[DuManchu]

Just wanted to pop in and say hi real quick.

I don't currently own a Pentax, but I am planning on picking up a DSLR this year with my xmas bonus. I chose Pentax because the company I work for sold the Samsung GX-1L, unfortunately I didn't purchase one while we were blowing out the kit for $198. Though I didn't purchase one, one of my friends did and I've used it off and on for about a year now.

Simply put, I fell in love with that little DSLR. I found it WAY more enjoyable to use than my friend's Rebel XT even though it was "lacking" two megapixels.

I'm not new to SLR's, I used to have a Minolta Maxxum 35mm (okay, okay, it's my sisters), and I was a photographer for my high school newspaper and yearbook. Over the last few years I've been dying to get a DSLR, but it was never in the budget, so I sucked it up with my cheapo Casio P&S.

Now I'm looking to get back into photography as a hobby, and my P&S doesn't cut it. I've decided on Pentax for numerous reasons, and I hope to join the ranks by January.

It all depends on my budget, but either way I'll end up with anything from a used *ist DS with a cheapo FA lens, or at best, a K10D with an 18-55 WR lens.

Thanks for reading, really looking forward to becoming more active in the forums in the coming months.

Here's some photos I took with the GX-IL (I'm not very good, still getting my "eye" back )
Pentax *ist DL - a set on Flickr
(Yes, I labeled it as a *ist DL, because that's pretty much what it is)

Thanks!

[eaglem]

Welcome to the forum, I hope you enjoy your stay with us.

[Iris]

Welcome here!
Good luck deciding which camera you want!

[Ash]

Welcome to the forum and all the best in your new purchase.
If you can find a K10D with kit lens, you won't be disappointed. It's a fine camera (I have one myself )

[DuManchu]

Welcome to the forum and all the best in your new purchase.
If you can find a K10D with kit lens, you won't be disappointed. It's a fine camera (I have one myself )

If I get the K10D I'd probably get the body only so I could get the WR lens. I look forward to shooting in mist/snow without much worry.

I'm not counting on being able to get a K10D though, I'll probably be "slumming it" with a used *ist model or K100D. Our house is falling apart and a more expensive camera might not be in the budget this year.

Thanks for the welcome everyone!

[DuManchu]

Welp, I ended up with a camera that wasn't even on my list...

I have a new K2000/K-m with the 18-55mm kit lens on the way, hope it gets here before the weekend.

Decided I would rather have a new camera with a 1 year warranty than "risk" getting a used cam. I'm pretty excited now, going to order some cheaper M lenses from KEH to play with.

[Ash]

Either way, you would have done well mate.
All the best with your K-m, and enjoy shooting with it.

[fractal]

Hey DuManchu & welcome in

Enjoy shooting with your K-m.

[Rense]

Hi DuManchy, welcome to these forums, enjoy them!