celasun

<p>Alan and Chuk,<br>

Thank you both for responding.<br>

I will be shooting a test roll soon :)</p>

<p>Frank,<br>

I have found the switch now, after reading your message.<br>

I could make it work too :)<br>

I just need a better item to insert and keep there...<br>

Thank you very much :)</p>

<p>I would like to test the shutter speed accuracy of my Pentax 67 using a simple equipment.<br>

I need to shoot while the back is open.<br>

The manual describes a procedure for this but I do not have a clue what "inserting the shutter cocking key into the slot below the wind lever" means. The picture is also of no help.<br>

What is the shutter cocking key?<br>

Where is the said slot?<br>

Thank you.</p>

<p>I have recently acquired a Pentax 67 with TTL viewfinder.<br>

The camera is in good to very good condition.<br>

I have installed a fresh 28L 6V battery.<br>

The metering needle works nicely and its measurements agree with other cameras.<br>

However, pushing the "Battery Check" button does NOT turn the related light on. The contacts seem to be clear (and the meter works).<br>

I have not yet run a film.<br>

Is it OK to run the camera in this condition?<br>

Thanks :)</p>

<p>They are made in South Korea by Samyang.<br>

The lens (variously branded) is manual with "A" setting and is optically very good; especially for its price.<br>

Its resolution, contrast and color rendition are exceptionally good at around portrait shooting apertures.<br>

Do not expect "a miracle" for the widest setting; but even there the central area is quite nice for a portrait.<br>

Pricier lenses offer better quality (other than AF) at apertures >=8.<br>

I am very happy with mine (Rokinon).</p>

<p>The surface of the viewfinder glass could be dirty or its coating was damaged (while being cleaned).<br>

If it was good before and you did not clean it; the above is unlikely, of course.</p>

<p>Thanks a lot!<br>

I have downloaded the manual even before I got my 67ii : )</p>

<p>Thank you both, my friends.<br>

You are right; I am looking for a nicely used 67ii. Not that I cannot find one; I just need some... some... "time" to justify the purchase ;)</p>

<p>I will be using a Pentax 67 135mm f/4 lens on my 645N camera.<br>

Is there anything I should be aware of like exposure compensation?</p>

<p>Sigma 70mm EX DG Macro is also available as a K-mount lens.<br>

It is, at least, a very strong contender.<br>

It provides as much resolution and contrast even at f/2.8 as most primes do at around f/5.6-f/8.</p>

<p>First Impressions:<br>

I have tested the lens for its macro range using K20D on a tripod. My overall impression is positive.<br>

Most notably, the image quality is practically the same at the center and the borders. This is nice for close range photography.<br>

The lens starts performing nicely at f/4.5. At f/3.5 and f/4 (they are almost the same) the image quality is still acceptable but not "special" in any way (on A K20D). Practically speaking; the resolution is still fine but the contrast is lower and some purple fringing (especially towards the tele end) is present.<br>

Both the contrast & the resolution increase slightly as one stops down from f/4.5 on up until about f/8. Thereafter, the image quality is very good and remains so at f/9.5 and f/11. I did not go further.<br>

My conclusion for this range (<1.50m) is to use it at f/4.5 for portraits and at f/8 for other critical works. For real macro, I have a dedicated lens.<br>

The bulging center of the front element of this lens is at almost the same level as the rim of the filter thread (recessed about 2 millimeters, I guess). So, I believe it must always be used with a hood; even a tiny one made of discarded filter rings would be fine. At open air, the lens will receive much "non image forming" light from about everything in front of the photographer. Althought this may not be a big concern for interior / controlled environment use, the presence of a hood does not harm anything ;)<br>

Compared to digital zooms, it is heavy. Compared to similar lenses from the same era, it is just fine. Overall, I would not refrain from using this lens because of its weight.<br>

I will report my experience with field use later, after my hood arrives.</p>

<p>Jeremiah,<br>

My lens also displays its maximum aperture (f/3.5) on the viewfinder.<br>

I have used it for a few test shots.<br>

The resolution and contrast seems to be fine but its color rendition is noticeably different.<br>

A "quick'n dirty" shot showing its contact(s) is attached.</p><div></div>

<p>Mr. de Bakker,<br>

Thank for your informative response.<br>

My camera is a 500CM and I am still expecting the lens.<br>

As far as I understand, I will not be loosing anything other than a greater range of operation, which I did not know until now.</p>

<p>I have got a 10mm one and my 150mm f/4 will be coming tomorrow.<br>

Seems like it is slightly better (according to above comments) than an 8mm.<br>

Any further comments?</p>

<p>Dear Andrew and Miserere,<br>

Many thanks to you both for providing a wealth of information on my questions; very much appreciated.<br>

I will share my experiences with this lens soon.</p>

<p>(I had posted the below message at another forum earlier and there was no response. I hope shared members of the other forum do not mind my re-posting it here as well).<br>

I have read quite positive remarks on this now long discontinued lens, the SMC Pentax-A 35-105mm f/3.5 Macro.<br>

Its image quality seems to be higher than expected, to say the least. Slight drop in performance reported at image corners is probably irrelevant for cameras with an APS-C sized sensor. However, some information still seems to be missing. Below are my questions to uncover them for future Internet visitors (and for myself, of course):<br>

- What was the original price like when this lens was on the market?<br>

- Does it share its optical design with other lenses of different brands? Anyone particular?<br>

- The ability to keep the focus while zooming in and out is a nice one. Do you know other Pentax zooms sharing this feature?<br>

- The ability to shoot (semi-)macro "throughout" its range is a nice feature. Do you know other lenses like this? And, is there a name for this design feature? (Most, if not all, current macro-zooms go macro-ish at the long end only).<br>

I somehow feel that this lens was quite "different" from the rest. Is it, really?<br>

And, yes; I am expecting one tomorrow :)</p>

<p>Enrico,<br>

Also bear in mind that a true rangefinder may need adjustment of its range finding mechanism (coupling of the image you see and the image on the film surface) and you may end up ruining at least a roll before you notice the mis-alignment. The uncoupled one can also misbehave but the chances are lower (since it does not have the moving parts for coupling).</p>

<p>Sorry! I've forgotten the 700 pixel limit.<br>

Resubmitting.</p><div></div>

<p>I have visited the Roman Baths in Ankara this week.<br>

The "facility" is from 3rd century. Althoug I could not take a bath there, a had a series of photos.<br>

This is one of them using the lovely little DA 40mm f/2.8 on K20D.</p><div></div>

<p>There is a Yahoo group for Zeiss Ikon camera afficionados (named ZICG).<br>

Some of the members are quite knowledgeable and I am sure they will handle your request easily.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>David,<br>

How about adding a comment or two on Voigtlander "Bessa" rangefinders to your original post?<br>

I ask because I happen to have bought a used one (R3A) myself :).</p>

<p>I agree with Jean-Yves in suggesting you an 645N.<br>

I never needed a split screen with it but I admit using an eyepiece magnifier.<br>

Mirror damping is outstanding indeed; it is probably less than those of most 35mm SLRs.</p>

<p>Judging from his attitude and comments, I always thought of him as a gentle, supportive person.<br>

My condolences...</p>

<p>I have an MZ-3 (I guess almost the same as MZ-5n).<br>

I am not sure if it has those functions.<br>

Does it?</p>