| Latest Review Posted | Pentax P30T
I got this one as a companion to my K2, replacing the SFX I used before. While the SFX is a solid performer, it has too much automation for my taste. For film, I prefer fully manual operation and the P30 delivers that pretty well.
The P30 series shares a lot of genetic material with the classic K-series metal bodies. Apart from the grip/thumb rest, the over-all design and dimensions of the body are almost identical to my K2 (and thus much larger than, say, an MX). The grip/thumb rest isn't all that big, but for me improves handling significantly. Most visible parts of the body are made of plastic, which helps to reduce weight. On the other hand, it doesn't feel as solid as a metal body, and some parts are actually a bit flimsy. On my body, one of the two – uhm – "teeth" on the rewinding shaft (the ones that go into the film cartridge) broke off. Rewinding still works, but unfortunately those teeth are also used for unlocking the film door when pulling up the rewind crank. With only one of them left, opening the film door becomes extremely fiddly (unless you have somehow marked the exact position the crank needs to be rotated to). Making that part out of plastic: Not a good idea.
Feature-wise, it is also pretty close to a classic manual body, including DOF-preview, mirror lock-up and a (mechanic) cable release port. It doesn't have any flash sync ports, but personally I don't care about this. Lack of exposure compensation/manual ASA setting is also no biggie for me... |
