Light Through The Lens

I recently updated the firmware on my Pentax K-7, and to my delight, Pentax has added the popular Reversal Film mode to this camera (previously only available on the Pentax 645D).  For those of you who don’t know, reversal film is another name for slide, or transparency film.  As someone who still shoots quite a bit of film (mostly medium format) and a good portion of it being transparencies, this is much welcome addition to the already extensive selection of color palettes available on the K-7.

I’m still running tests, but it would appear that this new color mode nearly replicates the look and feel of Kodak Ektachrome, specifically, E100G.  Colors are nice and punchy, with slightly cool shadows.  I’ve included the following side-by-side comparison showing how this new film mode stacks up against my standard processing in Lightroom.

First, the original file as imported into Lightroom using the Adobe Default profile:

Lightroom 2.7 Adobe Default

Next, the original file as imported into Lightroom using the Camera Default profile:

Lightroom 2.7 Camera Default

Next, the original file as processed in Lightroom using my standard develop settings:

Lightroom 2.7 Standard Process

Finally, the original file, imported into Pentax DCU 4.21, Reversal Film mode applied:

Pentax DCU 4.21 Reversal Film Mode

From these examples, it appears the Pentax Reversal Film Mode  does an impressive job of not only capturing the vivid green in the leaves of this leaf, but also of bringing out subtle differences, such as the yellow in the stem of the leaf.  even better is the additional clarity/sharpness obtained by processing in Pentax DCU, applying Reversal Film Mode, and adjusting the Sharpness slider to taste.

Here’s a side-by-side 100% crop of the water droplet in the center of the frame.  Notice how the Pentax DCU software is able to resolve more detail in the droplet, as well as the surrounding area:

Click the image to view Full Size

I’m going to be doing more tests on this new feature in the coming weeks, and will publish an update once I’ve gathered the results.

A big Thank You to Pentax for providing us with yet another great option for enhancing our images!

I’m back home, having spent the past several days in Tennessee.  It was a great experience and my first of what I hope will be many visits to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  The wildflowers were blooming at lower elevations, the redbuds were abundant, the waterfalls flowing, and the trails in great shape.  If you’re able to make it to the park in the next few weeks, I highly recommend it.  The rhododendrons had not yet bloomed, but from what the locals told me, it is a dazzling color display you don’t want to miss!

For this trip, I decided to try out the Pentax DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited lens, which I rented from Camera Lens Rentals.  The following is a brief overview of the lens, coupled with my experience using this lens.  It is not so much a technical review as it is a hand-on report.  While I did evaluate image quality, I did not do so under controlled conditions.  I chose to shoot in real world conditions rather than test charts in a studio.  I should also mention, in the interest of full disclosure, I paid for the rental fee out of my own pocket and was not compensated, monetarily or otherwise, by either Pentax or Camera Lens Rentals.

The Pentax DA 15nn F4 ED AL Limited is a wide angle lens, and one of only five DA Limited lenses in the Pentax lineup.  On my Pentax K-7, it is the 35mm focal length equivalent of a 22mm lens.  The build quality is what one would expect from Pentax, specifically the Limited line, and features all metal construction, excellent optics, and a built-in retractable lens hood.  The front cap screws on securely, and the lens accepts both standard and slim profile filters.  It’s diminutive size and light weight makes it ideal for travel and outdoor photography, or any situation where weight is important.  Though I didn’t use the lens in this capacity, I suspect its size makes it a capable lens for street photography and photojournalism as well.  It currently retails for around $600 at major online retailers (Amazon, B&H, Adorama) with an MSRP of  $650

The first test of this lens came along the Laurel Falls Trail, a 1.3 mi (2.6 mi roundtrip) paved trail with a difficulty rating of Moderate.  The trail ascends some 1750 feet and ends at the upper base of a spectacular 80-foot cascading waterfall.  The light conditions were a mix of sun and shade, and required a slow shutter speed (1/8s) and tripod to capture the silky smooth effect of the water.

Upper Laurel Falls, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

It may be difficult to judge in this web-sized version, but it appears to be sharp from edge to edge. with the center of the frame resolving minute details in the lichen growing atop the wet rocks.  It’s amazing the detail captured by such a tiny lens!  The corners held enough detail so as not to appear soft, though upon close inspection (100% view in Lightroom) I find them to be slightly less sharp than the center.  I doubt very much it would be apparent in prints up to 11×14, possibly larger.

Overall, I found the Pentax DA 15mm F4 ED AL lens to be a very capable and worthwhile lens.  After 10 days of use, in real world situations and under mixed lighting conditions, I can honestly say I would recommend this to anyone looking for a lightweight alternative to the usually bulky wide angle lens.  Its combination of size, handling, and image quality make it a must have for outdoor, travel, and landscape photography.

I’m headed to Tennessee tomorrow for four days in Pigeon Forge and Gatlingburg, home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

According to The Smoky Mountain Hiking Blog, the wildflowers should be at or near peak while I’m there.  Needless to say, I’m looking forward to it!

Along the way, I’ll be testing the smc PENTAX DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited, which I have on loan from CameraLensRentals.com.

See you next week!

Took a day trip to Matthiessen State Park yesterday and it turned out to be one of my best winter trips in recent memory.

While I came away with several beautiful photographs of the park’s signature sandstone features draped in fresh snow, I also managed to capture some footage of one of the waterfalls.

Here’s the resulting video, taken with the Pentax K-7 and DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited. Enjoy!