AlainCo
Forum Enthusiast
Pentax K3 Mk 3?
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Best old Pentax body to get in 2021?
- Thread starter robgendreau
- Start date
Myself, I still use the 6MP K100D, and the 10MP K10D. Both have image stabilization, which can be useful for static subjects. I really like the clolour character of these sensors, and the contrasty look (a nice way to refer to a low DROr the K10D. Same sensor as the K200D but a sturdier, two control wheel body. Bigger though.[...]
For something "just a little bit different" I'd suggest one of the older 6 or 10 megapixel CCD-sensor bodies. I still use my *istDS and *istDL2 but recognise that something like the K200D is probably superior, just haven't found one at a price I can justify
Doug
) Also, both have a built-in flash.The K100D is relatively light and compact, and uses AA-batteries, so you won't have the hassle of yet another dedicated charger. Many newer lenses will not work on this one. This was my gateway-drug into Pentax.
The K10D is built like it could (and should) survive WW3. I actually prefer its design for the SD-card compared to newer models. Compatible with most newer lenses. This was my gateway-drug into chunkier Pentax-bodies
Regardless, all of these can be had for cheap. In fact, one of my K10D's is for sale (need to make some space after some lens-purchases) but overseas-shipping would kill the price I'm afraid...
johnpeeay
Well-known member
I bought a used K511s two years back complete with kit lens for £230 here in UK. I had a few M series Pentax lenses retained from the 1980's and my days using an ME Super so was tempted to try out a Pentax DSLR I had been using a Nikon D7000 with Nikon 16-85 for most of my shooting up until buying this Pentax. The resolution of the Pentax is phenomenal even with the kit lens, much better than the Nikon combo. If you find one, buy it!
Indeed
Rod Herdman
Senior Member
Along with many others I would say the K5IIs.
I thought about getting one as a backup, but they seem few and far between and appear to be holding value quite well. Don't expect to pick one up for a song.
I thought about getting one as a backup, but they seem few and far between and appear to be holding value quite well. Don't expect to pick one up for a song.
Curious about this, could you point me towards more information?
The Squirrel Mafia
Senior Member
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/151-pentax-k-30-k-50/343703-running-k-50-firmware-k-30-a.html
^ There it is. Read the thread before attempting it.
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It is disappointing to see some of the suggestions - K-3, K-3 II, K-70, K-3 III, and even one about lenses? The OP is a Veteran Member with nearly 8000 posts. It would seem a reasonable assumption that he knows something about DSLRs and lenses, so show respect when he asks for the opinions of others on "something older than the K-3 or K-50, so from the K-5 II and further back".
The majority of the good replies suggest the K-5 IIs, and so do I. The K-5 series are great Pentax cameras, the IIs being ahead by a whisker for image quality. I've kept my IIs and use it along with a KP. Although the KP is an improvement as an image maker, the K-5 (or II or IIs) is still a very capable camera, and for me it gets the top spot as the best Pentax for handling and ergonomics - a real pleasure to use.
Philip
The majority of the good replies suggest the K-5 IIs, and so do I. The K-5 series are great Pentax cameras, the IIs being ahead by a whisker for image quality. I've kept my IIs and use it along with a KP. Although the KP is an improvement as an image maker, the K-5 (or II or IIs) is still a very capable camera, and for me it gets the top spot as the best Pentax for handling and ergonomics - a real pleasure to use.
Philip
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robgendreau
Forum Pro
I agree, and I have lots and lots of old lenses I like. Film bodies too.
Part of the reason I ask is I often buy at charity sites and it's as much about getting them the money as getting a deal, and if I'm going to bid I'd like it to be on something I'd like to try. I turn over equipment by donating and selling too. Just went throught a Pentax 110 body but kept the lenses (the film size was a pain to digitize).
Just thought I'd try a classic, and the K-5's seem like the consensus choice. I did recently lose out on an *ist; be fun to try that..
Nice!
I think the "real" classic digital are the CCD-bodies. The cameras after those get more functional and better at every generation. So you really can't go wrong, just avoid the models prone to the aperture block thing (considering your above motivation, I assume you're not anxious to do repair-work on a cam)
Have fun chasing your next new old camera
Indeed, the K-5/ii still have their adherents, and there's no arguing their status as classics. A great many are "still on the road."
Back in the film era, I'd have to go with the Minolta XD-11 rather than a Pentax. We all have a place in our hearts for our first SLRs.
But of course, if it's just about the experience and idiosyncrasies, you don't need any of our advice <g>. That's not necessarily about value-for-money.
robgendreau
Forum Pro
One interesting thing about the older bodies is that in a lot of ways they are simpler and easier to use. Like 50 menu items instead of 500.
But at the same time it's cool that Pentax and others were doing things like IBIS or mirrorless so long ago. Ahead of their time.
I appreciate the latest greatest, but some of those old 6MP images one could get with a good lens and a now-outdated sensor look awfully good. Might take a bit more work to capture that, but some of the same tried and true techniques still work. Not to mention that modern post processing software (esp denoise) can make up for some of the old hardware's limitations.
We have trained some people with the old bodies we dig up, even though their smartphones produce better images from a technical perspective. But it makes them focus on the lenses and the difference they make, which is key for interchangeable lens cameras. And they tend to see that the lenses are the most important part of their gear.
But at the same time it's cool that Pentax and others were doing things like IBIS or mirrorless so long ago. Ahead of their time.
I appreciate the latest greatest, but some of those old 6MP images one could get with a good lens and a now-outdated sensor look awfully good. Might take a bit more work to capture that, but some of the same tried and true techniques still work. Not to mention that modern post processing software (esp denoise) can make up for some of the old hardware's limitations.
We have trained some people with the old bodies we dig up, even though their smartphones produce better images from a technical perspective. But it makes them focus on the lenses and the difference they make, which is key for interchangeable lens cameras. And they tend to see that the lenses are the most important part of their gear.
Gary Martin
Veteran Member
^^^^^^^^^^ This is the correct answer ^^^^^^^^^
AviPro
Senior Member
Is there any particular reason you say from K5ii backwards?
Richard Murdey
Senior Member
If you consider extremely limited DR and high ISO noise to be "charming".
The K10D is still a functional camera, however, and takes nice enough pictures in bright, even lighting. I think I can safely assume that if you are having to consider using a K10D you won't be looking at the output on a 4K display. So for <$50 it might be worth picking up as being "better than nothing".
The K-5 is better in all respects, and the K-3 better in all respects than the K-5.
Jim Beverlin
Senior Member
Still have no plans to replace my K-5. Like the K-01 too. Have two (2) of them.
John McMillin
Leading Member
Except for the button layout on the back. The K-3's review button is on the left, requiring your left hand to use. They moved it to make room for the LV button, but that one seems oddly placed and out of reach. The K-3's a slightly better camera, but the K-5 series is better to use.
There is no one correct answer to this question .
I started with Pentax circa 1976 with a KM , worked my way up the film bodies through ME , ME Super , KX , MX until I got to the LX , which I had two of - after that there seemed nothing further to upgrade to , unless I was going to get a 6x7 , which at that time I could not afford , besides I had three Rollei TLRs and at work there were Hasselblads available to use .
I stuck with my LXs until around 2005 ; I had tried the *istD in a shop , but baulked at the cost , so I waited a year until I picked up a used one for , from memory , around £700 .
I don't think there was any advantage of the subsequent *ist models , they all had the same 6MP sensor , and were cheaper due to various features being deleted - for example , only the original *istD supported traditional TTL as well as P-TTL , so I was able to continue to use my older Metz flashes at that time . I think the *istD was the best camera of that whole series ; hence I bought two , and kept with them until I bought my K-3 and K-01 in 2014 .
I gave the *istD bodies to my children - my daughter is a keen photographer and uses hers as a backup to her K10D ; my son never showed much interest so I have it back in my house , for now .
When I got my first *istD , it was a body only , and I used my extensive collection of SMC-M lenses I had built up over the years ; because I had been used to focussing manually , I saw little value in AF , but because I had an AF capable body I did start to buy some AF lenses ; but even now I still use my SMC-M lenses regularly , even on my K-1 . I did also buy a used MZ-S since at that time I was still shooting film , both 35mm and 120 ; the MZ-S is a very nice camera and the best successor to the LX Pentax have made to date .
The first significant upgrade was the K10D , with the 10MP sensor ; I bought my daughter a new one for her 21st Birthday , and she still uses it today . Pictures taken with it still look very nice today .
The K20D was a step up again ; I might have bought one , but I was still waiting for a full frame Pentax DLSR .
The K-7 is a good camera , but if you're considering one , I think you are just as well getting a K5 or derivative ; they won't cost you much more .
The K-01 , which you had , was essentially a mirrorless K-5 .
I also have my K-01 which I bought new on final reduction for a bargain price and I still love it .
Of course the cameras get better from one generation to the next - only you can decide where the cost/performance balance sits right for you . I can still look back at pictures taken with my *istD and some can still look very good - even today .
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Fixed for ya ;-)
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