Hello from NZ

[Class A]

Hi,

I'm still using my K100D that I acquired in 2008. I'm interested in getting a K-5 sooner or later, but the K100D is still going strong and so I'm not in a rush. Let's see how the K-5 price develops and what the successor model will look like. I wouldn't need more than 16.3MP but a further improvement to the K-5's AF system would be great (-> low light bug).

In terms of lenses, I'm eclectic, i.e., I've got a number of Pentax gems but if a lens from Sigma or Tamron is better, I'll just get it. The times when one had to avoid Sigma lenses are long gone. Nowadays they make some exquisite lenses and the choice among Sigma lenses in K-mount is far larger than that from Pentax.

Currently -- next to watching for any K-5 bargains -- I'm looking for an 85mm lens. The Samyang/Polar/Falcon/Bowers/Rokinon/Walimex/Vivitar/Opteka 85mm f/1.4 is very high on my list (an FA* 85/1.4 or Sigma 85/1.4 is even higher but both are too expensive at the moment). 

[Ron Kruger]

Welcome A. I waited for the price to drop in the K5 and have been using it for a couple of weeks now. I've used most manual focus on previous models, but the AF on the K5 is outstanding.

[Mike Pearson]

Welcome ClassA - I'm sure that when you get the K5 you will be thrilled but don't get rid of the K100D. I think it is a claasic and I kept one when I bought my  K20D and one of my daughters took the other.

Mike

[Class A]

Thank you for the welcome, Ron!

I've used most manual focus on previous models, but the AF on the K5 is outstanding.

Yes, I've read the K-5's AF has improved a lot. It just has this slight problem in situations with very low light when it can significantly FF. The problem is the metering sensor which is on double duty as a colour temperature sensor. When it goes blind --  the "slower" the lens, the earlier it cops out -- then no AF compensation is available anymore and it appears that there is still a bug in the firmware that then causes the K-5 to a) FF quite a bit and b) lock / confirm focus even though it hasn't got one.

The whole thing is not a complete showstopper as it is relevant in low light low light only and the use of "fast" glass helps delay its onset. Whenever it occurs one can use Liveview for focusing instead. It just would be nice if the AF system didn't have this slight problem.

[Class A]

Thanks for the welcome, Mike!

I'm sure that when you get the K5 you will be thrilled but don't get rid of the K100D. I think it is a classic and I kept one when I bought my  K20D and one of my daughters took the other.

I agree, it is classic. Quite remarkable for an entry level model. It won the duel against the Nikon D40 hands down, AFAIC. I'm pretty sure I'll keep the K100D as a second body. I never had any issue with my copy, it has been a paragon of reliability.

[StanW]

Welcome from the other end of the country. If you ever come south, let me know.

[Class A]

Welcome from the other end of the country. If you ever come south, let me know.

Thanks for the invitation! Whereabouts are you located?

I live in Wellington and if you ever come near, give me a shout. There's always a cuppa ready for a fellow Pentaxian.

[StanW]

Hi, I'm in Invercargill, as far south as you can go; well, almost.

An email to stanleyw@woosh.co.nz will find me.

And I've got a collection of Pentaxes, from the original K through various M42 and K-mount models, up to the K20D.

I'll have to look for an
excuse to visit Wellington again, but right now I'm away to Oz for two months.

[spyglass]

Welcome Class A,

We can always use a bit of "class" around here..... and  the "A" type is always preferred.

Thanks for joining us.



Spyglass