New lens

Forgive me - this could become a tad lengthy

Someone I know has just bought a new lens - a Tamron AF17-50mm VC DI II-NI zoom lens for the Nikon , described as being very fast for a Nikon .

Now in the ensuing conversation I was sent this link

link

Now, I've seen plenty of references from folk saying you should always check a lens - but being me I didn't know how.

I got various other links too - and was told that ALL camera and lens manufacturer give plenty of advice on this topic and others .

So I being an idiot thought , " I've missed something here - silly me " so off to Pentax UK I went - and was stunned at the lack of information like this .

So wondered if it was me and had a quick look at Pentax USA - the same - lists of cameras , lenses , how to register , a minor bit of fault finding but nothing like this lot

link

OK now to add to that - Nikon have done a useful App for iPhones and iPod Touches.

Does Pentax have anything similar ? not as far as I have found

So why not ?

Come on Pentax - if Tamron and Nikon can produce such things - why can't you ?

I registered all my cameras and lenses with the Pentax site but have not received any communication - neither offers or newsas the site states.

Dave

Sounds about right Dave.

I did the same when I got the K200 and so far nothing, zilch, zip!

When it comes to freebies Pentax are tighter than a ducks ****, It would be nice to be able to download a test sheet or card for lenses, or have a help section that does on the Pentax UK site.

It has just been pointed out to me that I forgot to mention the Canon contribution

link

Olympus also has a very fine free App too I believe .

Pentax , BTW , will be represented at PDN Photo Expo Plus in NYC in October. They are on the exhibitor list.

I suggested that perhaps they could be told that we over here would appreciate some educational materials on their Website and perhaps a wee goody or two would help to keep us sweet .

The response to that was " Pentax is notorious throughout the pro industry as being the stingiest with any freebies. This is the first time in five years that they are Photo Expo Plus"

TT didn't you already start an almost the same thread once before?

I at least rather have them focus on equipment than bring out an app or buying advice.

But Pentax has this though. link
a book for the 645D link
Yearbooks link
Instruction books link link
Juggling balls for when you're bored link
Remember these? link

You're just living in the wrong country, sorry

ps. didn't knew Pentax still made the 67II and the 645NII
The FA 50 f/1,4 & FA 35 f/2 are also still made...

Pentax support is nowhere near that of the big guys because Pentax is a little guy. Really, that is common sense. If I wanted or needed a more extensive support network -- with software, documents, etc. -- I would certainly have bought into a different brand.

Remember, TT is in Scotland. A place where trouser pockets are deeper than Chilean mines!

ah now come on - I'm not talking about toys . I'm not talking about books .

What I am talking about is the sort of stuff that Tamron put out about testing lenses before you buy them .

You folk have been into photography longer than me .

People who start out with DSLRs could do with interesting short videos etc - the Tamron ones look great and it should not really cost Pentax much to make them.

We've all being saying [ well you lot have ] what you would like Pentax to give in their next camera . I remember we have all been moaning about the poor Pentax site till recently - now I'm just making suggestions as to what could be added to help beginners .

I suspect that there are many who would look at the various Pentax Sites and the other makers ones too - and then make a choice. It is just feaseable that having this extra support could possibly bring in some new users . If we don't attract new users to the Pentax experience then it will die

Polchraine -- my pockets are not deep - money comes out when necessary but I want good value for my £££££

I don't know, not me at least. Only looked at the Pentax site after I bought the K10D to see if there are firmware updates.

What I did read was reviews online but never visited one of the companies website.

For lenses the same thing and in the store tested them on how smooth they worked, if they function correctly and that's it, common practice I believe.

What about you and the other members, was the website an important factor for deciding which camera to get?

Thankfully there are many sites full of photographic knowledge and several with info on Pentax in particular. A quick Google search generally turns up far more data than the official company could ever provide.

Stefan said 'Remember these? link'

I wonder if this is where they got the idea? link

I went into a camera shop today to enquire about a pentax repair. The owner said that there is a problem with getting parts at the moment as Pentax is moving out of the UK! However, he did say that normal service will resume soon.

I presume that this is not a sign of impending doom, more a case of the global market place we are all part of. In some ways it does not matter where a business is located.

Dave

Pentax Europe are centralising things in France I believe Dave - that is probably what your camera shop man meant.

Gwyn, I thought that the explanation might be as you say a simple centralisation.

Dave

Didn't they already have for two years or so now?