Moving to Pentax

dave_walton · 10-26-2011, 08:16 AM

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If I was looking at moving over to the Pentax system which would be the best camera to go for currently? (K-5, K-7 K20-D).

I currently have a Canon 5D classic and I have quite a lot of older M42 lenses and Pentax gear coming my way and it would either make my canon equipment redundant or end up not getting used. Which camera would compare to the quality I get from my 5D.

I believe the M42 lenses would work better with a pentax rather than using an adapter on my 5D as there are mirror clearance issues with the FF Canon. I am also finding I am tending to just use my 50mm f/1.8 prime on the 5D rather than the other zooms I have essentially making them a bit redundant.

I would also gain image stabilisation and pop up flash from moving over.

I did learn photography on an Ashai Pentax SV from the 1960's with a 55mm Super Takumar lens which I still have.

If i did get a Pentax DSLR I would sell my canon stuff on.

All advice would be greatly appreciated.

**mattb123** · 10-26-2011, 08:46 AM

K5 is your best bet. You will still need a M42 to K mount adapter.
Keep in mind the K5 is a APS-C sized sensor and not as big as your 5D's sensor, but as long as you are comfortable with that then go for it!

Everyone seems to like the K5 based on reviews.

causey · 10-26-2011, 08:54 AM

K-5

http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Compare-Camera-Sensors/Compare-came...(brand2)/Canon

http://www.pixel-peeper.com/cameras/?camera=1482

Chex · 10-26-2011, 10:19 AM

The K-5 is going to be your best (and Pentax's) for upgrading optics comparable to an older FF camera, and for use of all the great older M42 glass out there. I have quite a few M42 based lenses that I use on my K-5 and absolutely love it. Just make sure the M42 to PK adapters you pickup are the infinity focus ones, and not the flat flanged ones. The Official Pentax one is nice and all but pricey, I've picked up a few cheapy knock off ones from here and have had little issue with them.

RioRico · 10-26-2011, 01:54 PM

The K5 is the latest and greatest. Some magazine named it CAMERA OF THE DECADE. Whew. A newer hotter replacement may or may not be announced soon, which may or may not drive down K5 prices. So the questions: Can you wait? Can you hope? How much do you want to spend?

CTR01 · 10-28-2011, 04:55 PM

Don't have a K5 but from all the reviews and stuff I have to agree. Though I'm curious to see what comes next since Ricoh is in the picture now...no pun intended =D

capote · 10-28-2011, 07:31 PM

Originally posted by RioRico

A newer hotter replacement may or may not be announced soon, which may or may not drive down K5 prices. So the questions: Can you wait? Can you hope? How much do you want to spend?

I'm currently 99% satisfied with my k-7… but the 1% loss is due to the noise at even 800 iso—which seems to be largely improved on the k-5. though i'm holding off on buying a better camera until a new pentax comes out, and recommend you do so as well. since the k-5 isn't terribly different from the k-7, I expect the following release to be a slightly larger improvement.

if you want my lens recommendation, the 55mm 1.4 da* is my favorite.

**Ash** · 10-28-2011, 07:47 PM

Another vote for the K-5. It's everything you'd need in an APS-C camera moving from a 5-D classic. Enjoy the difference.

Andi Lo · 10-28-2011, 08:15 PM

Pentax have no full frame dslr.

If you want a true equivalent for mounting M42 stuff without mirror clearance issue, you should get Sony A850.

If crop factor is not an issue for you, then K-5 is the only one that can match Canon 5D quality

**choschiba** · 11-11-2011, 01:01 AM

I have the K-5 and it is really great!!!

dave_walton · 11-13-2011, 11:51 AM

Thanks for all the great advice I have posted a list of my inherited gear over in the new user section.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/welcomes-introductions/165337-recently-jo...ml#post1712253

All help & suggestions welcomed.

10-26-2011, 08:16 AM	#1
dave_walton New Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 22	Moving to Pentax Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. If I was looking at moving over to the Pentax system which would be the best camera to go for currently? (K-5, K-7 K20-D). I currently have a Canon 5D classic and I have quite a lot of older M42 lenses and Pentax gear coming my way and it would either make my canon equipment redundant or end up not getting used. Which camera would compare to the quality I get from my 5D. I believe the M42 lenses would work better with a pentax rather than using an adapter on my 5D as there are mirror clearance issues with the FF Canon. I am also finding I am tending to just use my 50mm f/1.8 prime on the 5D rather than the other zooms I have essentially making them a bit redundant. I would also gain image stabilisation and pop up flash from moving over. I did learn photography on an Ashai Pentax SV from the 1960's with a 55mm Super Takumar lens which I still have. If i did get a Pentax DSLR I would sell my canon stuff on. All advice would be greatly appreciated.

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10-26-2011, 08:46 AM	#2
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,874	K5 is your best bet. You will still need a M42 to K mount adapter. Keep in mind the K5 is a APS-C sized sensor and not as big as your 5D's sensor, but as long as you are comfortable with that then go for it! Everyone seems to like the K5 based on reviews.

10-26-2011, 08:54 AM	#3
causey Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Arlington, VA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,757	K-5 http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Compare-Camera-Sensors/Compare-came...(brand2)/Canon http://www.pixel-peeper.com/cameras/?camera=1482

10-26-2011, 10:19 AM	#4
Chex Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: The 'Stoke, British Columbia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,678	The K-5 is going to be your best (and Pentax's) for upgrading optics comparable to an older FF camera, and for use of all the great older M42 glass out there. I have quite a few M42 based lenses that I use on my K-5 and absolutely love it. Just make sure the M42 to PK adapters you pickup are the infinity focus ones, and not the flat flanged ones. The Official Pentax one is nice and all but pricey, I've picked up a few cheapy knock off ones from here and have had little issue with them.

10-26-2011, 01:54 PM	#5
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	The K5 is the latest and greatest. Some magazine named it CAMERA OF THE DECADE. Whew. A newer hotter replacement may or may not be announced soon, which may or may not drive down K5 prices. So the questions: Can you wait? Can you hope? How much do you want to spend?

10-28-2011, 04:55 PM	#6
CTR01 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 160	Don't have a K5 but from all the reviews and stuff I have to agree. Though I'm curious to see what comes next since Ricoh is in the picture now...no pun intended =D

10-28-2011, 07:31 PM	#7
capote New Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Chicago Posts: 18	Originally posted by RioRico A newer hotter replacement may or may not be announced soon, which may or may not drive down K5 prices. So the questions: Can you wait? Can you hope? How much do you want to spend? I'm currently 99% satisfied with my k-7… but the 1% loss is due to the noise at even 800 iso—which seems to be largely improved on the k-5. though i'm holding off on buying a better camera until a new pentax comes out, and recommend you do so as well. since the k-5 isn't terribly different from the k-7, I expect the following release to be a slightly larger improvement. if you want my lens recommendation, the 55mm 1.4 da* is my favorite.

10-28-2011, 07:47 PM	#8
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Another vote for the K-5. It's everything you'd need in an APS-C camera moving from a 5-D classic. Enjoy the difference.

10-28-2011, 08:15 PM	#9
Andi Lo Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia Posts: 2,924	Pentax have no full frame dslr. If you want a true equivalent for mounting M42 stuff without mirror clearance issue, you should get Sony A850. If crop factor is not an issue for you, then K-5 is the only one that can match Canon 5D quality

11-11-2011, 01:01 AM	#10
choschiba Site Supporter Join Date: May 2011 Location: Gamprin Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 30	I have the K-5 and it is really great!!!

11-13-2011, 11:51 AM	#11
dave_walton New Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 22 Original Poster	Thanks for all the great advice I have posted a list of my inherited gear over in the new user section. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/welcomes-introductions/165337-recently-jo...ml#post1712253 All help & suggestions welcomed.