I'll have more info in a bit, but here's what GC's import/export list says about RAW>RAW:

"RAW [is both importable and exportable]. You can use the raw filter to import raw data. You have to specify the width, height and color depth during opening or saving such a file."

Nowhere does GC's literature say one can only save an imported RAW file as a jpeg; once the file is in GC, it can be exported as several of the over 80 export file types.

Bart

You may possibly be correct; I'm simply reporting on the capabilities of Graphic Converter as delineated by its coder, Thorsten Lemke. The program is at v6.4.2, has been around since the mid-'90s, has over 1.5 million users, and is constantly -- almost maddeningly! -- updated with new capabilities and new formats. I was suggesting that people who don't necessarily want to pay the initial $300 bump for Lightroom might want to take a look at Graphic Converter.

I've been using it since it first came out, and though I haven't had to deal with RAW files, so far the program has done everything it says it does. If Lemke says it supports import and conversion of Pentax's RAW PEF files*, I have no reason to doubt it's true. What has been *your* experience with Graphic Converter?

Sorry to have ruffled your feathers!

Peace

Bart

PS: I am not a paid (or unpaid) shill for LemkeSoft. However, I've been working with computer graphics for over 25 years, and the only program I'd rate higher in the "Can't-Work-Without-It" category is Photoshop.

*GC imports more than 200 graphic file types and exports more than 80. Details at
link

You might want to look at Lemkesoft's "Graphic Converter" shareware (http://www.lemkesoft.com). It imports and exports over 200 different graphic file formats, and I know for sure that it imports Pentax PEFs. This is from Lemkesoft's website blurb for Graphic Converter:

Many digital cameras can create raw files.
The following formats are supported:
• CRW - Canon
• CR2 - Canon
• NEF - Nikon
• DCR - Kodak
• ORF - Olympus
• X3F - Sigma
• RDC - Rollei
• RAF - Fuji
• SRF - Sony
• PEF - Pentax
• MRW - Konica/Minolta

Great photos!

Good luck!

Bart

Just for comparative purposes, 1,099 British Pound = 1,786.51 US Dollar (as of yesterday). Amazon, B&H, and Adorama are offering the K7 body only at $US1299. Doesn't sound fair to me, unless VAT is included in the British prices.

Be that as may, here is a short list of links to YouTube videos dealing with the K7:

link
link
link
link

Peace

Bart

So, I forgot to ask -- what are you doing about the missing AS button? I talked to someone on another forum who just taped the thing over -- keeps the crud and water out, but not a very elegant solution!

Bart

Thanks to everyone for the welcome and info. I've decided to sell a Heuer Autavia chronograph I've had for 40 years (and haven't worn in 30), and use the proceeds to get a K10D (I think). While I'd be delighted with a K7, I just can't justify (yet!) the $1300 or so a body alone would cost. Anyone know when the K7s are going to arrive in the US? I imagine there will be a number of K10s and 20s on the market when the K7s show up. Which brings me to my next question: What are the differences, and pros and cons, of the K10 vs K20?

My main interest in photography has for many years been vintage racing cars. I live about 2 hours from Lime Rock, and grew up 40 miles from Watkins Glen, which I started visiting in 1964, at the age of 16. No spring chicken! I'm going to keep the PZ-1 for B&W and re-build my darkroom. I love digital for color (many years of Photoshop work), but I also love sniffin' those chemicals, and greatly enjoy the multitudinous frustrations and rare joys of printmaking. I'm delighted I found this forum.

Thanks again!

Bart Brown

Yeah, I've looked at B&H (and Abe's, Adorama, etc.), and I'm going to have to sell some stuff on eBay to make the nut. I'm REALLY broke! That's why I was looking for the "pre-owned" option.

I'm in Clinton, which is on the shoreline, about halfway between New Haven and New London -- quite East of Norwalk, New Canaan, and Darien (known here as "the Gold Coast"). Our part of the state is known as the Dirt Coast!

Thanks!

Bart

It's odd -- looking around several web forums, I've found at least 4 other instances of people with the same switch falling off the same lens. QC problem?

Thanks!

Bart

While I ponder my budget and what I can sell off (is my PZ-1p body worth anything? It's in pristine condition), I have another problem I hope someone can give me some advice about: my SMC FA 28-80 Power Zoom lens is missing the P>A>AS Power Zoom (I assume) button and cover, lost long ago in the mists of time. I emailed Pentax tech support, but haven't heard anything yet. Any ideas?

Thanks again!

Bart

I live in Connecticut, USA

Thanks!

Bart