Fixed Aperture and K10D

[monochromekx]

Hi: I was thinking about fixed-aperture lenses, such as a Tamron 350mm f/5.6 SP

and my K10D. Aside from whether the lens would fit under the brow ridge, please

tell me if I understand how to actually set up the camera (I know I am just an

equipment hound so far, but I swear I will either have film images scanned or

post my best digital images this weekend). Coming from a KX - this is probably

too much camera for me right now, but I want the images I see you all post if it

takes me 20 years (it will). I know about donut bokeh - just asking.<p>

 

1) Manual focus<br>

2) Permit manual aperture setting<br>

3) Aperture Priority mode<br>

4) Compose<br>

5) Green Button stop-down meter and let camera choose for correct EV<p>

 

or<p>

 

3) Manual mode - assume ND filter = 2 stops<br>

4) Hand meter and dial shutter speed for correct EV at f/5.6<br>

5) Compose<p>

 

I guess I should just shoot. It's not like I'm wasting film, but the brain work

is part of the experience.<p>

 

Thanks in advance.

[tommyinca]

The Tamron 350/f5.6 will mount normally and clear under the K10D's prism by about 3mm or so.

 

The easiest way to use it is.

 

a. Use "A" setting, this save the one step that meter with green button in M mode. It is always wide open anyway.

 

b. Dial in antishake at 350mm

 

c. Focus, Compose and release shutter.

 

If you want TTL flash, need to use the KA version of the adapter.

[monochromekx]

<i>a. Use "A" setting, this save the one step that meter with green button in M mode. It is always wide open anyway.</i><p>Doh!

[miserere_mei]

Yes, definitely use aperture priority mode :-) You just won't be able to use the thumb e-dial for anything!

 

Why do you have an ND filter? The lens is already f/5.6, unless you're shooting the gates of Heaven, I think your K10D will provide a fast enough shutter speed to get the correct exposure. Unless you're trying to get silky water on a waterfall, but why you would use 350mm for that is beyond me :-)

 

Oh, my #1 tip (after using my mirror lens for all of 2 days) is this: bracket your exposures by focus. The difference between a crap photo and a sharp one is just a minuscule turn of the focus ring.

[garry_young1]

Yup. That is a key with manual focus on a mirror lens Miserere, bracketing your focus. I do it all the time with my 500mm, and that gives me one out of 20 in focus when I get back to the computer. My K100D really doesn't have the best manual focus screen. (And my eyes are not what they used to be either.)

[miserere_mei]

Garry, I have a split-prism focus screen, and it's still tough to focus manually.

[tommyinca]

The key with manual focus on a mirror lens (for me) is keep saying to yourself "trust the force" (don't bracket) and "you are holding a big *ss life saver" :-) I still got a lot of Jedi training infront of me as there is still more blur then non-blur.

[miserere_mei]

Interesting method that is, Tommy Lee.