Originally posted by jatrax Sadly, yes. Or I'm supposed to. M-F with my 'real' gig and weekends on the photo business. I would hate to know how many hours this site has sucked out of my day, though usually I only check in when doing image processing or uploads so I guess it is idle time.
I think that is one of the things I find interesting about the commentary on this thread and PF generally. There are professional photographers here and there are amateurs.
I am an amateur, but one of the reasons I have a Pentax DSLR is my work - I was doing far too much, and needed a creative and different outlet, that got me out of 'work' mode and into something that didn't involve me thinking about my work 24/7. So that got me back to photography a few years ago. After a journey that included a Nikon D200 and a Leica Digilux 2, I landed with a Pentax K5 (after carefully considering it against a Nikon D7000).
My photography is essentially for my own enjoyment and sanity, so I guess I am not as invested in the great gear debate as some others are - simply because my current K3 is more camera than I actually need, I enjoy using it, I like the small size for travel, and whilst I buy new Pentax lenses, I also enjoy mucking around with old manual focus ones (K's and M's) and there are plenty of those about. The wide availability of old K and M42 lenses for Pentax was one of the factors that went into why I brought into the system in the first place.
So, I will probably buy the new Pentax Full Frame - not because I particularly need it, but because I will enjoy using it, it will extend my photography in some areas, and I can afford it. I think having the FF will improve my use of some of the old manual FF glass. If it is a bit late next year it really doesn't impact me, but I am looking forward to seeing the specifications and abilities that arrive with that camera.
As I have previously stated on other threads, I think Ricoh has a long term interest in improving its imaging across the range, and competing with Canon - so I am looking forward to what they bring us over the next few years. Then again, if they reneged on the Pentax FF (which they won't) it wouldn't impact my current photography or use of my K3 and lenses.
If I had one wish for the Pentax it would be more availability of Zeiss glass for K-mount, but then I also enjoy the hunt for rarer old K-mount and Zeiss glass that I can use or convert for K-mount, so I guess I can't have it both ways
I have been following this thread and the mix of negative / positive comments. If I was a professional photographer, with specific needs around the use of strobes or full-frame for a particular type of photography, with the accompanying professional level FF exotic glass, then I guess the chances are I would with be using one of the Canon or Nikon offerings, or something medium format. The thing is, a professional will rent or purchase what they need for the job at hand, or what they can afford. It is a completely different transaction than for an amateur or someone where this is their hobby.
For a professional is it the system, accessories, robustness, fit for purpose, and back up. From what I read in other camera's and commentaries - everyone has issues from time to time. That goes for all the current full frame and medium format vendors. Of course the internet and forums magnify the problems as they get discussed at length.
Will Ricoh build out a professional full frame system, surrounding ecosystem, and support networks - well time will tell there, but they may not even be trying to. That is something that professionals here and with other systems will have to judge and work out, and how the level of support offered impacts on their business and gear selection criteria. Most professionals I know of - shooting Canon or Nikon FF bodies always have 2 bodies in any case - because in the middle of a commercial shoot gear failure is not an option. And bodies can fail.
It will be interesting to see the comments of the professionals here once the Pentax FF arrives, and whether they believe it is a system they can invest in.