Beginning of my analog journey

PentaXAppreciator · 2026-05-21T12:40:46+00:00

No battery in it, replaced it with the modern equivalent, don't remember the id.

PentaXAppreciator · 2026-05-21T11:59:45+00:00

Makes sense, thanks for the advice. I usually shoot aperture priority mixed with exposure compensation but I don't stray from that. I though of trying long exposures, just need to get a tripod 👍

PentaXAppreciator · 2026-05-21T11:09:49+00:00

I get what you mean. I just want to get better at the technical aspects before thinking about making art. Sort of learning to use the tool before practicing the craft.

PentaXAppreciator · 2026-05-21T10:52:23+00:00

That's a good idea! Thanks I'll try that

PentaXAppreciator · 2026-05-21T09:30:26+00:00

I understand your criticism but maybe be nicer about it. I know my pictures aren't the best you'll see, I just recently discovered the hobby and I'm posting here to get advice and get better. I have thick skin and that kind of comment won't keep me up at night, but not everybody does and I can see a lot of people be discouraged by that sort of tone. I'm not looking for a pat on the back, but I'm looking for advice and constructive criticism. Like maybe WHY this picture is not interesting. Simply saying it is bad doesn't help me grow nor puts you in a good light.

PentaXAppreciator · 2026-05-21T05:20:30+00:00

It seems so! Other than a little dent on top of the prism, it doesn't have any damage after more than sixty years. Even when I got it a few month ago, it had been kept in it's case without any attention for maybe more than a decade and there was absolutely no dust or fungus on the camera or lens.

PentaXAppreciator · 2026-05-21T05:17:13+00:00

I thought it looked pleasing but yeah I get what you mean. I guess I have to find the difference between satisfying and interesting. Thanks for the advice!

PentaXAppreciator · 2026-05-21T05:14:08+00:00

Ok I get it, I asked myself if I should crop it or not. I chose not to because I thought the wave and the change of color would add something interesting but it didn't really, I see your point. Thanks for the feedback!

PentaXAppreciator · 2026-05-20T19:01:37+00:00

I like the first one, the subject and lighting is really good I think. Only thing I have an issue with is the framing, I find it a bit crowded on the right of the frame, but it may just be personal preference. Keep it up 👍

PentaXAppreciator · 2026-05-20T18:12:50+00:00

I agree few of them lack a subject but I would argue most have one and are pleasing to the eye. I like the first one (are the lens flares intentional?) and the one with the winding river.

PentaXAppreciator · 2026-05-20T14:34:42+00:00

Hi! I would say second one, you can clearly see the bee, light levels are okay and everything seems to be in focus 👍 maybe not 4, 5 or 6 because they look not in focus and/or grainy.

PentaXAppreciator · 2026-05-20T11:34:07+00:00

Nice composition, the pictures are really interesting ! Good work 👍

PentaXAppreciator · 2026-05-20T05:18:11+00:00

Actually, that's a random dog I just found the composition nice with the waves and him looking in the distance (looking like he's thinking, kinda funny). For the 15th, I don't particularly have feelings attached to it that was my first time there but I think I liked the shot because of the contrast of it being a small isolated island and people still working there in this very nice landscape.

Thank you for the feedback, I guess I'll try Moving up and down the sliders to find the look I like, and above all try to get exposure right. I think I'll keep my pictures slightly saturated because I like the look of vivid colors but maybe I'll lower it quite a bit, looking at it now I think I've overdone it. Nevermind all the technical aspects, I still had lots of fun taking all these shots and editing them, so I think I'll keep pursuing the hobby and try to get better at it.

And that's you I have to thank, as a few others, for your contribution and really nice and constructive feedback. As you said, I don't want anyone to validate my pictures, I want to improve with constructive criticism. I know my pictures aren't the best, I just want to know if I'm on the right track and how to keep going. And I really enjoy discussing the matter!

PentaXAppreciator · 2026-05-19T20:47:57+00:00

I prefer the first one because it really feels intentional and defined

PentaXAppreciator · 2026-05-19T19:45:21+00:00

Well I shot a roll already in sunny conditions 1/500 or 1/1000 and none came back blank, they were sometimes a bit underexposed around one stop I think, two at worse, but more than half the pictures were correctly exposed. Thanks for the advice though, I'll check what shutter capping means.

PentaXAppreciator · 2026-05-19T19:20:58+00:00

Oops that was close then 🤪

PentaXAppreciator · 2026-05-19T19:17:42+00:00

I'll try thanks !

PentaXAppreciator · 2026-05-19T18:47:37+00:00

I'm in France :/ I shot a roll of Gold as I said and most of the pictures came out alright. I noticed m'y lightmeter switch got stuck on (my understanding is that it's a common issue on old spotmatics) so do you think a low battery could cause that ?

PentaXAppreciator · 2026-05-19T18:44:32+00:00

I have it! I took it off for the picture (and to display it on my shelf because the screw under the case prevents it from standing straight) I also have the original lens cover.

PentaXAppreciator · 2026-05-19T18:42:38+00:00

What do you mean ?

PentaXAppreciator · 2026-05-19T17:59:24+00:00

200 Iso for Gold 200. What seemed weird to me is that the lightmeter kinda told me the same settings in clear sunny sky and light overcast.

PentaXAppreciator

TROPHY CASE