First 35mm was a Yashica Electro 35 (I think) rangefinder, which I got somewhere used in the late 70's. It had a 50mm non interchangeable lens. My first SLR was a Yashica TL-Super, which I also got used in 1980. It was all manual, but easy to use, and I liked the picture quality. In '82 I bought my first new SLR, a Pentax ME-Super, which was also my first that had a semi-auto mode. All my friends at the time had Canon AE-1's, but I thought the aperture priority of the Pentax made more sense than the shutter priority of the AE-1, plus I liked the compact size and extra shutter speed ranges it offered. I got the black body and paid extra for the 50mm f1.4 lens, which I still have (camera and lens) and still works fine. The lens is in pristine condition, but unfortunately it is the "M" (manual) and not the "A" (auto) model...my latest digital camera (Pentax K3) can easily utilize the "Pentax-A" lenses in both manual and semi-auto modes with not problem, and although it can use the "Pentax-M" lenses in manual, it's a two step process of stopping down, locking exposure, then recomposing, which is more inconvenient. Anyway, the ME-Super was my main camera through the 80's and 90's, and I still have it to this day.
I have a Pentax K3, and one feature I really like on it is that when you set it in timer mode or remote mode, it by default automatically disables the VR. I guess they assume that if you are using either one of those functions you most likely have the camera on a tripod, or rock, or fencepost or something. I suppose you could then enable the VR if you wanted to, but I cant think of a situation where you would want to. Anyway, it's great for us older guys because we don't have to remember to shut the VR off, or to turn it back on afterward. Now since Nikon and Canon have their VR in the lens I don't know if it can be controlled through the body menu. It's something the two companies should work on if they aren't able to do it already.
I did notice when I switched to BBF my batteries seemed to run out faster. I guess because with the focus motor running more often it eats batteries sooner.
Thanks whomever posted about disabling the VR for panning...I'm gonna try it and see if I get any improvement.
I just received this Q-999C tripod I ordered from eBay...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/371822349543?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
I haven't played around much with it yet, but I did take some indoor low light shots (Pentax K3, 300mm zoom, low ISO) with shutter speeds ranging from 1/5th to 5 seconds, and I was just floored at the sharpness and detail on the shots. I had tried some older tripods (medium duty, but fairly stout) that my brother gave me, but I wasn't impressed with the results, so I was a little worried that this light carbon fiber model wouldn't be up to the task, but so far very impressed. It is light weight for travel, but seems to be well made...time will tell how it holds up. It is made in the Far East (China), but then again that's where most the cameras are made.
Hi,
Have you considered getting a Pentax DSLR? I bought a Pentax K-3 last year for about the same price point (one 55-300mm lens, though), and am very very happy with it. It is a little higher end (enthusiast, pro-sumer model) and stacks up well against the Nikon D7200 or Canon 7D Mk II. It is perhaps a little heavy due to the metal body and weather sealing, etc., but has a really nice solid grip and feel, and built like a tank. You can also utilize older Pentax mount lenses...the "SMC Pentax-A" lenses work very well, as you can use the semi auto modes (just focus and shoot), and the same for the older auto focus lenses (screw-drive motor in body). The -M- lenses (and M42 with adaptor) can also be used, but are trickier and in manual only. Pentax also has the image stabilization at the sensor, so all lenses will therefore be stabilized. Another advantage is a real pentaprism viewfinder...I believe the Nikon D3xxx and D5xxx models are penta-mirror. All the controls are well paced and very intuitive to operate...it's just a pleasure to use. Pentax also has a new model, the K70, which is more of an entry or mid level (probably same league as the D5500) and shares many of the features as the K3 and K3 ii, and also has the pentaprism viewfinder. Anyway, I know Pentax doesn't get much love on most camera forums and sites, but they are definitely worth a look. Here are a couple of links worth checking out...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obRn__ZBq2A
http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon-D7200-vs-Pentax-K-3
PS. I also had an ME Super in my film days...loved it!
I saw Pam in concert at the Fayetteville County Fair in Texas about 10 years ago, or so...it was great! I wished I had a decent camera back then, but all I had was a cheap point & shoot. All the pictures came out terrible, but it was a very enjoyable concert none the less.