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Why Pentax at all?
- Thread starter dirk
- Start date
I purchased the Pentax DS because I really liked the 'feel' of the camera... the Canon 350D, by comparison, felt cheap and unpleasant in the hand. The other major factor was the large, bright pentaprism viewfinder... while the Nikon D50 felt nice to use, its viewfinder was small and dark. The lenses were another big plus... only Pentax has such good backwards compatibility and there are many excellent old optics available second-hand (I also owned a few old Pentax lenses already). Finally, the Pentax brand has a more creative, less 'techy', appeal than Canon and Nikon. It not the obvious choice and I quite like that... if Canon is for sports journalists, Nikon is for photo professionals, I think maybe Pentax is for artists!
increative
New Member
^ i like that you say pentax is for artists... because i myself am i graphic designer and i love photographer mainly because of its creative aspect. I mean you don't create what you take a photo of.... but it takes some sort of keen artistic eye to see something that will look great if a photo is taken of it a certain way.....
but now back to the main topic.... my first camera was a pentax k1000... it wasn't mine.. it was my schools but i swear the moment i put that strap around my neck it was there for a year straight.... i loved that camera and the way the pictures came out was just amazing compared to the p&s camera i had at the time...... so i got a pentax k100d mainly because i loved my old pentax and i wanted a new one in honour of the old one...... and everyone i ask is always canon and sony and nikon left right and center... so iwanted something different... something that not everyone would have.... and pentax was definitly what i wanted for various reasons as you now know.....
i do hope to one day buy a pentax k1000 for old times sake.
but now back to the main topic.... my first camera was a pentax k1000... it wasn't mine.. it was my schools but i swear the moment i put that strap around my neck it was there for a year straight.... i loved that camera and the way the pictures came out was just amazing compared to the p&s camera i had at the time...... so i got a pentax k100d mainly because i loved my old pentax and i wanted a new one in honour of the old one...... and everyone i ask is always canon and sony and nikon left right and center... so iwanted something different... something that not everyone would have.... and pentax was definitly what i wanted for various reasons as you now know.....
i do hope to one day buy a pentax k1000 for old times sake.
I acquired the k10d mainly for its in-camera shake reduction. I expect this will allow me more successful pictures w/out flash inside buildings, at dusk, etc. We shall see where pentax takes more pleasing (to me) pictures than my nikon ds 70, which I've used for the last 2 years, but still learning and with only consumer, at most prosumer lens on both. I only received my k10d 3 days ago, and am still at manual reading stage.
I bought the k10d for 3 major reasons. firstly the price. the most camera for the price. secondly image stablization a very good thing to have. thirdly weather sealed body, not that I hope to use this feature too much but every feature that makes me feel more secure about using this camera somewhere other than my living room is a bonus. the lens compatibility was also a consideration but as I'm finding out good k mount glass is not as abundant (or cheap) as it was a while ago
bricks1962
New Member
Took some 3 months to decide and finally got K10D. The lens backward compatibility was the major consideration.
One of the reasons I joined this forum was to get as much information as possible about the Pentax digital cameras.
I have not come out of the film closet yet and crossed over, but it seems that with each quarter of the year I am getting closer to doing so.
Must admit that the bulk of my cameras of steady use are Canon and Nikon. But I do have several Pentaxes...H3, Spotmatic II and K1000. YES...they ARE STILL USED, but not as often as my other brands; at times I really enjoy going way back to the basics...all mechanical, you set the ISO, you set everything, you seek different compositions by moving your feet and body around (vs. zooms).
I like to attend festival events...Civil War Reenactments, Scottish Days and so on...and it never fails...I always seem to run into an old traditional Pentaxian who is shooting a Spotmatic or K1000 while I am carrying my 'trendy-techy' gear. Part of my reason though is eyes and hands that cannot manually focus well anymore!
I currently have Canon and Nikon lenses that will operate on their digitals...but only completely in the more expensive models.
Having a penchance for Pentax, and seeing the new models they are coming out with...for the price and technology...I am impressed and really want to go with them. The models I am seriously looking at are the K10D and the K20D; little more expensive, but I rather lean toward the latter.
This will most likely be my last major camera/lens purchase, so I want to get the best I can afford, and will do quality justice for years. It can be so gosh darn tempting to wait and see what comes next...seems every several months and a newer, 'better' model arrives.
Can't wait forever though, so I guess I had better just make a decision and live with it. I am still using PS Elements 3, an Epson 3200 Scanner and an Epson 1280 Printer so I know I can do it...yeah...
Ron in Kalamazoo, MI USA
I have not come out of the film closet yet and crossed over, but it seems that with each quarter of the year I am getting closer to doing so.
Must admit that the bulk of my cameras of steady use are Canon and Nikon. But I do have several Pentaxes...H3, Spotmatic II and K1000. YES...they ARE STILL USED, but not as often as my other brands; at times I really enjoy going way back to the basics...all mechanical, you set the ISO, you set everything, you seek different compositions by moving your feet and body around (vs. zooms).
I like to attend festival events...Civil War Reenactments, Scottish Days and so on...and it never fails...I always seem to run into an old traditional Pentaxian who is shooting a Spotmatic or K1000 while I am carrying my 'trendy-techy' gear. Part of my reason though is eyes and hands that cannot manually focus well anymore!
I currently have Canon and Nikon lenses that will operate on their digitals...but only completely in the more expensive models.
Having a penchance for Pentax, and seeing the new models they are coming out with...for the price and technology...I am impressed and really want to go with them. The models I am seriously looking at are the K10D and the K20D; little more expensive, but I rather lean toward the latter.
This will most likely be my last major camera/lens purchase, so I want to get the best I can afford, and will do quality justice for years. It can be so gosh darn tempting to wait and see what comes next...seems every several months and a newer, 'better' model arrives.
Can't wait forever though, so I guess I had better just make a decision and live with it. I am still using PS Elements 3, an Epson 3200 Scanner and an Epson 1280 Printer so I know I can do it...yeah...
Ron in Kalamazoo, MI USA
My first SLR camera was a second-hand manual Pentax P30T. I loved this camera for it's built quality for the nice sense on my hands. It was the camera that helped me know the world of Pentax.
Wedding photography made me recognise that I needed to get the Pentax Z-1 and it was so difficult for me because the price, in my country (Greece), was the double than in U.S.A. So I was trying to discover a way in order to get it from there!!! Anyway, I managed (with the help of God) to get the Z-1 from a shop of my city in half the price because Pentax was not so famous in Greece as Nikon and Canon used to be. But, I had to give my older equipment (Pentax P30T) to the shop.
When I got that camera, I felt in love with it, not only for its specs but for the faultless captures I had. I consider it as the best analog camera for the money in every other company models!!!
Digital age came after a decade with quality digital bodies. But, I was waiting for a Full Frame body from Pentax. I tried to insist on this thought of mine, although some friends of mine were laughing at me as I kept photographing in film. So, when I saw the rich in specs K10D with extra vertical extension handgrip with a lens and memory in a very good price I decided to get it.
So, today I have two wonderful flagship Pentax bodies and I use both of them, slides and digital photos. The built quality is outstanding for both of them and if anyone would like to find something similar to other companies must pay thousands of euros or dollars.
Don' t believe if someone says that Canon or Nikon have no any problems. That's a lie. A friend of mine, who uses Canon, has all of his lenses for service. The autofocus has broken down and a lot of problems that they do not want to tell you.
Pentax must preserve the compatibilty advantages of its own and I think that someday will be the best choice for a lot of people.
Wedding photography made me recognise that I needed to get the Pentax Z-1 and it was so difficult for me because the price, in my country (Greece), was the double than in U.S.A. So I was trying to discover a way in order to get it from there!!! Anyway, I managed (with the help of God) to get the Z-1 from a shop of my city in half the price because Pentax was not so famous in Greece as Nikon and Canon used to be. But, I had to give my older equipment (Pentax P30T) to the shop.
When I got that camera, I felt in love with it, not only for its specs but for the faultless captures I had. I consider it as the best analog camera for the money in every other company models!!!
Digital age came after a decade with quality digital bodies. But, I was waiting for a Full Frame body from Pentax. I tried to insist on this thought of mine, although some friends of mine were laughing at me as I kept photographing in film. So, when I saw the rich in specs K10D with extra vertical extension handgrip with a lens and memory in a very good price I decided to get it.
So, today I have two wonderful flagship Pentax bodies and I use both of them, slides and digital photos. The built quality is outstanding for both of them and if anyone would like to find something similar to other companies must pay thousands of euros or dollars.
Don' t believe if someone says that Canon or Nikon have no any problems. That's a lie. A friend of mine, who uses Canon, has all of his lenses for service. The autofocus has broken down and a lot of problems that they do not want to tell you.
Pentax must preserve the compatibilty advantages of its own and I think that someday will be the best choice for a lot of people.
The Pentax K10D is my first DSLR. It had so many great reviews, it was hard not to choose it. There are many good cameras out there from other brands but with all the quality features and price range, you would be crazy not to buy it. I study Biological engineering and I have a great love for small details and a passion for Macro photography so shake reduction would be a great help. I am also a graphic artist and a Photoshop guru and after getting this camera I don't need to really touch up my photos at all. The colour quality is near perfect.
There is only one thing I don't understand, and that is why most people get Canon's...honestly...
When I see the different photos on DeviantArt I cringe at Canon's poor quality. Only a small percentage have wow photos but those have the very expensive models. Nikon on the other hand is very good but ultimately the shake reduction feature and the objectives made me sway in favour of Pentax.
There is only one thing I don't understand, and that is why most people get Canon's...honestly...
When I see the different photos on DeviantArt I cringe at Canon's poor quality. Only a small percentage have wow photos but those have the very expensive models. Nikon on the other hand is very good but ultimately the shake reduction feature and the objectives made me sway in favour of Pentax.Col Wright
New Member
The Pentax k200d is my first digital SLR.
The reason I purchased it? ... THIS FORUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have been looking at all options over the past six month, reading reviews, watching model changes and releases and reading and reading.
You guys are great and before long I started looking for lenses - ebay, second hand shops, internet, garage sales - everywhere!! Then I started buying the ones that the forum had discussed and recommended. The forum armed me well with information and a narrowed field of search.
So, after collecting a few lenses (10 to date) and admiring their beauty (I had no camera!!!!), I took the plunge last week !!
I AM SO HAPPY - THE RESULTS SO FAR ARE AMAZING!!
I joined this forum because (a) I respect the information pool (b) to thank you guys for guiding, educating and giving me some savvy!!
I was tempted to go th k20d, but steady as she goes I thought, and right now, no regrets whatsover!!!!!!
The reason I purchased it? ... THIS FORUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have been looking at all options over the past six month, reading reviews, watching model changes and releases and reading and reading.
You guys are great and before long I started looking for lenses - ebay, second hand shops, internet, garage sales - everywhere!! Then I started buying the ones that the forum had discussed and recommended. The forum armed me well with information and a narrowed field of search.
So, after collecting a few lenses (10 to date) and admiring their beauty (I had no camera!!!!), I took the plunge last week !!
I AM SO HAPPY - THE RESULTS SO FAR ARE AMAZING!!
I joined this forum because (a) I respect the information pool (b) to thank you guys for guiding, educating and giving me some savvy!!
I was tempted to go th k20d, but steady as she goes I thought, and right now, no regrets whatsover!!!!!!
tonyrenier
New Member
Why Pentax?
Here's a no brainer (but it does reveal my age),
I bought a Spotmatic II in the early '70s, loved it, then an SP1000 as a back up body. Then along came 1975 and the Kmount. Started with a K1000 then an MX, finally my first poor Pentax a ZX-60. Now I use my K1000 and my *ist DS. I've got quite a bundle of primes in wide angle to 300mm in screwmount and Kmount.
I won't upgrade unless the DS fails. I'm waiting for a full frame sensor for my wide angles.
Only the ZX-60 was a mistake and it was mine to settle for it. The DS is wonderfull and reliable, I only shoot in RAW.
Tony Renier
Green Bay, WI, USA
Here's a no brainer (but it does reveal my age),
I bought a Spotmatic II in the early '70s, loved it, then an SP1000 as a back up body. Then along came 1975 and the Kmount. Started with a K1000 then an MX, finally my first poor Pentax a ZX-60. Now I use my K1000 and my *ist DS. I've got quite a bundle of primes in wide angle to 300mm in screwmount and Kmount.
I won't upgrade unless the DS fails. I'm waiting for a full frame sensor for my wide angles.
Only the ZX-60 was a mistake and it was mine to settle for it. The DS is wonderfull and reliable, I only shoot in RAW.
Tony Renier
Green Bay, WI, USA
paulp
Member
K200d
Most of my work is done with MF cameras.
I used a small p&s Canon camera for anything that was urgent and was needed as a digital file.
Shots from that camera needed too much post production to be acceptable.
As a decent digital SLR for a modest price with excellent built quality and no nonsense practical approach I found the K200D.
Metal lens bay. and camera mounting, easy to find AA batteries solid construction from a maker that has been producing quality cameras for many decades.
The kit 18-55 zoomlens is assembled in Vietnam. So what!
That lens gives me a chance to use the camera anywhere.
I am looking for a decent macro lens. May opt for a macro lens from an older generation with adapter.
Could be I will treat myself to a Pentax macro lens from the last generation. Who knows?
Paul
Most of my work is done with MF cameras.
I used a small p&s Canon camera for anything that was urgent and was needed as a digital file.
Shots from that camera needed too much post production to be acceptable.
As a decent digital SLR for a modest price with excellent built quality and no nonsense practical approach I found the K200D.
Metal lens bay. and camera mounting, easy to find AA batteries solid construction from a maker that has been producing quality cameras for many decades.
The kit 18-55 zoomlens is assembled in Vietnam. So what!
That lens gives me a chance to use the camera anywhere.
I am looking for a decent macro lens. May opt for a macro lens from an older generation with adapter.
Could be I will treat myself to a Pentax macro lens from the last generation. Who knows?
Paul
once a pentaxian, always a pentaxian...
Got my first pentax back in the 70's, a spotmatic. And after that I never looked back.
Had a k1000, then a ME Super, 2 MZ5n's, DS and an IstDS, and now a K10D.
I still use my f1.7 orginal pentax 50mm that i bought with the ME Super, and the only thing that can make me trade in the K10D, is the release of a k30D/K40D.
Got my first pentax back in the 70's, a spotmatic. And after that I never looked back.
Had a k1000, then a ME Super, 2 MZ5n's, DS and an IstDS, and now a K10D.
I still use my f1.7 orginal pentax 50mm that i bought with the ME Super, and the only thing that can make me trade in the K10D, is the release of a k30D/K40D.
paulp
Member
Faithful to Pentax
Another faithful user of Pentax cameras!
One of my friends who uses a Hasselblad camera for his pleasure shots has a nice collection of now classic Pentax cameras.
The main difference between Pentax and Hasselblad is the troublefree operation of Pentax cameras and lenses.
They do not seem to need any service at all whatever their age.
Another faithful user of Pentax cameras!
One of my friends who uses a Hasselblad camera for his pleasure shots has a nice collection of now classic Pentax cameras.
The main difference between Pentax and Hasselblad is the troublefree operation of Pentax cameras and lenses.
They do not seem to need any service at all whatever their age.
paulp
Member
I have not answered the thread Dirk started completely.
After using the K200D I feel better able to answer that question.
The K200D has proved itself after a few months as a reliable camera that gives terrific image quality.
What amazes me most is the smart program this camera has.
Whenever I decide to do something out of the ordinary the camera asks more information.
Fit a lens that does not have databus to communicate with the K200D and the first thing the camera wants to know is the focal length.
The camera only asks for this information when image stabilisation has been chosen.
The other thing I like very much is auto ISO setting within a preset range.
A program to adjust the amount of light coming from the built in flash or external flash provided that is a TTL one is another amazing option.
No negative remarks?
Yes one. The tripod nut in the bottom of the body is only connected to the plastic casing.
This makes the camera less stable when larger lenses are fitted and a tripod is used.
I had a special mounting plate fitted to use a Hasselblad quick coupling.
This did not take care of that problem completely although it helped to improve the situation.
K200D with Hasselblad 120 mm S-Planar lens
This is still a modest size Hasselblad lens but actually about the limit what the K200D will accept without too mich strain on the tripod mounting.
Still an excellent set to take pictures of cameras and lenses and a good combination for some quality reprowork as well.
After using the K200D I feel better able to answer that question.
The K200D has proved itself after a few months as a reliable camera that gives terrific image quality.
What amazes me most is the smart program this camera has.
Whenever I decide to do something out of the ordinary the camera asks more information.
Fit a lens that does not have databus to communicate with the K200D and the first thing the camera wants to know is the focal length.
The camera only asks for this information when image stabilisation has been chosen.
The other thing I like very much is auto ISO setting within a preset range.
A program to adjust the amount of light coming from the built in flash or external flash provided that is a TTL one is another amazing option.
No negative remarks?
Yes one. The tripod nut in the bottom of the body is only connected to the plastic casing.
This makes the camera less stable when larger lenses are fitted and a tripod is used.
I had a special mounting plate fitted to use a Hasselblad quick coupling.
This did not take care of that problem completely although it helped to improve the situation.
K200D with Hasselblad 120 mm S-Planar lens
This is still a modest size Hasselblad lens but actually about the limit what the K200D will accept without too mich strain on the tripod mounting.
Still an excellent set to take pictures of cameras and lenses and a good combination for some quality reprowork as well.
I know this thread is old but . . . .
I started into Pentax in 1992 with the Z20. In 2008, I got the K10D from a good friend as he upgraded to the K20D. In 2009, I changed to the K20D. 2010 I changed to the K7 and K5 in 2012. I did not like the AF and in 2013 I got the K30 (a downgrade). 2014 came and I got the K3 from a good friend. In 2015, I got another K3 for my son from another friend. In 2016, I got the K1 and just this year I bought a new KP for my son as he wore out the K3.
Why Pentax? It's the unique colours that drew me to the brand. The photos that were produced were 99% close to the actual colours.
The best part was me buying a new MZ-S film camera in 2008 from my regular shop too.
I started into Pentax in 1992 with the Z20. In 2008, I got the K10D from a good friend as he upgraded to the K20D. In 2009, I changed to the K20D. 2010 I changed to the K7 and K5 in 2012. I did not like the AF and in 2013 I got the K30 (a downgrade). 2014 came and I got the K3 from a good friend. In 2015, I got another K3 for my son from another friend. In 2016, I got the K1 and just this year I bought a new KP for my son as he wore out the K3.
Why Pentax? It's the unique colours that drew me to the brand. The photos that were produced were 99% close to the actual colours.
The best part was me buying a new MZ-S film camera in 2008 from my regular shop too.
Back in the film days I used Pentax 67 I and II cameras and felt quite comfortable with them, i.e. haptic, built quality etc. A couple of years ago I purchased a 645D which I am still using for the same reasons. I really do like its handling which is second nature for me. This camera has been designed by photographers for photographers. This is at least my subjective impression.
Regards, Udo
Regards, Udo