Doug B.

I own a Pentax MX body and a multitude of K mount lenses. My question is should I purchase a Pentax DSLR body and take advantage of the lenses I already have, or go with a different brand of camera altogether? The only reason I ask this question is I don’t see a lot of discussion about Pentax but I DO see a lot of discussion and cameras/lenses for sale wearing the brands of Nikon and Canon. I have a limited budget and would appreciate advise from fellow photogs. Thanks in advance!

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Get a Pentax K1 and use them all

turp77 Loc: Connecticut, Plainfield

I agree with MT go with the K1 and use your old lens and enjoy shooting

A10 Loc: Southern Indiana

I have a K-1 and really am impressed with the focusing and quality. J too would recommend buying a new or used K-1.

GreyOwl40 Loc: Quebec City

Agree with the above. With your investment in K mount lenses, go with the K1. It is an impressive camera.

repleo Loc: Boston

When I was researching for a Full Frame camera, I found that the K1 seemed to be a wonderful camera at a great price. Owners on the Pentax forums were universal in their praise of the camera, but there seemed to be a lot of pessimism about whether Pentax could survive the downturn in the DSLR market. That was nearly two years ago, and Pentax seems to be still going strong so maybe the pessimism was unfounded.

gmw12 Loc: Indianapolis & Windsor/UK & Montreux/Switzerl

and if your budget is very tight, the Pentax XP is a great option and probably the APS-C body with the most features at this price.

alawry Loc: Timaru New Zealand

I'll chuck in sixpennce worth. Like you, I thought I had, with my ME Super, the lens base covered and "upgraded" after a long time, to a ist DL. However, non of my lenses were autofocus, and I found the newer cameras with autofusing not so good with manual focus. Others may dissagree. anyway, I then aquired, second hand, quite a few later autofocus lenses. Maybe pertinent, is the fact I was out of the game for quite a while and missed early generation autofocus. At my workplace a new man started, he had a Pentax ist and let me borrow it, I found it great, and I could affors a second hand one for myself. not long after we both bought a K-30 Pentax each. So this man Mick, his hobby is motor sport photography. I read a lot, and learnt about the Canon Focusing system, I forget it's name, the focus ring in the lens is part of the focus motor. It struck me that would focus a lot quicker, oh Ultra Sonic system? so with a bit more research, and I think I asked advice on UHH, I bought a s/h Canon 30d and a few lenses. I did like it. I then moved to a D50, I guess I should upgrade to a D80 but mostly happy with the D50. And of course I still use the Pentax K30. I feel like a real traitor when I say the Canon "feels" nicer.

I've had a lot of fun, learning, and satisfaction from the lot. But I would say, unless your lenses are Autofocusing, your "investment" in K mount is dated and you will find yourself updating lenses soon after. In which case, why go Pentax? I feel a traitorous Heel writing that. But I'm only passing on my experiences and thoughts. I'm not going to unsay it, I do expect a real earbashing. We all have different expectations. Good luck, let us know any outcomes, and hey, you can always change your mind or travel two roads at once. I've got this friend loves his Nikons, says I can borrow for a play.......And I've inherited a Yashica with a nice 24-105 2.8 lens. Doesn't that fit a modern Sony? I'd love to try one of those too. I think a nephew has an OM-D I used to admire the OM1 when I had my Spotmatic. There's only money stopping me. Andrew

bedouin Loc: Big Bend area, Texas

I own and use 4 Pentax digital bodies. When I switched in 2008, the ability to use virtually any 35 mm lens the company ever produced was a major factor for me.All your old lenses will cover the FF K-1 but are only manual focus. Their newer and more expensive digital lenses will auto focus and give slightly better IQ.However there are thousands of earlier model af lenses available at bargain prices.

I am very pleased with my cameras and lenses and will stay with Pentax until I croak.

Doug B.

Wow! Thanks for all the responses. Due to the number of responses, I guess there is STILL a Pentax following. I was hesitant to even consider another Pentax due to what seemed like little interest on the forum, and the lack of cameras for sale. At this point, maybe I have changed my mind. I will look out on the market and see what’s available for a price I can afford. Thanks for the help everybody!
Doug

gmw12 Loc: Indianapolis & Windsor/UK & Montreux/Switzerl

and there is a specific Pentax users forum for pure Pentax help...

aaalegre Loc: New Jersey

limited budget:
A used Pentax camera would most likely be your best bet.

Wanderer2 Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains

And it's a gold mine of information and there's lots of used equipment for sale.

www.pentaxforums.com

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

My personal opinion is that you should go with Pentax otherwise you will have to sell what you have and start all over again if you buy another brand. That means more expenses.
Nothing wrong with Pentax cameras and lenses.

alawry Loc: Timaru New Zealand

i've tried to edit this post but left it too late. Sorry, Where I say D30 d80 and d50 I should say 80D and 50D and 30D. But you probably know that. Andrew.