kfrog

<p>I like the 18-105VR on the D90. Keep in mind it is a kit lens and the quality construction reflects that but I get fine sharp images with it. It's light and well constructed given the cost. You loose a little on the wide end to the 16-85mm others mentioned but you gain a bit more of reach when zooming and it's not quite as pricey. It's a keeper.</p>

<p>I have a grip for mu K10D and I always keep it on. I have 3 batteries so I never have to worry about running out of juice. The grip makes carrying the camera with one hand easier and gives a feeling of security because I can get all four fingers in the grip. I like the extra shutter and e-dials when in portrait position.<br>

People not in the know see my camera with the grip and they think I must know what I'm doing. At my company when my boss desided we need a company DSLR for marketing he came to me for advice on what camera to get, lenses and a tripod. I now have access to a Nikon D90, three lenses (Nikkor 18-105 VR, 70-300 VR and Tokina 12-24mm) carbon fiber tripod and a flash. No grip but I'll work on that.<br>

I like to think my K10D, with battery grip attached, had something to do with be becoming the un-offical company photographer :)</p>

<p>Excellent. Those little guys are tough to get.</p>

<p>Don't know much about either lens as I've never used either one but Cameralensrentals.com is excellent. They have good customer relations, communications and when you get the lens it will be in a pelican case along with hood and filter.<br>

They are the only source (here in the States) where you can rent Pentax cameras, lenses and accesories that I know of. I rented the DA35mm f2.8 Limited Macro from them when it first came out. Service from them was first rate.</p>

<p>Without a doubt a new one I would think is your best bet. Probably wait until the K7 is actually in the stores and on the shelves. Once they start getting them in they will want to make room for them so those "old" K20D's will have to go. Depending on where the prices are I may retire my really old K10D and get one myself. I got my K10D January of 08 for just over $600. I thought that was a hell of a good deal.</p>

<p>Somanna, they are both there. I just checked.<br>

http://www.flickr.com/photos/brendan-bhagan/3543516471/in/pool-pentaxk7</p>

 

<p>My K10D is getting a little long in the tooth now that I see the new K7... I did not see either of the new WR kit lenses on the site yet. Wonder how much they will be?</p>

<p>John I have recently purchased a bunch of Super-Takumars and really like them. I was wondering what settings in the "custom settings" you recomend to get the metering right? I'm a beginner but not a true contemporary... :)</p>

<p>Jacques, don't feel bad, I just foound out about a few days ago... for my K10D.</p>

<p>I'm not familiar with items found on Craigslist but KEH is a reputable business so I don't think they would be in business long if they knowingly accepted stolen goods. I've purchased lenses from them in the past and I think their prices are fair. They price the same item based on the kind of shape it's in i.e. bargin, good, excellent etc.<br>

<br /> Just saw two Pentax M 135mm f/3.5 lenses on KEH. One for $31.00 (BGN) and one for $45.00 (EX).<br>

<br /> Ebay is fine as far as I can tell. I've purchased lenses from them as well (major Takumar LBA going on here) and the quality of lenses I recieved is just fine.</p>

<p>Found out what it was. It was in the Custom Menu. While I was setting the "Saving rotation info" I accedentally changed the setting just below it - "Using aperture ring." It was set to "1". I changed it back to "2" and now my Takumars work as they did before.<br>

Thanks to <em>Ron ~ Retired </em> over on dpreview.com</p>

 

<p>Nothing is stupid at this point. I'm starting to get frustrated. I've had the lens on automatic and manual - no luck. You can't put the adapter in backwards. It has a flange that fits flush with the K-mount.</p>

<p>The focus indicator works fine with a regular lens such as my FA50mm, DA18-250mm or my Tamron 90mm. All these lenses work as they always have. Shake reduction is good, focus indicator lights work fine and focus lock in the viewfinder is a ok. But put my adapter on and screw a Takumar in there and nothing works. No little hand symbol. I don't understand it. They all worked beautifully before. I took the batteries out of the body and my battery grip to make sure they were all charged up.<br>

I wonder if there is something with the adapter? It works as it has in the past. Snaps in positively. I put it on a lens first then put it on the camera. Still nothing.</p>

<p>Shake reduction is on. I tried manual focus as well as AF.S. I use shake reduction to help me with sharpness. It's one reason to have a K10D in the first place.</p>

<p>I have a K10D and have been using several of my Super-Takumar lenses with it. I have an authentic Pentax adaptor that just snaps into place with a short turn. Turn on the camera and on the screen is asks for the focal length. Scroll through until I get the correct number, enter it and start shooting. It works great. However, recently that screen asking for the focal length does not come up and now when I shoot the focus indicator doesn’t work. It’s as if there is no electrical contact. Has anyone had this problem?<br /> <br /> I just won a couple more Taks on Ebay and would hate to not be able to use them properly on my camera.</p>

<p>I have the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 and I would say it is probably your best buy in the new modern macro lens catagory. It is a joy to use, light weight and produces excellent images. The Pentax DA35mm f/2.8 Limited Macro is a really nice lens but maybe not suited to what you want. Sure is nice though.<br>

I find it interesting that the Pentax DFA100mm does not get much more than a passing reference when it comes to K mount macro lenses. I guess it is an ok lens but I read a lot more excitement about the Tamron or even the Sigma. Just an observation.</p>

<p>I have the lens I can tell you it is a great lens. It is plastic put it is good quality and light weight. I'm no pro put I got some good images and I think you will too. Hard to beat for the price.</p>

<p>James,<br>

I would highly recommend a Pentax K10D. You can still get one new on Amazon I believe. I would check out the seller and do some research to dispel any concerns but that's what I would do.</p>

<p>I don't like snow when you have to shovel it or scrape it off your car. It's fun to play in though. I enjoyed it much when I was a kid.<br>

Love the B&W photos.<br>

I viewed your B&W photos taken with the Spotmactic with great interest as I'm in the market for one. I'm on ebay now looking for a good one so wish me luck. How did you get yours? Is it an one you bought new or a hand me down? Does your light meter work ok? Any trouble finding batteries?</p>

<p>Mmm! Good stuff! Add some eggs, apple sauce a little beef bacon and I'm with you! Enjoy the Fesival of Lights. Best wishes.</p>

<p>Very cool! I like the idea.</p>

<p>After doing some additional research and reading a little Spotmatic history I've decided to look for a Spotmatic F model. The biggest issue with it seems to be batteries for the meter. They are either hard to find or they need some work of some kind.<br>

If I have the time I am going to check out my local camera shop. Last time I was there I bought a battery grip for my K10D, but I noticed they have a bunch of used film camera's all over the place. It didn't occur to me then to even look at any of them.<br>

I think I will this time.</p>

<p>KEH seems to be the best place to go to assure a clean quality product. You get what you pay for... for the most part anyway.</p>

<p>Thanks for the tip Martin on the battery compartment.</p>

<p>Thanks guys for the quick responses.<br>

I looked at KEH and saw some of their EX quality cameras from $29 to over $100 no lens included. Odd. I think I'll consider a camera and a 50mm lens. A working meter is a must. I noticed some say the meter does or does not work.<br>

The Craigslist is something I am not familiar with. I'll have to check that out. Thanks.</p>

<p>I have a K10D and I recently bought a Super-Takumar 35mm f/3.5 because I wanted to experience one of these classic screw mount manual lenses (Love it by the way). So now I've decided to try my hand with a classic Spotmatic but I'm not sure where to get a good example of one. KEH has them and I've seen them on ebay as well. The range of prices is so wide that I'm not sure what would be a fair price for one.<br /> <br /> Any suggestions?<br>

Thank you.</p>