K20 D body matters

What is the K20 D's body made of? On the Pentax web site it says it has a steel chassis but On numerous camera tests they claim the 20D doesnt have a metal body such as that on a Canon 40D, how do they differ exactly, Im confused.

Knowing that you should, master Yoda!

Not knowing I do the answer to your question. Suspecting I do that from an alloy of kryptonite and dilithium it is made.

May the force be with you, master Yoda.

Prieni

P.S.: Sorry that I cannot be of real help here as I haven't taken my K20 apart, yet.

The K20D has a plastic bodyshell with an underlying chassis frame made from steel. Some of the high(er) end cameras from other manufacturers have a magnesium alloy bodyshell.

I don't think one method of construction really gives a particular advantage over the other though tbh...

It depends what you call the body, the K20 does have a steel chassis (body, if you like) just as the 645 and many others, the top and bottom covers (the bits you touch with the buttons and knobs sticking out) are made of reinforced plastic.

Stainless steel chassis and polycarbonate body.

I dont care what sort of chassis a camera has, it still wont do it any good if you drop it

I recently got some new reading glasses (with PENTAX lenses ) the optician tried to sell me various coatings to protect them, I said no thank you......


.........the more vulnerable they are the better care I'll take of them

Not that the K20D is vulnerable of course

So you just got Super-Takumars then?

These descriptions sound like build plans for Arnie in the Terminator film series, except no one has yet mentioned the combat alloy.

I did:
That's what combat alloy is...

Prieni

I thought the point of a magnesium alloy chassis was to reduce twist and warping caused by the lens hanging off the front of the body. With lighter weight lenses I suspect it wasn't deemed a necessary expense.

I have to agree about dropping with significant impact...

An extra strong chassis doesn't affect inertia of the attached components.
Like the new Smart cars just now getting into the States -- being so small, to quell fears of an impact it is stated they "can take a 70mph impact head on".
Well sure, but the internal organs of the passengers will look like yesterday's oatmeal even if their bodies weren't quite squished into a tiny cube!


FYI, the K10D can survive a fall from about a meter with no ill effects. And that was with the rather hefty DA* 50-135 attached.
I would not test that just for the fun of it, but it happened one day anyway. ;-(

Even a Smart can't survive a collision with a Hummer!
I'd hate to drive a Smart in LA - I was terrified in my bog standard rental car in amongst all those monster trucks.

How does Camera Armor (not combat alloy armour but the thing sold as Camera Armor) work? Does it offer more protection do you think? It makes the camera as ugly as anything so one must assume it does some good or why put it on your camera?

Aye right enough

Gwyn, I think it would only protect from minor bumps and scrapes if your lucky

This thread has reminded me of that Canon DSLR that was involved in a mishap, the one where the lens had ripped the mount from the camera body. It'll be a while now since it was posted.
Been looking for the link but cant find it, dont suppose anyone can remenber the topic title can they?

[This thread has reminded me of that Canon DSLR that was involved in a mishap, the one where the lens had ripped the mount from the camera body. It'll be a while now since it was posted.
Been looking for the link but cant find it, dont suppose anyone can remenber the topic title can they?[/quote]Yes I can remember it, can't find it at the mo, Have you seen the guy on youtube: How to clean your Canon sensor uses a Dyson.

Can't find the topic, but there's some pics here. Ouch!

Dan