Some really excellent images there Drew, very impressive indeed. I would be interested to know what lens you used here - also why on earth have you sold your 16-45? I thought you loved that lens!

Cheers
David

I would echo what Robbiec has said above about the K55 F1.8. What a lens this is - super sharp and wonderful rendering of colour and bokeh. I would also consider something like a SMC Takumar 135mm F3.5 if you want one at the longer end. I did a shoot last year and this was the lens I used the most - it rendered the models in a very flattering way (example posted below, shot wide open at F3.5). This lens cost me £22 so it is an excellent 'starter' and one to hone your manual focussing skills on. BTW, with this lens you'll need an M42 to K mount adaptor, quite cheap on ebay.




Finally, although it's not a 'fast' lens, don't rule out the Pentax 55-300; you can buy the DA L version for about £150 brand new and it's a stonker of a lens for that money. The portraits I've shot with the 55-300 have turned out great.

Regards
David

Another great set Gary, the combination of your Mkii plus the 16-50 works a treat (with a wee bit of your skill thrown into the mix too of course)!

I particularly like your subtle use of the flash which brings these to life and makes the colours so true. Thanks for sharing and giving us the settings used; this is really informative and helpful to those of us not quite in your league.

Regards
David

Sincere congratulations Simon, richly deserved.

Regards
David

The first one is my favourite Chris, a really excellent shot.

Regards
David

All great Shaun, lovely sharpness with never a hint of camera shake.

Regards
David

Well done Alistair, I'm looking forwards to seeing some output with the K-5. I've now graduated to a IIs, but will keep the K-5 and also my K-x. The K-x still amazes me - it's not a match for the K-5, but what it does for what it cost is incredible.

Best wishes
David

I agree with Stub. The K-x is capable of taking fantastic images and with great detail and sharpness, but it's more difficult to focus than say a K-5, especially so with manual focus lenses. I notice you have a SMC K55 F1.8 - this is a gem of a lens and you should give it a try. I've just bought one and tried it on my K-5 - WOW! What a great lens that will yield some fabulous results on your K-x if you can master it.

Regards
David

Some definite promise here. As Sean says, you have given yourself some very stiff challenges with the lighting you have chosen to shoot, but you've managed it rather well. My favourite? The third one, although I would be tempted to clone out the wires.

Regards
David

Many thanks Zac, it's nice of you to say so! We often arrange days out for local Pentaxians, so keep an eye open on the Forum for any local meets.

Best wishes
David