K-5 upgrade dilemma and ranting

<p>I have been wanting to upgrade from my K20D to K-5. What are holding me back are personal reasons for justification and my past records of over-spending on gear. I skipped K-7 and instead I went with white K-x as my 2nd digital body for traveling. And I went totally off-digital-track and bought a Pentax 645N, which I later accumulated with a fine collection of Pentax A 645 lenses. </p>

<p>I loved my white K-x until it died on me with indefinite SD memory card error after nine months of memorable, enjoyable and proud ownership. It came back from CRIS totally restored to good standing but I was so stoked with the repair experience that I sold it with a free red bag. In hindsight, I would have been happier if I kept my K-x as it really complement well with my K20D for my hobbyist need. It does well for me in traveling light and it excels in high ISO and it looks dead gorgeous when mounted with limited lenses. </p>

<p><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/5085193932_6eee00d362.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2527/4147961282_aa4daa1e6f.jpg" alt="" width="332" height="500" /></p>

<p>Some various lessons from my mistakes learned and I have to move on. I sold aboutt <a href="http://www.techtheman.com/2008/04/hins-camera-gear.html">1/3 of my gear</a> along with K-x which includes 21/40/70 limited, FA 50mm f/1.4, Sigma 105 macro, Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4.5, MX, Rolleiflex TLR. Yet, I still have more gear than what I actually use frequently. The one gear beside K-x that I truly miss is the 21mm limited. I think Justin and other 21 limited fans can make fun of me. If I ever buy another lens, the 21 limited will come up on top. I have been missing the 21 as one prime to go in street shooting and candid pictures with family.</p>

<p><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2527/3885181637_4812209b07.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" /></p>

<p>I thought about cutting down on my Pentax 645N gear. The cost of my 645N with FA 45 f/2.8 and A 55 f/2.8, A 75 f/2.8, A 120 f/4.0 and LS 135 f/4.0 should be more than enough to cover my want/lust for K-5 and re-purchase of 21 limited. I shoot digital more than film but I don't think I can ever buy back my 645N film gear that are in good to excellent conditions. Digital bodies come and go and I want to stick it out to keep my Medium Format gear.</p>

 

<p>My dilemma will be over and my argument with finance needs in family will be less if I do make money out of my hobby. But I really don't. Though I shoot occasionally for event and wedding, I pretty much did it for free for my close friends. I don't have the business mind and the know-how to turn my hobby as a part time venture that funds itself. It may be a lame excuse on my part but it sounds too difficult for me to make money from the hobby. What I get from photography is the joy in the process that turns vision to pictures. It would have been nice to have my hobby funds itself.</p>

<p>Recent wedding with K20D and Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8<br /> <img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6083/6103186969_5b31f30f8b_z.jpg" alt="" width="425" height="640" /></p>

<p>Past wedding with K10D and Komine 135mm f/2.8 1:2<br /> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3264/2895413106_4c8a08cf2f_z.jpg" alt="" width="428" height="640" /></p>

<p>Past wedding with K10D and Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8<br /> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/2894632863_2f94fd8a35_z.jpg" alt="" width="428" height="640" /></p>

<p>Dance rehearsal with K20D and DA* 50-135mm f/2.8<br /> <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2667/3775747990_678e65c5dc_z.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="425" /></p>

<p>Portrait with Yashica Mat 128G and Fuji Acros 100<br /> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/5018863440_7bb3f615e1_z.jpg" alt="" width="476" height="640" /></p>

<p>Wanted to make sure you were done.</p>

<p>Very nice pictures, but I'll be 'darned' if I can figure out what <em>you</em> want from <em>us</em>?</p>

<p>Have I missed something? I've looked over the post several times.</p>

<p>After the horse is stolen advice not to (figuratively) throw your golf clubs into the lake?</p>

<p>Recommendations on what to do next?</p>

<p>Don't take this personally, but you are a recovering 'gearhead'. You simply need to be honest with yourself about what you really 'need'. No one here can decide that for you. ;-)</p>

<p>I'll take this opportunity not to hijack the thread but to ask a K-5 question that has been bothering me. With the lack of brick and mortar stores offering Pentax it has been impossible for me to actually hold a K-5 in my hands. I am familiar with the feel of a K10D, a K200D, and the K-x but have never held a K-5. How does it feel and where does it fit in relation to the three I mentioned? Although I love their cameras I don't like the Pentax trend toward making teensy-weeny camera bodies that are actually hard to hold with normal hands (i.e., the K-x).</p>

<p>HIn Man, I feel your pain. You had great gear. Like you I lust after the K-5. I will have to sell some gear to get it AND I shoot for fun so it is not a self funding hobby. The few times I have shot for pay (and very little of it at that) turned into stressful not to fun situations. Keep the 645N gear. Buy the K-5 when you've "saved" up for it (and a 21mm limited of course...it is the bees knees). Accept that you are a photographer...a Pentaxian for life. Sell the gear that you truly do not want as ever dollar sold is one dollar closer to the K-5. Cheers.</p>

<p>The K-5 is a good camera by all accounts, and betters the K20D by miles. If you think it is worth $1300, have some spare $1300 and $1300 less won't create an "angry significant other" issues, just go ahead and buy it, use it, enjoy it.</p>

<p>Wayne, you should check out my K-7 review in this site. I am accused of being overly descriptive, but I tend to think not everyone will get a chance to try a Pentax body out before buying, which is part of the descriptiveness of the review.<br>

<br />As far as the K-7 vs. K-5: same camera externally, much different internally!</p>

<p>I happened to find myself by an indian casino and was blessed to win for a change. Won enough to bring the price of the K-5 down to something I can manage if I sell my Sony A350 and K10D. Woot. It will be here Tuesday. </p>

<p>Hi Hin Man,<br>

I have recently started using a K5. In brief it is superb. Great to use as only Pentax camera are. Superb IQ. Quiet shutter. I too have upgraded from K20 to K5. A significant jump and a very pleasant one to make. I got the WR lens specifically for going out in the rain. So this camera is my go anywhere camera and the results have been great . So far survived being 'attacked' by garden sprinkler and my kids playing with the hose pipe - the photos up to then were cool, but I reckon the boys had more fun chasing me with the hose pipe than posing for pictures. The high iso is very usable for indoor family snaps too.</p>

<p>To whoever asked about the size of the camera. Yes it is small, but I always chuck on a vertical grip and then it fits my bigger hands perfectly. The controls though are very easy to use.</p>

<p>If you can just go and get one.</p>

<p>To John:</p>

<p>Is there a vertical grip available for the K-5 ?</p>

<p>@JDM, my post is mostly ranting. When I discuss my issues, I do come to senses in making solid and reachable goals next. </p>

<p>@Jemel, your first reply hit it at all the points of my frustrations. And thanks for the valuable point in selling some of my unused gear to get every dollar closer to goal. I am refining my plan with some actions to follow. It is a good sign. And congratulation to your casino visit and that you will have your K-5 soon. I am happy for you. When my K-5 becomes reality, I am sure it will be just as sweet as your special moment. </p>

<p>@all, thank you for all of your comments. </p>

<p>Since you still have some very good gear to use, you could always wait for the next model to emerge, then buy a left over K-5, taking advantage of the price drop. </p>

<p>BTW, Hin, I also skipped the K-7. When that model came out I instead bought a new K20D for an amazingly low price and have been using it ever since. I more recently bought a K-r for my lightweight camera, and really like it, especially for low-light use. Its indoor auto white balance is much better, and it is great for low noise at high ISO. It is better built than the K-x, and has a much better LCD screen than any model I have owned. Live view is good and it is light in weight. It has a lot of sophistication for an entry-level model, even having the adjustments to optimize lens performance- moreso than the K20D! Otherwise, I still like my K200D as my compact camera for general outdoor daylight use in varying weather. </p>

<p>But my eye is on the K-5 for sure for my next top camera. I am thinking of waiting to see what might come next, but it will be hard to beat the K-5. No doubt the video features could be upgraded, but it remains to be seen whether the forthcoming new model will otherwise be a improvement over the K-5, or even be as good!! </p>

<p>By now I expect any bugs or QC issues for the K-5 should have been resolved, so the latest units arriving on store shelves are most likely ok.</p>

<p>I rented a K5 a while back to have a second body for a bike race. It's a fine camera indeed, but besides a few key features I'm still very satisfied with my K-x. Having a K5 for a weekend actually tempered my desire for one a little bit. The photos came out nice, but not any different (besides MPs) from the pictures from a K-x.(I realize that shouldn't be surprising)<br>

If the K-r was sealed and had an intervalometer I wouldn't bother with the K5. I can build a IR trigger/intervalometer and put a rain cover on a K-x/r and get pretty darn close for a lot less money. So for now I'll wait and when the right deal or need for another body comes along I'll make my move on one or the other. Still not sure which...</p>

<p>I got it. I have been shooting crappy test shots around the house using the 70mm Limited. Let me say this...WOW. I thought that the K20D shots looked good. These are amazing. It is small in my large hands though so I have to get a battery grip. Hin, you have better lenses than me. You won't go wrong with picking this baby up.</p>

<p>On a side note, how do I check to the oil/dirt under the AA filter issue? (Yes, I got mine used... :( ) </p>

 

<p>@Jemal, I can only share what I have heard. I don't have the actual checking experience. It should be similar to checking for dust spots at small aperture as in f/22. Here are some links that can help you</p>

<ul>

<li><a href="http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1036&message=38249116&changemode=1">http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1036&message=38249116&changemode=1</a></li>

<li><a href="http://enticingthelight.com/2010/12/01/review-pentax-k-5/#stains">http://enticingthelight.com/2010/12/01/review-pentax-k-5/#stains</a> -- Miserere has a good reference with pictures for the issue in his K-5 review</li>

<li><a href="http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-5-forum/125009-stains-your-k5d-sensor-poll.html">Old poll with Sensor Stain in PF</a> -- you should not spend too much time as that poll was done during the initial time when stain was the norm</li>

</ul>

<p>You should also try to look up threads in PentaxForums on the serial number that are stain free to confirm for peace of mind in your purchase.</p>

 

<p>@Jemal, I find the serial number in PF database where people report on issues</p>

<ul>

<li><a href="http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-serial-number-database/?do=viewserials&id=133&sort=&order=desc&page=12">http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-serial-number-database/?do=viewserials&id=133&sort=&order=desc&page=12</a></li>

</ul>

<p>If you look at the latest serial number, you are unlikely the see the stain issues. Hope this helps you.</p>

 

<p>@Hin Man - My serial number is in the 400,000s so it appears to be problem free. I also shot it at a whitish background at f32 nothing. Thanks for pointing me to the database. It appears the problem was fixed before it ever got to the 400,000 range of numbers. I was a bit leery because I bought an open box item from Amazon, but it appears to be in pristine condition. I also bought a 2 year extended warranty from Adorama so if the issue crops up I can get it serviced by Pentax (although I hope they'd fix that issue for the life of the camera warranty or not). <br>

I haven't fully used the camera yet. It is smallish and feels a bit like a toy in my big hands that are used to carrying the K10D and grip around. But the image quality feels so much better. </p>

<p>@HinMan - hello Hin, nice to see you posting. When I reapproached photography after buying a K-7 I used to follow your blog a lot because your writings about cheap Pentax photo stuff was interesting. But, I thought that the K-x repair experience and your reaction were both regrettable. Anyhow, we all live and learn.</p>

<p>Honest advice, examine what you think you actually really need a K-5 for. If it's the high ISO then consider a used K-x instead, much cheaper. For the price of one K-5 you can buy several K-xs so you never need to be in the 'dependant on one cam so crisis if it breaks' position again. If it's all the other bells and whistles not high ISO get a used K-7, again cheaper.</p>

<p>In terms of funding/cost, I don't think there's anyone who is into photography who doesn't periodically say 'ouch', myself included. But, I think everyone deserves one hobby that keeps them sane and makes them vaguely happy in life. So for me, eventhough it costs money, well, it's worth it. And, Pentax was the right choice, because I get old stuff cheap so it's saved me thousands.</p>

<p>My personal opinion, meant in the kindest of manners so don't take it badly - in addition to being a recovering 'gearhead' maybe you're also a bit of a 'publicityhead'. Ie you need interaction with others. Having the blog and being talked about with your Pentax adventures is important to you and, getting rid of the K-x, meant that tailed off as well. 2 thoughts with that - you'd have just as much of that with a used model as with a new one and maybe it's worth examining if it's not something that might be a good idea not to place a little less emphasis on :)</p>

<p>@Johan, selling my K-x was a mistake and I would have been happier in keeping it together as a dual body with K20D. In wedding shooting where flash is not allowed in ceremony, the k-x will make it easier for me. Both the AF and the high ISO are improved over my K20D. But somehow, there are good qualities in K20D, K-7 and K-5 that I can't find in K-x. These are personal opinions as I prefer a body that is rugged with weather proofing and build solid as in semi-professional body that I can count on. The K-x was the best value at the time but it was not built up to the standard of K-5,7,20,10 alike. The outcome of images may very well be much alike but I do think the K-5 and perhaps K-7 will make it easier to get the most difficult shot that my K20D will have a difficult time especially in the AF department.</p>

<p>I have diverse interest and one of my favorites besides food pictures include <strong>shooting air show</strong> as in Fleet Week in San Francisco and Birds In Flight <strong>(BIF) with terns</strong> and <strong>hummingbirds</strong>. In those shooting scenarios, I will think the K-5 with improved AF and quiet shutter will make the shot easier and achievable as adrenaline kicks in with the flying objects</p>

<p><a href=" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/5069412977_39cd838b41_z.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>

<p><a href=" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5073521138_ae2f438e9d_z.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="360" /></a></p>

<p><a href=" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5069663270_b5bd34d05a_z.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>

<p><a href=" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/5069194493_6fe4663e08_z.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>

<p><a href=" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5070051968_3d8bb23eec_z.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="425" /></a></p>

<p>I used my K20D with Pentax F* 300 f/4.5 and Pentax AF 1.7 TC in 2009. With 1.7x TC mounted, my setup was a bit slow but amazingly I still had the help with AF in the combo. A faster AF and more capable continuous tracking in K-5 will have helped in the shooting.</p>

<p>Occasionally, I go shooting birds in fly and I may have picked the wrong birds to shoot. The terns are quite unpredictable and the shooting experience were much harder than that in the air show. I did not use the TC and it is solely my K20D with a 300mm lens. <br>

<a href=" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3605/3520516709_1f4d31e4c4_z.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="397" /></a><br /> darn the framing and cropping</p>

<p><a href=" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3605/3520519211_7b2e2704fa_z.jpg" alt="" width="421" height="640" /></a></p>

<p><a href=" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/3520404377_4e9459be33_z.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="426" /></a><br /> Terns shot with K20D and F* 300mm f/4.5</p>

<p>I had harder times in shooting terns and hummingbirds than in air show as the subjects' movements are sometime hard to predict in a pattern. I usually felt dizzy in tracking the birds and <strong>do miss shots due to inability to lock focus. </strong>I am hopeful that the K-5 will make the shot easier.</p>

<p>I recently did some indoor shooting of a graduation where I had along both my K20D and new K-r. The K-r handled this circumstance so much better than the K20D. Better low noise at higher ISO, much better auto white balance, better exposure metering for such lighting conditions.. The K-r has a much better LCD screen. Fast continuous shooting speed when needed. From what I've seen, the K-5 has all the advantages of the K-r plus many more, but with yet far better build quality and features. Better dynamic range, from what I've seen. But all that does not come cheap, since it is not a cheap type of camera.</p>

<p>My impressions of the K-r for shooting outdoors in regular light is that it tends toward a little more exposure rather than less exposure like my K20D and K200D. Sometimes looking a little bit washed out on screen by comparison, but since prints tend to be darker than on screen, prints turn out well. I have not yet tried tweeking the image settings in camera. But it has been very fine for these indoor uses. The K-5 is reputed to have better, faster AF. I don't know how the K-5 will meter by comparison, as it has a different metering system than the others. </p>

<p>@Hin - not sure if there's anything I can say that'll help your dilemma really :). The K-5 owners I speak too all wax lyrical about its AF performance compared with previous models so I'm sure you'd gain from the purchase. One small observation, maybe you need to take that painful step and sell the 645 gear - ongoing costs with film are relatively expensive compared to digital. Bottom line... we can't have everything. I'd love a shiny new K-5 myself for high ISO and lack of noise reduction but my K-7 is still good enough and as much as I'd love to I can't really justify 2 bodies to myself :)</p>

<p>@Johan, thank you for the feedback. I did plan to cut down my Pentax 645N gear. I am not yet ready to give up completely on my film gear. I actually suck at films but I plan to get back to a b&w development class to continue the journey. I need to be trained (or tortured) on patience in the learning process. I dodge most of my 135 gear but the 645N is special and it works better with my inexpensive home scanning with 120 films. I am researching to cut down my medium format lens from 5 to 3 and hope to keep it as a smaller set in 45, 75 and 135. I don't have many good scan but I have a few I like</p>

<p><a href=" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4492281940_5470588530_z.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="471" /></a><br /> with FA 45mm f/2.8</p>

<p><a href=" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4931712393_379c3dc82e_z.jpg" alt="" width="471" height="640" /></a><br /> A 75mm f/2.8</p>

<p><a href=" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/5186135071_caeda1bfd8_z.jpg" alt="" width="472" height="640" /></a><br /> LS 135mm f/4.0</p>

<p>You didn't mention what other lenses you have? Maybe ditch more of them?<br>

If it were me, I'd ditch the 645N gear unless you plan to get a 645D....film is on life support...</p>