Whether to go ahead

Did you ever stop to think "they really want me to change to the same kit as theirs in the hope my images will come down to their level" These are the people whose attitude to a good image is the old "Ooo! you must have a good camera" Sadly even a lot of experienced photographers also believe that a "better" camera will help them achieive better pics.

Even pros that use Canon or Nikon aren't necessarily brand snobs either.

I have a friend that makes his living shooting dance events, and uses a Canon 5D, and 1D MkIII.

He mentioned to me today that the 1D MkIV is apparently coming out. He said, and I quote...

"We Canon users are all waiting for the new 1D MkIV which is rumoured to be out either this month or next - hopefully with AF that works this time" (my emphasis).

Food for thought, perhaps, in the light of recent threads here.

He's only ever been complimentary about the K10D and Pentax lenses, too.

The question is: do you come out in flying colors.
If you are a good pro, changing system will be a financial bump on the road, and a bit of time with a new dslr for expediency when on the field.
You wont loose any skills by changing brands, so no worries there.

Now if Pentax does not offer good options for what you want to do, then look for what works for you.
Pentax stops no one from being a pro, some types of photography might be more difficult though. Then again others might be easier.

Something has already worked for you. If thats what you wan to continue doing, then see why it has worked, and don't waste too much time wondering about other greener pastures, they will always be there.

Couldn't be more straightforward. Pentax are as good as any other in terms of lens and body performance in their chosen market.

However, they do not offer a professional service system, range of camera bodies, lenses or ancilliaries. What if you require a 24mp sensor or need to hire a 2000mm lens?

At major sporting events across the world, Nikon, for example set up camera service and repair facilities. If a piece of your vital equipment packs up, they will lend you a replacement until yours is repaired. You can have your cameras set up for desert or arctic use by Nikon service.

As a professional travelling all over the world, Nikon (Canon, if you prefer) was a no-brainer choice. As an amateur, Pentax is a better value buy and that's what I chose when I flogged all my Nikon, Hasselblad and Mamiya gear.

There seems to be some sort of chip on the shoulder of many Pentax users about professional use. Professional photography has little to do with cameras, they are no more than tools of the trade. You can earn your living with a Pentax, I'm sure plenty do. But if you were going to cover the Olympics, which would you choose? It's that simple.

To answer Mattox's question, for the kind of basic photography you're talking about, 'pro' camera ranges will gain you nothing. If you were to up your game and found you needed to shoot an action poster of Lewis Hamilton for McClaren, you'd almost certainly be forced to change.

And since it's all tax allowable, your accountant would almost certainly recommend it too

[quote:3496ace15f="lemmy"]A common misconception. Being tax-allowable doesn't mean it comes off the tax you pay.

In fact, it comes off your profit, so your purchase will be subsidised by a maximum of 40% (being the tax on the extra profit you would have had if you hadn't bought the kit). It would of course be less if you pay tax at a lower rate.

No accountant worth his salt would recommend buying anything unless it generated significantly more income than it cost. That's the clincher - not the tax saving.

If you have an accountant who recommends this, without asking how much income it will generate, fire him and get a proper one.

G

Spending the profit you make is part of the plan though, if you want a fun life.

If you can spend £60 and only have to earn £60 to do it, it's better than spending £60 and having had to earn £100 to do it, giving £40 to the berks running the country in the meantime.

It's better than nothing, but an attitude that you should spend money just because you get a tax subsidy for part of the cost is the road to ruin.

G

Well it certainly didn't ruin me - I was able to retire in my mid 50s on the proceeds of my photography.

The remark about the tax allowances was light hearted. But I'm a bit fed up with the finger wagging and lack of humour of a few here.

This forum seemed a good one but ill tempered and childishly emotional reactions to a post that I considered carefully make it less enjoyable than it should be.

As the Dragons say, for that reason, and that reason alone, I'm out.

Lemmy of this thread only I hope.

I could say the same about your response to my post in the copyright thread. Accusing people of condoning crime isn't a way to make a forum enjoyable.

G

Life is too short gentlemen.

I fly from Qatar to Bahrain in the morning to attend a funeral

A good mate of mine who was drinking a pint in the Awali Golf Clubhouse two weeks ago, had his life support machine switched off last Saturday. Funeral is this coming Saturday.

We don't know what is round the corner. To waste time over issues can't be a good thing. We are all different and that's why we are here on this forum.

Respect to you both.

Regards

Gary

We are a pleasant place, but occasionally someone gets a "bee in their bonnet" about something, sometimes something that;s really dead and buried.

Just be courteous to each other's points of view. You don't have to agree, but you do have to respect the right of others to have an opposing viewpoint.

I seem to get an ill humoured reply to various things that I have written here from one particular gentleman who has a bee in his bonnet about something I didn't say.

It gets a bit boring but I don't think I can kill file him and I don't like the feeling that someone is waiting to pounce on everything I write, so I'll knock this forum off my bookmarks.

More my loss than the forum's but life is short (especially at my age!). And thanks to everyone with whom I've had enjoyable exchange of views.

It is your call and only you can decide what you think best here, but I and others will miss your input as will George.

That makes it two members who have "disconected" since I have joined this group.

Maybe it's me :

Let's have a vote on it Lemmy, as I represent Qatar and Bahrain on here, that block vote alone is worth around 1 million, for you to stay, anyone against Lemmy staying with us???????

Come on, speak up now.......

Best regards

Lemmy dont let them grind you down. Maybe its too much sand in the beer.
I for one and I am sure many many others get much more from the forum than we contribute. There is so little to do in Doha that the minds get distorted so dont go. Yes K10d maybe it is you and just maybe select brain before engaging finger and there just may be a bit more harmony. I appreciate its not all a bed of roses amongst the dunes and be honest Quatar is the pits. I do know I lived in the ME for many years luckily only a very short time in Quatar but it felt like a lifetime. I really dont know where you get the million from, its certainly not brain cells.My other suggestion to you is to wear a hat at all times because the sun is certainly getting to you.
Ian