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Need help on choosing a Pentax DSLR

joy8
Posted 05/07/2012 - 13:14 Link
Hello,

I'd like to ask if you guys could give some fair opinions on what Pentax I need to go for my first DSLR. I used to shoot with my Pentax ZX-5 with the SMC FA 50mm f/1.4 lens. Bought that camera long time ago in the States while I was still college. But I didn't quite have a great deal of time to use it. I was thinking about Pentax K-r since my budget is pretty tight. Can I use my old lens on the K-r? What's it the main difference between the K-r and the K-5 ? Is the K-5 truly worth the extra money? I hope I didn't ask too much questions, and hope for your help here. Cheers!

Joy8
johnriley
Posted 05/07/2012 - 13:25 Link
If you can still find a K-r then it's a great camera. Your 50mm lens will work on it just fine.

The K-5 adds some features such as weather resistance, but you could also wait for the new K-30.

If your budget is tight consider buying second hand. With new cameras about to arrive there may be those who wish to buy new and move along their used but still spotless K-x and K-r cameras.
Best regards, John
beakynet
Posted 05/07/2012 - 14:01 Link
The K7 is also a great camera and performs well with older lenses (M and A), though an FA lens will be fully compatable.

The K7 was the model released before the K5, it has video but does not perform in low light as well as the K5 but is a great camera, fast and responsive. I would expect you would be able to find one second hand for a good price, they even come up occationally in the Classified section on this forum.

One point to note is that the DSLR crop factor for Pentax is 1.5x. What this means is that the FA 50mm 1.4 will give the same pictures as a 75mm f2 lens would on your ZX-5. i.e. there is both a 'magnification' factor and a depth of field factor.
Bodies: K5IIs, K7, MZ5n, LX, MV
Lenses: DA*16-50, DA18-55WR, DA18-135, DAL35, M50 F2, A50 f1.4, FA50 f1.4, DA*50-135, DA55-300, Tamron 70-300, DFA 100 WR Macro, M135 f3.5, Sigma 120-400 APO DG HSM, Tokina 500 f8.0
Flash: Metz 58, Metz 48
Accessories: BG4, Pentax right angle finder, Pentax mirror adaptor lens, O-ME53 Viewfinder Loupe
Auto 110 System: Auto 110, Winder, 18mm, 24mm, 50mm, 70mm, 20-40mm, AF100P, 1.7x telecon
joy8
Posted 05/07/2012 - 15:37 Link
Wonderful insights there... thanks J.Riley and Beakynet.
I think my choice would fall towards K-r, but then again -- you are right, the K-r is really hard to find (I think Pentax has ceased producing it now). After reading hours of reviews and spec comparisons, K-5 is (maybe I am wrong) better than K-r in several areas.
Alas, my budget is kinda limited; otherwise....

Feel free to give me your thoughts on this matter, guys. I truly appreciate your ideas.

Cheers!
sterretje
Posted 05/07/2012 - 17:09 Link
Plenty of second hand stuff to get you started if you don't want to spend too much money.

Check e.g. http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/Search/pentax/Brand/Used+Pentax/

A quick glance revealed K10D, K200D and K100D for somewhere between GBP210 and GBP270.

PS: Found even cheaper ones on the second page Down to about GBP180
Pentax K10D + Vivitar 55/2.8 macro + Super Takumar 55/1.8 + SuperMultiCoated Takumar 85/1.8 + SuperMultiCoated Takumar 135/3.5 + SuperMultiCoated Takumar 200/4 + Super Takumar 300/4
Pentax K100D + DA18-55ALII + DA55-300
Pentax K5 + FA31Ltd + M50/1.7 + DFA100WR + M120/2.8 (+ DA18-55WR at occasion)
Edited by sterretje: 05/07/2012 - 17:14
Rodders53
Posted 05/07/2012 - 17:25 Link
Seems if you want a K-r you'll need to decide quickly... I got my K-r and twin lens kit last year from Currys as it was the best price and only fairly local-to-me store to have one in stock to try for handling. Never expected it to be discontinued quite so soon!!

Currys / PC World still have them in some stores - but they may be the store demo ones! (Buy and collect via a Cashback site will 'save' a few more ££s). Memory card(s) from Amazon or somewhere sensibly priced, of course!

I'm well pleased with my K-r - my first SLR since the '70s OM10, but you do need to handle one to be sure it is for you.
wvbarnes
Posted 05/07/2012 - 17:32 Link
I've had KX, KR and now K5. Loved them all but the K5 IS much better IF you use all its abilities. Heavier but hardly larger in use. Bargain at current prices.
AndrewA
Posted 05/07/2012 - 17:32 Link
Can recommend the Kr and the K200D.

I bought the latter second hand off the forum and it is super, still a few about. The Kr I have had since new and it is a great camera again they still crop up new as well as used.
Andrew

"I'm here because the whiskey is free" - Tyla

PPG link
Flickr link
Posted 05/07/2012 - 17:42 Link
If you decide to go for a KR, I have one to sell, almost new 7 months old,with some extras, as I have a K5 as well.

Dave.
Auto110,MZ-30, K5, loads of Black Tubes with Glass in.
snappychappy
Posted 05/07/2012 - 18:02 Link
Just had a look in the classifieds on here, very few cameras for sale recently.
Posted 05/07/2012 - 20:26 Link
johnriley wrote:
If you can still find a K-r then it's a great camera. Your 50mm lens will work on it just fine.

The K-5 adds some features such as weather resistance, but you could also wait for the new K-30.

If your budget is tight consider buying second hand. With new cameras about to arrive there may be those who wish to buy new and move along their used but still spotless K-x and K-r cameras.

Curiously enough I'm currently thinking about buying a Kr and have the option of three examples (two of which are ex-demo's). Basically I want to shift up a notch from my K100D Super and the Kr seems-on paper- to fit the bill. Upon such a basis, I'm keen to know if the Kr does indeed represent a significant upgrade in relation to the K100D?
johnriley
Posted 05/07/2012 - 22:06 Link
I tested the K-r for ePHOTOzine and I was very pleased with it. I wouldn't hesitate to upgrade to it from the K100D.

The only reason I went for the K-5 was weather resistance. Otherwise, I actually prefer the ergonomics of the K-r.
Best regards, John
joy8
Posted 06/07/2012 - 13:22 Link
Thanks for spending time to answer my question here, guys.
I'd be glad to give some testimonials later when I got the camera on my hands.

Can't wait and hope that it will arrive soon.
dcweather
Posted 06/07/2012 - 21:43 Link
If your budget is tight consider buying second hand. With new cameras about to arrive there may be those who wish to buy new and move along their used but still spotless K-x and K-r cameras.[/quote]
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Like me fairly soon I would think
Stuey
Posted 06/07/2012 - 22:10 Link
No one has mention the K10D - I would recommend this - not as new as the kr or kx but a great camera

Not as quick in terms of fps but still a decent photo tool
K10D, K5 plus plenty of clueless enthusiasm.

My Flickr site link

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