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Jacopo Maffei www.juzaphoto.com/p/JacopoMaffei  |
The following opinions have been automatically translated with Microsoft Translator. | Pentax SMC DA 21mm f/3.2 AL Limited Pros: Build quality, compactness, MAF speed even in manual on digital, optical quality Cons: Sometimes in the automatic MAF you touch the barrel with your fingers right where it moves. Nothing else Opinion: In this period I am slowly diversifying the kit: FF for services, APSC (KP) for "pleasure" and "reasoned". For this reason I bought the 21 limited, SMC series from RCE Livorno (impeccable pre-during and after-sales service), more than anything else out of curiosity and also because its focal length (31 mm equiv.) is the one closest to 28 mm, the most instinctive for me. Well, screwed to the KP you immediately understand two things: 1) The camera body has probably been designed specifically for the limited series because with it it creates a whole both aesthetic, tactile, and for use in general. 2) The lens is a "dwarf" as big as a demijohn cap that seems to "disappear", which goes unnoticed and initially gives the feeling almost of playing. One, two, three, clicks. The game is over. Fast in MAF with the slight hum of the motor, precise with side and front lights (rare AC and flare), excellent optical quality in hyperfocal over the entire frame, with a slight distortion that, together with the AC, can be easily corrected in Camera Raw. You can easily and accurately focus handheld and get very close to your subject, almost like in macro. The lens hood snaps on and the UV filter is housed (43 mm). What can I say... With it you find the taste and the time to weigh a moment before impressing it. sent on April 19, 2025 |
 | Pentax K-1 Mark II Pros: All the PROs of the K1 with a viewfinder that I find more vivid, bright and a more responsive AF. Cons: Improvement of Live View AF in dynamic contexts compared to the K1 but still with room for implementation. The only downside is the absence of the focus point selector on the handle. Opinion: Albertoscaccia, in his 2018 review, wrote: "Photographing by candlelight at night and being able not to throw away a single shot: this is k1" and even today it is impossible to blame him. So I started the review of the K1 a few years ago and it is a very correct premise for the K1 II. Outwardly it is identical to the first series and in fact the differences are in the heart of the camera, that is the presence of an acceleration unit that allows you to have a more prompt response than the autofocus and this, for those who have always used Pentax and especially the K1, is perceived from the first shot. A second difference, albeit minimal, is given by the RAW files that have a greater incisiveness, a more present "crunchiness" and this can also be seen in the digital noise which is slightly more marked but still non-existent or easily eliminated already in Camera RAW with ISO up to 25600 while being able to obtain more than valid high-format prints. These aspects, however, are noticed by those who have always used the K1 and that in any case are not evident unless you want to take out each MP from the sensor and zoom in strong crop. In a nutshell, a camera, the Pentax K1 II, which dialogues perfectly with its ecosystem of dedicated lenses and accessories developed for advanced amateurs and professionals who are looking for uncompromising quality, materials built and assembled with care and attention. Landscape architects, wedding photographers, astrophotography and event experts who have used or use these tools know that in Pentax those looking for substance, quality and that feeling of robustness and solidity feel at home knowing at the same time that they have in their hands a product that allows them to be used and shaped around their needs to always be able to take home "the shot". Good Light to all sent on January 03, 2025 |
 | Apple iPhone 15 Pros: Aluminum body, excellent thickness for a firm grip, careful and quality materials and finishes. Cons: JPEG photo format, LIVE mode always on and can be deactivated manually each time Opinion: Switched to IOS after always having Samsung S series, the latest being the S21 model. The transition took place for various reasons, not least the fluctuating experience on the "point and shoot" side with unbalanced tones and saturations. Purchased shortly after the launch of the new model thanks to an Amazon discount, you can see a different attention to detail and materials compared to Android. The thicker shape and rounded edges make it more harmonious than the S21. That said, once everything has been customized, it is also a valid tool on the photographic side. Although there are no files in RAW format (available only for the PRO version) but only HEIC and JPEG, these return neutral images, easily workable and with correct tones, especially in strong lighting situations and in the details of the subjects such as eyes, hair, skin. A good smartphone that defends itself well on the photographic side by offering very interesting peculiarities on the video side. sent on November 19, 2024 |
 | Pentax KP Pros: Invoice and body design, AF and amazing sensor, usable BG, lightness, stabilization. Cons: A single SD slot (UHS-I), Maximum autonomy of 450 shots in viewfinder, about 350 in LV. Opinion: The review of a camera body is a fact that is partly subjective and partly objective. The first refers to the experience and field of application, the second to the technical peculiarities of the device. After a few months spent in landscapes, events and reportage activities, my consideration is expressed in relation to the K70 and K1 respectively that I used before and that I use today as the main body. My preconceptions about the K70 were quite negative thinking that on paper there were no actual, operational, differences with the previous one: nothing could be more wrong. The design of the machine body has certainly been carried out with great attention and care: the materials are excellent, the rings well arranged and of good workmanship without games and pleasant to the touch. The grip immediately catapulted me back, to the Canon A1 with which I learned to photograph despite being replaced with an Allen key supplied between three grips, from the thinnest, perfect with pancake or light lenses (Limited HD Series) to the large one to be preferred with the zoom or fixed of the FF Series. The body is small and thin with a black color (in my case) that makes you appreciate the metal body as the film SLRs of the seventies on the back and on the shell where the shutter button and the power button are a whole betraying a deliberately but solid refined invoice and with a grip bitten on the ring. Extremely numerous customization possibilities (the two time and aperture rings, the ring on the cap and no less than six buttons) in addition to the selector to the right of the completely customizable pentaprism. Perhaps, one might say, too many, so much so that without carrying out operational tests, some choices may initially be unorthodox: however, with daily use it becomes habit and opening the menu, as in all Pentax, becomes a tinsel. AF and burst valid, especially the first that allows you to set in AF.A. leaving the machine to choose autonomously between AF-S and AF-C. Finally, we come to the heart of the KP, the sensor. On the successful projects of Pentax always turn urban legends: who says that it is the same as the Fujii X-T4, which outclasses the Sony A7III up to ISO 3200. Let's say that, compared to the K1 it loses 1/3 of a stop in terms of dynamic range with "difficult light" (lack of halftones and high contrast) but that the digital noise, despite being an APSC, remains "crisp" and not "kneads" as it happened in the K70 up to ISO 6400 completely similar to a K1 file. The black and white files produce a very pleasant thin grain starting from ISO 800 that immediately resembles the Kodak TMax and not at all invasive up to ISO 3200. Of course, the K1 still maintains a greater dynamic range but let's remember that it is an FF with a completely different design behind it. The KP is confirmed as an excellent product, nice to hold in the hand, to tighten looking into the viewfinder, clear and bright, also complete with contacts for the optional BG (which can accommodate both LI-109 batteries and those of the LI-90 series of the K1 / K1II / K3III), a project that we hope will have a continuation in the near future. sent on April 23, 2023 |
 | Lowepro Flipside 300 AW III Pros: Materials, robustness, space distribution Cons: I would have preferred more padding on the bottom Opinion: I purchased the Series II more than two years ago. Internally there are no major differences compared to the III except for a side access that mine does not have. A well-designed backpack for those who have to carry and use the equipment not only on vacation. Personally, I prefer it smaller but with narrow and padded contents than large but with vacant space. This is what I can carry: two K1 or K1 and K 3 III with 15-30, 24-70 and 70-200 (the latter with L bracket mounted), redistributing the spaces also the 50 f / 1.4, batteries (4 per body + bg), various kits (zeiss cleaning lenses, pump, flash batteries, memory cards in rugged packaging) and flash all in the internal pocket. On the front, personal items, some snacks and other material as needed. The two pockets in very fine mesh (difficult to tear) side can accommodate other material, usually insert, tying with the upper laces the monopod or tripod (even if there is a dedicated concealed casing). The rain cover completes the kit. Over time I have also had ThinkTank products but I consider them rougher (like shoulder straps). A great backpack for all-around use! sent on November 22, 2022 |
 | Pentax-D FA * 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW Pros: Optical quality, blurred and three-dimensionality, sharpness, flare and AC content, internal zoom, materials, fast and reliable autofocus. Cons: Slight softness at minimum and maximum focal length. Opinion: Purchased used with official FOWA warranty, produced at the beginning of 2019. Used intensively on K1 with peak design slide shoulder strap and on K70 frequently on tripod. It is a lens for professional use, without compromise from the point of view of optics, design and purpose of use. The star series of Pentax does not disappoint (in line with all brands regarding the price). It is a telephoto lens that certainly does not go unnoticed, with internal zoom, stepper motor, hood equal to 1/3 the length of the lens. The bracket allows you to adjust the tripod attachment in two different positions and can be removed reducing the weight by 500 g or rotated for vertical shots. The engine is fast and quiet on K1, slightly noisy on K 70 in reduced light conditions where it corresponds to a 100-300. On the back you can select the range of maf between FULL, 1.2 m - 4 m and from 4 m to infinity. Not stabilized because the IBIS is on the 5-axis sensor, typical appearance of Pentax. The weight I do not consider a negative element, because it allows you to balance the camera correctly. A product that manages to amaze even those who have been using this brand for years, with the Pentax star series raises the bar even more than the excellent FF lenses. sent on August 21, 2022 |
 | Pentax K-3 III Pros: Solid and well built body, viewfinder, AF joystick, key design. Cons: Small screen, short grip with telephoto lenses. Opinion: The writer has been present on Juza for some years, Pentax user from the beginning, as can be seen from my galleries. I had the chance to try the new Pentax K3 III with the 70-200 star along with the K1 with 24-70 in outdoor and indoor events. Therefore, my considerations are expressed in relation to K1. The joystick. When a K1 III comes out with this, I won't be able to do without it. Move quickly and have the machine reactive with selective MAF is priceless. On K1 the cross menu is not at all immediate and, what is even more serious, the buffer momentarily blocks the movement of the points. On K3 III this does not happen, the machine remains "alert" and ready for action. The fps fashion has also reached Pentax. Of course, it can help but beware of the workflow. The AF is immediate, devoid of that slight lag that the K1 manifests in hooking the subject in AFC. On a burst of 30 on runners and fast-moving people (outdoor theater) I was not wrong more than 3.4 shots. The viewfinder: Approach the eye to the eyepiece and forget that you are on APSC. The viewfinder has an AF point distribution of about twice as much vertically as the K1. The design of the body. Accustomed to the K1 I can say that Pentax has even increased the quality compared to the latter: the large upper screen, with high readability even in conditions of strong contrast and lighting reports all the necessary information (similar to Leica SL). Imagine the size of a Nikon D5600 with the viewfinder of the D810. The menu has been completely redesigned, in GRIII style, personally I had some initial uncertainty as the main icons are smaller and the submenus increased. Nothing that you can not overcome after a few hours of use. Instant liveview face attachment, keeping it with fast-moving subjects. I can not express myself, depending on my intended use, the touchscreen and the video. The LCD screen at the bottom. I would have expected it bigger than on the K1 which it is not. Too bad, sometimes it is necessary to tilt the body slightly upwards to view the screen. As expressed above, use with telephoto lens would have required a longer grip. The depth is all there even if not like the K1 that appears decidedly more massive. For me who have medium-large hands, the little finger very often remains uncovered and the ring finger on the edge. I believe that the use of a BG is indispensable. FINAL CONCLUSIONS: A K1 in the body of an overweight K70. A real leap in quality for Pentax! sent on July 25, 2022 |
 | Samsung S21 Pros: Construction, dimensions, handling and operation Cons: Price, back material. Opinion: I have been a Samsung user for at least 10 years: S2s, S5neo... up to this S21 5G. For someone like me who does not change smartphones every year is the right choice to be quiet for quite some time. The leap from the S5 is remarkable in terms of performance, quality and attention to detail in terms of construction, interface etc... The merits, however, end here! I think it disgustingly unworthy that a product sold at this price is in a box without at least the charger and with headphones that take advantage of the type c socket making it impossible to recharge at the same time. Not to mention the absence of a microSD... Really... Samsung as far as I'm concerned has failed miserably if it considers THIS a top of the range. For what it offers it should have a selling price of at least 200 euros less. Photo department (videos are not the right person) in the norm. It has good performance in the presence of high brightness and low contrast with balanced lighting conditions. The colors are very saturated. The white balance quite precise. The camera goes into serious difficulty when the light is lateral and grazing, soft as a sunset that draws lights and shadows on a landscape; if the first ones are clear no problem otherwise it tends to "knead". For me it's not a big problem because the first function of a phone is to MAKE the phone. For the rest there are other objects that are called cameras... If they call them that there will be a reason, right? Before, in buying a new phone of the S series you could perceive CLEAR improvements: is this still the case today? sent on October 01, 2021 |
 | Pentax K-1 Pros: Quality of materials, attention to construction and details, compactness in size, lighting of the interior compartments, optical viewfinder, dynamic range... Cons: AF in Live View in dynamic contexts. Opinion: Albertoscaccia, in his 2018 review, wrote: "Photograph by candlelight at night and manage not to throw away even a shot: this is the k1" and even today it is impossible to blame him. A machine built to last (the shutter is tested for 300,000 shooting cycles), with the back covered with buttons and buttons that leaves the photographer the opportunity to concentrate completely in the photographic act. The viewfinder is bright and vivid, it almost seems that it is not there. The size makes it akin to non-pro products and this can be deceiving. The sensor, 36 MP, offers an amazing dynamic range superior, say, to that of the Nikon D810 that allows the device to express all its potential in static contexts for which, among other things, it was most likely conceived: astrophotography (it has built-in GPS with astrotracer function), landscape, still life to name just a few. I, however, use it almost exclusively in a dynamic environment (reportage and events-when there were ...) where it manages to express an incredible quality and refinement of the files: it grows more and more and continues to emerge detail. Pay attention to the density of the sensor that can cause micromosso in freehand shots. The machine pays the shame of having 36 MP at 4 fps that require appropriate tools: cards with high writing speeds, capacious hardisks, PCs suitable for post and processing files are all aspects to be carefully evaluated before purchase but, I think, completely usual for a professional or an "evolved amateur". Unique, at least for me, negative aspect is the responsiveness of live view in dynamic contexts where it expresses its gaps and makes it almost impossible to hook and grasp the subject, if not after a few failed attempts. The K70, which I kept as a second body, in this case is superior to it. I plan to take another K1 shortly, as a second body, so enraptured by his files. There is talk of the EXCESSIVE weight of the K 1 (without saying that it is designed to be perfectly balanced with the optics starting from the 24-70) but the others, what do they do? Canon 5D Mark IV 890g; Nikon D850 1015g; Panasonic S1R 1016 g (yes, mls also have :) defects). sent on April 23, 2021 |
 | Pentax D FA 24-70mm f/2.8 ED SDM WR HD Pros: Construction, materials and tropicalization, lock closed lens. Cons: Optical yield not really in "Pentax style", price, AF in sharp contrast. Opinion: I had the chance to buy the lens with the K1. As you can easily understand, both of these products have been designed to be used together, indispensable tools for anyone who wants to make photography something more than a passion. To the touch you can perceive important dimensions (diameter of 82 mm) and a construction that, even for materials, is really top notch. It's tropicalized and the ultrasonic focus engine is silent. It is therefore an overall objective with excellent peculiarities but with some aspects that can be improved. 1 The price: It's a good product, really remarkable when you think it came out earlier than K 1. I believe, however, that the current price is around EUR 200-300 higher than the real value of the optics; 2 Readiness of autofocus in conditions of high contrast, as in the case of a dark subject with a light source behind it: the AF point flows back and forth for a while before "hooking". I have personally remained grounded in the face of this situation, it lacks the incisiveness typical of Pentax; subjects are "pasty and glossy", if the user expects a surgical performance as for other products of the brand. As you can see I did not report the weight (790g); If you want a professional perspective of this level, you have to look at it. I report, for vision, the weight of optics of other brands of the same kind, including the Tamron from which this Pentax product comes, although with a whole series of improvement measures. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM II 805 g; Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Of VC USD G2 905 g; Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 E ED VR 1070 g; sent on April 23, 2021 |
 | Canon FD 28mm f/2.8 (II) Pros: Build Quality, sharpness, compactness, chromatic rendition Cons: I've never been able to find Opinion: I Use this lens along with the Canon SLR At 1 and it's my favorite for reportage. Its compactness, quality and solidity that you feel in the use make it useful in all those situations where you need discretion and operational rapidity. The focus is, (given the age of Anagrafica), manual but it guarantees an incredible readiness (I refer to a direct comparison with another lens that is part of my kit, the 50 F/1.8, which is good for real estate subjects but often misfiring when these are in Movement). Beautiful color rendition and blurry. sent on April 22, 2019 |
 | Manfrotto BeFree Advanced (Twist) Pros: Weight, portability and handling, aluminum. Cons: Rubber feet, thin end sections. Opinion: I would like to start by saying that this is my first tripod and that I am therefore prevented from making comparisons with other models: I will simply report what, in leather and according to the use I make of it, represents positive or negative aspects. I chose this model for the following reasons: 1) Practicality of use; 2) Handling; 3) Range that are fundamental to carry it behind in the trekking backpack. Currently my tripod kit does not exceed 2 kg but I felt it was right to make the so-called "investment" in anticipation of future purchases and this tool is for me. Overall it does its duty: a professional friend of mine mounted us, during one of our outings, the Nikon D810 with the 70 - 200 mm and did not make a crease. The end sections of my legs have only had a bad effect because in sloping positions the tripod is not very stable and I therefore try to avoid spreading all my legs. Aluminium carries only a slightly higher weight but, in my opinion, allows for greater stability as a whole. sent on March 28, 2019 |
 | Manfrotto MH494-BH Pros: Materials quality, Knobs arrangement, robustness. Cons: Absence of the Bubble. Opinion: Purchased and until now used in kits with the Manfrotto befree Advanced. Very practical both for its shaping that allows the closure of the legs of the tripod and for the Lightness. The arrangement of the knobs is perfect because they are at the right point and very intuitive to find and "manage". I have a single problem (of which I was still aware at the time of Purchase) very serious in some situations: the absence of the Bubble. sent on October 06, 2018 |
 | Canon A-1 Pros: Weight, manageability (with action), ease of use, quality construction. Cons: Nothing for his time Opinion: I state that starting to photograph with the analogue has represented for me a real gym of life (you have only 36 shots and not thousands, you have to think if it is worth to take that picture and how we intend to achieve it... who took film knows well what I'm talking about). That said was my first reflex (my father had bought it in the far 1979 and used until the early two thousand) that I never get tired of using it despite the digital. The A 1 is a true concentrate of technology in a body built with a very unique detail and care (as already reported by others before me) that I especially match the 28mm f/2.8 for the street with which gives (in my opinion) the best of itself giving you some shots Exceptionz Nationals. sent on September 10, 2018 |
 | Canon PowerShot A580 Pros: Compactness and practicality, easy and intuitive menu, colour quality. Cons: Max ISO at 1600, "plasticous" body, gust. Opinion: It was my first car, given to me as a child, and it allowed me to learn the basics of photography. It guarantees a good focal length and a fair quality of the colors (although certainly not comparable to the current standards). Functional grip for the hand and the attachment for the tripod (which is not metal). The biggest problems are (in my opinion): sensitive noise already at ISO 800, little usable gust and poor quality construction. In summary, I would recommend you to learn the first steps in the photographic field with the reserve however that you must not ask too much. sent on June 23, 2018 |
 | Canon NewFD 50mm f/1.8 Pros: Excellent opening, great for portraits, build quality. Cons: Sometimes difficult to focus. Opinion: Used in conjunction with the Canon a 1 and supported by a wide angle, it is convenient for portraits and reportage. The quality of the mechanics and the reliability of the lens are valuable (still after thirty years of use). The focus is not always immediate and sometimes makes it difficult to "grasp the moment" with moving subjects. The greatest difficulty (to want to be fussy) that is reflected in its use is to release the lens, an operation that takes a few seconds more for the existence of a "safety" button that must be pressed before turning the lens. sent on June 20, 2018 |
 | Pentax SMC DA 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 ED AL (IF) DC WR Pros: Tropicalized (WR), compact and well-built, AF, image quality, lens hood provided. Cons: Barrel effect at 18 mm, light chromatic aberrations backlight, f/3.5 at minimum focal. Opinion: I update the review of this lens today (17/12/2018) in the light of its first birthday of the 10,000 shots celebrated with the Pentax K 70. I bought the lens together with the aforementioned machine prefering it right from the start compared to the 18-55 mm that usually completes the kit. Its strengths are the image quality (excellent), the well-known construction and solidity of Pentax House, the AF (for the category), the compactness (for the focal excursion that ensures), the tropicalization and also the ergonomics of the bezel (I happened to Use it a little damp or wet but has always maintained an excellent grip). As for the points against me I recorded both chromatic aberration in the backlight and a slight softness at 18 mm (I think it is right to report these aspects that remain, however, in my view, easily solvable in post production and certainly in Line with its price range). An aspect that in its time I had little considered but on which today I would reflect a little more, is the F/3.5. That makes you suffer if you want to photograph with little light and no flash. The lens hood is supplied, a look for anything discounted in other brands. sent on June 20, 2018 |
 | Pentax K-70 Pros: Tropicalization and quality construction, double time-diaphragm ring, pentaprism emview with 100% coverage, high ISO quality, stabilizer on the sensor. Cons: 1) To be fussy, the battery may last a little longer. Opinion: I update the review of this reflex today (17/12/2018) after, a few days ago, he celebrated his first 10,000 shots. I used it and I continue to do it with the excellent lens 18 - 135 mm bought along with the machine. What I appreciate most is its handle that allows me a solid grip having at the same time the most important controls always at close range (the double ring time-diaphragms and even the customizable buttons) to react more quickly to the without going to navigate the menu. Great noise management at high sensitivities (up to 12800 working a bit in post-production you can recover good photos). As a construction, Pentax's care for materials remains unchanged and tropicalization works optimally: among the many situations I used it in the hot, cold and humid wind of the Apuane Alps and with snow and was always ready and responsive. The internal stabilizer in the machine and the compatibility of the K-attack with all the objectives of the house make it almost unlimited to choose optics to match. It remains to be added, aspects not taken for other bodies of equal level, the pentaprism echelon with close to 100% coverage and the right dimensions that are perfect to get it into the backpack before a hike. The disadvantages are the following: 1) Just under 500 clicks with a battery (without flash) for some can be a problem but personally remedy easily: I immediately mount a second one or you shoot consciously. Finally, regarding aspects such as touchscreen or the ability to make 4K videos (excluding timelapse), they are features that I am not interested in because where this reflex behaves really well is the photographic scope. sent on June 19, 2018 |
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