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09-23-2010, 06:42 PM   #1
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FA 31mm Limeted or K5?

So oddly this is a real dilemma for me. I really would like to have all the features of the K5 (I have a k200) but have been putting money away for the 31mm. Not that I am looking for you all to make my decisions but I would like some of your thought on the subject.


Last edited by mtroute; 09-23-2010 at 06:43 PM. Reason: Because I can't spell limited
09-23-2010, 06:45 PM   #2
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QuoteOriginally posted by mtroute Quote
So oddly this is a real dilemma for me. I really would like to have all the features of the K5 (I have a k200) but have been putting money away for the 31mm. Not that I am looking for you all to make my decisions but I would like some of your thought on the subject.
If you buy the FA31 now and wait a year or so to buy the K5, it won't cost you that much more than just buying the K5 when it is first released. Granted you won't have the K5 for the next year, but you'll have the 31... and then after a year you'll have both.

Just a thought
09-23-2010, 07:05 PM   #3
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QuoteOriginally posted by dgaies Quote
If you buy the FA31 now and wait a year or so to buy the K5, it won't cost you that much more than just buying the K5 when it is first released. Granted you won't have the K5 for the next year, but you'll have the 31... and then after a year you'll have both.

Just a thought
Agree with that logic; with so much negative sentiment about K-5 price comparing to D7000, a potential for some FA31 owner jumping ship to the other camp. You might be able to pick up a nice used FA31 at reasonable (if not cheaper) price. For sure, K-5 price is expected to be less this time next year.
09-23-2010, 07:10 PM   #4
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Bodies last about 4-6 years.

Lens last a lifetime

09-23-2010, 07:18 PM - 1 Like   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by Eagle_Friends Quote
Bodies last about 4-6 years.

Lens last a lifetime
... Unless it has SDM.
09-23-2010, 07:49 PM   #6
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It's all about the glass.
09-23-2010, 07:56 PM   #7
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Glass is always a better investment, Limited especially if you plan to stay with K Mount for a while.

09-23-2010, 08:01 PM   #8
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Buy the lens! Bodies are very expensive disposables these days. Great glass astonishes for years, decades even.

Besides, that K200D still takes startling photos. I took mine for a spin today with the DA 40mm Limited on it, and it reminded me how great a camera it is.
09-23-2010, 08:05 PM   #9
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In my opinion the question always comes down to what your current system is not providing you. If you truly have limitations by your current body and NEED the newer tech, than the body makes sense. Otherwise, I agree with everyone else that glass is where it's at.
09-23-2010, 08:13 PM   #10
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The priority for glass isn't the same as in the film days - bodies now can make serious advantages - but still the same general logic applies.

I'd go K-7 and a Sigma 30mm f/1.4, if you plan to use wide open a lot.

Last edited by CWyatt; 09-23-2010 at 10:28 PM.
09-23-2010, 08:13 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by Mohawk Quote
... Unless it has SDM.
Even if the SDM peters out, the lens will still pass and focus light. A dead camera body will do nothing but hold down papers or provide a nice book-end.

09-23-2010, 10:00 PM   #12
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FA31 because I have a competent body. in your case, it might be better for you to spend on a body. however, personally I would wait til it drops in price or find someone selling it slightly used for a few hundred bucks off, like for 1,000.
09-23-2010, 10:15 PM   #13
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Pentax lens prices has been climbing while bodies will drop in time. I would get the lens first and wait for bodies price to drop.
09-24-2010, 02:04 AM   #14
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The same price for the K5 now will get you a much better spec'd K1 4yrs down the road.
The 31ltd may be OOP by then

I would get the glass since bodies will always improve for abt the same money.
09-24-2010, 04:41 AM   #15
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Lens (especially Pentax FA Limited lens) is almost an investment (If I would sell my FA limiteds I would get more than I paid for them two years ago), DSLR body is spendings. Go for the lens.
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