What are /r/pentax's favorite Products & Services?

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I've been shooting canon/nikon since I started as a kid, after searching reddit and finding some pentax recommendations I came here and the pentax forums. Watched some weather sealing videos on youtube and I was sold. Ended up getting a new K-50 w/ 18-55 & 50mm for about $430. Took it out to a dim concert venue and shot mostly iso 3200-6400 and they look fantastic, sharp 1/5 shutter handheld with the image stabilization. Chatted with a dude who had a D810 and 35mm/1.4, our pictures were pretty comparable. Thanks to everyone here who pointed me in the right direction!

Remove the hood first by rotating it counter-clockwise relative to the lens body. Then you should be able to remove the cap with ease.

I'd recommend you get a cap like this, which is far easier to remove when the lens hood is on:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L6ISKE8/
Just make sure you get the correct size.

Guess I haven't contributed to one of these threads before. My wife and I just got back from a vacation in Europe to celebrate our 30th anniversary, during which I shot a lot of stereo image pairs.

One of my favorites from the trip is this detail from the exterior of St. Peter's Cathedral in Regensburg, Germany. Cross your eyes a little to see in 3D. It was shot with a pair of synchronized K20Ds through old manual-focus Vivitar 19mm lenses. The dramatic perspective effect is further emphasized in 3D, suggesting it comes from not only the short focal length but also a wider than usual stereo base, *i.e.*distance between the lenses, of 24cm.

For Android I love Photo Friend. Has ambient, average and spot meter, even depth of field scale, and a simple clean interface, doesn't try to look like an old selenium meter.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.epxx.photofriend

I got a k-50 recently for the same reasons you wanted to get one. Basically outdoors and hiking. It's been pretty awesome plus the available of cheap old lenses had made it a lot more fun on a low budget. Anyway I took a lot of pictures similar to what you have before so it's a good comparison.

https://500px.com/andmess

What if you tried to format the SD card in your macbook before trying to format it in the camera? I use a tool something like this but on a windows machine so I can't really guide you on MacOS :P

Apparently you should be able to use a 32GB SDHC card, you just gotta get the firmware update going

I bailed on flickr a couple years ago and moved to Ipernity. It's sort of a "flickr that was" interface, and they have scripting support for copying your pictures across from flickr en masse.

Mercedes-Benz Museum in the sunset

Stuttgart (Frühlingsfest) at night

I use a hand strap from a company called Herringbone. Got it on Amazon. I've had it for a couple of years now with no problems at all. It just gives me that little bit of extra security that I need.

Images of my handstrap on my K5: https://imgur.com/a/Lrpa5

https://www.amazon.com/Herringbone-Heritage-Leather-Camera-Strap/dp/B00FR75THA

There are a bunch on amazon (~$15) if you search for "k mount to t mount". For example: https://www.amazon.com/1-25-Inch-Telescope-Camera-Adapter-Pentax/dp/B013DOGISC/ref=psdc_3426051_t2_B01LW4IKYL

Why is that one so cheap compared to something like this? They seem similar but I don't know if the one I've linked would work. https://www.amazon.com/Pentax-55-300mm-4-5-6-3-PLM-Lens/dp/B01GVYHK42?keywords=pentax+lens&qid=1536844353&sr=8-11&ref=mp_s_a_1_11

I bought the Pentax 100mm Macro from Amazon. Doesn't seem to bad for the price. I have some background in nature and combat photography. But I have been really enjoying macro with my phone.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0030GGS3O/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_AGVBTNMWAR6HGXWEWFJP

The camera reads the lens' ID if its and A or newer lens, and puts the numerical value in the EXIF field. The post processing or viewing utility translates that numerical value into an human viewable string and displays it. If the post processing or viewing utility does not have an identity for the numerical value it does nothing with it. Try updating your post processing software.

• http://www.sno.phy.queensu.ca/~phil/exiftool/TagNames/Pentax.html

C1 focus on Sony / Nikon / Fuji (and Canon). Pentax K1 is supported (see https://www.captureone.com/fr/resources/tech-specs/camera-support-pentax ) but I don't think they made any effort to optimize the Pentax raw processing.

I personally use DxO PhotoLab which is often updated for Pentax lens & body.

Why don't you test the pro version of C1 (they have a 30 days trial period) ?

No, those releases are exclusively for dSLR's.

You would need something like this one.

You can screw one of these in the shutter release button of your K1000 and it can also be locked for longer exposures, look at the pictures for an explanation how to lock.

Most shutter releases have a hold function, just like this one.

Def use a tripod and a shutter release cable (need to use the old screw in ones with a pin, I’m really happy with this one.

Low iso film like 200 or even 100 seems to work best.

Wider angle lenses (28mm or lower) show more of the sky obv, but some people prefer 50mm, especially if you’re trying to catch meteors.

If you shoot for more than 20 seconds the stars will be blurry, but if you want any visible streaks you need to shoot for more than 20 min. Even then the streaks are relatively short, so I prefer to shoot for an hour or longer.

I'm too cheap to get the OEM cable release. I've had good luck with this one. The K-50 uses the same cable release protocol as Canon, if I'm not mistaken, so any EOS release should also work.

Similarly, I use an off-brand wireless remote which isn't great but works. I used to have an app on my phone that worked great, but I don't have a phone with an IR blaster any more.

I fought for years trying to get remote flashes to work on Canon, Nikon & Pentax. I finally bought a speed lite with a radio and I will never look back. This works flawlessly: https://www.amazon.com/-/es/inal%C3%A1mbrico-16-canales-Speedlite-receptor-unidades/dp/B00A47U22U/ref=sr_1_4?__mk_es_US=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&dchild=1&keywords=neewer+speedlight+with+trigger&qid=1611791733&sr=8-4

And why on Amazon for example I see the same camera but with different photo rappresenting the product?

https://www.amazon.it/dp/B01HMHHOJI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_j7nXFbPJV1P0E

https://www.amazon.it/dp/B07K4R3JC4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_I7nXFbBTS2BJF

Friend, I went on Amazon and searched Pentax Binoculars. These popped up and the Q&A search indicates they use this.

It didn't take a long time, and I have no knowledge of their quality, but if you need more information then I doubt it'll be hard to find different options.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001G4LOCC/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_puEPAbAZPDAMN

You take the screw and the lil mount off the product, and then mount it on the lens itself, you just coverted your m42 to a k-mount.

I have 3 M42s using this method... never stuck, up to infiry all good.

Oh, that's interesting. I thought you meant something like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/KECAY-Mount-Focusing-Helicoid-Adapter/dp/B01HM29V2G

So it's just one of the regular adapters but spaced off by 1mm or so. Interesting.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001G4LOCC/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_puEPAbAZPDAMN

You take the screw and the lil mount off the product, and then mount it on the lens itself, you just coverted your m42 to a k-mount

They do have 20% off the KS2: https://www.amazon.ca/Pentax-K-S2-Enabled-Weatherized-SLR/dp/B00SYIDZWK/ref=gbps_tit_s-3_22e2_34336df6?smid=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&pf_rd_p=565b4588-8aad-414c-9ddb-f33edb8422e2&pf_rd_s=slot-3&pf_rd_t=701&pf_rd_i=gb_main&pf_rd_m=A3DWYIK6...

Hosa Technology GMP-471 adapter. Don't get the right-angle 467 version, it won't fit deep enough into the port... at least with how my K-30 & K-50 are setup.

But wait... apparently they switched up the parts of the jack that trigger the remote... looks like this: https://www.amazon.com/Pentax-Cable-Switch-CS-310-Digital/dp/B06WRNBFXB is the only option for the K-70 & K-P.

Is it still worth the price it's selling for on amazon? It's around $450 w/the 18-55mm lens.

Are you in the US? Amazon is showing 11 in stock right now new from Amazon, with a few more new from other sellers and at least one used.

I'm not doing professional work, I'm a hobbyist, but without a way to change the flash settings remotely I'm hindering my creativity on where I can place the flash and how many flashes I can use at once.

As a hobbyist I regretted buying the RF603 once I was limited and I now recommend the TX over it because of the frustration of limitations with it for creative lighting.

Again though, I've done self-portraits and used a cheap $10 wireless trigger. I have this one specifically and it works well enough.

I don't see any reason why this wouldn't work on any DSLR hotshoe. I'd bet the "Canon" in the title is solely to draw more relevant searches.

You're welcome. If you find you're reversing lenses often, you might want to buy something like this: http://smile.amazon.com/Concept-Mount-Protection-Pentax-Camera/dp/B00LECYV76?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00

I always use mine with my reverse mounted lenses for protection. On a lot of lenses, the rear element moves back and forth when focusing so it can really suck up some dust and at high magnifications I'm always bumping my lens into stuff so it has definitely paid off. I can't notice any difference in image quality with a UV filter mounted vs the bare rear element either.

Huh, I have over 10,000 shots on my K-30 and haven't had any problems. For future reference, Pentax cameras come with a one year warranty and you can extend it to 3 years with a free sensor cleaning for something like $25. I bought it and tucked it away in the box.

Hopefully it gets fixed. Sorry you missed out on those Easter photos. It's a good idea to have a cheap point and shoot as a back up. I picked up a ruggedized Canon D20. I use it for risky situations like the pool, ocean, and very humid or muddy climates. It is a decent little camera and this type can be had on sale for less than $200. Here is a Panasonic that won't break the bank. http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-TS6D-Enabled-Adventure-Camera/dp/B00RBG61G8?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAJM4NKIQGABP2PIRA&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00RBG61G8&tag=thewire06-20&ascsubtag=WC23436

The Pentax Optio is also a good option, but when it comes to point and shoot, I don't have very much brand loyalty.

The real question is whether or not your money would be better spent on a Go Pro instead of a point and shoot depending on just how adventurous you are!

You'll have to look up each individual lens on filter size. I'd check Pentax Forums lens reviews for any of them that do t have the size on them. I own a B+W brand polarized filter on my macro (it is amazing). But I just use regular UV filters on the rest of my lenses due to the cost of B+W filters. Amazon Basics makes a lens filter that I have not used yet, but I will definitely try them next. They are very inexpensive. I have used Tiffen, and like them quite a bit, but they're nothing special.

Here is a link to the Amazon Basics polarized lenses, but they have just UV too. Your call. http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Circular-Polarizer-Lens-52/dp/B00XNMXNV0/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1455318775&sr=8-16&keywords=Lens+filter

Just for confirmation is this the lens in this combo you are recommending

Pentax K-50 16MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with DA 18-135mm WR f3.5-5.6 Lens (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DBPK99S/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_cIm0wbEY9T3CS

Thanks again for your time in answering

those are not really lenses. They are filters by another name. I have this set:

http://www.amazon.com/Sakar-Close-Up-Filter-Diopters-Magnification/dp/B001ANXRQA

I used the 10x a few times before I got a proper macro. Btw that Sigma is awesome and you should be able to get it for about $100 when the holiday sales hit.

Oh and I have experiences with BuyDig too. Not good ones. Ironically I ended up getting the better end of a deal because they accidentally sent me someone elses camera in addition to mine. I waited 6 months for them to ask for it back. Never heard from them, free camera for me. Never did business with them again.

The 18-135 is a great lens but the ebay listing is probably for a grey market camera. That's fine as long as you know and are ok with grey market.

I dont know what you pain level is for hassles but mine is pretty low when it comes to camera gear. I stopped looking for the "too good to be true" price right after I got ripped off for $1000 from a scam on Alibaba. I would rather pay $100 more and deal with B&H, Adarama or Amazon (real Amazon, not "fulfilled by" Amazon).

I own the clip and it worked great for about 6 months. the button then decided it would randomly get stuck. eventually, I had to use a knife under the plate to release it. tried fixing it and it would work great for a little while, but would end up malfunctioning. I set it aside and found a long camera strap that is quite comfortable over the shoulder and across the body. I gave the ugly strap to a friend.

Nope, not art, just the plain old 85/1.4. This one (affiliate link, just in case). Honestly it's a great lens, but I wish it was an FA because when the Pentax FF body comes out it'll be great. On APS-C as a 127mm lens it's just a bit long for "normal" work.

What I'd love is the 50/1.2 but in an AF... a friend has it and it's a gorgeous portrait lens.

The 50mm is a budget lens every Pentaxian should consider. Very sharp. At $99, it's probably the best deal you can get for a new Pentax lens.

The 40mm is a good, compact lens. $299 is the cheapest I've seen it. If you want to stick to a smaller budget (and even smaller lens), there's also the tiny 40mm XS that uses the same optical formula (but without the same build quality or coatings).

When I'm bringing everything including laptop - I've had this guy for a while now and it's never let me down: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004JMZPK0

It's also pretty cheap considering the competition so I put the leftover money on another lens. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

18-300 is $335 at amazon

What are you going to be using it for. I just bought a cheap one to start out with and it has done great for me so far. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001D60LG8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

VERY COOL!!! Congrats!!! Post unboxing pics!!!!

Wasabi

You can get them from Amazon in a two pack with a charger for about $25

Ill add - while not WR, I have used the DA35 in some pretty rough conditions without any ill effects. The danger is not so much to the lens itself as it is of liquid entering between the lens body and the camera body and then entering the delicate electronics of the camera. There was a kickstarted for an add on rubber seal but it was 1) limited to Canon and Nikon and 2) didn't work well.

Another solution is a rain sleeve. I use these with my Tamron 70-200mm. One qualifier - I would not use these in hot/humid conditions. Your hand is 98 degrees. You will fill this thing with moisture under grey/cold conditions in a few hours. In Louisiana rain storms, a few minutes. Nothing worse for electronics.

As others have said, if you are tossing away your 18-135, toss it my direction :)