Just curious.... how many of you shoot Pentax cameras? (Page 6): I had a Leica IIIf for several years until my son came home from Vietnam with a Pentax Spotmatic. What a revelation:the...

cgchief Loc: Jarrettsville

Dewman wrote:

Before any of you go off on me, I'm NOT trying to start a conflict as to which is better. I'm just curious to find out how many share my experienced with the brand and what particular models they use.

I'm always amused at how vociferous many who shoot "OTHER" brands become when they get even a slight hint that there's a perceived slam against their favorite. Chill, my brothers and sisters. That's not what this is about. ;)

I had a Leica IIIf for several years until my son came home from Vietnam with a Pentax Spotmatic. What a revelation:the Pentax was so superior to the Leica that I immediately bought a Spotmatic; and later a ME super.
Now digital I have an *ist DL, K10D, and the K3; and several lenses.
For Christmas, or was it my birthday on 12-28, I gave myself the Pentax smc DFA 100mm f/2.8 WR Macro lens. Real quality.

cgchief Loc: Jarrettsville

Dewman wrote:

Before any of you go off on me, I'm NOT trying to start a conflict as to which is better. I'm just curious to find out how many share my experienced with the brand and what particular models they use.

I'm always amused at how vociferous many who shoot "OTHER" brands become when they get even a slight hint that there's a perceived slam against their favorite. Chill, my brothers and sisters. That's not what this is about. ;)

I had a Leica IIIf for several years until my son came home from Vietnam with a Pentax Spotmatic. What a revelation:the Pentax was so superior to the Leica that I immediately bought a Spotmatic; and later a ME super.
Now digital I have an *ist DL, K10D, and the K3; and several lenses.
For Christmas, or was it my birthday on 12-28, I gave myself the Pentax smc DFA 100mm f/2.8 WR Macro lens. Real quality.

TreborLow

Mostly Pentax from old film to current K3. Also a variety from old half-frame Olympus Pen EE to a Zorki, to a 2 1/4in square twin lens, to a 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 Speed Graphic. So much fun with all of them, but the go to camera has always been a Pentax. Box full of lens from a 12 mm to a 500mm of various brands. Love the Pentax 50 f1.7 from the old days and still use it when the light is low. Also with extension tubes for close-ups.
:)

Neubee Loc: Wisconsin

I first had a K200d which I really liked..
My next one was a Kx, took good photos but it had a very poor focus system and you really had to watch what you were doing.. My latest is a K50 and i like it..

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

*(Hit wrong button so I deleted my post.)

Gary D

Was in the Army in Korea in 1971 and bought a Pentax SP II and some Vivitar lenses. I used the camera in Korea, Germany, Japan as well as here at home. I still have it and used it until the small digital cameras hit the market. I'm now retired and recently bought a Nikon D7100, which I'm learning to love.

Gary D

Was in the Army in Korea in 1971 and bought a Pentax SP II and some Vivitar lenses. I used the camera in Korea, Germany, Japan as well as here at home. I still have it and used it until the small digital cameras hit the market. I'm now retired and recently bought a Nikon D7100, which I'm learning to love.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

cgchief wrote:

I had a Leica IIIf for several years until my son came home from Vietnam with a Pentax Spotmatic. What a revelation:the Pentax was so superior to the Leica
...

May I assume that you did not have a Visoflex for the IIIf?

Marionsho Loc: Kansas

Gary D wrote:

Was in the Army in Korea in 1971 and bought a Pentax SP II and some Vivitar lenses. I used the camera in Korea, Germany, Japan as well as here at home. I still have it and used it until the small digital cameras hit the market. I'm now retired and recently bought a Nikon D7100, which I'm learning to love.

Thanks for your service Gary, and welcome to the Hog. :thumbup:

Mundj Loc: Richmond TX

My most used lens is the Pentax DA18-135mm, my next favorite is the DA 50mm f/1.8. It is very sharp. I have been very satisfied with my two kit lens the DA18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 and the DA50-200mm f/4-5.6. My biggest disappointment was the *DA16-50 f/2.8. It was very heavy and has not aged well. I have paid once to have it repaired after the warranty and it needs it again. It makes me question if I will ever again purchase a Pentax lens with a SDM focusing drive.

Dewman Loc: SW Idaho

After reading all the posts on this thread, it appears that many of us are sorta' "long in the tooth" so to speak and have followed the same path to becoming a Pentaxian in that we bought our first Pentax while overseas during our enlistment, either in the Vietnam War or the Korean "Conflict."

It seems that a lot of us began our odyssey with a Spotmatic. A fantastic camera that turned the SLR world on it's ear with it's through-the-lens light meter. Mine served me well for almost two decades, then I switched to a ME Super.... another legendary camera that is still sought out by film buffs.

I'm always at a loss as to why Pentax(Ricoh) doesn't advertise their products. I've heard several different reasons, some which hold water, some that don't. They produce some wonderful products and yet you never see a single add in any magazine or on TV. Never. Odd, that.

Mundj Loc: Richmond TX

I agree, it is unfortunate that Ricoh is not pushing their products. My new K-3 has wonderful features that may be unique to Pentax. I have not spent a lot of time following the competition to be able to discuss the differences though.

Fatford Loc: Rock Hill, South Carolina

I would have preferred to buy a Pentax DSLR instead of the Nikon, but the local photo shop pushed me away from the Pentax as there isn't much support for them in my area. I couldn't find anyone that carried them to go and be able to pickup, look through and feel the camera before purchase.
I don't have many Pentax lenses except the standard 50mm 1.2. My favorite lens that I used most is a Kiron 28-85 2.8 zoom. My other lenses are Kiron 80-200 4.5 zoom, and a Tokina 5.6 400mm. Also used a Kiron 2x converter for the far out birding shots.

Marionsho Loc: Kansas

Dewman wrote:

After reading all the posts on this thread, it app... (show quote)

My first SLR was a Minolta X700. My buddy bought a Pentax K1000. He couldn't believe my Minolta needed a battery to work. I couldn't believe the shots he would get with his Pentax using Kodachrome.

dhowland

Just heard the other day from a friend's father that his first camera was a Pentax spotmatic that he began using as a soldier. This is interesting history I think.