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Pentax releases second silver K-5 limited edition, adding slimline 40mm F2.8

Mar 2, 2012 at 20:54:44 GMT

CAMERA NEWS PENTAX

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Pentax has announced a silver special edition of its K-5 DSLR, this time combined with the slim DA 40mm F2.8 XS prime lens redesigned by Marc Newson. The latest package, following the silver K-5 body offered in 2011, will be limited to 1,500 examples worldwide. It will be available in April exclusively from Pentax or Ace Photo, at a price of $1599.95 ($100 less, with the lens, than the previous, body-only version).

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Press Release:

PENTAX K-5 SILVER SPECIAL EDITION AN EXCLUSIVE LIMITED-EDITION CAMERA PACKAGE FEATURING A MARC NEWSON-DESIGNED ULTRA-THIN LENS

DENVER, CO March 1, 2012… PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX K-5 Silver Special Edition. Available only as a limited edition of 1,500 sets worldwide, the package consists of the PENTAX K-5 digital SLR camera body matched with the new, ultra thin smc PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 XS lens.

The exclusive package combines the PENTAX K-5 — the flagship model of the PENTAX K series of digital SLR cameras — with the smc PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 XS lens — the world's thinnest unifocal lens*. Marc Newson, one of the world's most renowned industrial designers, masterly designed this lens. Both the camera body and the lens barrel feature the same elegant silver finish, assuring that this package is a high-performance imaging tool that also boasts maximum visual harmony. Meticulous attention has been paid to every detail of the package, including a specially designed package, while the camera's firmware has been updated to the latest version (Ver.1.13).

* The world's thinnest interchangeable lens for lens-interchangeable digital SLR cameras, as of February 25, 2012 (based on PENTAX's research).

Note: The specifications of the camera body (except for the firmware) and the lens are same as those for the standard K-5 model. The K-5 Silver Special Edition package will be available in April 2012 for $1599.95 USD and will be available exclusively through the PENTAX Web Store (www.pentaxwebstore.com) and Ace Photo (www.acephoto.net).

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Comments

Total comments: 110

The 'news' of the silver edition is probably too attract some (spot)light on the Pentax products during the storm of publicity that accompanies the launch of the new products by some or other, so called, professional camera brand. I don't think it is about selling the silver edition in particular, which is way too expensive compared to the normal black version, but probably to promote and sell some extra K-5's to the public. It's an excellent camera after all and I would recommend it to anybody.
The use of the ultra flat 40 mm on the K-5 is limited, you can put the camera in your pocket, large pockets though, when you don't want to take any extra gear with you, which is something else when the limited lenses or even a 17-50 mm zoom is mounted on the camera. That's of course also the case with the K-01, which is only marginally smaller.

1 upvote

Correct - the K-5 deserves more attention
it is stable like a tank built
it provides an excellent IQ
with the WR-lenses, the only "real" water-and weather-resistant camera

3 upvotes

Wow, look at that lens - it looks like a pin-hole camera. :)

0 upvotes

Pentax seem to have forgotten the K-5 is an aps-c camera when designing the 40mm lens.

On a full frame camera that focal length is great (I owned an Zuiko 40mm F2 in film days) but on aps-c with a f.o.v equal to 60mm I can't think of a more useless specification for a prime lens.

Pentax are not the only one to do this. Sony brought out a 50mm "portrait" lens when that is really too short to be a classic portrait lens with a f.o.v of a 75mm.

They are both far too conservative and seem to think they should stick to focal lengths that are really for full frame rather than develop specifically for aps-c. A 28mm prime which is approx 42mm f.o.v would have been much better.

Comment edited 52 seconds after posting

2 upvotes

Yes, same thought here. 60mm is not all around lens. Anything below 50mm would be great.

0 upvotes

When taking pictures the change from FOV 50 mm -> FOV 60 mm Full Frame is not that dramatic. It sure is on the longer end of the "normal" lens range. If your shooting style calls for the shorter end, you want the 35 mm equivalent FOV to FF, then simply use the 21 mm Limited lens. It is only slightly larger and has an amazing IQ. There you have it. Just pick what suits you.

0 upvotes

I doubt if Pentax forgot anything. They designed exactly the lens they wished to build and sell. It really comes down to a matter of preference by the photographer.

1 upvote

The silver finish makes this camera look quite classic. I own quite a few manual pentax lenses and they would look particularly good on this camera. When you put a prime lens on the K5 your kit becomes really compact. I'm not interested in big FF'S. The legacy mount enables me to use those old lenses and enjoy the benefits of digital and relive some of the experiences of film photography.Love my K5.

0 upvotes

Too bad that Pentax, with all their know-how in the optics dept., is stuck with a legacy mount to design their brilliant pancakes for. Imagine Pentax designing lenses for a NEX-like camera. It'd be the perfect combination.

3 upvotes

That legacy mount is what makes Pentax so great. It's nice knowing you don't have to start from scratch every 15 years. And image stabilization on a 50 year old lens, you say? No problem.

2 upvotes

@Maxfield_photo every other company creating new CSC cameras have simply released adapters to use old lenses on new slimline mounts, why not Pentax?

0 upvotes

Because slimline mount has nothing to do with better image quality, or better versatility of the camera. Photography is more than a slim mount, more than thin only body.
Slimline mount has some small advantages in some instances, but not overall.
Not all fad is automatically plausible and better.

2 upvotes

@ Andy Crowe Actually they have, at CP+ last month they announced a K mount adapter for the Q with a detachable tripod collar. I haven't seen the specs, but I would imagine it will autofocus with SDM lenses, but screwdrive lenses will be manual focus. Personally, I would want something at least K-5 sized to counter balance my larger lenses, but the limited primes should work nicely on the Q, if only in manual focus.

0 upvotes

I have more things to worry about every 15 years than the lenses I've invested in. Its nice but its not that nice.

0 upvotes

Double wow!

0 upvotes

A beautiful camera that makes you forget the hedious KO 1. This is what a DSLR should look like. I'm tired of melted soapbars. I hope silver is the actual metal colour, and not paint, in which case it may wear off badly. I also wish they'd sell it body only: 40mm (60mm EFL) is an awkward focal length.

0 upvotes

>I'm tired of melted soapbars<
I agree, but just the Pentax K-5 is different here, shows rough edges. . . ;))

2 upvotes

I personally don't like the silver version, but I can understand how others would.
I hope that Pentax will not degrade such a beautiful slr by putting it out in stupid colors like they have a tendency to do. The extra thin 40mm pancake is very interesting. Is it made of metal and do they make it in black as well?

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 49 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

I believe it's plastic. It definetely comes in black. And, as far as i know, has exactly the same optical system as 40mm limited (and SMC M 40/2.8), maybe newer/better coating.
Personally, I prefer Limited version for better built quality.

0 upvotes

The outer body of the lens is metal.

0 upvotes

The most beautiful Pentax ever.

2 upvotes

Disagree - The MV is the most beautiful Pentax ever ... but then I am biased :-)

0 upvotes

From the side with the 40 2.8 XS on the K-5, it looks like the K-5 with just a body cap on it. That's crazy. Wonder if they have a lens hood for this lens. The filter thread is tiny at 27 mm. Since there's no bayonet threads, the hood must be a screw on type. Can't picture how it would look.

0 upvotes

Nothing worse than silver painted metal. In the old days, metal color on a camera meant that the part was actually made of the metal you see. Here, it does not. This will still rub off, most visibly off the molded black plastic parts like the pop-up flash and switches.

But a nice way to get MSRP on an otherwise already deeply discounted camera. And that's what it's all about I guess.

0 upvotes

Owning the original Ltd K5 I hate to tell you that it IS actally made of metal and isn't just silver paint. You've obviously never handled a K5, standard or silver or you would have been aware of that.

As for the last comment I agree but all Pentax are doing is giving the buyer a choice which is more than Canon, Nikon or Sony do eh?

0 upvotes

My point was the fact that the (real) metal parts are painted over as well. Maybe you haven't noticed it yet, but your camera, while indeed being partially made of metal has silver paint all over so to cover the non-metal parts, which to me seems funny.

0 upvotes

Haven't noticed that, it just looks (and feels) like bare metal to me but I just don't get your point. The majority of todays SLR's are painted black; body, buttons, everything. This one is apparently painted silver and they've done the same colour matching as on the standard model. How would it have looked better if they had left the buttons and pop up flash in black? I haven't seen too many silver cars that are bare metal either probably for similar reasons; tarnishing and corrosion.

0 upvotes

DMC DeLorean

0 upvotes

@bavarius6 I think the skin of most SLRs these days is actually made of black plastic rather than being painted at all.

0 upvotes

The magnesium body of the K5 isn't covered in black plastic although you are correct about lower priced models which are constructed of polycarbonate. The black K5 is painted with a tough 'flecked' coating. As for the DeLorean, yeah look how successful they were, thank God for BTTF or nobody would remember them!

0 upvotes

Look at it from the front. I don't know. It looks ugly to me with all the thick silver area around the lens.

Seems the original black one is better, if there is no additional special features.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

This should be next standard model of a K-DSLR, beside an all-black version.
Ask the same price for both, and people will fall in line.

Comment edited 54 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

the real news is that whenever there has been a silver edition camera made by pentax (top tier only) then there has always been a launch to follow in the 3 months that follow. Watch this space, K-5 replacement with new sensor and body shape.

0 upvotes

I think you've nothing to say, .. so, try to be clever, and say nothing ;), :D

1 upvote

your logic is impecable seing as how they offered a silver version of the K-5 12 months ago.;)

2 upvotes

can we get some human 45 deg shots?

0 upvotes

...I think the K5 looks better in black...

2 upvotes

.. suitable anyway ..

0 upvotes

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I have the black version but I want this one. I think its purdy. Actually, what I really want is a firmware update to take care of some minor quirks I have (video).

0 upvotes

I think it would look great in yellow.

0 upvotes

??? you b sleepin w/ macr newson or some thin?

0 upvotes

??? you b sleepin w/ macr newson or some thin?

I'm sorry , I know this is an international website, but I only understand English. sorry.

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

1 upvote

I don't think this is the same as the original silver LTD. It says the specs are the same as the standard K-5. SO I guess only the color is different this time around.

0 upvotes

My 2011 Special Edition came with a notice that lists the improvements over the Standard K5:

Custom Grip
Reinforced glass for the LCD panel and monitor
Supports SDXC
Enables use of all ISO sensitivity values with exposure set to B.
Improved operating sequences and focusing speed for Contrast AF.

I suppose the last three could be firmware updates, but the grip does look different from the new Special Edition. Can't tell about the reinforced glass by looking at it. But it looks great next to my K1000 and ME Super which I use as bookends!

2 upvotes

Look on the bright side.

At least Pentax didn't re-release this outstanding camera in 440 different colors.

I'm still wondering what is gained by putting a tiny ultralight lens on a 740 gram camera. Look at the overhead view... it looks like there is no lens at all. Still, not a pocketable camera! :)

Comment edited 39 seconds after posting

2 upvotes

They never claimed it be a pocketable camera.
This seems to me to be a cheap marketing ploy to sell more cameras. Doesn't work for me--I'll get myself a black model and save a few hundred dollars.

1 upvote

Well, i am sorry but 2 days ago i succeeded to stuff K-5 and DA 35 2.8 (not a pancake lens) in a pocket of the jacket.
Not very comfortable, admittedly, and it took some convincing to get it out but there you go. :)
With DA 40 2,8 which is a bit larger then XS it was much better but i can't connect to this focal length.

0 upvotes

Those small lenses, e.g. many of the limiteds, only need very little space when taking several of them with you.
Definitely a bonus.

1 upvote

I wish the K-5 had been released in 440 different colors...

0 upvotes

no matter how it looks like, .., be wise (as you look like) and try to take some pics with it first before to judge it, .. so you'd be credible, .. perhaps; .. regards.

1 upvote

I use the K-7 + (regular) DA 40mm Limited as my main combo, and I appreciate the minimal space it takes in my backpack.

0 upvotes

There is absolutely no doubt that the K5 is one of the best DSLRs you can buy today. The image quality is stunning. The build quality and feature set is impressive. Even the price is reasonable.

They shouldn't need any gimmicks to sell this camera.

However, if someone wants one in bright yellow or with a tiny lens attachad... then why not? Leica would have tripled the price for a "special edition." At least Pentax only added a few extra hundred dollars.

0 upvotes

I loved the look the first time around. But I already have the mighty K-5. Still, if I had the money for a second body then this would be it. I can just imagine it with the FA77mm on the front(in silver) - A very beautiful looking camera with a mighty portrait prime.

4 upvotes

Since i have the original K5 limited silver, i get to call it:
Where's the beefy grip?

3 upvotes

i wonder if nikon can make one lens like that? at least equiv. 30mm (after the 1.5 lens factor) so a 20mm pancake? :-) hmmm yum :-)

0 upvotes

Pentax has one of those too! The 21 ltd. See my avatar, also in silver. :D

2 upvotes

Pentax seems to think that adding a new color and packaging option to an existing camera counts as a new release.

5 upvotes

honestly.....give me MZ-SD....then i will switch back to pentax again

0 upvotes

Why doesn't this news bump the lacklustre canon samples down the page?

0 upvotes

Because this is a year old camera and the 5Dmk3 is a brand new one.

5 upvotes

So they should move this to a year ago in the timeline. :-)

1 upvote

Why? the camera is still the number 1
In this respect, a "new" silver are also discussed today in the current timeline
I do not buy 5D III and D800, why? I have the awesome K-5

0 upvotes

One of my favourite favourite lenses on my pentax in the days of film was the pancake 40mm.

0 upvotes

This is 60mm equivalent though, not 40.

0 upvotes

No it is a 40mm equivalent. It is actually a 27mm lens.

0 upvotes

Nope I guess it is a true 40mm .... bummer.

0 upvotes

Sorry Dan, but geoffire has it right. The focal length is always given in absolute terms when naming a lens. Even though this lens only projects an APS-C sized image circle, and therefore can't be used on a full frame camera, the distance from the focal point to the sensor is 40mm. Since APS-C has a "crop factor" of ~1.5, you multiply that by the focal length, which in this case gives us 60mm.

0 upvotes

Of course it is a true 40mm. Some people... lol

3 upvotes

In the photo heading this page, the lens is maked both 40mm XS and Ø27mm. I guess that it is this 27mm figure that has been misleading people since the Ø indicates that the 27mm is the diameter of something, though why would a user need to know that figure?. The Pentax site also calls the lens "Unifocal" which would imply a fixed focus lens. One would hope this is not the case.

Comment edited 9 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

The 27mm refers to the filter size.

0 upvotes

@Walter
The DA40 is works great on my Penatx film cameras. I much prefer this FL as "standard."

0 upvotes

Now what about some new camera, dear Pentax?

K-5 is pretty good camera, but something new and exciting wouldnt hurt. Like full-frame for example.

1 upvote

FF - not necessary
APS-C is awesome
K-5 is awesome

3 upvotes

I agree. While the K5 is a very good camera, it's still more of an enthusiast model. Pentax needs to try to regain their position in the top tier, or top two or three tiers instead of playing in the bottom to middle ranges only.

I think Pentax needs a top level crop camera and a good full frame model at the very least to gain interest in the types of photographers that appeals to. I know it's not what makes the most money, but it can drive the market to your brand.

I mean Pentax executes so well, they need to expand and execute like that in the better models. Then they can spend some time in pro-grade glass too. Can we say Pentax back in the game then.

Forget the "Pentax can do no wrong" fanbois. Pentax needs to become a legend again.

3 upvotes

Reply: 645D
Nothing more to say

2 upvotes

Since it's likely the K-5 successor won't be announced until Fall, this is a good way to generate more interest and remind people how good the existing model already is. Likewise, Nikon hasn't felt the need to rush an announcement for a replacement to their similar D7000.

I look forward to better things as well, yet there's not much to complain about when the K-5 is still at the top of the heap for APS-C sensors. But sure, I'd be happy to upgrade to something that rivals the D3S or D4 (or better yet, fits between the D4 and D800 - 24MP with good high ISO and improved AF), should they come out with it.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 8 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

How about an LX-D. That sounds nice.

0 upvotes

Guidenet, I think Pentax with the K-5 is playing at the TOP of the APS-C range...

Comment edited 16 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

Guidenet, actually, K-5 is top level crop camera. As for FF, Pentax needs it as much as Canon/Nikon needs MF.

0 upvotes

645D is nice and it works same way as other Pentax cameras - best bang for buck. But even then its really expensive.

I was thinking something like Sony A850. Affordable full-frame from Pentax. Then if they want some "true" pro FF model.

Crop cameras are what they are, crops. I would only use it, if I didnt have choice. Our today APS-C was born out of need, cause manufacturers for long time wasnt able to produce full-frames. Everything that APS-C can do, can be done better with FF. In photography, size matters, at least in this case.

And its not like Pentax users have choice. Its APS-C or nothing..

0 upvotes

An FF sensor stuffed in a K-5 like body would be awesome. Priced less than $2500, and I'd buy one in a heartbeat. I can finally fully utilize those fine FF Pentax primes.

That won't happen though, but one can dream.

0 upvotes

The K-5 is such a beautiful camera. Silver or black, pancake lens, kit zoom, it doesn't matter, it's just a perfect size and design. I shot with a Pentax K20D for a couple of years, but every time I see a K-5 article, I am truly sorry I no longer have my Pentax gear.

0 upvotes

Why is your Pentax gear gone?

0 upvotes

Because I've always shot Nikon, but got a very good price on a new K-20D from B&H right before Pentax discontinued it. I used it for 2 years (love the Limited lenses), but went back to Nikon with the D7000. Then I bought a 5D Mk II (and GH2) as I wanted a FF camera, and wanted to learn video. Just sold my 5D Mk II and bought a Nikon D800 one week after it was announced.

I really like Pentax, but many of their lenses are APS-C, and I don't like to buy expensive lenses that are not future-proof, or FF.

I'm quite sure you didn't need so much detail, but there it is. Cheers.

0 upvotes

But D800 is still on preorder?

0 upvotes

What's so "masterful" about lens exterior design?

0 upvotes

Everything is masterful at the Pentax K-5
inform you ;))

2 upvotes

It may be $100 less, but it's not $1000. The previous Silver Edition, body only, was about the same price as this bundle.

2 upvotes

No idea how I managed not to spot that.

0 upvotes

Camera is a DPReview Gold Award (83% score).
Lens is very good (mech. and opt.).
60 mm equiv. lens is between 50 mm equiv. standard lens and 80 mm equiv. portrait lens.
It could be an useful and light kit for enthusiasts who prefer closer views.

0 upvotes

I agree - it is the best choice for DSLR to Time, see you "DxOMark". awesome IQ and stable and weatherproof camera - still the No. 1

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 1 minute after posting

5 upvotes

I ordered my black - for 777 € (body) ;))

3 upvotes

This is a fantastic price for such an excellent camera. The price of the K-5 has fallen from quite high to fairly low in the past 12 months, making it a serious bargain.

2 upvotes

isn't buying the body only and the lens separately cheaper?

or is the silver version more expensive?

if this is going to wait until april, i guess the k-5 successor won't be coming for a long while.

WELL. at least it's not a wooden edition...

Comment edited 40 seconds after posting

1 upvote

I'm all for more color variations, but this "let's make a batch in silver and charge several hundred dollars more" racket should stop.

0 upvotes

wouldn't you think poor sales response would factor into that decision? At least with this iteration comes a different lens. Now, that's not saying I'm going to jump on it. I have been tracking eBay prices in North America for a K5 body...now at $989(US). However, add a decent lens and you are over $1400. So, all that said, the price isn't too bad.

1 upvote

In the previous Limited Edition a few items besides paint color did change, most notably the grip. The silver looks nice, but my bank balance does not.. so I'll manage with the black one.

0 upvotes

@Joe

The XS is $250 retail, K-5 <$1000, so that's $350 (+20%) for silver.

And silver is supposed to be the cheap model!!

0 upvotes

True, Richard.
Remember way back when the black version of a camera was considered the better looking model?
I like Pentax and recognize their cameras are as capable as any, and more so in many cases. But offering a cheap looking silver body (yes, cheap; different doesn't automatically mean better) and raising the price is nothing short of sleazy. That won't stop me from buying a black K-5 for much cheaper, but I wish Pentax would have a little more maturity in their offerings.

0 upvotes

Why is silver the "cheap looking" version, in your opinion?

My view is that it would not look cheap at all if the silver parts were actual metal surfaces, not painted plastic. The older Pentaxes like MX/ME look very good in silver, not cheaper looking at all in my view. And I´m sure it´s because they were not silver painted but instead real metal bodies. .-)

1 upvote

What is different in the firmware?

0 upvotes

not much - only better for SDX cards

0 upvotes

I too dreamed of the 3 Silver Limited lenses and K-5 Special Edition they had a while back. I cannot even afford just a plain old K-5 at this point however. Maybe someday...

0 upvotes

It looks strange and unusual, this XS lens mounted on a DSLR body.Very discreet and elegant. I don't like the silver, though. It reminds me of those Asian cheapo CRT televisions, complete with their silver remote controls... I'd rather see the K-5 in a bold red.

0 upvotes

Only in the blood-red finish like the 645D. No pink please.

0 upvotes

This looks like you're buying the K-5 only and it has a weird body cap on it. Soooo small lens, it's funny to see it :)

2 upvotes

A few weeks ago I was taking pictures with my K-5 and DA 40mm and a friend asked me if I could take pictures without a lens on :)

2 upvotes

amazingly compact but its kind of an odd FL
pancake lenses for travel/walkaround stuff but 40mm aps-c is a bit long for walkaround.

0 upvotes

Sweet....I lusted after the last Pentax Special Edition!!! Alas...all my money is wrapped up in a Full Frame system and MFT and many lenses....can't go here. ...but it is sweet! (and doesn't look like Lego!!!).

Comment edited 49 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

Nice! the profile of this lens is barely larger then the NEX lens mount!

6 upvotes

Total comments: 110

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