[kyteflyer]

When I bought my new old K200D, I fully expected to want to sell my K5. But, I don't. Seems thats the one I want to hang on to. I guess I'll put the K200D up for sale pretty soon, I've added a lens and had the sensor professionally cleaned. I wish I could justify havin more than one DSLR :-/

@John. That BMW shot is just magic. and at 1600. Mind boggle

[bobore]

After considering a new K50, I purchased a second K200d used from B&H.

It arrived yesterday looking brand new, and all operations work perfectly. So very pleased with this decision. The K200d is the most comfortable dslr I've handled to date. Only other camera that felt as good to me in hand was the PZ1P, or the Super Program with 4-AA winder. The K50's reliability issues (same as K30's) became a factor, and the clincher was actually handling a K50 side by side with my original K200d.

Just a great all-around camera - lots of good stuff, and superb build quality!

[gaddigad]

I own a k100d and I think it's the best camera ergonomically I would ever use. And yes, I have tried the k-7/5 body. Image quality of the k-200 at lower isos is top notch. If AF is as good as in the k100d then I can see why some would prefer it to a new (old style SLR like), Disneyland colour response CMOS body.

[bygp]

I have one It is in mint condition, I got it on e-bay for 150$ (120 euro) with the kit lens and it only had 1800 shutter count (3070 today), not a single tiny scratch.
I only had to remove some dust from the sensor. Lenses do most of the job and this camera is just what I wanted, I don't need hundred of functions, I'm mainly manual focusing, rarely use SR, use old tanky lenses and I feel I'm learning a lot from this camera (never go higher than ISO 400). I don't care about having 10 more Mpixels, no need. Remember that if you have 2x more pixels, you only have SQRT(2) more surface, so at 20 Mpixels you get a photo only 1.4 larger than at 10 Mpixels^^
The only body that could replace my K200D would be a K-5, because of its Sony CMOS famous sensor. No need to upgrade atm.
All is in the lenses, the skill, the luck, the tastes, and post-process knowledge and "art"
Days after days I get better shots since I started to use my K200D : https://www.flickr.com/photos/bpolleri/
This body is becoming more and more easy to me : Locked on RAW (dng), MF with red spot validation, M or Av modes, 100 to 400 iso, don't use SR, Fn, wheel, green button, shot
Also Lightroom is an important part of my interest in digital photography, and even if I have a graphist/artistic background using Adobe products, even if LR seems easy to use at first glance, it is a slow learning curve to become a pro LR user, and even when you think you've done with it, get a new lens and you have to learn again
So this K200D is just perfect to me atm, I'm just looking for 2 tweaks : a better focusing screen (old school circle) and a viewfinder prolongator/magnifier so I don't have my nose always sticked on the LCD display (my master eye is my left eye, but SLR are designed for right-handed & right-eyed people).

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Last edited by bygp; 09-12-2015 at 09:14 PM.

[pacerr]

The only body that could replace my K200D would be a K-5, . . .

Unless you like to rely on Lithium AA batteries without the bulk of a grip.

My K5's nice and the K5iis is nicer, but the K200D an' a fist full'a Eneloops with a solar charger plus the almost bullet-proof reputation of the K200D does inspire confidence when away from home in the 'wilds' for a few days. I haven't found anything I WANT it to do that it can't do.

IMO, it's the KM/K1000 of the modern digital era. Unfortunately, I don't believe the eventual failure modes of digital 'appliances' will yield to Erick's CLR treatment when they do finally need attention. My Honeywell H1a and Spotties are still usable cameras with every lens I own. I expect they'll still be usable when the last K200's fail -- and that kid behind the counter doesn't know what Plus-X 'film' is.

[bygp]

I just recently got a previously owned K100D. The seller who sold me this also have K200D on his shelf. If I got like $50 bucks more in my pocket at that time, I could have gotten K200D instead of K100D. Maybe I should have waited a week or so, to save enough money..?

..but on second thought..maybe not. You see, K200D second-hand price is too close to something that isn't Pentax..and, again, maybe, if I didn't get my K100D on the first hand..there's a huge chance that I'm not here right now

You should have taken the K200D... Larger body so better holding for adult hands, stronger build, WR, 10 vs 6 Mpx, better ergonomy IMO. K200D is much closer to the K10D on many points (such as its CCD, WR, build quality), it is said to be K100D Super successor but I would rather say it's a very good value K10D. I've been using my K200D with the heavy Vivitar series 1 70-210mm zoom (revision 1 Kiron, the heaviest) and the K200D body don't look tiny with this bazooka as would perhaps look other DSLR.

used K200D prices can fluctuate (in Europe) from 140$ to 400$ upon condition and seller, I bought a K200D because I found one in extra mint condition at 140$ (1800 shutter count) and I have a low budget, having more money I would have bought a K-5 (and will). Used K-5 starts becoming a very good value body.

Only cons for me is ISO limitation compared to CMOS newer DSLR, 100 to 800 is the range you should stay in to get decent shots (post prod needed at 800 but nice results), so the only model I would want to have as my K200D is the K-5 because of its CMOS very good sensor and because you can now get it at really nice price on used market (300$ in mint condition from Japan). K-5 at 3200 iso gives the same RAW quality as K200D at 800 iso, this is a huge improvement to me. I take care of my K200D so that I'll be able to sell it at a high enough price when I'll upgrade to K-5, but If I'm wealthy enough I'll keep my K200D

---------- Post added 09-13-15 at 11:46 PM ----------

Unless you like to rely on Lithium AA batteries without the bulk of a grip.

My K5's nice and the K5iis is nicer, but the K200D an' a fist full'a Eneloops with a solar charger plus the almost bullet-proof reputation of the K200D does inspire confidence when away from home in the 'wilds' for a few days. I haven't found anything I WANT it to do that it can't do.

IMO, it's the KM/K1000 of the modern digital era. Unfortunately, I don't believe the eventual failure modes of digital 'appliances' will yield to Erick's CLR treatment when they do finally need attention. My Honeywell H1a and Spotties are still usable cameras with every lens I own. I expect they'll still be usable when the last K200's fail -- and that kid behind the counter doesn't know what Plus-X 'film' is.

Same feeling, the only reason why I would sell my K200D when buying a K-5 would be my low budget. I'll better find some extra jobs to get a K-5 and keep my K200D for tougher conditions. I use Energizer 2400 mAh AA and that's far enough for me as I'm always in low power configuration, MF, no SR, no display after shot (I do it manually if I need), RAW mode (less processing), etc...

[kyteflyer]

OK guys, you've convinced me already not to get rid of mine. I'll keep both the K200D and the K5. I havent ever felt inclined to "upgrade" from the K5, it does the job well. And the K200 is a dream. Maybe it doesnt matter that I have 2 DSLRs And a dozen or more compacts.

[bobore]

OK guys, you've convinced me already not to get rid of mine. I'll keep both the K200D and the K5. I havent ever felt inclined to "upgrade" from the K5, it does the job well. And the K200 is a dream. Maybe it doesnt matter that I have 2 DSLRs And a dozen or more compacts.

Wise choice!

Or just ditch the compacts & keep the two DSLRs!

[Jan178]

OK guys, you've convinced me already not to get rid of mine. I'll keep both the K200D and the K5. I havent ever felt inclined to "upgrade" from the K5, it does the job well. And the K200 is a dream. Maybe it doesnt matter that I have 2 DSLRs And a dozen or more compacts.

Yep, one cannot justify loosing K200D! Still keeping mine, such joy to use. I also have K-x for high ISO, but found K-5 for a good price earlier this summer and i´m thinking the K-x should go.
K200D looks bad on the paper, but it always brings smile to my face, both shooting and watching the results!

[IMG][/IMG]

[lensego]

K200D ..I must admit it is just sitting in my draw,but not any more,it got to be used.
It must be the CCD sensor... What else?

[kyteflyer]

Thats just it... it really is a lovely sensor

[oscaletrains]

Years ago I started DSLR with a K10D. Then got a K100D Super for my wife. Ran across a like new in the box 200 shutter count K200D the other day and couldn't resist it.


Unfortunately, I have found that for CMOS sensor photos I prefer the Canon over the Pentax. Have a 10D, 20D and 40D for that, but either way, the K200D is my new favorite right now. And you can't beat the $9.99 shipped Pentax battery grip for it off Ebay! At that price I got 2, just in case I find another like new K200D.

[Jonathan Mac]

Years ago I started DSLR with a K10D. Then got a K100D Super for my wife. Ran across a like new in the box 200 shutter count K200D the other day and couldn't resist it.

Unfortunately, I have found that for CMOS sensor photos I prefer the Canon over the Pentax. Have a 10D, 20D and 40D for that, but either way, the K200D is my new favorite right now. And you can't beat the $9.99 shipped Pentax battery grip for it off Ebay! At that price I got 2, just in case I find another like new K200D.

I should get my K200D out and give it a go.

Damn, I paid over $100 for the grip back in the day....

[oscaletrains]

KEH must have a bunch they are afraid they will never sell.

[john5100]

Getting ready for Halloween

DA35mm F2.4 @ ISO 1600

Halloween by John Rudolph