Strange

The K-5 has a 'Dust Alert' setting (in screen 4 of the Set-up menu)

Use that by pointing the camera at a blank wall and it will save a dust alert image. It's fully explained in the camera manual.

Should help prove it one way or the other.

John

The Scan Dual IV software does adjust the final scan based on its prescan so maybe it does something similar automatically. The older Dual II scanning software was much more basic but it still managed to get Kodachrome slides scanned OK. I suppose you don't miss what you haven't got!

John

I find there a certain fidelity/sharpness about Kodachrome slides. Probably due to its slow ASA rating. Later Kodachrome seemed to lose some of that. I'll certainly lament its disappearance but I may have been one of many who added to that by doing my own processing of Barfen film as I always wanted to get results ASAP. I even purchased a Polaroid 35mm slide kit to get results even quicker (still have some film left!) and then the first Canon analogue 'digital' still camera (The Ion).

I remember saying why can't I get an electronic back for my ME! Move along a few years and we're nearly there! Once Pentax release a full frame DSLR we'll have made it.

What was special about the Coolscan Kodachrome setting. Surely it isn't something that couldn't be achieved in basic PP software such as Elements?

John

I agree with you that scanners have got better but they weren't that bad 10 years ago. However the slides may not remain at the same quality. I have some 50 years old slides - some have held up well (Kodachrome) whereas others have gone strange shades of magenta/purple/blue etc. Scanning and colour correcting has worked well where that is the issue but other slides have been attacked by fungus/dust storms (it seems) and other damage but none will last forever.

So it is worth scanning them now and if something better is required in the future try again then if the need arises.

I find some of the older mid to high end scanners perform much better than the current cheaper ones and they can often be obtained quite reasonably. One just has to be careful to ensure it still has drivers available for your version of windows.

I have had a Minolta Scan Dual II for quite a while and just upgraded it with a second hand version IV. One reads that it isn't compatible with Windows 7 but don't believe all you read! It is working just fine with a modified driver found using a Google search.

John

Para 1.11 link

In the case referred to here, the ideas are similar but neither one is a copy of the other. Aren't the tourist shops full of pictures and postcards similar to these that could have inspired both creators in the first place?! Is there any proof that photographer B knew of photographer A's creation? I cannot see how the judge decided that one.

John

Some instructions here: link

If there's an old Slik 88 or similar in good order going for 99p you may not want to alert everyone. But it's worth asking if anyone knows if they're any good.

John

It seems valid asking if tripod A is better for use with a Pentax DSLR than tripod B. It alerts no one as to where you are looking, it just leaves you to make a value judgement based on the item's condition, seller's reputation and so on.

John

I'll second that. I wonder what Pentax have done differently with the K-5 to make that happen? Also wonder how the K-7 and K-r do in that respect.

John