ray_hafen Posted September 17, 2003 Posted September 17, 2003 Pentax says the istD will be available in September. Has anyone heard if there will be any delays in meeting that commitment? I'm hoping that Pentax is committed to the digital landscape and will offer professional digital products. I'd hate to do away with my arsenal of fine Pentax optics due to possibility that Pentax will focus on the consumer market rather than the professional market. Also, is there any word on whether Pentax is planning to produce digital backs for the 645 and 67 formats?
keith_van_hulle1 Posted September 18, 2003 Posted September 18, 2003 Your post leads me to believe that the Pentax is a pro-level camera. I thought it was to compete in the same space as Canon's 300D/10D? Good, but hardly what one would consider professional equipment (like a 1Ds or a D2H).
jsbc Posted September 18, 2003 Posted September 18, 2003 It's out. I have seen it in Hong Kong. But I'm not a Pentax user (save 645) so I was not particularly interested.
willie_jan_bons2 Posted September 18, 2003 Posted September 18, 2003 Hi, i have held it yesterday at a exhibition for profs (me lucky bastard..) and played with it. very light, good focus. I did not get the change to upload pics to a computer or so, but the first impression was very good. I comes out next week here.
deechee_seechee Posted September 18, 2003 Posted September 18, 2003 As far as I know the *istD is more like the Canon10D which I agree with previous posters is more of a "consumer" camera. I was also told it should be in the ~1600$CDN; pretty close to the 10D here in Montreal. Local store here told me they were supposed to get it this month but no official word on pricing. I think Pentax is committed to digital, just not professional level. I mean seriously, look at their 35mm body-lineup. ..
stemked Posted September 21, 2003 Posted September 21, 2003 I hope you can handle a little German joke here based on your question: Wo ist *ist?
stemked Posted September 21, 2003 Posted September 21, 2003 I saw this on Ebay... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2952958030&category=30020
gjm1 Posted September 22, 2003 Posted September 22, 2003 *ist d stupid*ist camera name ever. But, I can't wait to get my hands on one, although I might wait until next year before buying to see if the rumored �professional� level digital body makes an appearance. In a year from now prices should be lower and more models should be out. Yes, Pentax makes professional level equipment, MZ-S; it just doesn�t compete in all professional categories. Like the penis envy category.:-) Plus, if you are that serious about your picture quality shouldn�t you be using medium format equipment, oh look, Pentax has a full line-up of medium format �professional� equipment. Anyway if you make a living from photography then you are a professional, and it does not matter what camera you use. All that matters is that you get paid! My local dealer in Ontario, Canada say the *istD should be on the self sometime in October. No guarantees though. Gord
ray_hafen Posted September 22, 2003 Author Posted September 22, 2003 Gordon, I do shoot Pentax's medium format and that is my format of choice for most things. I find it difficult to return to the smaller formats but the power of editing on the spot and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you nailed the shot is too good to pass up. I really, really hope that Pentax makes digital backs for medium format. That would be dreamland. Ray
stemked Posted September 23, 2003 Posted September 23, 2003 Ray, Wouldn't a medium format sensor be EXTRAORDINARILY expensive? If Pentax went with the smaller sensor on the *istD to save on costs one would image that a sensor for a 645 or, heaven forbid, 6X7 would put the cost of the camera in the same ballpark as the price of a car (and we're not talking Yugo here).
j_anon Posted September 23, 2003 Posted September 23, 2003 Adorama has it listed on their site for sale, shipped when received. I think the price is $1699 body only. B & H says they won't list it until they have it to ship, but then I prefer Adorama anyway.
ray_hafen Posted September 23, 2003 Author Posted September 23, 2003 I just found and purchased my istD at www.camerawholesalers.com in Stamsted CT. They seem to be the only folks in America with units available. The salesman, Jim, was courteous and competent. Should come in the mail by Thurs or Friday.
ray_hafen Posted September 23, 2003 Author Posted September 23, 2003 Also, I forgot to note that camerawholesalers price is $1500 as opposed to B&H and Adorama's $1699. I was assured that all I ordered was USA/ no grey market. :)
gjm1 Posted September 24, 2003 Posted September 24, 2003 Ray, I too hope that Pentax comes out with a medium format digital back because it does not look as though third party manufacturers are providing them yet. See http://www.luminous-landscape.com/new/index.shtml for some review on medium format digital backs. As for me I only shoot 35mm right now and plan to scan the film at high resolution for digital work. I'm looking into the Minolta 5400 film scanner. A nice scanner for your medium format work might be the Minolta Dimage Scan Multi PRO. It's suposed to be very good. This method leaves out one of the bigest advantages of digital and that seems to be the instant feedback and the availlability of the histogram. We will just have to wait and see. Gord
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