Hi

Well, I thought I'd bring those of you who might be interested, up to date, on the use of filters and lenses on compact digicams, in particular, the Optio S/S4.

Using filters with the SRB Mount is a snip. When not in use, I loosen the two grub screws and fold the mount flat for portability. With practice, it can be quickly attached to the camera and positioned.

Using a tele or wide angle are a bit more fiddly due to the lenses being a bit bigger. I also found that using my set-up procedure above, I experienced some vignetting. To combat this, one simply has to adjust the mount to bring the tele/wide angle lens right up to the camera lens. The results are excellent - the 2X tele plus my 3X optical now produce 5X zoom, which is clearly obvious from my test shots.

Conclusion - the SRB with filters is a great addition to the versatility of my camera. Lens work is left to planned shoots as it's not really quick to 'get to work'. Soligor do a 'ClickMount' 1.7X tele and .65X w/a to fit the S/S4, but at a cost of 79€ and 89€ respectively. They also do a 'ClickMount' filter/lens adaptor (all 37mm thread) which would certainly be quick to get to work. Filter work with the adaptor would be fine but lens work may cause some vignetting. I may decide to 'road test' these also.

I hope this is of some interest. Cheers.
Robert

Hi Matt and Co

Well, I ordered the DC Mount from SRB at noon on Thursday (11th) and received it that Friday! 10 points!

I just wanted to say thanks Matt for the link - excellent, and for anyone interested in using filters/lenses with their Optio S/S4 or other digital camera that has no threaded section - try this product. Fully adjustable and of a sound construction. Check them out.................

Rab

Thanks Matt. I've just thrown down the Optio Challenge (heehee) to see if they can come up with a product to meet my needs.

They have, what looks like a 'universal' adaptor (SRB DC Mount) that might be of interest, but I'm waiting on a full description from SRB first - will keep you posted.

Rab

Hi All

Well, I've posted a couple of threads in DPReview and Yahoo Groups to see if anyone can help on this topic.

Does anyone know of a supplier that does lens adaptors to allow the S/S4 to accept standard lenses (or lenses of any sort for that matter)? In DPReview (topic of the same name) mention is made of a German site that (from what I can gather) will sell you a wide angle lens for the S/S4 but no adaptor to accept different lenses.

I'm wanting to be able to use a polarisation filter to help with some of my shots. Any ideas even on 'home modifications' or 'inventions' would also be greatly appreciated.

Rab

Oooh, doesn't sound too good, I'm afraid. I've put a reply to this topic when you posted at dpreview, but you've given more info here, so here goes.............

I've an S and everything worked off the bat. Has yours been like this from the moment you took it out the box? Also, when you press any of the 3 buttons, do you get an audible beep?

If you've answered yes, then no, then it's a trip to the camera hospital me thinks. You could try phoning Pentax UK first on 01753 792792 to see if they can shed any light. Let us know how you get on.

Rab

I'm assuming that you're talking about the Pentax D-BC8 charger for the S/S4?

If so, the input on the charger quotes 'AC100-240V' therefore you shouldn't have any problems. You'll have to get a power cord with the UK 3 prong or an adaptor to take you from US-UK when you get your camera.

Gilly

Firstly, thx for your reply to my topic re 'remotes'. Mine's is now on order and I'll keep you posted......

Secondly, I totally agree with the other two! I've got an S and was also dissappointed in the lag (in some reviews the S is worse for lag than the S4!).

Personally, I found that pressing the shutter release halfway to set the autofocus works great for 'action' shots or when your subject(s) can't stay still long enough! It takes a wee bit of practice, though. For 'action' shots I watch out of the corner of my eye to see my subject coming into shot and timing it like that! It does work. They are good little cameras - you get a lot of punch in a v. small package. Hope this helps

Robert

Hi Jim

Now, I'm probably not going to be much help here, but I'll try. I own an S and decided not to bother with the CDs as this would mean having to power up my camera every time I wanted to download or even just look at my captured images on screen - draining the battery all this time!

I bought a 7in1 card reader for around £10 or you could buy a SD reader for that and less. Out the packet and installed in under 5 minutes!

Doen't help with your problem, I know, but it's an alternative.......

Robert

Three metal rings....? Hmmm, I've got an S also and I'm looking at it right now, but can't seem to see the rings that you speak of. Are you talking about the lens cylindrical 'walls' you see when the camera is on and the lens extends?

I've read a few woes but never one like this. IMO, I'd fire off some shots to check the operation of the camera as you say it's still working, I'm assuming you mean it's still switching on and off. See if you are able to shoot and store images. Try and use the camera as before you dropped it - test the zoom, autofocus, flash, etc.

If all is well, then, depending on how technically minded you are you may want to attempt refitting the rings. HOWEVER, if AT ALL unsure, get it off to a repair shop. A word of warning though.......I've read many a review (and also some personal experience) Pentax UK After Sales Service leaves a lot.........A LOT to be desired!! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!! You might want totry a local reputable repairer first.

There will be readers, including myself, interested in how you get on - keep us posted

PS look under 'Troubleshooter' in this forum for topics by authors 'jeff' and 'AndrewClark' who talk about some Pentax Service experiences....

Robert

Thought I'd pose a question to anyone interested. I know there is firmware available for the sisiter cameras to the S/S4 - the Casio Z3/Z4 to address, I believe, exposure, white balance issues.

Does anyone know if there is any firmware available for the S/S4?