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And some of the DA-50/1.8;
Comment by Benz3ne posted on Pentax K-S2 (white) + DA50/1.8 at 17/10/2019 - 14:09
The K-S2 needs a new home after a few months of neglect, having picked up a K-70 recently (which may also require a new home before long)! It's white, approximately 3-4 years old and never suffered any hint of aperture block failure in the time that I've used it.
It's only been lightly used, with an estimate of less than a few thousand shots taken on it (I'll get a true shutter count later today). Looks great in white and will come with a legitimate battery and strap. I believe I have a box for it somewhere, but my last search for it wasn't particularly fruitful (either way it'll be well packaged)! There is only very minor scuffing to the plastic side of the screen on the 'PENTAX' lettering (the glass side has no apparent marking from what I can see, and the LCD is pristine). There are no obvious marks to any of the buttons/switches and the tripod mount hasn't been used.
The DA-50 f/1.8 was bought used earlier this year, but is absolutely pristine. I cannot see any dusts with the naked eye, and I have probably used it for less than a few hundred shots. It focuses quickly and smoothly with the characteristic screwdrive 'whir' but is razor sharp and produces lovely pictures.
Asking £275 for the pair to include Special Delivery, any further pictures can be made available on request, or if you've any further questions please let me know. UK only at this time and not looking to split the lot.
Would be a great starter kit for someone!
It's only been lightly used, with an estimate of less than a few thousand shots taken on it (I'll get a true shutter count later today). Looks great in white and will come with a legitimate battery and strap. I believe I have a box for it somewhere, but my last search for it wasn't particularly fruitful (either way it'll be well packaged)! There is only very minor scuffing to the plastic side of the screen on the 'PENTAX' lettering (the glass side has no apparent marking from what I can see, and the LCD is pristine). There are no obvious marks to any of the buttons/switches and the tripod mount hasn't been used.
The DA-50 f/1.8 was bought used earlier this year, but is absolutely pristine. I cannot see any dusts with the naked eye, and I have probably used it for less than a few hundred shots. It focuses quickly and smoothly with the characteristic screwdrive 'whir' but is razor sharp and produces lovely pictures.
Asking £275 for the pair to include Special Delivery, any further pictures can be made available on request, or if you've any further questions please let me know. UK only at this time and not looking to split the lot.
Would be a great starter kit for someone!
Comment by Benz3ne posted on Pentax K-S2 (white) + DA50/1.8 at 17/10/2019 - 14:04
cardiffgareth wrote:
So I called Sigma today and spoke with the service department. They think the A pin over time can get worn and this gives the F- error on screen. When I enquired about a price to repair he said they don't repair these lenses anymore and to go to an independent repairer and also they don't even have Pentax mounts there in the service department
Worrying if that means now then that if your lens develops a fault with the mount then you're screwed
If the A-pin has only worn (I'm imagining the height of the pin receding), is there any way to build it back up again even if only temporary? I'd not like to suggest soldering or a conductive paste but perhaps a less 'risky' method might be available?So I called Sigma today and spoke with the service department. They think the A pin over time can get worn and this gives the F- error on screen. When I enquired about a price to repair he said they don't repair these lenses anymore and to go to an independent repairer and also they don't even have Pentax mounts there in the service department
Worrying if that means now then that if your lens develops a fault with the mount then you're screwed
Comment by Benz3ne posted on Poss loose connection? DIY fix? at 17/10/2019 - 11:33
Defragged wrote:
My first DSLR was a Samsung GX-10. (Pentax K 10D equivalent) Coming from a Pentax LX I wanted to remain with the Pentax brand that I'd always been with. The shop at the time only had the Samsung version in stock and it was at a knock down price so I went with it. I loved it from day one. In due course I sold it to a friend and upgraded to the K5. It was a sale I regretted as I loathed the K5 so when when SRS announced impending stock of the new K3 I pre-ordered it without hesitation and loved it from day one. That camera went everywhere with me, up hill and down dale like a perfect companion.
Then the K1 was introduced and whilst I had no plans to upgrade, even though I found the full frame format appealing, the opportunity to buy a brand new K1 came my way at a price I couldn't refuse - so I bought it. (As you do) Following its delivery I un-boxed it with eager anticipation, examined it and decided I did not like it. I placed it back in its box without even mounting a lens on it and it was then a full seven months later before I looked at it again and deigned even to charge its battery.
At first use it felt like I was committing adultery against my beautiful K3. Such feelings probably sound and in fact are totally irrational. But it is a fact that some of us humans can and do become attached to inanimate objects. The point I'm trying to make in this rather long winded ramble is that we can so easily get comfortable with the status quo that we become reluctant to move on, even when it's ultimately for the best. The fact is, since I first tripped the shutter I've never used my K3 since as I'm now totally sold on the K1.
My best advice to you therefore is don't procrastinate like I did, take the plunge because the likely hood is, you won't look back either.
Good luck.
PS There is some fantastic legacy glass out there as well, often dirt cheap with oodles of character and wonderful to experiment with. Alas if there's a downside it's that it's so easy to catch LBA! lol....
A wonderfully involved anecdote here, Defragged. Thank you! I shall aim to not procrastinate, and to get the K-S2 up for sale soon... thereafter, the K-70 will go up for sale and after that's been purchased I think I'll go ahead with the K-1! I'm sure if my experiences are as positive with a K-1 as they have been so far with the Pentax brand, I'll be smitten with it.My first DSLR was a Samsung GX-10. (Pentax K 10D equivalent) Coming from a Pentax LX I wanted to remain with the Pentax brand that I'd always been with. The shop at the time only had the Samsung version in stock and it was at a knock down price so I went with it. I loved it from day one. In due course I sold it to a friend and upgraded to the K5. It was a sale I regretted as I loathed the K5 so when when SRS announced impending stock of the new K3 I pre-ordered it without hesitation and loved it from day one. That camera went everywhere with me, up hill and down dale like a perfect companion.
Then the K1 was introduced and whilst I had no plans to upgrade, even though I found the full frame format appealing, the opportunity to buy a brand new K1 came my way at a price I couldn't refuse - so I bought it. (As you do) Following its delivery I un-boxed it with eager anticipation, examined it and decided I did not like it. I placed it back in its box without even mounting a lens on it and it was then a full seven months later before I looked at it again and deigned even to charge its battery.
At first use it felt like I was committing adultery against my beautiful K3. Such feelings probably sound and in fact are totally irrational. But it is a fact that some of us humans can and do become attached to inanimate objects. The point I'm trying to make in this rather long winded ramble is that we can so easily get comfortable with the status quo that we become reluctant to move on, even when it's ultimately for the best. The fact is, since I first tripped the shutter I've never used my K3 since as I'm now totally sold on the K1.
My best advice to you therefore is don't procrastinate like I did, take the plunge because the likely hood is, you won't look back either.
Good luck.
PS There is some fantastic legacy glass out there as well, often dirt cheap with oodles of character and wonderful to experiment with. Alas if there's a downside it's that it's so easy to catch LBA! lol....
Yes, it's easy to forget that they are objects at the end of the day - you can 'love' them and their quirks but ultimately there's nothing particularly unique about your copy of a particular camera body... the lenses are slightly different, sure, but the bodies are always replaceable!
Ah yes, I'm getting familiar with legacy glass (I listed my current stockpile a little earlier in this thread) and there's a couple more which I'd love to try out... fortunately I've hit a lull and want to become acquainted with my swathe of lenses, so at least I can save money for the camera body in the meantime!
Comment by Benz3ne posted on 'Upgrade to K-1' quandary... at 17/10/2019 - 08:29
erikro wrote:
Go for the K-1, you will not be disapointed.
I have both K-5II and K-50, but only use them as backup, the K-1 us superb.
Thanks for this, erikro! Seems like you're absolutely set on the K-1!Go for the K-1, you will not be disapointed.
I have both K-5II and K-50, but only use them as backup, the K-1 us superb.
Comment by Benz3ne posted on 'Upgrade to K-1' quandary... at 17/10/2019 - 08:23
cardiffgareth wrote:
I was in your boat before with a K3ii, 16-50, 50-135mm etc but took the plunge and built it back up over the years with full frame lenses. Best decision I ever made
Well, you’ve certainly thrown fuel on the fire here Gareth! thanks (from a fellow Welshie - love some of the pictures you’ve taken of places near me; Mumbles, Three Cliffs, Rhossili etc)! I was in your boat before with a K3ii, 16-50, 50-135mm etc but took the plunge and built it back up over the years with full frame lenses. Best decision I ever made
This is the bit I’m forgetting too - it’s not just “here and now”, there’s time to increase the repertoire of lenses over the years...
Comment by Benz3ne posted on 'Upgrade to K-1' quandary... at 16/10/2019 - 19:41
RobL wrote:
Having previously used a K50 (I loaned to my stepdaughter and unlikely to see it again) and unless I have just got better the K1 is a step up in image quality, no question and you will see it if you like doing prints. The biggest advantage for me is the dynamic range and also with 36mp there is more flexibility in cropping. Whilst I use the f2.8 zooms I am increasingly using lightweight prime lenses which helps with the weight. It doesn't sound as if you take loads of shots but with 350,000 actuations and robust construction it should give years of use.
That being said picking up the K50 after using the K1 for a few months I recall how compact and light it felt and before I "lost" it started using it again on longer walks. It is a balance between image quality and convenience.
Thanks for this RobL. Perhaps I'll see less of a difference coming from a camera that's markedly newer than the K-50? I would imagine there will still be a step up in image quality (well, 50% more pixels to do the maths). The ability to crop further would certainly help. If I can take a picture down to 2/3 of the original size and still have the same resolution of the APS-C I'm currently using, I see that as a win. Yes, this is offset by the effective focal length of FF vs APS-C but with some hands-on time I'm sure my framing would balance that.Having previously used a K50 (I loaned to my stepdaughter and unlikely to see it again) and unless I have just got better the K1 is a step up in image quality, no question and you will see it if you like doing prints. The biggest advantage for me is the dynamic range and also with 36mp there is more flexibility in cropping. Whilst I use the f2.8 zooms I am increasingly using lightweight prime lenses which helps with the weight. It doesn't sound as if you take loads of shots but with 350,000 actuations and robust construction it should give years of use.
That being said picking up the K50 after using the K1 for a few months I recall how compact and light it felt and before I "lost" it started using it again on longer walks. It is a balance between image quality and convenience.
I'm sure that would be the case with anyone going between a 700g and 1kg camera. It's not a slight difference and definitely one to consider. You're right, I don't take masses of pictures but I'm taking the camera out considerably more these days and I can only see that gaining traction in time to come.
Comment by Benz3ne posted on 'Upgrade to K-1' quandary... at 16/10/2019 - 16:10
womble wrote:
I keep thinking about this too. I have a five year old K-3 and have yet to find it limits what I do. I'm not into photographing fast moving things. For me (and this is very personal):
Pros
My 28mm shift would be more useful.
My many other film era lenses would be the AOV intended.
My 35mm film SLRs and digital would match.
Two in-viewfinder levels
Image quality
Cons
file sizes / disk usage
weight
I actually really like using my FA31mm Ltd as a slightly-wide standard lens, it pretty much lives on my K-3.
Cost of replacing my APS-C lenses (DA* 50-135, DA* 60-250, DA 12-24, Sigma 17-80)
Of the cons, the cost is the main one. I can shoot and develop a hell-of-lot of medium format film for the cost of a K-1 plus new FF zooms...
As a result, I have just purchased a new wide angle lens for my 5x4 view camera and a box of film. I bet it'll take me a few weeks to shoot all 20 frames. On a good day I might shoot four or five frames!
Good luck with your choice.
Your first point is a fair one, really. Yes, the K-70 is limited by me more than I am by it, but there's perhaps something to be said for autofocus ability? The K-70 isn't terrible but it's not exactly excelling in this regard, which is where some aspects fall short for me. I've definitely improved over the last few months so I'm becoming more tuned into shortfalls of the K-70 (which is typically on focus ability for someone who's not particularly 'good' in this respect). It's probably an idealistic view but wouldn't a camera touted at being better for autofocusing help poorer autofocus'ers focus better? (Sorry, that sentence wasn't going to come out well however I phrased it).I keep thinking about this too. I have a five year old K-3 and have yet to find it limits what I do. I'm not into photographing fast moving things. For me (and this is very personal):
Pros
My 28mm shift would be more useful.
My many other film era lenses would be the AOV intended.
My 35mm film SLRs and digital would match.
Two in-viewfinder levels
Image quality
Cons
file sizes / disk usage
weight
I actually really like using my FA31mm Ltd as a slightly-wide standard lens, it pretty much lives on my K-3.
Cost of replacing my APS-C lenses (DA* 50-135, DA* 60-250, DA 12-24, Sigma 17-80)
Of the cons, the cost is the main one. I can shoot and develop a hell-of-lot of medium format film for the cost of a K-1 plus new FF zooms...
As a result, I have just purchased a new wide angle lens for my 5x4 view camera and a box of film. I bet it'll take me a few weeks to shoot all 20 frames. On a good day I might shoot four or five frames!
Good luck with your choice.
The replacement of APS-C lenses is less of a burden for me. They'd help the sales of my camera bodies, in a 'like for like' scenario are easily replaceable (18-135mm for 28-105mm, not the same range but not tremendously far off) or defunct in my case (I'm finding myself even now opting for film era lenses over the DA50).
Yes, cost is clearly the main gripe. I'm at the point where I can't imagine myself giving up camera-ing, so it's not as if I wouldn't use the item in question... I remember hitting that point with guitar playing, self-taught, around 15-16 years ago!
Thanks for the good luck! I'll deliberate for many months I'm sure (as is my nature, much to the frustration of my better half).
Comment by Benz3ne posted on 'Upgrade to K-1' quandary... at 16/10/2019 - 16:05
pschlute wrote:
What sort of photography do you do ? If your subjects are fast sports or wildlife where you want a high buffer you may do better sticking with aps-c. If you like to carry your camera around for hours at a time, likewise. The K-1 plus the DFA 24-70 is not a camera for carting around on your shoulder. It is big and heavy. I got the K1 three years ago and absolutely love it, but most of the time use it on a tripod or monopod.
You should certainly try it out at a shop before buying it.
Thanks, Peter. My photography is vastly varying. Not much in terms of sports or wildlife unless it's chasing my dogs around, at which point I'm not huge on burst shots over a small handful (6/7 max), and where improved AF would benefit. Other wildlife is birds, which again doesn't occur that often, and again I don't 'hit and hope' for the good shots. Most of my shots are tending towards wildlife macro, or 'out and about' shots down the beach of some scenery, some of the dogs, some of people, some of this/that/other... I'm yet to truly find my 'niche' but I'm enjoying having a wide variety of subjects.What sort of photography do you do ? If your subjects are fast sports or wildlife where you want a high buffer you may do better sticking with aps-c. If you like to carry your camera around for hours at a time, likewise. The K-1 plus the DFA 24-70 is not a camera for carting around on your shoulder. It is big and heavy. I got the K1 three years ago and absolutely love it, but most of the time use it on a tripod or monopod.
You should certainly try it out at a shop before buying it.
I do carry my camera around a fair amount - usually it's in a rucksack in its own little carry case, where I find it absolutely unobtrusive. I want to get a wrist strap too as I'm not overly keen on neck straps, so that'll make carrying a little easier I'm sure regardless of camera heft. I don't have it out for huge amount of time when you tally it up - it'll be an hour here and hour there. Longest spells have been perhaps two hours and I've found that very comfortable with K-70, regardless of lens (or lenses, if they're in a camera bag).
I'm also looking towards getting a tripod/monopod at some point so that'd further help where I've not had help before. Fortunately, I don't suffer much with aches/groans, being a spritely sub-30 year old so I guess that goes in my favour for carrying a slightly heavier camera.
Comment by Benz3ne posted on 'Upgrade to K-1' quandary... at 16/10/2019 - 15:42
johnha wrote:
It depends on whether you want to go FF with a K-1 or not (I would - especially if wanting Astrotracer).
Film era FF lenses are very practical on the K-1 (except perhaps some of the cheap AF 28-xx kit lenses from the '90s) - obviously KA or later are preferable to avoid the Green button. The 55-300 might be useful on a K-1 in crop mode when you really need more reach.
[...] but I'd be happy to use most M, A, F or FA primes (zooms are more hit and miss).
My only reservation is buying a used DSLR - I'd aim for one with a good warranty from a good dealer rather than a cheaper 'private' sale.
Sorry to pick and choose the aspects from your useful reply - Yes, astrotracer would be great. There are some nice areas nearby which I'd love to take starry photos of.It depends on whether you want to go FF with a K-1 or not (I would - especially if wanting Astrotracer).
Film era FF lenses are very practical on the K-1 (except perhaps some of the cheap AF 28-xx kit lenses from the '90s) - obviously KA or later are preferable to avoid the Green button. The 55-300 might be useful on a K-1 in crop mode when you really need more reach.
[...] but I'd be happy to use most M, A, F or FA primes (zooms are more hit and miss).
My only reservation is buying a used DSLR - I'd aim for one with a good warranty from a good dealer rather than a cheaper 'private' sale.
I have heard much about the FF + Film Era lenses combination, which is the main aspect of my dilemma. Had I gone down the 'APS-C Zoom only' road, it wouldn't cross my mind. To date, I have the A28/2.8, A50/1.7, M50/1.4, A50/2.8 Macro, M135/3.5, Auto-Takumar 55/2.2 and Helios 44-2. All of which would be great fun to try on FF.
Agreed - the ones I'm looking at are typically from retailers who do used goods, or I'm keeping an eye out on private sales here but they're few and far between, or new which also pop up rarely.
Comment by Benz3ne posted on 'Upgrade to K-1' quandary... at 16/10/2019 - 15:35
