Mike Johnston, The Online Photographer, comes clean about his K-5

Sol Invictus · 11-19-2012, 12:48 PM

Well I know he has a D800 and some small mirrorless cameras. The K5 falls right in between in terms of size and IQ. This is the great advantage of the K5 to most people, but when you have both ends of the spectrum covered, I can see why he doesn't need the K5.

By the way, it's a great blog worth reading.

panoguy · 11-19-2012, 01:06 PM

Originally posted by illdefined

or it's him shrewdly trying to sell his K-5 without simultaneously pissing off his biggest advertiser.

ultimately, he admits barely using it and using other cameras instead (and not a K-5II). not exactly an endorsement. if his opinion matters so much, why doesn't that last bit matter?

Try reading his blog for a while, or at least reading his posts on the K-5 and 35mm-equivalent lenses. You might answer your own questions...

illdefined · 11-19-2012, 01:07 PM

Originally posted by Sol Invictus

Well I know he has a D800 and some small mirrorless cameras. The K5 falls right in between in terms of size and IQ. This is the great advantage of the K5 to most people, but when you have both ends of the spectrum covered, I can see why he doesn't need the K5.

By the way, it's a great blog worth reading.

It is a great blog.

to me, what's tragic about this post is that if only the K-5 were FF it would likely be his favorite camera. he's heaped praise on the 35mm Limited (apparently FF-compatible) and is also fond of the 40mm focal length (DA Limited also FF compatible). he obviously appreciated the qualities of the K-5 at the time it came out, but time has marched on and more compelling cameras have drawn his attention.

illdefined · 11-19-2012, 01:10 PM

Originally posted by panoguy

Try reading his blog for a while, or at least reading his posts on the K-5 and 35mm-equivalent lenses. You might answer your own questions...

i'm quite familiar with him and his blog (see above). that's why him effectively saying goodbye to Pentax (for now) is particularly sad.

Biro · 11-19-2012, 01:27 PM

It's true... Pentax still needs more lenses. I have most of the DA Limiteds (just not the 40) plus the DA 50 f/1.8. I wouldn't rule out an FA 43 Limited. But the lack of a 24-28mm fast prime forced me to buy my first Sigma lens a few months ago: a 28mm f/1.8 that was on sale new with warranty for $329. It's not a bad lens at all but it's big and heavy, and I would have bought a Pentax if they made one in that focal range. I'm not a professional photographer, only a long-time enthusiast. So any desire I might have for a more complete system isn't as urgent as it might be for many. But Mike Johnston speaks the truth. We can only hope we'll see changes in the next year or two.

**Ash** · 11-19-2012, 01:35 PM

The FA 31 Ltd would impress you, Biro.

This may be another impetus for Pentax to stay on the path of developing that FF model with a few DFA lenses next year...

Biro · 11-19-2012, 01:38 PM

Originally posted by Ash

The FA 31 Ltd would impress you, Biro.

This may be another impetus for Pentax to stay on the path of developing that FF model with a few DFA lenses next year...

I'm sure it would. I've thought about the FA 31 a lot. But, I have to say, I may have missed my chance with that one when it was more affordable. I just won't pay $1,000 or more for a lens anymore. But that's just me and the reality of the slow but steady decline in my living standard.

seventysixersfan · 11-19-2012, 01:47 PM

I have the Sigma Superwide II, 24mm, f/2.8, and a smc-F 28mm f/2.8. Both are outstanding, very sharp, and compact in size, but I just wished they were faster.

**Ash** · 11-19-2012, 01:52 PM

Originally posted by Biro

I'm sure it would. I've thought about the FA 31 a lot. But, I have to say, I may have missed my chance with that one when it was more affordable. I just won't pay $1,000 or more for a lens anymore. But that's just me and the reality of the slow but steady decline in my living standard.

That's not only understandable, but insightful. Even better if you find contentment in accepting it.

audiobomber · 11-19-2012, 02:03 PM

In avoiding the FA 31, I've purchased, in order, the FA 35, Vivitar A 28mm 2.8, Kiron 28mm f2, DA 40 and FA 28mm. I'd sell them all and buy an FA 31, but they're so versatile and all are different. (I don't use the Vivitar, but it's worth nothing.)

rawr · 11-19-2012, 02:59 PM

Originally posted by panoguy

Perhaps that's why he is an opinion leader!

Other 'opinion leaders' I read have commented on the recent trend in TOP to start flogging affiliate revenue gear more than it ever has before. All those recent posts about deals of the day, new gadgets and gear, complete with Amazon, B&H and Adorama links... While Pentax may be a sponsor, I bet most of TOP's income is derived via those affiliate links.

So ultimately TOP is just another cargo-cult site. The recent TOP D800 posts made me a little sad, in fact. All his photos with his rental D800 were mediocre in every way, yet he made them a justification for his purchase of the D800, when in reality he was just smitten by his new gadget.

cali92rs · 11-19-2012, 03:18 PM

Originally posted by Biro

But that's just me and the reality of the slow but steady decline in my living standard.

Hopefully things begin to look up for you. Unfortunately your story seems very typical for people here in the US. Honestly one mid-level DSLR with a kit lens is a luxury many, many people cannot afford nowadays.

Biro · 11-19-2012, 09:55 PM

Originally posted by cali92rs

Hopefully things begin to look up for you. Unfortunately your story seems very typical for people here in the US. Honestly one mid-level DSLR with a kit lens is a luxury many, many people cannot afford nowadays.

That's absolutely correct. It's not that I'm down and out or unemployed. What's slowly happening to me is also happening to most working Americans - and has been happening for 30 years. Incomes are stagnant while costs continue to rise. It's just that since the crisis of 2008 that it's become obvious and undeniable. But with the exception of only a few passions, such as photography and motorcycling, I've never been a big spender and I will adjust without a high misery index. Many have it much worse than I do. But $1000 lenses are among the first indulgences to go. I wonder how long it'll be before most camera makers realize this.

**Miguel** · 11-19-2012, 11:24 PM

Originally posted by rawr

So ultimately TOP is just another cargo-cult site. The recent TOP D800 posts made me a little sad, in fact. All his photos with his rental D800 were mediocre in every way, yet he made them a justification for his purchase of the D800, when in reality he was just smitten by his new gadget.

When I first read this, I was going to post that you were full of it, because I respect Mike Johnston's insights a lot. But I allowed a little thought and reflection to sink in and I now appreciate your perspective here. His rationale does seem mostly emotional and those show-off shots were unimpressive--even though I do understand Mike's approach to evaluating rendering quality. But let's face it, a daily photo blog does have to regularly demonstrate transition. And he is fulfilling the camera porn fantasy of many of his readers--myself included--which is always good for page clicks.

Outfitting the D800 is an expensive affair, so asset liquidation has to happen to keep new material flowing. Because of his ongoing relationship with Pentax as a sponsor, and because his review of the DA Ltd. macro 35mm lens was wonderfully over the top, I think he felt an obligation to write a swan song for his Pentax. But I think the bottom line was the bottom line.

I'm sure he'll circle around back to the brand sooner or later.

M

rawr · 11-20-2012, 12:22 AM

Originally posted by Miguel

When I first read this, I was going to post that you were full of it

I've been visiting TOP for a while and I do appreciate it's style. But there has been an awful lot of, basically, content aimed at the cash-register there recently. Along the way the basic conversation from all the TOP contributors has begun to revolve around buying and selling stuff. Which is boring and trivial, and disappointing. I guess I could wait around for TOP to start to be interesting again, but I think I will just find other places to visit from now on.

11-19-2012, 01:07 PM	#18
illdefined Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NYC Posts: 929	Originally posted by Sol Invictus Well I know he has a D800 and some small mirrorless cameras. The K5 falls right in between in terms of size and IQ. This is the great advantage of the K5 to most people, but when you have both ends of the spectrum covered, I can see why he doesn't need the K5. By the way, it's a great blog worth reading. It is a great blog. to me, what's tragic about this post is that if only the K-5 were FF it would likely be his favorite camera. he's heaped praise on the 35mm Limited (apparently FF-compatible) and is also fond of the 40mm focal length (DA Limited also FF compatible). he obviously appreciated the qualities of the K-5 at the time it came out, but time has marched on and more compelling cameras have drawn his attention. Last edited by illdefined; 11-19-2012 at 01:19 PM.

11-19-2012, 01:27 PM	#20
Biro Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,200	It's true... Pentax still needs more lenses. I have most of the DA Limiteds (just not the 40) plus the DA 50 f/1.8. I wouldn't rule out an FA 43 Limited. But the lack of a 24-28mm fast prime forced me to buy my first Sigma lens a few months ago: a 28mm f/1.8 that was on sale new with warranty for $329. It's not a bad lens at all but it's big and heavy, and I would have bought a Pentax if they made one in that focal range. I'm not a professional photographer, only a long-time enthusiast. So any desire I might have for a more complete system isn't as urgent as it might be for many. But Mike Johnston speaks the truth. We can only hope we'll see changes in the next year or two. Last edited by Biro; 11-19-2012 at 01:46 PM.

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11-19-2012, 12:48 PM	#16
Sol Invictus Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Calgary, Alberta Photos: Gallery Posts: 392	Well I know he has a D800 and some small mirrorless cameras. The K5 falls right in between in terms of size and IQ. This is the great advantage of the K5 to most people, but when you have both ends of the spectrum covered, I can see why he doesn't need the K5. By the way, it's a great blog worth reading.

11-19-2012, 01:06 PM	#17
panoguy Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Washington, D.C. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,327 Original Poster	Originally posted by illdefined or it's him shrewdly trying to sell his K-5 without simultaneously pissing off his biggest advertiser. ultimately, he admits barely using it and using other cameras instead (and not a K-5II). not exactly an endorsement. if his opinion matters so much, why doesn't that last bit matter? Try reading his blog for a while, or at least reading his posts on the K-5 and 35mm-equivalent lenses. You might answer your own questions...

11-19-2012, 01:10 PM	#19
illdefined Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NYC Posts: 929	Originally posted by panoguy Try reading his blog for a while, or at least reading his posts on the K-5 and 35mm-equivalent lenses. You might answer your own questions... i'm quite familiar with him and his blog (see above). that's why him effectively saying goodbye to Pentax (for now) is particularly sad.

11-19-2012, 01:35 PM	#21
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	The FA 31 Ltd would impress you, Biro. This may be another impetus for Pentax to stay on the path of developing that FF model with a few DFA lenses next year...

11-19-2012, 01:38 PM	#22
Biro Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,200	Originally posted by Ash The FA 31 Ltd would impress you, Biro. This may be another impetus for Pentax to stay on the path of developing that FF model with a few DFA lenses next year... I'm sure it would. I've thought about the FA 31 a lot. But, I have to say, I may have missed my chance with that one when it was more affordable. I just won't pay $1,000 or more for a lens anymore. But that's just me and the reality of the slow but steady decline in my living standard.

11-19-2012, 01:47 PM	#23
seventysixersfan Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 2,054	I have the Sigma Superwide II, 24mm, f/2.8, and a smc-F 28mm f/2.8. Both are outstanding, very sharp, and compact in size, but I just wished they were faster.

11-19-2012, 01:52 PM	#24
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Originally posted by Biro I'm sure it would. I've thought about the FA 31 a lot. But, I have to say, I may have missed my chance with that one when it was more affordable. I just won't pay $1,000 or more for a lens anymore. But that's just me and the reality of the slow but steady decline in my living standard. That's not only understandable, but insightful. Even better if you find contentment in accepting it.

11-19-2012, 02:03 PM	#25
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	In avoiding the FA 31, I've purchased, in order, the FA 35, Vivitar A 28mm 2.8, Kiron 28mm f2, DA 40 and FA 28mm. I'd sell them all and buy an FA 31, but they're so versatile and all are different. (I don't use the Vivitar, but it's worth nothing.)

11-19-2012, 02:59 PM	#26
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by panoguy Perhaps that's why he is an opinion leader! Other 'opinion leaders' I read have commented on the recent trend in TOP to start flogging affiliate revenue gear more than it ever has before. All those recent posts about deals of the day, new gadgets and gear, complete with Amazon, B&H and Adorama links... While Pentax may be a sponsor, I bet most of TOP's income is derived via those affiliate links. So ultimately TOP is just another cargo-cult site. The recent TOP D800 posts made me a little sad, in fact. All his photos with his rental D800 were mediocre in every way, yet he made them a justification for his purchase of the D800, when in reality he was just smitten by his new gadget.

11-19-2012, 03:18 PM	#27
cali92rs Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 3,354	Originally posted by Biro But that's just me and the reality of the slow but steady decline in my living standard. Hopefully things begin to look up for you. Unfortunately your story seems very typical for people here in the US. Honestly one mid-level DSLR with a kit lens is a luxury many, many people cannot afford nowadays.

11-19-2012, 09:55 PM	#28
Biro Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,200	Originally posted by cali92rs Hopefully things begin to look up for you. Unfortunately your story seems very typical for people here in the US. Honestly one mid-level DSLR with a kit lens is a luxury many, many people cannot afford nowadays. That's absolutely correct. It's not that I'm down and out or unemployed. What's slowly happening to me is also happening to most working Americans - and has been happening for 30 years. Incomes are stagnant while costs continue to rise. It's just that since the crisis of 2008 that it's become obvious and undeniable. But with the exception of only a few passions, such as photography and motorcycling, I've never been a big spender and I will adjust without a high misery index. Many have it much worse than I do. But $1000 lenses are among the first indulgences to go. I wonder how long it'll be before most camera makers realize this.

11-19-2012, 11:24 PM	#29
Miguel Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Near Seattle Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,743	Originally posted by rawr So ultimately TOP is just another cargo-cult site. The recent TOP D800 posts made me a little sad, in fact. All his photos with his rental D800 were mediocre in every way, yet he made them a justification for his purchase of the D800, when in reality he was just smitten by his new gadget. When I first read this, I was going to post that you were full of it, because I respect Mike Johnston's insights a lot. But I allowed a little thought and reflection to sink in and I now appreciate your perspective here. His rationale does seem mostly emotional and those show-off shots were unimpressive--even though I do understand Mike's approach to evaluating rendering quality. But let's face it, a daily photo blog does have to regularly demonstrate transition. And he is fulfilling the camera porn fantasy of many of his readers--myself included--which is always good for page clicks. Outfitting the D800 is an expensive affair, so asset liquidation has to happen to keep new material flowing. Because of his ongoing relationship with Pentax as a sponsor, and because his review of the DA Ltd. macro 35mm lens was wonderfully over the top, I think he felt an obligation to write a swan song for his Pentax. But I think the bottom line was the bottom line. I'm sure he'll circle around back to the brand sooner or later. M

11-20-2012, 12:22 AM	#30
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by Miguel When I first read this, I was going to post that you were full of it I've been visiting TOP for a while and I do appreciate it's style. But there has been an awful lot of, basically, content aimed at the cash-register there recently. Along the way the basic conversation from all the TOP contributors has begun to revolve around buying and selling stuff. Which is boring and trivial, and disappointing. I guess I could wait around for TOP to start to be interesting again, but I think I will just find other places to visit from now on.