5 Reasons to choose Pentax in 2025

If you're wondering if Pentax gear is still a viable option in 2025, we've put together 5 positive reasons to why you should buy into the Pentax brand. The DSLR format might be deemed antiquated by some, but here we show there's still life in the old dog yet.

Posted: 28/04/2025 - 11:28

Pentax KP - Viewfinder and screen

If you search the Internet for Pentax the returned results are often grim reading, "Do Pentax still exist?", "Do Pentax still make cameras?", "Do people still use Pentax?" often replied to with tongue-in-cheek remarks about them being dinosaurs of the camera world, but to add a positive spin everyone's fascinated by dinosaurs right?

Well the good news is the Pentax brand is still alive and kicking, owned by Ricoh Imaging as you'll probably already be aware, and still producing some of the best cameras and lenses you can get your hands on in 2025.

So please read on as to why Pentax cameras and lenses are still relevant, along with some positives of owning Pentax gear over other systems and brands.

1. The Viewfinder – OVF vs EVF

Let's start with the polarising topic of the viewfinder, optical verses electronic. I'm pretty sure most people will be aware of the alternate paths manufacturers have taken regarding viewfinders; firstly there's the traditional route of the Single Lens Reflex (SLR) method of viewing the subject optically through the lens via a mirror and pentaprism, which Pentax have adhered and committed to. The second path which has now widely become the norm is the Mirrorless option, where the photographer views a LCD screen within the viewfinder housing which is a live digital view of subject being recorded by the camera's sensor.

If the Mirrorless format is the new norm, why is Pentax sticking with (Digital) SLRs? The overriding reason for this comes down to the legendary K Mount which Pentax have been using since 1975. The K Mount has undergone many enhancements over the years, for example the addition of the screw-drive and contacts, however the one thing that's never changed is the registration or flange focal distance between the mount and film/sensor plane, this has remained constant at 45.46mm.

The registration distance was largely predetermined by the space required for the mirror and housing, an essential part of the SLR solution. The headache that Pentax have is that, yes the mirror can be easily removed to make the camera ‘Mirrorless' as proven by the Pentax K-01, but the registration distance remains.

When you've got 50 years of K Mount lens history including the lenses still in production that have been designed to cast the focussed image on to the film/sensor plane at the required specific distance, there's little that can be done to retro fix this, with the only real option being starting a new lens line.

The Pentax Q Mount (a new lens line) was a half-hearted stab at going Mirrorless with Pentax trying to cater for some ideals that the new band of Mirrorless users were after, primarily being a more compact system. Sadly the Q cameras without any viewfinder and a relatively small sensor which was never really going to trouble M43, APSC and Full-Frame sensor formats, was more of an interchangeable compact than a Mirrorless, especially compared to what Olympus, Panasonic and Fujifilm had developed.

Anyway, back to the viewfinder…

There's no argument that the Mirrorless electronic viewfinder (EVF) offers a lot of features that optical just can't. For a start you're actually seeing digitally what the sensor will record, so making adjustments to the exposure value will be witnessed there and then, applying a custom image style or film simulation such as vivid, muted or black & white, you're looking at the finished result. Then there's the ability to scale up the view, which is great if you're trying to achieve critical focus on a specific element of your subject, all with a stabilized view too. However let's not forget all these features can be achieved in ‘Live View' on a Pentax camera, so really the only difference is looking through the EVF rather than the rear screen.

Some people may feel that Pentax are stuck with the optical viewfinder and that's a negative, but a lot of people will also argue that it's actually Pentax's redeeming feature. Pentax are pretty much the last (if not the last) manufacturer still producing the DSLR camera format and with it providing users with the glorious, crystal clear and bright, 100% optical view of your intended subject.

In a digital world where everywhere we look we're faced with screen after screen, isn't it just nice to break away from that, look at the world again using our own eyes and glass and not a digital representation?

I strongly believe so, excluding rangefinders with their simple optical viewfinders and, prior to Mirrorless and EVFs the SLR reigned for decades, over those decades people have more than adequately managed to compose and successfully produce stunning photography using the SLR format. The format isn't flawed, it's as viable as it always was. New viewfinder technology might have brought some benefits but none of them are that essential over the fundamental purpose of any viewfinder, to frame the subject.

2. The Wealth of Lens Choice

The longevity of the K mount might have hampered Pentax's Mirrorless ambitions, however what it has given us is an exceedingly comprehensive catalogue of lenses ranging right back to 1975. It doesn't end there either, with a simple in-mount adapter that's flush without any needless bulk opens the door to every M42 mount lens made too, no matter which manufacturer made them.

Of course there's some caveats regarding the usability of older or vintage lenses based on how the K Mount evolved, but as a basic principle they all mount and are usable. Modern lenses have all the bells and whistles, auto focusing and aperture, however the further back you go each of those will become a manual experience.

Image Source: Knowing more about Pentax lenses

I think it's safe to say Pentax over the years have made a prime or zoom lens for every scenario a photographer might face, from ultra-wide to telephoto, where at the telephoto end there will definitely be some lenses unique to Pentax regarding maximum aperture and focal length combinations.

Of course Pentax still have a wide range of lenses still in production and readily available - there'll be a camera and lens combination that will suit you for sure, with both APSC or Full-Frame options.

PENTAX | Cameras And Lenses

3. Build, Ergonomics and Weather Sealing

Pentax have always upheld a high standard of manufacturing, you only have to take a look at some of the film cameras they produced in the 1970s that are beautifully engineered still going strong.

As the photography industry has become more niche over the last 10 years, no doubt profit margins have tightened, the budget models offered by other manufacturers have suffered in regards to build quality and introduced the use of more plastics. Not so with Pentax, even their enthusiast level cameras are extremely robust. Yes, they'll feature plastic exteriors, but high quality plastics on sturdy chassis and in most cases featuring the same viewfinders found on their professional level bodies, with firmware and features that aren't overly compromised compared to their high-end siblings.

When it comes to the professional bodies and lenses, there's no corners cut. The manufacturing level is precise and consistent and always developed with the end user in mind.

The ergonomics of Pentax cameras are second to none, always featuring a roomy grip giving the user complete and comfortable control of the camera no matter the size of lens being used, with all the dials and buttons precisely mapped out to be within comfortable reach. Throw in both weather-sealed bodies and lenses, their cameras are built to last and built to accompany you no matter where your travels take you or conditions you face.

Pentax KP with 20-40mm

4. Competitive Pricing and Used Market

In a shrinking market with less camera units being sold year on year by all brands, it stands to reason that all the research and development that goes into producing cameras and new features needs covering, so it's understandable that the price of new cameras has rocketed recently.

However Pentax still manage to represent really good value for money. It's difficult to draw a direct comparison, since there's nobody else producing cameras and lenses that are a close match to Pentax gear, but the price of a new Pentax flagship camera and its extensive feature set is generally similar to flagship camera models offered by competitors, with the lens choices being often substantially cheaper.

With the K Mount having 50 years of history there's plenty of choice in the second hand market. Auction sites have a wide range of Pentax cameras, lenses and accessories, although it's worth doing some research beforehand to what you're buying and look out for common issues, such as lenses with fungus or haze. Asking the seller costs nothing so, if you're not sure, it's definitely worth sending them a message.

For more modern pre-used Pentax equipment MPB have a wide range of both cameras and lenses, which have all been thoroughly tested and graded, giving you more confidence in buying. All their pre-used equipment also comes with a free six-month warranty and 14 day return period.

MPB | Pentax Equipment

5. The Photographic Experience

This counts for all brands and formats, using a traditional camera over a smartphone is way more of a tactile and absorbing experience; rather than just snapping away you can better control the outcome of your photography. The traditional Pentax DSLR format enhances this experience even further, with great ergonomics, perfectly situated dials and buttons along with clear framing - the creative art of photography sits firmly in your hands with Pentax.

Whether you're an enthusiast or professional, the range available from Pentax will have something to suit your needs - buying into the Pentax system should be seen as a real positive – The photographer's choice.