All Forum Comments
Comment by bychan posted on Pistyll, Lleyn Peninsula at 26/03/2011 - 00:07
I re-visited the old Church at Pistyll last Saturday, and took the dog for a walk along the coastal path.
The Church is very old, and was popular in centuries gone by with pilgrims on their way to Bardsay Island.
It was very dark inside the Church on the day, and I only spent a few minutes in there and took a few quick images.
All shot with the Kx and Sigma 18-50, with the exception of the trees, all with the 10-20.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
I seem to be drawn towards trees, so apologies for the three tree images
Regards
Adrian
The Church is very old, and was popular in centuries gone by with pilgrims on their way to Bardsay Island.
It was very dark inside the Church on the day, and I only spent a few minutes in there and took a few quick images.
All shot with the Kx and Sigma 18-50, with the exception of the trees, all with the 10-20.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
I seem to be drawn towards trees, so apologies for the three tree images
Regards
Adrian
Comment by bychan posted on Pistyll, Lleyn Peninsula at 25/03/2011 - 00:20
philmerrin wrote:
I've had three Pentax dSLR's. The first was a k100d and was a real dust bug. This body had no shake, so you had to clean the sensor manually. After doing much reading I realised the most cost effective way to clean the sensor was to purchase a small quantity of isopropyl alcohol from a pharmacist. Which I did, make sure it's the really pure stuff. You can gently wipe the sensor with lens cleaning paper sellotaped to small flat strip of rigid plastic. make sure the cleaning edge is well and truly wrapped with multiple layers of cleaning paper and there are no exposed edges. This is basically the only method for anything smeared on the sensor.
Only dip enough alcohol onto your swab, if you dip too much then don't worry because with quality alcohol evaporates really quickly. swipe the swab from side to side in one direction only from top to bottom and if done carefully but thoroughly your screen should be clean.
A little bit after I purchased on eBay one of those Giotto rocket blowers, I got the large model for around 7 or 8 quid delivered. these are a great puffer, easy to use and the air only flows one way through a non-returnable valve in the rear of the rocket. This is very important as you won't want to return the dust you've just blown off the sensor. I always hold the camera body face down so the dust can fall out. I never point the nozzle that deeply into the camera body, as you won't want to go poking the sensor.
My second camera was a k200d with the shake feature and sealed body. I don't recall ever getting dust or smears on this cameras sensor despite using it for two years.
Recently i switched the k200d for the K-x, a superb camera imo better than the k200d for true white balance in images. sadly the dust issue was also back. The Giotto rocket has sorted out the dust spots thus far, the shake facility hasn't cut it with the K-x, mostly just redistributing it.
Sorry about the huge essay but sensor cleaning is often mis-understood, it's not a job for professionals only. the sensor itself is not the frail thing it's often depicted. Obviously don't go at it like the proverbial bull in a china shop. Good luck.
My K100D Super was a real dust magnet, and I once paid £35 to get it cleaned in a camera shop (waste of money, as it was hardly any better when I got it back).I've had three Pentax dSLR's. The first was a k100d and was a real dust bug. This body had no shake, so you had to clean the sensor manually. After doing much reading I realised the most cost effective way to clean the sensor was to purchase a small quantity of isopropyl alcohol from a pharmacist. Which I did, make sure it's the really pure stuff. You can gently wipe the sensor with lens cleaning paper sellotaped to small flat strip of rigid plastic. make sure the cleaning edge is well and truly wrapped with multiple layers of cleaning paper and there are no exposed edges. This is basically the only method for anything smeared on the sensor.
Only dip enough alcohol onto your swab, if you dip too much then don't worry because with quality alcohol evaporates really quickly. swipe the swab from side to side in one direction only from top to bottom and if done carefully but thoroughly your screen should be clean.
A little bit after I purchased on eBay one of those Giotto rocket blowers, I got the large model for around 7 or 8 quid delivered. these are a great puffer, easy to use and the air only flows one way through a non-returnable valve in the rear of the rocket. This is very important as you won't want to return the dust you've just blown off the sensor. I always hold the camera body face down so the dust can fall out. I never point the nozzle that deeply into the camera body, as you won't want to go poking the sensor.
My second camera was a k200d with the shake feature and sealed body. I don't recall ever getting dust or smears on this cameras sensor despite using it for two years.
Recently i switched the k200d for the K-x, a superb camera imo better than the k200d for true white balance in images. sadly the dust issue was also back. The Giotto rocket has sorted out the dust spots thus far, the shake facility hasn't cut it with the K-x, mostly just redistributing it.
Sorry about the huge essay but sensor cleaning is often mis-understood, it's not a job for professionals only. the sensor itself is not the frail thing it's often depicted. Obviously don't go at it like the proverbial bull in a china shop. Good luck.
I then invested in Pentax's own sensor cleaner, and have only had to use it once on the Kx since I've had it (December 2009). I don't know if it's still available, but it seems to work very well, although IMHO is vastly over priced.
Here is a demo of it in action link
Regards
Adrian
Comment by bychan posted on Sensor cleaning? at 22/03/2011 - 23:34
davem wrote:
Adrian,
sorry for not replying to your question. The side access on the Versa pack is easy to use once you have decided on your set up. It is not as spacious as the top access and may need some thought to the packing arrangement. But for quick access its good.
Dave
Thanks for the info Dave.Adrian,
sorry for not replying to your question. The side access on the Versa pack is easy to use once you have decided on your set up. It is not as spacious as the top access and may need some thought to the packing arrangement. But for quick access its good.
Dave
Regards all.
Adrian
Comment by bychan posted on Bigger Bag Advice at 20/03/2011 - 21:13
Ratcatcher wrote:
I have just got the Fastpack 200 and it has apple room for all of my stuff.
K20D, 16-45, 55-300, Tamron SP90 DI macro, & my newly acquired Sigma 10-20.
Also room for SEF-36PZF Flashgun, Cokin Filters & Holder, Battery Charger & Spare Battery, Artic Butterfly in case, Remote Control. Plus anything else that you might want to pack when on a day out. You can even fit a Monopod Or Small Tripod In the side mesh pocket with a small Elastic Bungee cable around the top hook.
Thanks Richard, this option seems big enough.I have just got the Fastpack 200 and it has apple room for all of my stuff.
K20D, 16-45, 55-300, Tamron SP90 DI macro, & my newly acquired Sigma 10-20.
Also room for SEF-36PZF Flashgun, Cokin Filters & Holder, Battery Charger & Spare Battery, Artic Butterfly in case, Remote Control. Plus anything else that you might want to pack when on a day out. You can even fit a Monopod Or Small Tripod In the side mesh pocket with a small Elastic Bungee cable around the top hook.
Pity there's no weather protection though.
Stuey wrote:
Hello Bychan
I have two bags now (I got rid of the one I made from a Karrimor back pack) - they are the Kata 465i and the Lowepro Dryzone Rover.
In the Kata I can fit the K10 with a Sigma 70-300 (just) or Pentax M200 f4 attached facing downwards in the lower compartment - if I attach my Tokina 300mm f5.5 M42 lens this needs to sit on the top compartment.
I don't know how these lense compare to the 55-300 in length.
Any one of may lenses will fit in the lowepro whilst attached to the K10d except for the 400mm
If you are going to be near by Llangollen/ Cefn Mawr on a weekend (except when the rugby is on :lolyou are welcome to try both bags out altough neither is for sale but it may help a little.
Regards
Stu
Thanks for the advice and kind offer Stu.Hello Bychan
I have two bags now (I got rid of the one I made from a Karrimor back pack) - they are the Kata 465i and the Lowepro Dryzone Rover.
In the Kata I can fit the K10 with a Sigma 70-300 (just) or Pentax M200 f4 attached facing downwards in the lower compartment - if I attach my Tokina 300mm f5.5 M42 lens this needs to sit on the top compartment.
I don't know how these lense compare to the 55-300 in length.
Any one of may lenses will fit in the lowepro whilst attached to the K10d except for the 400mm
If you are going to be near by Llangollen/ Cefn Mawr on a weekend (except when the rugby is on :lolyou are welcome to try both bags out altough neither is for sale but it may help a little.
Regards
Stu
Thanks all.
Adrian
Comment by bychan posted on Bigger Bag Advice at 16/03/2011 - 00:16
davem wrote:
Adrian
I have the versa pack. I bought it recently and have used it a few of times. Its comfortable and holds the k20 with 16 - 50 plus the 50- 135 with some space for a smaller lens.
There are pleanty of pockets for cards etc. and the top compartment is not a bad size for a light jacket/sandwich etc. You can strap on pouches for extra lenses. The lowepro waterbottle pouch actualy takes a 400ml Vango flask which I find useful. The tripod straps seem good but I have not tried them yet.
For practical videos see
link
This even shows how to adapt the insides!
At the moment I am very happy with it.SRS were the cheapest price when the forum free postage was included.
Dave
DaveAdrian
I have the versa pack. I bought it recently and have used it a few of times. Its comfortable and holds the k20 with 16 - 50 plus the 50- 135 with some space for a smaller lens.
There are pleanty of pockets for cards etc. and the top compartment is not a bad size for a light jacket/sandwich etc. You can strap on pouches for extra lenses. The lowepro waterbottle pouch actualy takes a 400ml Vango flask which I find useful. The tripod straps seem good but I have not tried them yet.
For practical videos see
link
This even shows how to adapt the insides!
At the moment I am very happy with it.SRS were the cheapest price when the forum free postage was included.
Dave
How does the side access work on this one (i.e. can you access the camera and additional lenses this way)?
Thanks
Adrian
Pwynnej wrote:
Have you been to Cambrian in Bae Colwyn,
They always have a good range of bags...
My problem is having to deal with 3 different systems and getting a bag to deal with the D3 and it's paraphenalia is a mare. Whatever I get for that isn't suitable for the Pentax gear as it will end up rattling about. My Mamiya occupies my old Jessops Centon bag I bought when I had a camera and 2 lenses - it fits in there perfectly. I now have 5 bags....
I took my then K100D to get the sensor cleaned at Cambrian a few years ago, haven't been back since. It's about a 75 mile round trip for me.Have you been to Cambrian in Bae Colwyn,
They always have a good range of bags...
My problem is having to deal with 3 different systems and getting a bag to deal with the D3 and it's paraphenalia is a mare. Whatever I get for that isn't suitable for the Pentax gear as it will end up rattling about. My Mamiya occupies my old Jessops Centon bag I bought when I had a camera and 2 lenses - it fits in there perfectly. I now have 5 bags....
Dangermouse wrote:
Does your existing bag have any of the "Sliplock" webbing loops? If so, you can hook an extra Lowepro lens case on the side to carry the 55-300mm. I do this all the time with mine to carry lenses which are too big to fit inside the bag (like the Pentax-F 100-300mm).
I think there is such a loop on the left hand side of the bag, thanks for the tip.Does your existing bag have any of the "Sliplock" webbing loops? If so, you can hook an extra Lowepro lens case on the side to carry the 55-300mm. I do this all the time with mine to carry lenses which are too big to fit inside the bag (like the Pentax-F 100-300mm).
Weather permitting I'll give the Slingshot a try at the weekend, see how comfortable (or not) it will be fully loaded.
Of the bags mentioned/viewed, there doesn't seem much between the Lowepro Fastpack 200, Versapack 200AW and Tamrac Aero 75.
Many thanks
Adrian
Comment by bychan posted on Bigger Bag Advice at 11/03/2011 - 01:08
Thanks for all the advice and suggestions.
However in my part of the world, camera shops are a rarity (nothing much in the local Currys and PC World).
Unfortunately trying out before buying isn't an option
However I've gone back to the Slingshot, and have managed to pack the 2 Sigmas and Kx mounted with the 55-300 into the main compartment.
It would also seem that the 55-300 will als0 fit when not mounted, although I've yet to try this.
It's a fairly tight fit, and the pack is a bit bulky.
I'll have to give this setup a try, see how it feels for comfort etc.
BTW has anybody any experience of the Lowepro Versapack 200 AW, as this seems very versatile.
Regards
Adrian
However in my part of the world, camera shops are a rarity (nothing much in the local Currys and PC World).
Unfortunately trying out before buying isn't an option
However I've gone back to the Slingshot, and have managed to pack the 2 Sigmas and Kx mounted with the 55-300 into the main compartment.
It would also seem that the 55-300 will als0 fit when not mounted, although I've yet to try this.
It's a fairly tight fit, and the pack is a bit bulky.
I'll have to give this setup a try, see how it feels for comfort etc.
BTW has anybody any experience of the Lowepro Versapack 200 AW, as this seems very versatile.
Regards
Adrian
Comment by bychan posted on Bigger Bag Advice at 10/03/2011 - 01:32
I currently own 3 bags, a Lowepro TZ5 holster type bag, Pentax shoulder bag (which came with the Kx), and a Slinghshot 100.
All are excellent, however problems arise when using either of the bigger bags, when the 55-300 is mounted; it simply won't fit the Pentax bag with another lens stored in the main compartment, whilst in the Slingshot its a very tight squeeze.
Its also a very tight squeeze, if at all possible, to store the 55-300 in the Slingshot whilst not in use.
Therefore I think that I need a bigger bag
The two I've been considering are the Slingshot 202AW and the Fastpack 200. Both are similarly priced, whilst I seem to think that the camera compartment of the Slingshot is a bit bigger.
I like the easy access of the Slingshot, but am unsure of how comfortable it would be for a some hours' use (I've haven't used mine extensively enough). Perhaps the Fastpack would be more comfortable, but not so convenient to gain access to the camera? Also the camera compartment might be smaller?
I hope to upgrade to a K5 in the not too distant future, so a new bag would have to be big enough to accommodate this as well.
What are your thoughts/advice on these two, or others?
Many thanks
Adrian
All are excellent, however problems arise when using either of the bigger bags, when the 55-300 is mounted; it simply won't fit the Pentax bag with another lens stored in the main compartment, whilst in the Slingshot its a very tight squeeze.
Its also a very tight squeeze, if at all possible, to store the 55-300 in the Slingshot whilst not in use.
Therefore I think that I need a bigger bag
The two I've been considering are the Slingshot 202AW and the Fastpack 200. Both are similarly priced, whilst I seem to think that the camera compartment of the Slingshot is a bit bigger.
I like the easy access of the Slingshot, but am unsure of how comfortable it would be for a some hours' use (I've haven't used mine extensively enough). Perhaps the Fastpack would be more comfortable, but not so convenient to gain access to the camera? Also the camera compartment might be smaller?
I hope to upgrade to a K5 in the not too distant future, so a new bag would have to be big enough to accommodate this as well.
What are your thoughts/advice on these two, or others?
Many thanks
Adrian
Comment by bychan posted on Bigger Bag Advice at 06/03/2011 - 19:01
Glover wrote:
Deposit paid and picking it up on tuesday......cant wait i loved the k-m, then i loved the k-x but the k-5 is going to be outstanding
I've just placed my Kx in the classifieds at work (bit of a long-shot, I know). If/when sold I hope to follow this same route.Deposit paid and picking it up on tuesday......cant wait i loved the k-m, then i loved the k-x but the k-5 is going to be outstanding
I'd be intrigued to find out how the K5 compares to the Kx with regards to size/weight, as I have very small hands.
Apologies for getting off-track, please let us know how you get on with the new baby
Regards
Adrian
Comment by bychan posted on The K-5 is ordered :) at 03/03/2011 - 00:57
PM sent.
Comment by bychan posted on WTB - Pentax DA 18-250 at 15/02/2011 - 18:43
Love the tree shot's, awesome. The first couple need rotating, and straightening though. Looks a stunning area.
BTW how could I straighten/rotate them?
A pity the Kx hasn't got the spirit level, the first one needs levelling.
The trees are nice, like the composition you have gone for but I would of liked to see all of the tree as you have cropped some branches out. They also need a little toning down as they are a little over saturated for my liking
However 5 ^ 6 have been applied with the medium contrast tone curve in Lightroom.
As a tree freak myself I really like these - particulalry #5 as the diagonals in the composition work well and it has really engaging perspective. I agree that cropping/framing the full trees in t'others might have worked even better, but nice set!
Regards all
Adrian