Blog EntryLadybug At WorkMay 7, '08 10:37 PM
for everyone
Ladybug At Work with Tamron 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro 2:1
Picture taken with Tamron 70-300mm LD Di Macro



Blog EntryGenuine Pentax M42 to K AdapterMay 7, '08 8:54 PM
for everyone
Left: 3rd party adapter
Right: Genuine Pentax M42 to K AdapterGenuine Pentax M42 Adapter
Left: 3rd party adapter
Right: Genuine Pentax M42 to K Adapter
Genuine Pentax M42 Adapter
The Genuine adapter has less wording in the engraving. It is the right one on the above two pictures with engraving for "Asahie Pentax" on top and "Japan" on bottom. The 3rd party adapters such as those from Kalt and Bower share the same mechanical build as the genuine adapters but they are bought with a tool for dismounting the adapter

Dismounting tool from 3rd party adapter
Genuine Pentax M42 Adapter


Genuine Pentax M42 AdapterBower adapter on bottom
with "Bower" engraving on top


In general, I recommend others to get the genuine adapter as the best adapter to use with M42 on Pentax latest dSLR. It is easy to use and dismounting can be done without the use of additional tool. With practice, I find myself frequently remove the adapter with thumb and index finger holding on the two holes in the K mount and dismount the clip with inward direction followed by a anti-clockwise turn of the adapter to unmount the adapter.

Genuine adapter:
  • The easiest to use, especially in dismounting
  • No need for dismount tool
  • Well built in mechanics
  • More costly like $30 to $40 dollars
  • Difficult to find
  • New one comes in a green pouch

For 3rd party adapters such as those from Kalt and Bower, I ran into spring plate getting stuck in my K100D body creating panic moments to unmount the adapter.


3rd Party adapter:
  • Cheaper in cost from $10 to $20
  • Share the same mechanics but require removal tool
  • Quite difficult to dismount with the given tool
  • Lots of panic moments in dismounting from various users
  • Spring plate easy to get worn out with the adapter stuck in K mounted body
I end up using both, but I prefer to use the Genuine adapter for ease of use. For 3rd party adapter, I remove the spring plate and mount the 3rd party adapter directly onto the lens

Adapter mounted directly onto M42 lens
(Bower adapter with spring plate removed)

Where to find Genuine Adapter:
  • Find it used and new in ebay, be warned of non-genuine copy
  • New one comes in a green packet and check wording printed on adapter as a guide. Make sure to ask question if it comes from eBay to confirm it is the genuine copy.
  • Some discussion seems to suggest that henrys.com in Canada may carry it in stock, cost of shipping may be expensive, please call to confirm.
  • KEH may have it
  • In broswing pentax website, I see wording for Mount Adapter B , please call and check for ordering. I would assume the label should be Adapter K instead. That B adapter may not be the right one, one has to call up Pentax to order it correctly.
  • Local store for special ordering from Pentax

Related & Resources:



Blog EntryPentax Auto 110 & Morning CoffeeMay 5, '08 10:29 PM
for everyone
Pentax Auto 110 with Kodak Gold Film 200

Pentax Auto 110 with Kodak Gold Film 200
I put this miniature SLR camera into my to-be-sold items and so far I am undecided whether I should part away with this cute camera. The first roll of test film was destroyed when I found that I had a dead battery and the battery was inside the film compartment and I am onto the fifth frame of test shots on the 2nd roll of Kodah 200 film. If you think that I should not sell it to my good friend for $100, please comment and show your support that I should keep it.

I know once I see some good pictures from this camera, I would have a harder time to sell it. This camera is very small and I can have it in my backpack similar to another point & shoot. And I have three lens with the camera 18mm, 24mm, and 50mm when I purchased it as a set with winder and 8 different filters for $120. So far, I am very impressed with the viewfinder and the picture taking with it is quite easy to handle. I get stuck in deciding to trim this or not, please comment and show your support.


Blog EntryBee At WorkMay 1, '08 9:52 PM
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Blog EntryPentax Auto 110Apr 30, '08 11:08 PM
for everyone
I have been busy trimming down my gear. Just want to show you the Pentax Auto 110 camera that I purchased few months ago. Here is the debut of my CBA evident, the shame, the glory, and fun with camera collection. Pictures are taken from K10D with Tokina 28-70 f/2.8-4.3 shooting wide open, I can't sell my Tokina, the product shots are as good as those from my Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 except on the colors.

Pentax Auto 110 meets my K100D
My smallest camera
Pentax Auto 110
Pentax SuperProgram and Pentax Auto 100
Pentax Auto 110

Complete set with 18mm, 24mm and 50mm, winder, filters, etc.
Pentax Auto 110Related Resources:

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Blog EntryRose Close UpApr 28, '08 1:10 AM
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Blog EntryTamron 70-300 Di LD Macro Test ShotsApr 24, '08 7:43 PM
for everyone
Flower Close up with Tamron 70-300 Di LD
Flower Close up with Tamron 70-300 Di LD
Flower Close up with Tamron 70-300 Di LD
Flower Close up with Tamron 70-300 Di LD
Flower Close up with Tamron 70-300 Di LDAll test shots are done hand-held with Pentax K10D in iso 100 with JPG setting on bright image tone with +2 on sharpness and -1 on saturation on some of them. Post processing are done in Picasa

Initial Impressions:

  • Very capable close up work with this zoom with 1:2 magnification in long end of the zoom from 180mm to 300mm
  • Amazingly sharp for its price and that it is a zoom lens, I paid only $90 for a used copy of this zoom. New one only costs $129.00 as of this writing
  • Color are rich and have good contrast and details
  • AF is effective but a bit slow in the macro zoom range.
  • AF.C is working reasonably well with little bug around flowers
  • Though manual focus ring has a large focus throw, it is difficult to use manual focus as the macro only become available in 180mm to 300mm in which the zoom extends to a greater length making it difficult and awkward to focus hand held manually.
  • I used f/8.0 throughout the test and use negative Ev compensation to reduce purple fringing in scenes with high contrast.
  • Unlike my Pentax SMC-A 50mm f/2.8 where I need to stay very close to the subject like 0.5 feet to get to 1:2 magnification, the Tamron zoom keeps a good distance from the subject like 3 feet away making it easier to setup with tripod and picturing bugs around flowers.
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Blog EntryRed RoseApr 24, '08 12:57 AM
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Blog EntryBlowing In The WindApr 23, '08 1:15 AM
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Pentax M 200mm  f/4.0 Test ShotPicture taken with Pentax M 200mm f/4.0


Blog EntryPentax SMC 100mm f/4.0 Macro 1:2Apr 22, '08 9:43 PM
for everyone
Bee At Work with Pentax SMC 100mm f/4.0 Macro 1:2

Bee At Work with Pentax SMC 100mm f/4.0 Macro 1:2

Bee At Work with Pentax SMC 100mm f/4.0 Macro 1:2
Initial Impressions:
  • Off focus rendering is excellent in this lens
  • All test shots are done in f/8.0, I have not tested wide open aperture
  • Quite sharp
  • 1:2 macro
  • Great focusing ring for precision
  • K version instead of M and I see no 'M' on the front
  • Though difficult, the lens manual focusing can catch up with bee in my 1st attempt. With practice, I think I can use this Macro on moving insects
Related:

Blog EntryPentax M 200mm f/4.0 Test ShotsApr 22, '08 2:00 AM
for everyone
Pentax M 200mm f/4.0I bought this lens a while ago and it is a shame that I have never gotten a single shot with this lens until last weekend. Few test shots were taken as JPG snapshots with my K10D in wide open aperture in f/4.0. Due to wind in a hiking trail, I used mostly ISO 400 to avoid motion blur. To my surprises, K10D is much noisier than my K100D in JPG.

Pentax M 200mm f/4.0 Test Shot

Pentax M 200mm f/4.0 Test Shot

Pentax M 200mm f/4.0 Test Shot

Pentax M 200mm f/4.0 Test ShotI love the lens so far but just I have too many overlapping lens with similar focal length that I don't get to use this prime as often. For one thing, I like the built-in lens hood and sharpness of the lens. There are various shots that I have problems with color not matching the original scenes. Orange looks more like yellow and brown looks more like grayish black. But my problems may be attributed unfamiliar JPG settings in K10D and I currently don't have a work flow and tool with Raw file in K10D.

I am somewhat disappointed with JPG on K10D. Having been a loyal fan of Pentax K100D on JPG for over a year, I am stumbled to find poor quality of JPG on K10D. I am still hopeful that I will find the right settings and proper raw file workflow to correct all of my JPG problems in K10D.

Initial Impressions:
  • Very capable and sharp wide open. Most of my test shots are done in f/4.0
  • Focusing is precise and smooth
  • A great and effective built in lens hood
  • My copy is in pristine condition, cosmetics gives it a great looking lens
  • Color is a bit off in some of my test shots, may be due to wrong settings with JPG in K10D and my post processing with Picasa
  • Lens is well built in construction, I like the built in focusing ring on this lens
  • A bit on the heavy side but still quite good for hiking with a need for longer reach

Related:

Blog EntryRose in B&WApr 20, '08 12:28 AM
for everyone
Picture was taken with Tamron 28-75 f/2.8


Blog EntryPentax PZ-1 & SMC FA 28-105 f/3.2-4.5Apr 17, '08 10:35 PM
for everyone
Pentax PZ-1 & SMC FA 28-105 f/3.2-4.5
Pentax PZ-1 & SMC FA 28-105 f/3.2-4.5Some test shots with Pentax PZ-1 and Pentax SMC FA 28-105 f/3.2-4.5. I love my PZ-1, this film body reminds me of Pentax K10D. It has two command dials very similar to the Pentax K10D and I feel no stranger in using all the hyper mode with the film camera. When I bought this used, I didn't even have the manual and I was no stranger to the camera on first shooting.

It is a sweet film camera from Pentax and its Auto Focus seems even faster than the digital brethren and its shutter noise is well controlled and the whole gadget doesn't seem dated at all. Overall, I am well pleased with this film camera and it has more than what I would expect from a serious amateur film camera.

Pentax PZ-1 & SMC FA 28-105 f/3.2-4.5 Test Shot

Pentax PZ-1 & SMC FA 28-105 f/3.2-4.5 Test Shot

Pentax PZ-1 & SMC FA 28-105 f/3.2-4.5 Test ShotI used Fujifilm 400 film and Pentax SMC FA 28-105 seems to do work well with Pentax PZ-1. I actually prefer the color form SMC than that from Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 when I tried the camera on two lens. Somehow, I find the lens with good color and contrast though the Tamron shows better sharpness in indoor shooting. I developed two rolls of film one from Pentax PZ-1 and the other with Pentax Super Program testing Spiratone 28mm f/2.8 and I find PZ-1 results more appealing in myt first attempt. Metering seems more accurate in the PZ-1 results. And I look forward to the selection of B&W film for the ultimate purpose of trying out film camera for b&w photos.

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Blog EntryOrange PoppyApr 17, '08 10:28 PM
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Blog EntryPentax SMC-M 28mm f/2.8 Test ShotsApr 16, '08 9:22 PM
for everyone
Pentax M 28mm f/2.8
Pentax M 28mm f/2.8
Fungus in rear element
Pentax M 28mm f/2.8
This is one of the lens that I got it without knowing fungus is on the rear element. I have placed the lens under sunlight and I can't be sure if expose to UV is enough to kill the fungus and I have no idea if it will spread further in the lens. It is not too severe when I examine the fungus. And my test shots seem to surprise me on the quality of the Pentax M28mm f/2.8. All test shots are attempted with Pentax K10D in Bright mode +2 on sharpness at open aperture in f/2.8 except the last two shots. Post processing are done in Picasa.

cropped like 1/4 of the original shot
@/f/2.8
Pentax M 28mm f/2.8 Test Shots on Bee
Original
Pentax M 28mm f/2.8 Test Shots on Bee

Pentax M 28mm f/2.8 Test Shots on door entrance
My Pentax K Bag
Pentax M 28mm f/2.8 Test Shots on Pentax K Bag
Pentax M 28mm f/2.8 Test Shots on Chair
Initial Impressions:
  • The lens is very compact and thin, similar to SuperTakumar 28mm and 35mm
  • Focusing is good on this lens but not outstanding. It is smooth and quite good for its size but I prefer bigger focusing ring for better precision on focus.
  • Not sure if fungus has gotten a significant effects on IQ, not seen in test shots
  • On Av mode, metering is quite accurate. Unlike M42 lens, this manual lens is spot on in metering making it easier to use
  • Quite sharp at wide open aperture
  • Closest focusing distance is less than 1 feet.
  • With inputs from others, fungus will degrade contrast in pictures, but some can be recovered in post processing.
  • Night shooting with this lens is found very capable and adequate. I tried few night time shots in ISO 400 ranging from 1/30 to 1/10 of a seconds and all shots come out nicely in f/2.8 aperture.
Related:

Blog EntryYellow Poppy EverywhereApr 16, '08 6:53 PM
for everyone
Yellow Poppy with Pentax SuperTakumar 105mm f/2.8 in M42 Highlight is clipped unfortunately.
Picture was taken with Pentax SuperTakumar 105mm f/2.8 in M42


Blog EntryTokina sz-x 287 28-70 f/2.8-4.3 Test ShotsApr 16, '08 12:06 AM
for everyone
@f/2.8 with K10D Tokina sz-x 287 28-70 f/2.8-4.3 Test Shots
@f/7.1 in 70mm
Tokina sz-x 287 28-70 f/2.8-4.3 Test Shots
@f/7.1 in 28mm
(wrong SR focal length in 70mm)
Tokina sz-x 287 28-70 f/2.8-4.3 Test ShotsTokina sz-x 287 28-70 f/2.8-4.3 Test Shots
This is an inexpensive manual focus zoom with 'A' aperture. At long end of the zoom in 70mm, it has a 1:3 macro magnification making this zoom very useful. Its wide open aperture is reasonably sharp.

Initial Impressions:
  • Very well constructed Tokina lens.
  • Not the expensive kind like the ATX and pro model, but well built
  • A bit on the heavy side but still compact for 28-70
  • Filter size is 62mm and I don't have lens hood yet.
  • Macro only applies in 70mm with 1:3 magnification, easy for casual close up photo
  • Two touch zoom rings
  • Focusing ring is loose making it ideal for quick shooting
    • I prefer loose focusing ring over stiff one as I have managed to cope with loose focusing ring much better than those stiff ones.
    • I place my thumb and middle finger right next to the focusing ring and I use my index finger to turn focus ring. My placement provides friction on the focusing ring subject to how precise and how fast I want to focus. I vary my grip pressure upon shooting subject to how how I want to engage the focus lock.
    • For faster focusing speed and ease of recomposition from center focus, I sometime switch to MF on body.
  • The 'A' aperture is super sweet on this manual zoom and it doen't need adjustment in metering to get exposure right, very convenient as compared to M42 manual lens
  • I intend to use this zoom lens to complement my Kiron 70-150mm f/3.8 with film body Pentax SuperProgram. The two lens are planned for manual focusing film body.
  • Any manual zoom will be pain for SR focal length adjustment.
    • Use Menu -> Shake Reduction change focal length
  • Recommended alternative to Kit's lens
    • Has great 1:3 macro
    • Faster speed with f/2.8 aperture and reasonably sharp
    • Fast and achievable manual focus in the dark
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Blog EntryLBA/CBA Contest -- the Seinfield StyleApr 15, '08 1:22 PM
for everyone




End of today on tax day marks the beginning of three months challenge period to see who holds the longest without new purchase of camera lens, camera body and ebay watchlist. Simple rules are here for reminder but please use your own judgment to test yourself and see how well we can do as a photographer with our own existing gear. Any lens and camera not used in our possession is an expensive gear. Simple rules for reference:
  • No new purchase of camera
  • No new purchase of lens
  • No watchlist in ebay

Blog EntryPraktica Super TL1000Apr 14, '08 8:01 PM
for everyone
Prakitca Super TL1000 & Praktica MTL5Praktica Super TL1000 is on the left and my first film camera is Praktica MTL5 on the right. I am shipping Super TL1000 to a good friend of mine who bought my Super Takumar 105mm f/2.8 in M42 mount. This camera looks similar to Praktica MTL3 which has a skin cover that looks like a lady's purse to me. A great film camera if you have many M42 lens and you are not shy from a manual camera with a metering needle in the viewfinder.

Prakitca Super TL1000 & Domiplan 50mm f/2.8Prakitca Super TL1000 & Domiplan 50mm f/2.8


Prakitca Super TL1000 & Domiplan 50mm f/2.8Prakitca Super TL1000 &
Pentax Super Takumar 105mm f/2.8 in M42 mount

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