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Nov 1, 2018 11:28:58   #
DHooch
 
I have a Pentax K-5 II and three new zoom lenses. I chose Pentax because I have always owned Pentax film cameras and have three older fixed and zoom lenses. They all work on my K-5 II because of the lens mount and internal image stabilization. My older lenses have to be used in manual or semi-automatic mode and are not auto-focas, but, they work. I love my Pentax.

What I don't like about my Pentax is the back view screen is not useful for video since it doesn't swivel, so I have to hold the camera at eye-level all the time. In addition, you have to move the mode knob to go from stills to video, instead of just a button, like some cameras have.

I shoot both RAW and jpeg simultaneously, for quick preview and sharing, and then have RAW for editing, if I need to do post-processing.

The weather resistant camera and some of their lenses come in handy when you are caught in bad weather. I was in Canada shooting in very misty conditions and that feature came in real handy.

I think you will be very satisfied with your decision.

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Nov 1, 2018 12:57:54   #
Nosaj Loc: Sarasota, Florida
 
I think it’s great to hear from Pentax nation. When other members of my camera club ask which Canon or Nikon I use, I smile. I often get the same question in public comments under my photo postings on Facebook. And, the same question comes up in the exhibit room where my images are being dislayed. My Pentax equipment include the K5, K3, K01 and a number of Pentax lenses.
Anyone out there have experience with the KP?

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Nov 1, 2018 13:13:03   #
Riggson Loc: Tucson, Az
 
New to the forums but a long time Pentax user. If you get into using the vintage glass make sure to educate yourself about the 'Ricoh Pin'. Some old Ricoh lenses have an aperture pin that can cause the lens to jam on the body.
Robert

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Nov 1, 2018 16:05:04   #
digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan
 
True that!! A learned observation. I just never tried to use ANY RICOH lenses. Not up to standard. RJM.

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Nov 1, 2018 16:06:50   #
digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan
 
The Pentax 12-24 is very good indeed!! RJM

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Nov 1, 2018 16:37:59   #
alandg46 Loc: Boerne, Texas
 
I too have shot Pentax since 1968. I now split between Pentax and Nikon. The Nikon only because the tracking focus of Pentax is sadly lacking. Other than that you can't go wrong with Pentax.

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Nov 1, 2018 18:54:23   #
Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England
 
DHooch wrote:
I have a Pentax K-5 II and three new zoom lenses. I chose Pentax because I have always owned Pentax film cameras and have three older fixed and zoom lenses. They all work on my K-5 II because of the lens mount and internal image stabilization. My older lenses have to be used in manual or semi-automatic mode and are not auto-focas, but, they work. I love my Pentax.

What I don't like about my Pentax is the back view screen is not useful for video since it doesn't swivel, so I have to hold the camera at eye-level all the time. In addition, you have to move the mode knob to go from stills to video, instead of just a button, like some cameras have.

I shoot both RAW and jpeg simultaneously, for quick preview and sharing, and then have RAW for editing, if I need to do post-processing.

The weather resistant camera and some of their lenses come in handy when you are caught in bad weather. I was in Canada shooting in very misty conditions and that feature came in real handy.

I think you will be very satisfied with your decision.
I have a Pentax K-5 II and three new zoom lenses. ... (show quote)


DHooch - I think the OP mentioned he'd just bought a Pentax K-S2 - which DOES have a fully-articulating screen. So does the current K-70. Love the scratch-proof, fingermark-proof screen on my K-50. Pentax has THAT feature covered well.



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Nov 1, 2018 20:03:07   #
DHooch
 
I assumed the model was a typo. I haven't heard of a Pentax K-S2.

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Nov 1, 2018 20:11:54   #
Mr. Fuzzy
 
I have been a Pentaxian since 1976 when my Dad bought me a K1000. I still have it and the original 28mm and 50mm lenses!
I just purchased a Vintage 300mm manual lens. All of these work just fine on my K50. I just have to set it for manual Focus.

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Nov 1, 2018 20:19:22   #
jburlinson Loc: Austin, TX
 
Flickwet wrote:
I’ve been using Oly mft and Nikon crop and FF. Just picked up a Pentax K-S2, lovely piece of kit, I know nothing of their lenses, anybody here have an opinion?


I, too, have a K-S2 and think it's a super camera. It is definitely the last DSLR I will ever buy. Most of my shooting is now with MFT cameras and the wonderful zoom lenses native to that format.

I'm keeping my Pentax for use with the "holy trinity" of primes, which are, IMO, the equivalent of any glass anywhere -- (1) SMC Pentax-FA 31mm F1.8 AL Limited, (2) SMC Pentax-FA 43mm F1.9 Limited, and (3) SMC Pentax-FA 77mm F1.8 Limited.

Otherwise, Pentax glass, while very good, often doesn't outperform 3rd party manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron, which usually have lower pricetags. Just my opinion, of course.

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Nov 1, 2018 20:43:35   #
Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.
 
Flickwet wrote:
Thank-you, anyone familiar with their wide angle lenses?


Here ya go.... you can find just about every lens they ever made there.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/

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Nov 1, 2018 20:50:08   #
suterjo Loc: Delaplane, VA
 
All,

I've used Pentax since junior high school (early '60's) since I couldn't afford Nikon and Cannon didn't really exist at that point. It's still the best bargain and highest quality. I really don't think you can beat it. I've got a bunch of aftermarket secondary lenses but the mainstay is still Pentax.

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Nov 1, 2018 23:20:14   #
Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England
 
DHooch wrote:
I assumed the model was a typo. I haven't heard of a Pentax K-S2.


D - the K-S2 followed the K-S1 - which had a fixed screen and was offered in many colors and textures, too ... a novelty item which sported LED lights along the shutter-release button edge. It sold out very quickly. The K-S2 has the same format - size-wise, but added the fully-articulating screen (along with different-colored base plates) - they are both discontinued, now - but you can still find the K-S2 new, if you look around. The K-70 replaced them both, and is the follow-on to the K-30/K-50 series.

The K-70 (with fully articulating screen) and the KP - with a tilting screen, are the only APS-C Pentax bodies offered currently.
The K-3 can only be found, used, now - but the K-3 II (with GPS, sans built-in flash) is still out there ... look around ...

I think Pentax is primarily pushing the K-1 II as its current flagship - even though it IS a full-frame camera. I read somewhere there would be a successor to the K-3 II - but, it's a long way off, I gather ....

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Nov 2, 2018 07:27:07   #
Nosaj Loc: Sarasota, Florida
 
What's the verdict on the KP? I read the specs to determine it's difference to the K70, but I need to hear from users.

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Nov 2, 2018 13:35:28   #
Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England
 
Here's a side-by-side comparison of the smaller Pentax APS-C bodies. As you can see, the K-S1, K-S2 and K-70 are all considerably smaller than the K-50 and K-30 bodies - which are both 5" wide. The K-S1 was definitely the smaller of the two - though, so, I suspect Camera Decision flipped those two measurements. Anyway, clearly, the K-S1 and K-S2 - both being considerably sub-par to the now, pretty-much established 5" width for most APS-C bodies - were designed for smaller hands - read kids or young women. The K-70 is also smaller than the K-50 and K-30, as you can see. I think the KP is a 5" body, tho'.

https://cameradecision.com/multi-compare/Pentax-K-50-vs-Pentax-K-S1-vs-Pentax-K-S2-vs-Pentax-K-70-vs-Pentax-K-30

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