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2026-03-11

Pentax Q 01 8.5/1.9 Standard Prime: Samples [2] - 1/1.7" - f/1.9

Camera: Pentax Q (1/1.7", 12MP)
Lens: Pentax Q 01 8.5/1.9 Standard Prime at f/1.9 (39mm equiv.)

The profiled lens (distortion/vignetting) correction is disabled.

I was disappointed with this lens when used on the Pentax Q. However, the Pentax Q7, which has a larger sensor, produces better results. The angle of view is wider, and the resolution is higher. This combination is quite usable. One notable issue is distortion. I wish it were less.








Posted by malykh в 08:22 0 comments

2026-03-09

Additional seatpost clamp

The PostFix BSP-97 is an additional clamp (27.2mm, 31.6mm) that is installed directly onto the seatpost, on top of the frame's seatpost clamp. It is very useful for a carbon frame.

I wanted to make something similar. For the base, I used a standard seatpost clamp for a 31.8mm seat tube. However, such a clamp has a lip that secures it to the seat tube.




This lip must be removed. I used a grinder to do so.

After all, I have two versions of processed clamps.

The two-bolt clamp (40g):




The one-bolt clamp (21g):




Both work well.

Why don't I use a dual-size seatpost clamp? They are 31.6mm/34.9mm, usually. But I need one that is 31.6mm/37mm.



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Posted by malykh в 10:38 0 comments

2026-03-07

VIOFO A119 Mini 2: Bitrate problem

The VIOFO A119 Mini 2 dash cam has a quite good sensor and lens. However, the main problem is too low bitrate, even with proper settings.

The video quality is good for static scenes. While motion of the car introduces too many artifacts.

For testing, I recorded the same scene with the maximum bitrate setting for each mode.

2592x1944 30fps 29870kbps
2560x1600 30fps 30207kbps
2560x1440 60fps 26845kbps
2560x1440 30fps 30800kbps
2560x1080 60fps 30737kbps
2560x1080 30fps 30931kbps
2304x1296 30fps 24874kbps
1920x1080 60fps 25077kbps
1920x1080 30fps 22855kbps

Yes, the bitrates are too low for high resolutions.

Also, there is no any resizing. A smaller resolution results in a smaller angle of view due to cropping.

I chose the 2560x1080 30fps mode. The 21:9 aspect ratio is suitable for a dash cam.




And the ~3000kbps bitrate is satisfactory for this mode.



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Posted by malykh в 09:54 0 comments

2026-03-05

Cannondale Cujo 1 (2018): The end

My Cannondale Cujo 1 bike is no more. I took it apart completely.

The frame is cracked, and I didn't want to weld it. So, I threw the frame away.




By the way, the size "L" frame weighs 1950 g without any parts attached. It's lighter than I expected based on its appearance.

I mounted some stock Cujo 1 components (the fork, steering, and brake parts) on my new bike.

Posted by malykh в 09:03 0 comments

2026-03-03

Riconar/Rikenon 55/2.2: Samples [3] - FF - f/2.2 - Two types of focusing

Camera: Sony a7c (FF, 24MP)
Lens: Riconar/Rikenon 55/2.2 at f/2.2

Here's another comparison between the two types of focusing: focusing by the lens mechanism, and focusing by the lens adapter. See more details.

The difference is more noticeable when the focusing distance is shorter.

1.

(lens focusing)

(adapter focusing)

2.

(lens focusing)

(adapter focusing)

3.

(lens focusing)

(adapter focusing)

4.

(lens focusing)

(adapter focusing)

Posted by malykh в 12:06 0 comments

2026-03-01

My cameras (2025-02): 4 + 4

After selling some cameras, I have four digital cameras and four film cameras.


Digital cameras:

Sony a7c (2021, FF, 24MP, mirrorless with Sony FE mount)
Ricoh GR (2014, APS-C 1.5x, 16MP, fixed 28 equiv. lens)
Samsung NX2000 (2013?, APS-C 1.5x, 20MP, mirrorless with Samsung NX mount)
Pentax Q7 (2013, 1/1.7" 4.6x, 12MP, mirrorless with Pentax Q mount)


Film cameras:

Pentax Super A (1983?, 135 film, SLR with Pentax K mount)
Zorki-6 (1965, 135 film, rangefinder camera with M39x1/28.8 mount)
Kiev-6S (1983, 120 film 6x6, SLR with P6/Б mount)
NONS SL42 II (2021?, Instax mini film, SLR with Canon EF mount)

Posted by malykh в 12:13 0 comments

2026-02-27

Viltrox AF 20/2.8 & AF 28/4.5: Firmware updates (a7V support)

New firmware updates were released in December 2025 for the Viltrox AF 20/2.8 and AF 28/4.5 lenses.

The update for the Viltrox AF 28/4.5 is usual.




However, a firmware file (which you should download and copy to a virtual disk) is no longer available for the Viltrox AF 20/2.8. I had to use the Viltrox Lens application for Windows.




Fortunately, it worked.

Posted by malykh в 09:36 0 comments

2026-02-23

Flyxii FR-701: My new bike

I assembled my new 29+ hardtail bike, using the Flyxii FR-701 carbon frame as the base.




The used fork is the RockShox Recon RL 29" Boost with 120mm travel (the stock fork from the Cujo 1). To start, I set the handlebars to the same height as on the Cujo 1 by placing 40 mm of spacers below the stem.

I replaced the end caps to convert the rear wheel to support a 12x148 axle.

The rear axle is in the "longer" position. The chainstay [virtual] length is 440 mm (425+15).




I also mounted the 34T chainring.  Due to the raised right chainstay, there is a lot of space.




The clearance between the crank arms and the chainstays.





My first impression is positive. The new bike reminds me of my Cujo 1, but it is lighter and allows for larger wheels. The Vittoria e-Barzo Trail 29x2.6 tires are still mounted, but there is now more space around the rear wheel.



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Posted by malykh в 09:37 1 comments

2026-02-21

Pentax K 30/2.8: Samples [2] - FF - f/2.8

Camera: Sony a7c (FF, 24MP)
Lens: Pentax K 30/2.8 at f/2.8










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Posted by malykh в 09:52 0 comments

2026-02-19

Motsuv 34T chainring

After upgrading to the 12-speed drivetrain, I decided to switch from the 32T chainring to a 34T one. At least, for evaluating.

I chose an inexpensive 9-12SPD-34T Motsuv (for Shimano direct mount).



  
I already have the VXM MT-V86 tool to remove and install chainrings on the Shimano M7100-1 (SLX) crankset. The tool works well.

Unfortunately, I was too lazy to check if there was enough space to use the 34T chainring with the Cujo 1 frame.

The 32T Shimano chainring weighs 118 g, while the 34T Motsuv chainring weighs 69 g.



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Posted by malykh в 11:58 0 comments

2026-02-17

Koozer 450: 12x148 end caps

The Flyxii FR-701 frame uses a 12x148 rear axle. That was the main reason I chose it. However, my rear wheel is QR 141.

Fortunately, the Koozer 450 Boost rear hub can be easily converted by replacing the end caps.




The Q20 and Q22 caps should be replaced with the T20 and T22 caps.








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Posted by malykh в 16:33 0 comments

2026-02-15

Ztto BB86/24: Twist bottom bracket


Overall, I am not a fan of press-fit bottom brackets, so I chose a "twist" bottom bracket from ZTTO.




The ZTTO BB86/24 (LKBB8624).




It has a self-pressing (by twisting) design. Also, it is compatible with Shimano's 24mm spindle crankset, such as my Shimano M7100-1 (SLX).



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Posted by malykh в 11:14 0 comments

2026-02-13

Pentax DA 14/2.8: Samples [3] - APS-C

Camera: Pentax *ist Ds (1.5x crop factor, 6MP), Pentax K10D (1.5x crop factor, 10MP)
Lens: Pentax DA 14/2.8 at f/5.6-f/9 (21mm equiv.)

The profiled lens (distortion/vignetting) correction is disabled.

(K10D, f/8)

(*ist Ds, f/5.6)

(*ist Ds, f/9)

(*ist Ds, f/8)

(K10D, f/8)

(K10D, f/9)

(K10D, f/9)



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Posted by malykh в 08:52 0 comments

2026-02-11

Cannondale Cujo 1 (2018): Frame cracks

The main reason I wanted a new bike frame was to switch from a QR 141 to a 12x148 rear axle.

I had already purchased the Flyxii FR-701 carbon frame when I discovered cracks in the welds between the seat stays and seat tube of my Cannondale Cujo 1 (2018).




This was an unpleasant surprise. Thereby, the new frame became a necessity instead of a whim.

Overall, I liked the Cannondale Cujo 1 bike, but I was disappointed by its lack of reliability (pedals, crankset, hubs, dropper post) and durability (frame). In any case, I'm keeping some components from the Cujo on my new bike based on the Flyxii frame.



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Posted by malykh в 09:23 0 comments

2026-02-09

VIOFO A119 Mini 2: My new dash cam

I have been using the TrendVision TDR-719S dash cam since 2016. While it provides good video and audio quality, it is rather unreliable.

So I decided to replace it with the VIOFO A119 Mini 2. It supports GPS, which is required for time synchronization.





(Comparing with the TrendVision TDR-719S)

The VIOFO A119 Mini 2 works well with the SanDisk Ultra microSDXC 128GB (for Chinese market).

However, the VIOFO A119 Mini 2 uses a bitrate that is too low, which causes issues with video quality. Therefore, it is important to select the appropriate resolution and FPS.



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Posted by malykh в 09:54 0 comments
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