Corr...they are pretty darn good Daniel, presume was with K10D? How far away (appx.) were you?

Gywn, most humble apologies... a bad assumption I know (your name threw me too) - that its all guys out there on the forum. Unfortunately, I get so used to being on my own in this field, especially when buying photo gear in shops and asst. addresses your old man etc etc... especially when he couldnt take a snap to save his life (he agrees too)

Anyway, nice to meet you and thank you for your comments, I won't be making assumptions that again!

thank you gentlemen, I am wanting to experiment with abstract close up shots along the lines of the following link http://www.danielsroka.com/photos.php?portfolio=3

which I presume would suit the 50mm focal length better,

but, I would also like to be able to shoot insects too .... I presume I would still be able to get in and up as close (ie fill the frame the same) with the 105mm as the 50mm?

sorry if I sound a bit dim on this but trying to get my head around normal focal distances and macro focal distances!

I hope to get a Macro next and would like as usual a bit of advice from you, never had a macro before, only used my 135mm telephoto from a distance.
What would the visual difference be between a Sigma 105mm 2.8 macro and a Sigma 50mm 2.8 macro, as their min foc. dist. is the same and both are 1:1.

Also, has anyone seen any reviews on whether the Tamron or the Sigma Macro performs better, I think I did see a review in a PP few months back but can't remember only that the Pentax Macro didnt get a very good rating.

Oh how nice to see some monos

Nice subject, if it was me tho, I would be tempted to dodge around the highlights of the tree more - it looks a bit flat
I would be also tempted to use the healing tool bottom left of bank
it distracts the eye that void and burn in the bank a wee bitty perhaps?

Forget the frame too...
Hope you dont think I am too picky but it comes naturally

lossless Lil

Thanks Mongoose, yes of course that makes sense..
just got a bit confused from when I was duo/tri toning monos....
cheers

I have started to scan some of the better mono negs from Z1 days using my Epson photo 3170 flatbed and editing in CS2.

I am scanning them in as a .tiff at 3200dpi

Editing as grayscale in CS2: levels and tidying, prettying up etc

Then save as RGB file (not as grayscale) which immediately trebles the file size!

: Is it correct to save as RGB or grayscale image
(I eventually intend to print them off A3 maybe size)

thanking you in anticipation

I have a new Sony TFT 19", straight out of box, works a treat, display looks real good.

I have not adjusted it with the CDdisc adjust programme provided at all yet...
took a look and got scared, vertical black lines so escaped.

I have the adjustment Cd that came with the TFT screen and also on Windows XP Pro,
there is Adobe Gamma Calibrate Monitor for consistent color, creat ICC profile Wizard.

When I print to my Epson Stylus Photo 245 on Epson paper & cartridges, the print looks a little dark and heavy, but colour is good.

Now, I am not at all aufait with calibration etc. and wonder what I should do first
as I presume I have to take the plunge if I want true prints.


: What in simple terms do I do first?

Sorry to be naive in this but unused to digital, if anyone can help I would be very grateful.

YES, it is the same as the K10D supplied, 1620mAh & 7.4V
think I exagerated a bit it was £49.95

I decided to play 'safe' and buy my spare from Morris Photo, which I can confirm is a Pentax battery and came sealed in a Pentax Box. The £49.99 hurt but agree with other members, dont spoil the ship when she's sailing well