Just tried this with my k5/k55 f1.8 and it works a treat. Since I have a number of autofocus primes and zooms, I'm thinking I can just leave this on all the time. Am I corrrect in thinking it will do it's magic with MF lenses and not affect normal autofocus operation with my AF lenses (none of them have an AF/MF switch).
Ta
Paul

You don't say whether this involves an ND grad, but I guess it does, since that's the most difficult case. You'll need a package which allows you to apply a graduated tint to the image (like ND grad in software - which Lightroom does).

Basically it would have to be a layer which matches the "ND to full transparency" transition point of the original filter, including whether it was a hard or soft grad.

What you'd then want to do is to apply a green(-ish) tint to the layer (to counteract the magenta cast). Ideally you'd want to measure the degree of cast first (using a known neutral object in the ND zone) so you could see how much cast you were trying to remove and whether it was green channel only that was "down" or whether other colours were also affected.

Sorry I can't be more precise but it also depends on what software package you're using for post processing. I know exactly how I'd do it in Lightroom but if you're using something else that won't help!

Paul

Not getting rid of mine, I really like it. Bear in mind when looking for them that they do feel a bit "plasticky", and also that the extending bit of the lens often has some lateral play. This is normal - was mentioned in reviews at the time and my mate has one, his also does this. It does not affect the optical quality, which is excellent. They were around £400 new! Happy hunting.

Paul

I've set one up for stitched panoramas - 2 sec delay (also turns anti-shake off since I'll be using a pano head), manual mode, 80 ASA, fixed (daylight) white balance, etc etc. Really useful.

Paul

Been reading this one carefully and with much interest, my own take on this as follows -
RAW has 12 bits of data per colour channel(or 14 on the K5), JPEG has 8. Much more detail to retrieve in shadow areas, more chances with blown highlights. If you do need to any serious Postprocessing on a JPEG you soon run out of road.
Good as the Pentax in camera PRIME engines are, virtually every review confirms ACR or equivalent is better - and infinitely more flexible.
I get to refine my creative intent on a big screen not a small one - and don't have to keep taking my reading glasses on and off.
I agree with John on getting the exposure and creative intent as right as possible at the time of shooting, but for me that's still a start not an end.
Mixed lighting - grad filters and the paintbrush effects, together with HSL tweaks, do allow you to do quite a lot here in postprocessing. Although it's not a problem I often have as a landscape photographer.
I don't actually make many changes in postprocessing to many of my images - but I like to know I can if I need to!
Just my opinion...

Paul

What body are you using them with, and specifically, are you able to benefit from the high ISO of the later bodies? It's dim inside the buildings, but having said that, the dome image in my gallery was taken with a K200D and my 35mm Limited which is f2.8 wide open.

The Alhambra is magnificent. Booking tickets in spain can be a faff - best to book from the UK via 'tinterweb.

Paul

Interesting thread. I was struck by a thought. How many people who shoot RAW and use Lightroom (with it's post processing graduated filters) still feel the need for grad filters on the lens?

I would think if I shot jpeg, I would still use my ND grads. As it is, I haven't used them for ages and feel that if I did come across a scene with so much contrast that I couldn't capture it in RAW, I'd tend to bracket and combine the images in HDR.

What do others think?

Paul

My most used lens also. What would it be replaced by?

Paul

I have an NEC spectraview. It was expensive but it is very good!
20 inch, 4 to 3 aspect ratio screen.

Paul

Like you I favour primes for their small size, light weight but most of all image quality. I have a 35mm Limited macro and a 77mm limited. I'm thinking of a 15mm limited, but currently managing with the two primes and stitched panos (i'm currently making my own pano head). Both my current lenses (and the 15mm) take 49mm filters.

Food for thought.

Paul