K-5 or K-5IIs to replace K-30?

Swift1 · 02-26-2017, 10:59 AM

Yesterday, my Mom's K-30 died on her (aperture block failure). The camera is nearly 5 years old and so AFAIK it's well out of warranty. Rather than spend money on repairing it, I'm thinking about just buying her a used K-5 or K-5IIs.
Any thoughts or suggestions?

Also, if I buy a K-5 from Japan, are there any software/firmware issues I need to worry about concerning Japanese software or menus being in kanji only? I imagine it's not a problem, but just wanted to check.

Thanks,

Colton

stillshot2 · 02-26-2017, 12:04 PM

Have you seen this thread? If my K30 died I'd consider this repair: K30 Aperture failure repaired - PentaxForums.com

Swift1 · 02-26-2017, 12:11 PM

Originally posted by stillshot2

Have you seen this thread? If my K30 died I'd consider this repair: K30 Aperture failure repaired - PentaxForums.com

Yes, thanks.
I understand that all these repairs are somewhat temporary and not a long term solution?

redrockcoulee · 02-26-2017, 12:55 PM

I have the K5iis and my wife the K5. I would go with the newer model over the K5 as it has several improvements and the prices should be close.

Blacknight659 · 02-26-2017, 01:20 PM

I have owned the K-5ii and K-5iis. I can't really tell a difference in IQ from the standard and s model. I have seen images out of the original k-5 and I didn't see any improvements over my cameras.

Having said that....

Any of the 3 will be better than you k-30. I would get what you can get while the getting is good. If you look closely, you may find a K-3 within a similar price bracket, so keep that in mind.

HopelessTogger · 02-26-2017, 02:17 PM - **1 Like**

K-3, used they seem to be the same price as the K-5IIs.

rrstuff · 02-26-2017, 02:31 PM

Originally posted by Swift1

Yesterday, my Mom's K-30 died on her (aperture block failure). The camera is nearly 5 years old and so AFAIK it's well out of warranty. Rather than spend money on repairing it, I'm thinking about just buying her a used K-5 or K-5IIs.
Any thoughts or suggestions?

Also, if I buy a K-5 from Japan, are there any software/firmware issues I need to worry about concerning Japanese software or menus being in kanji only? I imagine it's not a problem, but just wanted to check.

Thanks,

Colton

Both are good choices. Most people will probably say K-5IIs, because you rarely see moire, there are software tools to remove if needed, and you can always use more sharpness. Unless you are specifically shooting fabrics, then maybe K-5II. If you can get a K-3, I would do that, because of autofocus improvements. The higher resolution and extra features are really nice too.

C_Jones · 02-26-2017, 02:38 PM

I had two K-5 bodies. I liked the first one so much I bought another one for use with another lense. I ended up selling them and getting a K-5IIs and a K-3II. The K-5IIs renders more detail in images than the previous models due to the lack of an anti-aliasing filter. It takes excellent images. I still have both the K-5IIs and the K-3II. I may be selling my K-5IIs along with a GPS unit in the near future. I just noticed a few minutes ago that someone else is selling a K-5IIs in the marketplace. That was posted about an hour ago or so.

Below is a crop of a picture I took of a seagull with my K-5IIs. The file is greatly reduced in size from the original (byte wise).

Swift1 · 02-26-2017, 02:42 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Blacknight659

I have owned the K-5ii and K-5iis. I can't really tell a difference in IQ from the standard and s model. I have seen images out of the original k-5 and I didn't see any improvements over my cameras.

Having said that....

Any of the 3 will be better than you k-30. I would get what you can get while the getting is good. If you look closely, you may find a K-3 within a similar price bracket, so keep that in mind.

Originally posted by HopelessTogger

K-3, used they seem to be the same price as the K-5IIs.

Originally posted by rrstuff

Both are good choices. Most people will probably say K-5IIs, because you rarely see moire, there are software tools to remove if needed, and you can always use more sharpness. Unless you are specifically shooting fabrics, then maybe K-5II. If you can get a K-3, I would do that, because of autofocus improvements. The higher resolution and extra features are really nice too.

Thanks all. I kinda feel like the 16mp sensor is a real sweet spot on APS-C, and the price difference is sufficient enough that I very likely wouldn't get a K-3.
Currently I'm leaning towards a K-5 because I really don't want to spend anymore than necessary, and I think the K-5 is more than good enough for my Mom's uses.

C_Jones · 02-26-2017, 02:54 PM

A K-5 will definitely give a user satisfaction on all quality levels. It was like the step into the "nice results almost everytime" level of image quality and the features are very accommodating.

stillshot2 · 02-26-2017, 04:19 PM

Originally posted by Swift1

Yes, thanks.
I understand that all these repairs are somewhat temporary and not a long term solution?

From what I gathered from this thread, this fix seems to be a long term fix. But I'd say to go for the K5ii or K5iis if you don't want the K3 or to repair the K30 since the autofocus in the K5ii is an improvement over the original K5.

**aslyfox** · 02-26-2017, 04:58 PM

What about the K 5 II as opposed to the K 5 or the K 5 II S ???

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-cameras-compared/?c1=Pentax+K-5&c...=Pentax+K-5+II

Swift1 · 02-26-2017, 05:03 PM

Originally posted by stillshot2

From what I gathered from this thread, this fix seems to be a long term fix. But I'd say to go for the K5ii or K5iis if you don't want the K3 or to repair the K30 since the autofocus in the K5ii is an improvement over the original K5.

That would be awesome if it's long term.

---------- Post added 02-26-2017 at 04:07 PM ----------

Originally posted by Aslyfox

What about the K 5 II as opposed to the K 5 or the K 5 II S ???

Pentax K-5 vs. Pentax K-5 II vs. Pentax K-5 II - Pentax Camera Comparison - PentaxForums.com

Either of those 3 would be great depending on price.
So far, it seems I can get a nice K-5 for about $150 less than a K-5II of equal condition.

**aslyfox** · 02-26-2017, 05:10 PM

Originally posted by Swift1

That would be awesome if it's long term.

---------- Post added 02-26-2017 at 04:07 PM ----------

Either of those 3 would be great depending on price.
So far, it seems I can get a nice K-5 for about $150 less than a K-5II of equal condition.

remember the K 5 II and K 5 II S are "improvements" on the older K 5, that could explain the price difference

check out the thread I linked to compare the features of each of those options.

**eminker** · 02-26-2017, 07:12 PM

I have both the K-5 and K-5iis and both are great but if you can find a K-5iis, I would definitely recommend it over the K-5.

02-26-2017, 10:59 AM	#1
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079	K-5 or K-5IIs to replace K-30? Yesterday, my Mom's K-30 died on her (aperture block failure). The camera is nearly 5 years old and so AFAIK it's well out of warranty. Rather than spend money on repairing it, I'm thinking about just buying her a used K-5 or K-5IIs. Any thoughts or suggestions? Also, if I buy a K-5 from Japan, are there any software/firmware issues I need to worry about concerning Japanese software or menus being in kanji only? I imagine it's not a problem, but just wanted to check. Thanks, Colton

02-26-2017, 02:38 PM	#8
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,084	I had two K-5 bodies. I liked the first one so much I bought another one for use with another lense. I ended up selling them and getting a K-5IIs and a K-3II. The K-5IIs renders more detail in images than the previous models due to the lack of an anti-aliasing filter. It takes excellent images. I still have both the K-5IIs and the K-3II. I may be selling my K-5IIs along with a GPS unit in the near future. I just noticed a few minutes ago that someone else is selling a K-5IIs in the marketplace. That was posted about an hour ago or so. Below is a crop of a picture I took of a seagull with my K-5IIs. The file is greatly reduced in size from the original (byte wise). Last edited by C_Jones; 02-26-2017 at 03:11 PM.

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02-26-2017, 12:04 PM	#2
stillshot2 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Phoenix, AZ Photos: Albums Posts: 1,070	Have you seen this thread? If my K30 died I'd consider this repair: K30 Aperture failure repaired - PentaxForums.com

02-26-2017, 12:11 PM	#3
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079 Original Poster	Originally posted by stillshot2 Have you seen this thread? If my K30 died I'd consider this repair: K30 Aperture failure repaired - PentaxForums.com Yes, thanks. I understand that all these repairs are somewhat temporary and not a long term solution?

02-26-2017, 12:55 PM	#4
redrockcoulee Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Medicine Hat Posts: 2,306	I have the K5iis and my wife the K5. I would go with the newer model over the K5 as it has several improvements and the prices should be close.

02-26-2017, 01:20 PM	#5
Blacknight659 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 731	I have owned the K-5ii and K-5iis. I can't really tell a difference in IQ from the standard and s model. I have seen images out of the original k-5 and I didn't see any improvements over my cameras. Having said that.... Any of the 3 will be better than you k-30. I would get what you can get while the getting is good. If you look closely, you may find a K-3 within a similar price bracket, so keep that in mind.

02-26-2017, 02:17 PM - 1 Like	#6
HopelessTogger Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Roi-et, Thailand Posts: 773	K-3, used they seem to be the same price as the K-5IIs.

02-26-2017, 02:31 PM	#7
rrstuff Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Pasadena, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,126	Originally posted by Swift1 Yesterday, my Mom's K-30 died on her (aperture block failure). The camera is nearly 5 years old and so AFAIK it's well out of warranty. Rather than spend money on repairing it, I'm thinking about just buying her a used K-5 or K-5IIs. Any thoughts or suggestions? Also, if I buy a K-5 from Japan, are there any software/firmware issues I need to worry about concerning Japanese software or menus being in kanji only? I imagine it's not a problem, but just wanted to check. Thanks, Colton Both are good choices. Most people will probably say K-5IIs, because you rarely see moire, there are software tools to remove if needed, and you can always use more sharpness. Unless you are specifically shooting fabrics, then maybe K-5II. If you can get a K-3, I would do that, because of autofocus improvements. The higher resolution and extra features are really nice too.

02-26-2017, 02:42 PM - 1 Like	#9
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079 Original Poster	Originally posted by Blacknight659 I have owned the K-5ii and K-5iis. I can't really tell a difference in IQ from the standard and s model. I have seen images out of the original k-5 and I didn't see any improvements over my cameras. Having said that.... Any of the 3 will be better than you k-30. I would get what you can get while the getting is good. If you look closely, you may find a K-3 within a similar price bracket, so keep that in mind. Originally posted by HopelessTogger K-3, used they seem to be the same price as the K-5IIs. Originally posted by rrstuff Both are good choices. Most people will probably say K-5IIs, because you rarely see moire, there are software tools to remove if needed, and you can always use more sharpness. Unless you are specifically shooting fabrics, then maybe K-5II. If you can get a K-3, I would do that, because of autofocus improvements. The higher resolution and extra features are really nice too. Thanks all. I kinda feel like the 16mp sensor is a real sweet spot on APS-C, and the price difference is sufficient enough that I very likely wouldn't get a K-3. Currently I'm leaning towards a K-5 because I really don't want to spend anymore than necessary, and I think the K-5 is more than good enough for my Mom's uses.

02-26-2017, 02:54 PM	#10
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,084	A K-5 will definitely give a user satisfaction on all quality levels. It was like the step into the "nice results almost everytime" level of image quality and the features are very accommodating.

02-26-2017, 04:19 PM	#11
stillshot2 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Phoenix, AZ Photos: Albums Posts: 1,070	Originally posted by Swift1 Yes, thanks. I understand that all these repairs are somewhat temporary and not a long term solution? From what I gathered from this thread, this fix seems to be a long term fix. But I'd say to go for the K5ii or K5iis if you don't want the K3 or to repair the K30 since the autofocus in the K5ii is an improvement over the original K5.

02-26-2017, 04:58 PM	#12
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	What about the K 5 II as opposed to the K 5 or the K 5 II S ??? https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-cameras-compared/?c1=Pentax+K-5&c...=Pentax+K-5+II

02-26-2017, 05:03 PM	#13
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079 Original Poster	Originally posted by stillshot2 From what I gathered from this thread, this fix seems to be a long term fix. But I'd say to go for the K5ii or K5iis if you don't want the K3 or to repair the K30 since the autofocus in the K5ii is an improvement over the original K5. That would be awesome if it's long term. ---------- Post added 02-26-2017 at 04:07 PM ---------- Originally posted by Aslyfox What about the K 5 II as opposed to the K 5 or the K 5 II S ??? Pentax K-5 vs. Pentax K-5 II vs. Pentax K-5 II - Pentax Camera Comparison - PentaxForums.com Either of those 3 would be great depending on price. So far, it seems I can get a nice K-5 for about $150 less than a K-5II of equal condition.

02-26-2017, 05:10 PM	#14
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	Originally posted by Swift1 That would be awesome if it's long term. ---------- Post added 02-26-2017 at 04:07 PM ---------- Either of those 3 would be great depending on price. So far, it seems I can get a nice K-5 for about $150 less than a K-5II of equal condition. remember the K 5 II and K 5 II S are "improvements" on the older K 5, that could explain the price difference check out the thread I linked to compare the features of each of those options.

02-26-2017, 07:12 PM	#15
eminker Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Brooklyn, New York Posts: 150	I have both the K-5 and K-5iis and both are great but if you can find a K-5iis, I would definitely recommend it over the K-5.