A Question for Fellow Pentax People

Univer · Joined: 30 Jun 2009 Posts: 282

Hi All,

I've been a Pentax person for a very long time. When I routinely shot film, Pentax SLRs (M42, K-mount, 6x7 and even 110) always constituted the core of my collection. My first DSLR was an istDL, and I currently use a K20D - and I'm very happy with it.

After the usual pre-Photokina flurry of rumors over at pentaxforums, it appears that the basic specs of the two new Pentax models have been pretty reliably established. Neither camera uses a FF sensor, and there remains, as of this date, no official Pentax "roadmap" that includes a FF camera.

Unlike many current Pentax users, who seem to be most interested in low-light and video capabilities (and who disclaim interest in FF because a FF camera would require an investment in new AF lenses optimized for FF), I'm primarily interested in having a FF camera that will be hospitable to my legacy lenses - dispensing with the APS-C crop factor and allowing them to revert to their true focal lengths. I suspect that many of my Pentax-using colleagues here may have a similar perspective on the matter.

For some people, judging by the posts at pentaxforums, this is seen as a make-or-break moment for Pentax: a pivotal point where users who have been patient about the lack of a FF Pentax may actually start to jump ship in favor of other brands.

I'm not a Canon person; I've never particularly enjoyed shooting with a Canon camera, digital or otherwise. But I think I'm getting close to the point where I have to consider a FF Canon DSLR, instead of waiting for the FF Pentax that may never be (internal code name: "Godot"). I guess I've always thought of that choice as an "either/or" - in essence, abandoning the Pentax platform in favor of Canon. But lately, I've been wondering whether it might make more sense to keep a Pentax body around (for a lot of reasons: sentiment, better interface, more seamless acceptance of legacy glass), and add a Canon FF body - probably used - as well.

All of this led me to wonder: are other Pentax folks having the same thoughts? Are you getting close to giving up on a FF Pentax DSLR, and starting to consider other alternatives - either as a replacement for, or an adjunct to, your Pentax gear?

Cheers,

Jon

beachboy2 · Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2010 1:45 pm Post subject:

The thought of getting a FF camera appeals. However, I think I should be patient at least till the very well known FF camera is upgraded to a mirror -less version. Perhaps by then, Pentax would even have a FF mirror less version? Meanwhile I will stick with my K20D.
I note Sony have just announced a mirrorless SLR, so presumably the rush to compete by other manufacturers is on?
bb2

Anu · Joined: 14 Apr 2009 Posts: 879

I am not brand loyal - why should I be, I use vintage. Right now I use the best camera I've ever had, K20D, and am quite happy with it. Besides I can't adfford a FF until maybe years from now. If/when I get one, it'll also have a digital viewfinder and flange distance suitable for rangefinder lenses. Also, it must have an in-body image stabilizer. Lacking it will kill the deal.

kuuan · Expire: 2014-12-26

my vote went to option 3.

The bigger viewfinder of a FF camera better for manual focusing is alluring, just as mush as the desire to use vintage glass at their original focal length.

Sometimes I do feel the urge for getting a 5D, but chances are I won't.

Only 7 months ago I bought the K-x. I like the camera. With a MF prime mounted I love the package for being that small.
Carrying 10+ lenses with me on my travels seem to ridicule the size advantage, but when out shooting it is usually one lens mounted and another in the bag.
In short: For my personal use the size advantage of the K-x outweighs the advantages of a 5D
( I have had Canon/Nikon users thinking that my camera was not a dSLR but a bridge, only believed me after I unscrewed my M42 lens and pointed at the mirror Smile

)

I am with beachboy and Anu.
I anticipate getting a mirrorless camera with a very good EVF, good ergonomics and inbody stabilization taking many mounts.
However I guess most again will use APS-C sensors. Wait for a FF could be long and at one point I may get a Canon after all.

a note on the Pentax users who say they may switch to another brand for a FF: Most of them exclusively use AF lenses. Some may have good reasons why they want a FF, but some seem to be a bit unreasonable. Hopefully many will continue to appreciate the strength of Pentax: well built, good handling cameras which, paired with one of the small Pentax primes, make a powerful, but very small package giving great IQ. Great for the outdoor / travel shooter. For that APS-C is even better.

ellepi · Joined: 07 Aug 2010 Posts: 486 Location: Treviso - Italia

I just have a FF Pentax camera: Z-1, Mz-50, Me Super and Spotmatic.

Laughing

DigiChromeEd · Joined: 29 Dec 2009 Posts: 3460 Location: Northern Ireland

I think a fifth option should be included i.e.

'As Pentax hasn't given me a FF DSLR, I have bought a FF camera from a different manufacturer - to use alongside my Pentax camera(s)'

slick204 · Expire: 2012-04-22

How about another option:

"I'm happy with APS-C and have no interest in FF for now. "

Univer · Joined: 30 Jun 2009 Posts: 282

Hi,

Thank you for the suggestions! I should have included both choices at the outset, but I don't seem to be able to edit the poll options at this point.

@DigiChromeEd: I guess, given the options, your strongest affinity would be to option #3 - except that you've already acted, while procrastinators like me are still dithering.

@slick204: Quite right, thank you, that option should have been available. My apologies to the APS-C fans! Since I don't expect we'll be snowed under with responses, perhaps I can ask those of you who prefer the APS-C format to register your votes with a brief post to that effect.

Cheers,

Jon

BRunner · Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Posts: 705 Location: Czech Republic

I'm dreaming about ~20Mpx APS-H camera from Pentax with in body stabilization and non crippled KAF2 mount...

Jieffe · Joined: 04 Nov 2007 Posts: 754 Location: Belgium

my_photography · Expire: 2016-12-25

First of all, I am not a Pentax DSLR user so maybe this disqualify me from answering.

As a long time Minolta/Sony user, I was in the same situation as you are 2 years back when Sony did not have a FF DSLR. I have to go through the same thought process and decision like what you are going through now. I always said I will definite get a FF Sony when it came out. Now that there are 2 FF in Sony family, I still don't own one yet.

Scheimpflug · Expire: 2011-11-18

pst · Expire: 2013-08-17

I recently switched to Canon for the AF! Having FF now is a bonus. I don't see the 35mm Format as the holy grail of DLSR cameras.

Jeff Zen · Joined: 17 Jun 2009 Posts: 262 Location: Northwest USA

This is a sane and refreshing Pentax FF thread if I've ever seen one. Of course I would love to have FF for my manual lens collection, but I'm not like those bitchy zealots throwing temper tantrums on other forums. You know what I'm talking about. Give me what I want now or I'll sell all my Pentax gear in a childish fit. It's out of control.

Pentax is still the best system for me and my manual lenses.

A nice used Canon 5D with a good focusing screen would be my next choice.

ludoo · Expire: 2011-12-05

pst · Expire: 2013-08-17

Farside · Expire: 2013-12-27

I'm quite happy plodding along with my K10D. When I need to upgrade, I'll pick up a K20D or whatever. A FF Pentax would be nice, but not really needed here, in my world.
Besides, by the time Pentax brings one out, it will be outclassed by the iPhone 10.