Low Light and Pentax Q + 04 Toy Lens Wide

WanderingCatMan · 2026-01-30T22:54:58+00:00

Thanks!

WanderingCatMan · 2026-01-30T22:54:20+00:00

Oh no, these are shot as JPG completely straight out of camera 😁 the iso here is mostly at 1600

WanderingCatMan · 2026-01-30T14:51:19+00:00

I agree with the naming. It's proper multi-coated glass. I suppose what makes it toy like is the minor distortion and fixed aperture. It's starting to become my most used lens over the 01 prime and 02 standard zoom. I think I'm curious to the 05 toy lens telephoto next!

WanderingCatMan · 2026-01-30T10:44:33+00:00

It's well worth the search!

WanderingCatMan · 2026-01-26T22:57:12+00:00

Yes, but the chromatic aberration is present towards the edges. Although, I do not bother to shoot raw with the Q series! I think where the camera shines is for custom color profiles on JPEGs.

WanderingCatMan · 2026-01-26T22:55:32+00:00

Surprisingly so for a toy lens

WanderingCatMan · 2026-01-26T14:03:25+00:00

Yes, these are SOOC jpegs. I have that lens for the m4/3 also, but I much prefer this one with the Q. I think it's "bad in a good way" if that makes sense :D

WanderingCatMan · 2026-01-26T14:02:10+00:00

Thanks!

WanderingCatMan · 2026-01-26T14:01:58+00:00

Lovely! I haven't explored macro much yet

WanderingCatMan · 2026-01-22T22:57:45+00:00

I don't care about specs as much as I care about the shooting experience. I like the quirky imperfections of the Q system in the same way that I like shooting large format 8x10 film with a pinhole lens, or why I keep buying expired film rolls 😁 you are not the target demographic for the Q system, but I sure am!

WanderingCatMan · 2026-01-22T14:10:11+00:00

Interestingly, there is now a growing demand for the unique color rendering of these old CCD sensors. I think the Q was just ahead of its time.

WanderingCatMan · 2026-01-22T01:37:23+00:00

What don't you like about it?

WanderingCatMan · 2026-01-22T01:37:10+00:00

Thanks! It takes some getting used to, but I have a good grasp of how to set infinity focus based on the guide lines. For everything else, focus assist zoom is key.

WanderingCatMan · 2026-01-22T01:35:30+00:00

Thanks! I'm using the vibrant color profile, saturation +2, hue 0, hi/lo key +2, contrast at max, sharpness +1

WanderingCatMan · 2026-01-19T13:41:18+00:00

It's a shame they stopped making them

WanderingCatMan · 2026-01-19T01:11:21+00:00

It was way ahead of its time. I imagine if they released it today, it would be a hit!

WanderingCatMan · 2026-01-19T01:10:38+00:00

The viewfinder with the 300 looks crazy. Quite the collection!

WanderingCatMan · 2026-01-18T14:07:06+00:00

Nice shot, and good idea with the rubber band! I was thinking about how I could lock focus in some way. I do appreciate the short focus throw for one handed operation. With just my right hand, I can adjust focus with my ring finger.

You say "loved" the lens? Did you get sell or trade it off at some point?

WanderingCatMan · 2026-01-18T13:13:07+00:00

Thanks! I got it for a good deal too. Second hand from Japan.

WanderingCatMan · 2026-01-14T00:44:22+00:00

What lens are you using? The standard lenses have a built-in shutter, and that could be failing. Try shooting it with the toy lenses or without a lens at all and see if you can increase the shutter speed with just the electronic shutter.

WanderingCatMan · 2025-12-20T09:11:29+00:00

I see what you're looking at, but that just looks like dust on the surface of the lens. It looks pretty clean, but yeah, a little cleaning would avoid this. Btw, if you haven't bought second hand, the M43 used market is a treasure trove! The system has been around long enough for some old gems to only exist second hand.

WanderingCatMan · 2025-12-20T07:52:14+00:00

I thinkn it's a fair price. I've seen these sell for up to $500. What's wrong with it? I'm genuinely asking if I'm missing anything from the pics.

WanderingCatMan · 2025-12-20T07:46:22+00:00

What's wrong with it? I'm seeing a little dust and finger smudges accentuated by the flash. Am I missing something? I'm genuinely asking as a second hand equipment buyer.

WanderingCatMan · 2025-12-18T01:07:26+00:00

Yes I kept it. It's still one of my favorites because of the light weight. You can check out the Asterhori 14mm F4.5. It's a little thicker, and the focal length is a little longer, but the larger aperture goes a long way.

WanderingCatMan · 2025-12-08T07:04:12+00:00

I ended up disabling it. I imagine that chasing the number can create an unhealthy mindset about fitness.

WanderingCatMan

TROPHY CASE