Shutter Life Survey Database of DSLRs

http://www.olegkikin.com/shutterlife/

Six models of Pentax DSLRs are included. The results can also be compared to other camera models of other makes as well.

Pentax SLR Cameras 1952-2011

(Updated: Click Above to Download a Larger Poster!)

Source: Pentax Germany @ Google Plus

Via: Chassimages Pentax Forum

Btw, does it have a larger version? :-(


Read Also:-

A (Pentax) Camera Catalogue Collector

Pentax SLR Cameras 1952-2008

Major Canon Cameras 1930 to 2010

Supported Pentax DSLR Functions with Different Pentax Lenses

Read this question at the PF and I was surprised to see the reply by the site owner Adam (i.e., the first reply to the OP), which shows that Adam completely lacks the basic user/operation knowledge in using older manual (aperture) Pentax lenses on any Pentax DSLR! :-o

Maybe Adam has been given too many of the latest Pentax lenses (for "reviewing" or whatsoever) so that he has almost forgotten how older Pentax manual lenses would behave on all the Pentax digital bodies. Nevermind, I think it's my take now! Below are two summaries that I compile to let all my readers here know (or got refreshed for the knowledge if already known) about the basic technical features or limitations of our Pentax lenses back to the 60s of the last century and what they could or could not do for us with our Pentax DSLR bodies! :-)

N.B. I don't think that you can find ALL of the information below in any of the Pentax DSLR/lens user/operation manuals! ;-D


Table 1: Lens Data/Function Availability with different Pentax Lenses

Lens Data and/or Function	Provision Means	M42	K/M	_A_	_F_	_FA_	FAJ/ DA/ DAL	DFA (1st Gen.)	DFA (2nd Gen.)
Wide-opened Metering	Instant Return Aperture Coupler	-	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
Number of Steps Stopped-down (via Aperture Ring)	Mechanical Position Indicator	-	Y	Y	Y	Y	-	Y	-
Maximum Aperture	Array of Electrical Contacts	-	-	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
Minimum Aperture	Array of Electrical Contacts	-	-	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
Focal Length	(Advanced/Serial) Electronic Communication	-	-	-	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
Focus Distance	Electronic Communication	-	-	-	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
Lens ID	Electronic Communication	-	-	-	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
MTF Data	Electronic Communication	-	-	-	-	Y	Y	Y	Y
Powered/Auto Zoom	Electronic Communication and KAF2 Power Contacts	-	-	-	-	S*	-	-	-
In-lens AF (SDM or DC Motor)	Electronic Communication and KAF2 Power Contacts	-	-	-	-	-	S	-	-

Legend: Y= Yes/Available; "-" = No/Not Available; S = Supported depending on Lens Model (if Feature is Available)

*Remark: Limited/Partial Function - Only Auto Zoom Retract and Powered Zoom are Supported.


Table 2: Pentax DSLR Camera Function Availability with different Pentax Lenses

Body Function	M42	K/M	_A_	_F_	_FA_	FAJ/ DA/ DAL	DFA (1st Gen.)	DFA (2nd Gen.)	*Remark
Wide-opened Metering	-	-*	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Stopped-down metering is available with a push of button.
Multi-segment Metering	-	-	Y*	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Not as accurate as subject distance information is Not available (and hence is not included in the calculation).
Off-the-film TTL Flash Auto (*ist D and DS/DS2 Only)	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	TTL flash sensor underneath mirror is installed; No Pre-flash is required.
Off-the-film TTL Flash Auto (All Others)	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	No TTL flash sensor underneath mirror; P-TTL is mandatory for Auto Flash.
P-TTL (where P stands for Pre-flash)	-	-	Y*	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Not as accurate as subject distance information is Not available.
AF	-	-	-	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	-
Lens Correction on Image	-	-	-	-	-/Y*	Y	Y	Y	Only the three FA Limited are Supported.

Legend: Y= Yes/Available; "-" = No/Not Available


Okay, is it and everything much clearer now? :-> And no need to make thanks to me, thank Adam instead! ;-p After all, I just won't make any reply over his premise to help others (and actually help him to make more money!) anymore (although Adam is really "kind" enough for not banning me!), as I decided and told two-and-a-half year ago! :-D


Further/Reference Read:-

K-Mount Metering and Exposure Bases - A Technical Brief

Related:-

Two Important Custom Functions for Proper Metering

Modding a Rikenon-P 50/1.7 Into an "A" Lens! :-o

Ten Things that I Want Ricoh to Do for Pentax

Hypocrites of the PentaxForums and Their Lies

Updating of my Blog Editing Direction

New Lithium Rechargable Battery Type in AA Format - LiFePO4

Thanks to Blog reader Hayami, I've got known to this "new" battery type and product.

This new rechargeable Lithium technology is different from the conventional Lithium-ion or polymer ones, the native voltage is at about 3.45V and with a nominal rated voltage at 3.2V after some use. This voltage is actually very close to the added up voltage of two fresh disposable AA alkaline or lithium batteries. It is called the Lithium Iron Phosphate, or LiFePO4 in chemical term:-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_iron_phosphate


(Source: Chinese ZOL Forum)

As we can see from the above Wiki article, LiFePO4 does have many advantages over the other conventional Lithium rechargeable technologies. Yet, it shares the advantages of other lithium rechargeables such as no memory effect and a very low self-discharge rate.

Unlike the conventional Lithium rechargeables, no external voltage regulation is required to match the "1.5V" (x2) voltage requirement, which makes now it is possible to make AA sized battery in which including such a voltage regulation circuitry is almost impractical.

As for the internal resistance of the LiFePO4, it is less than 100 mOhm as specified, which is close to the rated 90 to 150 mOhm of the Energizer disposable AA Lithium L91. But however, since we use four ("1.5V") L91 in our Pentax AA DSLRs whilst only two are needed for the LiFePO4 (with two other dummy battery conductors to be inserted in series and used in conjunction), the total battery internal resistance is halved in comparison, as a result. This is considered still much relatively safer to use the NiZn rechargeable AA as its internal resistance is only at about 5 mOhm per battery unit only, which is considered just too low and too dangerous, as it might cause damage to device depending on the design of its circuitry.

And, here is an article which shows the inside of a charger product that is widely available at Taobao (aka the Chinese e-Bay). It seems that the charger is well made with good materials used and workmanship. The charger is manufactured by a Hong Kong vendor with factory in the mainland China btw.



The LiFePO4 charger is also available in USB format, by a different Chinese manufacturer, though:-


(Source: http://www.qqid.com/jk/shop_view.asp?id=158)

Nevertheless, one of the least drawbacks of the current LiFePO4 AA in the market is about its lower rated capacity in mAh, which is at 600 only. But with its superior voltage regulation throughout its whole discharge curve, it has been widely reported that the battery performance and life is still superior than all those NiMH rechargeables which are rated at 2,000mAH+ something, for most cases. Below is one set of the tested discharge characteristics for two different samples as posted:-


(Credit: http://www.920pk.com/shangpin_7291871215.htm)

After all, my set of 4 LiFePO4 AA batteries (with 4 dummy AA conductors) will arrive very soon. I will test it more thoroughly this week and shall write an user report/review of mine later on. But as you can see in all the above Chinese web-links, most of the user comments are very favourable and positive, with various different kinds of devices used, including DSLRs, DCs, torches and RC toys. Besides using that in my K-x, I am eager to try that in my Tayami QuickDrive (QD) toy racing car and see how faster my car could get with the increased power but yet far less weight that put inside for the batteries! :-D


Related:-

K-x Battery Issue Re-visited (with the Latest Firmware)

Better K-x Rechargable Solution? Is the NiZn Safe?

AA Battery Chargers Fully Compared (4 Models)

Overclocking Your Pentax (AA Battery) DSLR(s)!?

Six Years of AA Battery Pentax DSLRs

When 1100mAh Li-ion RCR-V3s Outperform 2500mAh+ NiMH AAs ..

Cable Control Your (Pentax) DSLRs Using iPhone

(Credit: DC Fever)

Using the ioShutter.

Now, if your Pentax DSLR has a cable release socket, then you can use your iPhone to fire the shutter remotely but wired, and with even more software control capabilities including interval shooting, programmable bulb and sound/movement trigger etc. A nice and welcome Pentax alternative of course. And with many people are having iPhones nowadays, it could come in handy, provided that the user also brings along with the proprietary interfacing release cable that is to be purchased from the ioShutter altogether with the App.


Related:-

Remote Control Your Camera Using Android Device

The Pentax (Electronic) Cable Switches

Old Unpublished Shootout: MZ-S Vs K100D Vs 5D

Here is a shootout test which I made years ago but did not publish before. It is about shooting-out a MZ-S w/ a FA24-90 (w/ Slide Film) Vs an APS-C K100D w/ a DA16-45 Vs a Full Frame Canon 5D w/the EF 24-105L. Here we go:-

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v313/RiceHigh/5D_Vs_K100D_Vs_Slide/?start=all

EXIF data are kept for the K100D and 5D samples, which are in full size of 6MPs and 12MPs respectively. The slide used for the MZ-S film gear was a roll of Fuji Sensia II 100, which was processed and then eventually scanned using a Minolta Dual Scan III film scanner, in 12MPs also.

Each picture was shot with close enough settings as possible, e.g., the same focal and Av. However, as the base ISO of the K100D was 200 but the rating of the film is 100, I opted to test the 5D in ISO 200 also. The cameras were then mounted onto a tripod and the shots were taken with mirror-locked up before the exposure.

View the album, the first ten pictures with numbering X-XX are of the film, and the the second group of ten with file names of IMGPxxxx are of the K100D and then the last group with the names of IMG_xxxx are of the 5D. It's your take now, if you're yet to measurbate. In short, I might conclude that "Film was Dead", but then do note that the workflow may NOT be fair enough to the film after all! :-)


Read Also:-

"Film is Dead"! ;-)

What Will be My 10th/Next DSLR/ILDC Body?

Since January 2004, I have purchased nine DSLR and ILDC bodies. Below is the history and summary:-

2004: Pentax *ist D
2005: Pentax *ist DS
2006: Pentax K100D
2007: Canon EOS 5D
2009: Pentax K-m, Panasonic GF-1 (K-7 pre-order was cancelled, deposit refunded)
2010: Pentax K-x, Sony NEX-3
2011: Pentax K-r (K-5 pre-order was cancelled, deposit refunded)

And, some photos of my gear:-



So, what will be my next body? NEX-7/5N? The rumoured Canon 5D III? Or, the Pentax Q (Just!)? :-o Which one? Actually, I just don't know it myself, as I really don't have a crystal ball to tell! ;->

Besides, it is interesting to note that my Canon Full Frame 5D is the only digital camera body that could stop me from buying yet another new camera for two years long, "momentarily"!~ Indeed, no other body could "achieve" that so far! ;-p

Btw, I actually pre-ordered the K-7 back to 2009 at least one month before it was announced and also for the K-5 earlier this year with about 10% deposit money paid. But however, owing to various (unsatisfactory) performance and/or quality issues with the camera and bodies I received, I felt obliged to cancel both orders and opted to wait for the "next"! >:-( So, if I could "successfully" acquire them, I should already have had 11 digital bodies up till now, instead of 9 only. Nevertheless, do note that most of them are still Pentax ones, after all! :-o


Related:-

My 7th Pentax SLR Body?

The World First / Pentax First: My (Obsolete) Pentax Collection

Summary Matrix for Equipment Tests and Reviews

Ten Things that I Want Ricoh to Do for Pentax

Microsoft Camera Codec Pack for Windows 7 and Vista

Is now available for download and supports the RAW files (PEF only) of various Pentax DSLRs from *ist D to K-x (and for many cameras of other brands as well):-

http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=26829

Go get it for the update if you are using Win7 or Vista (SP2 only) and you just want to have a quick preview of your RAW pictures at the Windows Explorer. Enjoy!

Btw, the latest Pentax K-5 and K-r are not officially supported, though. And neither the 645D is mentioned.

On the other hand, Pentax has their own RAW codec that supports K-5, K-r and 645D, but than all the 64-bit Windwows are not supported:-

http://www.pentax.jp/english/support/digital/rawcodec_win.html

Pentax K Series Ranks Below Average in a Recent DSLR User Satisfaction Survey by J.D. Power

"A study conducted by market research firm J.D. Power and Associates has found that “Nikon Pro Series” DSLRs rank highest in customer satisfaction. The company surveyed 4,500 verified online DSLR buyers to find out their satisfaction across five factors: image quality, durability, features, ease of use, and responsiveness."

From: http://www.petapixel.com/2011/07/19/nikon-ranks-highest-in-online-customer-satisfaction-among-dslr-buyers/

Via: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1036&thread=38944858


Actually, Pentax K ranks No. 5 amongst 7 with a "just-failed" mark of 883 below the passing mark of 887. Nevertheless, the K is still ahead of the Canon Rebel as well as the Sony A, which is ranked last.

Excellent AA Battery Review by Type

Written by the Photo Rumors:-

http://photorumors.com/2011/06/04/what-are-the-best-aa-batteries-for-photography/

I think this detailed review is really a good read.


Related:-

AA Battery Chargers Fully Compared (4 Models)

How to Resolve the K-x Battery Problem?

Better K-x Rechargable Solution? Is the NiZn Safe?

DIY Reminder: Pentax Service Manuals @ the Pentax-Hack(.Info)

For those who just wants to give it a try on your old cameras and models! :-)

http://www.pentax-hack.info/documents/downloads.html
(Click to Download)

K10D Full Service Manual:-
http://www.pentax-hack.info/firmware/k10_gx10/k10d_sm.zip
(Click to Download)

Service Manuals of *ist D, DS, DL, DL2, K100D and K100D Super (and a Brief Supplement for the K110D):-

http://www.pentax-hack.info/firmware/k10_gx10/older_sm.zip

Happy camera repairing/modding/hacking or whatsoever, no matter what! ;-D

Anyway, unfortunately, the Pentax-Hack does not update any new (hacking) information for newer Pentax DSLR models anymore, neither on the hardware disassembly/repair/adjustment/calibration nor about software/firmware hacks and tricks! Too bad.. :-( Maybe the source of theirs was fired already? :-o

Warning and Disclaimer: Do anything at your own risk and bear all the responsibilities and consequences by yourself!!

Over Hong Kong: Serious Problem of Air Pollution Caused by Industrial Over Production :-(

Had a helicopter flight over the Victoria Harbour of Hong Kong weeks ago and here are some photos to share:-

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v313/RiceHigh/5Ds/Over_Hong_Kong/?albumview=slideshow

Camera used was a Canon EF 17-40L on a Canon 5D. I have added captions for the photos to describe at which region over where I took a snapshot of.

Unfortunately, that hazy "weather" just let me re-think about the adverse consequence of the industrial over-production of we mankind. China, being the "World Factory" nowadays for the whole world, whilst has attained great economical gains and results, has to pay off hugely for environmental pollution of which possibly the destruction could never be recovered. Just see the NASA air pollution geographical plot below:-


(Source URL and Background: http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/health-sapping.html)

In fact, the mainland of China is where it suffers most. When we look up the sky, it is usually terrible, for most of the time! >:-(

On the other hand, Hong Kong, being located at the southest part of China, is not the worst place for air pollution in China indeed. The air pollution of HK does actually depends much on the wind direction of the weather. When we have South wind, the weather will be better. Here is an example shot, taken on a really clear day:-


(Above: Taken with a Pentax DA 16-45/4 Lens on a Pentax K100D (My Full Review Here))

But when the weather is "not good". When I look out of the windows everywhere, we can only see a hazy scene. Below is a photo which I made last year for a large-scale local photo competition:-


(Above: Taken with a Pentax SMC-F 17-28 Fisheye on a Canon 5D; Taken on a Sunny day in the early afternoon.)

After all, the Earth belongs to all of us, no matter you are living in China, South-East Asia or not. So, sometimes I just ask myself, if we really need to buy so many and too many unnecessary things daily and monthly ourselves. Even if we buy new stuff, we should find some good ways to re-use or re-cycle our "useless" items. And, should we do more to save the Earth but not driven too much by all those manufacturers in buying new stuff just for their own continuous survival. Otherwise, mankind will suffer and pay off very soon.

Act now, save the Earth! But if you still can't help in buying new gadgets (and also new fashions, bags, jewellery etc. for ladies), just think more before act and that will surely help! (Even if we can't help ourselves sometimes, as there are always temptations! :-))

P.S. There is a photo album book called "Over Hong Kong" published in Hong Kong since late 80s in which aero photos were taken over Hong Kong using the Pentax 67 gear on an airplane. The pictures look really great indeed but I am afraid it will be more and more difficult for them to take clear pictures these days in Hong Kong.

P.S.2. Now, the previous Pentax 67/645 film photographers could use the new 645D for doing landscape, but with a 1.36X crop factor and effective focal multiplier, the old wide angle lenses will not be wide as they were in their old glorious days. :-(

K-r Focus Varies with Different WB Settings! +_="

See this experiment by this Pentaxian whom has newly purchased a K-r:-

http://www.dchome.net/viewthread.php?tid=953899&extra=page%3D1
(Traditional Chinese, Google Translated English Page Here)

In this reply post, the OP writes the test conditions of his and and the shocking finding/conclusion of his experiment:-

http://www.dchome.net/viewthread.php?tid=953899&page=1#pid11231193

Translated, "On tripod, 2 sec self-timer, with each WB setting 5 shots were taken (3 from infinity to a mid-distance object and 2 from near distance to the same object for the lens), the focus for each WB group are close enough whilst the focuses between different WB groups are very different! So, it is concluded that a (different) WB setting actually changes the focus. If it is not a real problem, I have nothing more to say!"

He also stated that he has been a user of K100D, K200D, K-m and K-x also and has never ever encountered the same problem! He further said that he would go to the local Pentax Customer Service Centre for help when he has the time. But what can I say to him is just: Good Luck, Guy! May God bless You!!

I dare to bet they will "play" him to death till the end of the world without any practical solution nor any real and responsible action that could help the suffered users, as that have been happening and being reported from time to time by our Pentax users, almost daily! >:-[

Tethering the Current Pentax DSLRs?

I've seen people from day to day are asking for tethering support for the current or just the later Pentax DSLRs including the K-5, K-r, 645D and K-7 etc., which all lacks such a function. Recent examples:-

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1036&thread=36797719

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/120241-tether-my-k-7-k-5-645d-please.html

And yes, back to the old *ist D till the K10D/100D days, there was the software of Pentax Remote Assistant. But then this feature and support was dropped later on. As for competitors' products, say, every Canon EOS DSLR can be controlled via the bundled EOS Utility software, with software updates that are uploaded to Canon's websites for downloading from time to time, too.

But, I just don't understand how important this feature really is, on the other hand. If you just need just a "tethering" feature, get a Web-Cam! ;-D My opinion is for most of the time, cameras are used outside for shooting, not connecting to a PC indoor! Right? :-)

So, as you can see, last time when I think about the shortcomings of the K-5, the lack of tethering option is just Not one of the big ten reasons for still why not the K-5, as I don't think it is just significant enough to be a real issue. Nevertheless, I think the 645D, as a studio camera, would be better to have such a feature, so that images can be downloaded to the computer directly immediately after shooting. But then the 645D supports Eye-Fi, doesn't it?

My K-r First Hands-ons (Tested Twice)

The K-r hit the shelves of camera stores in Hong Kong yesterday. So, I went to try a pink one yesterday evening and then another black one today at another store. I tried both cameras with a DAL 18-55 kit lens mounted on them.

Below are my quick observations and a "surprising" experience (read more below):-

1. The camera feels small and solid, although it is a bit heavy and could be slightly heavier than the K-x with Lithium AA batteries in it. As usual, the black one has better feel for the coating for its rigidity and the white and pink ones are felt more toyish (they are semi-shiny semi-matte plasticky toy materials alike).

2. The new D-LI109 battery is small and lightweight. But its energy rating is in 1050mAh only. I have checked both the battery and charger that they are made in China.

And, how about the performance of the battery and the stability of the power supply? I shall brief it at the end of this post (and I shall tell what I found after completed playing/testing with the camera).

3. The RTF shape and the closed position has been changed from the old K-x/K-m design to more K-7 alike and now the collision problem (which I believe to be a latent defect) does not exist anymore.

As for the closed position, I have inspected four units, one pink and one black which are the newly out-of-the-box but assigned as demo units, and then a brand new white and another pink one "in" the box. Out of the four, only the black one has a tight closed position and does not have larger play. It seems that the plastic mould of the black-coloured body do have less play and the assembly positions are to be more accurate (just my rough impression, though).

Nevertheless, if you are just like me, want to have a more reasonably tight enough closed RTF top of the K-r (which contribute to an overall more solid feel of the body), the lucky rate is 25% according to my this sampling.

4. As for the annoying and persistent shifted AF red-dot issue, as usual, Pentax has never been able to find a solution to it actually. Everything is just random and depends on luck! If you just don't get what I mean, see this illustration, which was drawn when I wrote my K100D full review, years ago:-



That is, the projected red dots and lights are shifted in positions against the focusing screen craved marks. This is particularly ugly for the central red illumination to look like this, when it is viewed against the central bracket mark, IMO. In fact, this problem is somehow an unique Pentax issue, as explained in my K100D review, it is quite costly to make a perfectly aligned projection and assembly for this design, for both mechanically and for the level/standard of and requirement on the factory labours.

Btw, for the two demo units I tested, one has the central red dot shifted to the top right corner and the other is centred left right but shifted upward. So, the failure rate to my QC standard is just 100% (failed)! >:-(

I just wonder, why Pentax still couldn't find a remedial to this little problem after 7 years?! In fact, this was a problem since the *ist D and my first unit of *ist D was returned just because of this problem (and also a leaked silver dot painting on the mode dial).

Well, it can be adjusted manually, but it is not easy. My K100D has been tried for the adjustment for 3 times, only after that the central red dot was aligned!

5. The new VGA monitor is not as impressive as what I originally thought and expected, as it somehow lacks sharpness and contrast when compared to other VGA LCDs of other current DSLRs/ILDCs in the competition. Just say I am quite sure that the one on my Sony NEX looks more impressive. There is no anti-reflection coating of the K-r. It is less prone to oil and dirt but it is not glare and reflection resistant by no means!

6. The Live View CDAF is as fast as that of the K-5 and both cameras should share the same software algorithms. But yet an annoying thing is, as you can see from the K-5 video demo in the above link, that the LV display will zoom into the focusing area and then zoom out after completion of the AF. I found this is to be somehow disturbing indeed. But unfortunately I have checked that by digging into the camera menu completely for several minutes that there is NO option to turn off this! :-( (I have checked all the Custom Function items, also.)

7. As for the (non-LV) AF speed, it is more or less quite close to that of the K-x when Lithium AAs are used. The responsiveness in indoor environment that are considerably bright is more or less the same, i.e., average performance with slight hunting occasionally.

8. The mirror slap and shutter sound and vibration etc. is very close to that of the K-x. At least this is what I have felt for my these two trials on two separate day. It *may* be a little bit gently, with subtle difference that I would find (I am not quite sure as the shops are somehow a bit noisy), but the sound is very familiar and the feel of the time lag is quite close.

9. The K-r's continuous shooting rate is noticeably faster than the K-x with NiMH AAs put in it. With Lithium AA in K-x, the difference is less but I can tell the difference between K-x and K-r is still noticeable. But do note that you will have this machine gun feeling only if the K-r is put in the AF-S mode only, in which the focusing will be only done once, right before the continuous shooting.

10. So, how about if the K-r is put into AF-C then? Oh, I would tell the result is really pathetic once you have switched to AF-C! :-( I slowly panned the camera in 360 degrees around the shop but the actual frame rate was terribly dropped to about 1 to no more than 2 fps that I can tell (nothing scientific but I am almost sure as I have used/played just so many different cameras from time to time!).

So, as I have read through the K-r manual the last time, I know that there is a custom option to choose between "Focus Priority" to "FPS Priority". So, I just changed the setting and re-tried. To my surprise, the result was not much better and I think it was a bit faster, say, something closed to 2 fps at most, I think!

The most disappointing thing isn't the slow continuous shooting rate with AF-C, though. The shocking story is that after my above two tests, in which I think less than 30 continuous shots were made, that brand new K-r demo unit under test hanged up with a terrible continuous and steady wee sound inside with continuous vibration that can be felt. The whole unit just locked up and hanged but yet the vibration was persistent! The "wee" didn't stop even I switched off the unit! So, I just picked out the battery and re-inserted it again and then turned on the unit, that K-r unit was back to normal status then, finally..

Yes, I've discovered a BUG! This bug is terrible indeed. I have never seen similar thing before with any other DSLRs that I have ever put in my hands, except that K-r! >:-( I still recalled that last time I shot more than 60 JPEGs in a chain with my 5D and there was no irregularity of any happened!

11. After the whole course of testing, I found that the K-r did have a weird battery issue! I know that the Li-ion battery out of the box has not yet been fully charged. But the really strange thing did happen (again, even with the latest firmware of the K-x which was claimed to "cure" the battery issue). When the battery was first inserted into the body, the body shown a red status. After I used it more, it turned into Yellow (half-delpeted). And then I used the K-r a bit further, it turned into Green (nearly full)!? And then it suddenly turned into Red again! Oh, my God!

I thought that the K-r should solve the battery issue with the new Li-ion battery. But it seems that some really bad Pentax "tradition" still remains in the K-r!! :-o

And yes, I think I've found another Bug. I actually found two bugs of the K-r in these 30 minutes of use already. How about if you and/or me is to buy one and use it daily?? :-o ;->


Read All K-r Related Posts:-

http://ricehigh.blogspot.com/search/label/K-r

Pentax AF 300mm(ish) Fully Compared

There are not much choices in Pentaxland for telephoto to super-telephoto lenses. In fact, the starting focal for that is at least 300mm IMO, even if we are to use the lenses on the Pentax DSLRs all of which are with a crop factor of 1.5X. To choose a fixed prime for 300mm that supports AF, Pentaxians have only 3 choices over years up till now, since Pentax launched their "new" AFSLR system in 1987, i.e., the F*300/4.5, FA*300/4 and the DA*300/4 SDM. I do note that many Pentaxians do have many confusions for the actual differences between them. So, I write this article to clear them up. And, I share my own personal opinions according to my practical experiences with the lenses, in addition:-

Specifics	F*300/4.5	FA*300/4.5	DA*300/4 SDM
Lens Design:	9 elements in 7 groups, ED and IF (Extra-low Dispersion / Inner(Internal) Focusing)	9 elements in 7 groups, ED and IF, generally believed to be optically identical to the F*	8 elements in 6 groups, ED and IF
(Officially) Guaranteed Image Circle Size:	135 Full Frame	135 Full Frame	APS-C
First Marketed:	1987	1991	2008
Discontinued:	1991	2004	Not Yet
Size:	160 x 84mm (Dia.)	160 x 73mm (Dia.)	184 x 83 mm (Dia.)
Filter Thread:	67mm	67mm	77mm
Weight:	880g	935g	1070g
Tripod Collar:	Yes: Detachable, Rotatable	Nil: No Support / Not Available!	Yes: Built-in, Rotatable
Lens Hood:	Built-in: Screw-in/out Type, Handy, Slim and Lightweight	External: Bayonet, Metal, Bulky, Thick, Large and Heavy	External: Bayonet, Plastic, Slim, Large but Not Heavy w/ Detachable Window for Polarizer
Closest Focus and Magnification:	2.0m @ 0.17X	2.0m @ 0.17X	1.4m @ 0.24X
AF Drive:	Body Motor	Body Motor	Lens Motor (SDM)
AF Noise:	Very Noisy	Noisy	Silent
AF Speed:	Faster	Faster	Slower
AF Accuracy:	Good	Good	Not So Good
AF Hunting:	Most Noticeable	Less Noticeable	Not Noticeable
AF/MF Switching:	Push-pull Ring-form Switch - But with Limitation, i.e., Body's AF/MF Switch Needed to be at MF Position!	Push-pull Ring-form Switch - Without Limitation, i.e., Body's AF/MF Switch Can be at Either AF or MF Position	Quick Shift Manual Focusing - No Instant Push-pull Mechanism for Complete AF/MF Switching, but there is yet a Small AF/MF Selector
MF Feel (Damping & Smoothness):	Worse*	Better	Worse*
IQ:	Very Good (Best from f/6.7 to f/11)	Very Good (Best from f/6.7 to f/11)	Very Good (Best from f/5.6 to f/11)
Colour Response - Could be Subjective!: (1 Best, 3 Worst*)	3	1	2

* Remark: "Worst" and "Worse" are still Acceptable to Good! :-)

Some sample images of mine (w/ F*300 on K100D):-

Chinese Dragon Boat Racing


Read Also:-

Compatibility of DA Lenses on Full Frame

Summary Matrix for Equipment Tests and Reviews

The SDM Petition Online

The Pentax (Electronic) Cable Switches

Above: All Cable Releases of Mine; From Left to Right: Pentax Cable Switch F, Pentax CS-105, Canon RS-60E3, Canon RS-80N3; Top: Traditional Universal Mechanical Flexible Cable Release.

Cable Switch	For Camera(s)	Period
Cable Switch F	SF Series, (P)Z Series, MZ Series (Except MZ-S)	1987 - 2002
CS-105	MZ-S	2001
CS-205 (Canon RS-60E3 Clone)	*ist, *ist D Series, K(number)D Series, K-number Series	2003 - Now
No Support	K-alphabet Series, i.e., K-m, K-x & K-r	2009 - Now

The CS-105 is actually the most professionally designed and built cable switch that Pentax has ever made. But unfortunately, it supports/supported only the MZ-S. It has the same design as the Canon upper Remote Switch RS models for their upper class AFSLRs/DSLRs only. The design has an automatic mechanical lock so that the cable switch cannot be detached accidentally. To detach, one must hold and press the silver portion of the connector which will release the lock as you can see from the above photo, for both the CS-105 and RS-80N3. It has one disadvantage IMO, though. That is, the insertion of the connector is directional, which is really no good for inserting the cable in the dark, but which is usually the situation in which the user usually requires to use the cable switch/release!

I didn't buy the CS-205, though, when I acquired my *ist D. I was indeed somehow "angry" with Pentax for changing the cable switch after only one model. As the CS-205 is just a Canon low-end "RS" clone but which was sold at doubled price and was more difficult to find than the Canon (as usual, for all Pentax items!), I opted to buy the Canon. Anyway, even the Canon is of no use to me anyway for more than one year now, as my current and last Pentax DSLRs, namely, the K-x and K-m, just does not support any cable switch/release for each of them (and so does the upcoming K-r)!

Update (9-28): Some people doubt about the usefulness of a wired cable switch and release. I would like to elaborate a bit more about its true value for some applications and the differences underlaid..

1. A cable release actually consists of two switches, one for the half-pressing and the other for shutter release. An IR release controls only one switching, i.e., the release of shutter. Some IR remote controllers of Pentax like those that I built-in with my Zoom 90 WR and purchased together with my Optio 330 have the zoom control, but then so what?

2. The control of the half-press is crucial if you want also to control AE and in most cases, the AF, just like what we are using the cameras daily. Just imagine that when you use a DSLR without half-press function, then.. I think I needless to say more! For some shooting applications like shooting concerts on monopod/tripod or to track racing cars and panning where direct pressing of shutter button is not desirable so as to avoid shakes right before the exposure, a cable release is particular useful - but still we need to do and control the AE and AF, right?

3. An IR controller needs to point directly to the IR receiver and sensor at the body (which is located in the front for Pentax DSLR bodies) as long as it is pressed for the "Bulb" control. With the K-x, the user can choose in the Custom Function that for a "two-press" operation, i.e., to press one to open the shutter and press another time to close it. No matter how, this is not as convenient, reliable, direct and responsive as what a simple wired cable release can do for the user. One of the good examples of application is shooting fireworks, where timing is really critical if you are really using the shutter to control the (multiple) exposures instead of using a black card in front of the camera with a long bulb mode. An old example of mine:-


(Canon EOS 5D: f/16, 5s, ISO 100, 24-105L @24mm, RAW post-processed with DPP, Cable Release Used; Photo taken in Feb. 2008 @ Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong - Click to Enlarge in New Tab/Window)

P.S. I might upload some more fireworks plus some concert or racing car photos later on, as most of my old shared photos were already deleted at my old Yahoo Geocities account which I cancelled but they are not re-uploaded.

Overclocking Your Pentax (AA Battery) DSLR(s)!?

See this experiment done by a K200D guy for the physical and performance differences found and measured when using different battery types:-

http://www.dchome.net/viewthread.php?tid=883911
(in Traditional Chinese, Google translated English page here)

So, his comparisons and results are tabulated:-

Battery Type:	NiMH (Sanyo 2500 mAh)	AA Lithium (Energizer)	NiZn (PowerGenix)
Total Weight (4 x AAs):	115g	98g (85%)	58g (50%)
AF Motor Speed (from 00 to nearest w/ DA 16-45)	0.316s	0.254 (80%)	0.211s (67%)
Voltage (Per Cell):	1.38V (-8% Lower than the Designed 1.50V Nominal Voltage)	1.72V (+15% Higher)	1.78V (+19% Higher)

So, it is clear that the NiZn wins all, it is lighter and yet more powerful. But this may also be too powerful for the Pentax AA DSLRs to tolerate, as the voltage might be too high and more importantly, the internal resistance of the NiZn is just too low, this may put some electronics and components inside our cameras at risk, in particular the built-in flash, I bet - Read my this previous article for more details:-

Better K-x Rechargable Solution? Is the NiZn Safe?

Anyway, if you hate much the NiMH battery performance and reliability in your Pentax AA battery DSLR(s) (I DO), and if you might want to overclock your DSLR(s) for better performance, you may give the NiZn a trial. But remember, do this at your own risk and you might get your camera burnt and damaged in the end!

P.S. Recently when I did some prolonged movie recording (which was just for a few minutes continuously for each clip and then clip after clip, air-conditioned indoor) with my K-x with fully-charged NiMHs in it, it quitted and left the "LiveView" mode a few times prematurely without any warning. The battery indicator changed from green to yellow (half-depleted) and then to red (fully depleted) and back to green after enough rest! This is really annoying as I found that when I did the same with the Canon 550D, even under a hot sun and high temperature outdoor, and for even longer recording time, no problem ever happened! That AA battery rechargeable "solution" used by Pentax in any Pentax AA DSLR does really SUCK, I have to say! >:-( It's just now an unique Pentax problem anyway, for the current lines and models of DSLRs that are in the market.


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AA Battery Chargers Fully Compared (4 Models)

AA Battery Chargers Fully Compared (4 Models)

This time I compare four battery chargers of mine. They are all portable compact ones that are ideal for travelling. First, their actual characteristics and designs are compared:-

Features and Characteristics	Panasonic BQ-395TH	Camelion BC-0905C	Energizer CHCC-UK	Maha Energy PowerEX MH-C401FS
Made in	China	China	China	Taiwan
(Number of) Batteries that can be charged	4 AAs / 2 AAAs	4 AAs / 4 AAAs	4 AAs / 4 AAAs / 2 9Vs	4 AAs / 4 AAAs
Intelligent Charger?	Yes	No, Timer	No, Timer	Yes
Number of Charging Channels 1	4	2	4	4
Number of Detection Channel(s) 2	1	2	4	4
What is Detected? 3	Negative Delta V	Battery Insertion	Battery Insertion	Negative Delta V
Charging Current and Voltage (for AA) 4	2200 mA @ 1.5V (Maximum 6)	250 mA @ 2.8V	360 mA @ 1.4V	1000 mA / 300 mA Selectable @ 1.6V
Trickle Charge 5	No, Not Specified	No, Not Specified	Yes, 50 mA	Yes, 50 mA
Extended Power Plug	Yes	No	No	Yes
Car Adaptor	No	No	No	Yes

Next, I compare the actual performance of them, according to my practical experiences:-

Actual Performance	Panasonic BQ-395TH	Camelion BC-0905C	Energizer CHCC-UK	Maha PowerEX MH-C401FS
Practical Charging Time Required for a Set of 4 x 2650 mAh Energizer NiMH	~ 3 Hours	~ 10 Hours	~ 8 Hours	Fast Charge: ~ 2 Hours Slow Charge: ~ 7 Hours
Practical Charging Time for 2 x AAs	~ 1.5 Hours 6	No Difference	No Difference	No Difference
Cut-off Accuracy 7	Average	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Good
Fullness of Batteries 7	Average	Not Good	Good	Very Good
Self Discharge Rate of Charged Batteries 8	Average	Low	Low	Fast Charge: Average Slow Charge: Low
Cancellation of Memory Effect 9	Average	Poor	Average	Fast Charge: Good Slow Charge: Average

Well, let me explain some of the terminologies and performance aspects I have mentioned above in the following:-

1. Number of Charging Channels: That means the number of individual batter(ies) that can be charged independently at the same time. For example, the Camelion charger can adopt four batteries but it has only two charging channels, which means that batteries must be charged in pair, i.e., at least two at a time.

2. Number of Detection Channels: It is referred to the detection ability and indication that the charger provides to show the battery status. The Panasonic charge has only one indicator with a Green LED, either not lit on (no battery), flashing (during charging) or lit on (charging completed).

3. Detection Method: The intelligent chargers can detect the "Negative Delta V", which is simply the change in voltage of the battery that is being charged and when there is a negative change in the voltage, the charger will believe that the battery has been fully charged or almost fully charged. As for "Battery Detection", the charger just detects if a rechargeable battery is inserted and also if it is properly inserted or if it is defective.

4. Charging Current: The higher the charging current, the shorter the charging time will be. The simplified maths for calculating the total charging time required is indeed easy. Assuming everything is linear, it is simply to divide the rated mAH capacity of the battery by the charging current. For example, a 2200 mAH battery charged in the Panasonic charger at 2200 mA rate will require 1 hour to complete.

5. Trickle Charging: It means to continuously charge in small current after the battery has been fully charged, so as to maintain its full charged status.

6. The Panasonic Charger has an interesting design. Its *total* maximum charging current seems to be limited at what is rated. Just say if you charge one battery it can be completed in one hour, but two will then be two hours and then four requires four hours! So, this "fast" charger is not always a fast one, especially when the user has to charge four batteries at a time and everytime (case of charging batteries for the Pentax "AA" DSLRs).

7. Cut-off Accuracy and Fullness of Batteries: When the cut-off accuracy is good, the batteries are almost full per charge. If premature cut-off of charging takes place, the batteries can still be charged until they will reach their full capacity, ultimately. To check, just take out the freshly charged batteries after cut off and re-insert them into the charger to see if charging starts again but without cut-off again within a short period.

8. Self Discharge Rate of Charged Batteries:-

I think this is self-explanatory. But one thing interesting to point out. With those LSD (Low Self Discharge) NiMH like the Eneloop and AlwaysReady etc., the discharge rate could be lower, comparatively. However, I found that those LSD batteries seem to have more memory effect than traditional ones. Moreover, all LSD batteries do have lower mAh capacities than traditional ones, too. So, I now end up with using Energizer non-LSD high-capacity NiMH batteries (8 nos.) for my K-x, which seem to be the best compromise.

9. Cancellation of Memory Effect:-

Theoretically, NiMH batteries have no or little memory effect. Memory Effect refers to the rechargeable battery's capacity is being limited only to the difference in capacity between the last time when it was re-charged and to what it has just been charged again. So this delta is really small, resulting in low capacity of the battery as there is a memory developed and stored in it already.

NiMH used in K-x suffers very much from this phenomenon as the K-x actually requires high power and with just lower voltage, the camera will show battery depleted and the camera is cut off. Actually, there is still a lot of charge left inside those "depleted" batteries as believed by the K-xes (they are not enough to drive the K-x, anyway). When the user takes those "depleted" batteries for recharge (actually the batteries can still be used in a lot of other devices (or even for previous Pentax DSLRs like the K-m!), memory effect will still be developed after some time.

Some battery charger manufacturers claim their designed charge pulse patterns can help to eliminate the memory effect and erase the stored memory. They do this by discharging the batteries while the batteries are charged. Maha Energy actually is one of them who claims this feature of their PowerEX chargers. I verify that it works for the fast charge mode better but in slow charge mode, I don't see a clear advantage there. The weakest charger in eliminating the memory effect is the Camelion, from what I experienced, which even cannot recharge the batteries used in my K-m well, I think.

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In fact, the K-x camera is just the most demanding electronics device that I have ever used and owned that push the limits of NiMH batteries and maybe even more on the chargers! For my K-m and K100D etc., the situation is not that worst and critical actually! Same rechargeable batteries charged using the same chargers yet produces very different results and instability in my K-x bodies! The K-x is really so power hungry, especially when LiveView or Movie Recording are used. In fact, I would still insist it should have adopted rechargeable Lithium as its power source (as on Day One I "complained" about it) but unfortunately Pentax hadn't! :-(


Read Also:-

Better K-x Rechargable Solution? Is the NiZn Safe?

Re-published: My K100D Review

My K100D Review Re-published - Article of August 2006:-

http://ricehigh.atspace.com/K100D_Review/RiceHighs_Pentax_K100D_Full_Review.html


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My K-x Review is Here! (with Measurbations, Tips and Tricks)

My K-m Review, Tips and Tricks