Pancake lens or quality compact ??

Having just come back from a wekk walking in the lake district (in the rain) I have come to realise that the K100D 16-45mm combo is really way to big for walking photography - well for me anyway. So started thinking about what to use instead.
Initial thought was K100D plus DA40mm. Main problem is limited zoom (none!) and cost of DA 40.
Second option was a Panasonic LX3 - nice Leica 24-60 lens and small size with manual control - but >£300
Third - Get rid of my K100D and lenses and go down the Olympus e-P1 route - too expensive
Finally just get a cheaper wide angle zoom compact - probably panasonic
Have I missed any other options?

Any views. I really would like to use a DA 40 or even a DA 21 at a push but cost is restictive - unless anyone knows where to get one cheap

Cheers
Donut

Does the lens have to be an auto focus one?

You could try an old SMC-M 40mm and focus manualy.

50mm lens maybe, they aren't big either but very cheap.

Option 4: Pentax A or F 28mm f2.8. This acts as an excellent compact standard lens on digital while being not much deeper than a Pancake.

Option 5: Pentax DA II or DA L 18-55mm. This is usefully smaller and lighter than the 16-45 while being almost as good.

Get a compact camera - but in addition to, not instead of, of your DSLR!

Unfortunately I do need the lens to be autofocus.

I already have an 18-55 kit lens and although it is light it still means a outfit that is too big for my needs....sorry

A K100D and 40 mm pancake would be on the large side of what I'd consider being acceptable for lugging around fo me anyway.

Donut

The LX3 is very good considering it's a compact, especially in good light. And even in low light it does well bearing in mind the size of the sensor. I'd imagine it is pretty good as a carry everywhere landscape camera (used mine for mostly street stuff). But don't expect SLR results. It's good, but not that good. Depends how much you want to blow up shots, really. If it's not too much I'd get the LX3 with confidence. It really is a lot smaller than any slr combination.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310179352048

Autofocus, 37 mm long, 180 grams.

Much cheaper options are available if you could bear to focus manually. It's not that difficult.

Lithium batteries would lighten the load too, if you're currently using NiMH. They can be obtained for less than £1 per cell these days.

Samsung NX if its not vapourware? Pentax may even make a clone!

Doug

Should be a Pentax on this forum

No only the Samsung clones are that, or else the smaller point and shoot Samsung cameras would also be allowed and they are not.

BTW the NX will get launched next month I believe.

Stefan, Samsung point and shoot cameras have nothing to do with Pentax, if that is the case then can I upload photos taken with my Casio which has a Pentax SMC Lens??? like this one

Jack.link

Jack that's what I'm saying, I think I misunderstood your comment

I thought you meant that the NX was allowed on the forum.

Stefan I don't mind what camera is used it's just a tool for taking photos but I would prefer it was a Pentax on the Pentax User Forum,

Jack.

Indeed Jack.

So why not a W80, it's even sealed so you can dip it under water.
Perfect if you would fall into a lake when on a hike