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04-23-2014, 08:59 AM   #1
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Bit confused on Pentax.

Hello,

I was originally going to post an introduction but considering I have a lengthy question I felt this was a more appropriate place to post (hope that is okay)!

I'm looking to get into photography, and found my dad's old film SLR, a Pentax PZ10 with a Tamron af 28-200mm superzoom F/3.8-5.6 aspherical XR [IF] Macro (model a03/a03s). I feel it would be easier learn photography on a digital SLR so I can correct my photos on the spot rather than wait for films to be produced. I've been looking at numerous models, such as the Pentax k-500 2 lens bundle on Amazon for $500 USD. I also found the K-50 for $650 USD with a 2 lens bundle, weather resistant. If I were to buy a Pentax body or camera bundle...would my Tamrom fit it? I understand the K mount is very universal but I heard there's some instances where it doesn't fit or it doesn't work properly? I was a bit confused on that and was wondering if I could get some clarification...

Other DSLR's I'm eyeing are currently the D3000, D3100 and D3200 because I feel I found some good deals and bundles on them.

Maybe I should just save the money and learn with my SLR and wait for films to be produced? I feel I'd be better off with a DSLR because I view most photos online and feel it'd be easier to share them if I could upload them from a SD card.

Thanks for reading.


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04-23-2014, 10:15 AM - 1 Like   #2
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All Pentax models, aside from the old spotmatics and such (which use a screw mount* rather than bayonet mount), use the same "K" mount. So you can mount and shoot them on any digital Pentax K body. It'll function just fine on the digital, as it's an autofocus lens with all of the electronics for the camera to use.

The instances where the K lenses don't quite work "right" is the lenses without the electronics for the aperture (that's the fully manual lenses) and Ricoh stuff (With the "Ricoh Pin" It gets stuck on the body and can be iffy to get off)
*Though you CAN shoot the screw mount lenses with a simple adapter.

There are very good films still being made, and you can check out the Film Photography Project for recommendations and they sell film too (of all sorts) But developing can be expensive, and slow.

Honestly, I'd say to go with a Pentax DSLR. They're very nice and you don't have to wait. And the Nikon D3xxx series is not as nice IMO as they are kinda plasticky.

Welcome to the forums!

Last edited by SpartanD63; 04-23-2014 at 10:27 AM. Reason: Noticed that the lens should have no issues with metering.
04-23-2014, 10:19 AM   #3
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Not specifically familiar with that lens but in a nutshell: should be no difficulty in mounting that lens on a pentax dslr and having it work fully in some of the available modes.

As far as getting into digital photography with a certain intent: all the current pentax dslr models are good and it is the great advantage of digital that you get to see the results straight away, and the marginal cost of the pics is zero. Film these days is becoming a specialised niche pursuit for aficionados, experts, old timers...
Suggestion: pick up a cheap older model off the bay/amazon /here to start off. After a while on the learning curve you'll be able to make a much more informed choice as to what you want. Move the old one on (or keep as second/spare) at little loss.
04-23-2014, 10:23 AM   #4
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Zealex,
The Tamron Lens will work on a Pentax Digital SLR Camera. There are also some good deals on used camera bodies and lenses on this forum.
Welcome to the Forums.


Reed

04-23-2014, 10:38 AM   #5
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I think this is the lens you have:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/tamron-af-28-200mm-f-3-8-5-6-xr-di-a...-if-macro.html

Tamrons typically focus quickly and accurately, but some of the lower-priced ones can have some chromatic aberations. Most of those can be dealt with during image processing.

Not great, not terrible. Yes, you can use it without problem. I'd suggest the K50 if you want to really learn. Or look for a used K5 series, or even a K30. Take your time, do some reading before making the decision on which model. You can grow into the camera, it's fun to learn.
04-23-2014, 10:55 AM   #6
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That Tamron zoom was also sold by Pentax as the FA 28-200...

SMC Pentax-FA 28-200mm F3.8-5.6 AL [IF] Reviews - FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database
04-23-2014, 11:12 AM   #7
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The Nikon D3xxx cameras will take nice pictures, but one key downside is that both they and the Nikon D5xxx cameras lack an AF motor in the camera. So you can only buy newer lenses (both from Nikon and 3rd parties) with an in-lens motor if you want AF to work. Other brands (or the Nikon D7xxx and up) don't have this problem.

Pentax has the most full-featured entry level DSLR cameras, with the best compatibility with old lenses. Canon will allow you to mount all kinds of lenses made for other camera brands using adapters, but you'll lose AF in the process. Sony is doing a lot of good and interesting things - and is worth considering - but they're now stuck developing two different lens mounts and two different semi-interchangeable camera types, so make sure you want to deal with all that first. Pentax, Canon and Nikon DSLRs are much more stable platforms right now, with straightforward growth paths.

If you go with Pentax, which is a good choice, try to get the DA (or DA L) 55-300 rather than the 50-200. It just performs better and takes nicer photos. You can buy one used for decent prices if you can't find a bundle with one. The DA18-55 is fine for starting, but the DA50-200 is not worth paying money for if you can help it. The K-500 is almost as good as the K-50 or K-30, but lacks the useful AF point indicator in the viewfinder. You could also get one of these or a K-r used, such as here on the forum's marketplace.


One other Pentax advantage is this forum itself - members are helpful to people of all different abilities and stages in the learning process.


Last edited by DSims; 04-23-2014 at 11:39 AM.
04-23-2014, 12:17 PM   #8
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Wow, I did not expect to come back here to so many replies and helpful information! Many thanks to the all of you.

I'm reading up as much as I can on digital SLR's but there's so much information. I do know the k-500 and the k50 have a pentaprism rather than a pentamirror which is a good thing and 100% visibility. I just want a camera that can take very nice detailed photos in not too well light areas, perhaps some nice empty fields, a few animals, maybe even my little sister playing soccer! Price is a bit hard because I'm a college student who would feel a slight blow for $650. On the bright side, summer is coming so I can work a few extra shifts to save up! My father also offered to give me 200 bucks so that would cover tax and the $150, leaving me with $500 to pay.

I really like the K-50 because it's weatherproof and might be worth that alone just in case I get caught in the rain or a wet area. Some protection never hurt huh?

The place that sells it just sold out on white which blows...but maybe black would be a better color anyways (white gets dirty no?) Anyways, I think I'm going to look around and perhaps contemplate a used body and buying new. Biggest issue with used is that I fear issues I may not know about buying may arise...or I overlook a flaw that I'm not aware about.

Thanks everyone again so much!
04-23-2014, 12:26 PM   #9
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If you buy here at the Marketplace, you can be pretty confident. With that in mind, look for the K30 and K5 if you want to save some money and have a very good camera. You may even find K5II and K50 for a good price. Set up a search term for these, you might find a bargain. Or set a want ad and tell everyone you're a student, you might find someone will give you a good deal.

Bear in mind the camera's only weatherproof if the lens is. That said, there are solutions for this AND you might find a WR kit with the 18-55 included or purchase one used for like $40.
04-23-2014, 12:57 PM   #10
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As TER-OR said, go for a used camera here in the marketplace. And for the kind of shots you want to make look at the Pentax DA or DAL 55-300. Really nice lens. Also buy used!
Now that I think of it, I bought all my current gear used, here in the marketplace. Never had a problem! And I am not even in the US
04-23-2014, 01:20 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by Zealex Quote
Tamron af 28-200mm superzoom F/3.8-5.6 aspherical XR [IF] Macro
My daughter uses this lens on her K10D with good results. It is a bit big and heavy though.


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04-23-2014, 01:22 PM   #12
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Hmm I see some K-5's on sale for 400 and they're 800 on Amazon. Not bad, I could probably use my lens with that.. I'll put an Ad out after some further contemplation.

Perhaps I could be buying my first DSLR from here, eh?

The DA(L) 55-300 is a lens right? Isn't the body responsible for capturing the image so if I want action shots I should make sure the body is capable of those? Isn't the lens just something that allows the camera to zoom into and is responsible for clarity?

Another issue I was confused on.

Many thanks,
Zealex.
04-23-2014, 01:57 PM   #13
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Since you want low-light capability, you can go back as far as the K-5 in the "premium" line, and the K-x in the "mid-to-entry level" line. So: K-x, K-r, K-500, K-30, K-50, plus the K-5, K-5 II, K-5 IIs, or K-3.

Then get a DA18-55 and DA55-300 (any version of either lens will do). Make a reasonable offer in the marketplace - you never know until you ask.



Down the road you have many different lens options to consider, including a good number of affordable and/or older ones. But that's for later. Unless, of course, you can pick up a DA35/2.4 or DA50/1.8 cheaply now.
04-23-2014, 02:19 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by Zealex Quote
Isn't the lens just something that allows the camera to zoom into and is responsible for clarity?
The words of a heathen!

Actually, some would say that camera bodies come and go, but your lenses are the real image makers and may be with you for life.

Browse through the lens club threads in this forum and you'll read about and see the passion.
04-23-2014, 02:32 PM - 2 Likes   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by clackers Quote
The words of a heathen!

Actually, some would say that camera bodies come and go, but your lenses are the real image makers and may be with you for life.

Browse through the lens club threads in this forum and you'll read about and see the passion.
Right. After a while, you'll start to think that camera bodies hardly do anything, while lenses produce all the magic! And you won't be far off.




This is why most of us think it barely matters which camera body you choose now. You can just pick the cheapest one off the list, if you'd like. Ideally, you'd even chose the brand based on the lenses you're going to want in the future.

But few of us can see that far ahead when we begin this venture. Fortunately, most of us have found that Pentax is not only a good place to start photography, but a great place to stay. And starting is the most important part.


Also, if you choose Pentax, you'll get so spoiled by all the Pentax advantages that you get to start nitpicking about every little place Pentax isn't the best. Since they do so well in the other areas, you'll think it's possible for them to be better in all areas. I've decided, in life, that any time someone has the luxury to complain like this, it means they're pretty well off!

Last edited by DSims; 04-23-2014 at 03:00 PM.
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