I have a K1 mkii but I saw a K1

rml63 · 11-08-2019, 07:58 PM

I am really enjoying my mkii I shoot mostly landscape and astrophotography, I saw a lightly used K1 for sale and it was all I could do not to buy it. The thought of having 2 cameras set up at night shooting different targets is very appealing. Having a wide angle on one and a zoom on the other for landscape sounds interesting as well.

While I don’t specifically need another FF camera I am not sure I will be able to resist. There is a K3 for sale as well for about half the cost that looks interesting as well. They want $1400 usd including tax for the K1 with a 2400 shutter count.

I would be interested to hear opinions for or against this opportunity?

Mike

**sergysergy** · 11-08-2019, 08:00 PM - **1 Like**

If you already have a K1 mkii I think a $1400 K1 is not necessary. I would wait for something cheaper given that you don't need it. My two cents.

tokyoscape · 11-08-2019, 08:15 PM

Your heart say go for it, but your brain say NO NO noooo... We’ve all been there!
I think you just want an early Christmas present! (i am evil!)

Not a Number · 11-08-2019, 08:19 PM

If you do a lot of shooting, a backup body is always nice. If you shoot in situations where you need to change lenses quickly a second body is always nice too.

**bwgv001** · 11-08-2019, 08:26 PM

If you can afford it, why not. But based on your find it seems prices go back up. I paid less for mine. Ultimately this is a good thing.

Leumas · 11-08-2019, 08:37 PM

I'd just grab a cheap k-70 for a second camera

**bkpix** · 11-08-2019, 09:47 PM

I really like shooting with two identical (or operationally identical) bodies when I'm taking photos. So I say go for it!

biz-engineer · 11-08-2019, 10:00 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Leumas

I'd just grab a cheap k-70 for a second camera

I've never understood the purpose of using a different format as a backup camera. The backup of my K1 is a K1 II, if my K1 needs repair I can send it for repair and keep shooting with the K1 II with the lens lenses, for me it would make no sense to use a K70 with full frame lenses as the FoV would be completely different.

Originally posted by rml63

I am really enjoying my mkii I shoot mostly landscape and astrophotography, I saw a lightly used K1 for sale and it was all I could do not to buy it

If you are looking for a backup body to your K1 II, get a K1.

---------- Post added 09-11-19 at 06:04 ----------

Originally posted by bkpix

I really like shooting with two identical (or operationally identical) bodies when I'm taking photos. So I say go for it!

This makes sense. I have configured my K1s with the exact same menus and user modes, so that I can swap bodies and immediately find settings without thinking about it.

---------- Post added 09-11-19 at 06:06 ----------

Originally posted by rml63

They want $1400 usd including tax for the K1 with a 2400 shutter count.

IMO, $1400 is too expensive for a K1 used. I was offered to buy mine for $800 ! Maybe you could ask for a lower price.

Adam · 11-08-2019, 10:45 PM

Originally posted by rml63

I am really enjoying my mkii I shoot mostly landscape and astrophotography, I saw a lightly used K1 for sale and it was all I could do not to buy it. The thought of having 2 cameras set up at night shooting different targets is very appealing. Having a wide angle on one and a zoom on the other for landscape sounds interesting as well.

While I don’t specifically need another FF camera I am not sure I will be able to resist. There is a K3 for sale as well for about half the cost that looks interesting as well. They want $1400 usd including tax for the K1 with a 2400 shutter count.

I would be interested to hear opinions for or against this opportunity?

Mike

Adding a K-1 as a backup body is a fine idea in itself- after all, it's virtually identical to the K-1 II.

That said, $1400 used is a bit too steep. A used K-1 II in similar condition can be had at that price.

Leumas · 11-08-2019, 10:52 PM

Originally posted by biz-engineer

I've never understood the purpose of using a different format as a backup camera. The backup of my K1 is a K1 II, if my K1 needs repair I can send it for repair and keep shooting with the K1 II with the lens lenses, for me it would make no sense to use a K70 with full frame lenses as the FoV would be completely different.

If you are looking for a backup body to your K1 II, get a K1.

---------- Post added 09-11-19 at 06:04 ----------

This makes sense. I have configured my K1s with the exact same menus and user modes, so that I can swap bodies and immediately find settings without thinking about it.

---------- Post added 09-11-19 at 06:06 ----------

IMO, $1400 is too expensive for a K1 used. I was offered to buy mine for $800 ! Maybe you could ask for a lower price.

I suggested not as a "backup", but as a second camera. He wanted a second body to shoot different compositions at the same time with. K-70 would do that just fine if he wants something cheap.

**shardulm** · 11-08-2019, 11:44 PM

Back up is one thought.
I always have had pairs with 16-50 n 50-135 on my k-5iis
and 24-70 and 70-200 on k-1s mounted and ready to fire.
Second body is the way to go if it does not burn a hole. And an exact same or close is also highly recommend.. that means a k-3 is not a backup for k-1ii. A k-1 or a k-1ii is. So go for it.

noelpolar · 11-09-2019, 12:59 AM

I bought a second K1 .... one always with the DFA 150-450 on it and one for a few shortish primes. Works well.... sorta a first world issue though.

When you forget where you last put your camera... it does cut the time finding one in half.

biz-engineer · 11-09-2019, 02:00 AM

Pentax is the only brand that offer a 36Mpixel (@ Sony sensor IQ) full frame camera such that you can almost buy two Pentax bodies for the price of one body from competitor brands. That's why I induldged myself with a K1 mk II.

rml63 · 11-09-2019, 03:37 AM

Yes I thought 1400 was a little high, but in my part of the world , (small town Canada) it is hard to come by one that you can actually see and test. Being able to test the camera before buying it has value to me. They also have a Nikon D3 which I don’t know the shutter count but it is $1600. I see what you guys are saying a K3 is not a back up for a K1 mkii.

Last night I shot wide field with my Sony RX 100 V (great low light camera) and star trails with my K1 mkii. I have used this setup in the past but it is not my favourite. I thinking of taking the K1 out today with my K1 mkii and setting it up with a 300mm prime on a tripod for pond/winter swan action and my K1 mkii with a wide field 28 prime to get all the surrounding landscape in as well. The possibilities are endless!!

Thanks for all of the responses and please keep them coming.

Mike

**SteveinSLC** · 11-09-2019, 07:02 AM - **1 Like**

The attraction of a K-70 or KP as the second body is that they are smaller and lighter, so better suited for a lot of walking around while traveling or hiking. They also give you a little more reach for telephoto wildlife shots.

11-08-2019, 07:58 PM	#1
rml63 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Posts: 100	I have a K1 mkii but I saw a K1 I am really enjoying my mkii I shoot mostly landscape and astrophotography, I saw a lightly used K1 for sale and it was all I could do not to buy it. The thought of having 2 cameras set up at night shooting different targets is very appealing. Having a wide angle on one and a zoom on the other for landscape sounds interesting as well. While I don’t specifically need another FF camera I am not sure I will be able to resist. There is a K3 for sale as well for about half the cost that looks interesting as well. They want $1400 usd including tax for the K1 with a 2400 shutter count. I would be interested to hear opinions for or against this opportunity? Mike

11-08-2019, 10:00 PM - 1 Like	#8
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,237	Originally posted by Leumas I'd just grab a cheap k-70 for a second camera I've never understood the purpose of using a different format as a backup camera. The backup of my K1 is a K1 II, if my K1 needs repair I can send it for repair and keep shooting with the K1 II with the lens lenses, for me it would make no sense to use a K70 with full frame lenses as the FoV would be completely different. Originally posted by rml63 I am really enjoying my mkii I shoot mostly landscape and astrophotography, I saw a lightly used K1 for sale and it was all I could do not to buy it If you are looking for a backup body to your K1 II, get a K1. ---------- Post added 09-11-19 at 06:04 ---------- Originally posted by bkpix I really like shooting with two identical (or operationally identical) bodies when I'm taking photos. So I say go for it! This makes sense. I have configured my K1s with the exact same menus and user modes, so that I can swap bodies and immediately find settings without thinking about it. ---------- Post added 09-11-19 at 06:06 ---------- Originally posted by rml63 They want $1400 usd including tax for the K1 with a 2400 shutter count. IMO, $1400 is too expensive for a K1 used. I was offered to buy mine for $800 ! Maybe you could ask for a lower price. Last edited by biz-engineer; 11-08-2019 at 10:06 PM.

11-08-2019, 10:45 PM	#9
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	Originally posted by rml63 I am really enjoying my mkii I shoot mostly landscape and astrophotography, I saw a lightly used K1 for sale and it was all I could do not to buy it. The thought of having 2 cameras set up at night shooting different targets is very appealing. Having a wide angle on one and a zoom on the other for landscape sounds interesting as well. While I don’t specifically need another FF camera I am not sure I will be able to resist. There is a K3 for sale as well for about half the cost that looks interesting as well. They want $1400 usd including tax for the K1 with a 2400 shutter count. I would be interested to hear opinions for or against this opportunity? Mike Adding a K-1 as a backup body is a fine idea in itself- after all, it's virtually identical to the K-1 II. That said, $1400 used is a bit too steep. A used K-1 II in similar condition can be had at that price. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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11-08-2019, 08:00 PM - 1 Like	#2
sergysergy Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,175	If you already have a K1 mkii I think a $1400 K1 is not necessary. I would wait for something cheaper given that you don't need it. My two cents.

11-08-2019, 08:15 PM	#3
tokyoscape Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Tokyo Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,256	Your heart say go for it, but your brain say NO NO noooo... We’ve all been there! I think you just want an early Christmas present! (i am evil!)

11-08-2019, 08:19 PM	#4
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	If you do a lot of shooting, a backup body is always nice. If you shoot in situations where you need to change lenses quickly a second body is always nice too.

11-08-2019, 08:26 PM	#5
bwgv001 Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Alabama Photos: Gallery Posts: 697	If you can afford it, why not. But based on your find it seems prices go back up. I paid less for mine. Ultimately this is a good thing.

11-08-2019, 08:37 PM	#6
Leumas Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 454	I'd just grab a cheap k-70 for a second camera

11-08-2019, 09:47 PM	#7
bkpix Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Creswell, Oregon Photos: Albums Posts: 570	I really like shooting with two identical (or operationally identical) bodies when I'm taking photos. So I say go for it!

11-08-2019, 10:52 PM	#10
Leumas Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 454	Originally posted by biz-engineer I've never understood the purpose of using a different format as a backup camera. The backup of my K1 is a K1 II, if my K1 needs repair I can send it for repair and keep shooting with the K1 II with the lens lenses, for me it would make no sense to use a K70 with full frame lenses as the FoV would be completely different. If you are looking for a backup body to your K1 II, get a K1. ---------- Post added 09-11-19 at 06:04 ---------- This makes sense. I have configured my K1s with the exact same menus and user modes, so that I can swap bodies and immediately find settings without thinking about it. ---------- Post added 09-11-19 at 06:06 ---------- IMO, $1400 is too expensive for a K1 used. I was offered to buy mine for $800 ! Maybe you could ask for a lower price. I suggested not as a "backup", but as a second camera. He wanted a second body to shoot different compositions at the same time with. K-70 would do that just fine if he wants something cheap.

11-08-2019, 11:44 PM	#11
shardulm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Cumming, GA Posts: 793	Back up is one thought. I always have had pairs with 16-50 n 50-135 on my k-5iis and 24-70 and 70-200 on k-1s mounted and ready to fire. Second body is the way to go if it does not burn a hole. And an exact same or close is also highly recommend.. that means a k-3 is not a backup for k-1ii. A k-1 or a k-1ii is. So go for it.

11-09-2019, 12:59 AM	#12
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	I bought a second K1 .... one always with the DFA 150-450 on it and one for a few shortish primes. Works well.... sorta a first world issue though. When you forget where you last put your camera... it does cut the time finding one in half.

11-09-2019, 02:00 AM	#13
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,237	Pentax is the only brand that offer a 36Mpixel (@ Sony sensor IQ) full frame camera such that you can almost buy two Pentax bodies for the price of one body from competitor brands. That's why I induldged myself with a K1 mk II.

11-09-2019, 03:37 AM	#14
rml63 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Posts: 100 Original Poster	Yes I thought 1400 was a little high, but in my part of the world , (small town Canada) it is hard to come by one that you can actually see and test. Being able to test the camera before buying it has value to me. They also have a Nikon D3 which I don’t know the shutter count but it is $1600. I see what you guys are saying a K3 is not a back up for a K1 mkii. Last night I shot wide field with my Sony RX 100 V (great low light camera) and star trails with my K1 mkii. I have used this setup in the past but it is not my favourite. I thinking of taking the K1 out today with my K1 mkii and setting it up with a 300mm prime on a tripod for pond/winter swan action and my K1 mkii with a wide field 28 prime to get all the surrounding landscape in as well. The possibilities are endless!! Thanks for all of the responses and please keep them coming. Mike

11-09-2019, 07:02 AM - 1 Like	#15
SteveinSLC Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2017 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 568	The attraction of a K-70 or KP as the second body is that they are smaller and lighter, so better suited for a lot of walking around while traveling or hiking. They also give you a little more reach for telephoto wildlife shots.