Yuck!

Thanks Matt Hoping it will inspire others to want to try it out and go get a Pentax Flashgun!

You're right about the convenience of having automatic flash functioning and manual exposure control together - a great combination!

Regarding the exposure and flash exposure compensations, I have decided on a little convention in terms that is logical and keeps clarity, (I think - tell me what you think ) ... where we control ambient exposure by setting a value that is in 'stops' away from the meter centre, then I term that 'EC' (Exposure Compensation), and where we control flash power output by setting a value that is also in 'stops', I term that 'FC' (Flash Compensation - which is the actual Pentax term I think).

I don't think Pentax use 'Exposure Compensation' but there's a logic to that term, as of course the adjustment is making a 'compensation' for the meters failings! So we have EC and FC - in most practical scenarios then EC will be controlled by shutter time value and FC by applying the compensation in stops on the flash unit or camera (as you described above).

I don't think we can call manual power output settings (in M flash mode) 'Flash Compensation', because there is not an actual 'compensation' being made against any measure, and also the unit of control is different, being a fraction (1/4th, 1/16th etc) of full power - (not 'stops') - so in manual flash mode both the thinking and the terms need to be different. The term I use then for manual flash mode is 'Flash Power' - it then becomes another constant just like aperture, ISO & distance. (FC is never a constant because it is directly linked to a variable, the metered flash output).

Matt, do you agree with me that HSS is probably incompatable with manual flash mode? I'm making this assumption becasue flash output needs to be measured in HSS and shut off when enough has been given, . Manual flash mode would not allow a metered control over this I'd assume?



No problem, I certainly enjoyed it .. and let me tell you, I have a little hunch that we might all soon be getting a new excuse to have many more Pentax flash ramblings, right here on PU !

Doesn't look grim at all! Bright and breezy really. Yes, nice perspective effect which suits the curve and tight framing perfectly, and you've pulled out just the right amount of saturation while retaining very good whites. A great 2nd shot

Here's a selection of images recently shot in woodland on Riddlesdown, near Purley, in early evening sidelight. The 'highlights' here are actual exposure highlights, where I have metered for the highs and allowed the midtones & shadows to go where they will .... you could say I am exploring the darker reaches of the scenes ...

All with the K7 and Pentax M75-150 f4.



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Thanks all for viewing and all comments or ideas welcome!

You're really restricted to M mode only with the original smc lenses. Even in Av mode, as there's no contact electronic contact the camera does not' know' what aperture is set on the lens and cannot control the lens aperture. As said above, you set the aperture on the lens first, point at where you want to meter primarily then press the green button ... The lens stops down and the meter reads the light and sets an appropriate shutter speed. You can then change the speed in order to make it darker or brighter.

It's really two extra steps in practice ... You get quick with practice, but the A type lenses eliminate these steps, which can be more convenient.

A cracking start, yes! It's really effective, in fact it doesn't really ' feel' like a mono image at all ...I mean it has more of the tone and atmosphere of a very muted colour image, like on a misty day!

The only issue there really is with a lack of verification. For a small number of jpegs it may be ok if you can quickly see the thumbnails, but for RAW it's a bit risky as there's no way to verify that the files all transferred correctly.

A data management programme or image importer can verify the file integrity as well as offer enhanced control over duplicate file names (such as telling you if a file is a binary identical, or bigger or newer to one already in the folder, and offer automated renaming schemes.

I like them all .... I agree that the effect works well and suits the place very well. Do you have any control over the size of the grain in the camera settings?

They're all interesting and well composed ... Best for me are the last two with that excellent installation. I like your low viewpoints and leading lines through to the more distant buildings.

No 1 is a challenge ... Were you not able to reduce the contrast between sky and shadow areas a bit more? I'd have thought the file would take a bit more highlight reduction on the sky and a shadow boost in the darkest areas around the buildings. Also I would try and pull out the blue cast on some of the white shadow surfaces, such as on the facade of the right hand building, but increasing the luminance at the same time on that channel to bring in good white. It would be interesting to see if these ideas work, if of course you agree its needed!

But its a very attractive place and beautifully photographed.

You're right stu62, it went downhill over a number of years. Your Bristol shop sounds relatively packed with Pentax stuff (3 models you mentioned) .. I passed through the mall in Horsham recently and had a browse in the shop there ... just one lonely K500 with a standard 18-55 fitted and no other lenses at all