Pentax general discussion

[gokenin]

there is currently a F50 f1.7 in the marketplace there that is going for $215 I actually own this lens and like it better than the FA50 but its all a personal taste.

 

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

So what do you guys think of this as a flash for my K-X?:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/515365-REG/Sigma_179_109_EF_530_DG_ST_Flash.html
If I'm wanting to keep the price around $150, is this the best choice?

Relative Power @ 50mm1: 1.8×
Relative Coverage2: 1.9×
Key Features: tilt/swivel/zoom reflector.

The above is why I'm considering this one. It seems to be pretty strong in terms of light capabilities. Is there anything I'm missing?

As far as flash is concerned and wireless, what would be an ideal scenario where you would need a wireless (such as the Sigma SUPER) over this one?

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

So what do you guys think of this as a flash for my K-X?:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/515365-REG/Sigma_179_109_EF_530_DG_ST_Flash.html
If I'm wanting to keep the price around $150, is this the best choice?

Relative Power @ 50mm1: 1.8×
Relative Coverage2: 1.9×
Key Features: tilt/swivel/zoom reflector.

The above is why I'm considering this one. It seems to be pretty strong in terms of light capabilities. Is there anything I'm missing?

As far as flash is concerned and wireless, what would be an ideal scenario where you would need a wireless (such as the Sigma SUPER) over this one?

I own both the ST and the Super. I bought the ST first as a basic flash. For that, it has worked flawlessly. I started doing some portrait work for my DGD's school events. I needed a wireless off camera flash and purchased the Super. I can't compare it to the Pentax or Metz, but both have worked great for me. The DW didn't want anything real fancy so she has the ST in her kit and I carry the super. The only thing I would recommend is to add a diffuser like a Sto-Fen C Omni Bounce.

 

[amyy]

We just returned from Disney with our new Kx. How many pictures should we expect from batteries? Once we bought batteries 2x in 1 day but it must have been the batteries that day. Could we be doing something wrong that is making us go through them so quickly? thanks

 

[gokenin]

We just returned from Disney with our new Kx. How many pictures should we expect from batteries? Once we bought batteries 2x in 1 day but it must have been the batteries that day. Could we be doing something wrong that is making us go through them so quickly? thanks

I dont know the exact numbers you would get but if you were using alkaline batteries you wouldn't get very far. I don't know if you were using liveview or you are reviewing pictures often but these will drain a battery and again if you are using regular alkaline I could see a set not lasting a day. I would recommend you use Lithium batteries if you are not going to go the rechargable path.

 

[amyy]

gokenin-thanks for your response. Maybe we should go the rechargeable path. I have been on Pentax forums reading about eneloops. Thanks for the tip about reviewing as that was probably hurting us too.

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

What firmare are you using on the Kx? THere is a battery metering problem with 1.1 (I think), I have downloaded the new firmware but have been unsuccessful in installing it.

I use Energizer Ultimate Lithiums, when it says the battery is depeleted I open the battery compartment and reload the batteries, I can get anywhere from 1200 to 2000 pics out of a set depending on how much I use the LCD...

 

[amyy]

I am embarrassed to ask so please be nice but I have been reading on the Pentax forums and what does "dial mode to the green button" mean? I read this a few time in threads for new users. The green button that you can assign a function? I don't get it. I don't want to ask on that forum as some people seem put off with questions. thanks

 

[amyy]

Daisy14'sDh-No idea what firmware we are using. Sad, I know. We just took it out of the box and started using it (and skimmed the user manual). Will the camera tell me or do I need to hook it up to the computer? Sorry for such newbie questions. Maybe I should start a newbie Pentax thread

PS I am working my way through the manual.

 

[ukcatfan]

I am embarrassed to ask so please be nice but I have been reading on the Pentax forums and what does "dial mode to the green button" mean? I read this a few time in threads for new users. The green button that you can assign a function? I don't get it. I don't want to ask on that forum as some people seem put off with questions. thanks

I am lost on that one as well. The green mode and green button are different things. It might just be some lingo specific to that board.

Daisy14'sDh-No idea what firmware we are using. Sad, I know. We just took it out of the box and started using it (and skimmed the user manual). Will the camera tell me or do I need to hook it up to the computer? Sorry for such newbie questions. Maybe I should start a newbie Pentax thread

PS I am working my way through the manual.

The manual tells how to check the firmware version. You can then check the website to see what the current version is. http://www.pentaximaging.com/support/manuals-and-literature/

 

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

Well, since we're asking newbie questions.............
What is this *ist stuff I keep seeing all over the Pentax boards?

 

[Groucho]

I own both the ST and the Super. I bought the ST first as a basic flash. For that, it has worked flawlessly. I started doing some portrait work for my DGD's school events. I needed a wireless off camera flash and purchased the Super. I can't compare it to the Pentax or Metz, but both have worked great for me. The DW didn't want anything real fancy so she has the ST in her kit and I carry the super. The only thing I would recommend is to add a diffuser like a Sto-Fen C Omni Bounce.

I haven't used the Metz or Sigma but in terms of wireless, I can say that the Pentax flash works very, very well. The ability to wirelessly trigger from the onboard flash is really a great feature, IMHO.

We just returned from Disney with our new Kx. How many pictures should we expect from batteries? Once we bought batteries 2x in 1 day but it must have been the batteries that day. Could we be doing something wrong that is making us go through them so quickly? thanks

Like the others said, standard alkaline AAs are definitely not up to the task. It ships with a set of lithiums for a reason. I would go with the rechargeables, and definitely the low-discharge ones like the Eneloops.

Easily the best deal on the batteries is to buy the Duracell precharges from Amazon. Apparently it's not consistent, but many/most people are getting what is believed to be rebranded made-in-Japan Eneloops (complete with the signature white at the top). I think some get made-in-China ones but that shouldn't be too bad, either. I recently got my first set and mine were the rebranded Eneloops. One way to tell is that the Eneloops are usually 2000mAh and others are 2100mAh. That's not a guarantee, but it's one indication...

Now, right off the bad, the price is great - it's dropped about $2 in the past month! - $7.79 for a 4-pack. But that's not the real deal! The real deal is to use Amazon's "subscribe and save", where they will automatically ship you new ones at an interval of your choosing - one month, two months, etc, you save 15% on the price (taking it down to $6.62!) and you get free shipping! And, you can cancel any time - even after your first order. I put in for two months and I am looking forward to my next set already. For comparison, in terms of "precharged" rechargeable AAs, I have eight Kodak 2100mAh ones, eight 2000mAh Eneloops, and the four Duracells. They are all great, though I think one of the Kodaks started to develop a problem. (Actually, I'm down to six - two were in one of the Disney misting fans which was either stolen or fell off our stroller during our last trip! ) The precharge ones work terrific in our K-x with nice long battery life.

Anyone reading this without a K-x - I would still jump on that deal; those batteries are perfect for flash units, kid's toys, etc.

I am embarrassed to ask so please be nice but I have been reading on the Pentax forums and what does "dial mode to the green button" mean? I read this a few time in threads for new users. The green button that you can assign a function? I don't get it. I don't want to ask on that forum as some people seem put off with questions. thanks

If they're saying "dial mode", they probably mean to turn the Mode dial to the Green square. The Mode dial is the big one on top, with various icons as well as "P", "Av", etc. Green is basically an "auto" mode where you have limited control over settings.

You do, of course, also have a green button, usually used to reset settings - ie, you hold down one button and press Green and it will reset that setting.

 

[Groucho]

Well, since we're asking newbie questions.............
What is this *ist stuff I keep seeing all over the Pentax boards?

*ist was one of (maybe the?) last line of film SLRs and the first line of DSLRs from Pentax. For example, my first DSLR was the *ist DL, which was the entry-level model. There was also an *ist DS and a couple others, before they switched to the K100D name to capitalize on the classic K1000. (Similarly, they have a new PnS called the Auto i10 which is styled just like their old Auto 110 miniature film SLR.)

I don't remember the exact ad campaign, but basically, the * was a wildcard, like in a filename - trying to imply creativity and flexilibity. Realist, etc.

 

[coloneldebugger]

What does the Pentaxian gang think of using UV filters?

I've read in some places people like them to help bring out the colors or even as an extra layer of protection for the real lens.


/still just trying to get it all figured out

 

[ukcatfan]

What does the Pentaxian gang think of using UV filters?

I've read in some places people like them to help bring out the colors or even as an extra layer of protection for the real lens.


/still just trying to get it all figured out

I am not in the UV camp. They do nothing to improve the image with a digital camera. That only worked on film. They do offer extra protection, but at the cost of possible image degradation and light flares. I prefer to use a lens hood for protection.

 

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

*ist was one of (maybe the?) last line of film SLRs and the first line of DSLRs from Pentax. For example, my first DSLR was the *ist DL, which was the entry-level model. There was also an *ist DS and a couple others, before they switched to the K100D name to capitalize on the classic K1000. (Similarly, they have a new PnS called the Auto i10 which is styled just like their old Auto 110 miniature film SLR.)

I don't remember the exact ad campaign, but basically, the * was a wildcard, like in a filename - trying to imply creativity and flexilibity. Realist, etc.

Thanks! Great explanation!

 

[Swmhc]

Just got back from my first trip with my K-x and I must say it was worth every penny ! I didn't get time to do much playing with special settings and manual mode, before our trip (long story) but even using some of the preset modes on night shots of the castle and it's reflection in the water, when I zoom in on my prints, I can clearly make out the individual "faux bricks" of the castle ! I can't wait to play more !

I also got a Lowepro sling bag and was 100% pleased with it as well!

Since I got home at 5am and had to be up for work at 7 am, nothing to show yet, but hopefully over the weekend I will put some up on here !

 

[RBennett]

Just got back from my first trip with my K-x and I must say it was worth every penny ! I didn't get time to do much playing with special settings and manual mode, before our trip (long story) but even using some of the preset modes on night shots of the castle and it's reflection in the water, when I zoom in on my prints, I can clearly make out the individual "faux bricks" of the castle ! I can't wait to play more !

I also got a Lowepro sling bag and was 100% pleased with it as well!

Since I got home at 5am and had to be up for work at 7 am, nothing to show yet, but hopefully over the weekend I will put some up on here !

Congratulations!! I have the same setup and now the only problem I have is not enough time to process all of the pictures! Can't wait to see how they came out for you.

 

[sabrinadv1]

I finally ordered mine after months of researching and drooling . Now someone explain the lens thing to me. I love to take "portraits". I will be adding more accessories in the future. For now from what I have read I need a 50mm prime lens? There are too many choices. I don't understand the difference in them. I will be taking a class but, it doesn't start until next month. Help me please! I tried the pentax forums but, I am still overwhelmed. Dumb it down for me if you will.

I am so excited. I even paid for 1-day shipping!

 

[gokenin]

You don't have to get a 50mm prime lens. I am guessing that you are getting at least the 18-55 lens with the camera I would use that for a while to find out if you like one of those focal lengths. There is no hard rule that you have to take portraits with a 50mm if that is what you are thinking. This may have been true for film cameras but with the DSLR crop factor a 35mm lens will give you the same field of view as a 50 on film.