Upgrading from K20D to K5 - is it really worth it?

Not all of use, Robin

As I tried to make clear in my earlier post, there are certain situations in which the K5 has the edge: not by a huge margin but worthwhile nonetheless. In the main, however, excepting the ergonomics and build which I agree are superior in the K20D, both are excellent photographic tools.

To be honest, my motivation for supplementing my GX-10 and K20D with a K5, apart from the price drop and 'cashback' offer, was the recent takeover by Ricoh and the fear that my substantial investment in original and third-party Pentax-fit lenses and accessories might, should they decide to cease the development and manufacture of DSLRs, become the photographic equivalent of a 'junk bond'

Pessimistically yours,

Eeyore,

A.K.A. Jon

So what, in your view, was the reason Ricoh bought Pentax? To use the lens blanks to make coasters?

Ricoh's takeover, in my view, has cemented the future of Pentax. And of the K-mount. All Pentax has ever lacked is marketing expertise and cash. Now they have both, as well as an owner that knows the brand of yore and wants to develop it.

Optimistically yours

Tigger

AKA G

George, I actually agree with you on that

You take that gamble with lots of things in life, Canon stitched up their customers once with a change of mount once, and can I find the latest blockbusters on VHS? no way

+1 Georges comment.

I have no worries about Ricoh. The K-mount, the extant lenses, and every existing camera body are not likely to vanish overnight! Anyone who needs further insurance and safety nets should have never been using Pentax in the first place, IMO, since Nikon and Canon have far superior support networks.

Lawks a-mercy, chaps

Had I realised that the forum doubles as an habitat for a pack of scavenging hyenas, I'd have been more circumspect about revealing that I have the inner strength and mentality of a lame gazelle

.

With a comment like that I'm guessing that you must be the alpha male, Robin

Wounded of Wiltshire.

A.K.A. Jon

I had you down as a Betamax man!

In this case your original post about the death of Pentax would be akin to crying wolf?

Please do not fear and put pessimism aside!

Robin Johnson is right: Not only is that authentic frontier gibberish, it also expresses a courage little seen in this day and age.

Anyone who uses Pentax knows that lenses from previous generations of cameras can be use on the current DSLRs, unlike Canikon who decided to switch mounts on their followers and thus these found that they cannot use the old lenses on the newer bodies because the companies decided to start a new mount for their new range of products to differentiate from the older manual cameras. I too still have an old Canon AE-1 camera but cannot use the lenses I have on the newer EOS system. Luckily for me I had two systems then and continued to use Pentax.

I started off with a Cosina CT-1 Super and then moved to a Chinon CP-7m and then to Pentax with the Z-20. I stayed with that Z-20 for almost 14 years until it gave up the ghost but the lenses I had accumulated meant that I would somehow still end up with Pentax. My first DSLR was a Canon Kiss (Japan version of the 400D). But I realised I had to use adapters to use my collection of K-mount lenses, Pentax and the like and so sold it off and bought a friend's K10D.

I am glad I stayed with Pentax and started with the K10D, then on to the K20D, then the K7 and now the K5, which I recently got on the 21st of December 2011 when prices started t go south and I could afford it. My buying pattern would be to wait until the new model comes out then buy the previous model at a lower price than when it was first introduced. I am not one of those early adopters who will have to find issues for Pentax to solve.


In Singapore, Pentaxians are a minority and we gather once a month to catch up and go on an outing so that we can introduce new Pentaxians to the community as well as the lenses we own. WE have lenses from the early '70s to the latest DA series.


When I was using the K20D, I found the AF lagging as I could not nail shots unless I increased the ISO, then I upgraded to the K7 because I needed the faster AF as I shoot school events. I only got the K5 because I found the price reasonable.

I must say that I do not regret my decision as they other early adopters have been nagging me to üpgrade"for the better sensor.

I only have this to say to the OP. Go ahead and purchase the K5. You will definitely love it.



Oh! I forgot to add, I do not like to use flash unless absolutely necessary and the K7 and K5 really suits my needs for non-flash photography.

I want a K-5.
You will be mine, oh yes you will.

Because most of you were sitting on the fence over whether this was a good idea or not I thought I'd take a chance on the upgrade - Just placed the order, should be in my hands tomorrow afternoon

Thank you all for your comments and advice

Could you please explain to me when Nikon changed mounts? My two Nikon DSLR's are fully compatible with Nikon AI converted lenses from 1959, metering with aperture priority and manual.

There is a serious risk of lesser informed readers actually believing your statement. In so doing, risk possible embarrassment in front of more informed Nikon users in the field or pub if the statement is repeated.

I would also question your statement that "Anyone who uses Pentax knows that lenses from previous generations of cameras can be use on the current DSLRs".

This is not a personal affront on your character.

Best regards

1977.

The AI system that was introduced in 1977 required Nikon owners to "convert" their older lenses in order to continue compatibility.

It is possible to convert a Pentax lens to fit on a Canon (various firms do this, I understand, so that Canon users can learn what it is like to have a good lens on their cameras). However, I wouldn't claim that Canons are lucky enough to enjoy full K-mount compatibilty.

Nonetheless, K10, I take your point. Nikon's basic mount is the oldest of all 135 format cameras and their derivatives.

G

Pentax changed lens mounts radically in 1975 thereby denying owners the use of using older lenses without buying an adapter and losing the functionality of the automatic diaphagm.