Originally posted by klh So here's my questions...
1) From a feel perspective, how would you compare it to the Canon XSi or Nikon D90 (my two other possibilities)?
(I own a K200D & D80 - only handled XSi in stores)
The K200D fits my large-sized hand much better than the D80. I like the button layout and menu structure on the K200D much better than the D80. Build quality feels similar, though the K200D is weather sealed. The D80/D90 won't even meter with older lenses - the K200D does.
The Canon XSi feels like a Fisher-Price toy in comparison.
Originally posted by klh 2) Are accessories hard to get?
For me, locally, yes. On the Internet? No.
Originally posted by klh 3) I understand image stabilization doesn't work well with non-Pentax zooms because the camera doesn't know the focal length. Are there any fast tele-zooms (f2.8) available that automatically tell the camera where it's set?
Shake reduction works with ALL lenses. If a lens has no electrical contacts to transmit focal length to the body, you need to tell the body what the focal length is. This is true of Pentax and non-Pentax lenses. You can also just turn SR off. And yes, there are fast zooms from Pentax and 3rd parties that transmit focal length.
Originally posted by klh 4) Any concerns on warranty service if I'm not dealing with a local shop and only buying over the internet?
I've never had to use Pentax warranty service. For Nikon, you have to make sure the equipment is serviced in the same country from which it was sold.
Originally posted by klh 5) I've read about the Vivitar PK-A/R having problems with a pin sticking into Pentax DSLRs. My old lenses have a small ball instead of a pin in that location. Any issues with that? (I'm not too bothered if I have to ditch them, but it would be nice to be able to use them until I can save up for a new AF lens).
The "R" in PK-A/R means it's a Ricoh-compatible mount. The pin in question can potentially cause problems with unmounting the lens. I've mounted a Vivitar and a Sears lens on my K200D with no problem (both have the R pin), though I removed the pins later just to make sure. It's easy to do. Worst case, you might have to slip a feeler gauge between lens mount and lens to pop the pin.