Hi,

Just received this lens after buying off eBay - seller seems reputable with lots of good feedback.

Item here:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110512911919

Two issues:

1. It is an ex display model, not brand new (but it is in perfect condition)
2. The auto focus mechanism sounds like a plane taking off!

It is the first macro lens I have ever used, and so the focusing mechanism is completely different to what I am used to on my DA* 16-50 (and limited use of other fixed focus lenses). So, is it normal for the macro focussing to be really noisy? It als seems to clunk quite hard when it gets to either extremity (fully in, or fully out).

Some help on this would be great!!

Early shots indicate the lens is optically spot on.

Thanks, James

Hi,

Had a K20 and then a K7 for nearly a year now, and am starting to think that images straight out of the K7 (as high quiality jpegs) are a little on the soft side.

I think I will try going RAW for a bit and see how I get on, would you go with PEF or DNG files?

I also want to get a decent RAW converter, and Silkypix is the obvious choice. There are 2 versions though, the Version 4 and the Pro version. I assume that for a hobby, Version 4 will be fine? I already have Photoshop Elements if I want to do any more serious editing.

The main reason is to try to take more control over the photos I am taking and take the processing away from the camera.

I also guess that I would need to seriously look at calibrating my monitor (laptop) and maybe getting a phot printer as well if I am serious about faithful re-production of the final printed image. Any recommendations on an A4 printer??

Thanks, James

I am selling mine as I am getting my K7 delivered tomorrow.

It was bought from SRS last November so has 13 months warranty on it. It has had around 2500 photos taken on it, and never been abused! I would say it is in mint condition and comes with the original box and all accessories. The shoulder strap has never even been used.

It also comes with 2 extra batteries. Although these are not Pentax branded, I have never seen any difference in battery life between the the non-branded and branded batteries.

I would be looking for £425 inc delivery to UK address.

Thanks, James

Hi,

I am sick of carrying both my K20 and video camera around with me on family trips out. Do you reckon the video capabilities of the K7 would be good enough for short 2 or 3 minute bursts of video of my daughter? So no tricky action shots!! My only concern is no autofocus, but setting on a high f number should sort that, right?

I reckon if I sold both the K20 and video camera, I would be looking at around £300 to pay on the K7.

I use my K20 with a DA* 16-50 at the moment as this fits the type of photos I shoot at the moment.

Thanks, James

Hi Malcolm,

Thanks for that info, I didn't realise DOF was linked to how close you are to the subject! How do you calculate the DOF?

James

PS. Just seeing if I have copied the image code correctly.

Thanks, just ha a quick look at some of my old photos taken a few years back with a Nikon D70, and to be honest, the Pentax wipes the floor with them!

Perhaps I am just being paranoid!!

James

Hi,

Just wondering if someone could cast their eye over a couple of photos and tell me if I should be expecting sharper results. These are hand held shots.

36mm, f5.6, 1/45, ISO 400
link

50mm, f4.0, 1/250, ISO 400
link

They just look a little "muddy" to me. Sort of as if they are not in focus, but I am really not too sure??

Thanks, James

ps. How do I drop photos in to the post?? I have a flickr account if that helps?

Hi Peter,

No, I don't (think!) I have any issues. It is very heavy and as it is so long can leave a shadow when using the built in flash and I think it is a little soft wide open, but apart from that most photos I take are very good! Nothing is ever perfect and I get the odd soft / out of focus shot, but this could be operator error. It performs well on focus chart tests and only needs a little tweaking on the AF menu on my K20. Obviously the low f-number is a big plus as well as the silent focussing and weather sealing.

What are the issues others have had, I know that some have had problems, but I am not aware of teh specifics?

To be honest, I have been re-thinking my options, and I have come to the same conclusion as you - it really is a great all purpose lens, so I have decided to keep it and just get the nifty 50 for low level / indoor portrait work.

Perhaps when I have more money, I will add some ltds to the collection, but for now the 16-50 will be my standard lens of choice.

James

I already have the "A" 50mm 1.7, but a wriggly baby makes it difficult to have time to compose shots and focus manually. This is being sold on eBay at the minute.

Is the FA 50mm f1.4 sharper than the 43mm ltd wider open?

James

Hi guys,

Looking to get into the world of prime lenses. The most important aspect for me is excellent portraiture, but also want the option of taking landscapes / wider photos as well.

Would you say a combo of a da 21mm ltd and fa 43mm ltd would be a good choice? These appear to represent the best value for money in these ranges? I would like to add to these two over the coming months and years as and when finances allow - I would love the 31mm - or 77mm ltd lenses but they are just too much for me at the moment.

Thanks, James