stop down the lens. If you are looking at older lenses, there's basically a few different types of lenses you'll find:
Lots of older (and some newer) lenses are manual focus. Obviously they'll still be manual focus on your camera.
Older lenses may not have an "A" setting on the aperture ring. (Your K-x kit lens doesn't even have an aperture ring; this is normal on most anyone's newest lenses as digital cameras don't need them, only pretty old film cameras.) What this means is that to meter properly (that is, for the camera to get the correct exposure), you set the aperture on the lens itself, shoot in Manual mode, and press the Green button to stop the lens down and take a reading. This is really a pretty minor task but it is an extra one.
Finally, you have M42 screw-mount lenses. These are generally real old (30-50 years old) but many still have very good optical qualities. Most of these have an "A/M" slider (auto/manual); you will want M mode. When you change the aperture, it changes immediately which means that the viewfinder will be darker as you choose smaller apertures, but you can shoot in Aperture Priority mode and it will meter automatically.

A couple other quick notes - for lenses without an "A" setting (older K-mount and all M42-mount lenses), you will first need to go into the Custom menu on your K-x and set "allow aperture ring" to "permitted". (I may not have the wording exactly right off the top of my head - it is the last setting on the last page.) Also, the built-in flash will often not work correctly because it needs to know the aperture that the lens is set to in order to fire at the correct brightless, and the lenses without an "A" setting don't give that information to the camera.

One last note - there is a firmware update for the K-x, too. They are very easy to install, just make sure you have fully charges batteries in it (I used the lithiums that came with the camera.) You can get it from Pentax's site.

If you have any more questions, just ask! :)

elizke

01-21-2010, 02:21 PM

I just took the plunge a couple of weeks ago too, and now the Kx is my first DSLR. It really was the first DSLR in all my years of considering one that hit my three equally important main concerns - quality, ease of use, and price. I don't plan to be a pro either, so although eventually I may add a lens or two, there are no concerns regarding a whole future system.

I have just always been drawn to Pentax pictures, and somehow I always felt that's what I would end up with. This one is just perfect - great parameter accessibility, perfect ergonomics, and the big image quality kicker for me - excellent high ISO capabilities.

I am in practice mode right now, just taking pictures of stupid things, trying to be ready for when I have real things to photograph. I love the speed and light!!! I hope you enjoy yours!

Daisy14

01-21-2010, 07:10 PM

Got it today! My wife made me read the instructions... :D

Daisy14

01-21-2010, 07:51 PM

disneyboy2003

01-21-2010, 08:06 PM

On the KEH site I see a bunch of more inexpensive lenses in the 70-200mm range, around $69.00 are they any good?
Which zoom lense for less than $200 can I use to shoot my kids playing sports?
What numbers am I looking for in a lens (F)?

For sports photography, you'll need to invest in a lens that has a larger aperture (smaller f-number). A lens with a larger aperture will let in more light into your camera, allowing you to use faster shutter speeds, which is what you'll need for sports photography.

If the sports occur outdoors in bright sunlight, then your f/4-5.6 lens is probably okay because there's tons of light outside, allowing you to use fast shutter speeds. But if the sports occur in the late afternoon, night, or indoors, and if you're willing to spend $$$$$, then you'll want a lens with an aperture of at least f/2.8 or larger (smaller f-number).

Hope that helps!

ukcatfan

01-21-2010, 08:29 PM

For sports photography, you'll need to invest in a lens that has a larger aperture (smaller f-number). A lens with a larger aperture will let in more light into your camera, allowing you to use faster shutter speeds, which is what you'll need for sports photography.

If the sports occur outdoors in bright sunlight, then your f/4-5.6 lens is probably okay because there's tons of light outside, allowing you to use fast shutter speeds. But if the sports occur in the late afternoon, night, or indoors, and if you're willing to spend $$$$$, then you'll want a lens with an aperture of at least f/2.8 or larger (smaller f-number).

Hope that helps!

On the K-x, so far the ISO 6400 looks really good to me. So, you "can" get away with a smaller aperture lens. Sure, the large aperture is going to be much better, but I believe you can get a shot.

As for which one from KEH, I would personally drop the extra $30-40 for the Pentax 50-200mm over one of the cheaper non-brand zooms. Also, the Pentax branded SMC-FAJ lenses do not have the best reputations.

Daisy14

01-21-2010, 09:26 PM

Is this a good deal? (http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photographic-equipment-sale/87131-sale-da-21mm-ltd-da-50-200mm.html)

DA 50-200 F 4-5.8 $100 shipped...

ukcatfan

01-21-2010, 09:32 PM

Is this a good deal? (http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photographic-equipment-sale/87131-sale-da-21mm-ltd-da-50-200mm.html)

DA 50-200 F 4-5.8 $100 shipped...

As long as it is in the condition they say, then I would say yes. I cannot tell if it has the hood with it though. To replace that is about $20-25 and you do want one for lens protection and to keep out unwanted light. You might consider picking up a hood for your 18-55mm if you do not have one already.

Daisy14

01-21-2010, 09:45 PM

Good point. Mine did not come with a hood... theres always something that you are missing isnt there! lol

ukcatfan

01-21-2010, 09:58 PM

I "borrowed" the hood from my K100D ;) It is going to be the kids camera, so I am going to find another one for it.

Daisy14

01-21-2010, 10:00 PM

What kind of batteries do you use in your camera? How many photos do you get out of a set? I will be playing with mine a lot over the weekend and am sure I will go through a few sets!

dansamy

01-21-2010, 10:08 PM

Speaking of lens hoods...are there any to fit the 18-55 and 55-300 kit lenses? I don't think I want the ones that screw onto the filter threads.

ukcatfan

01-21-2010, 10:48 PM

What kind of batteries do you use in your camera? How many photos do you get out of a set? I will be playing with mine a lot over the weekend and am sure I will go through a few sets!

I mainly use rechargeable Duracells. The Sanyo Eneloops are very popular.

Speaking of lens hoods...are there any to fit the 18-55 and 55-300 kit lenses? I don't think I want the ones that screw onto the filter threads.

They include the hood on the DA versions of the lenses. The lenses that come with the K-x kits are DAL. You can buy the Pentax brand hoods, but I have heard that they are all on back order right now due to the popularity of the K-x over the holiday season. I believe the last time they showed up as available on the Pentax web store, they sold out in a few hours.

dansamy

01-22-2010, 09:16 AM

I mainly use rechargeable Duracells. The Sanyo Eneloops are very popular.

They include the hood on the DA versions of the lenses. The lenses that come with the K-x kits are DAL. You can buy the Pentax brand hoods, but I have heard that they are all on back order right now due to the popularity of the K-x over the holiday season. I believe the last time they showed up as available on the Pentax web store, they sold out in a few hours.

So I would just need to order the hoods that fit the DA version of the lens? Once they're available, of course.

ukcatfan

01-22-2010, 04:12 PM

So I would just need to order the hoods that fit the DA version of the lens? Once they're available, of course.

Yep

Daisy14

01-22-2010, 04:40 PM

I mainly use rechargeable Duracells. The Sanyo Eneloops are very popular.

How many pics do you ypically get from them? :flower3:

ukcatfan

01-22-2010, 06:32 PM

How many pics do you ypically get from them? :flower3:

Honestly couldn't tell you. I have never needed more than two sets in a day at WDW on my K100D. I always keep three sets with me.

Groucho

01-22-2010, 10:23 PM

On the KEH site I see a bunch of more inexpensive lenses in the 70-200mm range, around $69.00 are they any good?
Which zoom lense for less than $200 can I use to shoot my kids playing sports?
What numbers am I looking for in a lens (F)?
Like Kevin said - the Pentax 50-200mm is the way to go. Used ones often sell for cheap just because it is a common and popular lens. It's small and light and has pretty solid image quality and good build quality. They generally should come with the lens hood, I'm not aware of any that were sold without unless maybe the "L" (lightweight) ones came that way.

I "borrowed" the hood from my K100D ;) It is going to be the kids camera, so I am going to find another one for it.
I grabbed the one off the K100D too. :) Not sure what I'm going to do with the K100D - it's CCD makes it better for very long exposure (like minutes, not seconds), or I may see about having it converted to IR. For now, it'll probably just sit on the shelf - but with all the other lenses about, its original kit lens will probably not see much, if any, use, so I won't mind the hood being gone.

Daisy14

01-22-2010, 10:27 PM

ukcatfan

01-22-2010, 10:47 PM

WEll I am in the hunt for a 50-200, so if you see one I would sure appreciate the heads up!

Tonight I've been trying to use the F stop and ISO rather than the flash in low light settings... its tough for me but I think I've gotten a few good results! I am so happy with this camera. It seems like th only way I can take a bad pic is by not learning all the functions!

KEH has it for $133, which is not too bad since it includes the hood. http://www.keh.com/Product-Details/1/DP07999083482J/DP07/FE.aspx

They also have the DAL version for a little less, but it will not have the hood.

oogieboogieman

01-23-2010, 08:14 AM

Am I reading correctly that you can use an old M42 screwmount lens with this new camera witout any lens adapters or modifications? If so, I applaud Pentax!!! I ask because I'm an Olympus user and I can use older OM mount lenses but it's used with an adapter. Boo!!!

ukcatfan

01-23-2010, 11:41 AM

gokenin

01-23-2010, 04:29 PM

if you are going to be buying any M42 lens please make sure that you get an original adaptor from Pentax, the second hand adaptors tend not to allow you to focus to infinity as they tend to extend just a little far above the body to allow the lens to reach infinity and some can be a real hassle to get out the camer unlike the Pentax version of the adaptors

Daisy14

01-23-2010, 05:38 PM

We have a bunch of old lenses from our old Pentax SLR's that work! Saaaaweeeet! lol

gokenin

01-23-2010, 05:46 PM

welcome to the world of Pentax back compatablity i love the idea that I am using a lens made in the 1960's on a camera made over 40 years after the lens was made

Daisy14

01-23-2010, 05:55 PM

I think I am going to go to the local pawn shops on Monday and see what they have available! Maybe I can save a few bucks if they dont know what they have...

Daisy14

02-03-2010, 10:56 PM

I know I am new to all the photography stuff and am well below amatuer staus, (hence I have not posted any pics). But from the pentax users is this lens as good as the reviews it gets? If so it really seems like a bargain, especially seeing as I've found one locally around $250 taxes in. I still havent learnt how to fully use my stock 18-55 on the Kx and know that this will just over stimulate my little brain to pudding but I am more than willing to sit in the corner of the little rubber room and contemplate vocally aperture size vs shutter speed in tongues!

Is there a big difference between 18mm and 10mm?

ukcatfan

02-03-2010, 11:22 PM

For $250, either they do not know what they have or there is something wrong with it. They are going new for over $500 right now and used for just about as much. Be aware that it is a fisheye lens though. Do not expect to get straight lines or realistic looking people shots. It intentionally distorts the shot. If you are wanting wider but still a normal look, then this is not the lens for you.

Groucho

02-03-2010, 11:37 PM

If you can find one for $250 and it looks good (focuses accurately, no obvious physical damage like scratches or scrapes, and the glass inside looks clean and clear) - buy it! Worst case, you can resell it for more.

Some have said that I'm a fan of the lens. Well....... :rolleyes1

Suffice to say, you can find countless photos from it in my various trip reports linked in my signature (9/07 and newer), including from my just-concluded trip (and there will be many more fisheyes coming from that trip!)

Oh yeah - you asked if there's a big difference. At 10mm with that lens, you are getting 180' from corner to corner - in other words, if you're not careful, you'll often get your feet in the shot. :teeth:

iggbees

02-05-2010, 09:01 AM

Like Kevin said - the Pentax 50-200mm is the way to go. Used ones often sell for cheap just because it is a common and popular lens. It's small and light and has pretty solid image quality and good build quality. They generally should come with the lens hood, I'm not aware of any that were sold without unless maybe the "L" (lightweight) ones came that way.

i got the 50-200mm lens for my birthday last year and unless i'm doing something wrong (which is quite possible), i'm completely unimpressed with the picture quality shooting with my k100D. everything comes out slightly blurry even in bright daylight! i hardly ever take this lens out, which is really disappointing because i would love to use it. i also have an extreeeemly hard time autofocusing with this lens. my camera freaks out, especially in low light situations.

i'm thinking about upgrading my camera at some point this year... i'm wondering how much that would help with this situation?

nigelp

02-05-2010, 02:44 PM

i got the 50-200mm lens for my birthday last year and unless i'm doing something wrong (which is quite possible), i'm completely unimpressed with the picture quality shooting with my k100D. everything comes out slightly blurry even in bright daylight! i hardly ever take this lens out, which is really disappointing because i would love to use it. i also have an extreeeemly hard time autofocusing with this lens. my camera freaks out, especially in low light situations.

i'm thinking about upgrading my camera at some point this year... i'm wondering how much that would help with this situation?

Don't forget at the long end of the zoom, you should be looking at a shutter speed of higher than 1/350 (200 x 1.5 crop factor)

Other wise the slight movements in you hand will be magnified at the end and produce your blurry shots.

Groucho

02-05-2010, 08:52 PM

Hmm, I don't know what to tell you, iggbees. Possibly you got a bad copy? I was always happy with mine. A fair number of the shots from my 1/07 trip were taken with it (everything longer than 50mm) and I think they stand up fairly well. AF in general is definitely better on the newer bodies, but it should still do OK on your camera.

If buying a K-x and after such a thing, the way to go is the two-lens kit - at Amazon, getting a 55-300mm only adds on about $100! That lens is generally rated as being a little better than the 50-200mm and better than a fairly cheap big-zoom kit-type lens has any right to be.

The downside is that you can only get the two-lens kit in black. We almost bought one of those and the red one with the plan of reselling the new black K-x at a slight discount to get the 55-300 for relatively cheap, but we decided to skip it for now.

SelfEmployedDebtFree

02-08-2010, 12:16 AM

Bumping... I just wanted to congratulate myself in writing.... First DSLR EVER... I got the RED K-x for $499 at buydig with free shipping!!!:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

I did more than enough research, and it looked like the best deal going.

I even got it with no payments for 3 months. I'll pay it off next month or the last month. The secret to those deals is don't miss the deadline by even a minute or they BACK-hit you with interest from day one. As log as you do it right it's completely free. I was planning to wait and buy it next month, so the "same as cash for 90 days" was almost like a sign from above.

I can't wait to get my new red camera!:3dglasses

So what lenses do you Pentax guys recommend? All I really want for now is an older lens for telephoto. I don't want to buy any junk, but I'm not selling portraits either. Just something lower to middle of the road. Whatcha think? Also are there any other brand lenses that will work great that I might be able to score really cheap on Craigslist?

Daisy14

02-08-2010, 07:56 PM

I finally got my first photo worthy, at least I think it is, of posting!!!

Daisy14

02-08-2010, 09:21 PM

Well here it is. I know this is nothing fantastic by everyones standards, but when I looked at it in the photo gallery, ( I still havent loaded the Kx Software) it just seemed so much like my daughter, who of course is the subject in the photo. It reminded me of 4 years ago on a trip to Cedar Point when someone watched our daughter have a fit and promptly stomp off away from us, in a olace where she has no idea where she is! This women looks at me and Daisy14 and says,"Now That Child, She Independant!"

And here she is walking off into oblivion... :)

Its through Photobucket so I dunno what kind of info it loses...

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j150/thekurlyone/IMGP0624.jpg

nigelp

02-09-2010, 03:07 PM

My wife has just got herself a K-X and I'm blown away by the high-iso quality.

The differeence in noise at 6400 between the k-x and a K20 is amazing.

She get good quality indoor pics using the kit lens at F5.6 while I have to use my nifty fifty at F2 to get similar usuable pictures.

I can imagine the combination of the K-x and a 50mm F1.4 on a dark ride will be fantastic.
PS she bought a red one too.

ukcatfan

02-09-2010, 05:25 PM

PS she bought a red one too.

:banana: The red one rules!!!

Pooh_Girl

02-09-2010, 06:08 PM

DH wants one SOOOO bad!! I should know.......

- RBennett

Daisy14

02-09-2010, 07:48 PM

Another one that I played around with with the on camera editing stuff, thought it looked cute...

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j150/thekurlyone/Natballetcropped.jpg

Groucho

02-09-2010, 09:08 PM

Bumping... I just wanted to congratulate myself in writing.... First DSLR EVER... I got the RED K-x for $499 at buydig with free shipping!!!:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

I did more than enough research, and it looked like the best deal going.
...
So what lenses do you Pentax guys recommend? All I really want for now is an older lens for telephoto. I don't want to buy any junk, but I'm not selling portraits either. Just something lower to middle of the road. Whatcha think? Also are there any other brand lenses that will work great that I might be able to score really cheap on Craigslist?
Great deal! Especially since they seem to have hiked the price since then... :( The good news is that Pentax just added a $50 instant rebate so bring the price down even farther in most places. Amazon's price is $535 now w/kit lens.

For telephoto, again I'd probably recommend a used 50-200mm just because you can get them so cheap (not much more than $100.) Otherwise, I would recommend a manual-focus lens but they can be a little frustrating until you get the hang of them.

My wife has just got herself a K-X and I'm blown away by the high-iso quality.

The differeence in noise at 6400 between the k-x and a K20 is amazing.

She get good quality indoor pics using the kit lens at F5.6 while I have to use my nifty fifty at F2 to get similar usuable pictures.

I can imagine the combination of the K-x and a 50mm F1.4 on a dark ride will be fantastic.
PS she bought a red one too.
Gotta love the red ones. :) I took some pics with our K-x and the 50mm F1.4 last trip... I haven't processed them yet, I want to finish with my K-7 shots before getting depressed at the K-x's high ISO capability. :teeth: Like many others, I would probably be happy to trade the extra 2.5mp for the extra stop (or more) that the K-x has. Don't get me wrong, I love the K-7 but that K-x sensor is really impressive! PMA is in about two weeks, maybe we'll see another camera announced inbetween the two...

gokenin

02-10-2010, 07:21 AM

ukcatfan

02-10-2010, 08:23 AM

Latest rumors about things coming out in the near future for Pentax are
--The 645D supposed to finally be near completion
---the K-M2 replacement for the K200 using the same sensor from the K-x but in a weather sealed body similar to the K7
-- DA* 11-16 f4 SDM
-- DA*20 f2 SDM
-- DA*28 f2 SDM

all rumored so it looks like the trade show could be interesting would think about upgrading to the K-M2 if the rumor is true:surfweb:

I was at first worried about the K-x not having the weather sealing. Then I realized that I would personally never use it. I just do not get in situations where it is useful. At WDW, I am always with my family, and since we go often enough, we stay inside during rain.

Groucho

02-10-2010, 10:33 PM

I almost mentioned those rumors (had 'em typed out and all) but further checking indicates they're from a Japanese magazine which admits that they are total guesses... so who knows.

The Japanese Pentax site has a countdown to a new camera but it appears to be the 645D... which is awesome but not exactly in my price range!

I love the weather sealing in the K20D and K-7... I really wish the K-x had it. A couple times during the trip, especially on the last Animal Kingdom day, we put ours away when it'd start raining, while the K-7 just got one of the sealed lenses mounted then would get completely soaked with no concerns. If it had sealing and showed the AF point in the viewfinder, it would be a damn near perfect entry-level DSLR.

The best deal going from what I've heard is to buy the K-x from Beach through eBay and use the Bing 10% cashback - $519, free shipping, minus 10% for a total price of $467.10! Is there anyone still on the fence? C'mon, buy one already! :thumbsup2

SelfEmployedDebtFree

02-12-2010, 12:59 AM

The best deal going from what I've heard is to buy the K-x from Beach through eBay and use the Bing 10% cashback - $519, free shipping, minus 10% for a total price of $467.10! Is there anyone still on the fence? C'mon, buy one already!
I'm not as proud of my $499 price anymore.:sad1:

But seriously, I love mine so far. I scored a HECK of a find on ebay for a Dimage Z2, and it came with filters, several different cables, several software and photo discs, a new tripod, a VERY NICE camera bag, extra pouches for lenses, etc. I got ALL of it, with the Z2 in MINT condition... looked like it had never been out of the bag, for $56 INCLUDING shipping. I removed the partition (velcrove) and used the bag for my K-x, which fits snugly. There's no room for any additional lenses, but I did also use the UV filter from the Dimage and it screwed onto the end of my Pentax, and the cap still works. I'm as happy as can be with my recent finds. I also got another Olympus Stylus 410 for $20 shipped which my wife has claimed. They actually make great vacation cameras for when you want to go light. Every picture I have posted up till this week was taken with one, including the hundreds of food pictures. I've always gotten compliments on my food pictures. I've gotten a few strange looks in the restaurants though. Especially when I used 3 or 4 glasses stacked on top of each other as a steady base to get that perfect steady shot of a steak.:rotfl2::lmao::happytv:

Daisy14'sDH

02-12-2010, 08:38 AM

WE love the food pics! We take pics of most everything we eat at Disney but never post any of the pics... maybe next time

Groucho

02-14-2010, 08:35 AM

I'm not as proud of my $499 price anymore.:sad1:
Don't feel bad; I paid $535 or so. :)

I would have loved to have bought from Beach - I bought my first couple DSLRs from them and they were always great, but when we bought, they weren't listing the red one IIRC, or they were most expensive, or there was something going on. I had totally forgot about checking their eBay store and getting the Bing cashback (I got the latter on my K-7.)

ukcatfan

02-14-2010, 09:11 AM

I paid $550 for mine and am still happy with the price. I wanted mine before X-mas and I don't believe it was cheaper than I got it then. Well, the Bing cash back could have saved me like $10, but I had to put up $50 more up front, so I passed. If money had not been a concern, I would have bought the import version in UK Blue!!! The $400 premium was just not worth it.

Pooh_Girl

02-14-2010, 08:10 PM

DH and I are moving to Florida in a few months and I promised RBennett that he can get a K-x and maybe the Tamron 10-24mm before/around the time we move. We can't WAIT!!!! :goodvibes

ukcatfan

02-14-2010, 08:52 PM

DH and I are moving to Florida in a few months and I promised RBennett that he can get a K-x and maybe the Tamron 10-24mm before/around the time we move. We can't WAIT!!!! :goodvibes

Congrats on the move!!! (and the new gear ;)) We have been down here for seven years now and love it. What part of FL are you moving to?

Pooh_Girl

02-14-2010, 09:13 PM

Congrats on the move!!! (and the new gear ;)) We have been down here for seven years now and love it. What part of FL are you moving to?

We are going to be moving over to the east coast about 2 hours from Miami, one hour from Port Canaveral, and about an hour and a half from Disney!! :cool1:

funkychunkymonkey

02-14-2010, 09:40 PM

SelfEmployedDebtFree

02-14-2010, 09:47 PM

If money had not been a concern, I would have bought the import version in UK Blue!!! The $400 premium was just not worth it.

Thats nothing. In Japan... (Just click the link and look at ALL the colors!!!) I actually tried to find a way to buy one of the exotic colors from Japan before I bought mine, but I couldn't find a way to purchase said Beastie.pirate:

http://forums.steves-digicams.com/pentax-samsung-dslr/159771-choose-your-color-pentax-k-x.html

Its the 5th response down. 20 colors, over 100 combinations... one word... SWEEEEET. When the little colored parts start popping up on ebay I might tacky mine up just for the heck of it!!!

ukcatfan

02-14-2010, 09:52 PM

Im on the pentax fence. So tell me why I should buy a pentax insted of a canon. Also What prices do lenses run? What kind of lenes would you reccomend (my first DSLR here).

You have IS on every lens. This saves ALOT of money if IS is important to you. The K-x has the best high ISO performance in its class. Probably only the Canon 7D has better high ISO for an APS-C sensor (non full frame) but it costs three times as much. There are tons of used lenses available for Pentax going back for more years than I have been alive. Sure, many are manual, but there are some incredible lenses out there because in film days Pentax was really popular. To me the feel of Pentax was the best. Plus, the color choices!!!

SelfEmployedDebtFree

02-14-2010, 09:56 PM

Im on the pentax fence. So tell me why I should buy a pentax insted of a canon. Also What prices do lenses run? What kind of lenes would you reccomend (my first DSLR here). Also which model is a good model for a beginer on a budget? Im thinking pentax cause I like the way it fits in my hand. The rebel was kinda big.

I'll tell you what sold it for me... I went to the Walmart website and watched the video for the Pentax K-x from the details section. The video sold it for me. I realized that EVERYTHING I wanted was FINALLY on ONE SINGLE CAMERA!!!!! I had liked one feature on the Canon, and another feature of the Nikon, and yet another feature of the Olympus, etc. None of them had the right combination of features. This one had EVERYTHING! Not only did it have all the features I wanted, but it was almost half the price of the Nikon D5000, which I felt to be it's closest rival. PLUS it had the cool color that gets attention. Anyone who has seen my van knows I'm not scared of getting attention.:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:
I thought of this... I know it's a LONG SHOT... but say your somewhere and you see another person with a DSLR, and it's RED... Your gonna look down and make sure yours is on your neck!!! (Especially if he is running!!!) Everyone has a black camera. I like things that are unusual. The red K-x is the most unusual DSLR on the market due primarily to it's color. It was an easy choice for me! I was considering the white one a little as well, but I thought it might get mistook for a point and shoot, because silver and white often look alike in certain light. The red is gonna be KNOWN for it's bold color. You haven't read ANYTHING about the same camera in white color. It's not getting any attention. The red has stole the spotlight!
Dont get me wrong, the white is a very attractive camera as well, but the red makes a statement.

ukcatfan

02-14-2010, 09:57 PM

Thats nothing. In Japan... (Just click the link and look at ALL the colors!!!) I actually tried to find a way to buy one of the exotic colors from Japan before I bought mine, but I couldn't find a way to purchase said Beastie.pirate:

There is an import site, but the price is high. When I looked it was about $400 more. Now that the US price is down, the difference is probably $500. I wanted the blue with white grips. The blue available here is a navy blue, so not really like UK blue.

Daisy14'sDH

02-14-2010, 09:57 PM

Thats nothing. In Japan... (Just click the link and look at ALL the colors!!!) I actually tried to find a way to buy one of the exotic colors from Japan before I bought mine, but I couldn't find a way to purchase said Beastie.pirate:

http://forums.steves-digicams.com/pentax-samsung-dslr/159771-choose-your-color-pentax-k-x.html

Its the 5th response down. 20 colors, over 100 combinations... one word... SWEEEEET. When the little colored parts start popping up on ebay I might tacky mine up just for the heck of it!!!

I woulda went with Red and White!

Daisy14'sDH

02-14-2010, 10:05 PM

And I would make a White Lens cap with a Red Maple Leaf Dead centre!

funkychunkymonkey

02-14-2010, 10:06 PM

Daisy14'sDH

02-14-2010, 10:16 PM

OMG I never thought of looking at the thrift shops!

Pooh_Girl

02-14-2010, 10:17 PM

funkychunkymonkey

02-14-2010, 10:21 PM

AHHHH IS is my freind. If your into hunting for cheap lenses www.shopgoodwill.com is a good place to look. Its the site goodwill uses for its auctions.

ukcatfan

02-14-2010, 10:35 PM

disneyboy2003

02-15-2010, 03:39 AM

Sure, many are manual

What does this mean? I thougt all lenses were manual. also what IS? Im so a beginier (whos still kicking herself for not buying that pentax 35mm camera at good will with the macro lens and another lens for $24. It was gone by the time i got back)

Please don't brush off the importance of autofocus. For you as a beginner, autofocus will be very important and LOTS less frustrating. I'd say about 99.999% of DSLR owners are using autofocus lenses.

I'll admit, I don't have any manual focus lenses. However, I can only imagine that it's 1 extra step I have to worry about when I take photos, especially for fast-paced action. And I won't be able to see whether my manual focusing was correct until I get home...which may be too late. I guess I just don't trust myself to correctly focus a lens, especially with a large-aperture lens (small f-number) where the depth of focus is already so small.

It's very easy to be tempted by the very inexpensive prices of old/classic lenses. But I have a feeling that manual-focus lenses will end up causing a lot more frustration to you as a beginning photographer. Autofocusing will give you 1 less (major) thing to worry about and will let you take photos a LOT faster, compared to the process of manual focusing.

I would HIGHLY recommend that you stick with the kit lens that comes with whichever camera you decide to buy. Also, take a moment to review the topic of "autofocus" in your photography books.

Yes, image stabilization is a good thing, and it's also a topic that is also covered in your photography books, too (and several times recently on this message board).

MICKEY88

02-15-2010, 04:30 AM

Dont get me wrong, the white is a very attractive camera as well, but the red makes a statement.

I talked to a guy at Hollywood studios last month,that was sporting the white one, it looked really sharp

ukcatfan

02-15-2010, 05:11 AM

Please don't brush off the importance of autofocus. For you as a beginner, autofocus will be very important and LOTS less frustrating. I'd say about 99.999% of DSLR owners are using autofocus lenses.

I respectfully disagree with you. There are many more people using manual focus than 0.001%! Sorry, but to state that is ridiculous. There are even some extremely high quality new lenses that are manual focus. There are also many situations where people with AF lenses turn it off, especially at WDW. I will say that it is not as easy as AF, but with some practice it is not as bad as you think. Anyone seriously into photography should practice doing MF even if all their lenses are AF.

disneyboy2003

02-15-2010, 06:14 AM

I respectfully disagree with you. There are many more people using manual focus than 0.001%! Sorry, but to state that is ridiculous. There are even some extremely high quality new lenses that are manual focus. There are also many situations where people with AF lenses turn it off, especially at WDW. I will say that it is not as easy as AF, but with some practice it is not as bad as you think. Anyone seriously into photography should practice doing MF even if all their lenses are AF.

I'll admit that I don't have exact numbers, but I figured that of the thousands and thousands and thousands of DSLRs that have been sold in the past several years, a great great majority of DSLR owners are using autofocus lenses.

I don't doubt that there are manual focus lens owners out there, but I would argue that autofocus lens owners far outweigh the number of manual-focus lens users.

Ultimately, though, I was trying to make a point to funkychunkymonkey. Because of her strict budget, she has "focused" her attention to classic, older, manual-focus lenses that are way cheaper than their autofocus counterparts. She's at the very very beginning of her photography learning curve. I'm not sure that I'd recommend manual focus lenses to someone in that situation.

Certainly, when she becomes more adept at photography later on, then manual focus lenses can open up a lot of creative possibilities without having to spend a fortune.

Groucho

02-15-2010, 06:35 AM

There is an import site, but the price is high. When I looked it was about $400 more. Now that the US price is down, the difference is probably $500. I wanted the blue with white grips. The blue available here is a navy blue, so not really like UK blue.
There's also at least one guy on eBay in Japan who will buy a K-x for you in your choice of colors and ship it to you. IIRC the cost is cheaper than the website that imports them but it is still a decent chunk more expensive (especially now that you can get them for so cheap in the USA!)

Daisy14'sDH

02-15-2010, 08:28 AM

I'll admit that I don't have exact numbers, but I figured that of the thousands and thousands and thousands of DSLRs that have been sold in the past several years, a great great majority of DSLR owners are using autofocus lenses.

I don't doubt that there are manual focus lens owners out there, but I would argue that autofocus lens owners far outweigh the number of manual-focus lens users.

Certainly, when she becomes more adept at photography later on, then manual focus lenses can open up a lot of creative possibilities without having to spend a fortune.

I have an f 2 50mm Manual focus that I have been practicing with a lot. Personally I find it much more gratifying using this lens over the Auto lenses. Its easier to get a better exposed photo (I think) but harder to get the focus down. So when I do get a great pic its a great feeling! :banana:

gokenin

02-15-2010, 11:39 AM

Pentax lens that are autofocus come in the last three lines of lens the F series the Fa series and the DA series lens the F & FA can be found cheaper than you will find the modern DA for the most part. These lines were created for film cameras so they will work on either a film or digital SLR and if Pentax ever comes out with full frame digital you should be good for that as well. The A line will allow you to shot in aperture priority allowing you to set the aperture in camera but are manual focus. The M, K and Takumar series are completely manual lens.

SelfEmployedDebtFree

02-15-2010, 11:50 AM

This is a topic I'm trying to weigh out as well. I have been watching Craigslist and ebay, and the old manual focus lenses are a lot cheaper, but I'm still leaning towards saving up for that $200 Pentax smc DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED Lens (copied from the website... I dont know what half of those numbers mean!!!:rotfl2:)
The reason is that "pentax says this lens is made for my camera". Does that mean its the only choice? No. I'm sure there are other choices. I'm wondering if this particular lens will weigh a lot less since the K-x is so light and the older cameras were a lot heavier.:confused3
I'm also still undecided about this lens because I really only wanted to get ONE extra lens (for now) and I was thinking a 300 would be better. Not sure why really. So... before I make myself sound any more newbie than I already have...:surfweb:
How about a couple of all-out PRO / CON reviews???

New may be lighter?:confused3 Is it cheaper made? More to break?
An example: (just stick with me... I'm trying to make a point...)
In home audio and car audio you want OLD equipment. I'm still running 1980s car amps in all my vehicles. They are rated at 25 watts per channel (Orion HCCA 225 hand made in USA) They will flat out DESTROY these new 2000 watt amps that are mass-made today in China. They also (obviously) last longer and can take more abuse. Are lenses the same principle?
In home audio, I run a newer Onkyo 6.1 receiver, because the older stuff don't have the processing effects for surround sound. The older stuff brings TOP DOLLAR (why I sell so much of it on CL) but those buying it are DJs, and old school people who want to jam out to Zepplin and the Beatles.:hippie:
The sound on the old stuff is a different tone rich sound that some people love. Is the same principles that apply to audio equipment the same principles that apply to camera lenses?

If so maybe I should go get that K-1000 at Megathrift with the 200mm Tamron lens in the old leather tube for $100.

So those of you who know more about this than those of us who don't... Can we get some pros and cons? A sort of way to decide which way to go?

SelfEmployedDebtFree

02-15-2010, 11:58 AM

Oh, and when your considering Goodwill (while I'm NOT a fan of the Goodwill... for MANY reasons) I will advise you to check your local Megathrift store as well. If you have one of course.
2 days ago I got a second Dimage Z2 (P&S) for Craigslist pictures, and I got it for... (drumroll please...) $10!!!:woohoo:
They sell cameras too. Most people go there for clothes, but they often get some great deals on electronics as well. I've also gotten several Disney refillable mugs there!

gokenin

02-15-2010, 12:08 PM

Pentax has a habit of occasionally making their lens more plastic over time then changing them again examples are the FA-J and the DAL lens these tend to have more plastic on them than the other models. Does it mean they will break easier no it doesn't it just means that people who want more metal in their lens tend not to buy them (although the FA-J lens are considered to be some of the worse lens produced as far as i can tell)
I know we don't usually send people to other sites but you may want to check out the PentaxForums.com there is a marketplace there where you can usually pick up used lens from reliable users. I have to say that 90% of my lens have been bought off the forumn

Daisy14'sDH

02-15-2010, 08:24 PM

I went back to the first nice pic I really liked and played with this Pic again. It was a JPEG. I used the onboard functions to take out all but Magenta, and then recropped, sharpened, and deepened the shadows in Picasa. What else could I have done to this to get sharper B&W contrasts?

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j150/thekurlyone/Nattracks11.jpg

disneyboy2003

02-16-2010, 04:17 AM

Did you hear about the 8 additional colors they're offering in Europe for the Pentax K-x?

The additional 8 colors are: Beige, Chocolate, Metal Dark Gray, Metal Fuchsia, Metal Turquoise, Olive Green, Pink, and Soft Brown.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/NPICS1/KX_NEWCOLORS_1_S.JPG

funkychunkymonkey

02-16-2010, 07:18 AM

Daisy14'sDH

02-16-2010, 09:01 PM

Personally I would try to mimic the Canadian flag with all the options becoming available to the Kx Users I really see myself purchasing another and personalizing it.

Its funny I used to collect high end Softball bats, now I think I am going to put all my free time and energy into a new hobby!

Groucho

02-16-2010, 10:35 PM

I like the dark gray one... but my favorite is still lime green with a yellow grip. :)

This is a topic I'm trying to weigh out as well. I have been watching Craigslist and ebay, and the old manual focus lenses are a lot cheaper, but I'm still leaning towards saving up for that $200 Pentax smc DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED Lens (copied from the website... I dont know what half of those numbers mean!!!:rotfl2:)
Nice lens but if you want to save money, second-hand ones often sell for not much more than $100. The older kit lens was redesigned and is a "II" model now but I'm not sure off the top of my head if the 50-200 was ever updated... if not, the old ones should be as good (or better, some new ones are "L" lightweight ones.)

New may be lighter?:confused3 Is it cheaper made? More to break?
An example: (just stick with me... I'm trying to make a point...)
In home audio and car audio you want OLD equipment. I'm still running 1980s car amps in all my vehicles. They are rated at 25 watts per channel (Orion HCCA 225 hand made in USA) They will flat out DESTROY these new 2000 watt amps that are mass-made today in China. They also (obviously) last longer and can take more abuse. Are lenses the same principle?
Well... the build quality of older lenses is often much better than new ones... and manual focus lenses tend to have a much nicer feel on the focus ring. The older lenses are generally all metal and have a sturdy, heavy feel to them. Of course, advancements have been made in optics and modern lenses have better coatings and more advanced designs... but the better-quality older prime lenses are often as sharp as many of today's lenses, but often with worse chromatic aberrations. The older zoom lenses are certainly not up to the optical quality of today's. Many of us like the older lenses because of the nice feel of them and they often give a unique "look" that isn't the same as modern lenses.

Daisy14'sDH

02-18-2010, 10:01 AM

funkychunkymonkey

02-18-2010, 11:16 AM

cool daisy! I cant wait to see your results. My biggest challange is taking good photos of christmas lights at naptime (I teach, therfore im bored).

Pea-n-Me

02-18-2010, 12:37 PM

Groucho

02-18-2010, 09:29 PM

Last night I had the opportunity to go to a college Volleyball match. It was a great opportunity for me to see how the lenses work indoors under "Gym" flourescent lighting. I've never had any luck in the past with P&S cameras.

I tried the stock lense, DAL 18-55. Unfortunately I was'nt careful and most pics with it were all the way out at 55mm. They are pretty grainy and dark.

Then I threw on the old Pentax A 50mm 2.0

What a difference! Right away I could see the difference on the LCD! Photos were brighter and I could get away with less ISO. I even managed to get 75% of them in focus!

I'm going to upload a couple to Photobucket unedited so you guys can see the stats.

My conclusion is, Indoors with poor lighting I will use the Prime lens. (I'm still shocked that it gets such poor reviews, I'd love to see a "good" lens)
Where have you seen bad reviews of the 50mm F2? Pretty much all the Pentax 50mm primes are fantastic; the F2s are generally available for dirt cheap because they are common and people tend to go for the F1.7 and F1.4 versions to get a little extra speed - but optically, the F2 is still great.

You will definitely see a difference in shutter speeds - at 55mm, your kit lens can only go to F5.6. This is a full three stops faster (5.6 - 4.0 - 2.8 - 2.0), which means that all else being equal, if you kit lens takes a shot at 1/25th of a second, your 50mm can take it at 1/200th! Obviously, that cuts down a lot of potential image shake and motion blur.

The 50-200mm is F5.6 at 200mm, so it will have the same shutter speeds, but because of the extra length, you'll have to hold it a little bit steadier.

Daisy14'sDH

02-18-2010, 09:44 PM

Sorry, I shouldn't have said "bad" reviews. I should have said that they were not as good as the rest of the primes. Mainly the M series I think were the ones that get better points... maybe it was the 1.8? I dunno I'll post a link and you can lmk what you think... :)

After further reading, it appears as far as the 50mm primes go, the 2.0 is the least rated, but I still love it! Reviews are good, but the ratings arent as good as the rest!

heres a link... 50mm f2.0 review (http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-A-50mm-F2-Lens.html)

MICKEY88

02-19-2010, 09:48 AM

a friend of mine was just given a Pentax ZX-M.

when he loads film in it, it advances to frame 1, then rewinds into the canister.

is this a known problem, is there a simple fix... or did he inherit a paper weight

Gianna'sPapa

02-19-2010, 04:18 PM

At Fixya.com, there was a post for a similar problem, but unfortunately there was no answer. We had an old Pentax P & S with the same problem. We never could figure it out and parked it. On our LX, never had that issue. On the P & S, we tried everything we could think of, batteries, etc. No use! Unless someone else has an answer, it might just be a boat anchor. On Amazon, the camera can be purchased used for $50, so IMHO I don't think it would be worth it to have it repaired.

MICKEY88

02-19-2010, 05:02 PM

Daisy14'sDH

02-20-2010, 12:39 PM

cool daisy! I cant wait to see your results. My biggest challange is taking good photos of christmas lights at naptime (I teach, therfore im bored).

Heres one that isnt quite as focused as I had hoped, and I probably overprocessed it. My first time trying Lightroom 3, which BTW is a really cool program!

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j150/thekurlyone/IMGP1136.jpg

Golf4food

02-22-2010, 09:17 PM

Only a few hours left, but a great deal. Previous Amazon low was over $1,100:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=xs_gb_dsd_D_ACKY08XN4LS3Z?ie=UTF8&docId=1000482271&pf_rd_p=313767801&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_t=701&pf_rd_i=21&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=007KK6Z1RA2T5E6CB1TY

Bstanley

03-03-2010, 01:34 PM

If anyone is interested in a White Pentax K-x with 18-55mm kit lens Newegg (www.newegg.com) has the kit for $529.95.

Seemed like a good deal to me.

MarkBarbieri

03-10-2010, 08:02 PM

http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031002pentax645d.asp#press

At just under $10,000, it looks like a really sweet deal. It's not compatible with k-mount lens, though.

OK, it's medium format camera, not a traditional DSLR. In that world, it is a major price breakthrough.

Golf4food

03-10-2010, 10:33 PM

I'll take two, ha. Would look great next to my shiny new K-7.

photo_chick

03-10-2010, 11:15 PM

There is a Hasselblad and a Mamiya in the medium format DSLR class in that price range. But they are not 40 MP.

Gdad

03-11-2010, 04:54 AM

I smell more goodies for Marks New Toy Thread.

WDWFigment

03-11-2010, 07:15 AM

I smell more goodies for Marks New Toy Thread.

You're one to talk! Mr. "I've sold 25-30 lenses on eBay" (the unwritten portion of that is probably..."and have purchased 65-80 on eBay."

:banana: (I don't know what emotion this dancing banana is supposed to embody, but I wanted to indicate that I was joking).

gokenin

03-11-2010, 07:55 AM

pjacobi

03-11-2010, 02:06 PM

OK, it's medium format camera, not a traditional DSLR.

I would classify it more as a DSLR, since it has focal plane shutter.

The traditional medium format camera designs have a leaf shutter in the lens, which allows for flash sync at all speeds.

-Paul

Gdad

03-11-2010, 08:30 PM

You're one to talk! Mr. "I've sold 25-30 lenses on eBay"

"Sold" is the key word here. :banana:

Groucho

03-16-2010, 11:12 PM

You gotta love Pentax this camera will be able to use the original Medium format film camera lenses. So at least if you have one of those or you can pick one up you wouldn't have to go out and buy all new glass.
...and, you can go on their website and buy adapters to use your medium format lenses on your regular $500 K-x DSLRs!

From what I understand, the competition for the 645D costs 2-3x as much (I think the next cheapest is the Mamiya at $18k but that's off the top of my head) and most of them offer fewer features and lesser performance. Sure, they've been talking about it for years now but it's finally real and certainly has the potential to shake up the medium format market.

Note that it's built for ultimate image quality and dynamic range, not high ISO performance, so it will not make a good camera for Peter Pan's Flight. :) It's much more of a studio camera than a sports camera (like any medium format camera.)

I have been saying that I'd like to get into medium format some day......

But even with this being a bargain, it's definitely waaaaaaaaaaay out of my price range!

justcantwait

04-15-2010, 10:07 AM

Anyone have any experience with this? I currently have a Canon SD1100IS and really like it, but am always on the lookout for something better. Just looking for a small P&S to take to the World in Dec for a family trip. This one on Woot looked good but I'd like to get opinions if I could.

http://www.woot.com/

Thanks for any help you can give!

Kathy

Daisy14'sDH

04-24-2010, 06:55 PM

:thumbsup2

Heres where you can show future Pentaxians what you can do with your equipment!! Don't be shy show us what you got!

Just wondering who on here uses a Pentax and what gear they tote around for everyday trips and for the parks.

Lastnight I pulled the trigger and bought the FA 50mm f1.4 Figure I'll keep my A 1.7 until I decide if I'll like it more (I'm sure I will). I'm really liking the Fixed lenses over the zooms but wat to get an all around walking lens like the 18-250 I have the FA 28-200 and am really enjoying the results at f8.

What gear would you keep and or suggest for the Hobbyist?

In my over stuffed Slingshot 100 (and what doesnt fit)
Kx (Boring Black)
DA 18-50
DA L 55-200
FA 28-200
FA 50 1.4
A 50 1.7
A 28 2.8
M 200 4
M 50 1.7
AF 240Z (no TTL) whatever that means
Star filter
Macro filters 49mm and 52mm (fun to use but DOF Disappears!)
Tiffen filter set
Remote F

A bunch of others but most are kinda cheap and cheesy but I bought in bundles from thrift shops and such. What else is a must for my Kx?

Ukcatfan I expect to see some prime examples!

ukcatfan

04-24-2010, 07:28 PM

Here is my DSLR gear list:

K100d
K-x
DA 18-55mm
DA L 18-55mm (Red)
DA 50-200mm
FA 50mm f/1.4
A 50mm f/2
Sigma 28-80mm Macro
Tamron 80-210mm (hunk o' junk but was only $25)
AF-360FGZ Flash
Gary Fong diffuser
Cokin filter system with ND, graduated ND, and blue/red polarizer
Star filter
CP filter

I really only use the one prime. The A 50mm f/2 is in the K100d bag. There are some others here with more of them.

gokenin

04-24-2010, 07:32 PM

if you search for Groucho you will see some fantastic pictures of Disney world as well. Have you been over to Pentax Forums by the way?

Daisy14'sDH

04-24-2010, 07:38 PM

You dont use your FA 1.4? Do you feel the A 50 f2 is better IQ wise? Cause I have one of them too! Lol, I went on a spending spree in the last month and am still on it.

I forgot to put in all the filters I've picked up as well, but I rarely use them. I would really like to get some ND filters and see what they can do. I've been so caught up trying everything that the DSLR is capable of I haven't slowed down to focus on any one thing.
I truly enjoy the manual fixed lenses, it just seems more like it was back in the day when I'd shoot a roll and I'd be lucky to get one photo worthy of the photo album!

I've had the Kx since late January and have over 6000 shutter releases so far. I hope Pentax is good about their warranties cause I don't think I'll be slowing down anytime soon especially with the nicer weather getting up here now!

Daisy14'sDH

04-24-2010, 07:41 PM

if you search for Groucho you will see some fantastic pictures of Disney world as well. Have you been over to Pentax Forums by the way?

Yes I'm over there as much as I am here. I couldn't remember what Groucho shot with, I thought he may be one of the "others" lol :confused3

gokenin

04-24-2010, 07:43 PM

think he still has the k20 but know he upgraded to the K7 when it came out and his list of lens i think is longer than mine

ukcatfan

04-24-2010, 08:05 PM

You dont use your FA 1.4? Do you feel the A 50 f2 is better IQ wise? Cause I have one of them too! Lol, I went on a spending spree in the last month and am still on it.

Nope, what I mean is that I only really use the FA 50mm f/1.4. The other one has not seen much action since I got it. I put it in the "backup" bag with the K100d. I am starting to teach the kids some photography, so the smoothness of the manual focus on the A 50mm will be good to teach them with.

Gianna'sPapa

04-24-2010, 08:14 PM

Here's my list:

K10D (2)
LX (film)
DA 18-55 f3.5-5.6 AL
DA 18-55 f3.5-5.6 AL II
DA 50-200 f4-5.6
M 50 f1.4
Tamron 70-210 f3.8-4 Adaptall
Sigma 28-70 f2.8 EX DG
Sigma 70-200 f2.8 II EX DG HSM Macro
Sigma 100-300 f4 EX DG
Sigma EF-530 ST (flash)
Sigma EF-530 Super (flash)
Cokin filters (numerous)
CP for all above
Tripods (3- Slik, Cullmann, Gorilla Pod)
Numerous Bags to carry it all!

PS Numerous P & S's laying around everywhere.

Daisy14'sDH

04-25-2010, 06:50 AM

Great lists, now post some examples! I would really like to see what the Pentaxians can do with their gear!

GianniPapa, how do you like the Sigma 70-200?

Gianna'sPapa

04-25-2010, 07:54 AM

Great lists, now post some examples! I would really like to see what the Pentaxians can do with their gear!

GianniPapa, how do you like the Sigma 70-200?

I really like it, especially the HSM. I purchased this lens primarily for low light action. I thought at times it was a little soft, but two weeks ago, I was shooting with both the 70-200 and 100-300 (daylight). I had difficulty telling the difference between the resulting images. The 100-300 is the sharpest lens in my kit. I just love that lens!!:banana: The 100-300 may have a little edge, but not by much. I wish that Sigma had the HSM for that lens in the Pentax mount. I can't wait to use the 70-200 at our race track this summer. With the 50-200, I had to use ISO 1600 and with the K10, the images can be slightly noisy. With the 2.8, I'm hoping to lower the ISO and therefore lower the noise. Obviously, the 70-200 is much heavier than the 50-200, but I prefer a heavier camera. I use a battery grip on one of the K10's and that balances the heavier lenses very well. I'm not fighting the forward tip, hence, less fatigue. The DW primarily uses the second K10 with the lighter lenses, but likes the flexibility of 2.8. She likes the 28-70 and keeps 'stealing' it.:cool1: I will be using both the 28-70 and 70-200 at WDW in June for the night time parades. During my last visit I had to use a flash and unfortunately I left my big flash back in our room! I was not happy with the results. This year I'm hoping I will be able to photograph the parades and night activities without the flash. At least, that's the goal.

Daisy14'sDH

04-25-2010, 08:18 AM

Thats why I am reallly excited about the 50 1.4! Hopefully it will produce great images at low light! At f2 its really supposed to be very sharp. I wish I had the money for a faster zoom, but alas I will get a 18-250 and pretend that it makes me happy for a while!

Gianna'sPapa

04-25-2010, 08:34 AM

I was hoping to get the Sigma 30 f1.4 before our trip for the dark rides, but financially I don't think I going to be able to swing it. I have the M 50 f1.4. It was the lens we originally purchased with our LX film camera. Its a very good, sharp lens. On a DSLR it is a manual lens and therefore takes a little longer to take a picture. I'm working with it to speed up the process. Early on, I would have been off the ride before I would have been able to shoot one image.:rotfl2: If I can't get an AF 1.4 before the trip, I'll have to make do.

Daisy14'sDH

04-25-2010, 09:43 AM

With the M lenses you have to shoot wide open right?

ukcatfan

04-25-2010, 01:09 PM

With the M lenses you have to shoot wide open right?

No, you just have to set the aperture with the ring old school style. I believe that you also have to use the AE lock button to correctly meter.

Daisy14'sDH

04-25-2010, 01:17 PM

I can't figure that part out! When I use my M lenses there is no difference in exposure when I change the Aperture value. I wondered if I was doing it wrong but its that way with all my M's...

Edit*

DUH! Now my 200mm M is working right. I guess in AV mode it keeps the aperture open no matter what...

Gianna'sPapa

04-25-2010, 01:44 PM

With the K10 in Custom Settings, set the Using Aperture Ring to '2' Permitted, then Green button in TAv & M to the default '1'. When you turn the camera on, set the Focal Length and ensure the camera is in the MF mode. When you get ready to shoot, manually set your desired aperture, focus, push the green button for the metering. The camera will give you a recommended shutter speed, ensure focus and shoot. I have included a website that has pictures and everything and explains it better than I can do.

http://www.robertsdonovan.com/?p=1181

Daisy14'sDH

04-25-2010, 01:56 PM

I changed the settings for my green button to switch between JPEG and RAW+ What Should I have it set to?

I read that site before but overlooked the settings... dummy me!

Gianna'sPapa

04-25-2010, 02:09 PM

'Green button in TAv & M' should be set to '1'. Which body are you using?

Daisy14'sDH

04-25-2010, 02:13 PM

Bringing this thread back from the dead!

'Green button in TAv & M' should be set to '1'. Which body are you using?

I'm using a Kx.

RBennett

04-25-2010, 03:02 PM

Well, DW just forced me to change my gear! :banana: She just upgraded me from the Pentax K100D to the K-x!!!! And so now, that brings my gear list to:

Pentax K100D
Pentax K-x
(2) Pentax 18-55mm
Pentax 10-17mm fisheye lens
Tamron 10-24mm Ultra-wide
Pentax 50mm f/1.4
Tamron 70-300mm
Super Takumar 135mm f/3.5
Pentax AF-360FGZ flash
Gary Fong flash diffusers
A set of color flash gels
Hoya Circular Polarizer filter
Vidpro tripod
Manfrotto monopod
Remote shutter release

Daisy14'sDH

04-25-2010, 03:19 PM

Looks like you have 1 too many wide angles... any good deals coming up for that Tamron? :D

ukcatfan

04-25-2010, 03:35 PM

ukcatfan

04-25-2010, 03:38 PM

Golf4food

04-25-2010, 09:04 PM

My bag:

K-7 :banana::banana::banana: (love my new baby - she's a little over a month old now, ha)
ist*DL (backup now)
DA 18-55 WR
DA 50-200 WR
Sigma 18-125
DA 35mm f/2.8 Ltd Macro (have rented in the past, finally bit the bullet and bought one for keeps last week - perfect WDW food photo lens and great on non-macro as well - has been called the best lens ever made by some reputable folks...):thumbsup2
CPL
ND
Tripod
Remote F (love that the K-7 has a sensor on the back - the ist only has on the front so you have to hold your remote in front, which gets annoying for fireworks, etc. No more!)

Would like to get an AF-360FGZ at some point before too much longer. Will at least need to rent one for a shoot on a sunset river cruise boat for shooting a retirement party in June...

Examples are in my Flickr stream, link in siggy. Newer sets are all on the K-7, older ones all on the ist*DL.

littlekidagain

04-25-2010, 09:34 PM

I am glad to see the Pentaxians here! I will be going to Disney in Dec. for the 1st time since getting a DSLR.I have been there many time with a p/s and even got married there! Here is my list,

Pentax K10D
PENTAX 18-250
PENTAX DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED
PENTAX FA 50MM F1.4
AF360FGZ
SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM
SIGMA 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM
Manfrotto 190XPROB
Manfrotto 680B Monopod
Manfrotto 496RC2 Ball Head
Kata KT D-3N1-30 Sling/Backpack

Groucho

04-25-2010, 10:09 PM

Hi folks - I'm still alive, just been busy with "real world" stuff as well as in a total scanning frenzy. My Nikon Coolscan had been sitting idle for many months and between finally getting a good workflow and and having a good amount of hard drive space (each scan is ~100 megs!), I have been scanning like a madman. It helps that I've been going through my grandfather's old slides - most of the stuff I've been scanning so far has been from 1946-1959! It's fun seeing my father as a little boy. :) Of course, there are thousands of slides to go through... so that's what I've been mostly working on whenever I have anything like spare time. I assume that I'll find more time for Disboards as my June trip approaches. ;)

First - regarding shooting "M" lenses - once you set "aperture ring" to "permitted" in the Custom menu, all you need to do is shoot in "M" mode and press the green button to meter. The green button will only meter in "M" mode, I believe - it will not work in P, Tv, Av, and I am pretty sure it won't in the others, either. Once you've done that, you should be good unless the light changes. If you want to get really tricky, it is possible to modify the lens so that the aperture changes as you turn the ring - which is how M42 lenses (when the lens is set to "M") behave - this is nice because then you can just shoot in Av mode and it meters like any other lens.

Gianna'sPapa, have you had a chance to use any of the Pentax lenses with SDM? I'm curious how Sigma's HSM compares - I haven't really heard any comparisons.

RBennett - congratulations! Your wife is a keeper. ;) My wife also went from the K100D to the K-x and it's quite an upgrade - she was bummed when I showed her yesterday that more colors are coming to the US; she really wanted the purple one but it wasn't available at the time and now it will be. Oh well, next time we upgrade her... :lmao:

Welcome littlekidagain! You'll have a great time with your Pentax at Disney. :thumbsup2

As for me... well, my gear is in my signature. It's mostly complete, there's nothing significant lens-wise missing, though it doesn't link accessories. I had been hoping to pick up a Pentax Limited 77mm F1.8 before the next trip, but there's two things keeping that from happening at this point... 1) for reasons too complicated to go into here, I upgrade the fronts, center, and sub in my home theater so that chewed up my "fun money" for a while, and 2) I'm waiting to see the reviews on Sigma's upcoming 85mm F1.4.

You can see what I take with me in the 1/10 "live TR" link in my signature, and there are tons of actual photos from the trip in the "full TR". Here's my baby, though:

http://www.groucho.org/pics/47601-3/PentaxK7-02.jpg

...and here's the happy couple:

http://www.groucho.org/pics/48153-2/2010WDW-04.jpg

Gianna'sPapa

04-25-2010, 10:42 PM

SelfEmployedDebtFree

04-26-2010, 01:31 AM

Well, I don't have any photos just yet, but I can FINALLY make a list of equipment!!!:cool1:

Not bad considering I didn't and had never owned a DSLR until Feb 2010.

Pentax K-x in RED!
stock red lens
Promaster 7 Spectrum AF 100-300mm f5.6-6.7 (like brand new in box; paid $50)
Kalimar 1:8 f=800mm with a 2X converter (yeah, she looks like a telescope... reminiscent of a scene on POTC3) I got her with the 2X converter in a padded bag for $50
A couple filters
I also scored a VERY VERY nice bag with all of the following:
Tokina SD 70-210mm 1:4-5.6
Takumar-A 2X Tele-converter
SMC Pentax-A 1:1.7 50mm
It also came with a Pentax slr film camera thats currently for sale online, and several books, cleaning kits, several bottles solutions, brushes, brushes, etc
I got all that above including the camera for $58 +tax at a local discount store
I also scored a free camera bag off Craigslist.

So how did I do??? I am still learning and I don't know whats good and what's bad yet. I think the telescope looking lens (dont you pros just love my tech talk???) is a piece of crap. At least everything I found online indicated it might be. But for $50 I can have lots of fun with it.
At this point in the game it's all just for learning and fun. I'm not too concerned about getting junk, because this is just a for fun hobby.

WVDisGeek

04-26-2010, 11:00 AM

Thought I would chime in as well and welcome you to the Pentaxian world! I don't have pictures up yet. (Kind of a complicated, long-winded explanation that I will spare everyone!) My sig has my list of bodies and lenses. I also have the 360 flash, a diffuser, remote release, various filters (considering a move to Cokin soon) a nice Manfrotto tripod, a junky backup tripod, a couple of monopods and various heads/quick release plates for all of them and various miscellaneous stuff like cleaning equipment and bags...

This is NOT a hobby for those afraid to part with cash! :rotfl2:

Golf4food

04-26-2010, 03:13 PM

This is NOT a hobby for those afraid to part with cash! :rotfl2:

Sadly my other hobby is golf. :scared1:

Money. I used to have it.

Daisy14'sDH

04-26-2010, 03:42 PM

I used to collect High end softball bats... camera gear is cheaper, for the most part anyway. THere are some exceptions of course. lol!

Daisy14'sDH

04-26-2010, 05:12 PM

Oh yeah, I forgot that part. I think you can only use shutter mode.

I've spent a little time today playing with my 200mm M, all I can say is WOW! I never knew how sharp this lens was (because I didnt know how to use an M,duh) and it really is incredible the difference 2 f stops can make! I'll post a pic later if i can find one worthy of posting in the great Pentaian thread... :worship:

Golf4food

04-26-2010, 10:32 PM

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs480.snc3/26287_1404765195605_1126638451_31204453_8330230_n. jpg

I can't imagine this lens being any better unless they made a DA* version.

Groucho

04-27-2010, 08:22 PM

No I haven't shot any of the SDM lenses. The HSM is fast and very quiet. So quiet that after shooting the non-HSM 100-300, I thought the 70-200 was broke because I didn't feel or hear anything. It took me a second to realize the shot was in focus! I nearly panicked!:scared1:

When are you going to be there in June? We'll be at POP from the 9th-18th.
We'll just miss you - we're there the 4th-7th. Just a short weekend trip to see Billy Dee Williams. :thumbsup2 I expect we'll be done after just a few days of crowds and heat that are far beyond what we're used to!

Golf4food, congrats on the 35mm macro! I haven't heard a bad word about it yet. Looks great!

Daisy14'sDH - I didn't even know there was such a thing as a high-end software bat! :lmao: There's never a shortage of expensive hobbies!

Daisy14'sDH

04-27-2010, 08:37 PM

We'll just miss you - we're there the 4th-7th. Just a short weekend trip to see Billy Dee Williams. :thumbsup2 I expect we'll be done after just a few days of crowds and heat that are far beyond what we're used to!

Golf4food, congrats on the 35mm macro! I haven't heard a bad word about it yet. Looks great!

Daisy14'sDH - I didn't even know there was such a thing as a high-end software bat! :lmao: There's never a shortage of expensive hobbies!

THere are a few that sell in the thousands. Most that are left in my collection are in the $200-$400 range. Its sad that I only have 35 left.... :santa: I figure thats how I'm going to pay for the next 2 vacations seeing as I'm getting too stiff to play anymore.

SelfEmployedDebtFree

04-27-2010, 10:58 PM

Since everyone else is posting about their expensive other hobbies...
I'd like to throw in mine. Its expensive, but it has paid for EVERY piece of equipment, so in the end, it hasn't cost us a cent other than gas money and fun.
Now, before I tell you what it is... ask yourself... What hobby can be expensive, and yet pays for itself in money within the first year or two?
The answer..

We metal detect. We get exercise, and we find change, jewelry, and gold. We have found enough change to pay for EVERY SINGLE machine we have, including all the electronic pin-pointers and diggers, and all the batteries. Now gas to get to those parks and schools..... Thats another story.

ukcatfan

04-28-2010, 05:03 AM

Since everyone else is posting about their expensive other hobbies...

I'll buck the trend. My other hobby basically costs me about $10 a month and some extra dirty clothes. It is weight lifting. The only thing it costs a lot of is my energy!

Golf4food

04-28-2010, 10:13 AM

I'll buck the trend. My other hobby basically costs me about $10 a month and some extra dirty clothes. It is weight lifting. The only thing it costs a lot of is my energy!

And helps to carry around all that camera equipment in the parks. :thumbsup2

We do a lot of walking - something DW and I can do together - and as soon as she finishes PT on her injured shoulder we have EA Active for the Wii that we can also do together to stay in WDW shape. :)

Gianna'sPapa

05-01-2010, 06:46 PM

This is my hobby and the best thing is I get paid to be there!!! It helps to finance my hobby habits!!

Winners Interview
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4569590274_b99948b2c6_b.jpg

Pre-Race
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4568953675_5a47d48b35_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4569590840_583d07bb23_b.jpg

195+ MPH
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3471/4568954483_18f5c52cc1_b.jpg

Daisy14'sDH

05-03-2010, 02:54 PM

Sweet pics! I just got back from a Road trip to NC over the weekend. 26 hours of driving in a 60 hour span. Lots of fun, may have even got a few good photos...

Gianna'sPapa

05-04-2010, 08:56 AM

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=35225501

SelfEmployedDebtFree

05-04-2010, 07:48 PM

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=35225501
OH YEAH! We're taking over!!! Well, maybe not just yet, but we're trying!

nigelp

05-05-2010, 10:29 AM

I might as well introduce myself as a lurking Pentaxian to these boards.

I come from the UK and we can only afford to go to WDW every two years (next visit due 2011!)

Both my wife and myself use Pentax..
I have a K20 (which replaced my K100D when it got destroyed by a huge splash of water on the Jaws ride in Universal, despite being in a case and down by my legs!)
My wife has just bought a K-x - and yes it is in red!

Between us we only have a few lens:
2 x DA 18-55mm
DA 50-200mm
DA 55 - 300mm
FA 50mm

Gianna'sPapa

05-05-2010, 10:38 AM

Welcome aboard, you will find this forum to be the friendliest around.

Daisy14'sDH

05-05-2010, 03:40 PM

A lurking Pentaxian? Lol, that makes you sound shy... until you mention your DW has a Red Kx! They make a bold statement! Welcome.

KAT4DISNEY

05-05-2010, 11:54 PM

I'm not real great at paying attention to what camera's other people are using at Disney unless they have a brand strap on but last week I definitely noticed a Red K-x being used at DHS. It's a stand out for sure!! :goodvibes

SelfEmployedDebtFree

05-06-2010, 12:24 AM

This might sound corny, but I don't know which I like best about my red K-x, the camera or the color. it just looks cool. They also made it in white and black, and if your in Japan they made it in about 100 different combinations. I'm waiting for some of those colored parts to float over seas via ebay.;)

Golf4food

05-06-2010, 10:24 AM

Daisy14'sDH

05-06-2010, 01:04 PM

But they are not offering the color customizing like in Japan. I think there are going to be 8 colours coming.

ukcatfan

05-07-2010, 06:29 PM

bob100

05-07-2010, 07:01 PM

Proof that I am not crazy! Well, at least proof that I am not crazy about how great this camera is!!! Everything else, well...
http://www.tipa.com/english/award-details.php?iId=1768&sAward=Best%20DSLR%20Entry%20Level

great camera,
but then the prestigious TIPA organization (Technical Image Press Association) chose the new entry level Canon Rebel T2i (550D) as the best Advanced DSLR. TIPA awarded the new Canon 7D as the best "Expert DSLR". The Nikon D3S won an award for the best professional DSLR. The Olympus EP1 won an award for best Entry Level Camera, Sony won for best All around DSLR. Canon G11 - the best Expert Compact, Casio for best compact, etc. etc.
Casio?

Daisy14'sDH

05-07-2010, 07:36 PM

Who cares about those other categories? Something I own actually is the best in a category! Woot woot! If you've purchased as many lemons as I have you'd understand my excitement!

luvthemouse71

05-07-2010, 09:03 PM

Hoping to be a Pentaxian soon...hope to buy my first DSLR in the next few weeks!:thumbsup2

dismikki

05-07-2010, 10:52 PM

Daisy14'sDH

05-07-2010, 10:57 PM

Which 1.4? I have the FA and its my new favourite!

Gianna'sPapa

05-08-2010, 06:08 AM

Love seeing the pentaxians here. I am not worthy to post pics yet, but enjoy seeing other people's great shots. I am also in the k100 to K-x upgrade club. Love my stormtrooper! I am somewhat lens limited with only the 18-55, 1.4/50 and the 50-200. I am enjoying the baseball shooting right now.

I wouldn't exactly say you were lens limited. With those three lenses you can do quite a lot. The zooms are not the fastest, but with the high ISO capability of the K-x, you will be able to surprise yourself. I have all three of those lenses and although I have purchased faster glass, those are my old reliables. Practice with those lenses and you won't be disappointed. My copy of the 50-200 is an excellent copy and it finds itself mounted to my camera even though I have a 70-200 f2.8. The lens is very lightweight and produces great images. There seems to be a discussion of which is the "better" lens the 50-200 or 55-300. I tend to lean to the 50-200, because of the results I have achieved with it. Good luck and practice and you won't be disappointed.

Below is a picture taken at the Chicagoland Speedway 2009 night race with the 50-200. It is a picture of Helio Castoneves' car traveling at 195+ mph. The lens was mounted on my K10D, which does not have the high ISO capability of the K-x. The light reflection on his helmet visor is from the LED lights on his steering wheel. I have posted this picture before, but it is one of my favorites. I have many similar examples taken with the 50-200. I don't recall doing any PP with this image and if I did, it was minimal. This is pretty much straight out of the camera.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3471/4568954483_18f5c52cc1_b.jpg

Gianna'sPapa

05-08-2010, 06:16 AM

Hoping to be a Pentaxian soon...hope to buy my first DSLR in the next few weeks!:thumbsup2

Let us know which one you purchase and don't forget to ask questions, practice and post images! Good luck and welcome to the Pentaxian world!:banana:

Me!Thatswho

05-08-2010, 07:12 PM

I would like to add myself to the list of lurking Pentaxians. http://bestsmileys.com/dancing/13.gif

K20D
DA 18-55mm
Sigma 70-300mm DG APO
SMCP-FA 50mm f1.4
Vivitar Series 1 28-105 Macro f2.8
Sear MC 135mm f/2.8 Telephoto

amyy

05-08-2010, 08:44 PM

So if someone was wanted to invest in a quality camera is this good place to start (and end)?

Gianna'sPapa

05-08-2010, 09:08 PM

ukcatfan

05-08-2010, 09:20 PM

So if someone was wanted to invest in a quality camera is this good place to start (and end)?

It sure is! It is the best bang for the buck around. Plus, it comes in more than a handful of colors. http://www.pentaximaging.com/slr/

Here is a review from DPReview. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxkx/

photo_chick

05-08-2010, 09:26 PM

I've always thought Pentax makes a great camera. If I hadn't had an investment in Canon when I got my first DLSR I'd likely have gone with a Pentax.

Daisy14'sDH

05-08-2010, 09:58 PM

Maybe I'll update the first thread with all the official Pentaxians? LMK your input...

seven dwarfs

05-09-2010, 07:58 AM

I hope to join your club soon! I have been shopping for almost a year for a new camera. I know just enough about photography to get me in trouble. I plan on buying a 'help me out book' and may even take a class or two. I have six children and want to be able to take great photographs of them. I also travel in our RV alot. We have a trip planned to Mt Rushmore and Yellowstone. So, my question is which would be better for me a Pentax k-x or a Pentax K7? I like the idea that the K-x is easier to learn on and use. I like the idea that the k7 is weather resistant/dust proof but I worry it may be to advanced for a beginner. Help!

amyy

05-09-2010, 08:02 AM

Would I want to shop around for the price? thanks

I was also thinking of subscribing to one magazine. What would you suggest? (I know there is a lot to read on-line but I still like getting magazines.)

All I have ever used is a point and shoot with or without flash if necessary. So if I read the manual, DIS boards I will be able to figure out how to use it?

Gianna'sPapa

05-09-2010, 11:39 AM

Here's my take on the Pentax line. First, let me preface this by stating we (DW & I) have been shooting with a Pentax SLR for 30 years, first film and then over the last several years digital. In film, we had the Pentax LX which was the flagship SLR for Pentax for many years. When it came time (after several digital P & S) to move to the DSLR, we purchased the K10D. At the time, the K10 was the flagship of the line. When the K20 became the flagship and the K7 announced, we purchased a second K10 at a ridiculous price. That's the background, now today, we have the K7 flagship and the Kx entry level. Coming from the flagship SLR, I may have been disappointed at least in my mind, with an entry level camera. I like the controls better on the K10/K20 series of cameras, ie., dual wheels, top LCD, weather sealing, battery grip, etc. This is strictly a personal preference because the Kx has shown itself to be an excellent entry level camera with good pixel count and high ISO capabilities. The rub in the Pentax arena is why didn't Pentax give the K7 the high ISO capabilities. Who knows! For your situation, IMHO it will depend on your experience with SLR's. I did not find the K10's controls to be overwhelming. Remember its the nut behind the viewfinder that makes the picture. Both the K7 and Kx will serve you well. I do like the color selection on the Kx, especially with the new colors being introduced into the US. My goal is to see what is next down the road as a replacement for the K7 and determine if I want to upgrade. Right now our K10's serve us well. Good luck with your purchase and I encourage you to ask questions, read and practice.

ukcatfan

05-09-2010, 11:47 AM

I like the controls better on the K10/K20 series of cameras, ie., dual wheels, top LCD, weather sealing, battery grip, etc.

I do sort of miss the top LCD and wish I had the option of a battery grip, but I have gotten over 2nd wheel envy with the K-x. By accident I realized that you do not have to hold down the button to switch the function of the wheel. If you just press it, it toggles between functions. This little change has meant a lot to me! Weather sealing would be nice, but I typically do not get in situations where I would need it.

RBennett

05-09-2010, 08:49 PM

I do sort of miss the top LCD and wish I had the option of a battery grip, but I have gotten over 2nd wheel envy with the K-x. By accident I realized that you do not have to hold down the button to switch the function of the wheel. If you just press it, it toggles between functions. This little change has meant a lot to me! Weather sealing would be nice, but I typically do not get in situations where I would need it.

I found that out yesterday too by mistake. I was shooting a karate tournament and at one point I clicked the button to change the exposure amount. Well when I clicked it again it changed another factor.

DisneydaveCT

05-10-2010, 06:16 PM

ukcatfan

05-10-2010, 07:33 PM

First my equipment,

K100D
SMC DA 18-55MM 3.5-5.6
Pentax FA 28-105mm 4-5.6
Pentax F 70-210mm 4-5.6
Pentax A 50mm 1.7

Recently, I took a trip to photograph some lighthouses in Southern Maryland. After getting home I noticed that I had two pieces of dust...flying snakes in the sky. No matter what I lens I used, they showed up in pictures.

Any suggestions on how to clean the camera?

Sounds like sensor dust. Start with a Giottos Rocket Blower. Be sure to use fresh batteries and hold the camera with the mount facing down. Read the manual for the specific instructions on the mirror lockup function to make sure you do it correctly.

Daisy14'sDH

05-10-2010, 09:06 PM

I have the same thing, I didnt notice until I was using long exposures trying to shoot some lightning...

Groucho

05-10-2010, 09:08 PM

I wouldn't exactly say you were lens limited. With those three lenses you can do quite a lot. The zooms are not the fastest, but with the high ISO capability of the K-x, you will be able to surprise yourself
True. My first WDW DSLR trip was with my *ist DL and the 18-55mm, 50-200mm, and 50mm F1.4. (OK, and my Zenitar 16mm fisheye too. ;) ) When I look back at the shots from that trip, I am still pretty pleased with the results. They are some pretty solid, reliable lenses.

I would like to add myself to the list of lurking Pentaxians.
Welcome and nice avatar! Good night, ding-a-ding-ding-ding-ding... :lmao:

I hope to join your club soon! I have been shopping for almost a year for a new camera. I know just enough about photography to get me in trouble. I plan on buying a 'help me out book' and may even take a class or two. I have six children and want to be able to take great photographs of them. I also travel in our RV alot. We have a trip planned to Mt Rushmore and Yellowstone. So, my question is which would be better for me a Pentax k-x or a Pentax K7? I like the idea that the K-x is easier to learn on and use. I like the idea that the k7 is weather resistant/dust proof but I worry it may be to advanced for a beginner. Help!
With our K-x, my wife just leaves it in "P" mode all the time - as I often do on my K-7. The big difference is that you lose the scene modes - but really, how many people use scene modes on a regular basis? (I'm sure some do, but I think most people just leave their camera in Auto mode.) You don't have an Auto mode but you do have a "Green" mode which is virtually the same thing. You gain a lot of functionality - the top LCD, second wheel, a much nicer rear LCD, bigger and brighter viewfinder, sturdier construction, sealing, faster speed, quieter shutter, long-lasting li-ion battery, etc, etc... but you lose some high ISO capability as well as the color choices. No red K-7s! :teeth: I like our K-x but I do find it a little limiting sometimes just because I'm used to the extra external controls of the K-7.

Swmhc

05-11-2010, 07:13 PM

OMG !! Check this out !!! I WANT THIS CAMERA !!

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/05/rainbow-colored-pentax-k-x-requires-sunglasses-to-use/

Me!Thatswho

05-12-2010, 08:01 AM

Welcome and nice avatar! Good night, ding-a-ding-ding-ding-ding... :lmao:

Thanks. And, I'd like to give a :thumbsup2 to your username and avatar as well. After all, as the wise man himself once said: "I've got the brain of a four year old. I'll bet he was glad to be rid of it.":rotfl2:

Golf4food

05-12-2010, 02:55 PM

OMG !! Check this out !!! I WANT THIS CAMERA !!

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/05/rainbow-colored-pentax-k-x-requires-sunglasses-to-use/

I would think this would have a market in the US, especially in San Fransisco... :lmao:

Swmhc

05-14-2010, 10:39 AM

What can I say ? It appeals to my inner child. I like the colors available in the UK as well, but alas, Wal-Mart online had a steal of a deal on the black one with the 2-lense package, so I caved and got boring black. However, if see the rainbow one on ebay, I just might have to get it and sell my black one.

Can't wait to get it and start playing around. We have a trip in July and our first MNSSHP in September, so I am hoping the night shots turn out as good as they advertise. I will probably be on here for pointers when I get it in my hot little hands !

MinnieForMe

05-14-2010, 01:42 PM

photo_chick

05-14-2010, 07:31 PM

I don't know about the size or weight difference, dpreview.com might have some insight with it's detailed camera specs. But keep in mind that with a DSLR the weight can vary greatly depending on the lens making it feel like a different camera. It won't matter if one body is a tad smaller or lighter if the lens is a heavier construction.

KAT4DISNEY

05-14-2010, 09:14 PM

I think I finally found my new camera. Can anyone compare the size of the Pentax KX with the Nikon D5000? I'm handicap and the lighter/smaller the camera the better (as small as a DSLR gets). Does anyone know a store than actually carries it in stock so I can try it? I would like to buy it at Ritz but they are so much more expensive for this camera than other places online. Best Buy only has it online.

I just started a 6 week photography class and feel left out with just a point and shoot. I wanted to wait until the 6 weeks were up and I had a little photography education under my belt but I could be learning so much more if I had it to practice.

Thanks for any advice.

I don't know exactly what your goal is in photography but have you considered a micro 4/3rd's camera such as the Olympus PEN E-P1 or E-P2? Much smaller than your standard DSLR. Or Sony has just announced their new mirrorless camera's with aps-c equivalent sensors (NEX 3 and NEX 5) that will be available in June. Here's a link to a review on the NEX 5 (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/NEX5/NEX5A.HTM). Initial reviews place it similar in photo quality to the Canon T1i and the Nikon 5000. And these camera's have all comparable controls to the Nikon or Pentax.

You'll still stand out in a class with one of these but it's better to buy a tool you can use. Just to add - I personally have some arthritis which is most pronounced in my hands. The smallest camera is not the one that works best for me though and I ended up with a little heavier pro-sumer camera that was just perfect. I tried a lot of camera's and could tell right away in the store if my hands were going to become sore. Weight wasn't really the issue for me though - the ergonomics of the camera were.

Just a couple other options to consider if size is a very important issue.

RBennett

05-17-2010, 09:22 AM

Ok, so I have a question and I know that there are SEVERAL of us out there with this camera so I thought I would post away. Has anyone purchased a remote shutter release for this yet and had any issues? The manual recommends the Pentax F remote but I have seen a few mixed reviews on this. Has anyone noticed any problems/issues with the remote they have? The other concern I have is the sensor is on the front of the camera. Has anyone tried taking shots (such as fireworks) where they did not want themselves in the picture? THANKS!!!! :thumbsup2

Daisy14'sDH

05-17-2010, 04:20 PM

You get used to it, just put the camera on Remote with 3 second timer, so if your hand was near the front you have more time than someone as old as Moses would need to get out of the way. And I have had no problems with the remote, just the Photographer so far!

ukcatfan

05-17-2010, 04:47 PM

I have that remote and have had no problems. You can get it to take the shot without getting your hand in the way. Maybe if you were at 10mm, but I have had no problems at 18mm.

Daisy14'sDH

05-17-2010, 05:30 PM

Its funny, I have my 5 year old take my night shots. I set it up and she pushes the button, we love the F Remote!

MinnieForMe

05-18-2010, 06:54 AM

I don't know exactly what your goal is in photography but have you considered a micro 4/3rd's camera such as the Olympus PEN E-P1 or E-P2? Much smaller than your standard DSLR. Or Sony has just announced their new mirrorless camera's with aps-c equivalent sensors (NEX 3 and NEX 5) that will be available in June. Here's a link to a review on the NEX 5 (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/NEX5/NEX5A.HTM). Initial reviews place it similar in photo quality to the Canon T1i and the Nikon 5000. And these camera's have all comparable controls to the Nikon or Pentax.

You'll still stand out in a class with one of these but it's better to buy a tool you can use. Just to add - I personally have some arthritis which is most pronounced in my hands. The smallest camera is not the one that works best for me though and I ended up with a little heavier pro-sumer camera that was just perfect. I tried a lot of camera's and could tell right away in the store if my hands were going to become sore. Weight wasn't really the issue for me though - the ergonomics of the camera were.

Just a couple other options to consider if size is a very important issue.

Thanks for this suggestion. I'm going to look into it!

My aspirations are to take pictures of my children, Disney/vacations and the occasional soccer game without blur (my P&S just can't snap the picture fast enough). I have no aspirations to be a professional photographer. I'm currently taking a college photography class which is helping me understand the basics.

I'm still drawn to the Pentax K-X. My limitations are not hand related. I walk with a cane so having the ability to take pictures with one hand (I'm guessing with the camera on auto) would be fantastic. When I need to use the camera with two hands I will need to be in my wheelchair or in a sitting position. The Pentax (with the exception of the 4/3rds) is the only DSLR that says it can be operated with one hand. Any thoughts on this?

How does the Pentax rate in image quality on the dreaded Auto button?

Am I misunderstanding the concept of a 4/3rds? It does not have a peephole but only live view for photo taking? Doesn't this put me back in the P&S range for speed?

Sorry to sound so ignorant but I can't learn if I don't ask the experts!

JoeDif

05-18-2010, 07:37 AM

Thanks for this suggestion. I'm going to look into it!

My aspirations are to take pictures of my children, Disney/vacations and the occasional soccer game without blur (my P&S just can't snap the picture fast enough). I have no aspirations to be a professional photographer. I'm currently taking a college photography class which is helping me understand the basics.

I'm still drawn to the Pentax K-X. My limitations are not hand related. I walk with a cane so having the ability to take pictures with one hand (I'm guessing with the camera on auto) would be fantastic. When I need to use the camera with two hands I will need to be in my wheelchair or in a sitting position. The Pentax (with the exception of the 4/3rds) is the only DSLR that says it can be operated with one hand. Any thoughts on this?

How does the Pentax rate in image quality on the dreaded Auto button?

Am I misunderstanding the concept of a 4/3rds? It does not have a peephole but only live view for photo taking? Doesn't this put me back in the P&S range for speed?

Sorry to sound so ignorant but I can't learn if I don't ask the experts!

To keep things simple, the Olympus micro 4/3rd cameras and the Sony NEX cameras are basically mirrorless DSLR's. So instead of using optical viewfinders you would the LCD display to compose, focus, etc.

These cameras also give you the option to use different lenses. In terms of performance, they most likely blow any P & S out of the water.

Gianna'sPapa

05-18-2010, 09:30 AM

While on a double decker bus tour we drove past this unique building. Taken with a K10D, f/8, 1/125 sec, IS0 100, 28 mm

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3357/4613511545_d4c0ca66c9_b.jpg

RBennett

05-18-2010, 09:45 AM

^^ Very nice! I bet the double-decker bus was a blast.

This was taken weekend before last at a martial arts championship.

http://rbennettphotography.smugmug.com/Sports/2010-Arkansas-Classic-Martial/IMGP158/869751432_Jehti-L.jpg

Gianna'sPapa

05-18-2010, 11:30 AM

It was fun. It gave a different perspective to the buildings and offered some great photo ops!

Golf4food

05-19-2010, 03:31 PM

Back from our trip to WDW this past weekend - first trip with the K-7. I've had it for a couple of months now to get used to it a little but this is the first big trip to a place where I have a working knowledge of how my older ist*DL would react, etc. and could truly compare the K-7 head-to-head with the same shots and lighting and such. As expected the upgrade is huge. No surprise there. The problem areas of dark rides and high contrast areas were a mixed bag, however. I found the AF system much, much better, but noise at high ISO is not very good (as has been discussed). In fact, in some ways it almost seems worse than it was on the ist*DL. So while I could AF on things in the dark much better the resultant photos are still very grainy, even if using the coveted 35mm Macro Ltd f/2.8 that I love so much for everything. I'll rent or buy a 55 f/1.4 or similar for our next trip to see if the faster speed helps at all. All ISO levels up to 1600 are fine, but the 3200 is almost useless. I have joked about buying a K-x to use just on dark rides...

I also finally got to play around with the in body HDR a little and while I have not had a chance to view them on the Mac yet they looked great on the LCD screen. The time required is annoying - mostly to my wife, haha - and difficult to deal with when there are people walking around - about a minute from shutter click to final processing. Still, a cool feature that I'd love to play around with more - the shots I took don't look nearly as overprocessed as most HDR shots I see around the net (which I hate).

I'll post some examples once I get them all processed. Right now I've only loaded 50 onto Flickr (DW makes me start with the shots that will go into our dining review, haha). :)

First two using 18-55 WR:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3403/4620578244_d9a7dbff99.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4620699710_e4c98d9796.jpg

35mm f/2.8 Macro Ltd:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3312/4620815184_55823386bb.jpg

I liked the WR lenses - good performance for the price, but especially nice not being overly concerned with water on rides or a light rain shower.

That said, I did leave the camera in the room/car for the night in DHS and for a few hours in the MK the day we left - a little freeing not having to carry it around (or the heavy backpack) but still left me feeling a little twitchy for not having it because there's always something you see you want to photograph...

Daisy14'sDH

05-19-2010, 09:34 PM

When you start the dining review post a link, the Missus and I love our Food Porn!

ukcatfan

05-19-2010, 10:11 PM

I have joked about buying a K-x to use just on dark rides...

I have to say that I am impressed with the high ISO on the K-x. I am also impressed with the Auto WB. This shot is straight out of the camera JPG at ISO 4000.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/kmhobs/IMGP1987edit.jpg

Groucho

05-19-2010, 10:25 PM

Thanks. And, I'd like to give a :thumbsup2 to your username and avatar as well. After all, as the wise man himself once said: "I've got the brain of a four year old. I'll bet he was glad to be rid of it.":rotfl2:
Hats off to G. Marx - the funniest guy to ever walk the planet! :thumbsup2

The problem areas of dark rides and high contrast areas were a mixed bag, however. I found the AF system much, much better, but noise at high ISO is not very good (as has been discussed). In fact, in some ways it almost seems worse than it was on the ist*DL. So while I could AF on things in the dark much better the resultant photos are still very grainy, even if using the coveted 35mm Macro Ltd f/2.8 that I love so much for everything. I'll rent or buy a 55 f/1.4 or similar for our next trip to see if the faster speed helps at all. All ISO levels up to 1600 are fine, but the 3200 is almost useless. I have joked about buying a K-x to use just on dark rides...
3200 shouldn't be useless but the sensor is starting to show its age. The Sony sensor in the K-x definitely works better in low light. Samsung has a new sensor but the relationship between them and Pentax seems to have cooled so who knows what the next Pentax will use... K-x has Sony, K-7 has Samsung, and 645D has Kodak!

If comparing noise vs the DL, I'm guessing that you're viewing at 100%... which really isn't fair when you're talking 14mp vs 6! Still, I was generally pretty happy with the DL at 1600, but 3200 was usually pretty rough, whereas the K-7 can often do pretty good at 3200 and you can get away with 6400 in the right conditions.

As for the K-x... well, just convince your wife that she needs one, and off you go. :) I posted some of these in the long-delayed conclusion to my latest trip report, but I'll put 'em here too along with a couple more. These are taken with the K-x with the Pentax 50mm F1.4. 12,800 ISO on the first two, then 2,500, then 10,000, then 2,500.

http://www.groucho.org/pics/52496-2/WDW2010Cathy-082.jpg

http://www.groucho.org/pics/52499-2/WDW2010Cathy-083.jpg

http://www.groucho.org/pics/52502-2/WDW2010Cathy-084.jpg

http://www.groucho.org/pics/52505-2/WDW2010Cathy-085.jpg

http://www.groucho.org/pics/52508-2/WDW2010Cathy-086.jpg

Now, they don't always look like this - some of the 10,000 and up shots look a bit rough - but in the right circumstance, 12,800 is definitely usable.

ukcatfan

05-19-2010, 10:39 PM

http://www.groucho.org/pics/52505-2/WDW2010Cathy-085.jpg

I have one of those :thumbsup2
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/kmhobs/Misc%20WDW/IMGP0531-dis.jpg

Daisy14'sDH

05-19-2010, 10:42 PM

I cant wait to get back to WDW in August so I can get me one of those too!

Groucho

05-20-2010, 05:43 AM

FWIW, here's a similar shot from our K100D (same sensor as the *ist DL). ISO 3200, 50mm, F1.4, 1/15th. This one's from Disneyland, though.

http://www.groucho.org/pics/21840-7/2007DLR-035.jpg

...and back to WDW, K20D at ISO 6400, 31mm, F1.8, 1/20th.

http://www.groucho.org/pics/31716-11/2008WDW-066.jpg

RBennett

05-20-2010, 07:36 AM

And here is mine with the K100D from back in 2008. Using my 50mm f/1.4 at ISO 1600 and a shutter speed of 1/10.

http://rbennettphotography.smugmug.com/Disney/Disney-2008/Pirates-of-the-Caribbean/PoC-JS/607479219_CY5zw-L.jpg

Golf4food

05-20-2010, 03:20 PM

Are you running the photos through any noise reduction programs or in camera? I've not tried any of that outside of what little noise reduction iPhoto can do...

Aslo, as previously mentioned, the auto WB in the newer ones are outstanding. I haven't had to tweak the WB on almost any shots whereas I used to have to treak it all the time, nor do I need to manually change the WB before taking shots - just leave it in auto WB and shoot away indoors and out. Love it.

And the auto rotate feature saves all sorts of time over the old one where I had to manually rotate everyting in iPhoto after loading the card...

Daisy14'sDH

05-20-2010, 09:48 PM

My Kx doesnt auto rotate the file only the viewer. Is there an option I need to turn on?

ukcatfan

05-20-2010, 10:22 PM

My Kx doesnt auto rotate the file only the viewer. Is there an option I need to turn on?

If I view them on a real imaging program, they are already rotated, but Windows cannot seem to figure that out. The only real inconvenience is that the photo screensaver also cannot figure out to rotate them.

Daisy14'sDH

05-20-2010, 10:38 PM

Ahh, thats where I usually view my photos with the friends and missus. Its easy to view in there with no worries about messing them up. Thanks.

ukcatfan

05-20-2010, 10:59 PM

Ahh, thats where I usually view my photos with the friends and missus. Its easy to view in there with no worries about messing them up. Thanks.

Try Irfanview. It also installs "Irfanview - Thumbnails" where you can run a slideshow. Whatever you do, do not rotate them in the Windows viewer. It does degrade the quality of the image.

Groucho

05-22-2010, 06:25 AM

If you're looking for a photo screensaver that respects the rotation information in jpgs, try gPhotoshow (http://www.gphotoshow.com/gpshow_free.htm) - I linked to the free version. I've used it for years because it properly supports multiple monitors (different picture on each monitor)... it works very nicely. Irfanview can also launch a slideshow easily if you want to view them on-demand.

Golf4food, I just double-checked and the first two shots that I posted (the dunking scene and Captain Jack hiding in the clothes) were both noise-reduced with Dfine. The other three only had minimal noise reduction done in Lightroom. I am looking forward to the final release of Lightroom 3 which supposedly have dramatically improved noise reduction features... there's also a new version of Noise Ninja that claims to be a huge improvement too, but I haven't checked it out yet.

I love my K-7 but the K-x obviously has to be the go-to camera right now if I want on-ride shots...

Groucho

05-22-2010, 06:41 AM

I'm still drawn to the Pentax K-X. My limitations are not hand related. I walk with a cane so having the ability to take pictures with one hand (I'm guessing with the camera on auto) would be fantastic. When I need to use the camera with two hands I will need to be in my wheelchair or in a sitting position. The Pentax (with the exception of the 4/3rds) is the only DSLR that says it can be operated with one hand. Any thoughts on this?
The biggest problem with using a DSLR with one hand is that you can't zoom. On some PnS camera, you can use zoom buttons that are on the back of the camera, but with DSLRs (and the mirrorless cameras - and the Sonys look like they might quickly dominate the category), there is a zoom ring that you twist on the lens itself, usually with your left hand while your right holds the "grip" on the camera itself and operates the shutter and the various buttons.

As long as you are OK with the focal length the camera is set to, though, you should be OK shooting with one hand. You don't need to be in Auto mode, any mode will work fine with one-handed shooting. You would want the camera set to autofocus, which is where 99% of shooters keep it 99% of the time.

Image quality is great, the K-x is great, it's an amazing deal, etc, etc - you can't go wrong with one. :teeth:

Groucho

05-22-2010, 06:46 AM

I bought a cheapie from Dealextreme (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.27842) - was $3.27 shipped and works with most any camera. You can get 'em from Meritline as well and probably a number of other cheap made-in-China places.

I haven't tried it with the K-x but it works fine with the K-7 - once I remember to tell the camera to listen for it!

MinnieForMe

05-22-2010, 08:26 AM

I was so excited to see one of my fellow students had a Pentax K-X in class this week. I finally got to hold one. Anyway, I snapped a picture and it only appeared on the screen for a fraction of a second. It wasn't even long enough to notice if it was clear. As the camera was only a week old and we were starting class, we couldn't play with it to see if there was a way to keep it on the screen longer. She did press the button that brought it back on the screen but I thought it was funny that it didn't automatically stay on the screen for a few seconds. Is this normal for the K-X or is there a setting that needs to be put on?

Thanks for answering such a stupid question!

disneyboy2003

05-22-2010, 08:48 AM

Congratulations on your new Pentax K-x. I have a Canon camera, but I've heard very good things about the Pentax K-x. Sounds like you're gonna have a great time with your new dSLR.

I went ahead and read your user's manual (link (http://www.pentaximaging.com/images/temp/63399407595779261272600manual_k-x_en_official.pdf)), and looks like page 249 describes how to change the Instant Review display time. Currently, the default setting for Instant Review is 1 second. However, looks like you can change the display time to 3 seconds, 5 seconds, or Off.

According to the manual, go to the Rec Mode 3 menu, select Instant Review, and press the right arrow (►) on the 4-way controller to select a different display time.

See if that helps.

Daisy14'sDH

05-22-2010, 09:45 AM

Shot with my M 200, f6.3? ISO 200, 1/250 cropped in half I guess that would be 50%?

This bird has taken up residence in the Birdhouse my daughter and I built.

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j150/thekurlyone/OurNewHouseGuest-8524-1.jpg

MinnieForMe

05-22-2010, 11:46 AM

Thanks!

I don't have the camera yet! I'm still trying to decide between the Pentax K-X, Nikon D-5000 or the new Sony NEX (I think that's the new one).

I was just curious about the Pentax! You are so sweet to look it up for me! I didn't expect someone with a different camera to do that!

Thanks.

ukcatfan

05-23-2010, 09:50 PM

SelfEmployedDebtFree

05-24-2010, 01:24 AM

SelfEmployedDebtFree

05-24-2010, 01:33 AM

OMG !! Check this out !!! I WANT THIS CAMERA !!

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/05/rainbow-colored-pentax-k-x-requires-sunglasses-to-use/

I'd buy it. But then I also have a 3-D rainbow glitter, infused bright screaming purple floor in my kitchen. So thats probably not much shock to those of you who know me.:rotfl2:

Groucho

05-24-2010, 06:05 AM

I really need help. What does F--- mean??? (No pun intended)
I can not get my other lenses to work. I keep getting the same flashing F--- error.
I don't know what I'm doing. :confused: I really need to devote a couple days to reading the K-x book, but if I can get past this I can read the book when I get a chance. In my life, that's not often. I'm lucky if I have time to inhale 3 meals a day.
I have returned all settings and custom settings to default. It hasn't helped.:headache:
F-- means that the camera doesn't know what aperture the lens is set to. Look at the aperture ring on your lens. If there is an "A" setting, put it on there - that way the camera will know and can control the aperture. If there is no "A", then the camera has no way of knowing or setting the aperture, so you set it via the ring. First, make sure that you've set it to use those type of lenses - it's a setting under Custom, "aperture ring permitted" or something like that. Put the camera in "M" mode and press the Green button in order to set your exposure. If the lighting changes or you change the aperture, you will need to press the Green button again, or manually change the settings. The flash will usually not work well with these lenses - because it doesn't know the settings, it fires at full power, which is usually too bright.

Golf4food

05-24-2010, 12:20 PM

Golf4food, I just double-checked and the first two shots that I posted (the dunking scene and Captain Jack hiding in the clothes) were both noise-reduced with Dfine. The other three only had minimal noise reduction done in Lightroom. I am looking forward to the final release of Lightroom 3 which supposedly have dramatically improved noise reduction features... there's also a new version of Noise Ninja that claims to be a huge improvement too, but I haven't checked it out yet.

I love my K-7 but the K-x obviously has to be the go-to camera right now if I want on-ride shots...

That probably helps. I don't currently have any fancy post processing software and generally just use iPhoto for all the basics and that's it. iPhoto only has minimal noise reduction capability. I would like a good PP but they are costly and I can't decide which I would want anyway, and beyond that most of the Mac versions aren't caught up with the current capabilities of the Windows versions and I prefer not to open Windows on my Mac if I can ever avoid it. I bought a Mac for a reason. ;)

I'll get with the "program" eventually. :laughing:

SelfEmployedDebtFree

05-25-2010, 06:56 PM

F-- means that the camera doesn't know what aperture the lens is set to. Look at the aperture ring on your lens. If there is an "A" setting, put it on there - that way the camera will know and can control the aperture. If there is no "A", then the camera has no way of knowing or setting the aperture, so you set it via the ring. First, make sure that you've set it to use those type of lenses - it's a setting under Custom, "aperture ring permitted" or something like that. Put the camera in "M" mode and press the Green button in order to set your exposure. If the lighting changes or you change the aperture, you will need to press the Green button again, or manually change the settings. The flash will usually not work well with these lenses - because it doesn't know the settings, it fires at full power, which is usually too bright.

Thanks groucho!!!:thumbsup2 I took your advise and everything is fine again. My lens has a button you have to push to set it to "A". I never would have figured that out if i hadn't known it was SUPPOSED to be on the A. Otherwise it just stops at 32.

Daisy14'sDH

05-25-2010, 08:36 PM

Thanks groucho!!!:thumbsup2 I took your advise and everything is fine again. My lens has a button you have to push to set it to "A". I never would have figured that out if i hadn't known it was SUPPOSED to be on the A. Otherwise it just stops at 32.

The user manual is your friend. My DW made me read it cover to cover before she would let me put batteries in the camera!

Groucho

05-29-2010, 06:41 PM

Thanks groucho!!!:thumbsup2 I took your advise and everything is fine again. My lens has a button you have to push to set it to "A". I never would have figured that out if i hadn't known it was SUPPOSED to be on the A. Otherwise it just stops at 32.
Glad that I was able to help - the "A" setting is your friend. :)

SelfEmployedDebtFree

05-30-2010, 08:08 PM

The user manual is your friend. My DW made me read it cover to cover before she would let me put batteries in the camera!

:lmao: I'm not touching that one. ;)

ukcatfan

05-30-2010, 08:12 PM

The user manual is your friend. My DW made me read it cover to cover before she would let me put batteries in the camera!

:lmao: I'm not touching that one. ;)

I willingly downloaded and read the manual of my K-x before it arrived! :rotfl2:

Daisy14'sDH

05-30-2010, 11:11 PM

I willingly downloaded and read the manual of my K-x before it arrived! :rotfl2:

Seems we are in the minority... although I didnt retain all the info that I read, she made me do it regardless.... it was hell... and there are no pretty pictures in it to tell youhow to shoot fireworks or get great bokeh when your subject is 20 feet from you...

Golf4food

06-01-2010, 02:41 PM

I willingly downloaded and read the manual of my K-x before it arrived! :rotfl2:

Full color Magic Lanterns Guide for me. :thumbsup2

seven dwarfs

06-02-2010, 10:08 AM

Gianna'sPapa

06-02-2010, 11:39 AM

Well, I finally bought the Pentax K-7. I also bought the Magic Lantern guide for the K-7. I have no clue what I am doing, but I am very excited to learn. I have read most of the user manual although so many terms are foreign to me. Thanks for the feedback and helping me with this purchase! I hope to not become overwhelmed! :goodvibes

I found that after I read the Magic Lantern for my K10 the manual made sense. Magic Lantern did a better job of explaining the 'lingo' and then I was able to apply it to the manual. Congratulations on your new 'baby'!!!:banana:

Groucho

06-02-2010, 09:39 PM

Count me among those who download and read the manual before actually getting the camera. :)

Well, I finally bought the Pentax K-7. I also bought the Magic Lantern guide for the K-7. I have no clue what I am doing, but I am very excited to learn. I have read most of the user manual although so many terms are foreign to me. Thanks for the feedback and helping me with this purchase! I hope to not become overwhelmed! :goodvibes
Congratulations! Welcome to the K-7 Klub. :thumbsup2

In unrelated Pentax news, I just got back some film from my pre-digital Pentaxes... some K1000 stuff with my Zenitar 16mm fisheye and the Lensbaby (I have to admit, it works awfully nice on full-frame)... and a couple rolls from my smallest Pentax SLR:

http://www.groucho.org/phpBB/pics/PentaxAuto110-sp.jpg

Not the kind of thing I'll use very often, but sooooo cool on a technical level!