jacques c pelletier

April 3, 2014

@ Laurentiu:

How did you succeed nailing focus at f1.4 with the 85 ZK .... I just checked your tests which you are referring to.

JP

April 3, 2014

@ Michael Elenko:

Michael, too bad you sold your K3 .... I would have borrowed it to test this lens (Zeiss 85/1.4 ZK) with focus peaking.

Cheers!

April 3, 2014

The only Zeiss lens I have is the 85/1.4 T*Planar ZK. It is obviously a well built, rock solid lens .... and as heavy as a rock. I still have lots of difficulty to nail focus at F1.4 because of the focus shift. Live View yields better results albeit not quite "there" at F1.4. From F2.8 and down, it is utterly fantastic but why would you buy an expensive F1.4 lens anyway? I have tried it on the K20D, K7 and K5 with similar results.

I will likely end up selling it but I will test it again on the Fuji XE-2/adapter and with focus peaking .... then we shall see.

JP

Edit: this lens works perfectly in Av, by the way.

March 28, 2014

<a name="00cTxJ"></a><a href="/photodb/user?user_id=3668464">Laurentiu Cristofor</a>

And my nose hitting the rear screen and smudging it at each shot ... I am left-eyed and the viewfinder is on the left.

</blockquote>

I'm surprised nobody addressed this issue so far. You could have a plugin viewfinder with ports on either side of the camera. People that are left eye dominant should petition camera companies for something like this. Congratulations on your Fuji XE-2! Fuji is doing what Pentax was always claiming to do - they are building a solid APS-C system

__________________________________________________________________________

Well, wouldn't that be great?

I must have cleaned the rear screen at least a dozen times since yesterday when I received the camera!

I have a left over package of Vikuiti 3M Screen Protector for my K7/K5, so I am going to install that on the Fuji as soon as get the chance; that should be at least with possible scratches (not with my nose though :) )

As an aside, and speaking of Pentax: I am still very much involved with using this system and the K3 sure looks like a winner for my birding! They also, as you may know, have the new HD 1.4X TC which produces some excellent IQ with the proper lenses.

So, besides being totally lost with the menu/submenus of the XE-2, along with a useless owner's manual, I have made a few test shots in "Auto" mode everything, JPEG's only for now and I am pleased with the results.

I have to figure out a lot of things yet: back to school.

Next I will just shoot Av mode which is my favorite for indoor shots, scenery ... etc. I'll still leave everything else "Auto" with no change in factory settings.

Cheers for now!

JP

March 27, 2014

On another note: had anyone here ever tried using Pentax glass on a Fuji X ?

JP

March 27, 2014

@ Andy:

"Jacques, I have an X-E2 myself and it's an excellent choice. The kit lens is top notch too. You'll love it. One but of advice: do make sure to download the newest firmware for both the body and the lens. Fuji keeps right on with the firmware development, even releasing new features for discontinued models."

Thanks for the reply Andy.

I was starting to worry about this thread of mine leading to a fully released worm army !

Anyway, here is the story so far:

I received the XE-2 today, in the morning, and I have been playing with it all day thereafter!

My impressions:

impressive quality build; surprisingly "heavy" for such a small camera (which I don't mind one bit); classy looking (looks a bit like a Leica M .... (sorry Leica folks, no pun intended); very sharp 18-55 lens which actually beats, or comes close to, my Pentax DA*16-50.

I have "tested it" with factory parameters, nothing changed, and using the green "A" mode only to get acquainted with it at first. JPEG's for now until I get used to the menu system: quite a change from the Pentax K5 ! OIS "ON" is very subtle; very quiet and accurate AF.

The images I got from that were indeed very sharp with a very nice colour rendering; I like this very much.

I will be testing the waters with the Av mode, something that I usually use with the K7 for inside photos, scenery, portraiture ... etc.

A few glitches: I find the "grip" rather disconcerting, being used with the K5 grip which really "grips". ! :)

The lens caps is horrible! :) (seriously) ... keeps falling off.

I also find my hands sweating against this camera coating ... ? Oh! And my nose hitting the rear screen and smudging it at each shot ... I am left-eyed and the viewfinder is on the left. Nothing drastic, just little annoyances which, I am sure, will soon be things of the past.

I will be doing the firmware updates tomorrow for both the camera and the lens: seems quite easy.

Again, thanks for the reply and thus saving this thread from heading into total obscurity!

JP

March 26, 2014

I had not come back here to read the new posts and, WOW! and hadn't realized that I opened a carn of worms to be honest.

I appreciate (very much so) all of the pertinent and sensible information given by a few members of this forum.

I have learned quite a bit, believe me.

I am finally back with some updated information about my "choices" and decisions regarding a mirrorless camera .... and I took the plunge !

1. I went over my budget .... wouldn't you've guessed?

2. I sold two very good zoom lenses from my Pentax gear because I did not use them much at all: sold the Sigma 150-500 OS and the Tamron 70-200/2.8. Obviously, I kept "my precious" DA*300/4 for birding.

3. After having talked to the folks and Henry's Camera, and confirming that I could return the camera within a 15-day period for a full refund if not satisfied, I placed an order for a Fuji XE-2 with the 18-55mm lens.

4. If I am not satisfied, I'd likely send it back and try the Sony NEX7 ... but I am not at all convinced that their similar lens (16-50mm) is up to par with that of the Fuji. We shall see.

I think this smaller camera/lens combo will fit my needs when I am out with the bigger gear and wanting to have something "decent" and more compact than the Pentax K7/DA*16-50 for "other-than-birding" shots.Meaning: I used to carry both the K5 + DA*300/4 AND the K7 + 16-50 .... quite a load.

Again folks ... Thanks a whole bunch for having taken the time to reply here and offer all kinds of good advice.

I will obviously return here soon to give my "personal" review of this new kit. Tracking the shipment, it says: "Expected Delivery March 27, 2014".

Cheers for now!

JP

March 20, 2014

I want to thank everyone for their input and I now have tweaked my choices down to two choices, having come to the conclusion that I am willing to up the price range a bit:

1. Sony a6000 with the SEL 18-55mm for $1149.00 at Henry's Camera (Canada) -- not available until the third week of April 2014 but I am in no rush. One thought: get the a6000 with the kit lens ($799.00) and maybe consider getting the 18-55mm later if I don't like the kit lens? I thought that, at first, the SEL 16-50 would be OK and the kit price would be lower ($799.00) but I keep reading all kinds of negative comments on how "bad" it is at the 16-18 mm end.

2. Fuji XE-1 with the 18-55 kit lens at $799.00 (same price as the Sony a6000 w/ kit lens) I am trying to convince myself that the Fuji has better "end results", i.e.: image quality?

The XE-2 (kit) is very tempting but I am pushing the budget another $150.00 over that of the a6000/SEL 18-55

So, I'm going to "sleep on it" for a few days ... Unfortunately, there are no Sony nor Fuji dealers around here and that would probably make a huge difference if I were able to hold the cameras in my hands before making a final decision. Cheers for now and, thanks to everyone again for helping me out with this.

JP

March 19, 2014

I am a DSLR user for many years now (of course there were the "old" SLR's from way back when as well) and I have been spending lots of time on different websites trying to figure out what I should buy among the several choices for a mirrorless camera. Sony (NEX and alpha series), Fuji, Panasonic, Olympus ... etc all offer great choices and that is why it is becoming a real chore to try and pick one!

My criteria are: (not necessarily in that order) 1. size and weight: I need something that is easier (than a DSLR) to carry/stuff in a coat pocket or a small case. 2. great IQ (I should have put that first) 3. comes with a built-in viewfinder 4. interchangeable lenses 5. offers a good-to-great IQ zoom lens (in the 14-16mm to 50-60mm range) 6. offers a great prime lens in the 24 to 35mm range. 7. good ergonomics *. I shoot RAW pretty much all the time with the DSLR's, if that counts. I wouldn't mind a camera which gives excellent results in JPEG as well.

*. I don't do video, no matter how good the camera is for doing so.

Recent options have been: 1. Sony a6000 (when it becomes available) 2. Sony NEX 7 3. Fuji (too many to pick from ... but they all look good to me in terms of IQ and image quality) Note: with the Sony's, I can also use my SLR glass via an adapter (yes I know, the lenses become manual "everything" but that's OK) Maximum price range (with lens): $800 - 1200, give or take a few.

Suggestions anyone?

Thanks.

JP

March 8, 2014

Yeah!

Among the new updates is the one that allows the use of the new Pentax 1.4X TC.

I have ordered this TC and will install it on my K5 + DA*300/4. There are quite a few good "test" results already available on another Pentax forum site.

It is looking good!

JP

February 26, 2014

@Gus Lazari:

I am particularly inetrested to find out more about rendering "focus shift" in a "moot" fashion, as you mentioned in an earlier post, partly quoted here:

<ul>

<li>Focus shift rendered moot.</li>

<li>Easiest legacy glass focusing.</li>

<li>Thin & light with the size of a Leica M body.</li>

<li>Lens versatility is unequaled.</li>

<li>Body doesn't add weight to LARGE lenses.</li>

<li>Top notch video & sound with articulating LCD screen.</li>

</ul>

Do you mean that using this particular camera (or any similar camera - mirrorless) would actually "eliminate" the focus shift that I usually see when using my Zeiss T*Planar 85/1.4 with my DSLR?

Maybe a dumb question, but I wanted to have some feedback on this particular point you have posted.

Thanks.

JP

November 22, 2013

I think it is almost fascinating how our standards and expectations of digital technology have risen so quickly. Complaints about noise at ISO 1600 from a 24MP cropped sensor camera would be unthinkable five years ago.

I am not complaining, just stating the fact that to me, at least that is how I see it, any PP is an "effort" ! :)

Of course, the K3 is one heck of a camera and ... I have ordered it and I am really looking forward to take it out for birding with the DA*300/4.

JP

November 21, 2013

There has been quite a bit of discussion on the "other forum" about the K3 noise above ISO 1600 and, at the same time, showing in several images how this noise has a sort of grainy nature which is rather easy to "deal with".

On the other hand, being a K5 user myself and having tried the K3, I find this a bit annoying given that it becomes a matter of having to PP more, if you want to have a "noise-free" image.

Another "plus" for the K3 is its cropping power, so to speak. Using a DA*300/4 and cropping up to 50% still gives one heck of a nice picture.

I thought I'd jump in today .... I haven't posted for quite a while and logged in to see what's up regarding Pentax on this forum.

Cheers!

JP

July 21, 2013

I forgot to ask: which is the very best adapter in your opinion?

(In my case... to mount K-mount lenses).

JP

July 21, 2013

Mel:

Thank you very much for the quick reply ... much appreciated. :)

You really summed it up nicely here, explaining why and how you use this camera.

I was thinking of getting the NEX 6 with the "kit" lens and also a K-mount to NEX adapter for some very precious lenses I own, namely (among all others) a Zeiss T*Planar 85/1.4 and a Cosina 55/1.2.

(That also means that in spite of wanting a "compact" camera I want to make sure I can also use some of my other lenses, albeit the Zeiss being quite a monster.))

These last two have not yet produced the results I have been expecting because of a couple of issues: Zeiss has the known and infamous "focus shift" which litterally disappears when I use it on my Pentax K5 in Live View ... but I don't particularly like LV.

The Cosina is a real pain to focus at F1.2, which is not a surprise, but focus peaking would be just the solution.

What happens when you mount the adapter for the non-NEX lenses? Do you end up going totally manual? Just wondering.

Again, many thanks for the reply.

JP

July 21, 2013

Hi folks.

I probably posted something to that effect a long while back but my memory being very good .... short term only.

Here is a bit of background:

I started searching for a very good quality, great IQ camera with a viewfinder a while ago and decided then to test the Pentax Q system.

I did like what this very small (interchangeable lenses too) marvel could do and that it can be adapted to just about every possible K-mount lenses ever produced.

After a few shots (I actually managed to get 87 shots total ! --- yes I know, I probably did not spend enough time with the kit), I realized that this was simply not for me.

What I am looking for is a camera that:

1. is truly compact but of very good built quality

2. has great IQ (good to great sensor)

3. has a built-in viewfinder

4. has a decent zooming capability (5-6X or so) OR that has interchangeable lenses

5. (optional) has an available adapter to mount my K-mount glass.

What I have seen thus far boils down to a Sony NEX 6 ... is(are) there any other choice(s) ?

Although certainly not as compact as the Pentax Q, it is quite close to what I am looking for. And no, I am not interested to look into the Nikon compact system.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations/suggestions from those who would have actually have tried their "recommendations". :)

JP

March 13, 2013

@Jamie:

I have read about the D7100: interesting camera; much similar to the Pentax K5IIs which is without the AA filter, giving sharper images. The famous "Moiré" is certainly not an issue from what I read from actual users.

The D7100 has more to offer in terms of MP's, granted, and of course it has a better AF suystem than that of the Pentax.

As for the effective FL ... I am not quite sure if I follow your calculations of the resulting FL: is that because of the "lesser" no. of MP's in high frame rate (15MP) that this happens plus the 1.3X crop ratio?

I thought that, like in my case for the camera/lens I use, the resulting "FL" (from the crop mode) would be 300mm +1.5X (450mm), at 16 MP's.

EDIT: just found this:

"There's also an inexplicably silly 1.3x crop mode, in which the frame rate climbs to 7 FPS. The 1.3x crop is inside the <a href="/tech/crop-factor.htm">1.5x DX crop</a> to make it a total of a 2x <a href="/tech/crop-factor.htm">crop factor</a>."

I haven't checked what a Nikon setup (camera plus 400mm lens) would cost; possibly more than the Canon one?

Further edit: just checked the prices:

D7100 ... $1,200 (CDN)

400mm 5.6 .... could not find any.

I suppose they would have one such lens and hopefully with IS BUT I am almost scared to find out about the price.

Thanks for the reply.

JP

March 13, 2013

Larry:

Thanks a bunch for the detailed reply ... much appreciated.

A couple of elements brought to my attention:

1. No IS .. that could be a bummer since I am used to shoot with the built-in SR of the Pentax bodies .... but that can be upset with proper handling and shutter speed.

2. No AF with the Canon TC ... again a bit of a let down although other brands could do, except perhaps for the resulting IQ. That could also be a "bummer".

If this lens is as good as expected, the best is to use it alone, without a TC, .... but then again I loose the extra 160mm.

Time to get closer to the birds then! :)

I never considered the 100-400 lens ... USM and IS .... very interesting. I will browse some more to see what sort of image quality one would get with this with/without a TC.

I did search in the Sigma "zooms" but the concensus is that they are "soft" at the long end; ineterestingly, some users have had great success both in reach and IQ. One wonders if that has to do with technique or the lens "batch". i.e.: some users swear by those zooms while some others are simply disappointed.

Again, thanks for the time you took to reply.

JP

March 13, 2013

I just saw this thread: <a href="/canon-eos-digital-camera-forum/00bRBG">http://www.photo.net/canon-eos-digital-camera-forum/00bRBG</a>

and that offers some insight.

I should have looked more carefully as it answers some of my questions, although my thread is a tad different in the sense that I am trying to make a decision between two entirely different systems.

March 13, 2013

Hi to everyone.

Disclosure: I am a Pentax gearghead, so bear with me here.

I am currently in serious need of a lens/camera body (maybe) upgrade for birding.

Unfortunately, pretty much everything I had considered with Pentax comes at a very high price. Of course, that is always the issue but why should I pend more than I really have to?

This is what came up in my searches so far:

Pentax: Sigma 300/2.8 plus Sigma 1.4X TC; Total cost: $3650.00 .... ouch! Mind you, I had also considered the Sigma 500/4.5 but the price is way out of my league.

Canon: EOS 7D: $1,500 (is this the ongoing price?)

Canon: 400 F5.6 L $1,300 (price?)

Total: $2,800 plus a 1.4X TC that would retain AF ... not sure which one but I put a rough estimate of $250.00 ... $3,000 grand total.

That's a $600 difference and I wonder if that set up would be "as good" as the K5 + Siggy 300/2.8 + TC.

I must also consider the "IQ" resulting from this Canon setup which seems quite good according to some reviewed photos.

My questions:

1. Is this a serious contender in my search for extra reach for birding? I sure don't mind adding a "new system" to my gear.

2. Learning curve with this setup considering that I have been using Pentax products for several decades now.

3. AF .... which actual TC with the Canon 400/5.6 lens would allow for retaining AF?

4. Does it make any sense to even consider such a kit?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks. JP

February 17, 2013

Wayne:

I haven't posted here for quite some time but I did enjoy Javier's street shots a lot.

Too bad he decided to leave P.Net.

As for being "fearless", if I recall of Javier's physical description (by himself, here a while back) I was under the impression that it would be enough to deter anyone risking to tell him off!

This is something I would never dare trying myself ... hardly 5'6" and skinny!!! They'd likely take a run at me!

Cheers.

JP

December 2, 2012

@ Michael:

Hi Michael,

I too have searched all over for a good compact camera as a "companion" for my K5/K7 and after much considerations, I have opted for the Q with the 01 and 02 lenses.

I almost pulled the trigger on an NEX6, and then a RX100, but decided to give this small camera a try, and I am glad I did.

Granted, the IQ would not be something that one would compare to the K5 but it does produce some very decent images in the right hands ... so to speak.

I see that you have browsed P.F. and you were disappointed with the images ?

For instance, I think some good work is represented here: <a href="http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-q/172196-lets-share-shots-q.html">http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-q/172196-lets-share-shots-q.html</a>

but of course, it is totally a matter of personal opinion from my part. I do, however, think that the "street shots" are good and to some extent the scene shots.

Some people got an adapter so they can use their Pentax/Takumars ...etc. lensesbut then again, that depends what you'd want this for.

The prices have been ridiculously low during the Black Friday sales and I think there are still some very good deals out there. For the price, I believe it is worth it.

I do like mine and I carry it along my K5 .... fits in my pocket and "does the job". Not a studio camera, for sure.

Anyway, best of luck finding the right "small" camera with great IQ at a decent enough price.

Cheers!

JP

August 6, 2012

As I was told long ago: "Luck happens when you are ready for it."

JP

August 6, 2012

Geeze !!!

I don't think I have posted here for the past year or more because when I look up the page for Pentax, there isn't much going on anymore.

Since I get most of the pertinent information I need on Pentax related stuff from "another" website, I sort of neglected this forum here.

Is this because Canikon have become the main subject of discussion?

I did learn a lot from Photo.net and I am hoping to get some more good advice from the "Pentax Pro's" again.

We shall see.

JP

February 9, 2012

I haven't posted here for a while but don't you think this was a good business move?

Of course, the said company should perhaps revise its acronym(s) as reported here by some members:

Digital Operations Ricoh Kameras

Cameras, Ricoh And Pentax

PRIC Set to Manage ...

Is there something I am missing here?

JP

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Posts posted by jacques c pelletier