Pentax is a Japanese camera company which produces compact digital cameras, and APS-C and medium-format digital SLRs.
2
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1answer
69 views
Signal:noise ratio not really decreasing with ISO for Pentax
In SNR graphs for Pentax K-30 and Pentax K5 there is something I do not get.
For ISO after 1600 the SNR doesn't really decrease. Moreover comparing with Nikon D3200, we can clearly see that until ISO ...
3
votes
1answer
77 views
Can Pentax K mount lenses be used on a 645 Reflex via an adapter?
Is it possible to use Pentax K mount lenses on a Pentax 645 via an adapter? If so, what is the name and type of adaptor required?
2
votes
1answer
70 views
How does the “E” version of Pentax's D-LI90 battery differ from the original?
In addition to the original D-LI90 battery for Pentax K-5 (and other recent cameras), B&H is now offering the D-LI90(E) for pre-order. The specs seem identical: 1860mAh, 7.2V. The only difference ...
-2
votes
1answer
310 views
Which DSLR is better for an entry-level photographer (2013)? [duplicate]
On my question, I would really appreciate if you can give me pieces of advise on whether which DSLR I'm going to pick. I'm really a total beginner. Please consider the following factors:
Ease of ...
1
vote
1answer
76 views
Is there a popular/canonical lens system out today?
I'm entering the world of film photography by buying a cheap Pentax K1000 and a cheap K-Mount lens. Initial research says that the K-Mounts are still in use today, but I'd like to know your opinions ...
6
votes
2answers
177 views
Is a Pentax K1000 relevant today, and how can I get the best use of it?
I wanted to know what is the relevance of a pentax K 1000, a 35mm SLR in the present date. The one I have is almost 20 years old and I want to how can I make the most of it with respect to the film ...
0
votes
0answers
43 views
I'm experimenting with film and flash [duplicate]
ok i am taking a photos with a Pentax ZX-5 camera with black and white 400 film and i just got a promaster FTD 5200 flash and i dont know when and where i should use it. and what shutter and aperture ...
13
votes
9answers
17k views
Which prime lens for Pentax?
My girlfriend is buying a Pentax K-5 (I already have a Pentax DSLR so we thought it made sense for us to be able to share lenses), and she's not sure about which lens to get with it, so I've been ...
4
votes
2answers
165 views
How can I import Pentax lens information into Lightroom?
I'm trying to get up to speed with Lightroom, and noticed that there are no Pentax lenses listed under the Lens Corrections menus.
Is it possible to import the pentax lens information, even if I'm ...
7
votes
1answer
358 views
How *Auto* Are Pentax Auto Extension Tubes?
While asking for extension tubes for a Pentax DSLR, Pentax replied:
As requested, please find the following extension tubes available.
Product 30535, auto extension tube set B Product 30551, ...
12
votes
4answers
3k views
What flash options are there for the Pentax system?
I am a relative newcomer to the photography world and am slowly building up a set of gear based around my Pentax K-x. Next on my list of priorities is a flash. As I have virtually no experience in ...
5
votes
1answer
143 views
How to avoid switching “modes” of 4-way controller on Pentax K-5?
I quite enjoy ergonomics and user interface of Pentax K-5, except this one thing that drives me nuts.
I shoot almost exclusively using a selected focus point, and the arrow buttons have two "modes" ...
2
votes
0answers
45 views
What is the small yellow/white “hemisphere” near the aperture scale on some Pentax lenses? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What’s the small white plastic dome on old Pentax lenses?
What is the purpose of the small yellow/white "hemisphere" near the aperture scale on some Pentax lenses?
See ...
4
votes
3answers
394 views
Pentax-K 50mm lens, thread of 49mm or 50mm?
I really want to do some monkey macro photography. I am a student with almost no time and money, and want to take some hobby pictures in my spare time.
I have the Canon EOS 450D (Rebel XSi/Kiss X2). ...
4
votes
2answers
666 views
Pentax P-TTL: Why and when does underexposure occur and what can I do?
Pentax's P-TTL flash metering system tends to be unreliable and may underexpose at times. When and why does the system underexpose and what can I do? I want to know the situations that cause flash ...
4
votes
1answer
206 views
How can I use Pentax lenses on a Lumix FZ18?
I have 3 very nice old Telephoto lenses for an old Pentax K1000 that doesn't work good anymore, color is shot. So my wife has a new Panasonic Lumix FZ18 camera and we thought we would try to get the ...
18
votes
4answers
2k views
What do Pentax, Sony, and Olympus DSLRs offer that differs from Canon and Nikon?
We have a question and answers outlining the significant differences between the "big two" DSLR brands. I'm interested in the other DSLR makers, and how the cameras they make compare in terms of ...
6
votes
1answer
259 views
What are the differences between Pentax weather sealings - DA★, WR, AW?
Pentax has in current product line weather-sealed lenses with three different markings -
DA★ on primes and fast zooms;
WR on consumer zooms and 100mm macro;
AW on some newer primes.
What are the ...
4
votes
3answers
244 views
Will an external flash for Pentax K-7 work for Pentax K-5?
I'm looking for a cheap flash, and found this one. It states that it works for Pentax K-7; will it work for my Pentax K-5 as well? I don't know what to look for in the specifications.
3
votes
1answer
421 views
Are there any pro wildlife photographers using the Pentax DA* 300mm?
Are there any pro wildlife photographers using the Pentax DA★ 300mm? I have spent a week searching for anyone who is using Pentax kit in wildlife photography and who is getting paid for their work.
12
votes
1answer
2k views
Why do some professional cameras have dual memory card slots?
I have noticed that some cameras such as the Nikon D300s, Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, or Pentax 645D have dual memory card slots.
What is the purpose of having multiple memory card slots and why would you ...
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vote
2answers
352 views
Pentax DA L 55-300mm lens very soft--is it broken?
There seems to be a problem with my DA L 55-300mm lens, with very soft output at or near the telephoto end:
Wide-open test shot
Pentax K-5 with Pentax DA L 55-300mm @ 300mm. Av, 1/320s f/5.8 ISO ...
1
vote
1answer
292 views
which adapter do i need to mount a vintage Marexar-CX Lens to Nikon D3100?
i have purchased a vintage MAREXAR-CX Zoom, MACRO lens, Multi-Coated 1:4.5-4.8 F=80-250mm 58 No 90686
It says is a Minolta fitting lens, made in japan, i would like to try it out with my NIkon D3100 ...
6
votes
2answers
1k views
Are there any radio flash triggers capable of P-TTL?
All the popular radio TTL flash triggers, like PocketWizard or RadioPopper, seem to be only available in Nikon and Canon flavors. Are there any models capable of transmitting Pentax P-TTL data?
1
vote
1answer
113 views
Pentax DA L lens focusing scale? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
How does one focus for landscape photos in very dark conditions?
I have a Pentax K-r with the kit DA L 18-55 and a prime DA 35. As far as I'm concerned, they are good ...
3
votes
2answers
271 views
How To Fix Badly Functioning Shutter Release-Button?
I have a compact Pentax OptionM10 which I bought in 2006 and sometimes shutter-release button works only when pressing it on edge and under specific angle, but mostly as I apply little pressure which ...
0
votes
1answer
452 views
Import PEF raw file from Pentax K-R into ps cs5 extended - not supported?
Im trying to import PEF raw files from a Pentax Kr, into photoshop cs5 extended (osx lion) but i keep getting an error message, is their a work arround or plugin i can use to over come this ?
1
vote
1answer
231 views
Do non-distorted wide angle lenses exist for the Pentax KR?
I do a lot of shots for work (interior design). We use a Pentax KR, which we like, but because of the size limitations of some rooms, it's hard to get a decent photo of them displaying how the room ...
3
votes
5answers
2k views
Nikon D7000 vs Pentax K-5 vs some other camera - which do you recommend?
I have used my first camera (Sony A-300) for 2 years already. It is okay but I want something new and better, and have a budget of between 1200 and 1300 euros. A couple months ago I talked to a local ...
30
votes
7answers
2k views
Do I really need a fast 50mm lens?
Everyone I speak to says that a 50mm lens is the best and beats them all as an all-rounder. I was wondering whether to get myself a decent, fast 50mm as well. However I'm still not 100% sure whether I ...
1
vote
1answer
363 views
What's the recommended off camera flash setup for Canon and Sunpak flash combination?
I'm new to off-camera flash photography, and this question confirmed my guess that you don't have to have off-camera flashes of the same brand; but I need a bit more info.
I've got a Canon 40D, ...
6
votes
1answer
553 views
Does the older but still more expensive Pentax K-5 offer any advantages over the new K-30?
I was looking to buy a Pentax K-5 in the next couple of months. But with the announcement of the new K-30 im now currently questioning that decision. Is there any reason to go for the more expensive ...
3
votes
2answers
231 views
How to set exact time on a Pentax K-5?
I need my photos taken with a Pentax K-5 to have an exact timestamp. When setting the time in menu, I can't see the seconds part; is there any way to reset them to zero?
4
votes
2answers
224 views
What would cause a Pentax SDM lens to stop autofocusing, and what can I do?
I've read many reports that the SDM autofocus motor in some Pentax lenses may stop working after several months or years of use. Why does this happen, and is there anything I can do to prevent ...
2
votes
1answer
193 views
Is trailing curtain sync with manual power settings possible with Metz flashes on Pentax?
I want to use manual flash power settings in combination with trailing sync with older manual non-smc (m42) lenses on a Pentax K-7.
This is for extreme macro and focus stacking. I'm using microscope ...
6
votes
2answers
2k views
Pentax K-5: Is it worth using the Premium JPEG quality setting?
Similar: How do I choose which resolution (megapixel) and compression (normal, fine, superfine) to shoot in?
The Pentax K-5 has a JPEG quality setting called "Premium", denoted by four stars, which ...
4
votes
1answer
342 views
How should I set up a flash bracket for Pentax?
I have a Pentax K-r and a Metz mecablitz 50 AF-1 digital flash unit, and I've been having problems with red-eye. As a result, I'm considering getting a flash bracket.
I am aware that I can simply ...
0
votes
1answer
431 views
Is there a firmware hack which enables AVCHD recording in video mode on Pentax K-5?
The Pentax K-5 supports only recording video in the MPEG format. Does a firmware update or hack exist that would allow recording in AVCHD?
Are there software hacks for the Pentax DSLRs at all?
...
5
votes
3answers
312 views
What's the difference between vertical and horizontal shutters?
I've always thought that shutters were composed of two vertical curtains that moved along the sensor in order to expose it (at least for most DSLRs). Recently I've bought a Pentax K1000 that ...
5
votes
2answers
215 views
What type of filters should I get for high sunny conditions?
I'm planning a trip in Sri Lanka and Maldives Islands next month. In such sunny conditions, I would like to buy filters for a Pentax K20-D, to be able to take pictures of the sea, the beach, etc. (but ...
1
vote
1answer
650 views
Can a Pentax K-5 record more than 4 GB of video with an SDXC card?
When using an SDHC card, the Pentax K-5 can only record up to 4 GB of video in a single clip. This is said to be because SDHC cards use the FAT32 file system, which has a 4 GB maximum file size. At ...
4
votes
1answer
439 views
What might cause stuck focus on a manual lens?
So, today I dropped my ME Super. When I picked it up I realized that the focus ring of the 50mm f2 lens attached didnt turn.
My question is, what could cause this? Could it be that the threads inside ...
2
votes
3answers
357 views
How can I compare the MTF results on Photozone from the Pentax SMC DA* 300mm with similar lenses from Canon and Nikon?
I have been researching the Pentax SMC DA* 300mm f/4 ED [IF] SDM as a possible wildlife lens to use with my K-5.
There are only a limited number of reviews of the lens from reputable sources and even ...
13
votes
3answers
2k views
Do you have advice for buying my first lens after kit 18-55mm (sub-$300)?
I’m looking to buy my first lens beyond the kit 18-55mm for my Pentax K-x. As a student my budget limits me to around a sub $300 offering. I am new to photography, and so I have a hard time answering ...
1
vote
3answers
857 views
Good value, fast, budget lens for a Pentax DSLR?
I'm looking to get a good, and reasonably fast lens for my K200d. I'm mostly looking at zooms because I only have the kit (which I find just too slow for most of my shooting) and a nice Sigma 70-300 ...
2
votes
1answer
370 views
How much difference is there between the Pentax DA 55-300 and FA 80-320?
I currently have a Pentax FA 80-320, and it's very nice to have a long zoom available. Lately, I've been considering "updating" to the DA 55-300.
I also have the DA 50-200, so the lower end of the ...
3
votes
2answers
392 views
Is Pentax AF360 same as Jessops 360AFD?
I've got a Jessops 360AFD flash and I'm looking for a diffuser for it (the original one is broken). I have been led to believe it is the same as a Pentax AF360.
Is this the case? Or have I had ...
2
votes
2answers
284 views
Why is AF performance different in automatic and selective mode?
How often do you use AF in selective (SEL) mode?
The reason why I'm asking is that I've noticed that on a Pentax body (K10D and K-5) the AF is a lot more accurate when in AUTO mode than in SEL mode. ...
5
votes
1answer
487 views
What's the small white plastic dome on old Pentax lenses?
My old Pentax lenses have a small white dome between the aperture ring and the focus ring. See the photo below:
The clear white dome calls to mind the larger white plastic domes used in light ...
22
votes
1answer
5k views
What are the differences between E-TTL, i-TTL, and P-TTL?
Canon, Nikon and Pentax each have their own TTL flash metering systems, respectively E-TTL, i-TTL, and P-TTL. They all use a weak preflash that is metered and used to calculate flash power level ...
