Pentax's Longevity

Hi all,

First of all I'm new to the Forum.. so hi to all members.

I'm new to pentax, well I've been using my K10D for about 3 months now, before I was a big fan of Nikon, then I decided to upgrade to a Pentax K10D after using a D40 for a while. I thought that I get lots more for my money by buying a Pentax, considering that I'm a full time student.

My concern is, what are your opinions about Pentax's longevity in the digital market, and while I'm at it are there any pro photographers using Pentax's digital SLRs? At the moment looking for a decent lens for my K10D is a bit of a hassle because it is not as commmon as NIKON and Canon and accessories can only be bought from a couple of shops only, which means that prices aren't as competitive as Canon and Nikon.

Thanks for your opinions

Welcome to the forum!

Pentax have a very long photographic history and have produced some of the landmark cameras of the past 40 years. At one time SLR and Pentax were almost synonymous. Their entry into the DSLR market was slow at first, but from the start (the *istD) the products were excellent. Subsequent models have built upon that success whilst keeping true to the Pentax design ethos. In terms of elegance of design I think Pentax are streets ahead of Canon and Nikon.

So have no fears for the future. Now partnering with Samsung on DSLR development there is plenty of muscle behind the name.

As regards lenses, try www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk for a good supply, great prices and faultless service. Talk to Chris at SRS and mention this forum for free shipping.

There are plenty of professionals who use Pentax, maybe not as many as Canon and Nikon, but that's not a problem. The quality of Pentax will eventually cause some to shift I am sure, but that will take time as they will be committed to other systems already.

Have fun with the camera, take some great pics and post a few here perhaps as well.

Thanks for the quick insight of Pentax.

I was slightly in a dilemma whether I should switch back to Nikon, but now I'm certain to stick with Pentax.

Welcome to the forum.

I'll just second Johns comments, but also add that talk of switching back to Nikon will get you the name of Heretic and we'll have to send the Pentax Inquisition after you

Enjoy your stay here, were a friendly lot (most of the time), George bites occasionally but he doesn't have anything nasty

In terms of longevity, just think how Pentax have maintained their backwards compatibility with their lens range. Nearly all Pentax lenses made, will fit the latest DSLR’s with various differing levels of functionality.

More than can be said of some of the other major brands

Is this something that Pentax intends to carry on, or will some characteristics of their DSLRs make it more difficult to accommodate M and A series lenses?

I really don't know, I have no insider knowledge with Pentax (I often wish I had:lol. However I would like to think so, as it’s been that way for many years. Provided the bayonet mount is continued the lenses will fit, all that will change is the level of functionality and compatibility when used with new DSLR’s.

Rumours of a full frame Pentax DSLR's would make the older style lens attractive again in terms of full frame sensor coverage, we will have to just wait and see on that one.

I am an almost retired professional and I use pentax K10D for my local newspaper jobs-the other snappers use gear provided by their papers. I stick to the 18-55mm kit lens and use my older screw and bayonet lenses if necessary-wonderful!

Wow, the forum is full of Pentax enthust members. I like that. It gives me more confidence.

Has anyone heard about what Pentax will announce in 2008's Photokina?

By the way, I really appreciate your comments.

Well,that first conclusion is hardly a surprise, don't you think

And regarding the Kina'08? Some rumors expect (or hope:roll to see the first FF Dslr.
Personally I hope to see some good expansion of glass.
We just have to wait and see. Welcome to the forum BTW.
Martin.

I manage to scratch out a living.
I do Weddings. Portraits. Corporate functions. Also a little advertising. Been published a few times.

as for pricing....
Look at the pricing on the pro optics in thier respective companies, and you'll find Pentax is a relative bargian.
Pentax has a habit of offering serious equipment at moderate prices.