Pentaxian considering a move to the big two !

[testbloke]

Have recently come across a (big, in my opinion) shortfall on my Pentax Km. For long exposure (bulb mode), I have to keep the IR remote pressed for the full exposure. Secondly, I cannot use the remote for bracketing.

This has prompted a debate in my head for the second time in my year of ownership - Do I start spending on expensive glass, therefore commiting further to Pentax and hope to replace body at a later date or do I make the swap to Canon / Nikon body now while I have limited kit to take a hit on ?

I would be looking at a Canon 500 or 550, not really sure of Nikon range, something like the D90.

What do you guys think ? In order to stay with Pentax, at teh moment I would need to jump to the K7 (The Kx has an option for the bulb issue but not the bracketing).

Either way, this would involve some saving so not an immediate move but I need to have the path clear in my mind !

 

[Arkady]

If you're going to make the move, then I agree - do it now before you start spending on additional glassware...

On the specific marque - that's up to you - choose which suits your needs best...

 

[CReid]

I'm going to be brutally honest (as an ex-Pentax shooter)... If you haven't invested heavily in Pentax glass etc I'd consider moving systems! TBH I found the lack of decent 2nd hand Pentax fit glass (I'm talking modern glass here, I know eBay is littered with MF glass) and poor (comparative) resale value a real deal breaker especially of your tastes change you end up taking a significant knock.... This is no criticism of Pentax (my little GX10 was a stellar performer) merely a relfection of the realities of having such a small market share compared to the "big two".

Carl

 

[testbloke]

Completely agree with the replies. I had expected to have quite a collection of old MF glass, but with new glass price hikes there is a huge demand on ebay for the old lenses and these have also been going for quite silly money.

I know it would not be as cost effective but is there shops that will trade gear rather than the hassle of private sells and potential time without camera between selling and buying.

 

[scottthehat]

i would rather have a k7 then a canon 500/550d or a d
90. Depends on your needs each cameras have there own selling points be it weather sealing more pixels faster af but i expect the k7 will be the best built.

 

[testbloke]

i would rather have a k7 then a canon 500/550d or a d
90. Depends on your needs each cameras have there own selling points be it weather sealing more pixels faster af but i expect the k7 will be the best built.

Probably I will get replies both ways, this is what makes it difficult ! What is your criteria to opt for the K7 opposed to the D90 ?

 

[MisterE]

Back in the film days I had a Pentax SFX. I wanted a flash gun - specifically a new brand, Cobra. They made one for Canon, Nikon and Minolta, but not Pentax. It was over a year before one appeared. It was the same with Sigma lenses.

When I first started looking at digital SLRs, Canon had just brought out their 10D. Not sure if Nikon had anything going, but Pentax had shown their soon to be available first offering, which would take all my old Pentax lenses. So I waited, and waited, and waited. After many weeks - nothing. So I got the Canon 10D.

And that's the way it has always been with Pentax. Prime current example is their new 645 MF digital. Years making an appearance and when it does - only in Japan.

It's not necessarily the individual camera that you have to consider. It's the whole system.

 

[testbloke]

Back in the film days I had a Pentax SFX. I wanted a flash gun - specifically a new brand, Cobra. They made one for Canon, Nikon and Minolta, but not Pentax. It was over a year before one appeared. It was the same with Sigma lenses.

When I first started looking at digital SLRs, Canon had just brought out their 10D. Not sure if Nikon had anything going, but Pentax had shown their soon to be available first offering, which would take all my old Pentax lenses. So I waited, and waited, and waited. After many weeks - nothing. So I got the Canon 10D.

And that's the way it has always been with Pentax. Prime current example is their new 645 MF digital. Years making an appearance and when it does - only in Japan.

It's not necessarily the individual camera that you have to consider. It's the whole system.

Good example, many thanks. This type of analogy is appreciated.

 

[Lynton]

surely most bulb stuff you have to keep shutter pressed by squeezing bulb / holding down?

I had a Km, switched to a K20d, has pretty much all I need on it.

A Possible option? Agree though with comments about lack of glass.....

 

[scottthehat]

Probably I will get replies both ways, this is what makes it difficult ! What is your criteria to opt for the K7 opposed to the D90 ?

better build quality, more mega pixels, built in sr, slightly faster fps. weather sealed. not that the d90 is not great, also nikon lenses are dear and i own a d300 and love it, but the k7 is just awsome for the money.
and i know which one i trust more if it started to rain,

 

[testbloke]

surely most bulb stuff you have to keep shutter pressed by squeezing bulb / holding down?

I had a Km, switched to a K20d, has pretty much all I need on it.

A Possible option? Agree though with comments about lack of glass.....

Most cameras have option for bulb one press start exposure, second press stop exposure rather than physically holding the button for full exposure. The Kx has this in the option menu, again this adds to the annoyance as this would be a simple firmware upgrade for the Km.

Agree K20D used is a great buy but I have enough confusion with this without adding used prices to the mix !

better build quality, more mega pixels, built in sr, slightly faster fps. weather sealed. not that the d90 is not great, also nikon lenses are dear and i own a d300 and love it, but the k7 is just awsome for the money.
and i know which one i trust more if it started to rain,

Again fair comment, it does tend to rain sometimes up here as well ! Totally agree with the VR in the body not the lens.

I know that either changing for a Eos550, D90 or K7 would be a good move no matter what but I want to be happy with the next one for some time.

Enjoying all the viewpoints and experience, please keep them coming