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maxpometun

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Posts posted by maxpometun

    Manual focus problem with *istD

    in Pentax

    Posted

    I would check the diopter adjustment on your viewfinder, it sounds like it could be off. When I first got the camera, I had troubles with manual focus as well, so I put the camera on tripod, used 50/1.4 lens to AF on a subject and then adjusted the diopter until the image was in focus.

    Hope this helps!

    Cheers,

    Max.

    Better lens??

    in Pentax

    Posted

    The best you can get in terms of optical quality and cost is a 50mm F2/F1.7/F1.4 lens. Brand new Pentax A 50mm f2 is $60 at B&H and in terms of optical quality you just can't beat it. You can probably find used F1.7 or even F1.4 lens at reasonable prices. If you still want a zoom, I suggest you look for Pentax 24-90mm/3.5-4.5 or 28-105mm/3.2-4.5 or old powerzoom 28-105/4-5.6 (avoid new silver FA 28-105/4-5.6).

    Cheers,

    Max.

    Sharpest Pentax normal lens

    in Pentax

    Posted

    They are all very sharp. The sharpest one is probably FA 50mm f2.8 macro. The problem is: F2.8 is pretty slow for a 50mm lens. You can search the net for reviews and tests on other lenses, but in real life I doubt you will notice a difference. I have FA 50/1.4 and used to own M 50/1.7. On color slides with 8x loupe I can't tell them apart. If you have a camera that supports program modes I suggest you look for an A, F, or FA lens. If you have K-1000 or other mechanical cameras M, or K lens should be OK.

    K-mount is better, or should I say more convenient. Screw mount lenses and bodies are not made anymore (at least by Pentax), so they are only available second-hand. All new Pentax cameras, however, still support screw-mount lenses used with an adapter, of course.

    SMC 28f3.5, is it sharper than the f2.8?

    in Pentax

    Posted

    Jim,

    You should take a look at Yoshihiko Takinami's tests of 28mm lenses. I think this is the source most people referring to when they say f3.5 lens is better.

     

    http://www.takinami.com/yoshihiko/photo/lens_test/pentax_28-30.html

     

    I do own K28/3.5 lens and it is very good (and was cheap). I used to have A28/2.8 (dropped into a stream) and it was a good lens too. Unless you plan to use these lenses wide open you will, probably, not see the difference.

    Cheers, Max.

    Wide/Normal/Portrait lens for *isd DS

    in Pentax

    Posted

    Michael,

    You won't be disappointed with either of the primes you have listed. For the telephoto you may want to consider a 100/2.8 macro. It will allow you to take macro shots (all the way down to 1:1) and also be a good portrait lens, albeit not as fast as 77mm limited. If you are looking for a zoom, Pentax has two very good ones: DA 16-45/4 and FA 20-35/4 (the latter will work on any Pentax film camera, whereas the former only on istD/DS). Personally, I would get the 16-45/4. For a short portrait lens you also can use 50mm f1.4.

    Hope this helps,

    Cheers, Max.

    Pentax SMC FA* 85mm f/1.4

    in Pentax

    Posted

    Both A* and FA* lenses share the same optical formula. The only difference is that FA* has autofocus. It is true that the A* version is more rare. But unless you are a lens collector, I don't see the point of paying $300 more for a manual focus lens, which is opticaly identical.

    discontinued lenses?

    in Pentax

    Posted

    I have just realized that the 300/4.5 is missing indeed. But the 200/4 macro is still there. My only hope is that Pentax will make a new (DA or D-FA series?) 300/4ish lens WITH a tripod collar.

    Teleconverter Question

    in Pentax

    Posted

    Andrew, sorry for such a late reply.

    Yes, you will get a real autofocus on any Pentax AF camera body. Pentax 1.7x converter is actually called "SMC Pentax-F 1.7x AF adapter". It not only multiplies the length of the lens (and the aperture) by a factor of 1.7, but also converts any manual focus lens into autofocus one. AF is achieved, I believe, by moving the whole optical system inside the barrel of the converter. Effectively, you are attaching a moving rear element to your lens.

    So, if you have MF 50mm F1.4, with SMC Pentax-F 1.7X AF Adapter attached you will get an 85mm F2.4 autofocus lens (assuming you have an autofocus camera body).

    ZX-L body won't meter throuhg 50mm 1.2 lens

    in Pentax

    Posted

    Shaun,

    I used to own pZ1p and with manual aperture lenses (which do not have an "A" setting on the diaphragm ring) the camera would meter but will not display the aperture value in the viewfinder, or LCD display. I wonder if you have the same problem. Do this: mount the lens, press the shutter half-way and record your shutter speed, then change the aperture and see if your shutter speed changes. If it does, then the metering works.

    Cheers.

    AF lenses

    in Pentax

    Posted

    Hi, Tamron 90/2.5 is a great macro lens, although it is manual focus and goes only to 1/2 life size (you will need an adapter to go to 1:1). If you are looking for a macro lens and want autofocus then a newer Tamron SP 90mm F2.8 (58mm filter thread) might be a good choice. It is a true 1:1 macro and is a highly regarded lens. I personally have a Pentax-FA 100mm f2.8 macro and it is a great macro lens as well. If you want to replace the zoom though, a normal 50mm prime would be a logical step. Both Pentax SMCP-FA lenses: 50mm F1.4 and F1.7 are of highest quality, so you really can't go wrong with either of them. You may also look for older autofocus Pentax-F lenses. If you want a wideangle lens then get a 28mm or 24mm prime. Autofocus at this focal lengths is not so critical, so you may want to look for a manual focus lens. Older Pentax-A 24mm F2.8 is a great manual focus lens. In the autofocus line Pentax makes a trully excellent SMCP-FA 24mm F2. It is pricy (~$300), but worth every penny IMO. If you don't have too much money to spare, then Pentax-FA 28mm F2.8 is a good choice. If you want a great 28mm lens cheap, then look for Pentax 28mm F3.5 lens (both -K and -M versions). The drawback here is that these lenses will work in aperture priority and manual modes only. It was never a problem for me, but you would have to decide if you are willing to live with such limitations. In case you want to go even wider, you may look for Pentax 20mm lens. New 20mm FA F2.8 is a good lens, but expensive. Older manual focus Pentax 20mm F4 lenses are also really good and relatively cheap. In the short telephoto range Pentax makes an outstanding FA 85mm F1.4. This lens is REALLY expensive though. Pentax 77mm F1.8 Limited lens is also highly regarded, but also expensive. Pentax-FA 135mm F2.8 lens is probably your best bet, assuming you want autofocus. In case you don't, an older Pentax SMC-M 135mm F3.5 is a good (and cheap!) portrait lens. Hope this helps.

    Cheers.

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