We honor reciprocal links.
Hi Pentaxian friends.
I saw this on Image Insider which I subscribe to. Take a look, it's facinating. I never knew there was so much work to put a lens together.
How lenses are made?
Friday, February 27, 2009
How lenses are made...facinating.
Visitors to this page also liked: See "Recommended Reading" on the right column.
We honor reciprocal links.
Hi Pentaxian friends.
I saw this on Image Insider which I subscribe to. Take a look, it's facinating. I never knew there was so much work to put a lens together.
How lenses are made?
We honor reciprocal links.
Hi Pentaxian friends.
I saw this on Image Insider which I subscribe to. Take a look, it's facinating. I never knew there was so much work to put a lens together.
How lenses are made?
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Inspector Gadget's new discovery.
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Hi Pentaxian friends.
See what inspector Gadget found this week! No needs to ask strangers to take your Picture anymore. You never know these days, they could run away with your camera. Xshot came up with this new monopod like stick with a swivel head so that you can take memorable pictures of you and your loved one without asking a stranger.
Thank you for reading,
Yvon Bourque
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
If you think I'm excited about PMA09, I am!
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We honor reciprocal links.
Hi Pentaxian friends.
There are no places like the annual PMA show to look and try all the new photography stuff. For us, photographers, it's like letting us loose in a gigantic camera store. My wife would say "It's like letting a kid loose in a gigantic toy store". Yes, we do like our toys. They also say that the difference between men and boys are the price of their toys! Well...like Danny DeVito says in the movie Other people's money, “The one with the most toys when he dies – wins”
All jokes aside, the PMA is a great show. Where else can you see, touch and try everything available for the photography world? I'll be there for all three days and I will see, touch and try everything I can, as long as it works with my Pentax DSLRs. With a site named PentaxDSLRs, I guess you can understand why.
There are plenty of lenses, tripods, flashes, camera bags, software, gadgets, etc, that will work with Pentax. I will report on them and show photos and specs on this blogsite. If everything goes according to plans, I will be interviewing some Pentax representatives, executives and Pentaxians photographers. Those will be posted right here, with photos. I might even take some video clips.
Rest assured that if Pentax unveils any new gear, it will be posted here just minutes after announcement. If you have any reasonable questions you would like to ask Pentax, I would be glad to ask them to Pentax on your behalf and post your name, the question(s) and the answers on this site as well.
So tune in next week, from March 3 through March 5, and everything regarding Pentax will be posted here.
Here's some pictures of Pentax at previous PMA trade shows.
We honor reciprocal links.
Hi Pentaxian friends.
There are no places like the annual PMA show to look and try all the new photography stuff. For us, photographers, it's like letting us loose in a gigantic camera store. My wife would say "It's like letting a kid loose in a gigantic toy store". Yes, we do like our toys. They also say that the difference between men and boys are the price of their toys! Well...like Danny DeVito says in the movie Other people's money, “The one with the most toys when he dies – wins”
All jokes aside, the PMA is a great show. Where else can you see, touch and try everything available for the photography world? I'll be there for all three days and I will see, touch and try everything I can, as long as it works with my Pentax DSLRs. With a site named PentaxDSLRs, I guess you can understand why.
There are plenty of lenses, tripods, flashes, camera bags, software, gadgets, etc, that will work with Pentax. I will report on them and show photos and specs on this blogsite. If everything goes according to plans, I will be interviewing some Pentax representatives, executives and Pentaxians photographers. Those will be posted right here, with photos. I might even take some video clips.
Rest assured that if Pentax unveils any new gear, it will be posted here just minutes after announcement. If you have any reasonable questions you would like to ask Pentax, I would be glad to ask them to Pentax on your behalf and post your name, the question(s) and the answers on this site as well.
So tune in next week, from March 3 through March 5, and everything regarding Pentax will be posted here.
Here's some pictures of Pentax at previous PMA trade shows.
Thank you for reading,
Yvon Bourque
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
7 long days left before PMA09.
Only 7 days before PMA09, can you believe it? I am curious to see what new cameras will be announced at the show. According to Photography Bay, Pentax is to announce new DSLRs. I Quote" Expect some big news from Pentax at PMA. Hoya, Pentax’s parent, issued a statement with its second quarter 2008 financial results that revealed some of the things to come from Pentax in 2009, including 3 new types of DSLR cameras.Here’s a quote relevant portions of the statement: Next year, we are planning to launch some three types, including minor design change versions, of single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras. With a desire to offer cameras which will demonstrate our advantages, as announced in the Photokina held in Germany, we will relaunch ourselves next year as a manufacturer of all-weather cameras which are strong outdoors, highly water-resistant, splash-proof, and dustproof, small and light, easily portable and tough (durable)."
I would be ecstatic if they would announce new DSLRs, but I doubt it very much. Please prove me wrong Pentax. We might be able to count the White K2000 as one of the new DSLRs. Pentax did announce further price reductions on the K20D and that usually happens when a new model is about to come out, or maybe it's because the economy is so bad that everybody is trying to compete for our business.
We all know that the world economy is in bad shape. The filing of Ritz for bankruptcy was apparently precipitated by Nikon and Canon wanted to have their money. Ritz owed them a combined $40 millions. I'm not sure that Pentax USA had $40 millions in sales last year. To me, extending a $40 million credit line to one company seems to show bad business sense from the part of Nikon and Canon. Sometimes, the bigger they are, the bigger they fall.
I will be at the PMA09 for all three days. Expect posts on this very blogsite everyday and maybe more than once per day.
Thank you for reading,
Yvon Bourque
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sad news - Ritz Camera has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
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Hi Pentaxian friends.
Another shocking news. I can understand why Pentax might not have been selling as much as Nikon and Canon. I don't think that Pentax could have extended its credit line to Ritz the same as Nikon and Canon has. It was a smart move in the end! I wrote about brick & mortar stores disappearing, several times on this blog site. If they don't have a major presence on the Internet, none will be able to survive. In the end, we all loose.
***************
I believe this came from the WashingtonPost.
Ritz Camera Centers, the nation's largest retail photography chain, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
The Beltsville, Md.-based company submitted its filing Sunday in federal bankruptcy court in Wilmington, estimating assets and liabilities at between $100 million and $500 million. The list of its top 30 unsecured creditors is led by Nikon Inc. and Canon USA Inc., which are owed a combined $40 million in trade debt.
The company said revenue from its profitable photofinishing business has declined significantly with the shift from film to digital cameras, and that 2008 holiday sales were "materially lower" than prior year sales. It also said23 an increase in gasoline prices, along with other economic factors, led to a sharp drop in sales in its Boater's World recreational marine business last year.
Ritz has about 800 photo stores in 40 states, operating as Ritz Camera, Wolf Camera, Kits Cameras, Inkley's and The Camera Shops. It also operates 130 Boater's World stores. The company, which has about 6,400 employees nationwide, recorded sales of just under $1 billion last year.
"Despite Ritz Camera's continued success in selling cameras and photographic equipment, the loss of revenues and profit margins from the diminution of the photofinishing business proved too much of a burden, coupled with the losses experienced by the Boater's World business in 2008, for Ritz Camera to remain a profitable company under its current structure," Marc Weinsweig of the financial advisory firm FTI Consulting Inc. wrote in a court affidavit.
Ritz's board has approved the appointment of Weinsweig, senior managing director in FTI's Washington, D.C., office, to serve as interim chief operating officer and chief restructuring officer.
In its initial filings, the company is seeking interim court approval of a credit facility of up to $85 million with existing lenders. According to Weinsweig's affidavit, the company would be unable to meet payroll and other expenses without the interim financing approval and would be forced to shut down.
According to court records, the company entered into a $200 million revolving credit facility in October 2007 with a group of lenders, led by Wachovia Bank as agent. As of the bankruptcy filing, the company owes the lenders about $47.7 million in revolving credit, and $6.8 million in letter of credit obligations.
In January, Wachovia, acting on behalf of the other lenders, imposed additional reserves on Ritz's borrowing base, reducing the company's available credit.
"Given the company's internal challenges, including unprofitable store leases and Boater's World losses coupled with the overall economic recession, the company had no choice but to seek relief under Chapter 11 ... to preserve the possibility of being able to restructure its business and financial affairs and continue as a going concern," Weinsweig wrote.
In addition to its credit facility with Wachovia and other banks, Ritz owes about $13 billion in debt to other parties under a series of debentures issued in 1995.
In addition to Nikon and Canon, Ritz's top unsecured creditors include Fuji Photo Film USA. which is owed more than $8 million.
FPL Holdings Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Photo Film Co., invested $197 million in Ritz through purchases of preferred stock from 1996 through 2001, money that was used by Ritz to acquire competitors, including the bankruptcy estate purchase of Wolf Camera in late 2001. According to the bankruptcy petition, FPL would own a third of Ritz's Class A common stock and 35 percent of Class B common stock if it converted its preferred stock.
Ritz Camera Centers, the nation's largest retail photography chain, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
The Beltsville, Md.-based company submitted its filing Sunday in federal bankruptcy court in Wilmington, estimating assets and liabilities at between $100 million and $500 million. The list of its top 30 unsecured creditors is led by Nikon Inc. and Canon USA Inc., which are owed a combined $40 million in trade debt.
The company said revenue from its profitable photofinishing business has declined significantly with the shift from film to digital cameras, and that 2008 holiday sales were "materially lower" than prior year sales. It also said23 an increase in gasoline prices, along with other economic factors, led to a sharp drop in sales in its Boater's World recreational marine business last year.
Ritz has about 800 photo stores in 40 states, operating as Ritz Camera, Wolf Camera, Kits Cameras, Inkley's and The Camera Shops. It also operates 130 Boater's World stores. The company, which has about 6,400 employees nationwide, recorded sales of just under $1 billion last year.
"Despite Ritz Camera's continued success in selling cameras and photographic equipment, the loss of revenues and profit margins from the diminution of the photofinishing business proved too much of a burden, coupled with the losses experienced by the Boater's World business in 2008, for Ritz Camera to remain a profitable company under its current structure," Marc Weinsweig of the financial advisory firm FTI Consulting Inc. wrote in a court affidavit.
Ritz's board has approved the appointment of Weinsweig, senior managing director in FTI's Washington, D.C., office, to serve as interim chief operating officer and chief restructuring officer.
In its initial filings, the company is seeking interim court approval of a credit facility of up to $85 million with existing lenders. According to Weinsweig's affidavit, the company would be unable to meet payroll and other expenses without the interim financing approval and would be forced to shut down.
According to court records, the company entered into a $200 million revolving credit facility in October 2007 with a group of lenders, led by Wachovia Bank as agent. As of the bankruptcy filing, the company owes the lenders about $47.7 million in revolving credit, and $6.8 million in letter of credit obligations.
In January, Wachovia, acting on behalf of the other lenders, imposed additional reserves on Ritz's borrowing base, reducing the company's available credit.
"Given the company's internal challenges, including unprofitable store leases and Boater's World losses coupled with the overall economic recession, the company had no choice but to seek relief under Chapter 11 ... to preserve the possibility of being able to restructure its business and financial affairs and continue as a going concern," Weinsweig wrote.
In addition to its credit facility with Wachovia and other banks, Ritz owes about $13 billion in debt to other parties under a series of debentures issued in 1995.
In addition to Nikon and Canon, Ritz's top unsecured creditors include Fuji Photo Film USA. which is owed more than $8 million.
FPL Holdings Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Photo Film Co., invested $197 million in Ritz through purchases of preferred stock from 1996 through 2001, money that was used by Ritz to acquire competitors, including the bankruptcy estate purchase of Wolf Camera in late 2001. According to the bankruptcy petition, FPL would own a third of Ritz's Class A common stock and 35 percent of Class B common stock if it converted its preferred stock.
More good news from my friend "Michelle Martin" at Pentax Imaging USA.
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We honor reciprocal links.
Hi Pentaxian friends.
PENTAX LOWERS PRICE ON FEATURE-RICH, 14.6 MEGAPIXEL K20D
GOLDEN, CO. (February 23, 2009
PENTAX Imaging Company has announced a reduction in the minimum advertised price (MAP) of the award winning PENTAX K20 digital SLR. Effective immediately, the MAP price of the PENTAX K20D body and two K20D lens kit configurations have been reduced by $200.00 USD. The new MAP pricing is as follows:
We honor reciprocal links.
Hi Pentaxian friends.
PENTAX LOWERS PRICE ON FEATURE-RICH, 14.6 MEGAPIXEL K20D
GOLDEN, CO. (February 23, 2009
PENTAX Imaging Company has announced a reduction in the minimum advertised price (MAP) of the award winning PENTAX K20 digital SLR. Effective immediately, the MAP price of the PENTAX K20D body and two K20D lens kit configurations have been reduced by $200.00 USD. The new MAP pricing is as follows:
PENTAX K20D body only: $799.95
PENTAX K20D with DA 18-55mm II lens kit: $879.95
PENTAX K20D with DA 16-45mm lens kit: $1199.95
“With this price reduction, PENTAX now offers consumers the highest resolution on one of the most fully-featured DSLRs priced under 800 dollars,” said Bill Zani, vice president sales and marketing, PENTAX Imaging Company.
Along with the price reductions, PENTAX is extending the K20D FREE Three Year Warranty (one year standard, two years extended) on all K20Ds purchased by March 31, 2009.
Highly rated by several consumer magazines, the PENTAX K20D digital SLR camera with 14.6 megapixels is equipped with advanced features including a dust-proof, weather-resistant body, PRIME image processor that allows full image customization, and PENTAX developed Shake Reduction that works with any of the 25 million PENTAX lenses ever manufactured. The PENTAX K20D is the most affordable high resolution DSLR camera in the advanced photo enthusiast category and allows more experienced photographers, who demand complete control, to fully customize the camera.
Visit http://www.pentaximaging.com/ to learn more and to locate a dealer.
PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital SLR and compact cameras, lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, and eyepieces. For 90 years, PENTAX technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc.
# # #
Media contact:
Michelle Martin
303.728.0224
Michelle.martin@pentax.com
Consumers:
1-800-877-0155
pentaxinfo@pentax.com
New Press Release, from my friend "Michelle Martin" Pentax Imaging USA
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We honor reciprocal links.
Hi Pentaxian friends.
We honor reciprocal links.
Hi Pentaxian friends.
Here is a press release from Pentax:
PENTAX ANNOUNCES BOOK TO BENEFIT CHILDHOOD CANCER RESEARCH GOLDEN, CO (February 19, 2009)…..PENTAX Imaging Company is pleased to announce the PDML Photo Annual comprised of artwork from 59 photographers from around the world. This book will benefit Childhood Cancer Research. The project, led by Mark Roberts, an instructor in multimedia at Youngstown State University, with photographers Doug Brewer of Richmond, KY, Bill Robb of Regina, Canada, and Scott Loveless of Harrisburg, PA, brought together 59 artists in 15 countries to create this work. Their Internet-based approach facilitated coordination between the editors and dozens of contributors scattered around the world. Photographers uploaded their images through a web site, where the editors could view them and exchange ideas and opinions through email. The book was assembled electronically and uploaded to an online publishing site where copies are printed whenever orders are placed through the web.
Mark Roberts' partner, Dr. Lisa Teot of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, is a pediatric pathologist and member of the Children's Oncology Group, so they decided to use the book to raise money for the National Childhood Cancer Foundation's CureSearch project
Mark Roberts' partner, Dr. Lisa Teot of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, is a pediatric pathologist and member of the Children's Oncology Group, so they decided to use the book to raise money for the National Childhood Cancer Foundation's CureSearch project
(http://www.curesearch.org/). The PDML had previously undertaken a project selling photography-oriented items online to raise money for the CureSearch project, a charity dedicated to raising private funds for childhood cancer research by the Children's Oncology Group, the world's largest cooperative cancer research organization. (In addition, one of the photographers contributing to the project, Dr. Rick Womer of Philadelphia Children's Hospital, is a COG member.) 100 percent of the profits from sales of this book will be donated to the National Childhood Cancer Foundation.
The PDML (PENTAX-Discuss Mail List) is an email list of photographers all over the world, whose subject matter and styles are as varied as the countries in which they live. What they share is a sense of camaraderie and community, a deep love of the art of photography and the use of PENTAX cameras and lenses. Participating photographers came from United States, Canada, Great Britain, Norway, Israel, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, Spain, Serbia, Iceland, the Philippines, Italy, Hungary and India. The photographs range from sweeping landscapes to urban documentary, fashion shots to abstracts and from still-life to wildlife. The PDML Photo Annual 2008-2009 is available now at
The PDML (PENTAX-Discuss Mail List) is an email list of photographers all over the world, whose subject matter and styles are as varied as the countries in which they live. What they share is a sense of camaraderie and community, a deep love of the art of photography and the use of PENTAX cameras and lenses. Participating photographers came from United States, Canada, Great Britain, Norway, Israel, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, Spain, Serbia, Iceland, the Philippines, Italy, Hungary and India. The photographs range from sweeping landscapes to urban documentary, fashion shots to abstracts and from still-life to wildlife. The PDML Photo Annual 2008-2009 is available now at
http://www.robertstech.com/pdmlbook or contact Mark Roberts at
msroberts01@ysu.edu or 412-687-2835. For more information about the National Childhood Cancer Foundation and the Children's Oncology Group, contact Dr. Lisa Teot at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 412-623-3746.
PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital SLR and compact cameras, lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, and eyepieces. For 90 years, PENTAX technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc.
# # #
PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital SLR and compact cameras, lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, and eyepieces. For 90 years, PENTAX technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc.
# # #
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Preparing my Jeep for another season of photographic adventures.
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Hi Pentaxian friends.
It rained on and off here in "Sunny California" for the past two to three weeks. Although I love the sun, it's a good think when we get some rain. California has some of the nicest wild flowers in the spring, but the abundance and colors always depends on the amount of snow on the mountains and the seasonal rain falls. This year promises to be a good season as there is a lot of snow on the mountains above 5000 feet elevations and it has been raining a little more that usual.
I assume that the wild flowers will be blooming from early March through May at higher elevations. I love to go on the mountains with my best friend "the Jeep". There are plenty of fire roads that a four-wheel drive vehicle can work its way to higher elevations. My first outing is only two to three weeks away. I have taken the Jeep out and started my annual tune-up. She has got to be ready for our first outing. Although winters are mild here, it's still cold, especially at high elevations. I live at near 4000 feet elevation, and it's not that pleasant to ride the Jeep in the cold.
You see her below in a field with Joshua trees all around. We had to test if all suspension components were all good. Next week, it will be the carburetor rebuild and general tune-up. Then, when the time is right, she will be loaded with my Pentax gear and ready to go where I want to take her. She loves to go, and never complains. She always get me there and back.
We honor reciprocal links.
Hi Pentaxian friends.
It rained on and off here in "Sunny California" for the past two to three weeks. Although I love the sun, it's a good think when we get some rain. California has some of the nicest wild flowers in the spring, but the abundance and colors always depends on the amount of snow on the mountains and the seasonal rain falls. This year promises to be a good season as there is a lot of snow on the mountains above 5000 feet elevations and it has been raining a little more that usual.
I assume that the wild flowers will be blooming from early March through May at higher elevations. I love to go on the mountains with my best friend "the Jeep". There are plenty of fire roads that a four-wheel drive vehicle can work its way to higher elevations. My first outing is only two to three weeks away. I have taken the Jeep out and started my annual tune-up. She has got to be ready for our first outing. Although winters are mild here, it's still cold, especially at high elevations. I live at near 4000 feet elevation, and it's not that pleasant to ride the Jeep in the cold.
You see her below in a field with Joshua trees all around. We had to test if all suspension components were all good. Next week, it will be the carburetor rebuild and general tune-up. Then, when the time is right, she will be loaded with my Pentax gear and ready to go where I want to take her. She loves to go, and never complains. She always get me there and back.
Until then, I can only wish time would go by faster till my first treck.
Thanks for reading,
Yvon Bourque
Thanks for reading,
Yvon Bourque
Friday, February 20, 2009
Use a simulated DSLR to enhance your photographic skills.
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We honor reciprocal links.
Hi Pentaxian friends.
In surfing the Internet tonight, I found this great site; Photonhead. I reproduced the GOLDEN GUIDES below and captured three screens that links to a simulated camera where you can actually experience using Shutter and Aperture, ISO, and Camera shake. Click on the pictures to link to the simulations. These can be invaluable tools for entry-level photographers. Even if you are a seasoned photographer, check it out. It's very well done.
About Photonhead.com: Photonhead offer quick and easy photography tips for beginners, and intermediate theory and tutorials that provide food for growth. It has never been easier to take a good photograph, but the world of digital photography seems to be getting more complex. Drawing from experience, Photonhead.com is my ongoing and very opinionated effort to help beginners cut through the noise with tips, tutorials, and advanced learning tools.
Here are some tips to help you on your way to growing and developing your photography skills:
GOLDEN GUIDES
Always bring your camera. The number one reason why people miss good pictures is because they don't have a camera. Make it a habit to always carry a camera with you, because you never know what you could miss.
Shoot more If you think you shoot enough - you don't. Especially if you have a digital camera, because there is no added cost to taking more photographs. Why take just one picture if you can take several? Are you in a place you may never visit again? Take a picture, because even the most boring day to day scenes can become historical in just a few years of time.
Trust your eye: Studying laws of composition is fine, but when it comes down to you must trust your eye. When you frame the shot, move the camera and explore the scene. When you find an angle or composition that FEELS good to you, take the picture immediately. You can (and should) get several more shots.
Train your eye: Look at the pictures you have taken and critique your own work. Did the image turn out like you planned? Do you like the composition? This self-review stage is essential for you to improve your photographic "spider-sense".
know your camera: You don't need to memorize every feature right away, but over time you should be comfortable enough so that operating your camera becomes second nature. It's like learning to shift gears or ride a bicycle - only when the machine becomes transparent are you really driving.
Always work on a copy: This essential guide is new for the era of digital photography. Remember that until you make a backup copy your digital photo is a one of a kind original. Make it a habit to make copies immediately after loading them from your camera, even before looking at them! Back up your images onto removable media as often as you can.
We honor reciprocal links.
Hi Pentaxian friends.
In surfing the Internet tonight, I found this great site; Photonhead. I reproduced the GOLDEN GUIDES below and captured three screens that links to a simulated camera where you can actually experience using Shutter and Aperture, ISO, and Camera shake. Click on the pictures to link to the simulations. These can be invaluable tools for entry-level photographers. Even if you are a seasoned photographer, check it out. It's very well done.
About Photonhead.com: Photonhead offer quick and easy photography tips for beginners, and intermediate theory and tutorials that provide food for growth. It has never been easier to take a good photograph, but the world of digital photography seems to be getting more complex. Drawing from experience, Photonhead.com is my ongoing and very opinionated effort to help beginners cut through the noise with tips, tutorials, and advanced learning tools.
Here are some tips to help you on your way to growing and developing your photography skills:
GOLDEN GUIDES
Always bring your camera. The number one reason why people miss good pictures is because they don't have a camera. Make it a habit to always carry a camera with you, because you never know what you could miss.
Shoot more If you think you shoot enough - you don't. Especially if you have a digital camera, because there is no added cost to taking more photographs. Why take just one picture if you can take several? Are you in a place you may never visit again? Take a picture, because even the most boring day to day scenes can become historical in just a few years of time.
Trust your eye: Studying laws of composition is fine, but when it comes down to you must trust your eye. When you frame the shot, move the camera and explore the scene. When you find an angle or composition that FEELS good to you, take the picture immediately. You can (and should) get several more shots.
Train your eye: Look at the pictures you have taken and critique your own work. Did the image turn out like you planned? Do you like the composition? This self-review stage is essential for you to improve your photographic "spider-sense".
know your camera: You don't need to memorize every feature right away, but over time you should be comfortable enough so that operating your camera becomes second nature. It's like learning to shift gears or ride a bicycle - only when the machine becomes transparent are you really driving.
Always work on a copy: This essential guide is new for the era of digital photography. Remember that until you make a backup copy your digital photo is a one of a kind original. Make it a habit to make copies immediately after loading them from your camera, even before looking at them! Back up your images onto removable media as often as you can.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Are lens hoods overrated? You can block lens flare with your hand.
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We honor reciprocal links.
Hi Pentaxian friends.
Most, if not all, lenses are supplied with a lens hood these days. A regular tube hood is commonly supplied with telephotos and petal type hoods are supplied with wide-angle lenses and zoom lenses. The petal types are built as such because the sensors are rectangular, and if you noticed, the hood extension is longer on the vertical portion of the sensor. It stands for a good reason as when using a wide-angle lens, the tip of the hood would be part of your picture if it was as long on the horizontal axis.
Since I use rotating filters such as the Circular Polarizers and split Neutral Density filters, I need a quick way to rotate the filters. Although Pentax has a removable door on the bottom, where you can logically rotate your filters with your thumb, I found that it doesn't work all that well. Because you apply the pressure with your thumb, this has a tendency of putting more stress on one side of the filter and the rotation becomes much harder. It would be great if hoods would rotate as well, but that wouldn't work with petal type hoods.
We honor reciprocal links.
Hi Pentaxian friends.
Most, if not all, lenses are supplied with a lens hood these days. A regular tube hood is commonly supplied with telephotos and petal type hoods are supplied with wide-angle lenses and zoom lenses. The petal types are built as such because the sensors are rectangular, and if you noticed, the hood extension is longer on the vertical portion of the sensor. It stands for a good reason as when using a wide-angle lens, the tip of the hood would be part of your picture if it was as long on the horizontal axis.
Since I use rotating filters such as the Circular Polarizers and split Neutral Density filters, I need a quick way to rotate the filters. Although Pentax has a removable door on the bottom, where you can logically rotate your filters with your thumb, I found that it doesn't work all that well. Because you apply the pressure with your thumb, this has a tendency of putting more stress on one side of the filter and the rotation becomes much harder. It would be great if hoods would rotate as well, but that wouldn't work with petal type hoods.
It is for that reason that I rarely install the supplied hoods on my lenses. First, they increase the length of the lens and become a hazard. Secondly, I can use my hand to block the sun rays just as good as a lens hood can.
You can also get a collapsible rubber hood with filter threads, install it like a filter, or over the filter you are using. That way, the filter and the hood will turn together.
P.S. I found a website that actually lets you download a PDF file containing some of your favorite Pentax Lens hood. You just cut it out, fold it and slide it on your lens. I would paint it flat black myself. Check it out.
I also found this ingenious person that made a good looking hood himself.
Thank you for reading,
Yvon Bourque
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The best lens for the money, for your Pentax DSLR.
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Hi Pentaxian friends.
This lens will cost you less that $5.00. The results are akin to old cameras, but in color. Have you ever used a medium format plastic Holga camera? The results are somewhat similar. The Holga lens is made of plastic, but our lens has better "see through" quality than the best Carl Zeiss lenses. One disadvantage may be that it comes with one aperture on each lens, and the aperture is very small. In all likelihood, you will have to use a tripod. This is a prime lens, but it can be turned to a telephoto lens easily. It will take so little space in your camera bag, that it will make the Pentax Pancake Limited lenses look enormous. It has a good reputation of being a great lens for street photography and with a little practice, you can turn ordinary street photographs to extraordinary emotion filled images.
Of course, the quality of the images taken will not be as good as what Pentax prime and DA* lenses can produce. However, it's winter and in most parts of the Country it's cold and many of us don't take that many pictures in winter anyway. We all need some projects for winter shooting. So now, we're almost ready to divulge what is that very economical lens that has better "see through" quality that the best Carl Zeiss lenses.
We honor reciprocal links.
Hi Pentaxian friends.
This lens will cost you less that $5.00. The results are akin to old cameras, but in color. Have you ever used a medium format plastic Holga camera? The results are somewhat similar. The Holga lens is made of plastic, but our lens has better "see through" quality than the best Carl Zeiss lenses. One disadvantage may be that it comes with one aperture on each lens, and the aperture is very small. In all likelihood, you will have to use a tripod. This is a prime lens, but it can be turned to a telephoto lens easily. It will take so little space in your camera bag, that it will make the Pentax Pancake Limited lenses look enormous. It has a good reputation of being a great lens for street photography and with a little practice, you can turn ordinary street photographs to extraordinary emotion filled images.
Of course, the quality of the images taken will not be as good as what Pentax prime and DA* lenses can produce. However, it's winter and in most parts of the Country it's cold and many of us don't take that many pictures in winter anyway. We all need some projects for winter shooting. So now, we're almost ready to divulge what is that very economical lens that has better "see through" quality that the best Carl Zeiss lenses.
It's a pinhole, home-made lens. With a DSLR, pinhole shooting becomes as modern as can be. The results are as instantaneous as your DRLS can display it on the LCD monitor. It's really easy to make your own, although some fancy assembly can be purchased. What you need is a Pentax camera body cap, and one small piece of aluminum foil or brass shim. Drill a hole measuring about 1/2 inch in diameter in the body cap. Take the smallest needle you can find, and gently pierce a hole in the foil. Note that the smaller the hole, the better the image will be. Cut the foil so that it can easily fit inside the body cap. Tape the foil inside the body cap, making sure the small hole is located in the center. That's it, you have a pinhole lens. A flashgun in ‘full power’ manual mode can be used to illuminate a subject up to about 6”away. Two advantages of flash are; not having to worry about camera shake, and extreme contrast which adds to the apparent sharpness of the image.You want to make it a telephoto lens, simply use extendion tubes. Because the image circle gets larger as the distance between the pinhole and the sensor increases...you get an instant telephoto. The DSLR will have to be used in manual mode for the shutter speed, but the auto-focus is not necessary as the lens renders images equally focused Try it, you will have a blast.
Good references on pinhole.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Priceless...
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Hi Pentaxian friends.
I found this photo while looking at the weather.com website. It was Taken in Ramsey, MN by reelburner , whoever that is. Kudos to the photographer. Very cute!
We honor reciprocal links.
Hi Pentaxian friends.
I found this photo while looking at the weather.com website. It was Taken in Ramsey, MN by reelburner , whoever that is. Kudos to the photographer. Very cute!
Thousands Attend Global Warming Protest!
Inspector Gadget's new discovery.
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Hi Pentaxian friends.
Every Tuesday from now on, I will search the Internet and post new gadgets that could help you become a better photographer. All will be worthy of Inspector Gadget's approval.
I found this on the Internet and thought it could be of interest for some of my readers.
The Third Eye Video Camera.Smaller than a golf ball, this ultralight spherical video camera attaches to a headband, providing a third eye while biking, hiking, or during other activities. The camera's sensor captures images at 320 x 240 resolution at 30 fps (the built-in microphone records audio). Up to 1,200 still images and six hours of video can be saved onto the included 8GB micro SD memory card. Images and video are downloaded to your PC via a USB cable (requires PC running Windows with USB 2.0). It can also be connected to a TV for viewing images and video using the included cable. The rechargeable battery provides up to 2 1/2 hours of continuous operation from an eight-hour charge using the included USB cable. The camera can also be set to record images and video when it detects movement, preserving battery life. Includes headband. 1 1/2" sphere. (1 1/4 oz.) Item 76427 ................... $299.95
Available for Immediate Shipment.
You could make a video of yourself taking pictures while explaining what you are doing, a little like the Pentaxian photographers videos.
We honor reciprocal links.
Hi Pentaxian friends.
Every Tuesday from now on, I will search the Internet and post new gadgets that could help you become a better photographer. All will be worthy of Inspector Gadget's approval.
I found this on the Internet and thought it could be of interest for some of my readers.
The Third Eye Video Camera.Smaller than a golf ball, this ultralight spherical video camera attaches to a headband, providing a third eye while biking, hiking, or during other activities. The camera's sensor captures images at 320 x 240 resolution at 30 fps (the built-in microphone records audio). Up to 1,200 still images and six hours of video can be saved onto the included 8GB micro SD memory card. Images and video are downloaded to your PC via a USB cable (requires PC running Windows with USB 2.0). It can also be connected to a TV for viewing images and video using the included cable. The rechargeable battery provides up to 2 1/2 hours of continuous operation from an eight-hour charge using the included USB cable. The camera can also be set to record images and video when it detects movement, preserving battery life. Includes headband. 1 1/2" sphere. (1 1/4 oz.) Item 76427 ................... $299.95
Available for Immediate Shipment.
You could make a video of yourself taking pictures while explaining what you are doing, a little like the Pentaxian photographers videos.
Thank you for reading,
Yvon Bourque
Monday, February 16, 2009
PENTAX now shipping the White K2000. My Valentine got one.
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Hi Pentaxian friends.
Did you know that the Pentax White K2000 is now available from the Pentax's store? It's ships within one working day.
I had my name on the "Now taking orders" list and received an Email from Pentax when the camera became available. I purchased the kit, even though I already have the K20D and didn't exactly need another DSLR, but given it's fashionable white color, I thought I would get one for my wife. I've been showing her the camera on the Internet and I knew that she liked it. It just so happened that I received the camera right before Valentine's Day.
On Valentine's Day, my wife and I exchanged cards and after we read each others', I told her
that I still had a little something for her. I gave her the White K2000 and she was really surprised and really likes the camera. She often accompanies me when I go on a photo shoot and uses one of my cameras to take pictures as well. She adores the pearly white K2000 and I bet your wife would like it too. Now she has her own, and a very exclusive one at that.
You see, in my world, and most men's world, the wife is often a deciding factor whether you buy more lenses or not. Those lenses are expensive and it's often hard to justify purchasing more, when the house needs painting, the kids need something and bills have to be paid, etc. Unless you're a professional photographer, there are a million things more important to your wife than your lenses. Buy her a cool camera like the K2000 and show her how to use it and bring her with you on your photo outings. For one, photography is really a fun hobby and can easily be shared with a spouse. Most importantly, invest in a fashionable White K2000 for your wife, it's relatively inexpensive compare to lenses, and chances are that she will encourage you to buy more lenses and equipment. Believe me, if your wife is happy, you will be too.
She already took some pictures in Calico, an old ghost town in California, and in Pasadena with the K2000. Here are some...pretty nice aren't they?
We honor reciprocal links.
Hi Pentaxian friends.
Did you know that the Pentax White K2000 is now available from the Pentax's store? It's ships within one working day.
I had my name on the "Now taking orders" list and received an Email from Pentax when the camera became available. I purchased the kit, even though I already have the K20D and didn't exactly need another DSLR, but given it's fashionable white color, I thought I would get one for my wife. I've been showing her the camera on the Internet and I knew that she liked it. It just so happened that I received the camera right before Valentine's Day.
On Valentine's Day, my wife and I exchanged cards and after we read each others', I told her
that I still had a little something for her. I gave her the White K2000 and she was really surprised and really likes the camera. She often accompanies me when I go on a photo shoot and uses one of my cameras to take pictures as well. She adores the pearly white K2000 and I bet your wife would like it too. Now she has her own, and a very exclusive one at that.
You see, in my world, and most men's world, the wife is often a deciding factor whether you buy more lenses or not. Those lenses are expensive and it's often hard to justify purchasing more, when the house needs painting, the kids need something and bills have to be paid, etc. Unless you're a professional photographer, there are a million things more important to your wife than your lenses. Buy her a cool camera like the K2000 and show her how to use it and bring her with you on your photo outings. For one, photography is really a fun hobby and can easily be shared with a spouse. Most importantly, invest in a fashionable White K2000 for your wife, it's relatively inexpensive compare to lenses, and chances are that she will encourage you to buy more lenses and equipment. Believe me, if your wife is happy, you will be too.
She already took some pictures in Calico, an old ghost town in California, and in Pasadena with the K2000. Here are some...pretty nice aren't they? Thank you for reading,
Yvon Bourque
Yvon Bourque
Sunday, February 15, 2009
I am parting with some good glass so that I can buy more glass. It's all about LBA.
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Hi Pentaxian friends.
In order to get some of the Pentax DA* lenses that I didn't know I needed, I am going to sell some of my current lenses on EBay. I already looked on EBay for the lowest price they were getting and I am offering them here at the lowest price each were sold on EBay in the last few days. If you are interested, email me brqyvn@aol.com
I will accept PayPal payments only from certified PayPal accounts. In a few days, if they haven't sold here, I will place them on EBay.
This is what I am selling first:
Pentax DA 70mm Limited. $380.00 GONE TO EBAY - CHECK IT OUT.
Pentax DA 16-45mm. $200.00 SOLD
Pentax FA 50mm f/1.4. $150.00 SOLD
Pentax DA 16-45mm. $200.00 SOLD
Pentax FA 50mm f/1.4. $150.00 SOLD
Pentax AF-200fg flash. $ 95.00 GONE TO EBAY
All are in excellent "Like new" condition. Shipping is free inthe USA and at cost to other Countries. I would much rather have one of my readers get the lenses than selling them to people I have never made contact with before.
The DA 16-45 does not come with the box, but it has the lens pouch.
The 70mm Limited is like new.
The FA 50mm is like new, only used it a few times.
The AF-200fg flash is new as I purchased one a while back but another one was included in the K-2000 kit.
I have other Pentax FA, A and M lenses as well as other brands that I will also sell.
Thanks for reading,
Yvon Bourque
Yvon Bourque
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