All Forum Comments
Comment by hefty1 posted on stupid questions but... at 13/11/2008 - 21:13
Hi there Langtoun-Wullie, welcome to the forum!
Looking forward to seeing some pictures from you K200D with those lovely old Takumars attached.
Looking forward to seeing some pictures from you K200D with those lovely old Takumars attached.
Comment by hefty1 posted on A Silvery Surfer from Kirkcaldy. at 13/11/2008 - 17:06
The power of a flash is usually given in the form of a "guide number" - which, theoretically, tells you the distance in metres that a flash will illuminate at (usually) ISO100.
The built in flash on your K10D has a guide number of 11.
The AF160 has a guide number of 16.
The AF200 has a guide number of 20.
You'll notice that the Pentax naming convention usually includes the guide number (followed by a zero) in the name of the flash unit. For example, the AF360 has a guide number of 36, the AF540 has a guide number of 54, etc.
You can get details on all the Pentax flashes on Bojdar's site. Be aware that not all companies use the same naming conventions so it's worth looking up values of third-party manufacturers (Sigma, Metz, Vivitar, et al) seperately.
The built in flash on your K10D has a guide number of 11.
The AF160 has a guide number of 16.
The AF200 has a guide number of 20.
You'll notice that the Pentax naming convention usually includes the guide number (followed by a zero) in the name of the flash unit. For example, the AF360 has a guide number of 36, the AF540 has a guide number of 54, etc.
You can get details on all the Pentax flashes on Bojdar's site. Be aware that not all companies use the same naming conventions so it's worth looking up values of third-party manufacturers (Sigma, Metz, Vivitar, et al) seperately.
Comment by hefty1 posted on How do I use a flash? at 13/11/2008 - 11:28
It would only be junk mail if we all got the same message, by the looks of it it's just you! Your database has indeed become a legend...
I notice he's posted the same request in the Optios' forum - I'd love to help but I don't have a clue...
I notice he's posted the same request in the Optios' forum - I'd love to help but I don't have a clue...
Hello Kareem, welcome to the forum
Comment by hefty1 posted on Hello everybody~ at 13/11/2008 - 10:41
Hi Brian, welcome to the forum.
The sister website to this one (ephotozine.com) has some excellent photography tutorials for people at all levels - go to the tab along the top marked "techniques". If there are specifics you're unsure of you can always ask here at Pentax User
The sister website to this one (ephotozine.com) has some excellent photography tutorials for people at all levels - go to the tab along the top marked "techniques". If there are specifics you're unsure of you can always ask here at Pentax User
Comment by hefty1 posted on Hi Everybody. at 12/11/2008 - 20:30
Finally I get to read this thread! Well done to all the entrants and especially to Rob for his tap water study - up until today I was thinking nothing could touch the Choc-O-Nana but Rob's entry just appealed to me (doubly suprising as I usually don't like monotone).
Entering these things is certainly easier than having to judge them!
Entering these things is certainly easier than having to judge them!
Comment by hefty1 posted on Fortnightly competition #2 Product Shot - COMMENTS at 12/11/2008 - 20:00
The board of Hefty1 Advertising PLC has convened and after some discussion with our illustrious clients, ACME Conglomerated, in our swish Canary Wharf offices, would like to give the following feedback:
Haworth - Chikako Kaneko Pearl and Quartz Necklace
With Christmas coming the wives (and mistresses) of the board were very excited to see some of our exquisite jewellery showcased. We feel that the use of natural materials as a backdrop (wood, leather binding) is quite in keeping with the demographic to whom we wish to appeal and we applaud your accessorising ability. However, it is felt that the depth of field could have been a smidgen wider as the furthest of the beads appear a little "soft" to our eyes. We do very much like the lighting and the general ambience though.
GlynM - Pentax DA 35mm Macro Limited
Here's a toy that is very close to the hearts of our corporate clients (even if they are rumoured to be made of blackened stone) as many of them are keen photographers. At first glance this looked like a strong contender for this week's contract, with the adorable spider shot providing a perfect backdrop for the technical tour-de-force that is being shown. Unfortunately, closer examination revealed some production errors that have cost this proposal dearly - the most glaringly obvious being the inclusion of the rear cap on the lens! The halo around the camera body is also larger than we would have liked to see (a more feathered approach to cutting out is called for) and we were perplexed as to why some parts of the words "PENTAX" and "RAW" appear not to have been desaturated in line with their surroundings. Overall a valiant effort that requires some further tweaking in post production in order to really shine.
Prieni - B&O BeoCom 2
The chaps representing ACME's telecommunications department were very pleased that they weren't forgotten amongst some of the more obvious subsidiaries. The feeling was that this was a very well executed product shot, however, it was lacking in either glamour or mystique. The phone itself can be clearly seen for what it is, however, the picture is a little "sterile" and we would have liked to see some moodier lighting and some form of lifestyle association. We believe an opportunity to place a message on the blue screen may have been missed here.
Hyram - 2008 Safety Sparkler
The Pyrotechnics Department was abuzz when they saw this photo; they feel it captures the essence of their sparklers superbly and manages to convey the drama and exhilaration that comes when you ignite one of their fine products. There was a rumbling from some of them that the picture would have been improved even further had it featured a smiling toddler operating the sparkler to reinforce its safety credentials. An excellent overall effort though.
Malo1961 - Mon Veron Wine
There was no doubt among the board that the ambience in this picture was perfect for the wine division. The glowing embers of the fire reminded the board of the glowing feeling in their bellies that resulted from a few glasses of this tipple after a nice meal. They did, however, comment that the nearest glass was rather dark and so failed to show off the fruity red shades of the wine within. There was also a little concern that the perspectives didn't quite "stack up" - the bottle and the corkscrew appearing to be smaller than they perhaps should be?
Galoot - Choc-O-Nana
The boffins in the Foodstuffs Division were delighted that somebody chose to showcase their award-winning banana skin injection technology. The dream of mankind for many millennia has centred on the age-old question of how to combine a banana's fruity goodness with chocolate's well-documented health giving properties. We executives were positively drooling over this picture and, as such, it fulfils the original brief in an admirable fashion. If there were any criticisms it was that the backdrop could have been more attractive and/or colourful.
Lilly - Holiday in India
In these times of economic uncertainty the board is very keen to promote the works of our low overhead / high profit enterprises and the Travel Division is certainly one of them. We very much liked the idea of combining several elements into the photograph in order to give wandering eyes an excuse to pause, however, we feel a golden opportunity has been missed in relation to the sunglasses. The reflections in the glasses appear to be of the inside of the photographer's kitchen whereas we feel a little judicious post-processing could have shown examples of Indian life such as temples, elephants and call centres instead. The dreamy vignetting was felt to be gilding of (by) the Lilly.
Dr. Mhuni - Addis Hilton
A picture that brought happy memories to some of the board members who survived the purges of the 80's, so much so that a break was needed in order for them to splash on some Brut while smoking Rothmans cigarettes. Once they had reconvened they decided that they absolutely adored the retro feel of this picture and felt that people who looked back to happier times would be drawn by its simple appeal. Some of the younger board members though pointed out that the lack of people frolicking in the pool and the clouds on the horizon weren't really big draws for today's pills-and-dancing-in-Ibiza generation. It is the pockets of these high disposable income youth that ACME's hoteliers need to pick unfortunately. The general feeling was that the same shot taken at a different time of year could be a real winner.
mikew - Vegetable Knife
Some products never go out of fashion and a good sharp knife is certainly one of them. The board loved the lighting and the focus on this shot and could not fault it from a technical perspective, however, in the crowded kitchenware marketplace it was felt that perhaps the knife could be shown cutting something that gave more resistance than a pepper - a brick or a steel plate maybe? A little drama in advertising can go a very long way. Overall a very impressive shot though with the product rightly taking centre stage.
Mike-P - Kenko Coffee
Once again the board was pleased to see one of their finest products taking centre stage, however, they felt that there was some excitement lacking in the composition. The general feeling was that perhaps some human interaction would have filled up the spaces to either side of the beverage. Perhaps a drinker sitting with their feet up to the right while on the left the out-of-focus forms of people who didn't buy our coffee having to go about their daily toil? Remember, for people to buy our products they must be made to believe that it will make their lives better than those of their neighbours'.
terje-l - Candle Set
ACME's giftware division needs to shift several container loads of these in the run up to Christmas and was pleased that somebody took the time to take a beauty shot of them. As with previous photos, focus and exposure are spot on but the picture lacks the drama needed for people to make a buying decision. Perhaps if they had been lighting up a darkened room with children laughing in the background they would have had a more emotional appeal; as it is, these flames left the board feeling a little cold. We need our adverts to incite passion and desire (for our products obviously!).
R o b - Tap Water
Just looking at this picture made the board feel refreshed - then somebody pointed out it wasn't gin and tonic but plain old tap water. Once some had recovered from the shock they were pleased that this most profitable area of ACME's business empire was being given a fresh perspective. They loved the use of a narrow depth of field and the action conveyed by such a simple procedure as pouring a glass of H2O - the black and white treatment helped in this instance to heighten the drama. In these times of recession the board feel that tap water will be a high growth area as people abstain from the more exotic beverages such as Ribena and get back to basics. Some pointed out that the inclusion of some ice cubes could have simultaneously promoted ACME's electrical division but overall this was judged to be an excellent shot.
RESULTS
After some head scratching the board has decided to award the prestigious contract of Photographer-in-Chief to R o b for his wonderful work re-inventing the image of tap water. Keys to the company washroom and the contract of employment may be collected from Miss Moneypenny in reception.
Second place is awarded to Galoot for services to chocolate banana-dom. Keys to the company drinks cabinet and a letter of commiseration may be collected from Miss Terry in reception.
Third place is awarded to Haworth for his lovely lifestyle jewellery study. Keys to suite 501 may be collected from the Chairman's wife after the Chairman has retired to his club for the night (bring the necklace with you she says).
Honourable mentions go to all the entrants and the board thanks you for your tireless efforts, however, special mentions shall be made for Hyram and mikew who win the pleasure of buying the other contestants the first round in the Rat & Slipper later. Cigars and Cognac may be charged to the company account as usual.
Over to you for the next one R o b...
Haworth - Chikako Kaneko Pearl and Quartz Necklace
With Christmas coming the wives (and mistresses) of the board were very excited to see some of our exquisite jewellery showcased. We feel that the use of natural materials as a backdrop (wood, leather binding) is quite in keeping with the demographic to whom we wish to appeal and we applaud your accessorising ability. However, it is felt that the depth of field could have been a smidgen wider as the furthest of the beads appear a little "soft" to our eyes. We do very much like the lighting and the general ambience though.
GlynM - Pentax DA 35mm Macro Limited
Here's a toy that is very close to the hearts of our corporate clients (even if they are rumoured to be made of blackened stone) as many of them are keen photographers. At first glance this looked like a strong contender for this week's contract, with the adorable spider shot providing a perfect backdrop for the technical tour-de-force that is being shown. Unfortunately, closer examination revealed some production errors that have cost this proposal dearly - the most glaringly obvious being the inclusion of the rear cap on the lens! The halo around the camera body is also larger than we would have liked to see (a more feathered approach to cutting out is called for) and we were perplexed as to why some parts of the words "PENTAX" and "RAW" appear not to have been desaturated in line with their surroundings. Overall a valiant effort that requires some further tweaking in post production in order to really shine.
Prieni - B&O BeoCom 2
The chaps representing ACME's telecommunications department were very pleased that they weren't forgotten amongst some of the more obvious subsidiaries. The feeling was that this was a very well executed product shot, however, it was lacking in either glamour or mystique. The phone itself can be clearly seen for what it is, however, the picture is a little "sterile" and we would have liked to see some moodier lighting and some form of lifestyle association. We believe an opportunity to place a message on the blue screen may have been missed here.
Hyram - 2008 Safety Sparkler
The Pyrotechnics Department was abuzz when they saw this photo; they feel it captures the essence of their sparklers superbly and manages to convey the drama and exhilaration that comes when you ignite one of their fine products. There was a rumbling from some of them that the picture would have been improved even further had it featured a smiling toddler operating the sparkler to reinforce its safety credentials. An excellent overall effort though.
Malo1961 - Mon Veron Wine
There was no doubt among the board that the ambience in this picture was perfect for the wine division. The glowing embers of the fire reminded the board of the glowing feeling in their bellies that resulted from a few glasses of this tipple after a nice meal. They did, however, comment that the nearest glass was rather dark and so failed to show off the fruity red shades of the wine within. There was also a little concern that the perspectives didn't quite "stack up" - the bottle and the corkscrew appearing to be smaller than they perhaps should be?
Galoot - Choc-O-Nana
The boffins in the Foodstuffs Division were delighted that somebody chose to showcase their award-winning banana skin injection technology. The dream of mankind for many millennia has centred on the age-old question of how to combine a banana's fruity goodness with chocolate's well-documented health giving properties. We executives were positively drooling over this picture and, as such, it fulfils the original brief in an admirable fashion. If there were any criticisms it was that the backdrop could have been more attractive and/or colourful.
Lilly - Holiday in India
In these times of economic uncertainty the board is very keen to promote the works of our low overhead / high profit enterprises and the Travel Division is certainly one of them. We very much liked the idea of combining several elements into the photograph in order to give wandering eyes an excuse to pause, however, we feel a golden opportunity has been missed in relation to the sunglasses. The reflections in the glasses appear to be of the inside of the photographer's kitchen whereas we feel a little judicious post-processing could have shown examples of Indian life such as temples, elephants and call centres instead. The dreamy vignetting was felt to be gilding of (by) the Lilly.
Dr. Mhuni - Addis Hilton
A picture that brought happy memories to some of the board members who survived the purges of the 80's, so much so that a break was needed in order for them to splash on some Brut while smoking Rothmans cigarettes. Once they had reconvened they decided that they absolutely adored the retro feel of this picture and felt that people who looked back to happier times would be drawn by its simple appeal. Some of the younger board members though pointed out that the lack of people frolicking in the pool and the clouds on the horizon weren't really big draws for today's pills-and-dancing-in-Ibiza generation. It is the pockets of these high disposable income youth that ACME's hoteliers need to pick unfortunately. The general feeling was that the same shot taken at a different time of year could be a real winner.
mikew - Vegetable Knife
Some products never go out of fashion and a good sharp knife is certainly one of them. The board loved the lighting and the focus on this shot and could not fault it from a technical perspective, however, in the crowded kitchenware marketplace it was felt that perhaps the knife could be shown cutting something that gave more resistance than a pepper - a brick or a steel plate maybe? A little drama in advertising can go a very long way. Overall a very impressive shot though with the product rightly taking centre stage.
Mike-P - Kenko Coffee
Once again the board was pleased to see one of their finest products taking centre stage, however, they felt that there was some excitement lacking in the composition. The general feeling was that perhaps some human interaction would have filled up the spaces to either side of the beverage. Perhaps a drinker sitting with their feet up to the right while on the left the out-of-focus forms of people who didn't buy our coffee having to go about their daily toil? Remember, for people to buy our products they must be made to believe that it will make their lives better than those of their neighbours'.
terje-l - Candle Set
ACME's giftware division needs to shift several container loads of these in the run up to Christmas and was pleased that somebody took the time to take a beauty shot of them. As with previous photos, focus and exposure are spot on but the picture lacks the drama needed for people to make a buying decision. Perhaps if they had been lighting up a darkened room with children laughing in the background they would have had a more emotional appeal; as it is, these flames left the board feeling a little cold. We need our adverts to incite passion and desire (for our products obviously!).
R o b - Tap Water
Just looking at this picture made the board feel refreshed - then somebody pointed out it wasn't gin and tonic but plain old tap water. Once some had recovered from the shock they were pleased that this most profitable area of ACME's business empire was being given a fresh perspective. They loved the use of a narrow depth of field and the action conveyed by such a simple procedure as pouring a glass of H2O - the black and white treatment helped in this instance to heighten the drama. In these times of recession the board feel that tap water will be a high growth area as people abstain from the more exotic beverages such as Ribena and get back to basics. Some pointed out that the inclusion of some ice cubes could have simultaneously promoted ACME's electrical division but overall this was judged to be an excellent shot.
RESULTS
After some head scratching the board has decided to award the prestigious contract of Photographer-in-Chief to R o b for his wonderful work re-inventing the image of tap water. Keys to the company washroom and the contract of employment may be collected from Miss Moneypenny in reception.
Second place is awarded to Galoot for services to chocolate banana-dom. Keys to the company drinks cabinet and a letter of commiseration may be collected from Miss Terry in reception.
Third place is awarded to Haworth for his lovely lifestyle jewellery study. Keys to suite 501 may be collected from the Chairman's wife after the Chairman has retired to his club for the night (bring the necklace with you she says).
Honourable mentions go to all the entrants and the board thanks you for your tireless efforts, however, special mentions shall be made for Hyram and mikew who win the pleasure of buying the other contestants the first round in the Rat & Slipper later. Cigars and Cognac may be charged to the company account as usual.
Over to you for the next one R o b...
Comment by hefty1 posted on Fortnightly competition # 2 Product Shot at 12/11/2008 - 19:47
Competition now closed - results to be posted in the next hour or two.
Comment by hefty1 posted on Fortnightly competition # 2 Product Shot at 12/11/2008 - 18:02
I think selective colour works best when the colour in question is muted, so the viewer has to look twice to see that selective colouring has gone on at all. For example; flesh tones in a portrait.
Just my $0.02
Just my $0.02
Comment by hefty1 posted on first attempt at selective color at 12/11/2008 - 16:29
Of course you'll need a later film body that can control the aperture - it's stuck at f32 on the MX so not much use...