[SteveNZ]

Hi everyone, I decided to become a member as I have been doing extensive research on this site to decide about getting the new K-5. It is on order but I am still a bit nervous about the AF doing front focusing in tungsten light. The K-5 is pretty expensive here and I hope I've made the right choice. I am new to the DSLR world - I've owned a Sony DSC-H2 point and shoot for over four years now and have had quite a few shots published in our local newspaper but I am a true amateur on a serious learning curve. I have already learnt so much from all of you - I was fortunate enough to grab some great deals on some older SMC lenses and I also ordered a Tameron 17-50mm f/2.8 non-vc with my camera. Now all I want to see is the firmware fix for the AF problem and I'll gladly grab the camera.

Regards to all,
Steve.

[Wombat]

Welcome, Steve. I used to tour around your way when I worked at the NZ Vocational Guidance Service in the 1970s. I was a Senior Guidance Adviser and used to visit schools, setting up pilot programs. Beautiful part of NZ. Whereabouts are you? Looking forward to seeing some photos with your new camera (and a mighty fine one it is indeed). I'm sure the Brothers and Sisters here will sort out any problems you might run into. It'll certainly be a steep learning curve but you'll get there.
You mention that your Tamron is a "non-vc." Of course, with the K5 shake reduction is built into the body, so every lens you attach to it, even older manual primes, has shake reduction (or vibration control in Nikon terminology) at any time. You can turn it on or off according to your needs. One of the first things you'll want to do is read the manual a few times - there's a lot to learn.
Looking forward to those pics. Enjoy the forum.

[SteveNZ]

Many thanks, I'm sure looking forward to it. I'm up past Whangarei - towards Hukerenui (in the rural areas - far from neighbours and surrounded by hills and forests). I am keen to plan a trip down to the South Island for some good opps for shots - just need to get some confidence with shooting DSLR.

[Arpe]

Hi Steve. Welcome along. If you're after local knowledge the place to go is here :https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/gatherings-photo-trips-groups/41021-kiwi-pentaxians.html, though you've probably already found that.

[cpopham]

Welcome Steve - good to see someone else from up north. I'm originally from Kerikeri myself.

I hope you enjoy your new camera!

[jolepp]

Welcome to the forums :-)

Waiting with the K-5 is probably the prudent thing to do, if photos where the AF has to work in lowish tungsten light are a consideration; this unfortunately includes using flash in the problematic conditions.

[SteveNZ]

Cheers for that - I will have a look.

[Arjay Bee]

Ex Whangarei myself - went to Kamo High School '69-73 - fourth generation Northlander.

Good to see another one here.