I have been using Pentax cameras since I bought my first Spotmatic.

I used it until I bought a Program-A, The simpler version of the Super-A.
However it never felt really good in my hands. I was to small. Once I added the motor winder to it, It was perfect. It felt good, I could carry it holding it vertical and gripping it on the winder. Also the release was now on the perfect spot. It was so good, that I then bought a Super-A, also with the winder and then 2 more. I really loved this cameras and enjoyed photographing.
The only other camera which felt so good in my hands, was my Leica M3

Then the digital aera started and the film labs. where I had my films and prints done, slowly dissapeared.

I switched to the digital cameras. At this time I could not affort to by a SLR, but only the small little digital things. They where OK for photographing stuff for Ebay, but not for much else. I lost interest in photographing.

Until I came in to a bit of extra money and look at purchasing a SLR.
I decided to stay with Pentax if possible, because I had a fair amount of Pentax-A lenses which I loved.

I looked at the K5. Held it and was sold.

I bought it early December, and I believe,it is just fantastic. I find new things all the time and even so at the start it was a bit hard to to find and remember all the various settings, (I am 70 years old)
Now I have found the settings I prefer and can fully concentrate on picture making. My favourite setting is Av. This gives me the controll over Dof which I like.
The layout of the controlls is, in my opinon,just about perfect.
I have it setup for Jpeg and RAW together. This way I dont have to choose. The weight and feel of the K5 is perfect for me.
I could not think of a camera that would suit me better than the K5.
I can not find any negatives.
Horst

Hi, I have a range of Cosmicar (Pentax made)lenses.
Is it possible to use any of them with the appropriate adapter on my K5 camera? i think the Cosmicar lenses have a C- Mount

Horst

quote
I presume because it's a fundamental redesign, although the baseplates are similar and there are quite a few transitional design points that are obviously related to the ME series.

The ME, Super-A and the Program-A use the ME-II Winder. So how are they different?

Regards, Horst

I believe a lenshood is absolutly essential for any lens, except maybe the 50 macro-A lens I own. This lens is so deep set that is alreadiy functions as a hood.
I wont use a lens, unless the hood is fitted. The hood also stops the glare of a filter, if any is present,.
The hood does not only stop the Sun from glaring in to it, but also stops any sidelight from affecting the picture. Sidelight can be the green from a lawn beside, or similar.
The hood also protects your lens to a large extend.
Years ago, when I used my Super-A with the 50mm A lens, I tripped on a concrete walkway and the front of the camera lens hit the ground. The lens hood had a ding, but the lens was still ok. A replacement hood costs a lot less than a replacement lens.
I am not a great believer in rubber hoods. They have a tendency to break after a while when they are folded up..
Filters are also relatively inexpensive and if they get a scratch, replace it.
In earlier days, when back and white was still king, Nobody complained about a Yellow filter. That was the norm then and was often fitted for good on to the lens.

Horst

I only use a lenscap when storing my lenses. When I am out photographing I never use a lens cap. the onses i carry in my bag have sometimes a rear cap on, but never a lens cap. What for? However they all have hoods.
Regards,
Horst Schmidt