K100ds: best DSLR ever, or greatest DSLR ever? - Page 3

virgilr · 11-06-2009, 09:27 PM

Just have to say- yes, my first DSLR, a K100DS. As others have stated, the backwards lens compatibility and built-in SR were what attracted me to the system from the onset.

I had learned on Canon gear in high school in the 80's (AE1), and had a Canon P&S. But when it came time to move to DSLR, The K100DS was exactly in my budget range.

I think I'll shoot this camera until the shutter dies- even then, I may see about getting it fixed! I love it to bits. Not knowing what I do now when I bought it, but I just love the decent ISO 800 performance, 1600 in a pinch with NR gives great results.

I won't even get into all the FUN I've had getting classic glass and outstanding results! A Katz-Eye later, and I have only purchased 1 AF lens. Just way too much fun to have these incredible lenses that I have come across for great deals!

The missing second dial doesn't hurt me that much- although I'd love to have it- but I find I've gotten pretty adept at menu flipping in a pinch.

The slow buffer, though, is annoying when shooting raw. But, I have to say, it takes away the chimp factor, and I tend to shoot more instead of eying every shot.

Fit is perfect for me, ergonomically- so, nope, I won't sell it, esp. at this point since it has a lot more value to me personally than the 200.00 I could get for it!

I consider it MY greatest camera ever..

flippedgazelle · 11-06-2009, 09:48 PM

I really enjoyed my K100D. As with some of the other folks here, it was my 1st DSLR.

I think one of the aspects of the K100D that really contributed to my growth as a photographer (such as I am) was the relatively slow AF. If I wanted to capture a BIF, for instance, I couldn't just point the camera at the bird and rely on AF tracking. I actually had to carefully scrutinize the bird's actions, look for patterns while in flight and gestures while on the ground indicating impending flight. I learned a lot that way.

kthung · 11-06-2009, 11:47 PM

I bought myself a K20D expecting to sell my K100DS to cover some of the cost, but could never bring myself to sell it. It reallly shines at ISO 800

*Steve Beswick* · 11-06-2009, 11:51 PM

Originally Posted by flippedgazelle

I really enjoyed my K100D. As with some of the other folks here, it was my 1st DSLR.

I think one of the aspects of the K100D that really contributed to my growth as a photographer (such as I am) was the relatively slow AF. If I wanted to capture a BIF, for instance, I couldn't just point the camera at the bird and rely on AF tracking. I actually had to carefully scrutinize the bird's actions, look for patterns while in flight and gestures while on the ground indicating impending flight. I learned a lot that way.

Now this is exactly what I'm talking about! The K100d requires the computer inside your head. Consequently the photos come out more unique and with a higher average quality.

*res3567* · 11-06-2009, 11:53 PM

Great thread Steave! I just shot a bunch of macros with mine...... A lot of keepers this time as I am trying new techniqeus.

jsherman999 · 11-07-2009, 12:36 AM

Originally Posted by apisto

It takes such good pictures, I can even recognize the specific fish!! They are the Como Park Conservatory fish, I do believe.

Yes they are!

gaddigad · 11-07-2009, 02:49 AM

Originally Posted by Steve Beswick

Give me your opinions please, as long as they fall into one of the two above catagories!

Undeniably the greatest ever DSLR! It's the only one I have had

I never held a camera having a more comfortable sculptured rubber grip.
All the rest are just top notch design and execution. (Lack of real) auto iso is the major weakness for me.

apisto · 11-07-2009, 06:22 AM

Originally Posted by jsherman999

Yes they are!

I must admit thier greedy nature clued me in, as well.

Marignac · 11-08-2009, 05:51 AM

I started with a K1000 + K55/2 + K150/4 when I was 15 years old back in the 70ies. This used to be my dream of a camera for many, many years.

When it came to DSLR I started with a K-m and a K200d. Both didn't really suit my ideas of what my camera ought to be good at - the K-m made awesome photographs up to ISO 400, but then terribly failed on higher isos. The K200d was ok but lacked the good temper in metering plus also failed in high iso > 400. My wife was gladly taking over the Km, the K200d was kept for replacement, because at that point I bought the K100DS, so did retro-buying. I did not regret that for one single second. Its marvellous metering, its splendid high-iso behaviour, its accessibility of all important features, its perfect size - all is honey to the bear for me, so for me, it is simply the best camera I've ever had, the legendary K1000 included (2nd in the game).

I had a GX20 for a couple of months which I've sold because it was too much of an hassle to deal with - and its jpgs were far from having the quality of the K100dS. K100dS + FA 35 as well as K100dS + Tamron 28-75 are absolute dream combos!

So, it is best and greatest for ever!

Marilith · 11-08-2009, 07:24 AM

I got the K100D as my first DSLR and learned a lot from it. But the dust issues (I was shooting a lot in dusty environments) drive me mad. I ended up giving the camera and both kit lenses to a friend who adores it.
I move to the Oly e410 and a 510.
Excellent cameras the both of them and I am keeping them.
But, I missed the relative ease of focus using the K100D Manual focus assist (I have a bag of takumars my Dad gave me)
And the there is something really quite special about the jpeg engine on the 100; a delicacy of color and shading that I missed terribly.
So when Wolf camera had a huge close-out sale I got a K100D Super body and now it has my 50mm FA virtually welded to it. I love its rendering.

There may be faster and more refined cameras, Pentax or whatever, but I love my K100D Super.