Originally posted by Mountain Vision Actually, while you guys over here on pentax forums probably haven't heard my wishlist since I spend most of my photo time on Photo.net, I've been asking for a Pentax MX digital for some time.
The K-m is not that camera.
I want a metal body, at least ist D size, but preferably smaller (like D40/K-m).
However, I want it to be sealed, and pro spec'd (at least on par with the K10D/K20D).
I'd love to see no RTF, but I would like to see some form of top panel LCD, if it cannot be done because of size I'm ok with that.
It must have SR, it must have dual control wheels.
It should run on lithium batteries, not AA, but I'd be all for a grip for it that took AA batteries. Best of both worlds.
As far as AA batteries, if you run lithiums even the 2003 ist D got about 700-1000 shots per charge. At $1 per battery that really isn't a huge investment. I'd say most people will go through less than 2 sets a month with aggressive chimping...and less than 1 set with out much chimping!
So, if Pentax doesn't read photo.net, maybe someone is a Pentax spy here, and they will make a compact, professional grade, weather sealed, METAL, body that is designed to complement the limiteds, and quite frankly needed to sell the limiteds since they just look stupid on a plain plastic, large body like the K20D.
Oh, and if they can add an autofocus button to the grip, that would be bananas!
Sealing a camera makes it bigger. (Just look how big the Oly E-3 or E-30 is, compared to E-420. Or Pentax LX compared to MX).
Putting autofocus button to the grip, also makes it bigger.
I think the limited lenses look great on a camera like the K20, both silver and black. The 77 and 31 might even look and act too big, on a camera like the K-m.
Some of my older K- and A-series metal lenses also goes fine with my K10. Don’t mind the look at all.
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In my experience, steel chassis and reinforced polycarpamid also has better shock absorption, than what a magnesium body can handle.
For a pro spec'd body, I many times like the opportunity to use bigger lenses, like DA*200/2.8, later maybe a DA* 400/4. An MX size digital would be too small to hold comfortably, even with a grip. But go to the film forum, a lot would like something similar there
. (I’m all for different options though).
A lens such as this, I would find too big for a K-m size camera :
2008-10-24_02.jpg (image)
On this discussion, Jeffkrol posted some quotes from HOYA :
“With a desire to offer cameras which will demonstrate our advantages, as announced in the Photokina held in Germany, we will relaunch ourselves next year as a manufacturer of all-weather cameras which are strong outdoors, highly water-resistant, splash-proof, and dustproof, small and light, easily portable and tough (durable).”
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-news-rumors/43594-hoya-future-bens-impact.html
I think this is a great niche. Many users from C&N ask why they can’t have tine pancake limiteds as well.
Good quote btw, by Justin Serpico. A very fine photographer.
All in all, an interesting discussion. And one that we've had before. But not exactly what the OP asked regarding this thread
Last edited by Jonson PL; 12-21-2008 at 06:12 AM.