All Forum Comments
Comment by JAK posted on Lots of activity on the Sun at 24/12/2016 - 22:23
Can't see you'll have a problem with them. They've only had one negative and 8 neutral comments in a 12 month. I'd say that's well above average and if you have a problem I feel sure it would be resolved OK.
I've no direct experience of them but wouldn't have any qualms if they had something I was after.
I've no direct experience of them but wouldn't have any qualms if they had something I was after.
Comment by JAK posted on Great western cameras at 23/12/2016 - 23:26
Can't find an eBay seller with that user ID.
Comment by JAK posted on Great western cameras at 23/12/2016 - 22:02
The only problems I've had were my ESII failed electronically. but then it was already very heavily used when I purchased it from City Camera Exchange (or was it LCE still then.)
I then purchased two MEs, an MX. and a KII (either second hand or new end of line stock.) One ME was stolen, the rest I still have and they're all fine.
However I can report several equipment problems. My 28mm f2.8 M lens has suffered the common sticky aperture issue, but at least it didn't fall to pieces like two Vivitars that preceded it.
The other was the onboard flash failed on my K-5, otherwise the camera is still fine.
No SDM failures, no sensor issues, not even a fungus infected lens, and many are 40 years old or more.
If one does have a problem the Consumer Rights Act (or the Sale of Goods Act before it) gives you certain rights. You can ask for a digital product to be repaired or replaced if it develops a fault. And if this isn't possible or was unsuccessful you have the right to receive a price reduction which takes into account any use one has had of the item. The only time this might be problematic is if you've purchased privately, including a private seller on eBay. If a retailer doesn't help in genuine circumstances get in touch with Citizens Advice/Trading Standards. Don't blame the manufacturer though, your contract to buy wasn't with them (unless you purchased directly such as from Ricoh's own shop.)
If a camera or lens has been dropped causing breakage one cannot really expect to claim using consumer rights legislation though even then some retailers may help. In this case it's usually best to see if you are covered by your household insurance, if you're paying a premium for cover of photographic equipment it would seem daft not to make a claim.
So at the end of the day, there's no excuse to have to wait for months to get a broken camera back, but some retailers will happily let you do that if you don't insist on your rights but you'll only have yourself to blame.
Personally I'm of the opinion that Pentax cameras are more robust than their Canikon etc. counterparts. Yes they can go wrong, anything electronic can.
I then purchased two MEs, an MX. and a KII (either second hand or new end of line stock.) One ME was stolen, the rest I still have and they're all fine.
However I can report several equipment problems. My 28mm f2.8 M lens has suffered the common sticky aperture issue, but at least it didn't fall to pieces like two Vivitars that preceded it.
The other was the onboard flash failed on my K-5, otherwise the camera is still fine.
No SDM failures, no sensor issues, not even a fungus infected lens, and many are 40 years old or more.
If one does have a problem the Consumer Rights Act (or the Sale of Goods Act before it) gives you certain rights. You can ask for a digital product to be repaired or replaced if it develops a fault. And if this isn't possible or was unsuccessful you have the right to receive a price reduction which takes into account any use one has had of the item. The only time this might be problematic is if you've purchased privately, including a private seller on eBay. If a retailer doesn't help in genuine circumstances get in touch with Citizens Advice/Trading Standards. Don't blame the manufacturer though, your contract to buy wasn't with them (unless you purchased directly such as from Ricoh's own shop.)
If a camera or lens has been dropped causing breakage one cannot really expect to claim using consumer rights legislation though even then some retailers may help. In this case it's usually best to see if you are covered by your household insurance, if you're paying a premium for cover of photographic equipment it would seem daft not to make a claim.
So at the end of the day, there's no excuse to have to wait for months to get a broken camera back, but some retailers will happily let you do that if you don't insist on your rights but you'll only have yourself to blame.
Personally I'm of the opinion that Pentax cameras are more robust than their Canikon etc. counterparts. Yes they can go wrong, anything electronic can.
Comment by JAK posted on K-30 random exposure failure issue at 23/12/2016 - 21:02
There's always the Blue Peter approach, make your own with a bit of sticky back plastic.
ESII with home made pinhole!
ESII with home made pinhole!
Comment by JAK posted on Wide Angle - Which Lens at 23/12/2016 - 14:15
The best source to watch out for current and forthcoming solar activity is http://www.gi.alaska.edu/AuroraForecast
Comment by JAK posted on Lots of activity on the Sun at 23/12/2016 - 11:31
Snapshotjess wrote:
Sad to say I've just jumped ship and bought a Canon. I've had enough of the issues with the k-30, and not impressed with Pentax. It developed a fault still under warranty, got sent back to Pentax, they took 2 months to fix even though it was only a problem with the LCD screen. No communication other than through the shop I bought it from and all they could tell me was Pentax are moving premises, it will take another couple of weeks. A couple of weeks would go by, they're waiting for a part, another couple of weeks, another excuse, and so on. Then I started having issues with exposure. At first I thought it was me doing something wrong but I soon realised it wasn't me. Pain in the proverbial. A number of ruined holiday shots later and I've had enough, it's going. Almost made me give up photography.
Hi and welcome (and goodbye?) to the forum. You should have insisted on your consumer rights. It is the retailer who must either repair or replace faulty goods 'within a reasonable time but without causing significant inconvenience', It's not Pentax's fault you failed to insist on your consumer rights. What makes you believe getting a Canon camera would be any different should it go wrong if you do not insist on your rights?Sad to say I've just jumped ship and bought a Canon. I've had enough of the issues with the k-30, and not impressed with Pentax. It developed a fault still under warranty, got sent back to Pentax, they took 2 months to fix even though it was only a problem with the LCD screen. No communication other than through the shop I bought it from and all they could tell me was Pentax are moving premises, it will take another couple of weeks. A couple of weeks would go by, they're waiting for a part, another couple of weeks, another excuse, and so on. Then I started having issues with exposure. At first I thought it was me doing something wrong but I soon realised it wasn't me. Pain in the proverbial. A number of ruined holiday shots later and I've had enough, it's going. Almost made me give up photography.
Comment by JAK posted on K-30 random exposure failure issue at 23/12/2016 - 01:27
A useful wide to medium telephoto zoom is the Pentax 16-85 (great newish lens) to which you could use Gwyn's advice for wider vistas.
Nothing really wrong with the Sigma 10-20 and 8-16 but the Pentax 12-24 is recognised by the camera to auto correct jpegs. Mind, if you normally shoot raw that isn't an issue.
How about primes: either the DA14 or DA15 Ltd perhaps?
Guess there isn't one answer, it depends (as usual) on your needs.
If you've plans for going full frame the Samyang 14mm (prime, manual focus) is pretty useful and if you're really flush and going full frame there's the new Pentax FA 15-30.
Best to review images from each potential lens and if possible, try before you buy.
Nothing really wrong with the Sigma 10-20 and 8-16 but the Pentax 12-24 is recognised by the camera to auto correct jpegs. Mind, if you normally shoot raw that isn't an issue.
How about primes: either the DA14 or DA15 Ltd perhaps?
Guess there isn't one answer, it depends (as usual) on your needs.
If you've plans for going full frame the Samyang 14mm (prime, manual focus) is pretty useful and if you're really flush and going full frame there's the new Pentax FA 15-30.
Best to review images from each potential lens and if possible, try before you buy.
Comment by JAK posted on Wide Angle - Which Lens at 22/12/2016 - 23:14
Source?
The Geophysical Institute would suggest otherwise.
And for tomorrow (Friday)
The Geophysical Institute would suggest otherwise.
And for tomorrow (Friday)
Comment by JAK posted on Lots of activity on the Sun at 22/12/2016 - 22:44
With those pages it would be simplest just to click the download button in the top right hand corner!
I don't think they're the best gallery pages I've come across. Having all the photos jumbled up just looks.. a jumble!
I don't think they're the best gallery pages I've come across. Having all the photos jumbled up just looks.. a jumble!
Comment by JAK posted on Opinions wanted to 2 website templates please at 22/12/2016 - 20:16
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4057200/Meltdown-Power-cuts-Plane-crashe...
It would have to be pretty dramatically strong to fry a Pentax! They're weather resistant after all!