He hasn't switched, but he does seem to own the KP in the video, along with the DA 15mm & 40mm Limiteds.

I like the way the KP looks, I think it's very nice at at the much lower price I might even consider it were my K-3 not still going strong. It's the lack of upper screen, shutter limit of 1/6000s and smaller battery that put me off.

I'll be interested to know how you find it after a bit of use. I've only had mine for a few weeks and haven't had much time to use it yet, but it's a definite step up from the 35/2.4, though not to the standard of the 35mm Limited. I'm using it on APS-C of course, but at some point it will surely get some use on film.

I agree the unchanged aperture blades are a missed opportunity.

I don't like modern cameras in silver at all, I think they look awful. Black always.

Even with classic cameras the black ones usually look better, though there's no denying the allure of a classic chrome body with black coverings.

But a reasonable price to be able to spend the day with a MF behemoth and find out if you like it.

I'm with you on the 6x7/67. There's a place over her ein Madrid that rents a package - body and three lenses - for €28 a day, which doesn't sound too bad to me. The only problem would be finding a day on which I could spend the entire time out with that monster and make good use of it.

Just goes to show that even in the internet age people don't research properly.

If you can send me some more info on those film DSLRs, simple or otherwise, I'd be interested to have a look

I know SRS are the offical partners and they offer some great deals but I saw this in their used section on the bay and can't help but think that surely no-one would pay this kind of money for the lowest grade K body coupled with the lowest grade M lens. I wouldn't pay more than £50 for this, even with the year's guarantee. You could get a KM or KX and 50/1.4 for half the price.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/143508906222?ul_noapp=true

That's the case for all Pentax models which are based on Tamron lenses. I'd like to see a comparison of the possible differences (build quality, coatings) one day but I'm not aware of any at present.

I think Pentax could benefit from using more Tamron designs to flesh out it's FF line-up (35/1.8, 45/1.8 for example).

I'll add that if you go for the FA lens then try to get the newer HD FA version rather than the older SMC FA. The newer one has improved coatings on the lens. Likewise the DA Limited macro has older SMC and newer HD versions.

I currently own all three (SMC Limited, HD FA) though I've only had the FA for a few days. The DA Limited is certainly the best of the bunch overall, with stunning image quality and a real pleasure to use, plus macro is so useful to have in a standard prime. However, the other two are better in low light because they let a bit more light in and don't have the macro focusing range to cycle through if focusing conditions are tough. The FA is also fully compatible with all K-mount film cameras, if that's important to you. It's currently available on offer for an excellent price from SRS Microsystems, I don't think you'll find it cheaper.

* DA 35/2.4 - get it if you need something cheap.
* DA 35/2.8 - get it if you need macro capability or really want the best image quality available and enjoy using a high quality lens.
* FA 35/2.0 - get it if you need maximum light-gathering for low light or shallow depth of field or if you may want to use it with film or change in the near future to a full frame Pentax camera.

My favoured focal length for casual portraits is a normal lens, so 35mm on APS-C (equivalent to 50-55mm) on film/FF. Of the lenses I have, the DA 35mm Limited is my favourite on Pnetax, the 35mm f/1.4 on my Fujifilm gear.

A couple of examples from the Limited:


IMGP4576a by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr


Raquel by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr

When I've done more formal portraits I found the DA 70mm Limited was the perfect length, but I don't have any examples I can post here.