All Forum Comments
Comment by Mac posted on Hello fellow addicts. at 12/04/2013 - 15:19
Aero wrote:
One of the Vivitars would be ideal but if you ever come across an Achiever TZ-250, it's worth a look. I'd never heard of the brand before but bought one in the Canaries when I found I needed an external flash. Can't remember the guide number (still have it -- can't find it) but they're powerful enough for a normal-sized living room. The voltage is low enough to use with a DSLR and there's a switch to configure it for all the major brands, including, of course, Pentax. The head swivels vertically and they came originally with a set of coloured filters and a wide-angle gizmo. Hate to say it but the auto function gives P-TTL a run for its money. I imagine you'd pick one up for a fiver, if that.
Al
Found one - in Wichita Kansas - have put in an offer.One of the Vivitars would be ideal but if you ever come across an Achiever TZ-250, it's worth a look. I'd never heard of the brand before but bought one in the Canaries when I found I needed an external flash. Can't remember the guide number (still have it -- can't find it) but they're powerful enough for a normal-sized living room. The voltage is low enough to use with a DSLR and there's a switch to configure it for all the major brands, including, of course, Pentax. The head swivels vertically and they came originally with a set of coloured filters and a wide-angle gizmo. Hate to say it but the auto function gives P-TTL a run for its money. I imagine you'd pick one up for a fiver, if that.
Al
Thanks Aero
Comment by Mac posted on Which Flash with Manual Lens on istDS at 11/04/2013 - 17:41
Don wrote:
just remember the old vivitar 283's and 385's made in japan can have extremely high synch voltages issues bad for your camera..... the "made in" info is stamped on the bottom of the flash right in front of the hotshoe... on the chinese units... and I've used those ones with my ds2, k10 and kr no problems...
this guy is asking too much but the're out there for under $25.00
link
Thanks Don.just remember the old vivitar 283's and 385's made in japan can have extremely high synch voltages issues bad for your camera..... the "made in" info is stamped on the bottom of the flash right in front of the hotshoe... on the chinese units... and I've used those ones with my ds2, k10 and kr no problems...
this guy is asking too much but the're out there for under $25.00
link
I have a bid in on an old new-in-box 2800. Do these have destructively high voltages too?
One write-up said that is why they can be had so cheaply.
It comes with its manual so I'll try to compare tolerances with my istDS manual before I fry something.
Comment by Mac posted on Which Flash with Manual Lens on istDS at 11/04/2013 - 17:36
Man, how I love this forum!
Thanks so much guys, I'm getting just what I need.
Don ol' Buddy,
The hunt for the Vivitar 2800 starts now. (You were spot-on with the "for cheap" .
Or Chinese 383, 385's if no luck.
Cheers and happy snappin'
Thanks so much guys, I'm getting just what I need.
Don ol' Buddy,
The hunt for the Vivitar 2800 starts now. (You were spot-on with the "for cheap" .
Or Chinese 383, 385's if no luck.
Cheers and happy snappin'
Comment by Mac posted on Which Flash with Manual Lens on istDS at 11/04/2013 - 15:30
Hi Folks,
I've adapted a istDS DSLR to use all my old M42 lenses set to manual.
Presently using an AF200S fully manual - 200 ISO, 1/180 sec, setting f stops from camera-to-subject distance (guide no. approximately 26?). Auto settings on the flash seem to be a no-go, with full discharge every time. (The istDS manual shows zero compatibility with this flash).
Is there an hot shoe flash that allows Auto Thyristor settings with the above set-up?
I've adapted a istDS DSLR to use all my old M42 lenses set to manual.
Presently using an AF200S fully manual - 200 ISO, 1/180 sec, setting f stops from camera-to-subject distance (guide no. approximately 26?). Auto settings on the flash seem to be a no-go, with full discharge every time. (The istDS manual shows zero compatibility with this flash).
Is there an hot shoe flash that allows Auto Thyristor settings with the above set-up?
Comment by Mac posted on Which Flash with Manual Lens on istDS at 11/04/2013 - 13:52
ist DS body has arrived - pristine!
Mounted a Bower M42 converter (with spring) now jammed in place.
Camera set to AV and manual focus - all lenses set to Manual.
Camera still beeps when best focus is achieved - an aid for my old peepers.
Every M42 lens works (all 8 of them).
Such a joy to resurrect this old glass, and the istDS is a joy to operate.
Other than Shake Reduction and the review screen's size, it appears to be functionally the same as my K110D.
Thanks to you all for your help!
Mounted a Bower M42 converter (with spring) now jammed in place.
Camera set to AV and manual focus - all lenses set to Manual.
Camera still beeps when best focus is achieved - an aid for my old peepers.
Every M42 lens works (all 8 of them).
Such a joy to resurrect this old glass, and the istDS is a joy to operate.
Other than Shake Reduction and the review screen's size, it appears to be functionally the same as my K110D.
Thanks to you all for your help!
Comment by Mac posted on DSLR Body for Permanent Use With Screw Mount Lenses at 10/04/2013 - 21:22
HG Wrote :Just a thought, if you want a 10MP body have you looked at the K10?
Not yet, but like a kid in a candy store ..........
Not yet, but like a kid in a candy store ..........
Comment by Mac posted on DSLR Body for Permanent Use With Screw Mount Lenses at 03/04/2013 - 00:28
Hi Dave!
I looked for K110D's but not as many available as istD's and K100d's.
Went with the prism (as above) and I think these cameras are all basically similar - especially on fully manual (or close to it).
Can't wait to get my mitts on another Pentax DSLR (and I hear that the istD's have mirror clack - just like my old Spotties!)
I've managed to find a copy of the istDS manual PDF, too.
Now I have to figure out how to make my AF200S flash work with it. I'll use guide numbers and a tape measure if necessary, to set f stops. (Boy THERE'S old school!)
I looked for K110D's but not as many available as istD's and K100d's.
Went with the prism (as above) and I think these cameras are all basically similar - especially on fully manual (or close to it).
Can't wait to get my mitts on another Pentax DSLR (and I hear that the istD's have mirror clack - just like my old Spotties!)
I've managed to find a copy of the istDS manual PDF, too.
Now I have to figure out how to make my AF200S flash work with it. I'll use guide numbers and a tape measure if necessary, to set f stops. (Boy THERE'S old school!)
Comment by Mac posted on DSLR Body for Permanent Use With Screw Mount Lenses at 02/04/2013 - 13:54
SMC wrote: Get a split prism screen to help with manual focus.
Come to think of it - I have one I never installed in my K110D. I wonder if it will fit?
Thanks for reminding me!
Cheers!
Come to think of it - I have one I never installed in my K110D. I wonder if it will fit?
Thanks for reminding me!
Cheers!
Comment by Mac posted on DSLR Body for Permanent Use With Screw Mount Lenses at 01/04/2013 - 20:00
Good Day Everyone!
Put in an offer on a istDS with a Takumar -F 70-200 zoom (not that I need the K Mount lens).
My thinking is that the ist D's still used a prism and if I'm using these tired old eyes to manually focus, I'll need all the brightness I can get.
Also, these first generation Pentax DSLR's were fairly simple - and I'm trying to
return to my Spotmatic days. Have even dusted-off my Sekonic and Wesson meters.
I'll let you know how I make out with my time travel.
Now looking for more converter rings (David) but I have 11 old lenses!
Put in an offer on a istDS with a Takumar -F 70-200 zoom (not that I need the K Mount lens).
My thinking is that the ist D's still used a prism and if I'm using these tired old eyes to manually focus, I'll need all the brightness I can get.
Also, these first generation Pentax DSLR's were fairly simple - and I'm trying to
return to my Spotmatic days. Have even dusted-off my Sekonic and Wesson meters.
I'll let you know how I make out with my time travel.
Now looking for more converter rings (David) but I have 11 old lenses!
Comment by Mac posted on DSLR Body for Permanent Use With Screw Mount Lenses at 01/04/2013 - 15:59
Welcome, Buddy!