K30, focus peaking and manual focus lenses

I am reliably informed that Santa is about to wield my debit card to replace my K200D with a nice shiny new probably black (maybe blue) K30 body.

I have read lots of reviews and am completely convinced that the K30 is a major upgrade to my K200D except in two respects - focussing with manual focus lenses, which I use a lot. The K200D has a split-image focussing screen which makes accurate focussing with manual focus lenses much easier and faster. The other is that I have a battery grip for the K200D, which cannot be fitted to the K30 - but I'm convinced I could get along without that and probably not miss it after a day or two.

So, down to the point of the post - - - how easy is it using Live View/focus peaking on a K30 as a focussing aid for manual focus lenses? It strikes me as a bit of an ergonomic disaster to have to keep switching from viewfinder to Live View and back, when I'm so used to focussing through the viewfinder with a split-image screen?

Does anyone have experience of making the same move - and how did it go? Am I worrying too much? Should I tell Santa to sit on his hands or, given what seems to me to be a silly low current price for the K30, just get on with pulling the trigger?

Andrew

I've no experience of either camera model you mention, but I do know that the split-image focusing screen in your K200D was not fitted as standard.

This screen from Katzeye will fit your new K-30, so you could continue to focus the way you want.

Focus peaking works ok - it's not a replacement for a film era viewfinder, but in a bind its ok. I'd see how you go then get a katzeye fitted if you need it, as suggested above.

[quote:3496ace15f="Mannesty"]I've no experience of either camera model you mention, but I do know that the split-image focusing screen in your K200D was not fitted as standard.[/QUOTE]

True - I fitted a split-screen from focusingscreen.com some years back. I've just had a quick whizz with a freebie utility called "ExposurePlot" to analyse the photos stored on a USB backup drive I use. Nearly 60% of all photos that I have taken in the last two years were taken at focal lengths of 24mm, 28mm or 50mm. These correspond to the three manual focus primes that I use regularly.

Indeed, yes. It's a swings and roundabouts issue, though. What you gain on ease & accuracy of manual focussing, you lose by not being able to use single point metering. In any case, I wouldn't want to take a K30 apart to replace the screen whilst it is under warranty.

Andrew

Just tried a couple of manual lenses on my K30 and they work fine with focus peaking i used a A70-210 F4 and a 50MM M1.7

The cost of a Katzeye screen with Optibrite Coating, once I've paid import duty & VAT is going to be about what I'd get for the K200D if I were to sell it.

So, I may as well keep the K200D and use that when manual focus doesn't work so well on the K30.

Problem solved? Maybe .........

Andrew

It would seem that Santa thinks the problem is solved, as he has just waved my debit card at our friends from SRS and they have deposited a K30 body in his sleigh.

If Parcel Force do the business, it should arrive on Weds.

Andrew

Is SRS very good?

Yes!

Thanks

I just bought the K30 to use with a M 50mm f1.4 and the M 24-35mm. Both my wife (camera technophobe) and I found it really easy to use Live View to take photos in focus using Live View. We found we couldn't quite get it right with Focus Peaking but probably because I am not using it quite right. I would definitely recommend the K30 with old lenses given the current price.

OK what I have decided to do is order the K-30 in the beginning of January from SRS. Did you say they supply a free battery and two years warrenty?

All Pentax cameras have a battery (and charger) included. Pro dealers (such as SRS) offer a two year warranty.

Remember to quote your user name to ensure you get free delivery. If you do get charged, just drop Chris a message and he will sort it for you.

Thanks that's kind of you. What do I do when ordering camera. Do I e-mail them or is there a special form to fill out please?

Phone the number on the top of their website. That's what always do anyway.

http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/