Hello from Australia

GSF · 03-12-2021, 11:13 AM

Hi,
I just joined because I am looking to replace my K200d.
Been dreaming of upgrading for a long time.
Was looking at the K70 but after reading about the solenoid issues I am looking at other options.
I am upgrading as I have always wanted to use the astrotracer feature.
Want to stick with Pentax so I can use all my current lenses.
If you have any suggestions it would be appreciated.
Thanks

**gaweidert** · 03-12-2021, 01:24 PM - **1 Like**

Welcome aboard. The best deal out there right now is the KP. Excellent camera.

**PJ1** · 03-12-2021, 01:44 PM - **1 Like**

Welcome to the Forums from a fellow Australian. As @gaweidert said, the KP is the best deal new. The K-3 is probably the best used. The K-3iii will be along sometime and should be outstanding, but at a higher price.

Grimmus · 03-12-2021, 01:47 PM - **1 Like**

Welcome to the forum!

If you head over to the Pentax price watch threads there is some chatter about good Aussie deals on superseded cameras including the Kp and even the K3II.

C_Jones · 03-12-2021, 02:26 PM - **1 Like**

Welcome to Pentax Forums.

**RobA_Oz** · 03-12-2021, 03:04 PM - **1 Like**

Hello from South of Ringwood, and welcome to Pentax Forums.

Which camera that has Astrotracer capability depends on which lenses you have, and your budget. The K-1/K-1ii and the K-3ii are the only current Pentax bodies with GPS and Astrotracer built-in. The KP can use Astrotracer, but only if you attach the separate GPS module. The K-70 can use the GPS module, but I’m not sure about Astrotracer (Edit: yes, it can – I just found the review here).

The K-1/K-1ii are 35mm full-frame sensor bodies that will can use DA lenses in crop mode, whereas the K-3ii and KP bodies use APS-C sensors (as does your K200D). While the K-1, K-3ii and KP are now discontinued, you can still find new copies for sale (although you’ll have to hunt a bit more for the K-1 and K-3ii – the KP has only just been discontinued). The K-70 is still in production.

You can compare the bodies on the Pentax Camera Comparison Page here.

Unregistered User 8 · 03-12-2021, 05:03 PM - **1 Like**

Welcome aboard mate.

GSF · 03-12-2021, 05:23 PM - **1 Like**

Thanks for all your responses.
I have ruled out the K1 because of the cost and I will be using my DA lenses. May get new lenses further down the track but want stick with what I for the moment.
I like the K3 ii and if I can find a good one I would be interested in that. Plus having the GPS built in means I don't have to add it on to use the Astrotracer.
I don't want the K70 because of the solenoid issue.
Does the KP have this solenoid issue?
The K3 iii looks good but I think that is going to end up out of my price range.
Ideally I would like to buy new so I have a warranty.
There is not much available new other than K1 or K70.

**RobA_Oz** · 03-13-2021, 04:36 AM

Originally posted by GSF

Thanks for all your responses.
I have ruled out the K1 because of the cost and I will be using my DA lenses. May get new lenses further down the track but want stick with what I for the moment.
I like the K3 ii and if I can find a good one I would be interested in that. Plus having the GPS built in means I don't have to add it on to use the Astrotracer.
I don't want the K70 because of the solenoid issue.
Does the KP have this solenoid issue?
The K3 iii looks good but I think that is going to end up out of my price range.
Ideally I would like to buy new so I have a warranty.
There is not much available new other than K1 or K70.

The KP doesn't use a solenoid for the aperture control. You should be able to still find a KP new – I'd be keeping an eye on the Pentax Australia website, and on CR Kennedy's eBay site, dcxpert, for a sale price.

GSF · 03-13-2021, 07:01 AM

Originally posted by RobA_Oz

The KP doesn't use a solenoid for the aperture control. You should be able to still find a KP new – I'd be keeping an eye on the Pentax Australia website, and on CR Kennedy's eBay site, dcxpert, for a sale price.

What is the price normally for the KP?
Pentax Australia website doesn't have a price listed for it.
I will message dcxpert and ask about one.
I have found one KP for sale for $997 plus $231 for the o-gps1.

Grimmus · 03-13-2021, 01:33 PM - **1 Like**

Normal was about $1160 IIRC. Sub $1000 and is a good price for new.

Sandy Hancock · 03-13-2021, 02:07 PM - **1 Like**

Welcome to the Forums, from well west (and a bit north) of Ringwood

If you particularly want a crop body with built-in GPS, a second hand K-3 Mark II is your only option. It's a great camera. But I really love my KP....

**RobA_Oz** · 03-13-2021, 02:24 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by GSF

What is the price normally for the KP?
Pentax Australia website doesn't have a price listed for it.
I will message dcxpert and ask about one.
I have found one KP for sale for $997 plus $231 for the o-gps1.

Normally, the KP lists for around $1200AUD, though on sale in the past I’ve seen it go for as low as $850, so you’ve found a fairly good price there, assuming it’s new. The O-GPS1 price sounds about right.

GSF · 03-13-2021, 03:17 PM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

Welcome to the Forums, from well west (and a bit north) of Ringwood

If you particularly want a crop body with built-in GPS, a second hand K-3 Mark II is your only option. It's a great camera. But I really love my KP....

There a K3ii I am interested in but someone may have beat me to it. Not sure if I should just grab the KP now.
I like the built in GPS on the K3ii.
Since you have a KP if you could choose either which would you choose?
Looking at the specs they are pretty close.
Whould one be better for Astrophotography?

---------- Post added 03-13-21 at 03:21 PM ----------

Originally posted by RobA_Oz

Normally, the KP lists for around $1200AUD, though on sale in the past I’ve seen it go for as low as $850, so you’ve found a fairly good price there, assuming it’s new. The O-GPS1 price sounds about right.

They are both new but from USA haven't found anything in Australia.

calebarchie · 03-13-2021, 03:35 PM

Welcome!

Should note CRK won't honour any warranty for imported products so you will have to send back to the states if anything were to go wrong which defeats the point IMO. Unfortunately CRK probably won't be getting anymore KPs in and they just got rid of their old stock - the only local stock options now would be Digidirect. There was no real discontinuation announcement so price has remained relatively unchanged although DD dropped their (inflated) 1599 to 1299 (normal price) at the start of the year. You could wait for them to have another sale but god knows when that will be.

Good luck - its a great little camera!

03-12-2021, 11:13 AM	#1
GSF New Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Ringwood East, Victoria Posts: 9	Hello from Australia Hi, I just joined because I am looking to replace my K200d. Been dreaming of upgrading for a long time. Was looking at the K70 but after reading about the solenoid issues I am looking at other options. I am upgrading as I have always wanted to use the astrotracer feature. Want to stick with Pentax so I can use all my current lenses. If you have any suggestions it would be appreciated. Thanks

03-12-2021, 03:04 PM - 1 Like	#6
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,191	Hello from South of Ringwood, and welcome to Pentax Forums. Which camera that has Astrotracer capability depends on which lenses you have, and your budget. The K-1/K-1ii and the K-3ii are the only current Pentax bodies with GPS and Astrotracer built-in. The KP can use Astrotracer, but only if you attach the separate GPS module. The K-70 can use the GPS module, but I’m not sure about Astrotracer (Edit: yes, it can – I just found the review here). The K-1/K-1ii are 35mm full-frame sensor bodies that will can use DA lenses in crop mode, whereas the K-3ii and KP bodies use APS-C sensors (as does your K200D). While the K-1, K-3ii and KP are now discontinued, you can still find new copies for sale (although you’ll have to hunt a bit more for the K-1 and K-3ii – the KP has only just been discontinued). The K-70 is still in production. You can compare the bodies on the Pentax Camera Comparison Page here. Last edited by RobA_Oz; 03-13-2021 at 04:33 AM.

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03-12-2021, 01:24 PM - 1 Like	#2
gaweidert Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Rochester, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,325	Welcome aboard. The best deal out there right now is the KP. Excellent camera.

03-12-2021, 01:44 PM - 1 Like	#3
PJ1 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Toowoomba, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,480	Welcome to the Forums from a fellow Australian. As @gaweidert said, the KP is the best deal new. The K-3 is probably the best used. The K-3iii will be along sometime and should be outstanding, but at a higher price.

03-12-2021, 01:47 PM - 1 Like	#4
Grimmus Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Newcastle (Aust.) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 342	Welcome to the forum! If you head over to the Pentax price watch threads there is some chatter about good Aussie deals on superseded cameras including the Kp and even the K3II.

03-12-2021, 02:26 PM - 1 Like	#5
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,079	Welcome to Pentax Forums.

03-12-2021, 05:03 PM - 1 Like	#7
Unregistered User 8 Closed Account Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,694	Welcome aboard mate.

03-12-2021, 05:23 PM - 1 Like	#8
GSF New Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Ringwood East, Victoria Posts: 9 Original Poster	Thanks for all your responses. I have ruled out the K1 because of the cost and I will be using my DA lenses. May get new lenses further down the track but want stick with what I for the moment. I like the K3 ii and if I can find a good one I would be interested in that. Plus having the GPS built in means I don't have to add it on to use the Astrotracer. I don't want the K70 because of the solenoid issue. Does the KP have this solenoid issue? The K3 iii looks good but I think that is going to end up out of my price range. Ideally I would like to buy new so I have a warranty. There is not much available new other than K1 or K70.

03-13-2021, 04:36 AM	#9
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,191	Originally posted by GSF Thanks for all your responses. I have ruled out the K1 because of the cost and I will be using my DA lenses. May get new lenses further down the track but want stick with what I for the moment. I like the K3 ii and if I can find a good one I would be interested in that. Plus having the GPS built in means I don't have to add it on to use the Astrotracer. I don't want the K70 because of the solenoid issue. Does the KP have this solenoid issue? The K3 iii looks good but I think that is going to end up out of my price range. Ideally I would like to buy new so I have a warranty. There is not much available new other than K1 or K70. The KP doesn't use a solenoid for the aperture control. You should be able to still find a KP new – I'd be keeping an eye on the Pentax Australia website, and on CR Kennedy's eBay site, dcxpert, for a sale price.

03-13-2021, 07:01 AM	#10
GSF New Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Ringwood East, Victoria Posts: 9 Original Poster	Originally posted by RobA_Oz The KP doesn't use a solenoid for the aperture control. You should be able to still find a KP new – I'd be keeping an eye on the Pentax Australia website, and on CR Kennedy's eBay site, dcxpert, for a sale price. What is the price normally for the KP? Pentax Australia website doesn't have a price listed for it. I will message dcxpert and ask about one. I have found one KP for sale for $997 plus $231 for the o-gps1.

03-13-2021, 01:33 PM - 1 Like	#11
Grimmus Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Newcastle (Aust.) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 342	Normal was about $1160 IIRC. Sub $1000 and is a good price for new.

03-13-2021, 02:07 PM - 1 Like	#12
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,267	Welcome to the Forums, from well west (and a bit north) of Ringwood If you particularly want a crop body with built-in GPS, a second hand K-3 Mark II is your only option. It's a great camera. But I really love my KP....

03-13-2021, 02:24 PM - 1 Like	#13
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,191	Originally posted by GSF What is the price normally for the KP? Pentax Australia website doesn't have a price listed for it. I will message dcxpert and ask about one. I have found one KP for sale for $997 plus $231 for the o-gps1. Normally, the KP lists for around $1200AUD, though on sale in the past I’ve seen it go for as low as $850, so you’ve found a fairly good price there, assuming it’s new. The O-GPS1 price sounds about right.

03-13-2021, 03:17 PM	#14
GSF New Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Ringwood East, Victoria Posts: 9 Original Poster	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock Welcome to the Forums, from well west (and a bit north) of Ringwood If you particularly want a crop body with built-in GPS, a second hand K-3 Mark II is your only option. It's a great camera. But I really love my KP.... There a K3ii I am interested in but someone may have beat me to it. Not sure if I should just grab the KP now. I like the built in GPS on the K3ii. Since you have a KP if you could choose either which would you choose? Looking at the specs they are pretty close. Whould one be better for Astrophotography? ---------- Post added 03-13-21 at 03:21 PM ---------- Originally posted by RobA_Oz Normally, the KP lists for around $1200AUD, though on sale in the past I’ve seen it go for as low as $850, so you’ve found a fairly good price there, assuming it’s new. The O-GPS1 price sounds about right. They are both new but from USA haven't found anything in Australia.

03-13-2021, 03:35 PM	#15
calebarchie New Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 16	Welcome! Should note CRK won't honour any warranty for imported products so you will have to send back to the states if anything were to go wrong which defeats the point IMO. Unfortunately CRK probably won't be getting anymore KPs in and they just got rid of their old stock - the only local stock options now would be Digidirect. There was no real discontinuation announcement so price has remained relatively unchanged although DD dropped their (inflated) 1599 to 1299 (normal price) at the start of the year. You could wait for them to have another sale but god knows when that will be. Good luck - its a great little camera!

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