Pentax users advice

pete 1

pete 1

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Robin
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Not had a Dslr for a while, due to a lull in photography mostly due to lack of time and although wildlife photography is my ultimate passion I use a p900 for that as it's a waste having expensive gear that will only get used when time permits.
But I do miss the bokeh and iq from some decent lenses I used to own, mainly nikon but I did have a k5 for while which I loved for its build and small size. So was thinking of another one or maybe the k5 mk ii so was wondering on the differences and also some lens advice, I'd only need one or two lenses for general and holidays one must be weather resistant which will be useful, not worried about price too much but what's good value, all I had before was the 50 1.8, thanks in advance.
 
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K5iis is a cracking camera. No aa filter so sharper images.
Lenses, depends on budget. 60-250 is a very good lens but might be a bit short for wildlife, 300mm f4 is fantastic as is the 150-450mm

Just depends on budget.
Good deals on k3 now as well so with 24mp plenty of scope to crop as well.
Happy shopping
 
18-135mm wr is a good gp lens.
Check out pentax user forum and the pentax forum UK for classifieds. Good bunch of people on there. Friendly forum.
All the old manual lenses will also work with all pentax dslrs so plenty of bargains to be had.
 
The Pentax-DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED lens is pretty reasonable and the WR version can be had for about £250 now. However, it may still be a bit short for wildlife. Review here - https://www.ephotozine.com/article/hd-pentax-da-55-300mm-f-4-5-8-ed-wr-lens-review-23902

As Derek has said there are loads of old manual Pentax lenses around that will fit. If you go for an old lens look out for an "A" lens (ie it has an "A" on the aperture ring after the smallest aperture). These lenses communicate with the camera and apart from having to focus manually they function just like modern lenses.

Dave

Couple of links about using older lenses on Pentax DSLRs -

http://www.robertsdonovan.com/?p=1181

http://www.tremyfoel.co.uk/photography/pentax/KM-M42pentax.html

 
As mentioned earlier the Pentax user forum (pentaxuser.com) will be a great source of information for you - the members are very helpful and will reply to any queries you post.
Regarding bodies - I have K70, K3 and K5iis. They are all very good, but if cost is a consideration (if you can find one) the K5iis is magic - there is something special about that sensor.
Lenses - there are so many, and so many bargains to be had, it's difficult to make any recommendations!
 
So would you say the k3 is a big improvement over the k5s, any would probably serve my purposes but I don't plan on changing for some time, for once [emoji16]

Not really looking for a wildlife lens just a prime and walkabout zoom
 
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Biggest change for me was the new sensor. 24mp from 16mp. Some other smaller differences too, but as far as I can remember that was the biggest change.
I'd happily recommend either the K5iis or k3. I have owned both and both are cracking cameras.
I switched to sony. And am trying to switch back now.
 
Derek897 said:
Biggest change for me was the new sensor. 24mp from 16mp. Some other smaller differences too, but as far as I can remember that was the biggest change.
I'd happily recommend either the K5iis or k3. I have owned both and both are cracking cameras.
I switched to sony. And am trying to switch back now.
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Does the 5iis over the ii really make a lot of difference or will you only notice on larger prints?
 
Clifton have a used one in excellent condition for £399 tempting
 
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I started with Pentax DSLR 's and one of my favourite lenses was the Pentax DA 16-45mm.

If it hadn't been for Fuji I was going to get a K5iis, sure you will be happy with it, don't forget to use the magic green button with the old manual focus lenses
 
Robintaylor said:
Clifton have a used one in excellent condition for £399 tempting
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That seems a little steep.
You just missed a k3 + 18-135mm on pentaxuser for £450.
and a k3 body only for £400

wex photographic have a k5ii (not the s) £256

Or a k3 prestige with grip for £490

Keep looking in used sections and classifieds. You will find a K5iis for small money.
 
Malfis said:
I bought a mint, boxed K5iis with under 1000 shutter activations for under £300 on Pentax Forums.
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Thanks that gives me a better idea of going rates, appreciated I'll give that a miss then , in no rush so can wait for the right deal
 
Derek897 said:
That seems a little steep.
You just missed a k3 + 18-135mm on pentaxuser for £450.
and a k3 body only for £400

wex photographic have a k5ii (not the s) £256

Or a k3 prestige with grip for £490

Keep looking in used sections and classifieds. You will find a K5iis for small money.
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Yes was looking at the wex , that's more what I'm looking to pay , I'd rather pay a bit extra on the lenses than a body , the 50mm 1.4 will be one, I'd prefer better build and metal mount , just the zoom to decide on which is swaying towards the 50-135
All much appreciated your help
 
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Derek897 said:
http://www.thepentaxforum.co.uk/index.php?sid=1df8599abe51ae1d36a1494954e523b8

https://www.pentaxuser.com/

links to 2 uk based pentax forums. well worth joining both. Both are very helpful and friendly.

http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/

link to pentax review forum. very handy for reviews of legacy lenses and other brand pentax mount lenses.

if you manage to find one let us know here and if i come across one in the mean time i will post the link here.

Derek
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Just waiting to be excepted, thanks . Should find what I'm looking for on there , is there a waiting period for classifieds like here?
 
Derek897 said:
And just a heads up, pentaxuser forum is purely for images and topics relating to pentax,
The pentax forum UK is any brand for topics and images.
The pentax forum UK came about because of restrictions on pentaxuser.
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Over time people have drifted back to PentaxUser
 
The one at wex seems a good price or hang on for an s?? Decisions decisions [emoji16]
 
Mike.P said:
Having had the II and currently having the I Is and the K-3II I would definitely wait for a S version. The difference in sharpness isn't massive but considering the price difference it's certainly worthwhile.

Pesrsonally I think the K-5IIs Is the best camera Pentax has ever made.
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Hi ya Mike, would have to agree on All counts there. I too would be waiting.
 
I was set on getting a K5iis when I got tired of lugging Canon full frame gear about and having owned Pentax DSLR''s before.

It was about the time Fuji released the X-Pro1 and then the X-E1, kept reading how pleased people were with them. Bought a refurbished E1 with 18-55mm lenss and never looked back.

The X-T1 is very similar, same APS-C size sensor as the Pentax, 16.3mp and no anti aliasing filter, main differences are no mirror or in body stabilisation, but smaller and lighter.

Maybe worth thinking about and the lenses are excellent too.
 
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tijuana taxi said:
I was set on getting a K5iis when I got tired of lugging Canon full frame gear about and having owned Pentax DSLR''s before.

It was about the time Fuji released the X-Pro1 and then the X-E1, kept reading how pleased people were with them. Bought a refurbished E1 with 18-55mm lenss and never looked back.

The X-T1 is very similar, same APS-C size sensor as the Pentax, 16.3mp and no anti aliasing filter, main differences are no mirror or in body stabilisation, but smaller and lighter.

Maybe worth thinking about and the lenses are excellent too.
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I did have an xe2 some time back, it's a wonderful system though lenses not particularly inexpensive, there was just something about the feel and ergonomics of the k5 which I've missed.
 
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Robintaylor said:
I did have an xe2 some time back, it's a wonderful system though lenses not particularly inexpensive, there was just something about the feel and ergonomics of the k5 which I've missed.
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Fair comment, most of us get an affinity for a specific camera, but just out of curiosity you might like to try a X-T1
 
Think I will stick with pentax, all good value fuji lenses but not what I'll need at those prices
Might have to patient for the s version though
 
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Hi, I did trawl through 13 pages of classifieds looking for ones that hadn't sold, found two that weren't listed as being sold but I got Pm's back saying they were gone, they just hadn't updated the ads.
Will keep looking for you.
 
Derek897 said:
Hi, I did trawl through 13 pages of classifieds looking for ones that hadn't sold, found two that weren't listed as being sold but I got Pm's back saying they were gone, they just hadn't updated the ads.
Will keep looking for you.
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Derek that's really nice, much appreciated thank you
I'm on the hunt but not seen much so far, that's the problem with pentax, unappreciated and harder to come by.
 
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Derek897 said:
Hi, I did trawl through 13 pages of classifieds looking for ones that hadn't sold, found two that weren't listed as being sold but I got Pm's back saying they were gone, they just hadn't updated the ads.
Will keep looking for you.
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Still just the one at cliftons, seen a couple in great condition in Japan but then there's import duties and expenses if it goes wrong, will have to be patient with this search I think [emoji16]
 
I think so. I havent found any others either. I'm looking for a k3ii so I have been trawling just about every camera shop I can find.
It's a sign of how decent a camera it is think.
Theres one over here in Ireland, but it's over priced.
 
Derek897 said:
I think so. I havent found any others either. I'm looking for a k3ii so I have been trawling just about every camera shop I can find.
It's a sign of how decent a camera it is think.
Theres one over here in Ireland, but it's over priced.
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Difficult if your trying to get one (Mike [emoji6]) [emoji3] but a good sign I've made the right decision
 
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Another question 16-50 or 16-85 is one any better than the other? 2.8 not so important for what I'll be using it for
 
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