Before taking that step up to the K1 (from K5II in my case) I spent lots of time searching for deals on recommended lenses priced for those not yet having turned a passion into earnings. As I near retirement I have been giving lots of thought to transitioning to hanging a shingle and offering services, but wasn't sure that rolling up to an event or a session without a Conikon toolbox in full frame was the way to go. The invenstment made over the years in Pentax and K Mount glass certainly kept the needle from moving too far in that direction, but the myth of a full frame Pentax dimmed even further by the Ricoh buyout had me eyeing the 810 and even the Sony products. After all the hoopla and wondering Ricoh delivered on their promise and the K1 arrived at a reasonable price point and has been accepted by Pentax enthusiasts and touted by critics around the globe. The fight is on.
I have old Pentax glass. After purchasing the K1 and not making money with my equipment (yet) I wanted to see what of my gear would work well with the camera. Find the gaps in lens coverage and see what I could do to fill them. I knew spending $3,000 to $5,000 for the new glass was out of the question so I began my search. My personal stash included a few Pentax FA (one of which is the SMC FA 50 mm 1:1.4) a Tokina and Sigma zooms and primes. My faves right now are the EX DG 28mm 1:1.8 and DG HSM Art 35mm 1:1.4 (just arrived). Since I've only had the K1 for a week and am just now beginning to get acquainted with its capabilities I will only include a couple of shots taken yesterday with the 28mm.
The K1 is an amazing step up. I've been shooting Pentax since the early 1970's and have never understood how one of the top camera makers could be so foolish as to let the industry pass them by and then accept their also ran status. I still have my 1968 Spotmatic sealed up and ready to go at a moments notice. I wonder how it would do with new glass...? Film is already bought and it will happen.
Can't teach an old dog new tricks? Well this old dog is excited to learn everything he can about the K1. Maybe when the time comes I can pop for the big money glass, but until then I will continue to shop!
the deals.