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2024-01-25

Takumar 105/2.8 (Pre-Set II): Samples [2] - FF + close focus (helicoid) adapter

Photos taken with the Sony a7c (FF, 24MP) and the Takumar 105/2.8 (Pre-Set II - 5 elements in 4 groups). The close focus (helicoid) adapter (M42x1-Pentax K + Pentax K-Leica M + Leica M-Sony FE adapter combination) is used. If not, the minimum focusing distance is quite long (about 1.2m).

All samples at f/2.8:












Posted by malykh в 00:25 0 comments

2024-01-23

Pentax K-m: Manual focus lenses

Using old manual focus lenses with the Pentax K-m is rather difficult compared to modern mirrorless cameras.

1. It is very difficult to focus accurately through the optical viewfinder. It was not an easy task even with the Pentax *ist Ds/K10D, while the viewfinder of the Pentax K-m is even worse (it is pentamirror and has lower magnification). And, of course, there is no Live View.

2. There is a focus indicator, but it is slow and inaccurate. It is confusing and distracting.

3. The Pentax K-m with Pentax K/M-series lenses in the Av mode only shoots with the aperture wide open (it doesn't even try to close the aperture). It is like all Pentax DSLRs.

4. For other aperture values, you should use the M mode. You can force the shutter speed to be set automatically by pressing the Av button. Then the camera briefly closes the aperture to meter the light.

5. A disadvantage of using the M mode is that AutoISO is disabled. You should select ISO manually.

6. AutoISO works in the Av mode, but with lenses that don't transmit the focal length (including A-series lenses and all non-electronic lenses), the longest shutter speed is always limited to 1/125. I would prefer a longer shutter speed for wide angle lenses (especially with SR), but there is no way to change this limit.

7. The good thing is that Shake Reduction (SR) works with all lenses. Of course, you should choose the focal length. A dialog appears when the camera is turned on (or you can call it up from the menu). And in my opinion, SR of the K-m is more effective and useful than SR of the K10D (which I really disliked because it ruined images).


After the Sony a7c (where I don't have any problems with manual focus and AutoISO), I am very disappointed with the Pentax K-m.

Now I understand why I shot a lot with the average DA 18-55/3.5-5.6 AL (first version) on the K10D, even though my Pentax K/M/A series lenses are much better (and I can see it on old photos). Just because of the autofocus. The DA 18-55/3.5-5.6, the DA 14/2.8 (which is too wide for universal use), and the F 35-80/4-5.6 were the only Pentax autofocus lenses I owned.


In general, I dislike DSLRs with their optical viewfinders and overly complicated designs. And of course, many interesting lenses cannot be used with DSLRs because of their long flange focal lengths. That's why I didn't buy the Pentax K-1. I prefer mirrorless cameras for manual focus lenses.

Now I only have one autofocus lens for my Sony a7. And I do not use it very often.

Posted by malykh в 00:11 0 comments

2024-01-21

malykh.com: Albums for lenses

I have created individual albums for lenses: https://malykh.com/album/#group-Lenses




This makes it easy to find sample photos for lenses, which I have tested.



See also related notes:
Image albums:
Posted by malykh в 00:05 0 comments

2024-01-19

Win95Key plug-in to control T&V HappyPlayer [OS/2, 2002]

I have published the source code of w95k_tvh: https://github.com/malykhcom/w95k_tvh

This is a small plug-in for Win95Key (OS/2 application). After installation it is possible to mute/unmute T&V HappyPlayer (OS/2 application too) with a global hotkey. I wrote this plug-in in 2002.

Technically, the plug-in searches for the T&V HappyPlayer window and sends the 'm' keystroke to the found window. If no window is found, the plug-in beeps.




See also related notes:
Posted by malykh в 00:02 0 comments

2024-01-17

Anastigmat Victar 50/2.9: Finding a cap

I received the Anastigmat Victar 50/2.9 without a lens cap. The lens is very small and does not have a filter thread, so a modern snap-on cap cannot be used. It is difficult to find a suitable push-on lens cap, therefore I searched for a cap replacement.

First, I tried a cut cap from a small bottle.




This is not a good solution. This cap is not comfortable to use.




Then I found an M42 lens mount cap that fits on the focusing ring of the lens.



This is a pretty good solution.




One drawback is the need to focus to infinity before putting the cap on the lens. This is due to the moving front of the lens.

After that I bought universal caps (for tubes and so on) named FH-32 (32mm diameter).




This cap fits the aperture ring of the lens.




But after removing the cap, the aperture setting should be checked. It is possible to change it accidentally.




I settled on this option.

Posted by malykh в 00:00 0 comments

2024-01-15

Shutter release count for my cameras (Ricoh, Samsung, Sony, Pentax)

It is useful to know the number of shutter releases (shutter count) for a camera.

Ways for my cameras.

1. My Ricoh and Samsung cameras don't store the shutter count in EXIF, so a developer menu should be used.



2. I don't know how to access the developer menu on the Samsung NX2000. But the shutter count is accessible from the log.


3. My Pentax and Sony record the shutter count in EXIF. I use ExifTool to access this information.


$ exiftool DSC08806.ARW | grep "Shutter Count"
Shutter Count                   : 882
Shutter Count 2                 : 882
Shutter Count 3                 : 882

(I use full electronic shutter most of the time, so the [mechanical] shutter count is so small)


$ exiftool IMGP4699.PEF | grep "Shutter Count"
Shutter Count                   : 18225

Or use exiftool -ShutterCount filename.ext (and ShutterCount2, ShutterCount3 for the Sony a7c).

Posted by malykh в 00:07 0 comments

2024-01-13

Braun Super Paxette II BL: Film rangefinder camera

My own Braun Paxette Super II BL film rangefinder camera.



It is a rather rare camera (from the late 1950s). It is quite compact.

(side by side with the Ricoh GR)

This camera has M39x1/44 mount. So large (for a rangefinder camera) flange focal distance is due to a leaf shutter.




Shutter speeds (sec): 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, and Bulb.




There is a self-timer (the green V mark):




The word "Super" means coupled rangefinder support  (with appropriate lenses). While the number "II" indicates interchangeable lens support.

The Super II BL is the most advanced camera in the Super II series.

The "L" stands for "Leuchtrahmensucher" (Bright frame finder). There are several frames for different focal lengths:




The full viewfinder area for 35mm, then the frame for 50mm, 85/90mm, and 135mm lenses.

The "B" stands for "Belichtungsmesser" (Light meter). The (selenium-based) light meter is uncoupled .




This camera has two film wind levers:




The right (base) lever is used to advance the film and cock the shutter. The left lever (marked as "R") is used to rewind the film when it is finished.

The tripod mount for 1/4" screw.


(Made in Germany)

The back should be removed to load the film (see instruction book in pdf):




Unfortunately, the camera is broken. Something is wrong with the advance lever and the shutter. I see that someone has already tried to take the camera apart. Ironically, the light meter works.

But I bought the camera cheap for the four German lenses that came with it.




Funny thing is that three of them are M39x1/44 as expected, while one is unexpectedly M42x1/45.5.

So now I have five M39x1/44 lenses (together with the Staeble-Werk Choro R 35/4.5 and the Staeble-Telexon E 85/5.6). And I use them with the Sony a7c (digital FF, 24MP).

Posted by malykh в 00:09 0 comments

2024-01-11

Sony DSLRs by megapixels

Sony (Konica Minolta) A-mount DSLRs grouped by the number of megapixels.


6MP APS-C (CCD)

Konica Minolta 7D (2004)
Konica Minolta 5D (2005)


10MP APS-C (CCD)

Sony A100 (2006)
Sony A200 (2008)
Sony A300 (2008) - dedicated image sensor for LV
Sony A230 (2009)
Sony A330 (2009) - dedicated image sensor for LV


14MP APS-C (CCD)

Sony A350 (2008) - dedicated image sensor for LV
Sony A380 (2009) - dedicated image sensor for LV
Sony A290 (2010)
Sony A390 (2010) - dedicated image sensor for LV


12MP APS-C (CMOS)

Sony A700 (2007)
Sony A500 (2009) - dedicated image sensor for LV 


14MP APS-C (CMOS)

Sony A550 (2009) - dedicated image sensor for LV 
Sony A450 (2010)
Sony A560 (2010) - dedicated image sensor for LV 
Sony SLT-A33 (2010) - Single Lens Translucent


16MP APS-C (CMOS)

Sony A580 (2010) - dedicated image sensor for LV 
Sony SLT-A55 (2010) - Single Lens Translucent
Sony SLT-A35 (2011) - Single Lens Translucent
Sony SLT-A57 (2012) - Single Lens Translucent
Sony SLT-A37 (2012) - Single Lens Translucent


20MP APS-C (CMOS)

Sony SLT-A58 (2013) - Single Lens Translucent


24MP APS-C (CMOS)

Sony SLT-A65 (2011) - Single Lens Translucent
Sony SLT-A77 (2011) - Single Lens Translucent
Sony SLT-A77 II (2014) - Single Lens Translucent
Sony SLT-A68 (2015) - Single Lens Translucent


24MP  Full-frame (CMOS)

Sony A900 (2008)
Sony A850 (2009)
Sony SLT-A99 (2012) - Single Lens Translucent


42MP Full-frame (CMOS)

Sony SLT-A99 II (2016) - Single Lens Translucent

Posted by malykh в 00:02 0 comments

2024-01-09

Pentax K-m: AA batteries

The Pentax K-m uses four AA batteries like the Pentax *ist Ds.




First, I tried to insert rechargeable AA batteries (very old Turnigy LSD 2200, which I bought in 2012). The camera showed no signs of life.

I was discouraged, but then I remembered that the K-m is very demanding on battery voltage. When I put in fresh, good alkaline AA batteries, the camera turned on.

Of course, I don't want to shoot with alkaline AA batteries (it's too expensive). Fortunately, I have some 14500 LiFePO4 (3.2V IFR) batteries.




I put two batteries and two dummy "connectors" in the camera. This provides enough power to turn the camera on.

Since then I only use these LiFePO4 batteries in the Pentax K-m. They are quite good even in cold weather (down to -20°C). And this camera is the only device where I use these LiFePO4 batteries in now.

Posted by malykh в 00:05 1 comments

2024-01-07

Pentax M 200/4: Samples [1] - FF

Photos taken with the Sony a7c (FF, 24MP) and the Pentax M 200/4.










See also related notes:
Image albums:
Posted by malykh в 00:06 0 comments

2024-01-05

SZ Viewer: version for macOS is discontinued

I do not have an Apple device and do not plan to get one. I used to run macOS in VirtualBox, but that version of macOS is obsolete now.

So I decided to discontinue SZ Viewer for macOS. macOS related code is also removed.

Version M1-2023-12-19 is the last one.

Posted by malykh в 00:05 0 comments

2024-01-01

Pentax M 100/4 Macro

Early on I used the Vega-5U 105/4 and the Vega-22UTs 103/5.6 (enlarger lenses) on bellows. Then I sold them and now I use the Pentax M 100/4 Macro (SMC PENTAX-M MACRO 1:4 100mm) without bellows.


(the Pentax M 100/4 Macro on the left)

The Pentax M 100/4 Macro is similar to the Pentax M 50/4 Macro, but they have different optical designs. While the M 50/4 has a Tessar-like design (4 elements in 3 groups), the M 100/4 has a Heliar-like design (5 elements in 3 groups).


(The Pentax M 100/4 Macro)

This design is old style and quite rare in lenses.



The Pentax M 100/4 is a good lens, but for product photography I prefer the M 50/4. I use the M 100/4 as a universal telephoto lens.

Posted by malykh в 10:28 0 comments

2023-12-29

Brother DCP-T220: My new printer

After the Canon G1400 broke down, I decided to buy a new printer. I chose the Brother DCP-T220, an ink tank printer (4 colors: BT5000C, BT5000M, BT5000Y, BTD60BK).


(picture on the box)

I would prefer a cheaper model that is just a printer without a scanner, but this Inkbenefit Plus series has no such thing. So the DCP-T220 (with built-in scanner) is the simplest model in the range.

This is my fourth personal inkjet printer (after the HP DJ690, the Canon Pixma iP5000, and the Canon G1400). 

First impression: the new printer took up an unexpected amount of space on my desk. The printer itself is large, and required extra space at the front and back to open the trays.



See also related notes:
Image albums:
Posted by malykh в 00:03 0 comments

2023-12-27

SZ Viewer: 10th Anniversary

On 2013-12-27 (10 years ago) I started writing my own Suzuki diagnostic application after successfully testing CASCADE (Hi-Scan Pro/CarmanScan software emulator) with my Jimny Sierra.


(that old source code)

First it was called SZD. 


(title is "SZD")

On 2014-01-04 I renamed it to SZ Viewer.

(title is "SZ Viewer")

I wrote the application in Scala (v2.10 at that time) from the beginning, and today all versions (including Android) are also written in Scala (now v2.11).

First public release has version v0.1a-20140201. Second release W1-2014-02-12 started using the version numbering saved today. First Android release was A1-2014-03-24.

Today I still support SZ Viewer (1, 2), but I have no strategy for future development. Windows/macOS/Linux is easier to improve, but very few users need it. Meanwhile, I don't want to develop the much more popular Android version, but I try to update it regularly for new requirements to keep it in Google Play.




See also related notes:
Posted by malykh в 00:02 3 comments

2023-12-25

Takumar 105/2.8 (Pre-Set II): Samples [1] - FF

Photos taken with the Sony a7c (FF, 24MP) and the Takumar 105/2.8 (Pre-Set II - 5 elements in 4 groups).

A sunstar at f/8:




Samples at f/2.8:













See also related notes:
Posted by malykh в 00:02 0 comments

2023-12-23

Pentax K-m: 10MP CCD DSLR

I sold the NX300 camera for parts (due to the broken LCD screen). I bought a new (and cheap!) camera to replace it. My new old camera is the Pentax K-m.




The Pentax K-m (also known as the K2000) was introduced in 2008 (my copy was made in 2009). This K-m/K2000 is the last CCD DSLR with the Pentax K mount. The sensor has a crop factor of 1.5x and a resolution of 10MP (like the K10D/GX-10 and K200D).

In the past I already had two Pentax DSLRs: 6MP CCD *ist Ds (bought in 2005, sold in 2012) and 10MP CCD K10D (bought in 2007, sold in 2013).

The small Pentax K-m reminds me a lot of the *ist Ds. But there are some differences and features come from the K10D.

Unfortunately, the K-m lacks the 0.95x @ 50mm pentaprism viewfinder (it has a 0.85x @ 50mm pentamirror one instead) and a top panel display. The K-m also has fewer focus points (and no viewfinder point indicators). Meanwhile, the K-m has a larger rear LCD screen (2.7" vs 2"), SR (Shake Reduction), in-lens focus motor support, higher resolution (10MP vs 6MP). And I like the control of the K-m better than the *ist Ds.

My K-m copy is pretty good. The shutter count is just under 19000. Even the backup battery is good. There are only two problems: the slightly scratched viewfinder and the broken SD card slot cover. But the camera is usable, it is possible to remove and insert an SD card.

For me, it is important that the Sony a7c (FF, 24MP) has the 10MP resolution in APS-C mode. This is the same as the K-m has (with its crop factor 1.5x). The almost identical pixel density makes it possible to compare noise, resolution, and color reproduction of these cameras (2008 CCD vs 2020 CMOS). In addition, I can do it with the same Pentax lenses. That is why I wanted the 10MP (not 6MP) CCD Pentax camera. I didn't like the K10D (it's too big and heavy), the GX-10 is almost the same camera. And between the K200D and the K-m, I choose the K-m as a cheaper and newer camera.

Posted by malykh в 00:01 0 comments
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