K-1 Upgrade thoughts.
Posted 31/10/2017 - 23:26 - Helpful Comment
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Been using mine for a few weeks now and although I was expecting it to be larger I haven't really noticed much difference in weight. I still have my K-5IIs and K-3II and side by side the K-1 is a little chunkier but still no bigger than my Canon 7D, Had to buy a grip though as I have always used them on cameras and they just don't feel "right" without one.
Start using it ... once you see the IQ you won't give the size/weight another thought
Start using it ... once you see the IQ you won't give the size/weight another thought
Posted 31/10/2017 - 23:28 - Helpful Comment
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It's a personal thing, but it was a pleasure to get back to a lens having the same field of view that I used to use on film. So a 28mm was a wide angle again. In use, the larger viewfinder is nice, the results are superb, the smoothness of operation sublime.
The K-3 and K-3II are themselves lovely cameras, but after using the K-1 for a while they seem very tiny.
It really depends what you want, but if you don't use the K-1 you'll never really know.
The K-3 and K-3II are themselves lovely cameras, but after using the K-1 for a while they seem very tiny.
It really depends what you want, but if you don't use the K-1 you'll never really know.
Best regards, John
Posted 01/11/2017 - 07:19 - Helpful Comment
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Before I bought the K1 I handled it at a show, as well as the Canon and Nikon alternatives, so I knew what to expect. For the same reason I got it with the 28-105mm lens, being the lighter option. After a while I got used to the size and weight, and when I picked up my K50 a few months later I was amazed at how much lighter and more compact that felt. It isn’t just the body, the DFA lenses are quite heavy and bulky as well. I didn’t think I would use the K50 again but I realised it would serve well as a lightweight option for going on walks. The K3 is quite a bit heavier and bulkier than the K50 so maybe not the same alternative purpose, but I would recommend putting the K3 aside for a month or two and just use the K1 before making any judgements. Trust me, you will be amazed at the results if a good lens is attached!
Posted 01/11/2017 - 08:43 - Helpful Comment
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If the size and weight is too much for you and your K3 does everything you want and you have the option to get a full refund on your unused K1 then it may well be the right decision to return it.
Before you decide consider why you bought the K1 and what it can offer you over the K3. Full Frame gives you the option of using a lot of older lenses in the way they were meant to be used. The K1 is the latest technology so will offer the benefits of better AF, higher IQ, better DR, etc. Do these benefits offer you enough of a reason to give the K1 a good try, or are you happy enough to stay with your K3?
Personally I love the K1 - it's higher ISO capabilities and better low light performance coupled with the larger sensor are enough for me to choose it over my K5iis more than 90% of the time. But there are times when the smaller, lighter APS-C is a better choice - I did a 10 mile walk in the Lake District a few weeks ago with the K5iis and a small set of lenses, the equivalent set up with the K1 would have weighed more, taken more space and given me very little advantage.
I would recommend giving the K1 a good workout and then make your decision
Before you decide consider why you bought the K1 and what it can offer you over the K3. Full Frame gives you the option of using a lot of older lenses in the way they were meant to be used. The K1 is the latest technology so will offer the benefits of better AF, higher IQ, better DR, etc. Do these benefits offer you enough of a reason to give the K1 a good try, or are you happy enough to stay with your K3?
Personally I love the K1 - it's higher ISO capabilities and better low light performance coupled with the larger sensor are enough for me to choose it over my K5iis more than 90% of the time. But there are times when the smaller, lighter APS-C is a better choice - I did a 10 mile walk in the Lake District a few weeks ago with the K5iis and a small set of lenses, the equivalent set up with the K1 would have weighed more, taken more space and given me very little advantage.
I would recommend giving the K1 a good workout and then make your decision
LennyBloke
Posted 01/11/2017 - 11:33 - Helpful Comment
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Im not so sure you can exclude image quality out of the equation. As the results from the K1 are really professional. I made the jump from the K5ii. To a gripped K1. After a while you just get used to the weight. The 36mp for me was a real upgrade. Giving so many new crop opportunities to each image.. The only slight drawback I have found is the extra expense of the new full frame lenses.. Sometimes makes me think. I could have got away with the K3ii.. But the image from the K1 are a cut above. I love gig photography in very low light and it really comes into its own...
K-1Gripped K-1 ungripped K-5ii K7 Various lenses
Stuart..
Stuart..
Posted 01/11/2017 - 12:44
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LennyBloke wrote:
If the size and weight is too much for you and your K3 does everything you want and you have the option to get a full refund on your unused K1 then it may well be the right decision to return it.
Before you decide consider why you bought the K1 and what it can offer you over the K3. Full Frame gives you the option of using a lot of older lenses in the way they were meant to be used. The K1 is the latest technology so will offer the benefits of better AF, higher IQ, better DR, etc. Do these benefits offer you enough of a reason to give the K1 a good try, or are you happy enough to stay with your K3?
Personally I love the K1 - it's higher ISO capabilities and better low light performance coupled with the larger sensor are enough for me to choose it over my K5iis more than 90% of the time. But there are times when the smaller, lighter APS-C is a better choice - I did a 10 mile walk in the Lake District a few weeks ago with the K5iis and a small set of lenses, the equivalent set up with the K1 would have weighed more, taken more space and given me very little advantage.
I would recommend giving the K1 a good workout and then make your decision
If the size and weight is too much for you and your K3 does everything you want and you have the option to get a full refund on your unused K1 then it may well be the right decision to return it.
Before you decide consider why you bought the K1 and what it can offer you over the K3. Full Frame gives you the option of using a lot of older lenses in the way they were meant to be used. The K1 is the latest technology so will offer the benefits of better AF, higher IQ, better DR, etc. Do these benefits offer you enough of a reason to give the K1 a good try, or are you happy enough to stay with your K3?
Personally I love the K1 - it's higher ISO capabilities and better low light performance coupled with the larger sensor are enough for me to choose it over my K5iis more than 90% of the time. But there are times when the smaller, lighter APS-C is a better choice - I did a 10 mile walk in the Lake District a few weeks ago with the K5iis and a small set of lenses, the equivalent set up with the K1 would have weighed more, taken more space and given me very little advantage.
I would recommend giving the K1 a good workout and then make your decision
This! They both have their place, but it depends on what you take and where you take it and if the extra weight is a barrier.
John K
Posted 01/11/2017 - 13:50 - Helpful Comment
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I had a very similar experience but decided to stick with the K-1 after all (and sold the K-3).
Here are a few thoughts:
- The K-1 is a magnificent beast, an amazing bit of work. The controls are amazing and many features are mindblowing.
- Compared to the K-3, it's a decent step up in quality in terms of higher ISO performance and DR.
- Also compared to the K-3, I find that it's a tiny bit harder to handle. I don't have massive hands so it takes a bit of getting used to.
- After selling the K-3, I missed the option of a lighter kit. Going FF is a bit commitment in terms of weight and cost of lenses.
- Got myself a KP and I'm finding that I prefer taking it out more often. It's almost as good as the K-1 for me, being lightweight and very good with DR/Noise. The handling is perfect.
- The K-1 is still there when I want all out image quality and I have to deal with taking heavier lenses (A20 vs DA15 as a kind of example).
If you've already got many full frame lenses then it might not be a massive commitment to stick with the K-1 as long as the handling is good. If you haven't, then perhaps you can stay with the K-3 for now, and wait for the new APS-C body to be released.
Here are a few thoughts:
- The K-1 is a magnificent beast, an amazing bit of work. The controls are amazing and many features are mindblowing.
- Compared to the K-3, it's a decent step up in quality in terms of higher ISO performance and DR.
- Also compared to the K-3, I find that it's a tiny bit harder to handle. I don't have massive hands so it takes a bit of getting used to.
- After selling the K-3, I missed the option of a lighter kit. Going FF is a bit commitment in terms of weight and cost of lenses.
- Got myself a KP and I'm finding that I prefer taking it out more often. It's almost as good as the K-1 for me, being lightweight and very good with DR/Noise. The handling is perfect.
- The K-1 is still there when I want all out image quality and I have to deal with taking heavier lenses (A20 vs DA15 as a kind of example).
If you've already got many full frame lenses then it might not be a massive commitment to stick with the K-1 as long as the handling is good. If you haven't, then perhaps you can stay with the K-3 for now, and wait for the new APS-C body to be released.
All the gear with no idea
Posted 01/11/2017 - 14:55 - Helpful Comment
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Just to add to what I said earlier. The K-1 isn't really that much bigger or heavier than the K-3. The issue is with most of the new default rage of lenses thar weigh a ton+ (28-105 excepted) !
An example, the 15-30mm weighs in at over 1kg yet much of the functionality can be provided by the old FAJ 18-35mm at 203 grams, less than a fifth of the weight. Similar comparisons can be made across the range. A full kit of the new Pentax lenses might for some require a trolley to carry them all round in so the older alternatives are worth investigating such as the FA 24-90 in lieu of the 24-70, then there's lighter 70/80-200's albeit with a smaller max aperture but they'll work just fine.
I'm not sure why Pentax didn't complement the 28-105 with similar lenses rather than produce those faster heavyweights, or at least a range of focal length options. Perhaps the realisation was that the lighter lenses are out there to be found.
An example, the 15-30mm weighs in at over 1kg yet much of the functionality can be provided by the old FAJ 18-35mm at 203 grams, less than a fifth of the weight. Similar comparisons can be made across the range. A full kit of the new Pentax lenses might for some require a trolley to carry them all round in so the older alternatives are worth investigating such as the FA 24-90 in lieu of the 24-70, then there's lighter 70/80-200's albeit with a smaller max aperture but they'll work just fine.
I'm not sure why Pentax didn't complement the 28-105 with similar lenses rather than produce those faster heavyweights, or at least a range of focal length options. Perhaps the realisation was that the lighter lenses are out there to be found.
John K
Posted 01/11/2017 - 15:17
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A 70-300mm lens seems to be on the cards so hopefully that should do very nicely for a two lens kit with the 28-105.
For reference, I carried the Pentax KP with the DA15, DA18-135, DA40XS and the FA77 in a lightweight bag on a recent trip. I didn't use the zoom lens apart from a couple of test shots. At a stretch I could carry the A20, FA31, DA40XS and FA77 with the K-1 in the same bag, but I'd miss the real telephoto option there. You could also say that the FA31 isn't necessary so it could be replaced by the DFA zoom.
For reference, I carried the Pentax KP with the DA15, DA18-135, DA40XS and the FA77 in a lightweight bag on a recent trip. I didn't use the zoom lens apart from a couple of test shots. At a stretch I could carry the A20, FA31, DA40XS and FA77 with the K-1 in the same bag, but I'd miss the real telephoto option there. You could also say that the FA31 isn't necessary so it could be replaced by the DFA zoom.
All the gear with no idea
Posted 01/11/2017 - 15:38
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I find the K1 + 28-105 an excellent combination. The weight is similar to the K3 + 16-85 combo - the K1 is heavier but the lens is lighter. As a modern lens the 28-105 has the latest coatings, silent focusing and WR. In those aspects it offers superior performance to even the best of the older lenses, such as the FA 31 and FA 85, which are prone to purple fringing.
Regards, Philip
Posted 01/11/2017 - 21:20
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Grateful thanks to all of you for your input. I had almost reached the decision to keep my K-3 and part with the K-1. However, having read your words of wisdom and encouragement, I have now resolved to at least use the camera for a while and see how I fair with it. I wholeheartedly agree with you that it makes sense to do so and if I'm honest, I would probably live to regret it if I didn't. I dare say the real-estate of the full frame viewing screen alone should be enough to persuade someone (me) with diminishing eyesight that it's time to move on.
It's some comfort though to learn I'm not entirely alone in this bizarre dilemma but unlike you Harris, I have shovels for hands and still run 10k at least three times a week so strength and fitness aren't the issue. In the final analysis it may boil down to an irrational emotional attachment to a faithful, albeit inanimate companion of the last several years. Am I the only one that suffers thus? I dare say Freud would have an opinion!
Anyway, all being well and time permitting, this weekend might see my first foray out with a FF DSLR.
On a different note, whilst on my internet travels recently, I came across a lovely blog by the photographer Jonathon Gorse who extols so eloquently why we are and should be so proud to be Pentaxians. For those who are not familiar with it, here's a link:- http://www.jonathangorsephotography.com/blog/2016/5/PentaxK1
Thanks again and best regards to all of you.
It's some comfort though to learn I'm not entirely alone in this bizarre dilemma but unlike you Harris, I have shovels for hands and still run 10k at least three times a week so strength and fitness aren't the issue. In the final analysis it may boil down to an irrational emotional attachment to a faithful, albeit inanimate companion of the last several years. Am I the only one that suffers thus? I dare say Freud would have an opinion!
Anyway, all being well and time permitting, this weekend might see my first foray out with a FF DSLR.
On a different note, whilst on my internet travels recently, I came across a lovely blog by the photographer Jonathon Gorse who extols so eloquently why we are and should be so proud to be Pentaxians. For those who are not familiar with it, here's a link:- http://www.jonathangorsephotography.com/blog/2016/5/PentaxK1
Thanks again and best regards to all of you.
C.O.L.B.A.S victim
(Compulsive Obsessive Lens Buying Addiction Syndrome)
What you need are lenses, more lenses, bigger lenses, better lenses, faster lenses, vintage lenses and when you have these, your pictures will be perfect!
(Compulsive Obsessive Lens Buying Addiction Syndrome)
What you need are lenses, more lenses, bigger lenses, better lenses, faster lenses, vintage lenses and when you have these, your pictures will be perfect!
Posted 01/11/2017 - 21:26
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Defragged wrote:
In the final analysis it may boil down to an irrational emotional attachment to a faithful, albeit inanimate companion of the last several years. Am I the only one that suffers thus?
In the final analysis it may boil down to an irrational emotional attachment to a faithful, albeit inanimate companion of the last several years. Am I the only one that suffers thus?
No, if I didn't I would have (and really should have) left Pentax years ago
Posted 01/11/2017 - 23:21
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Mike-P wrote:
No, if I didn't I would have (and really should have) left Pentax years ago
Defragged wrote:
In the final analysis it may boil down to an irrational emotional attachment to a faithful, albeit inanimate companion of the last several years. Am I the only one that suffers thus?
In the final analysis it may boil down to an irrational emotional attachment to a faithful, albeit inanimate companion of the last several years. Am I the only one that suffers thus?
No, if I didn't I would have (and really should have) left Pentax years ago
Well it's heartening to know that I'm not alone after-all. But that's the nature of being human I suppose. In general we are always reluctant to and subconsciously afraid of change, even when it might prove to be best the for us in the longer term, my dilemma being a perfect example. We put great hope in the future whilst at the same time living in the past and thus as Eckhart Tolle would say, squandering the only time that we ever really have which is NOW, everything else being either memories or anticipation. I suppose though that it's a bit rich for me to quote from Eckhart Tolle!
As for you not leaving Pentax, I can't help but think about the grass being greener.... etc. I hope if you read Jonathan Gorse's blog that you feel more comfortable with your decision to not leave Pentax. Life alway's works out if we don't resist it. One thing is for certain though, Pentax without doubt has the finest pedigree. Long live Pentax....
C.O.L.B.A.S victim
(Compulsive Obsessive Lens Buying Addiction Syndrome)
What you need are lenses, more lenses, bigger lenses, better lenses, faster lenses, vintage lenses and when you have these, your pictures will be perfect!
(Compulsive Obsessive Lens Buying Addiction Syndrome)
What you need are lenses, more lenses, bigger lenses, better lenses, faster lenses, vintage lenses and when you have these, your pictures will be perfect!
Posted 02/11/2017 - 01:00 - Helpful Comment
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My photography has 'gone quiet' for a while - I've been a film (35mm & 120) for decades - if the K-1 had arrived when I was still shooting enthusiastically it would have been an automatic choice. Since then my interest in photography has waned and other interests I'm pursuing have priority on budget...
I will say this though, as a hardened 35mm shooter, I never really got on with APSC and found myself reverting back to film*. The huge DoF on APSC was a problem (smaller format & slower lenses) and I was never really happy with the experience (cramped viewfinder etc.). I found myself taking a film SLR + lenses, MX-1 & GR as my usual kit (my K-5 only has about 3K clicks on it - I can't remember the last year I used it in). The only advantage to APSC was that, at airshows your lenses are effectively longer (but you can set the K-1 to crop mode anyway IIRC).
The extra bulk/weight of the body wouldn't bother me (small by comparison to the increased capability) as I'm used to carting round a P6x7 kit (body, AE prism and lenses). If I wanted to save bulk/weight, I'd drop the grip (as an old school film shooter I never got used to the vertical 'handle' - always preferring to stick my elbow up).
* I have a variety of old Pentax film cameras, each one provides a different tactile experience, for me this is a big part of the photography process. I'm sure the K-1 would go a long way toward fulfilling this tactile experience. Getting my 'proper' focal lengths back, shallower DoF and bigger finder would be a massive improvement. I couldn't think of a single reason to prefer APSC over it (but, then again, I think nothing of lugging the P6x7 around).
John.
I will say this though, as a hardened 35mm shooter, I never really got on with APSC and found myself reverting back to film*. The huge DoF on APSC was a problem (smaller format & slower lenses) and I was never really happy with the experience (cramped viewfinder etc.). I found myself taking a film SLR + lenses, MX-1 & GR as my usual kit (my K-5 only has about 3K clicks on it - I can't remember the last year I used it in). The only advantage to APSC was that, at airshows your lenses are effectively longer (but you can set the K-1 to crop mode anyway IIRC).
The extra bulk/weight of the body wouldn't bother me (small by comparison to the increased capability) as I'm used to carting round a P6x7 kit (body, AE prism and lenses). If I wanted to save bulk/weight, I'd drop the grip (as an old school film shooter I never got used to the vertical 'handle' - always preferring to stick my elbow up).
* I have a variety of old Pentax film cameras, each one provides a different tactile experience, for me this is a big part of the photography process. I'm sure the K-1 would go a long way toward fulfilling this tactile experience. Getting my 'proper' focal lengths back, shallower DoF and bigger finder would be a massive improvement. I couldn't think of a single reason to prefer APSC over it (but, then again, I think nothing of lugging the P6x7 around).
John.
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909 posts
12 years
Somewhere safe in deepest Lancashire.
This is not meant as a criticism in any way as after all the K-1 is a stunning piece of engineering. Maybe I have been spoiled with the compact size of the K-3 which is carried with ease and feels/looks unobtrusive. So unsettled have I been that I've not yet used the K-1 or charged the battery even and I know some of you if not all will think I'm being unreasonable but I'm wondering whether to stick with the K-3 - I don't wish to keep both cameras.
So, back to my opening question, did any of you have similar initial reservations and if so, picture quality aside, has the experience of owning and using the K-1 made a difference in the longer term?
Thanks in advance.
(Compulsive Obsessive Lens Buying Addiction Syndrome)
What you need are lenses, more lenses, bigger lenses, better lenses, faster lenses, vintage lenses and when you have these, your pictures will be perfect!