PeterKR, it's possible that your experience (and mine) might be down to sample variation. My 18-55mm Mk2 kit lens is definitely sharper than my Sigma 28-70 epsilon AF which I now don't use - if you want another, let me know.

Andrew

I've just taken a photo using the internal flash on my K30 using Av, with the 18-55mm MK2 kit lens at 18mm, f/5.6, ISO100. It works fine.

Andrew

My K200D had a top LCD and I admit, I do miss it. Having said that, if I had to choose between a DSLR with a top LCD and one with focus peaking, I'd choose the latter - mainly because it makes accurate focussing with manual lenses a bit easier and more certain. If I didn't use manual focus lenses for more than 50% of the photos I take, I might make a different decision.

Andrew

The reviews I have seen suggest that the K30 autofocus is better than the K5 but not as good as the K5ii. The availability of focus peaking, for my money, makes the K30 a very attractive option in low light, especially if used on a tripod.

Andrew

One thing I forgot to mention is that, like the K5, the K30 does have a green AF assist light, so it will autofocus readily with a kit lens in total darkness indoors but I have no idea of the distance over which it is effective - definitely OK across a room, though.

Andrew

All Pentax K mount lenses will fit and work with any Pentax DSLR. Some (old) third party K-mount lenses might not mount - one or two Vivitars and possibly others - and one or two will mount but jam and be difficult to remove - Rikenon 'P' program lenses, for example. It's as well to Google any non-Pentax K mount lenses and see what is known about them before buying.

Andrew

Autofocus is a LOT better in poor light than the focussing on my K200D - but I've no idea how it compares with the K5ii. Live view/focus peaking is fabulously good under very poor street lighting.

I took this shot at ISO6400 with a K30 and M50 f/1.7 with focus peaking. Exposure was, I think, f/5.6 at 1/15sec (hand held) which gives you an idea how dark it was. The highlight on the back of the car is not flash - but the reflection of a street light, about 30 yards behind me. Getting accurate focus with Live View/Focus Peaking is a doddle even in almost pitch black conditions.




I have just been outside with the K30 and 18-55mm MK2 kit lens - and can get focus confirmation using autofocus (NOT Live view/focus peaking). I can also get focus confirmation on the same car through a double glazed bedroom window from a distance of around 40m. The street lighting here is so poor that I can barely see the car unless I turn the room light off.

Good enough? It is for me.

Andrew

I did buy a split image screen for my K200D for use with a M50/1.7 and other manual focus lenses. It was very effective and useful. I don't think I'll need one for the K30 - Live View and Focus Peaking are, I think, even more accurate, though perhaps a bit more fiddly in use.

I don't understand darkskies comment about focussing. Isn't the M50/1.7 normally wide open, only stopping down to the set aperture when the shutter release button is fully pressed?

Andrew

I have a number of 20 or 30 year old lenses that are pretty much as good as modern lenses but for a fraction of the cost. These include a Pentax M 50 f/1.7, a Sigma 24mm f2.8 Superwide II, a Chinon 28mm f2.8 and a Pentax M 75-150mm f4 zoom all of which I use regularly. In total, I paid around £150 for the lot. How much for equivalent modern glass - ten times are much or even more than that??

Andrew

Yes, I have used a remote release cable with mine - works fine.


The radio remotes that I have seen have a set of switches on both transmitter and receiver to set the channel.

Yes - but you have to open the flap to use a cable release anyway.

The release I was thinking of is like this or this Both quite cheap, not directional and ostensibly trigger up to 100m

Cheers
Andrew