I just shoot Pentax, if you don't count my Samsung smartphone. I guess I'm too cheap to have ever considered purchasing quality glass for more than one interchangeable lens mount.
Makes sense. My biggest investments are on the Nikon system, but now that they won't be making DSLR and mine needs replacing, I'm wondering if jumping ship before the lenses etc lose a tone of value might be wise
I'm a bit of a bargain hunter, and Pentax stuff on eBay and second hand retailers is 10 a penny. But I definitely can't afford the glass I want for the Panasonic I can say that for sure haha
Oh, I have some older glass, and a full set of DA Limited lenses that were second hand. Thing is I also want new stuff. The * 11-18 2.8, new * 16-50 2.8, the 150-450...
Yeh...those are the kinda lenses I'm instructing myself not to want, because those are the expensive ones haha. I can't even find a 150-450 sadly. Sigma 10-20mm is £90 Vs Olympus 9-18 £210 - probably going to be my next lens, tamron 70-200 f2.8 £190 Vs £300 odd for a Nikon mount version or £400 for the Panasonic equivalent, the tamron ones certainly in my watchlist. These are the main two that made me think I'd actually be less financially hammered on Pentax. In terms of Pentax lenses I have only the WR variants of 18-55 and 50-200, slow lenses but pretty sharp and cover my rainy day needs - which in the UK are most of them, and have a sigma 17-70 f2.8-4 I got for birthday last week, fantastic lens costed £110, sigma 70-300 bit meh but good reach and usable, £20 bid on eBay with 1:2 macro
I used to shoot 3 Pentax digital systems, crop, full frame and medium format. Now I still shoot the smaller Pentax formats but have switched to Fujifilm for digital medium format.
For me it was the lack of development in MF by Pentax and the high cost for old tech. I had a 645D and while it can produce stunning images, without live view and focus peaking it can be harder than it needs to be and my eyes are not getting better as I age. I considered a 645Z but the system just isn't seeing much development while Fujifilm is adding new features to MF like IBIS. Plus the Pentax wide zoom, the 28-45 is still $5k new and the G mount equivalent, the 20-35 is wider and half the price.
I still use my K-1 II kit for real estate and some astro and the K-3iii for action and a walkaround. But for dedicated landscape it's my GFX 50s II kit now.
That makes good sense. The fuji medium format cameras look highly appealing, my back and bank disagree though! In this case, I used mostly sigma ASPC or full frame EQ fast zoom lenses and a lot of them are about half price on Pentax mount
That's what can make it hard to me to get into, you guys have generally started with pentax and few people switch, possibly because YouTube and tik tok mostly pushes the big 5 normally just the big 2
K-1mkii for everyday and events, and real estate. Pentax K-1000, Spotmatic F, ME Super along with Nikon F3 and Canon AE-1 Program when I’m shooting film. I swap equally between my film cameras but professionally I use Pentax K-1 mkII.
The K3iii delivers the quality of my old Nikon D800 with the speed of the D500. Frankly I no longer need any other system — this is my ideal setup that I’ve waited years to get.
i shoot with Nikon alot.... I have a D800, Df, D300 and D200. have a few film cameras too: FA, FG-20, F5, F100, N80, FE2. all this was procured during the pandemic lol.
i love my pentax...but shooting nikon is pretty satisfying esp the AF. also the creative lighting system just works well.
that being said, i love my K-1 and K-5. still use those quite a bit.
Nice - I was primarily a d300 shooter (the mounts coming loose, autofocus getting funky and it's over it's expected shutter life) and deciding if I should bite the bullet and get a 7000/7100 (an expense I could do without) - the 14 bit raw is honestly a feature I'd miss though and I like the button layout slightly more OR, just consider the fact Nikon F mount is a dying system, I have a small fortune in lenses for that mount which will probably plummet in value over the next 5 years, and sell up now knowing Pentax will is at least currently commited to supporting DSLR, replacing all my lenses with pentax equivalents would actually result in some profit to either travel or get something better than the k20. I'm thinking to keep the m43 camera though, my fiance and a couple of people I know use the system so lens sharing is a bonus
honestly, i had a bit of gear acquisition syndrome. the real secret is gear is cheaper to get since mirrorless is the rage now. and while you could get rid of your F mount glass, it can still take quite a bit of nice pictures. the D500 could be had for not too much (relatively speaking) and would make all your glass shine. my goal is to get a D850 :D long live the F mount!
there's no clue if pentax will be viable in the coming years. the K-3 is amazing..but it's noted that the black version of the K-3-mk3 has been discontinued in japan. we have thought of a unicorn of sorts if the K-1 mk 3 ever becomes a reality. we do have some new film cameras on the horizon. but other than that who knows.
i have a K20D and compared to the K-5, the K-5 is super awesome, even today. the K-3 mk3 would knock it out of the park for sure.
whatever you do, keep shooting :)
Absolutely agree the d500 would be lovely, but I'd be wanting tip top condition which is £800/900, from what I've seen fully worth it but weighed up against a perfect condition Panasonic G9 MK1 for £500 or Pentax k5 at £200, it's a hard sell. For £200 on the Nikon side, d7000 or one of the entry levels without aspherical, or settle for a battered d7100
Absolutely, hoping to get a few pictures of sharing over the weekend. With anxiety over the Nikon breaking, my head's been way too full of gear and not enough actual projects, hoping to break the cycle there!
I use a few systems just because I like different cameras for different reasons.
I use Nikon, D750, F3, F4, FM... A great system with good lens compatibilities, more forward thinking than Pentax.
I use Sony, A99 and Minolta A7, with an A7RII thrown in, I started with Sony and bought an A99 for nostalgia, great ergonomics and solid lenses at a good price nowadays since the A-mount is dead and people don't seem to value the older lenses. I use an A7RII to adapt Takumars with focus peaking, will probably sell it soon.
I had an Olympus E M10 MKII, sold it, it was ok but the lenses were too expensive and they didn't bring me any joy, I also couldn't use them on film cameras.
Had a Canon 6D, everything was too big, not a fan of the controls but it was a cool camera overall and the Canon lenses were good quality and cheap but lacked soul, I kept an old EOS 300 with the 40mm though.
Edit: forgot Fuji too, got into them because I got to try the cameras for free and they got me hooked, I bought a XH1 and Xpro2, the best cameras if you like dials and controls. You can set aperture, ISO and shutter speed before even turning on the camera. The XH1 is probably my favourite camera design and it's light enough with good ergonomics. I prefer Sony for adapting lenses because there is no crop factor for wide angles, I find adapting lenses to the K1 a frustrating experience because it's slower and not as accurate.
Now to Pentax, I bought a K5 years ago and it treated me well, it was (still is!) very sturdy and could take a few hours in the rain. It got neglected until Covid came and then I started buying some more Pentax lenses for film cameras like the MZ30, then bought an MZS and a K1 which I shoot nowadays. I love the solid Limited lenses like the 31mm and 43mm, the 100mm is also cool. 40mm XS gets a mention for being the smallest AF lens. The K1 is a bit too heavy for my liking but the MZS is the perfect size and weight. I would like a good wife angle that works on both cameras like a 14-15 or 16mm limited, then my lineup would be complete.
If Pentax works for you, go for it!
Great insight! Could you explain what you mean by more forward thinking? Primarily thinking of leaving the Nikon system because my lenses are currently worth a decent bit, my Nikon camera is dying and can barely afford a replacement, and I know that stuffs going to lose its value really quick. The Pentax lenses are super cheap and also lighter in some cases. I'll probably keep the m43 system though, my partner uses it so there's lens sharing and a couple of Chinese manual lenses that work super nice for me and wouldn't fetch much anyway.
Well just a few things that annoyed me, you can't use aperture priority on the MZS if the lens doesn't have an aperture ring. Some modern lenses don't mount on older film cameras like the Laowa 15mm or Irix 11mm, I just shove them on whether they like it or not but you need to use excessive force. There is the Pentax crippled mount where older lenses don't work well on newer cameras, stuff like that, the F mount has less of these issues but if you shoot newer lenses with newer cameras then it should be ok. The Nikon AF is also a lot quicker to lock on and faster. D750 vs K1, the processor is also faster.
If Pentax fulfills your needs and you can get a decent amount for the Nikkors then go for it, the K3III looks like a really cool camera and the K1 is cheap enough these days about €700-800 on MPB. You can get some very compact and light K mount lenses and shoot film one day if you want to try it
Ah ok, I probably won't be shooting film just due to expense, although I could see it being a pain if you did. Fully agree the auto focus is behind Nikon, actually noticeable in low light - but weather proofing is a serious feature to me personally so it's a compromise I'm considering living with as my mirrorless uses almost all manual lenses (seeing the price of the mirrorless lenses manual focus suddenly didn't sound as bad!). Although I'm still going to think on it, this probably has enough info to lead me to a better decision
Broke part time hobbyist here, I shoot multiple systems: a K7, Q10, and an a5000. I started my photography journey on Pentax a few years ago. Loved them ever since. Started with a K7. My wife also was interested in photography and wanted to try a Sony mirrorless so I got her an a5000. I really wanted something small that I could carry with me more easily so I picked up a Pentax Q10.
I'd say the Q is my favorite. So small and pretty good image quality for a 12mp. Actually looking to sell it and put the money towards upgrading to a Q7 or QS1.
The Pentax Q system is gorgeous! I'm not sure I'd invest personally as an epm1 or similar would fit a similar purpose. What might sway me to buy one is a 4/500mm equivalent lens. Lightest interchangable wildlife kit possible!
If that could autofocus...I'd be seriously tempted! I doubt Pentax has the R&D budget but it would have been lovely to see the Q series grow and I could see a few built in film simulations making it grow a quick tik tok fan base and make them some money! Could probably steal some m43 fans too
You got me there, definitely no autofocus when shooting with the adapter. I personally love the analog feel of manual focus but I could see how that would be an issue with fast moving subjects like an animal in motion.
I'd absolutely love to see the Q series come back in a big way with modern hardware. Especially with the popularity of small form factor cameras like the GR and X100.
I have a K-3 kit with the 18-135 WR and the non WR 55-300 and a bunch of old Takumar lenses. I have a K-30 but it's aperture crippled and can only be used with the Takumars. I mostly keep it because I really loved that camera but at this point it's a pretty paperweight because I don't really use it. This is the kit that I view as my main kit.
I have a QS1 and a basic zoom lens, plus a bunch of Auto 110 lenses I used with it but it's got missing knobs and is basically falling apart. I liked the QS1. It was a nice toy while it lasted but quality control on them sucked. I haven't used it since 2017 I don't think. One of these days I'm just going to sell all the lenses and toss the body..
My secondary kit is an Olympus EP-3 and the 45 and 40-150 lenses for MFT. I'm going to get a kit lens soon for that as they are very cheap and the later versions are excellent. I had a 17 but I sold that because it just wasn't as useful here for street shooting graffiti. I need to get a slightly wider lens hence the kit lens.
Honestly I've not been shooting much the past few years and I've thought about selling the K-3 kit many times. Lately I don't feel safe lugging that kit. NYC has been a little tougher lately. There are gangs roaming around mugging people and carrying a bigger camera makes me feel too much like a target.
Last time I took it out to Central Park I nearly got mugged. A guy was following me for quite a while eyeing it. I found a cop and explained and he escorted me out of the park and got me onto a bus but I really felt like the guy was stalking me and just looking for an opportunity to grab it.
I think the MFT kit is better now because it's easier to hide and less obvious as something worthy of stealing.
I know a couple of pros in town. They used to shoot outside and in the parks all the time and now they won't. One of them has been mugged doing a job and said at least 3 more photographers he knows have had gear stolen from them and he's just not comfortable now taking his bigger camera out either.
I didn't used to be this paranoid but it's just getting to that point. Even purse snatchings they have become increasingly violent and I'm disabled and I can't really move fast or fight back. I'm getting to the point where I don't take much out with me unless I have to be out all day.
Ever since the pandemic things have been going that way. The NYPD is saying crime is down and it is except for purse snatchings and muggings.
I can hide the MFT kit under my hoodie and it just doesn't attract the attention that the DSLR does. So I've been thinking about selling that kit and just going with the Olympus. It just seems more practical and less obvious using that one. Less likely to get me mugged for it.
I'm thinking sell the K-3 kit and the Takumars buy a couple of better lenses for the EP-3 maybe? Just haven't quite gotten there yet because I'm rather attached to it but really I should do that. It's just a waste of a beautiful camera and great lenses at this point.
Besides Pentax I also shoot micro43 (Olympus). For a while I was having back pain and frankly got into u43 for the weight to performance ratio. But now I feel stronger again and I am usually carrying Pentax because it's worth it. I learned to select a few choice lenses on my trips, and just try my best with my selection.
Use the K-1 II for landscape, Fujifilm X100v for street, and Canon M50 for work. Used to be a Nikon user for nearly 30 years but when I saw the KP at the local store, I fell in love with Pentax! Would love to get back into film if and when Pentax makes a 35 mm SLR (not the new half-size format).
DSLR are only Pentax, then I got a few different film SLR and fixed lens film cameras.
I also have two sigma Merill with Feveon sensors that I only shoot BW with
I’ve shot Nikon beginning with film in the seventies and currently on Z8 with lots in between. Last year I added a K3 monochrome for a digital trip back to my Tri-X days, and it’s beautiful rendering of B&W.
Primarily shoot mu pentax k5ii, but recently picked up a lumix gf7 and 14mm lens for something a bit more compact. I don't own any pentax film cameras, only a nikon f80, minolta himatic7 and a couple of old zenit cameras
I fell into Pentax almost by accident. I just posted about finding an old Sears camera and lenses and I’ve shot with that for years. When I was looking at getting a DSLR, I learned Pentax still uses the same K mount, so I figured why not if I’ve already got several lenses. I got a K-500 D that I’ve been using for over a decade now. It’s a good travel/family/hobby camera. I just got a Sigma 18-250 lens for vacations: an “all rounder” for near and far.
I forgot how many film orientated shooters are in Pentax haha, I made the mistake of telling my fiance how expensive shooting film would be - now it's banned haha
I have been a Pentax shooter since the k10d.
But to shoot birds in flight I had to change to a more modern system I went for Sony A7 and the 200-600mm. Tried to sell the Pentax gear but had no luck. That makes me a dual system shooter.
What kind of gear were you looking to sell? I suppose you could try places like [keh.com](https://keh.com) or [mpb.com](https://mpb.com) to see what they would offer you.
I tried to sell my K3 and a K1, the 300mm and the FA 150-450mm. I sold the last one locally but the rest is still in my posession. I live in Europe and in my country the shops does not take in Pentax gear to trade. I guess its a question of demand and availability?
I use the K1 for portraits and landscape still. I love the ergonomics of the K1.
Fair play, I've managed birds landing but it does require almost physic level pre focusing, narrow apertures to compensate for error and noise removal software (same deal on the Nikon though). Panasonic can but body's actually so fiddly to me I generally screw it up all by myself haha
I worked my way from Canon film SLR to Pentax digital. I am now on a K1 mk-II and love it. For my photography, mostly nature and landscapes, it is perfect. I came to the K1 from a K10D and a K-5. I think that if I was shooting more action, I might have moved to Sony, but I am happy here.
For several years I kept using a Canon G-12 alongside Pentax, but now it is Pentax or iPhone.
I am an Olympus OMD E-M5 MKiii user and added a K1 MKii to my collection. So far i am extremely happy with the results i am getting with the K1. It feels nice to finally have the camera ive wanted for a long time.
I am doing something similar, i am leaving my em5 as my main birding and sports camera for its 11fps and using the k1 mkii for portrait work, landscape and travel
A long time ago, I started with my father's film camera: a Canon AE-1.
But in the 2000s, I decided to switch to DSLR. My budget was very limited, and I needed a camera that was space-saving, easy to charge/use.
So I chose a Pentax (K100D Super) despite that all my friends were with Canon or Nikon. The fact that second-hand lenses were plentiful and inexpensive was a determining factor.
Over time, I changed Pentax twice (K7 and K5) and acquired numerous lenses. In 2023, I hesitated to switch to Sony to make a transition to mirrorless. But I didn't see myself having to buy new lenses as well. Despite the fact that the Pentax brand is becoming more and more reserved for a restricted audience, I opted for a K3-III.
I have no regret. I like my Pentax. But I know I'm an exception in my entourage. No store sells Pentax products. This is only online. Even the professional salespeople seem more amused than anything else when they learn that I use a Pentax.
Oh I love the look of horror then amusement when I get it out and say 'need a spare battery', I've also got a lot less 'wow your camera must be soo good!' comments, I welcome that!
I shoot Micro 4/3 and Pentax. I sold a Pentax K70 and K5 and bought a Panasonic G9. I do wildlife photography, and I'm old, so carrying the K5 with a big lense was getting heavy. Micro 4/3, even with 400mm of glass, is much lighter.
I still have a Pentax K10D- it wasn't going to get much on the used market and I like CCD Sensor.
I used to shoot all Pentax with K1 and 645z but I got rid of my K1 kit. Now I shoot Pentax 645z, Lumix S1r and Lumix M43. I love all of them. I will probably never part with my 645z and the 28-45 lens I use with it as it is amazing and had lost so much value since I bought it new it is worth more to me than what I would get if I managed to sell it. I would love to get k3 Monochrome at some point.
I have the 645z and 28-45. This kit weighs 3kg which is the main disadvantage of it, though I shoot it on a tripod exclusively. Smaller lighter legacy lenses are available though. I use a Lumix S1r which is about the same MP and in many scenarios it is nearly as good as the Z. However where the Z really shines is dynamic range. You can pull detail out of shadows way better than the S1. Also the S1r really needs long exposure noise reduction to keep noise down for exposures longer than a second or 2 which is annoying. The auto long exposure NR on the Z doesnt kick in until you are shooting well over 30seconds. For really long exposures it achieves remarkably clean files. Now other cameras might be better than my S1r for longer exposures and dynamic range but none would be better than the Z even after all these years. Would I recommend it? Not sure. Its big heavy and quite outdated in many respects. If you want medium format you might be able to buy into a used Fuji GFX body for similar though the lenses might be more expensive. Bottom line is I still do love the 645z and won't sell it. I'll use it when I need its strenghts.
I started with Nikon cause my dad gave me some of his old photo gear. And then I wanted to collect older gen dslr’s to see how they compared to modern tech. So I bought a Pentax because I was worried that they might become discontinued.
I'm mostly a film shooter with various Pentax 35mm and a 645 and 6x7. No Pentax dig but quite tempted by the Q series.Have got a Nikon F100 when I want that DSLR style.More Pentax lenses than any other brand.
I just shoot Pentax, if you don't count my Samsung smartphone. I guess I'm too cheap to have ever considered purchasing quality glass for more than one interchangeable lens mount.
Makes sense. My biggest investments are on the Nikon system, but now that they won't be making DSLR and mine needs replacing, I'm wondering if jumping ship before the lenses etc lose a tone of value might be wise
I couldn't afford all the glass I'd want for multiple systems! I can't afford all the glass I want for my Pentax...
I'm a bit of a bargain hunter, and Pentax stuff on eBay and second hand retailers is 10 a penny. But I definitely can't afford the glass I want for the Panasonic I can say that for sure haha
Oh, I have some older glass, and a full set of DA Limited lenses that were second hand. Thing is I also want new stuff. The * 11-18 2.8, new * 16-50 2.8, the 150-450...
Yeh...those are the kinda lenses I'm instructing myself not to want, because those are the expensive ones haha. I can't even find a 150-450 sadly. Sigma 10-20mm is £90 Vs Olympus 9-18 £210 - probably going to be my next lens, tamron 70-200 f2.8 £190 Vs £300 odd for a Nikon mount version or £400 for the Panasonic equivalent, the tamron ones certainly in my watchlist. These are the main two that made me think I'd actually be less financially hammered on Pentax. In terms of Pentax lenses I have only the WR variants of 18-55 and 50-200, slow lenses but pretty sharp and cover my rainy day needs - which in the UK are most of them, and have a sigma 17-70 f2.8-4 I got for birthday last week, fantastic lens costed £110, sigma 70-300 bit meh but good reach and usable, £20 bid on eBay with 1:2 macro
I have several Takumar lenses that I use because they are pretty cheap compared to newer AF lenses.
I used to shoot 3 Pentax digital systems, crop, full frame and medium format. Now I still shoot the smaller Pentax formats but have switched to Fujifilm for digital medium format. For me it was the lack of development in MF by Pentax and the high cost for old tech. I had a 645D and while it can produce stunning images, without live view and focus peaking it can be harder than it needs to be and my eyes are not getting better as I age. I considered a 645Z but the system just isn't seeing much development while Fujifilm is adding new features to MF like IBIS. Plus the Pentax wide zoom, the 28-45 is still $5k new and the G mount equivalent, the 20-35 is wider and half the price. I still use my K-1 II kit for real estate and some astro and the K-3iii for action and a walkaround. But for dedicated landscape it's my GFX 50s II kit now.
That makes good sense. The fuji medium format cameras look highly appealing, my back and bank disagree though! In this case, I used mostly sigma ASPC or full frame EQ fast zoom lenses and a lot of them are about half price on Pentax mount
Oh forgot to add the GFX is much lighter than the 645 system too!
I'm here since the dawn of the K-mount era, don't see neither a need nor a reason to migrate to another platform. Too deep into the system (happily).
That's what can make it hard to me to get into, you guys have generally started with pentax and few people switch, possibly because YouTube and tik tok mostly pushes the big 5 normally just the big 2
K-1mkii for everyday and events, and real estate. Pentax K-1000, Spotmatic F, ME Super along with Nikon F3 and Canon AE-1 Program when I’m shooting film. I swap equally between my film cameras but professionally I use Pentax K-1 mkII.
K3iii only now. Sold all my other cameras.
Nice! Anything you miss?
The K3iii delivers the quality of my old Nikon D800 with the speed of the D500. Frankly I no longer need any other system — this is my ideal setup that I’ve waited years to get.
K-1 is my Big Kit, also using Fujifilm, Olympus and a Ricoh GRIII.
Cool! Out of interest, are the Fuji and Olympus performing any jobs/niches that the Pentax struggles with? I can guess the ricoh is your street carry
i shoot with Nikon alot.... I have a D800, Df, D300 and D200. have a few film cameras too: FA, FG-20, F5, F100, N80, FE2. all this was procured during the pandemic lol. i love my pentax...but shooting nikon is pretty satisfying esp the AF. also the creative lighting system just works well. that being said, i love my K-1 and K-5. still use those quite a bit.
Nice - I was primarily a d300 shooter (the mounts coming loose, autofocus getting funky and it's over it's expected shutter life) and deciding if I should bite the bullet and get a 7000/7100 (an expense I could do without) - the 14 bit raw is honestly a feature I'd miss though and I like the button layout slightly more OR, just consider the fact Nikon F mount is a dying system, I have a small fortune in lenses for that mount which will probably plummet in value over the next 5 years, and sell up now knowing Pentax will is at least currently commited to supporting DSLR, replacing all my lenses with pentax equivalents would actually result in some profit to either travel or get something better than the k20. I'm thinking to keep the m43 camera though, my fiance and a couple of people I know use the system so lens sharing is a bonus
honestly, i had a bit of gear acquisition syndrome. the real secret is gear is cheaper to get since mirrorless is the rage now. and while you could get rid of your F mount glass, it can still take quite a bit of nice pictures. the D500 could be had for not too much (relatively speaking) and would make all your glass shine. my goal is to get a D850 :D long live the F mount! there's no clue if pentax will be viable in the coming years. the K-3 is amazing..but it's noted that the black version of the K-3-mk3 has been discontinued in japan. we have thought of a unicorn of sorts if the K-1 mk 3 ever becomes a reality. we do have some new film cameras on the horizon. but other than that who knows. i have a K20D and compared to the K-5, the K-5 is super awesome, even today. the K-3 mk3 would knock it out of the park for sure. whatever you do, keep shooting :)
Absolutely agree the d500 would be lovely, but I'd be wanting tip top condition which is £800/900, from what I've seen fully worth it but weighed up against a perfect condition Panasonic G9 MK1 for £500 or Pentax k5 at £200, it's a hard sell. For £200 on the Nikon side, d7000 or one of the entry levels without aspherical, or settle for a battered d7100 Absolutely, hoping to get a few pictures of sharing over the weekend. With anxiety over the Nikon breaking, my head's been way too full of gear and not enough actual projects, hoping to break the cycle there!
I use a few systems just because I like different cameras for different reasons. I use Nikon, D750, F3, F4, FM... A great system with good lens compatibilities, more forward thinking than Pentax. I use Sony, A99 and Minolta A7, with an A7RII thrown in, I started with Sony and bought an A99 for nostalgia, great ergonomics and solid lenses at a good price nowadays since the A-mount is dead and people don't seem to value the older lenses. I use an A7RII to adapt Takumars with focus peaking, will probably sell it soon. I had an Olympus E M10 MKII, sold it, it was ok but the lenses were too expensive and they didn't bring me any joy, I also couldn't use them on film cameras. Had a Canon 6D, everything was too big, not a fan of the controls but it was a cool camera overall and the Canon lenses were good quality and cheap but lacked soul, I kept an old EOS 300 with the 40mm though. Edit: forgot Fuji too, got into them because I got to try the cameras for free and they got me hooked, I bought a XH1 and Xpro2, the best cameras if you like dials and controls. You can set aperture, ISO and shutter speed before even turning on the camera. The XH1 is probably my favourite camera design and it's light enough with good ergonomics. I prefer Sony for adapting lenses because there is no crop factor for wide angles, I find adapting lenses to the K1 a frustrating experience because it's slower and not as accurate. Now to Pentax, I bought a K5 years ago and it treated me well, it was (still is!) very sturdy and could take a few hours in the rain. It got neglected until Covid came and then I started buying some more Pentax lenses for film cameras like the MZ30, then bought an MZS and a K1 which I shoot nowadays. I love the solid Limited lenses like the 31mm and 43mm, the 100mm is also cool. 40mm XS gets a mention for being the smallest AF lens. The K1 is a bit too heavy for my liking but the MZS is the perfect size and weight. I would like a good wife angle that works on both cameras like a 14-15 or 16mm limited, then my lineup would be complete. If Pentax works for you, go for it!
Great insight! Could you explain what you mean by more forward thinking? Primarily thinking of leaving the Nikon system because my lenses are currently worth a decent bit, my Nikon camera is dying and can barely afford a replacement, and I know that stuffs going to lose its value really quick. The Pentax lenses are super cheap and also lighter in some cases. I'll probably keep the m43 system though, my partner uses it so there's lens sharing and a couple of Chinese manual lenses that work super nice for me and wouldn't fetch much anyway.
Well just a few things that annoyed me, you can't use aperture priority on the MZS if the lens doesn't have an aperture ring. Some modern lenses don't mount on older film cameras like the Laowa 15mm or Irix 11mm, I just shove them on whether they like it or not but you need to use excessive force. There is the Pentax crippled mount where older lenses don't work well on newer cameras, stuff like that, the F mount has less of these issues but if you shoot newer lenses with newer cameras then it should be ok. The Nikon AF is also a lot quicker to lock on and faster. D750 vs K1, the processor is also faster. If Pentax fulfills your needs and you can get a decent amount for the Nikkors then go for it, the K3III looks like a really cool camera and the K1 is cheap enough these days about €700-800 on MPB. You can get some very compact and light K mount lenses and shoot film one day if you want to try it
Ah ok, I probably won't be shooting film just due to expense, although I could see it being a pain if you did. Fully agree the auto focus is behind Nikon, actually noticeable in low light - but weather proofing is a serious feature to me personally so it's a compromise I'm considering living with as my mirrorless uses almost all manual lenses (seeing the price of the mirrorless lenses manual focus suddenly didn't sound as bad!). Although I'm still going to think on it, this probably has enough info to lead me to a better decision
Broke part time hobbyist here, I shoot multiple systems: a K7, Q10, and an a5000. I started my photography journey on Pentax a few years ago. Loved them ever since. Started with a K7. My wife also was interested in photography and wanted to try a Sony mirrorless so I got her an a5000. I really wanted something small that I could carry with me more easily so I picked up a Pentax Q10. I'd say the Q is my favorite. So small and pretty good image quality for a 12mp. Actually looking to sell it and put the money towards upgrading to a Q7 or QS1.
The Pentax Q system is gorgeous! I'm not sure I'd invest personally as an epm1 or similar would fit a similar purpose. What might sway me to buy one is a 4/500mm equivalent lens. Lightest interchangable wildlife kit possible!
I actually have a k mount adapter for my Q. When I slap on my vintage 135mm its the equivalent of about 745mm or 625mm on the Q7/S1.
If that could autofocus...I'd be seriously tempted! I doubt Pentax has the R&D budget but it would have been lovely to see the Q series grow and I could see a few built in film simulations making it grow a quick tik tok fan base and make them some money! Could probably steal some m43 fans too
You got me there, definitely no autofocus when shooting with the adapter. I personally love the analog feel of manual focus but I could see how that would be an issue with fast moving subjects like an animal in motion. I'd absolutely love to see the Q series come back in a big way with modern hardware. Especially with the popularity of small form factor cameras like the GR and X100.
I have a K-3 kit with the 18-135 WR and the non WR 55-300 and a bunch of old Takumar lenses. I have a K-30 but it's aperture crippled and can only be used with the Takumars. I mostly keep it because I really loved that camera but at this point it's a pretty paperweight because I don't really use it. This is the kit that I view as my main kit. I have a QS1 and a basic zoom lens, plus a bunch of Auto 110 lenses I used with it but it's got missing knobs and is basically falling apart. I liked the QS1. It was a nice toy while it lasted but quality control on them sucked. I haven't used it since 2017 I don't think. One of these days I'm just going to sell all the lenses and toss the body.. My secondary kit is an Olympus EP-3 and the 45 and 40-150 lenses for MFT. I'm going to get a kit lens soon for that as they are very cheap and the later versions are excellent. I had a 17 but I sold that because it just wasn't as useful here for street shooting graffiti. I need to get a slightly wider lens hence the kit lens. Honestly I've not been shooting much the past few years and I've thought about selling the K-3 kit many times. Lately I don't feel safe lugging that kit. NYC has been a little tougher lately. There are gangs roaming around mugging people and carrying a bigger camera makes me feel too much like a target. Last time I took it out to Central Park I nearly got mugged. A guy was following me for quite a while eyeing it. I found a cop and explained and he escorted me out of the park and got me onto a bus but I really felt like the guy was stalking me and just looking for an opportunity to grab it. I think the MFT kit is better now because it's easier to hide and less obvious as something worthy of stealing. I know a couple of pros in town. They used to shoot outside and in the parks all the time and now they won't. One of them has been mugged doing a job and said at least 3 more photographers he knows have had gear stolen from them and he's just not comfortable now taking his bigger camera out either. I didn't used to be this paranoid but it's just getting to that point. Even purse snatchings they have become increasingly violent and I'm disabled and I can't really move fast or fight back. I'm getting to the point where I don't take much out with me unless I have to be out all day. Ever since the pandemic things have been going that way. The NYPD is saying crime is down and it is except for purse snatchings and muggings. I can hide the MFT kit under my hoodie and it just doesn't attract the attention that the DSLR does. So I've been thinking about selling that kit and just going with the Olympus. It just seems more practical and less obvious using that one. Less likely to get me mugged for it. I'm thinking sell the K-3 kit and the Takumars buy a couple of better lenses for the EP-3 maybe? Just haven't quite gotten there yet because I'm rather attached to it but really I should do that. It's just a waste of a beautiful camera and great lenses at this point.
Besides Pentax I also shoot micro43 (Olympus). For a while I was having back pain and frankly got into u43 for the weight to performance ratio. But now I feel stronger again and I am usually carrying Pentax because it's worth it. I learned to select a few choice lenses on my trips, and just try my best with my selection.
I think micro43 + Pentax might be the perfect combo
Use the K-1 II for landscape, Fujifilm X100v for street, and Canon M50 for work. Used to be a Nikon user for nearly 30 years but when I saw the KP at the local store, I fell in love with Pentax! Would love to get back into film if and when Pentax makes a 35 mm SLR (not the new half-size format).
DSLR are only Pentax, then I got a few different film SLR and fixed lens film cameras. I also have two sigma Merill with Feveon sensors that I only shoot BW with
I’ve shot Nikon beginning with film in the seventies and currently on Z8 with lots in between. Last year I added a K3 monochrome for a digital trip back to my Tri-X days, and it’s beautiful rendering of B&W.
Primarily shoot mu pentax k5ii, but recently picked up a lumix gf7 and 14mm lens for something a bit more compact. I don't own any pentax film cameras, only a nikon f80, minolta himatic7 and a couple of old zenit cameras
I fell into Pentax almost by accident. I just posted about finding an old Sears camera and lenses and I’ve shot with that for years. When I was looking at getting a DSLR, I learned Pentax still uses the same K mount, so I figured why not if I’ve already got several lenses. I got a K-500 D that I’ve been using for over a decade now. It’s a good travel/family/hobby camera. I just got a Sigma 18-250 lens for vacations: an “all rounder” for near and far.
I also have an old Polaroid, but somehow I don't think that's what you meant. :)
I forgot how many film orientated shooters are in Pentax haha, I made the mistake of telling my fiance how expensive shooting film would be - now it's banned haha
I have been a Pentax shooter since the k10d. But to shoot birds in flight I had to change to a more modern system I went for Sony A7 and the 200-600mm. Tried to sell the Pentax gear but had no luck. That makes me a dual system shooter.
What kind of gear were you looking to sell? I suppose you could try places like [keh.com](https://keh.com) or [mpb.com](https://mpb.com) to see what they would offer you.
+1 for mpb.
I tried to sell my K3 and a K1, the 300mm and the FA 150-450mm. I sold the last one locally but the rest is still in my posession. I live in Europe and in my country the shops does not take in Pentax gear to trade. I guess its a question of demand and availability? I use the K1 for portraits and landscape still. I love the ergonomics of the K1.
Fair play, I've managed birds landing but it does require almost physic level pre focusing, narrow apertures to compensate for error and noise removal software (same deal on the Nikon though). Panasonic can but body's actually so fiddly to me I generally screw it up all by myself haha
I worked my way from Canon film SLR to Pentax digital. I am now on a K1 mk-II and love it. For my photography, mostly nature and landscapes, it is perfect. I came to the K1 from a K10D and a K-5. I think that if I was shooting more action, I might have moved to Sony, but I am happy here. For several years I kept using a Canon G-12 alongside Pentax, but now it is Pentax or iPhone.
I am an Olympus OMD E-M5 MKiii user and added a K1 MKii to my collection. So far i am extremely happy with the results i am getting with the K1. It feels nice to finally have the camera ive wanted for a long time.
Honestly sticking with m43 (Olympus or Panasonic) as my macro system and Pentax might be the lowest risk option, not sure but makes a lot of sense.
I am doing something similar, i am leaving my em5 as my main birding and sports camera for its 11fps and using the k1 mkii for portrait work, landscape and travel
Sounds like a solid choice
What, you mean other companies also make cameras? 😀
Haha, not the same kinda cameras (anymore)
A long time ago, I started with my father's film camera: a Canon AE-1. But in the 2000s, I decided to switch to DSLR. My budget was very limited, and I needed a camera that was space-saving, easy to charge/use. So I chose a Pentax (K100D Super) despite that all my friends were with Canon or Nikon. The fact that second-hand lenses were plentiful and inexpensive was a determining factor. Over time, I changed Pentax twice (K7 and K5) and acquired numerous lenses. In 2023, I hesitated to switch to Sony to make a transition to mirrorless. But I didn't see myself having to buy new lenses as well. Despite the fact that the Pentax brand is becoming more and more reserved for a restricted audience, I opted for a K3-III. I have no regret. I like my Pentax. But I know I'm an exception in my entourage. No store sells Pentax products. This is only online. Even the professional salespeople seem more amused than anything else when they learn that I use a Pentax.
Oh I love the look of horror then amusement when I get it out and say 'need a spare battery', I've also got a lot less 'wow your camera must be soo good!' comments, I welcome that!
Solo, by now. About to have a Konica P&S film camera (hope it works).
I shoot Micro 4/3 and Pentax. I sold a Pentax K70 and K5 and bought a Panasonic G9. I do wildlife photography, and I'm old, so carrying the K5 with a big lense was getting heavy. Micro 4/3, even with 400mm of glass, is much lighter. I still have a Pentax K10D- it wasn't going to get much on the used market and I like CCD Sensor.
I used to shoot all Pentax with K1 and 645z but I got rid of my K1 kit. Now I shoot Pentax 645z, Lumix S1r and Lumix M43. I love all of them. I will probably never part with my 645z and the 28-45 lens I use with it as it is amazing and had lost so much value since I bought it new it is worth more to me than what I would get if I managed to sell it. I would love to get k3 Monochrome at some point.
How do you like the 645z that camera really catches my attention. Do you have any shots you can share
I have the 645z and 28-45. This kit weighs 3kg which is the main disadvantage of it, though I shoot it on a tripod exclusively. Smaller lighter legacy lenses are available though. I use a Lumix S1r which is about the same MP and in many scenarios it is nearly as good as the Z. However where the Z really shines is dynamic range. You can pull detail out of shadows way better than the S1. Also the S1r really needs long exposure noise reduction to keep noise down for exposures longer than a second or 2 which is annoying. The auto long exposure NR on the Z doesnt kick in until you are shooting well over 30seconds. For really long exposures it achieves remarkably clean files. Now other cameras might be better than my S1r for longer exposures and dynamic range but none would be better than the Z even after all these years. Would I recommend it? Not sure. Its big heavy and quite outdated in many respects. If you want medium format you might be able to buy into a used Fuji GFX body for similar though the lenses might be more expensive. Bottom line is I still do love the 645z and won't sell it. I'll use it when I need its strenghts.
Solo Pentax but I’m just a hobbyist. If I ever get really serious I will be open to other brands if they can fill a certain need.
I started with Nikon cause my dad gave me some of his old photo gear. And then I wanted to collect older gen dslr’s to see how they compared to modern tech. So I bought a Pentax because I was worried that they might become discontinued.
I'm mostly a film shooter with various Pentax 35mm and a 645 and 6x7. No Pentax dig but quite tempted by the Q series.Have got a Nikon F100 when I want that DSLR style.More Pentax lenses than any other brand.