Next Generation Landscapes | OutdoorPhotographer.com

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Next Generation Landscapes

Digital innovation has allowed Marc Adamus to deliver a more refined vision than ever before. It’s the new look of landscape photography.

By William Sawalich, Photography By Marc Adamus

Next Generation Landscapes | OutdoorPhotographer.com


Dear readers,

These are images to learn from.

See more of Marc Adamus' work at    ww.marcadamus.com.

New and Improved AF540FGZ II and AF360FGZ II Flash Units

Email: brqyvn@gmail.com 

 Hi Photographer friends,

AF540FGZ II and AF360FGZ II Flash Units

The AF540FGZ II and the AF360FGZ II professional flash units update the Pentax models presently available and have added not only power and design durability, but features to enhance video recording as well. Compatible with Pentax SLR, DSLR, and mirrorless cameras that have a hot-shoe mount, they are powerful and versatile. Their new all-weather construction pairs well with the Pentax WR DSLR cameras. High maximum guide numbers (177.2’ for the AF540 and 118.1’ for the AF360, both at ISO 100) indicate more power than their predecessors; their effective flash ranges run to 26.2’ for the AF540 and 17.7’ for the AF360. They are both auto zoom enabled when shooting with a compatible autofocus camera-and-lens combination.

Pre-flash in P-TTL mode provides more accurate strobe shooting. High-speed, on-camera, and wireless flash is available in P-TTL. Both models offer a constant light source for videos or long-exposure still photography and an improved LCD shows the effective flash range. A simple dial is available to control flash exposure compensation. The AF540FGZ II and the AF360FGZ II can also act as both commander and slave via their optical pulse transmission wireless shooting function. With up to four channels available, the wireless function enables effective, coordinated off-camera flash setups for creative lighting control.

	Pentax AF540FGZ II Flash Unit	Pentax AF360FGZ II Flash Unit
Mount	Shoe	Shoe
Guide No.	177.2' (54 m) at ISO 100	118.1' (36 m) at ISO 100
Flash Duration	M1/1: approx. 1/1200 sec. P-TTL: approx. 1/20,000 sec. max.	M1/1: approx. 1/1200 sec. P-TTL: approx. 1/20,000 sec. max.
Effective Flash Range	Approx. 2.6-26.2' (0.8-8.0 m) (Guide No. 45, ISO 100, f/5.6)	Approx. 2.3-17.7' (0.7-5.4 m) (Guide No. 30, ISO 100, f/5.6)
Color Temperature	Daylight-balanced	Daylight-balanced
Compatible Sensitivity Range	ISO 25-1600	ISO 25-1600
TTL Dedication	P-TTL	P-TTL
Flash Modes / Exposure Control	P-TTL auto with pre-flash, manual, multi, wireless (P-TTL/Manual), constant light for video/long-exposure photo	P-TTL auto with pre-flash, manual, multi, wireless (P-TTL/Manual), constant light for video/long-exposure photo
Flash Output Setting	Wireless (P-TTL): 1/1, 2/3, 1/2, 1/3 Wireless (Manual): 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/128, 1/256 Manual: 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/128, 1/256 Multi flash: 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/128, 1/256 LED beam mode: Auto, 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16	Wireless (P-TTL): 1/1, 2/3, 1/2, 1/3 Wireless (Manual): 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/128, 1/256 Manual: 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/128, 1/256 Multi flash: 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/128, 1/256 LED beam mode: Auto, 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16
Continuous Flashes	2-100	2-100
Flash Frequency	1-200Hz	1-200Hz
Flash Sync Modes	1st-curtain sync, 2nd-curtain sync, Contrast-control sync, High-speed sync	1st-curtain sync, 2nd-curtain sync, Contrast-control sync, High-speed sync
Wireless Flash	Control system: Optical pulse transmission Wireless position: Master (M), Control (C), Slave (S) Channels: 1 to 4 Compatible modes: P-TTL, manual (M)	Control system: Optical pulse transmission Wireless position: Master (M), Control (C), Slave (S) Channels: 1 to 4 Compatible modes: P-TTL, manual (M)
Bounce Settings	Vertical and horizontal orientation with click stops at: Right: 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 150°, 180° Left: 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 135° Up: 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90° Down: 0°, -10°	Vertical and horizontal orientation with click stops at: Right: 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 150°, 180° Left: 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 135° Up: 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90° Down: 0°, -10°
AF Spot LED Beam Range	Approx. 3.3-23' (1-7 m)	Approx. 3.3-23' (1-7 m)
Flash Output Compensation	In P-TTL mode: -4.0 to +2.0 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps	In P-TTL mode: -4.0 to +2.0 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps
Power Source	4x AA Alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH, or Lithium (FR6) batteries	4x AA Alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH, or Lithium (FR6) batteries
Dimensions	3.0 x 4.4 x 4.2" (76 x 113 x 108mm)	2.6 × 4.3 × 4.1'' (68 x 111 x 106mm)
Weight	Approx. 12.3 oz (350 g) without batteries	Approx. 10.2 oz (290 g) without batteries

Email: brqyvn@gmail.com 

 Hi Photographer friends,

Ricoh Imaging introduces five new HD Pentax DA Limited lenses

By PR ADMIN | Published: AUGUST 27, 2013

  
  

New Lenses feature enhanced performance with high-grade HD coating and rounded diaphragms for stunning bokeh effects

DENVER, CO, August 27, 2013 –Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation (Ricoh Imaging) is pleased to announce the introduction of five new HD PENTAX DA Limited lenses. The acclaimed HD PENTAX DA Limited series of prime lenses, specifically designed for the PENTAX  K-mount DSLR cameras includes the HD PENTAX DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited, HD PENTAX DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited, HD PENTAX DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited, HD PENTAX DA 40mm F2.8 Limited and HD PENTAX DA 70mm F2.4 Limited, elevating optical design and performance.

Touting highly-enhanced optical performance the HD PENTAX DA Limited lenses feature treatments of both SP (Super Protect) coating and the PENTAX-original high-grade multi-layer HD (High Definition) coating, which assures much higher light transmittance than conventional multi-layer coatings delivering sharp, clear images with significantly reduced flare and ghosting, even under demanding, backlit conditions. All five lens models have also been upgraded with completely rounded aperture diaphragms at wide aperture settings for optimal optics performance and gorgeous bokeh effects.

“Ricoh Imaging continues to innovate and improve all aspects of photography,” said Jim Malcolm, Executive Vice President, Ricoh Imaging. “With an industry-leading 24 APS-C optimized lenses our family of K-mount DSLRs and lenses provides consumers with a system that has been fine-tuned and meticulously architected for optimal image output. And, with enhancements like HD coating, we are continuously helping consumers achieve more technically sound images.”

Inheriting the distinctive visual description and premium appearance of the lauded PENTAX Limited Lens series, the refreshed line of HD PENTAX DA Limited lenses features a meticulous finish in every detail, from the outstanding image rendition to the high-quality, hand-machined aluminum body, the refreshed lineup provides the utmost durability and elegant design.

Pricing and Availability

The HD PENTAX DA Limited Lens series will be available for purchase in a choice of black or silver at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com and retail outlets nationwide in September 2013 with the following suggested retail prices:

• HD PENTAX DA 40mm F2.8 Limited- $549.95
  • pre order options: SILVER | BLACK
• HD PENTAX DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited- $699.95
  • pre order options: SILVER | BLACK
• HD PENTAX DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited- $699.95
  • pre order options: SILVER | BLACK
• HD PENTAX DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited- $749.95
  • pre order options: SILVER | BLACK
• HD PENTAX DA 70mm F2.4 Limited- $749.95
  • pre order options: SILVER | BLACK

Major Features (common to all five models):

1. High-grade HD coating for exceptional image rendition
HD PENTAX DA Limited lenses are treated with HD coating,* a high-grade multi-layer lens coating that assures higher light transmittance and lower reflectance than conventional multi-layer coatings. As the result, HD PENTAX DA Limited lenses produce sharp, clear images free of flare and ghost images, even under such adverse lighting conditions as backlight.
* HD stands for High Definition, and signifies the lens’s capacity to reproduce images that excel in transparency, definition, resolution and rendition.

2. Round-shaped diaphragm for beautiful out-of-focus rendition
All lenses feature a completely round-shaped diaphragm to optimize the performance of their distinctive optics. This diaphragm produces a natural, beautiful bokeh (out-of-focus) effect, while minimizing the streaking effect of point light sources.

3. Acclaimed Limited Lens-series qualities for distinctive visual description and a premium appearance
While inheriting the design concept of the Limited Lens series, these lenses were designed by combining a series of mechanical and numerical evaluations with human assessment of test-shooting samples to assure supreme image reproduction. Their optical design has been optimized for digital photography to deliver sharp, clear images with outstanding contrast, even at the maximum aperture. In addition, their lens barrel, hood and cap are all made of a high-grade aluminum material, hand-machined for perfect proportions and beautiful texture.

4. Enhanced exterior design signifying HD series
While inheriting traditional design features of DA PENTAX Limited Lenses the new HD PENTAX DA Limited lens series features a red anodized ring on the front of the focus ring to signify the presence of new HD PENTAX lens coating and enhance its exclusive appearance.

5. Other features

• SP (Super Protect) coating (already featured in four other lenses) has been applied to the HD PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 Limited to keep the front surface free of dust and stains.
• All the lenses come in a silver version in addition to the black version.
♦Design and Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Pentax E-books from Yvon Bourque are now available on Amazon.com

Email: brqyvn@gmail.com

 Hi Photographer friends,

After seven years of publishing e-books for the Pentax line of cameras on my website only, I decided to make my e-books also available on Amazon.com. 

All current e-books are being converted to Amazon format by www.novel-words.com 

They are experts in publishing and if you have a book you would like to publish on Amazon, or any help regarding writing and publishing, check them out. They are affordable and their work is impeccable.

My first Amazon e-book is for the Pentax K-30. Within a week or so, the Pentax K-5 e-book will be available, and soon after, the K-50/K/500. All my books are still available on my own Website, as PDF files. Aletta Photo.

The decision to also publish on Amazon, is because some people feel more secure dealing with a large International company and Amazon accepts more types of payments.

You can go to Amazon, directly to my e-book page. You can also search for Pentax ebook, or Yvon Bourque within Amazon, and it will bring you to the Pentax e-books.

Thank you for reading.

Yvon Bourque

Pentax K-50 on the cover of Popular Photography.

Email: brqyvn@gmail.com

 Hi Photographer friends,

Pentax K-50 on the cover of Popular Photography.

Our e-book for the K-50 is coming soon.

We also have e-books for the K-5 series, K-7, K-20, K-x, K-r, K-10 and K-100.

You have the K-01? We have an interactive e-book on Apple iBooks.

Happy Pentax Shooting,

Yvon Bourque

Nationwide Insurance featuring the Pentax K-01.in their TV Commercial.

Email: brqyvn@gmail.com

Hi Photographer friends,

Have you seen the commercial for Nationwide insurance? It shows someone breaking into a house and stealing all kind of stuff. The Nationwide "agent" is replacing the stolen items immediately. The idea is to show that Nationwide will quickly replace anything stolen. One of the articles stolen is a Pentax K-01, which has been discontinues here in the U.S.  It's amazing that Nationwide can replace it with a new Pentax K-01...simply amazing!

Click here to watch the commercial.

Thanks for reading, and watching.

Yvon Bourque

Good news...I will get the new Pentax K-50 in a few days. I will complete my e-book for this great and affordable DSLR.

Email: brqyvn@gmail.com 

Hi Photographer friends,

I just wanted to let everyone know that I will probably receive the Pentax K-50  before the end of this week. That is good news, as it will allow me to finally complete my new e-book for the Pentax K-50/K-500.

If you purchased any of my e-books before, you know how important including images of all screens  is to me.

Hopefully, this new e-book will be available very soon. This new e-book and all future e-books will also be available through Amazon as well as this blogsite.

Thanks for reading,

Yvon Bourque

Local Car show images taken with a Pentax K-5 and Apple iPhone. See the differences.

Email: brqyvn@gmail.com

 Hi Photographer friends,

Many locations in California have a car show every week during the summer. It's nothing fancy, just local car owners showing their pride possessions. They are held in the parking lots of restaurants all across Southern California.  I was around one of these tonight with my K-5 and 10-17mm lens mounted, and yesterday I was at another one with my Apple iPhone. The iPhone is great when that's the only camera you have with you, but you can see the difference in quality between the two herein...or can you?

I'm sure you can see a difference in quality, but for displaying on a computer monitor, the iPhone does a pretty good job.

Thanks for reading,

Yvon Bourque

The long way home...: Our first stay, Desert Willow RV Resort in Hesperi...

The long way home...: Our first stay, Desert Willow RV Resort in Hesperi...: Hello RVers, Photographers, Friends and Family. You can email me (us) directly at brqyvn@gmail.com We just retired on August fi...

Just how much do you love your Pentax?

Email: brqyvn@gmail.com 

 Hi Photographer friends,

Just how much do you like your Pentax? Enough to have it tattooed on your body?

I was surprised when my daughter sent me a picture of a Pentax camera tattooed on some girl's arm.  Checking Google Images, I realized that there were a lot more.

Interesting!

Thanks for stopping by,
Yvon Bourque