Why Pentax at all?

[kjherstin]

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...:z04_smileys26: 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]

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!!!!!!

 

[tonyrenier]

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

 

[Jazz28]

Why Pentax?

Why not!
I now have several models including LX, ME Super, MZ-30, and istDS.
I use film a lot so the LX gets regular outings, along with the MZ-30 as the built-in flash is handy. These go with 11 lenses from 18 to 500mm.

 

[paulp]

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

 

[skullerud]

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.

 

[paulp]

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.

 

[paulp]

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.


View attachment 2343

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.

 

[FelixTan]

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.

 

[UdoS]

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