compact with a decent viewfinder
Posted 14/03/2012 - 15:41
Link
But isn't that precisely the point and doesn't the discussion itself reveal a shortage in the Pentax range.
I for one would like a camera I can shove into a jacket pocket, just like my wife's "handbag" camera, but being short sighted/wearing varifocals makes using hers quite frankly a "pig".
Even the "box brownie viewfinder" of 100 years ago would be a step in the right direction.
regards
Bernard
I for one would like a camera I can shove into a jacket pocket, just like my wife's "handbag" camera, but being short sighted/wearing varifocals makes using hers quite frankly a "pig".
Even the "box brownie viewfinder" of 100 years ago would be a step in the right direction.
regards
Bernard
Posted 14/03/2012 - 16:06
Link
I'm not so sure that the Box Brownie is a good example of a useful viewfinder, the frame finders are probably easier to use.
I'm short sighted and it makes using the back screen incredibly easy, without need for any glasses at all.
Viewfinders on compact cameras are not usually much good, with some classic examples such as the Voigtlanders of the 1950s and 1960s, which were superb.
The forum rules are something else though, and this keeps us Pentax and Pentax-related. When we don't we stray very quickly and it usually comes to grief, so we keep that reasonably tight.
I'm short sighted and it makes using the back screen incredibly easy, without need for any glasses at all.
Viewfinders on compact cameras are not usually much good, with some classic examples such as the Voigtlanders of the 1950s and 1960s, which were superb.
The forum rules are something else though, and this keeps us Pentax and Pentax-related. When we don't we stray very quickly and it usually comes to grief, so we keep that reasonably tight.
Best regards, John
Posted 14/03/2012 - 16:36
Link
Bracken. How right you were!!!
Posted 14/03/2012 - 16:38
Link
thoramay wrote:
Thanks for that info, John.
How effective is that viewfinder. Some are minute and give a small view area. Herself is very fussy.
It does look as if we shall have to bite the bullet and go Canon, as much as this hurts me, being a true blue Pentax man.
regards Thoramay.
Thanks for that info, John.
How effective is that viewfinder. Some are minute and give a small view area. Herself is very fussy.
It does look as if we shall have to bite the bullet and go Canon, as much as this hurts me, being a true blue Pentax man.
regards Thoramay.
I've sent you a PM thoramay.
On a dark desert highway, cool Pentax K5 in my hand.
My Kit
K5 & 18-55 Kit lens, K7, Pentax 18-250mm lens, Sigma 10-20mm lens, Sigma 105mm Macro lens, Pentax 50mm 1.7 lens, Cokin P Series Filters
My Kit
K5 & 18-55 Kit lens, K7, Pentax 18-250mm lens, Sigma 10-20mm lens, Sigma 105mm Macro lens, Pentax 50mm 1.7 lens, Cokin P Series Filters
Posted 14/03/2012 - 16:44
Link
John, I have to say I agree with you on many aspects but being short sighted means - yes I can take my specs off and use the "handbag" camera in close mode, but then I can't see the scene until I replace my specs.
It one of those cases where standard varifocals are no good for that kind of camera and those made for the Irish snooker player of 10 years ago (sorry can't remember name) would be ideal
regards
Bernard
It one of those cases where standard varifocals are no good for that kind of camera and those made for the Irish snooker player of 10 years ago (sorry can't remember name) would be ideal
regards
Bernard
Posted 14/03/2012 - 16:52
Link
Interesting Bernard, I avoided varifocals as I thought they might be a problem with the SLR viewfinders as well.
When doing table-top stuff I actually wear the glasses I use for the PC and that works well. The K20D has the dioptre setting adjusted to suit that.
When doing table-top stuff I actually wear the glasses I use for the PC and that works well. The K20D has the dioptre setting adjusted to suit that.
Best regards, John
Posted 14/03/2012 - 17:46
Link
Hi all,
we do quite well on here considering our eye sight it seems.
I've for some years worn varifocals. I tend to go for the Essilor (Varilux) brand as they have three zones distant mid and close vision. Cheaper ones don't have this mid vision facility it seems.
I've had no problems with any camera using them including my wife's Pentax compact or my current KR. (A brighter viewfinder would be nice though for slower lenses)
I'm told Zeiss are the other good make (no surprise there eh?) for varifocal specs. Like our camera and lens gear none of this comes cheap though!
we do quite well on here considering our eye sight it seems.
I've for some years worn varifocals. I tend to go for the Essilor (Varilux) brand as they have three zones distant mid and close vision. Cheaper ones don't have this mid vision facility it seems.
I've had no problems with any camera using them including my wife's Pentax compact or my current KR. (A brighter viewfinder would be nice though for slower lenses)
I'm told Zeiss are the other good make (no surprise there eh?) for varifocal specs. Like our camera and lens gear none of this comes cheap though!
Posted 14/03/2012 - 17:59
Link
The point of issue here, for me, is that unsteady hands make a rear screen useless, and no changing of spectacles can overcome this problem, hence my need for a viewfinder.
John. If the discussion had in any way been detrimental to Pentax, I could understand your interest. There are rules and there are interpretations. We are all Pentax nut cases on here but we also are here to help fellow users.
Thanks for the PP. Kenty.
John. If the discussion had in any way been detrimental to Pentax, I could understand your interest. There are rules and there are interpretations. We are all Pentax nut cases on here but we also are here to help fellow users.
Thanks for the PP. Kenty.
Posted 14/03/2012 - 21:42
Link
thoramay wrote:
Bracken. How right you were!!!
Bracken. How right you were!!!
Quite! You should trust your old mate a bit more.
Posted 14/03/2012 - 22:07
Link
I do!! I Do!! But I am only human, Well!! Most of the time.
Posted 15/03/2012 - 08:03
Link
I'm suprised that nobody has suggested the Fuji X10.
Not very compact but meant to be the best viewfinder on any 'non'Dslr camera.
Not cheap either but getting rave reviews
Or there's the new Canon G1X as well- extremelly large sensor for a non Dslr.
Not very compact but meant to be the best viewfinder on any 'non'Dslr camera.
Not cheap either but getting rave reviews
Or there's the new Canon G1X as well- extremelly large sensor for a non Dslr.
Posted 15/03/2012 - 09:49
Link
Pa - I'm seeing more and more reports on the X10's problem with 'white orbs'. And it seems Fuji is unable to fix this.
Google it.
Quote:
Colloquially known as 'white orbs' or 'white discs' the problem describes the peculiar circular, hard-edged appearance of clipped specular highlights in images taken on the X10. The effect is unpredictable, but virtually unavoidable in some situations (low light cityscapes for example) and impossible to ignore once you notice it.
Colloquially known as 'white orbs' or 'white discs' the problem describes the peculiar circular, hard-edged appearance of clipped specular highlights in images taken on the X10. The effect is unpredictable, but virtually unavoidable in some situations (low light cityscapes for example) and impossible to ignore once you notice it.
Google it.
http://frogfish.smugmug.com/ Pentax. Pentax DA*300/4, Cosina 55/1.2, Lens Baby Composer Pro & Edge 80, AFA x1.7, Metz 50 af1.
Nikon. D800. D600. Sigma 500/4.5, Nikon 300/2.8 VRII, Sigma 120-300/2.8, Zeiss Distagon ZF2 21/2.8, Zeiss Distagon ZF2 35/2.0, Sigma 50/1.4, Nikkor 85/1.8, Nikon TC20EIII, Nikon TC14EII, Kenko x1.4, Sigma 2.0
Nikon. D800. D600. Sigma 500/4.5, Nikon 300/2.8 VRII, Sigma 120-300/2.8, Zeiss Distagon ZF2 21/2.8, Zeiss Distagon ZF2 35/2.0, Sigma 50/1.4, Nikkor 85/1.8, Nikon TC20EIII, Nikon TC14EII, Kenko x1.4, Sigma 2.0
Posted 15/03/2012 - 09:53
Link
And that is a Pentax-relevant point - if we look around other forums dedicated to other marques they are full of even more problems than we see here. Poor image quality, image defects such as the white orbs, shutters releasing oil onto the sensors, wild colour errors in dark areas, you name it it's been there and is there.
The grass is not greener, it's just a different shade of green.
The grass is not greener, it's just a different shade of green.
Best regards, John
Posted 15/03/2012 - 09:55
Link
Actually, it's also worth noting from my own testing for EPZ that the modest Pentax RS1000 performed better than another very compact jewel that cost over £300.
The Pentax was inexpensive, fun, fashionable and performed well. The other was, IMHO, intended to lie seductively in an executive briefcase and look good when that was opened up. Taking images was relatively low on the agenda...
The Pentax was inexpensive, fun, fashionable and performed well. The other was, IMHO, intended to lie seductively in an executive briefcase and look good when that was opened up. Taking images was relatively low on the agenda...
Best regards, John
Add Comment
To leave a comment - Log in to Pentax User or create a new account.
24339 posts
22 years
Tyldesley,
Manchester