All Forum Comments
Comment by MattMatic posted on Pentax Optio 330 (3.34megapixel) at 04/10/2003 - 16:13
Hi All!
I had taken a shot with the *istD that looked great on the LCD, but I realised I'd mis-focused. Found a link on ephotozine to FixerLabs, and tried the FocusFixer. (I know, I didn't believe it either!) http://www.fixerlabs.com
Results are here:
http://www.pbase.com/mattmatic/gallery/focusfixer
Each shows a crop, resized to 512x512. When printed it looked great
Matt
I had taken a shot with the *istD that looked great on the LCD, but I realised I'd mis-focused. Found a link on ephotozine to FixerLabs, and tried the FocusFixer. (I know, I didn't believe it either!) http://www.fixerlabs.com
Results are here:
http://www.pbase.com/mattmatic/gallery/focusfixer
Each shows a crop, resized to 512x512. When printed it looked great
Matt
Comment by MattMatic posted on Focus Fixer at 03/10/2003 - 14:10
Graham,
Yes, I think you are right about the Z1p and controlling the flash. However, there's a little trick you can do with the Z1 - it's on my website, but is a little fiddly (using Manual mode) and not too useful for kids (more suitable to studio type work).
The AF360 does have flash output adjustment, BUT, this only works in P-TTL mode, which the MZ-S (and *istD) support. Still, the results I have had from the Z1 and AF360 were very, very good. Sometimes, though I was caught out because it wouldn't throttle down enough when too close and blow out the highlights. The *istD and AF360 is positively amazing and so far I cannot make that pair go wrong!
Matt
Yes, I think you are right about the Z1p and controlling the flash. However, there's a little trick you can do with the Z1 - it's on my website, but is a little fiddly (using Manual mode) and not too useful for kids (more suitable to studio type work).
The AF360 does have flash output adjustment, BUT, this only works in P-TTL mode, which the MZ-S (and *istD) support. Still, the results I have had from the Z1 and AF360 were very, very good. Sometimes, though I was caught out because it wouldn't throttle down enough when too close and blow out the highlights. The *istD and AF360 is positively amazing and so far I cannot make that pair go wrong!
Matt
Comment by MattMatic posted on Z-1 v Z-1P at 03/10/2003 - 09:53
The Z1 and Z1p have quite a few differences.
I have made a list that appears on my Pentax pages web site - http://www.photon.me.uk , and I have reproduced here:
For further information, check out my website, and the superb reference on all things Pentax at: http://www.bdimitrov.de/kmp/index.html
Hope that helps,
Matt
I have made a list that appears on my Pentax pages web site - http://www.photon.me.uk , and I have reproduced here:
Quote:
Viewfinder:
Brighter viewfinder, about 1 stop
Viewfinder meter has a bar-graph (rather than just + and - indicators)
Extra indication of spot/centre/evaluative metering in the viewfinder
Flash:
28mm flash coverage (rather than 35mm - the Z1 warns you though at 28mm)
Red eye reduction
Buttons and controls:
Simplified modes (aperture/shutter priority modified)
No interval shooting facility
Easy switch between spot/centre metering (Z1 uses a Pentax function)
Panorama facility (though can be a handicap - you can accidentally switch it over)
More expensive (by quite a long way still)!
Personally, I have found the Z1 to be a superb camera and have really enjoyed using it. It probably depends on your photographic style as to which you would prefer.Viewfinder:
Brighter viewfinder, about 1 stop
Viewfinder meter has a bar-graph (rather than just + and - indicators)
Extra indication of spot/centre/evaluative metering in the viewfinder
Flash:
28mm flash coverage (rather than 35mm - the Z1 warns you though at 28mm)
Red eye reduction
Buttons and controls:
Simplified modes (aperture/shutter priority modified)
No interval shooting facility
Easy switch between spot/centre metering (Z1 uses a Pentax function)
Panorama facility (though can be a handicap - you can accidentally switch it over)
More expensive (by quite a long way still)!
For further information, check out my website, and the superb reference on all things Pentax at: http://www.bdimitrov.de/kmp/index.html
Hope that helps,
Matt
Comment by MattMatic posted on Z-1 v Z-1P at 02/10/2003 - 06:43
Anna,
If you are in the UK: make sure you subscribe to Pentax User, then you can get 20% discount direct from Pentax. They have standard repairs, and did my MZ-5 quite reasonably (can't remember how much) - it had a film advance and scratch problem.
Alternatively, try Asahi Photo - www.asahiphoto.net
They seem to offer cost effective repairs and are very helpful on the phone.
Hope that helps,
Matt
If you are in the UK: make sure you subscribe to Pentax User, then you can get 20% discount direct from Pentax. They have standard repairs, and did my MZ-5 quite reasonably (can't remember how much) - it had a film advance and scratch problem.
Alternatively, try Asahi Photo - www.asahiphoto.net
They seem to offer cost effective repairs and are very helpful on the phone.
Hope that helps,
Matt
Comment by MattMatic posted on Cost of repair? at 01/10/2003 - 16:15
FYI,
Park Cameras have a note on their web site:
Tel: 08450 50 22 66
(I have heard the *istDs are selling like hot cakes...)
Matt
Park Cameras have a note on their web site:
Quote:
Don't forget about our Pentax *ist D Digital Launch Day on Tuesday 7th October where you will be able to see the new Pentax Digital SLR, lenses and accessories - please phone our Burgess Hill branch for further details
http://www.parkcameras.comDon't forget about our Pentax *ist D Digital Launch Day on Tuesday 7th October where you will be able to see the new Pentax Digital SLR, lenses and accessories - please phone our Burgess Hill branch for further details
Tel: 08450 50 22 66
(I have heard the *istDs are selling like hot cakes...)
Matt
Comment by MattMatic posted on *istD launch day... at 01/10/2003 - 14:14
Dear All,
I've been guarding this technique I developed for a while, but have decided to release this into the general arena. It has practically revolutionised my use of PSE2 (along with Richard Lynch's Hidden Power book - heartily recommended).
http://www.photon.me.uk/PSE/PaintingPSE.htm
Please let me know what you think (especially if you wish to publish any of the tips) PDF format is available on request.
Enjoy
Matt
I've been guarding this technique I developed for a while, but have decided to release this into the general arena. It has practically revolutionised my use of PSE2 (along with Richard Lynch's Hidden Power book - heartily recommended).
http://www.photon.me.uk/PSE/PaintingPSE.htm
Please let me know what you think (especially if you wish to publish any of the tips) PDF format is available on request.
Enjoy
Matt
Comment by MattMatic posted on Painting changes in Photoshop Elements at 30/09/2003 - 15:18
Joaquim,
I've answered (most of) your questions on a new thread:
https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/ftopic224.html
(This thread was going off topic and getting out of hand )
Matt
I've answered (most of) your questions on a new thread:
https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/ftopic224.html
(This thread was going off topic and getting out of hand )
Matt
Comment by MattMatic posted on My first *ist-D Sample Photos at 20/10/2003 - 14:09
Lurach,
To answer at least one of your questions... there is an FAQ page on the Japanese Pentax web site, and thanks to Altavista's Babelfish, this is what it said:
The automatic ISO sensitivity option is very cute though... much easier than the S30/S40 which is manual change only (or auto on ISO50 and ISO100 only).
Firmware upgrades - certainly possible. Where from? Well who knows - Pentax web site updates do seem a little on the slow side
Oh yes, and the AF280T question (again Babelfished):
Matt
To answer at least one of your questions... there is an FAQ page on the Japanese Pentax web site, and thanks to Altavista's Babelfish, this is what it said:
Quote:
Is the fact that ISO sensitivity is from 200 why?
As for the CCD which has been used with the *istD being the sensitivity ISO200 suitable, in order to be able to pull out the highest efficiency, we to be designed, when the ISO100 and the like you drop sensitivity unreasonably suitably, because you cannot obtain sufficient picture quality, is.
So far, so good. I've not found a problem. It's really nice going up to 3200 though. It's particularly good with NeatImage (see my other post). If you need ISO50, buy an 2-stop neutral density filter Is the fact that ISO sensitivity is from 200 why?
As for the CCD which has been used with the *istD being the sensitivity ISO200 suitable, in order to be able to pull out the highest efficiency, we to be designed, when the ISO100 and the like you drop sensitivity unreasonably suitably, because you cannot obtain sufficient picture quality, is.
The automatic ISO sensitivity option is very cute though... much easier than the S30/S40 which is manual change only (or auto on ISO50 and ISO100 only).
Firmware upgrades - certainly possible. Where from? Well who knows - Pentax web site updates do seem a little on the slow side
Oh yes, and the AF280T question (again Babelfished):
Quote:
Are the automatic Strobo AF280T and the AF400T et cetera enabled?
You can use.
These are all niggly questions, indeed. When you've got one you'll be too busy taking pictures to worry overly Are the automatic Strobo AF280T and the AF400T et cetera enabled?
You can use.
Matt
Comment by MattMatic posted on My first *ist-D Sample Photos at 15/10/2003 - 22:55
Joshua,
Yes, the 18mm FAJ is an actual 18mm on a 35mm SLR. Focal length is focal length I'm sorry but you won't get 12mm on a 35mm SLR. Remember that focal length dictates the distance between the "film" - which has to be the same for 35mm and digital (otherwise they'd all be blurred on the digital).
The FAJ lenses fit the *ist (35mm SLR) too, don't forget, and the spec on them is the same. Don't get confused (as some seem to have done) that the 18-35 FAJ lens is in someway specifically for the *istD. They just released the products at the same time.
The bottom line is, getting a really wide angle of view out the *istD is difficult (as it is on the Canon 10D, D30, D60, Nikon D100, Fuji S2 etc). I have a 20-35mm Tokina which works quite well, but in many ways I miss the craziness of the 20mm-on-35mm-SLR field of view.
That said, you do get better telephoto.
Hope that clarifies the matter,
Matt
Yes, the 18mm FAJ is an actual 18mm on a 35mm SLR. Focal length is focal length I'm sorry but you won't get 12mm on a 35mm SLR. Remember that focal length dictates the distance between the "film" - which has to be the same for 35mm and digital (otherwise they'd all be blurred on the digital).
The FAJ lenses fit the *ist (35mm SLR) too, don't forget, and the spec on them is the same. Don't get confused (as some seem to have done) that the 18-35 FAJ lens is in someway specifically for the *istD. They just released the products at the same time.
The bottom line is, getting a really wide angle of view out the *istD is difficult (as it is on the Canon 10D, D30, D60, Nikon D100, Fuji S2 etc). I have a 20-35mm Tokina which works quite well, but in many ways I miss the craziness of the 20mm-on-35mm-SLR field of view.
That said, you do get better telephoto.
Hope that clarifies the matter,
Matt
Comment by MattMatic posted on My first *ist-D Sample Photos at 14/10/2003 - 22:53
You will not be able to talk directly to the camera without Pentax's software If you mean you don't have the software available but don't mind installing it... can you download it from Pentax's website???
Matt