Read more..
Find your perfect Lens
I'm writing about the Pentax K10D that had the most influence on my photography. I bought the camera in early 2007. Up until that time I didn't take a lot of pictures not because I didn't like photography, but because of the cost of film and getting the pictures developed.
With the K10D that all changed. I was able to shoot away and get instant feedback on the camera and also critique the photos on the computer. Of course moving into the digital age, I had to learn some photo-shopping skills as well, which I am still working on.
 |
| Pentax K10D + Tamron AF 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 Di II LD |
When I first received the camera I pretty much shot it in green mode as I got used to it. I did take a photography class in college and another afterwards to improve my shooting and learn the basics of composition, although they were quite a few years prior. I got a few pictures that I liked, but I didn't get the camera as a point and shoot instrument (click the image to enlarge).
 |
| Wild horse on Cumberland Island, Georgia, US |
| Pentax K10D, Pentax-F 28-80mm F3.5-4.5 |
I started shooting in TAv mode then full manual mode. It took a while to get pictures that I considered decent shooting this way but it is much more rewarding. I don't like the camera deciding for me how the picture is going to look, although occasionally I will put the camera in green mode if I know I want the shot and I only have one chance to get it. When I finally got a picture shooting fully manual the way I wanted it, I felt a surge of excitement and knew my efforts weren't an exercise in futility.
 |
| High Falls State Park, Georgia |
| Pentax K10D, Tamron 18-250mm |
Most of what I do is nature and landscapes. Getting the camera also opened new avenues in photography, not to mention my wallet. I bought a K 300mm F4 manual lens and F 1.7x extender for wildlife and look forward to the day when there will be star glass in the camera bag.
 |
| Five-lined Skink (Eumeces fasciatus) |
| Pentax K10D, SMC Pentax K 300mm |
This also brought in a new phase of photography in learning to use a mono pod. Then it took me to the opposite extreme of wanting to learn macro photography with a FA 50mm macro lens and Vivitar 2x extender. (Picture 5)
 |
| Pentax K-10D + SMC Pentax-FA 50mm macro lens and Vivitar 2x extender |
My only gripe with the camera is the low ISO and inconsistent auto focus. It's been rewarding though to grow with the camera even with its limitations. I look forward to the next camera and its better features, but the K10D will always be the camera that had the most influence on my photography.
 |
| Pentax K10D, Tamron 18-250mm |
- Jack
Rating:
You wrote a very real sounding story and demonstrated the few natural photography. Although the best Tamron lens photographs done (I'd do the fotogrfie using Takumar 135/2.5), then I would just put on your win.
Love the K10. Love the K20 more. Do buy a K5 (original) while they are cheap as dirt.
I've had my K10D since 2008 and I still use it today. It was my first DSLR. I've used it for family events, portraits, macro, lacrosse, football and nature. It has never let me down and is a solid performer. I got an adapter for it so I could use my collection of M42 Takumar lenses with it. I do want to upgrade to a K-5 someday but this camera will hold a special place for me.
Love my K10D so much so I bought a second for backup while taking long exposures. While one is doing the dark frame the other is taking the next picture. We also have the pleasure of owning a K20 K7 and k1000 just for good measure...
My experiences are much the same as others posted here, After shooting for years with my K1000, PZ-1P and finally the MZ-s I found that it was becoming costly to shoot with film (though I still do time to time). I Moved to the K10 and found that much of my Photographic technique translated well and that with immediate feedback from Digital my Photographic style improved by leaps and bounds. I then upgraded to the K20, K7, and now have the K5. I still shoot with and love the K10 as my First Digital Camera Body!
I also have had my K10D since the spring of 2007. After using my trusty Spotmatic F cameras for years, this was my first digital camera. I still shoot some film from time to time, but I have more versatility with the K10D. I have learned a lot about digital from using this camera. It has been a reliable tool for me. I now have a K-30, too, but unfortunately it has been in for warranty repairs for the last couple of months. Nevertheless, my K10D continues to serve me well.
Great post about a great camera. Like others, the K-10D was one of my first DSLRs. I purchased it off a fellow in town who had won it in a photo contest, but wanted the cash to buy himself another Nikon. With the addition of a couple of K-20s to my lineup, the K-10 has now become my portrait camera, used primarily for family photos.
I have had my K10D for a few years now and it never fails to amaze me. I have a K5 as well and my wife has a KX. Yes, the two later ones can do more in low light but the K10 is put together better and is easier to use. I set my K10 up to what i wanted and i have never had a problem with exposure, or focus including sport or low light. Always reliable.
Great post. My experience is much like yours. I migrated from Canon film cameras FD lens to the K-10,with similar results and learning curve. It is safe to use manual mode in digital because every bad shot is not costing you film and film development and printing costs. I like being able to try different combinations of aperture and shutter speed to achieve desired effects. I now have a K-20 and K-7, but have no hesitancy to use the K-10 for every day photos. It is still a competent and useful camera when its limitations are properly factored into the equation.
I got my K10d in 2006 still use it today ,takes great photos so I don't see the need to get another model for every day photos ,I'm spending my money on more lens.