Leaving Pentax

In an attempt to not pollute my for sale thread I'll post here.

I'm leaving Pentax, the main reason being I want full frame (well not full frame specifically but the lower pixel density & noise associated with that) I abhor digital noise, I can't help it that's just the way I am.

I've also become frustrated at times with the speed of the Pentax AF & metering accuracy. I awaited the K-7 to see if these points at least would be addressed & it seams they have, but not improved by enough. So rather than pay £1200 for a slight improvement I'm going to pay 50% more for a vast improvement in all 3 areas.
I'll take a hit financially but feel it'll be worth it in the end, I'm not willing to plough more cash into the Pentax system I'm afraid.

The main thing I'll miss about Pentax is this place & I'm not being slushy here, it genuinely is a great lttle community so I may need to buy my wife a k-m for crimbo so that I can stick around.

The K20d is my first slr & I'm not sure I would "take" to photography or enjoy it, but I think I'm producing some ok images & am enjoying it in the main. I was attracted to the K20d for the feature/price ratio & didn't think I'd be buying a whole lot more, but as with all hobbies, the more you enjoy it & understand it the more money you will be prepared to pay out on it.

Feel free to disagree but please be civil

So which brand are you going for? You can(on) tell us. I'm pretty sure your post won't be censored . . . hmmmm.

To be honest I don't see the problem, people come and go all the time.
As far as I am concerned no one should have to justify their actions, it is after all your money, do what makes you happy.

Good luck with which ever system you choose.

Edit: If i was going FF then it would be a Nikon D700.

Spot on Mike. I'm following my head not my heart

You can of course stick around Bob, even without a Pentax.
Too bad though when can't enjoy your photos anymore though

just one thing though, the K-7 isn't even out yet and you haven't tried what the retail version does so why not wait 11 more days (hopefully) when the K-7 will be out?
Not to change your mind but just to be certain before selling all your kit, waiting doesn't cost money.
Certainly not with the recent Pentax price raise.

I would try one first as I have friends using Nikon who are not totally happy with the ergonomics.

It's ironic, because I had been pondering posting a quote from Ivor Matanle a little earlier. He was comparing the Spotmatic to the Nikon F2 and the comparison was that the Pentax had the finesse of a wristwatch and the Nikon the clunkiness of a station clock. That's more or less a major reason why I have always preferred Pentax.

However, if I didn't use Pentax for any reason there is no doubt that Nikon is where I would have to look, so hopefully the move will give you what you are seeking.

Incidentally, now we know you there's nothing to stop you dropping by. The only thing to avoid will be posting Nikon pictures and getting involved in threads more suited to a Nikon forum. After all, this is Pentax User!

Best of luck with your new purchase, have fun.

Sorry to see you go Bob best of luck with the new ?

Best of luck Bob with your new choice of gear, sorry to see you go buddy.

Good luck with the D700 - it is a nice piece of kit it has to be said.

A very good friend of mine is a professional photographer, and he uses a D700, so i've played around with one a bit. All i can say is

I have to concur with John - if I was to decamp, it would be Nikon, however (and this is a big however) I cannot justify the price hike that would be involved. Pentax are still (well - before the lens price hikes at any rate) the best value for money DSLR system out there.

It's a shame you are'nt getting what you want out of the Pentax system - but it is a personal thing of course and we would be wrong to question Bob's decision on this, he's made us his mind, and I think we can all appreciate where he is coming from.

But to (again) concur with John - please dont be a stranger. I appreciate that you should'nt post pics any more on a Pentax forum - but put your Flickr account link (if you have one) on your signature so we can see what you churn out with the D700 (I'd be very interested!).

I agree with your sentiment regarding this forum too. It is a factor in being content with the Pentax system, I have to say, and the relationship this forum has with SRS for example is very unique and special. I can understand why this will be the main thing you'll miss!

Best of luck Bob!

Thanks all, I'll certainly stick around and can still contribute even if I'm not posting images. but I will miss the competitions, it does get the mind juggling over somewhat.

Until I spend some time with the new body I wont know if I've made a good move or not.

I have a versatile set of kit at present & it'll take me some time to save & replace it so my creativity will have to step up a gear or 2 whilst my options are limited.

My flickr is here link feel free to add me if you wish.

Shame to see you Hopping boats. Ive seen some of your excellent pics with your current kit.

All I hope is that I see some better ones and that you are happy with the move!!

Good Luck!

With the new lens prices I wouldn't blame anyone going FF with Nikon. Here's a comparison I posted over at Pentax Forums.

Art kit A: K-7 + FA 50mm = £1640
Art kit B: Nikon D700 + 50mm F1.4G AF-S = £2100

Wedding kit A: K-7 + DA* 16-50mm + DA* 50-135mm = £2950
Wedding kit B: Nikon D700 + 24-70mm F2.8G ED AF-S + 70-200mm F2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR = £4550

That's not much of a premium for FF, a professional supply and support network and all the other advantages of a pro body.

In any case, all the best with your new kit!

The first example is a straight like-for-like comparison, but the secind is a bit odd IMHO. Two totally different sets of lenses can't have a meaningful price comparison surely?

You've also chosen in that second example the most expensive pentax route, and it's not necessary to do that. What about the very fine 16-45mm?

Oh no Bob!

What will be the Nikon replacement for the 10-17 I wonder. I'm sure your wife will get a Km just for that lens alone...

Well, I hope it is the right decision for you, I'm sure you will be able to produce great shots with the new kit (as you have with the "old" kit).

We certainly will miss your creative approach,
Prieni

Good luck with your choice of system and hope your happy with it.
Ian