Would you buy a Pentax FF?

knoxploration · 11-23-2009, 04:05 AM

Originally posted by RuiC

Well, reading the poll numbers so far, I'm afraid that making 100 bodies would be a little costly, but I am sure that with a little effort I'll do my best to get one of these FF Pentax cameras, even if just for bragging.

Rui

More to the point, only nine people out of the 157 who have replied so far have indicated they'd leave Pentax for another brand if Pentax doesn't make their own FF DSLR.

bunegg · 11-23-2009, 04:08 AM

dun think i will buy another pentax body other den a ff

cuz the next upgrade for me will have to be a ff

be it pentax or canikon

Boris · 11-23-2009, 05:31 AM

Originally posted by Nubi

I ask here politely what that "magic" really is. I have also seen plenty of what can be considered magic in pictures taken with APS-C sensors. Is this something that only novice can notice? Then is it worth it? I need a bit more tangibles here. Even if there is that "magic," is relying on that magic what photography as we know is all about? Consider Ben's work for example. They are not the kind of genre I am familiar with, but you still notice the total control he has with his subject and the equipment. To me that is what separates the pro from the rest of us, not the equipment. Having said that however, I want full frame, because I can afford it.

Don't you just love the double standard???

I marked one your sentence in bold. I humbly submit to the court that you don't need any tangibles here. Either you like Beethoven or you don't. I mean, if you want to measure(bate) photography all across the board, then I would have no answer for you, but you can do it yourself - sturdy tripod, a set of targets and lots of time to spare.

Otherwise - it is just courses for horses. Some like shallow dof, some like high contrast. Just let them be. By the way, few people call FF Fool's Frame which has certain logic behind it.

At the end it is good though that different people want different things - makes life interesting in a way.

Art Vandelay II · 11-23-2009, 07:20 AM

Originally posted by knoxploration

More to the point, only nine people out of the 157 who have replied so far have indicated they'd leave Pentax for another brand if Pentax doesn't make their own FF DSLR.

That's not exactly what it says. The question isn't worded like that. The question of "Will you leave Pentax if they do not produce a full frame body" is a totally different poll.

For example I currently own a Pentax LX as well as a Nikon FE2. My first choice would be to buy a Pentax full frame body to use with my LX glass, but if they never do I have a plan B. So even though I voted yes I would buy a Pentax FF I will certainly buy a Nikon FX DSLR if Pentax never produces a FF DSLR. The only reason I haven't so far is because Nikon has yet to make an FX body I love. The D700 is perfectly nice, but it is just way too big and heavy to use as a street shooter.

MikePerham · 11-23-2009, 08:06 AM

Originally posted by Richard Day

No I wouldn't, my two main reasons are:

The overall size and weight of a FF system is considerably more than APS-C. I already find size and weight an issue, that's why I chose Pentax, even a quality (Oly) 4/3 rds DSLR system is heavier!
The cost is curretly much higher for a "like for like" system and likely to stay that way.

There are other personal shooting style reasons that mean I don't "need" a FF system, such as better high ISO performance as I've never needed much above ISO 800, most of my phoography is at ISO 100 and 200 and that includes hand held night shots.

I also, quite strongly, have the belief that most (not all) of FF devotees only want it for bragging rights!

Richard, I am with you on this issue.

thibs · 11-23-2009, 09:29 AM

I voted that I'd buy one but:
* depends on price,
* not initially, I'm in love with my K-7

* depends on size/weight, an FF K-7 would really help to get me into FF, clearly.
* depends if aperture simulator is there or not.

My couple older optics are nice performers but using them on FF without aperture simulator is half way thing. I wouldn't buy an FF body just for that. I prefer the convenience of DA/DFA lenses on my K-7 than my lovely K30/2.8 on FF with green button trick.

Since we won't see such aperture simulator ever again IMO, ther's just no hurry at all. Maybe in 2+ years, I'd move.

portisrob · 11-23-2009, 10:22 AM

I guess we could watch the price of FA lenses go up YET AGAIN!

aleonx3 · 11-23-2009, 10:37 AM

Originally posted by thibs

I voted that I'd buy one but:
* depends on price,
* not initially, I'm in love with my K-7

* depends on size/weight, an FF K-7 would really help to get me into FF, clearly.
* depends if aperture simulator is there or not.

My couple older optics are nice performers but using them on FF without aperture simulator is half way thing. I wouldn't buy an FF body just for that. I prefer the convenience of DA/DFA lenses on my K-7 than my lovely K30/2.8 on FF with green button trick.

Since we won't see such aperture simulator ever again IMO, ther's just no hurry at all. Maybe in 2+ years, I'd move.

Pardon my ignorance, what is an aperture simulator? Is this feature on K-7 (K10D or K20D)? Thanks...

stevebrot · 11-23-2009, 10:42 AM

I have been mostly shooting 35mm film lately and am really enjoying being able to use my 28mm as a wide angle and my 16mm fisheye as a fisheye. I really love my K10D, but given the option of the similar performance with a FF sensor...in a heart beat...assuming I have the bucks

Steve

glanglois · 11-23-2009, 11:28 AM

My photography will not be enhanced by carrying around a larger, heavier system that I've spent a a lot more money on. As another wrote, I picked Pentax for specific reasons.

I'll keep my K-7 and DA glass and concentrate on learning photography. I'm learning, not earning.

I'll evaluate the format decision again when APS-C is somehow limiting my efforts, probably years from now.

stevebrot · 11-23-2009, 12:01 PM

Originally posted by glanglois

My photography will not be enhanced by carrying around a larger, heavier system that I've spent a a lot more money on. As another wrote, I picked Pentax for specific reasons.

I'll keep my K-7 and DA glass and concentrate on learning photography. I'm learning, not earning.

I'll evaluate the format decision again when APS-C is somehow limiting my efforts, probably years from now.

Excellent comment. Though I might point out that the bigger/heavier aspect is an assumption. Case in point being the new FF Leica that is essentially the same size/weight as its predecessor. The same is true of lenses. A smaller sensor does not always mean a smaller/lighter lens.

The important thing to remember is that the DA lenses (for the most part) and Pentax APS-C cameras are excellent tools and can produce excellent results. That fact does not change even if Pentax develops a FF body and resurrects its line of FF lenses. I also believe that it is safe to assume that Pentax will continue to produce higher end APS-C bodies and compatible lenses regardless of whether a FF body is developed.

Steve

stevebrot · 11-23-2009, 12:12 PM

Originally posted by thibs

* depends if aperture simulator is there or not...

I too am curious about the "aperture simulator". Pentax dSLRs use stop-down metering for lenses lacking the "A" contacts. This "feature" (or short-coming) is not related to sensor size, but to the lack of a mechanical coupler in the body's mount. If you are suggesting that Pentax return to a non-crippled K-AF mount, I give the notion a strong "two thumbs up" though I strongly doubt that it will happen given the general industry trend of making lenses without aperture rings.

Steve

Miserere · 11-23-2009, 12:51 PM

Originally posted by Richard Day

I also, quite strongly, have the belief that most (not all) of FF devotees only want it for bragging rights!

Ha ha ha, yep, that's probably true

Alfisti · 11-23-2009, 01:06 PM

On paper i am keen as i am shooting more and more in the 20-100mm range on APS-C.

Thing is, it does make it tricky re. lenses. On APS-C i love the FOV of the following lenses so what do I replace them with?

12-24: 17-35?

21mm midget lens: There is nothing this small but let's say the FA35 which i own

35 f/2: 50 f/1.7 or 1.4

77 ltd: 100mm macro?

100mm macro: I can live with the same FL if I had too.

55-300: Siggy 170-500?

18-250: Nothing out there at this quality.

So on paper ......

- I can merge the 77/100 into one lens but I am saddled with extra weight and size.

- I drop the 77 from my line up (shame)

- My long lens now become ENORMOUS

- There is no 28-200 of decent enough quality

- The 35/2 replaces my 21 ltd so again larger and heavier.

Makes no sense for me to change.

potatolicious · 11-23-2009, 02:21 PM

I'd do it in an instant, assuming the FF camera was any good and can give the 5D2 a run for its high-iso performance. I love the K-7, but let's face it, anything at ISO 1600 and above is pretty trashy... the camera effectively maxes out at ISO 800 (1600 with a LOT of post-massaging with denoisifiers), which makes handheld night/indoor shooting somewhat difficult.

The 5D2's ISO 3200 looks buttery smooth, like the K-7 on ISO 400. That's the kind of performance you need to really do night shooting, and something I'm looking for.

View Poll Results: Would you buy a FF Pentax or another brand or stick with APS-C?
Buy Pentax FF DSLR	186	66.67%
Stick with APS-C or other format	82	29.39%
Buy another brand FF DSLR	11	3.94%
Voters: 279. You may not vote on this poll

11-23-2009, 08:06 AM	#50
MikePerham Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Prince George, BC Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 642	Originally posted by Richard Day No I wouldn't, my two main reasons are: The overall size and weight of a FF system is considerably more than APS-C. I already find size and weight an issue, that's why I chose Pentax, even a quality (Oly) 4/3 rds DSLR system is heavier! The cost is curretly much higher for a "like for like" system and likely to stay that way. There are other personal shooting style reasons that mean I don't "need" a FF system, such as better high ISO performance as I've never needed much above ISO 800, most of my phoography is at ISO 100 and 200 and that includes hand held night shots. I also, quite strongly, have the belief that most (not all) of FF devotees only want it for bragging rights! Richard, I am with you on this issue.

11-23-2009, 10:22 AM	#52
portisrob Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: minnesota Posts: 53	ff dslr I guess we could watch the price of FA lenses go up YET AGAIN!

11-23-2009, 11:28 AM	#55
glanglois Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Madison, Wis., USA Posts: 1,506	Vote for APS-C My photography will not be enhanced by carrying around a larger, heavier system that I've spent a a lot more money on. As another wrote, I picked Pentax for specific reasons. I'll keep my K-7 and DA glass and concentrate on learning photography. I'm learning, not earning. I'll evaluate the format decision again when APS-C is somehow limiting my efforts, probably years from now.

11-23-2009, 12:01 PM	#56
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by glanglois My photography will not be enhanced by carrying around a larger, heavier system that I've spent a a lot more money on. As another wrote, I picked Pentax for specific reasons. I'll keep my K-7 and DA glass and concentrate on learning photography. I'm learning, not earning. I'll evaluate the format decision again when APS-C is somehow limiting my efforts, probably years from now. Excellent comment. Though I might point out that the bigger/heavier aspect is an assumption. Case in point being the new FF Leica that is essentially the same size/weight as its predecessor. The same is true of lenses. A smaller sensor does not always mean a smaller/lighter lens. The important thing to remember is that the DA lenses (for the most part) and Pentax APS-C cameras are excellent tools and can produce excellent results. That fact does not change even if Pentax develops a FF body and resurrects its line of FF lenses. I also believe that it is safe to assume that Pentax will continue to produce higher end APS-C bodies and compatible lenses regardless of whether a FF body is developed. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 11-23-2009 at 12:12 PM.

11-23-2009, 04:05 AM	#46
knoxploration Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Knoxville, Tennessee Posts: 846	Originally posted by RuiC Well, reading the poll numbers so far, I'm afraid that making 100 bodies would be a little costly, but I am sure that with a little effort I'll do my best to get one of these FF Pentax cameras, even if just for bragging. Rui More to the point, only nine people out of the 157 who have replied so far have indicated they'd leave Pentax for another brand if Pentax doesn't make their own FF DSLR.

11-23-2009, 04:08 AM	#47
bunegg Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 82	dun think i will buy another pentax body other den a ff cuz the next upgrade for me will have to be a ff be it pentax or canikon

11-23-2009, 05:31 AM	#48
Boris Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Israel Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 932	Originally posted by Nubi I ask here politely what that "magic" really is. I have also seen plenty of what can be considered magic in pictures taken with APS-C sensors. Is this something that only novice can notice? Then is it worth it? I need a bit more tangibles here. Even if there is that "magic," is relying on that magic what photography as we know is all about? Consider Ben's work for example. They are not the kind of genre I am familiar with, but you still notice the total control he has with his subject and the equipment. To me that is what separates the pro from the rest of us, not the equipment. Having said that however, I want full frame, because I can afford it. Don't you just love the double standard??? I marked one your sentence in bold. I humbly submit to the court that you don't need any tangibles here. Either you like Beethoven or you don't. I mean, if you want to measure(bate) photography all across the board, then I would have no answer for you, but you can do it yourself - sturdy tripod, a set of targets and lots of time to spare. Otherwise - it is just courses for horses. Some like shallow dof, some like high contrast. Just let them be. By the way, few people call FF Fool's Frame which has certain logic behind it. At the end it is good though that different people want different things - makes life interesting in a way.

11-23-2009, 07:20 AM	#49
Art Vandelay II Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Charlotte, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 886	Originally posted by knoxploration More to the point, only nine people out of the 157 who have replied so far have indicated they'd leave Pentax for another brand if Pentax doesn't make their own FF DSLR. That's not exactly what it says. The question isn't worded like that. The question of "Will you leave Pentax if they do not produce a full frame body" is a totally different poll. For example I currently own a Pentax LX as well as a Nikon FE2. My first choice would be to buy a Pentax full frame body to use with my LX glass, but if they never do I have a plan B. So even though I voted yes I would buy a Pentax FF I will certainly buy a Nikon FX DSLR if Pentax never produces a FF DSLR. The only reason I haven't so far is because Nikon has yet to make an FX body I love. The D700 is perfectly nice, but it is just way too big and heavy to use as a street shooter.

11-23-2009, 09:29 AM	#51
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	I voted that I'd buy one but: * depends on price, * not initially, I'm in love with my K-7 * depends on size/weight, an FF K-7 would really help to get me into FF, clearly. * depends if aperture simulator is there or not. My couple older optics are nice performers but using them on FF without aperture simulator is half way thing. I wouldn't buy an FF body just for that. I prefer the convenience of DA/DFA lenses on my K-7 than my lovely K30/2.8 on FF with green button trick. Since we won't see such aperture simulator ever again IMO, ther's just no hurry at all. Maybe in 2+ years, I'd move.

11-23-2009, 10:37 AM	#53
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	Originally posted by thibs I voted that I'd buy one but: * depends on price, * not initially, I'm in love with my K-7 * depends on size/weight, an FF K-7 would really help to get me into FF, clearly. * depends if aperture simulator is there or not. My couple older optics are nice performers but using them on FF without aperture simulator is half way thing. I wouldn't buy an FF body just for that. I prefer the convenience of DA/DFA lenses on my K-7 than my lovely K30/2.8 on FF with green button trick. Since we won't see such aperture simulator ever again IMO, ther's just no hurry at all. Maybe in 2+ years, I'd move. Pardon my ignorance, what is an aperture simulator? Is this feature on K-7 (K10D or K20D)? Thanks...

11-23-2009, 10:42 AM	#54
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	I have been mostly shooting 35mm film lately and am really enjoying being able to use my 28mm as a wide angle and my 16mm fisheye as a fisheye. I really love my K10D, but given the option of the similar performance with a FF sensor...in a heart beat...assuming I have the bucks Steve

11-23-2009, 12:12 PM	#57
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by thibs * depends if aperture simulator is there or not... I too am curious about the "aperture simulator". Pentax dSLRs use stop-down metering for lenses lacking the "A" contacts. This "feature" (or short-coming) is not related to sensor size, but to the lack of a mechanical coupler in the body's mount. If you are suggesting that Pentax return to a non-crippled K-AF mount, I give the notion a strong "two thumbs up" though I strongly doubt that it will happen given the general industry trend of making lenses without aperture rings. Steve

11-23-2009, 12:51 PM	#58
Miserere Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Boston Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,993	Originally posted by Richard Day I also, quite strongly, have the belief that most (not all) of FF devotees only want it for bragging rights! Ha ha ha, yep, that's probably true

11-23-2009, 01:06 PM	#59
Alfisti Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toronto (for now) Posts: 1,748	On paper i am keen as i am shooting more and more in the 20-100mm range on APS-C. Thing is, it does make it tricky re. lenses. On APS-C i love the FOV of the following lenses so what do I replace them with? 12-24: 17-35? 21mm midget lens: There is nothing this small but let's say the FA35 which i own 35 f/2: 50 f/1.7 or 1.4 77 ltd: 100mm macro? 100mm macro: I can live with the same FL if I had too. 55-300: Siggy 170-500? 18-250: Nothing out there at this quality. So on paper ...... - I can merge the 77/100 into one lens but I am saddled with extra weight and size. - I drop the 77 from my line up (shame) - My long lens now become ENORMOUS - There is no 28-200 of decent enough quality - The 35/2 replaces my 21 ltd so again larger and heavier. Makes no sense for me to change.

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11-23-2009, 02:21 PM	#60
potatolicious Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Seattle Posts: 44	I'd do it in an instant, assuming the FF camera was any good and can give the 5D2 a run for its high-iso performance. I love the K-7, but let's face it, anything at ISO 1600 and above is pretty trashy... the camera effectively maxes out at ISO 800 (1600 with a LOT of post-massaging with denoisifiers), which makes handheld night/indoor shooting somewhat difficult. The 5D2's ISO 3200 looks buttery smooth, like the K-7 on ISO 400. That's the kind of performance you need to really do night shooting, and something I'm looking for.