todd_k.

<p>The USA has had laws that limit the number of vehicals auto makers are allowed to import for decades, through both Democratic and Republican leadership. So to sell more cars they have to make them here. Which is what Toyota has been doing since 1984. Toyota wanted a larger share of the US auto market. The only safe way to do that was to build plants in the USA. They could have built plants in Mexico or Canada but in the long run trade agreements like NAFTA come and go, hence for long term market share the American plants were the best bet. As far as pentax is concerned, I don't really care where Pentax is making their cameras and lenses so long the quality is good and the workers are earning a fair wage and not being exploited. </p>

<p>Toyota builds cars here to get around the US import laws.</p>

<p>There is Japanesse Strobe maker called SunStar Stobo who for a short time was selling their gear in the USA. Late 90s I think. Then they just vanished. I know they still operate and sell stuff in Japan but does anyone know what happed with thier US importer?</p>

<p>I grab a plate and then sneak off and scarf it down. I will usually follow dinner with a few cups of coffee.</p>

<p>I had one of the knockoff gips. It failed within a year. I replaced it with the 322RC2 and it has worked perfectly for the last couple of years.</p>

<p>Post a pic?</p>

<p>I ended up sending it to MAC Group for repair. They replaced the computer board and calibrated it. It now works perfectly. The repair fee was $125. I have to say that I am impressed with mac group. The turn around was very fast.</p>

<p>Strobe 99% of the time. Most of the weddings I shoot in dark protistant curches with harsh lighitng. </p>

<p>Its likely that they don't know what they are asking for. How many of us have had clients who love our candids and say thats all they want but then order a bunch of formals to go in the album?</p>

<p>I would think that a unit like this would be more of a rental special use type of thing. Of course it could also be used for quick tanning.</p>

<p>If only it were wraped in albino alligator skin.</p>

<p>So I picked up a used L-608 that looks like it is in great shape and works fine. I bought a new pocket wizard module, and installed according to instructions. Nothing. The little radio flash symbol does not appear. Unless somone here can offer some tips or tricks I will have to call Sekonic or Pocket wizard tomorrow. I hate it when stuff does not work.</p>

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<p >I have a 16-50mm that is going back to Pentax soon. Currently it takes me about a minuet to get it working where it is focusing, then it is fine until the next day when I have to go through the process again. Every month it is taking a little longer to start working. I am sure total failure is coming, so I will be sending it back to Pentax now out of warranty. When I get it back if it is working I will sell it and get a Sigma or a Tamron.</p>

 

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<p >People who criticize Pentax for not making the digital back unit removable need to remember that the whole camera w/sensor is cheaper then just the back from other manufactures. IQ wise this is going to be a real killer camera. For just 2K more then the D3x you get more MP, more Dynamic range, and greater tonality. From a user perspective none of the other MFD digital systems are as user friendly as the 35mm DSLR systems. The 645D seems to blend nicely with now standard Pentax user interface. Of course we all know the reason the 645D is better the the ZD and Fujiblad... The Green Button!</p>

 

<p>Don't worry, Pentax has a 30MP 645D coming out in 2010. It is to be priced around $10,000. It looks like 645AFDIII and the Fujiblad have some new competition.<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EaKv2MnCYK8/Sck_Y4BQOZI/AAAAAAAAA04/Sru2IF4KkDY/s1600-h/pentax_645.jpeg" alt="" /></p><div></div>

<p>Wow, now you can put $1200 worth of flashes in one sotbox. This is getting ridiculous. Just buy a monolight or a lumedyne kit. </p>

<p>They are made in Germany.</p>

<p>The Pentax K20D is the best value DSLR on the market.</p>

<p>Helix has the best speedotron prices, so if you buy new check them out.</p>

<p>Speedotron all the way.</p>

<p>Seems like a great way to put money in Sigma and Tamrons bank accounts.</p>

<p>Tomorrow, I will get some epoxy and some metal, and make the speedring, the everyone else should be making.</p>

<p>As a beginner, I think that dynalite system is going to be easier for you to learn on. The way the 2403 distributes power is a pain. If you really want speedotron (which I my self am partial to) get a 1200 watt pack. </p>

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<p > I use a 24" soft box for almost everything. When I need a larger light source, I just shoot it through a large diffusion panel.</p>

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<p >My speedotron kit has been driving me nuts lately. The reflector twist mount system is great for reflectors but I am having trouble with speedrings. See, when a soft box is mounted it just turns and turns, to remove it, I have to take the box apart and grip the inside of the ring and turn it to remove it. This is dumb. Does anyone make a speedring that only turns a 45 degrees to the left or right and then it stops? That would let me un-mount it from the head with out having to take stuff apart.</p>