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Mirko Fambrini www.juzaphoto.com/p/MirkoFambrini  |
The following opinions have been automatically translated with Microsoft Translator. | Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Pros: Ergonomics, viewfinder, construction, details, stabilization, tropicalization... In short, the usual Pentax stuff before it was discovered by others to become important. A real pleasure to use. I obviously add the monochrome sensor and a new exposure mode (also present in the normal k3III) that fits like a glove on the monochrome sensor. Cons: Monochrome sensor.. :) Plus some small things such as the badly placed photo review button, the menu that for those who come from the Pentax world leaves you a moment displaced, as well as the different display of the viewfinder focus point compared to previous models, in addition to the various features and AF modes to be studied and not immediately understood for the practical and most appropriate use. Opinion: A monochrome sensor isn't for everyone who generally writes they love black and white. It has strengths and strengths, but also flaws and weaknesses. Everyone can inform themselves about this (or rather they must inform themselves) and decide accordingly what is best for them. It works great at high-very high iso; The files are really very malleable and clean. The way you set up and expose is noticeably different than with a camera with a bayer filter. Underexposing is not a problem. Err on the top and burn the lights you. :) Mounted on a reflex with interchangeable lenses with many features, equipped with a valid AFC, and which allows you to range from 12 mm to 450mm makes it very versatile for all those who until now have turned to super bright lenses and NR programs mainly to avoid raising the iso. The monochrome sensor allows you to rewrite the exposure triads by raising the iso to high values (unthinkable for an apsc) while also providing a very good file. Starting from high ISO, in my opinion, you have better files in terms of cleanliness and workability even than a common FF sensor (I also have a k1). The ability to open the shadows is really incredible and I was already used to it well. You can raise the slider up to 5 stops and then start again with another 2-3 stops later :) However, the noise remains pleasant (according to my tastes :)), less invasive and in my opinion it is the one that can be closer, when present, to the grain of the film. I haven't had a chance to do print tests yet, but I'm working on it. :) I took it to use it for street photography, a tip and shoot with autoiso up to 25.600 in TAV is really killer in any situation, but I will also have ways to use it for concerts, some night (remember that it also has astrotracer integrated), and as an option also for the little nature and sport that I practice. It could also be interesting for weddings and in general for all those situations in which you have to reconcile fast times and wider depth of field. I think it's a camera that can provide many valid, alternative and even creative solutions since the camera body can really help to squeeze the monochrome sensor between double exposures, multiple exposures, interval shots, and why not even some timid approach of a less basic star. sent on March 11, 2024 |
 | Pentax HD FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited Pros: It is a Limited, or rather the Limited, which I tell you deal .. Cons: not having it Opinion: It came to me today, I didn't even take a picture. Since there were topics that criticized those who wrote reviews without even having used lenses or cameras, I easily resisted using it before writing specifically (without putting the vote though). Those interested in a complete review and know the differences with FA 77 can read here, where there are also field tests: https://www.pentaxforums.com/articles/review-news/comparison-review-of-the-new-hd-fa-limited-lenses.html To those who already have a limited and know the characteristics of these lenses, can not read here only if they do not want to buy it, otherwise it could only raise the desire. https://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/products/limited_lens/fa_limited/ Otherwise what matters how it works.. it's nice even just to put in the window. Two hundred and seventy grams of heavy metal. As soon as I try it on analog I will add something. For the photos instead they will follow when there will be an opportunity, but do you really also care about the photos? sent on November 18, 2021 |
 | Pentax SMC FA 43mm f/1.9 Limited Pros: Construction quality, size, particular focal length (for others it may be too anomalous), blurred, sharp, diaphragmatic ring that can be used both in digital and analog Cons: If you buy today (or still own) a lens a lens over twenty years and ultrareviewed what cons can you complain about? ;) Opinion: I arrived yesterday but it will certainly not be my review to discover it, extremely premature and more homage than technical as already happened. I write to skin and after a couple of short outings on FF and apsc. Considering that it has been out of production for a few months (since 1998) following the revision of the new HD-FA limited (here the comparison: https://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/hd-vs-smc-pentax-fa-limited-primes/introduction.html) I think it is right to pay tribute to a lens that has been part of a legendary trio in the history of Pentax and since no one on this site has taken this trouble. Starting from the particularity of the focal length that is the result of the diagonal of the 24x36 format and arriving at the characteristics and philosophy of the construction of the first limited it can be noted that as soon as the lens leaves the box it is a real pleasure to discover. The small size of the metal object (it is about half of the already reduced 15 or 35 limited) and the weight (which increase by a few grams by mounting the hood by screwing it and not fixed like the 31) inspire a certain caution in the maneuver. On K1 lens + lens are relatively inexpensive and bulky, or at least on a par with a normal apsc + tele. On k70 really weight and size are not for me of any problem really. The AF looks as well as the 31 quite responsive in both models (we always talk about pentax do not be under any illusions eh :) ) . Obviously, the crop factor of the angle of view makes the lens use very different. In FF it lends itself to the classic reportage and street photos, not from inside the scene (like the 31) but immediately on the margins and no longer detached like the classic 50. It seems to me well positioned also for street portraiture and in general both full-length and half-length. On portraiture I will also try some close-ups or more restricted. The blurred appears pleasant and well microcontrasted. I was able to see, remembering the street photos of Werner Bishof on MF that at full aperture, at the right distance it is possible to give a pleasant blurred and isolation of the subject in certain contexts of light and / or evocative, without the "crushing of the medium-canvases, thus giving me an opportunity to explore even shots different from the whole classic focus of street photos. A lens with an excellent personality. On apsc becomes for my way of seeing long for a street use, but it will certainly be interesting in portraiture, at least from what I could see about my dog :). Sooner or later I will try it (like the 31) also on film, just to caxxeggiare a little. If you are looking for a lens with a perfect yield at full aperture, edges corners center, without any problem of aberrations and fringes, forget about this lens and look for more. Here is a "technical" sheet: https://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/smc-pentax-fa-43mm-f19-limited/introduction.html Certainly someone will say that in the end it is only a kind of fifty expensivetto. If you are looking for a small prince, with a personality, sharp and sweet, and with a real-life rendering that is not explained (and perhaps it is only in the head of those who see it even if it does not exist) and you can not explain but only try, then look for one. At the limit you resell it, someone has succeeded. sent on September 08, 2021 |
 | Pentax K-1 Pros: ergonomics, viewfinder, construction, details, stabilization, tropicalization... in short, the usual pentax things before they were discovered by others to become important. A real pleasure of use. Cons: To date I do not know, too soon to say, I will update aware that probably the known limits do not concern my uses. Opinion: For a while I was behind him and in the end the right opportunity came. Usually aware that a review would require use and practice of a few months, since the room has been out for a few years (and also production) I will limit myself to describing some aspects and sensations that have emerged to me immediately. The grip and ergonomics is pretty much perfect for my hands; the body is obviously heavier than my apsc models but it remains very balanced even the use with one hand (I do not have heavy lenses). I will use it practically are with "small" fixed (which I will add slowly for this year I gave) and I'm curious to see how it will be used for street photos from a practical point of view. Seeing inside the viewfinder, coming from apsc (and pentax already has excellent sights about it) is really a pleasure and the jump is remarkable. Coming from the pentax world the menu and functions are really intuitable even without reading the manual, which you have to resort to only for some peculiarities of use and functions. It ran all quite quickly and modified according to my preferences I tried in review the various lenses I have, both in crop and FF mode. The basic idea is to glue on the 31, however I have to understand well also the relative lower (and upper) angles of field. I therefore tried K, M, A lenses of various focal lengths, as well as some DA (12-24 and 55-300). First of all, the position of the green button for stop-down measurement is really convenient. Unlike my apsc which was above on the back and I could resort to the index only (first to measure and then to shoot) now being on the back I can use the paired thumb (to measure) and index (to shoot) almost instantly and without moving anything. I had read information on the DA 12-24 on the net I think I can confirm that from 18 to 24 the DA is usable without particular problems, with slight vignetting starting from the minimum limit with a tendency to improve by going up and closing diaphragms, and for me it is a good thing. I tried out of curiosity (these days it was talked about in a topic) the electronic shutter in LV (unlike later models it is not usable in the k1 viewfinder) and is quieter but not completely silent (as I imagined). I must say that the noise of the mechanical one is for me very low accustomed to the shooting of the k30 and also to the noisiest of the k70. Also interesting is the solution for the junction of the LV which, although different from that of the k70 is equally appreciated by being able to use it, overturning it upwards, even in the way of a cockpit. The seller has also included in the price two SD cards so I will have the opportunity to immediately appreciate the double slot (although I do not consider it fundamental) since I will use among the options the one that directs the jpeg on one (before I only shot in jpeg) and the raw on the other of which I will be able to keep those rare cases that interest me. I bought this room for whim and not for necessity, although I seem to have noticed immediately that the diversity of the depth of field at equal aperture between apsc and FF is quite evident and may be important in certain situations of portraiture. I have not tried astrotracer (I do not even know if I will ever use it :), the pixel shift (the k1 has no motion correction) but above all the wi-fi connection with the App (which I already had for the k70). For the rest there are more detailed and complete reviews, comparative even with the k1II and the topics covered are quite exhaustive. The room is new (not equal to the new but just new), I wonder how do you keep the rooms in these conditions, I will work to consume it a little ... :) sent on July 21, 2021 |
 | Pentax SMC DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited Pros: construction, weight and size, excellent to use to go out light. Pleasant to grip a tiny wide angle with integrated lampshed really practical to carry and use. Cons: The screw cap remains a bit annoying, in my opinion not for all genres. To be used a little closed to have the best quality, as generally for all lenses. Opinion: I gave myself a lens that I was now, and I'll be curious, to try. Received a few hours ago a plaster specimen at a good used price, I do not think I have to add much compared to what is already written around. I took it to use it for street photos, going out lighter and/or on particular occasions of demonstrations (sooner or later they will come back) or even just turning among people. I have the 12-24 that I undoubtedly consider more versatile being able to choose the focal between 12 (rarely use) 15 (use enough) 18 (sometimes) 24 (sometimes) and using it as three-four fixed. A very approximate internal test between the two while considering a certain variability of specimens of one and the other, at 11x magnifications of the LV, it seems to me that the 15 is better on everything, edges and center, and lacks chromatic aberrations (which somewhat appear in the zoom). I also think it's great to use in backlight, although the next HD model is likely to be even better. Soft soft to F4 (here maybe here is better zoom) , if one wants to be picky (and I am not) it must be used closed enough to give the best to the edges (in my opinion f11 or even 16). For what I do (street photo) my fixed setting of 95% of my photos is f8 and I'm sure I'll be satisfied with it. In interiors or architecture I would have some doubts but in fact not practical (as landscape) these things. Considering that I was already 12-24 and that this seems better I can only be pleased. Finally, I read about a certain variability between the series, probably less between the new model. If I then have something to modify after some use (as indeed you should) I will correct. It seems to me to be an objective that fully reflects the philosophy of limited, slow compromise between practicality and quality. Would I take it again? Without using it probably not because it is already covered on that focal. After I've used it a little who knows... One last thing to say is that it is not usable on FF unlike 12-24 where from 18-20 up it seems to be (even not in crop-mode), where one evaluates the choice according to tomorrow thinking of making the switch. sent on May 10, 2021 |
 | Pentax SMC FA 31mm f/1.8 AL Limited Pros: Construction, built-in light screen Cons: So far, nothing. If anything, I update. Opinion: I wanted to put the first impressions of use, a few days after the purchase. Normally you should wait but I don't think I'll add anything new compared to what's already around on this lens. First of all I like to point out that contrary to what is reported on the Juza website this lens (and the other limited of the FA series that are part of the triad (31, 43, 77) are still alive, vegetated and in production. The metallic construction and compactness are really pleasant, both aesthetically and to the touch. Compared to the limited cousins of the DA series, the 31 is about twice the weight and size, although it is the largest of the three, but the others are really tiny. The comparison reference I had before was the macro limited 35 2.8 first version. The first thing that is evident to me and that on apsc is not really a "normal" as a field angle compared to the 35. As per mathematics it remains a middle ground between a 28 and 35 with all the pros and cons depending on the tastes. Personally, I don't mind a certain accentuation of the yield... "wide". The second thing compared to the macrolo and the difference in tones, decidedly colder, and this too I do not mind. Not making landscape the warm tones and certain saturations were not really in my strings. All simple stuff to correct but using almost always jpeg is more immediate to me. The third thing is the AF decidedly shorter and more functional even for street photos. The scarring of the macrolo in certain situations of low contrast or with little brightness was a little exhausting... :asd:. The fourth thing I saw and that, read about some flare problem and some aberration. The front lens is much larger. I tried some full backlights. On the front with full sun inside the frame I think it has remained quite well. With strong side light near the frame some problems appeared. Closing 5.6 and up seems better to me, but from this point of view the macrolo (despite having the old version without HD) was definitely a guarantee. I made no comparisons between edges, center, sharpness and other various amenities. The macrolo is already good in this sense, the file, when well exposed is always very readable and even the pushed crops remain with a detail that is largely satisfactory to me (and I almost never use pushed crops). The impression is that it is still slightly better and even with the 24 mpx of the k70 they have a lot of potential. I haven't tried blurry in portraits and I don't have the cat so from this point of view I can't say anything. I will be curious to try it sooner or later on the full format, where that corner of the field has the characteristics on which it was originally thought and built. If I ever don't get a digital Pentax, I'il put on a super ME roll. The lens has the diaphragm ring and is perfectly usable keeping all automatisms losing only the AF (not having the body of that era) When I do something I will put it in the gallery ... sent on October 19, 2020 |
 | Pentax SMC DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Pros: Metal construction, sharpness, Macro 1:1, good flare resistance, compact, lightweight virtually pocket-sized Cons: Being a macro has the AF run a little long. For the rest I would say nothing else but not using it as a macro. Opinion: I'm retiring my macrolo that for a couple of years now has accompanied me almost always, mounted or in the bag. It is a pleasure to handle it, I practice the retractable lampshade, pleasant leather case. I bought it used in good condition and today the "devaluation" of this lens is relative (the average price used by what I see remains on 220-280). I can't tell you the improvements of the latest version (HD) how much they have further improved what already goes definitely well. Even though the old version is, one can only express a positive appreciation. On apsc (it does not cover the FF) it becomes a classic sharp fifty, with boke quite soft and pleasant even for portraiture. I used it mainly for this and for street photos and it behaved well for the features (merits and defects) that were known to me. Soft and pleasant blurry, rarely use open diaphragms; closing a couple of stops from the best of ifs even if I do not lament for the full-opening surrender (but I do little text). You can certainly define a lens with a good personality, the quality of which is noticeable and stands out in comparison with optical kits or even just generalist, for colors and sharpness. A lens that has left its mark on me and that I will always take out every now and then. sent on October 13, 2020 |
 | Pentax SMC DA 12-24mm f/4 ED AL Pros: very versatile, good color rendering, crisp. Cons: Not tropicalized. For my use nothing else considering the characteristics of the focal points. Opinion: It is the lens that I have been using the most for about a year now in street photography. I do very little architecture, but if necessary it can serve and correct distortion quite easily having the precaution of shooting more or less "in bubble". Just as rarely do I use a natural landscape, and I don't make astro. I mainly focus on 15, 18 and 24 mm as a kind of fixed. I rarely use it at 12 and only in confined spaces where I can't help it. By personal attitude I would have preferred a wider focal excursion upwards than downwards, it would have prevented me from changing it even on occasions that I prefer to use a 35 mm. It is not very bright but I care little using very often more closed diaphragms and with little light... I raise the iso. I don't find it evil even in the resistance to flare especially in the long part. Mandatory (obvious) the use of your own lampshon. It is not as small as size, although it remains more contained in length of 55-300 but a little wider and of more or less equivalent weight (better known lens to give an effective idea). It's pretty easy for me to take it with me, glued to the car and not. A lens that has been out for many years, but that still has a reason. New is now with about 850 euros, perhaps destined to go down even something after the exit of the 11-18 WR. Used it is located on the 400-500 euros and in my opinion it can not be missing in a kit of a photo amateur with a little experience that wants to use those focal ones, compared also to the alternatives that can be proposed for use in street photos. Edit: I add a non-secondary fact for this lens. For those who use an apsc kit and are intent on a possible switch to the FF system, this lens can be used not only in crop mode but also with good results in the 16-24 range starting from a closing stop. It is known that some DA lenses (native to apsc format) can also be used on FF and the lens is partly among them. sent on May 23, 2019 |
 | Pentax K-70 Pros: Pentax quality, stabilized body, tropicalized, pentaprism, swivel display, Wi-Fi connection, built-in astrotracer, pixel-shift, no AA filter, handy and practical without losing in robustness, excellent high ISO hold, double ring. Cons: For my needs, none. Opinion: I purchased this body after my dear K30. I was looking for quality improvements in terms of resolution (16 to 24 mpx), the use of a revolving display to improve the possibility of having less usual shooting points with greater practicality, and a Wi-Fi connection that would allow me to interact with the Phone without waiting to work on the PC for family occasions. I was very satisfied with what I found simple and instinctive the use of these novelties. I found that the dedicated app allows you to also shoot directly from the phone monitor by focusing directly with touch by the same. I found and tried for curiosity other functions that the body has more than the past K30, as well as notable improvements and additions to the various advanced shooting modes such as Multiexposures (with many more setting options), functionality of Time lapse up to 4k with in-room mounting option, extraction of individual frames. The body is equipped with an astrotracer built-in which requires a GPS to be purchased separately unlike other higher models. I've never practiced the genre, I'll make a point. I never do videos so nothing I can say about it. Interesting the function of pixel shift, also foreseen with the shutter option that corrects the movements directly from the camera; It seems to me to obtain good results also on subjects with slight movements and with use therefore both freehand and with non-static subjects (limited to slow movements of course). In addition to having a very good detail, it allows you to greatly reduce the noise by shooting at very high ISO. It seems to me anyway great and improved the yield at high ISO even with the single shot, being able to raise one-two stops fairly quietly compared to K30 with more than acceptable results in many conditions. It will allow me to use the 55-300 in the gymnasiums for my daughter's competitions with more tranquility, as well as the 12-24 even when it starts to go down the daylight. On the other qualities of 5-axis stabilization, tropicalization, pentaprism and so on typical of Pentax the product nothing does miss. I feared a little the size somewhat reduced, albeit slightly compared to K30, not liking much too small bodies. In a couple of days I have quietly adapted eliminating almost every annoyance, with the addition that with the 55-300 I have a feeling of greater manageability (despite being in my opinion only psychological). The same applies when I put almost all my kit (12-24, 55-300, 18-55 WR, a fixed and sometimes a ME Super) in the bag size Ryanair that I always carry with me. The battery life seems to me in line with the previous K30 and for which I rarely needed to use a second escort. Using for trial only the LW was coming to an end after about two to three hours of continuous ignition. The autofocus seems to me improved, and more than satisfactory for the needs of what I practice. I do not find it bad even with the use options for the LW, which I previously did not use practically ever. There are two more focus modes that seem to me to be the same as the top models. To tell the truth I have no special memories of photos lost because of the AF even the previous body. Thanks to a promotion I bought this body for a little less than 500 euros and those who want to take advantage until the end of the year can hardly regret it, for the quality and substance that is found in this medium. For all specifications and uses one can interest directly by downloading the manual from the RICOH website: https://www.ricoh-imaging.it/it/reflex-digitali/download/reflex-digitali/download/group/6/ig/1/pentax-k-70.html sent on December 18, 2018 |
 | Pentax K-30 Pros: Value for money, tropicalization, stabilized body, functionality,, handling, robustness, double ring, Cons: For the placement band No One Opinion: I bought this second-hand reflex in 2014 as my first body with which I started photographing. I weighed the choice in search of a system and a body that would allow me to practice more genres waiting to see if I felt interest, or otherwise not to have overspending otherwise. I was looking for a body that could satisfy not only the needs of a beginner but that could also meet additional needs arising later, like the multiexposure of which I was very curious. I chose the Pentax system for tropicalization, robustness, image quality and excellent value for money, and the possibility to use even old quality optics and low cost, without any particular problems thanks to the usual Bayonet. I bought the body with the 18-55 and the 55-300 allowing me to have a mini kit handyman at the cost of 500 euros. Writing a review today is more a kind of homage to the machine than of concrete usefulness being the medium now exceeded by successive models and yet, always widely suited to my actual needs and generalist needs. Mine has not at the moment ever presented any problem of defect to the shutter. I used it, and very, in all environmental conditions, even difficult, without ever having any problem. My concerns were limited to a couple of minutes for easel falls and fortunately vanished from the observation of regular operation. I'll keep it as a second body, or hoping that my daughter might be interested sooner or later at photography, having desire to switch from 16 to 24 mpx, use a swivelling display, and connect Wi-Fi to my room, opting for another Pentax machine. But the K30 was like the first kiss and I can't forget it. sent on November 24, 2018 |
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