Must-have accessories?

KxBlaze · 07-21-2011, 05:48 PM

What kind of a case? Because a bag is a must for me. Obviously memory cards (multiple), rocket blower, micro-fiber cloth, and of course MORE LENSES.

cats_five · 07-21-2011, 10:53 PM

I am using a Pentax 50250 bag! It just happened to be the right size. I brought it at Currys or similar as I simply wanted to get the camera out of the old too small bag into the new one, but when I checked online prices I found none of them seemed to offer free P&P so it wasn't that much different to an online purchase.

But it's such a personal thing. Go and look at bags in shops, take your kit with you, see how it fits, see if you like the fastenings and so on.

BTW someone else had one of these bags and said it fell apart in no time, mine was brought in the winter and is still fine.

abacus07 · 07-22-2011, 07:07 AM

Before you start using your camera
cleaning kit - rocket blower and lens pen
camera bag
extra batteries
extra memory card or two
lens hood if it doesn't come with your lens

In the near future
remote
tripod
filters = a good CPL and a ND4 and ND8 filter
M42 adapter

takumars

Maybe extension tubes and/or the Raynox

before you buy your filters you should make a commonality plan - buy filters for your biggest planned lens and step up rings (not step down) - you don't want to buy a set of 49mm filters and then not be able to use them with you new 52mm lens. and then buy another a lens with 62mm filter threads.

cats_five · 07-22-2011, 07:34 AM

Originally posted by abacus07

<snip>
before you buy your filters you should make a commonality plan - buy filters for your biggest planned lens and step up rings (not step down) - you don't want to buy a set of 49mm filters and then not be able to use them with you new 52mm lens. and then buy another a lens with 62mm filter threads.

Or get Cokin-style filters where all you need for lenses with different filter threads is an adapter ring, and they are cheap. If you go this route don't bother with the A-size filters though.

RonHendriks1966 · 07-22-2011, 09:02 AM

Well you only have one camera with one lens and I assume there is a card in the camera. So you really don't need anything more.

Buy a good Hoya or B+W UV filter and don't go cheap on it because it is infront of your glass.

With just one lens that never leaves your camera, you don't have to worry about a rocket blower to clean your camera.

A fast card, like SanDisk 32 GB Pro UHS-I card will give you everything you want. If you don't take movieclips (for that a class 6 card is the minimum) and don't shoot in Hi-speed mode then you are good to go with every card that you can find (it may take an extra second).

An external flash is something to think about, but if you are fine without, that is no problem, since I have two Metz flashes and a ringflash and almost never use them.

Look at dealextreme for that 12 $ spare battery, it is fine and just to have it.

The remote F is fine, but who needs it really, there is also a 2 and 12 second delay button.

So to behonest, you don't need anything. How come that I have a thousand things at home?

8540tomg · 07-22-2011, 09:10 AM

Another vote for the grip and extra battery.

If the K5 grip is like the one on my K10 you will also have a place to store an extra memory card and remote. You're not likely to run out of power with this set up. The K5 is so small I would consider the grip essential. I plan to get one when I purchase a K5. If you are going to do any shooting at all with manual focus K,M,A series lenses consider a KatzEye focusing screen. The stock screens are borderline useless for manual focusing.

Tom G

JeffJS · 07-22-2011, 11:55 AM

Originally posted by 8540tomg

Another vote for the grip and extra battery.

If the K5 grip is like the one on my K10 you will also have a place to store an extra memory card and remote. You're not likely to run out of power with this set up. The K5 is so small I would consider the grip essential. I plan to get one when I purchase a K5. If you are going to do any shooting at all with manual focus K,M,A series lenses consider a KatzEye focusing screen. The stock screens are borderline useless for manual focusing.

Tom G

There is no place in the K5/7 grip for a remote. It does make the body size near perfect though and the proprietary battery insert will hold a card (but the AA insert will not). I don't find (by the way) the stock screen on the K5 useless for manual focusing. Your mileage of course may vary.

**Sakura** · 07-22-2011, 01:44 PM

Don't forget a good graycard (i never leave home without it

)

8540tomg · 07-22-2011, 03:16 PM

Originally posted by JeffJS

There is no place in the K5/7 grip for a remote. It does make the body size near perfect though and the proprietary battery insert will hold a card (but the AA insert will not). I don't find (by the way) the stock screen on the K5 useless for manual focusing. Your mileage of course may vary.

Good to know Jeff. Perhaps useless was a bit strong. Nearly useless was my impression of the K10 stock screen as far as MF goes. Once you have used the KatzEye for manual focus it would be difficult to go back to the stock screen.

Tom G

JeffJS · 07-22-2011, 03:54 PM

Originally posted by 8540tomg

Good to know Jeff. Perhaps useless was a bit strong. Nearly useless was my impression of the K10 stock screen as far as MF goes. Once you have used the KatzEye for manual focus it would be difficult to go back to the stock screen.

Tom G

Been there. Had one on the K10d and migrated it to the K20d. Still have the screen, in its box. I found for the most part, that using the split was just as troublesome for me (not that much) as judging sharpness on a matte type screen. In other words, one has to be just as mindful with the KE as they do the matte screen. The Live View on the K7/5 is that good that you can get just as good results by zooming as adding a $105+ screen. This is especially true if you are shooting macros. Catch in Focus is also a nice workaround if need be.

Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the KE on those cameras but, the viewfinder on the K5 is bright enough that with a little care in setting the diopter and slowing down a little bit in technique, the KE is not needed. Again, someone elses mileage may vary.

Tom S. · 07-22-2011, 03:58 PM

Not an accessory, but every photographer can use an assistant:

JeremyP · 07-22-2011, 04:17 PM

Originally posted by Tom S.

Not an accessory, but every photographer can use an assistant:

I was going to add something, but now I can't remember what I was going to say

.

Graham67 · 07-22-2011, 04:51 PM

A hotshoe spirit level, if one isn't built into your tripod.

8540tomg · 07-22-2011, 07:49 PM

Originally posted by JeffJS

Been there. Had one on the K10d and migrated it to the K20d. Still have the screen, in its box. I found for the most part, that using the split was just as troublesome for me (not that much) as judging sharpness on a matte type screen. In other words, one has to be just as mindful with the KE as they do the matte screen. The Live View on the K7/5 is that good that you can get just as good results by zooming as adding a $105+ screen. This is especially true if you are shooting macros. Catch in Focus is also a nice workaround if need be.

Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the KE on those cameras but, the viewfinder on the K5 is bright enough that with a little care in setting the diopter and slowing down a little bit in technique, the KE is not needed. Again, someone elses mileage may vary.

Again good to know. I'll bow to the voice of experience here.

I'm saving for a K5 and I still use a lot of manual focus lenses. No one will be happier than myself if there is no need to purchase another expensive KatzEye.

Tom G

JeffJS · 07-22-2011, 09:19 PM

Originally posted by 8540tomg

Again good to know. I'll bow to the voice of experience here.

I'm saving for a K5 and I still use a lot of manual focus lenses. No one will be happier than myself if there is no need to purchase another expensive KatzEye.

Tom G

You may still decide you want one but I would suggest holding on to the money until you know that for sure. The money you save may buy you a spiffy new (used) lens or two.

07-22-2011, 03:58 PM	#26
Tom S. Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Michigan Photos: Albums Posts: 4,317	Not an accessory, but every photographer can use an assistant: Attached Images

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07-21-2011, 05:48 PM	#16
KxBlaze Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: California Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,602	What kind of a case? Because a bag is a must for me. Obviously memory cards (multiple), rocket blower, micro-fiber cloth, and of course MORE LENSES.

07-21-2011, 10:53 PM	#17
cats_five Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Fife, Scotland Posts: 835	I am using a Pentax 50250 bag! It just happened to be the right size. I brought it at Currys or similar as I simply wanted to get the camera out of the old too small bag into the new one, but when I checked online prices I found none of them seemed to offer free P&P so it wasn't that much different to an online purchase. But it's such a personal thing. Go and look at bags in shops, take your kit with you, see how it fits, see if you like the fastenings and so on. BTW someone else had one of these bags and said it fell apart in no time, mine was brought in the winter and is still fine.

07-22-2011, 07:07 AM	#18
abacus07 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Taiwan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,075	Before you start using your camera cleaning kit - rocket blower and lens pen camera bag extra batteries extra memory card or two lens hood if it doesn't come with your lens In the near future remote tripod filters = a good CPL and a ND4 and ND8 filter M42 adapter takumars Maybe extension tubes and/or the Raynox before you buy your filters you should make a commonality plan - buy filters for your biggest planned lens and step up rings (not step down) - you don't want to buy a set of 49mm filters and then not be able to use them with you new 52mm lens. and then buy another a lens with 62mm filter threads.

07-22-2011, 07:34 AM	#19
cats_five Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Fife, Scotland Posts: 835	Originally posted by abacus07 <snip> before you buy your filters you should make a commonality plan - buy filters for your biggest planned lens and step up rings (not step down) - you don't want to buy a set of 49mm filters and then not be able to use them with you new 52mm lens. and then buy another a lens with 62mm filter threads. Or get Cokin-style filters where all you need for lenses with different filter threads is an adapter ring, and they are cheap. If you go this route don't bother with the A-size filters though.

07-22-2011, 09:02 AM	#20
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	Well you only have one camera with one lens and I assume there is a card in the camera. So you really don't need anything more. Buy a good Hoya or B+W UV filter and don't go cheap on it because it is infront of your glass. With just one lens that never leaves your camera, you don't have to worry about a rocket blower to clean your camera. A fast card, like SanDisk 32 GB Pro UHS-I card will give you everything you want. If you don't take movieclips (for that a class 6 card is the minimum) and don't shoot in Hi-speed mode then you are good to go with every card that you can find (it may take an extra second). An external flash is something to think about, but if you are fine without, that is no problem, since I have two Metz flashes and a ringflash and almost never use them. Look at dealextreme for that 12 $ spare battery, it is fine and just to have it. The remote F is fine, but who needs it really, there is also a 2 and 12 second delay button. So to behonest, you don't need anything. How come that I have a thousand things at home?

07-22-2011, 09:10 AM	#21
8540tomg Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Waterloo, Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,461	Another vote for the grip and extra battery. If the K5 grip is like the one on my K10 you will also have a place to store an extra memory card and remote. You're not likely to run out of power with this set up. The K5 is so small I would consider the grip essential. I plan to get one when I purchase a K5. If you are going to do any shooting at all with manual focus K,M,A series lenses consider a KatzEye focusing screen. The stock screens are borderline useless for manual focusing. Tom G

07-22-2011, 11:55 AM	#22
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	Originally posted by 8540tomg Another vote for the grip and extra battery. If the K5 grip is like the one on my K10 you will also have a place to store an extra memory card and remote. You're not likely to run out of power with this set up. The K5 is so small I would consider the grip essential. I plan to get one when I purchase a K5. If you are going to do any shooting at all with manual focus K,M,A series lenses consider a KatzEye focusing screen. The stock screens are borderline useless for manual focusing. Tom G There is no place in the K5/7 grip for a remote. It does make the body size near perfect though and the proprietary battery insert will hold a card (but the AA insert will not). I don't find (by the way) the stock screen on the K5 useless for manual focusing. Your mileage of course may vary.

07-22-2011, 01:44 PM	#23
Sakura Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Netherlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 438	Don't forget a good graycard (i never leave home without it )

07-22-2011, 03:16 PM	#24
8540tomg Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Waterloo, Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,461	Originally posted by JeffJS There is no place in the K5/7 grip for a remote. It does make the body size near perfect though and the proprietary battery insert will hold a card (but the AA insert will not). I don't find (by the way) the stock screen on the K5 useless for manual focusing. Your mileage of course may vary. Good to know Jeff. Perhaps useless was a bit strong. Nearly useless was my impression of the K10 stock screen as far as MF goes. Once you have used the KatzEye for manual focus it would be difficult to go back to the stock screen. Tom G

07-22-2011, 03:54 PM	#25
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	Originally posted by 8540tomg Good to know Jeff. Perhaps useless was a bit strong. Nearly useless was my impression of the K10 stock screen as far as MF goes. Once you have used the KatzEye for manual focus it would be difficult to go back to the stock screen. Tom G Been there. Had one on the K10d and migrated it to the K20d. Still have the screen, in its box. I found for the most part, that using the split was just as troublesome for me (not that much) as judging sharpness on a matte type screen. In other words, one has to be just as mindful with the KE as they do the matte screen. The Live View on the K7/5 is that good that you can get just as good results by zooming as adding a $105+ screen. This is especially true if you are shooting macros. Catch in Focus is also a nice workaround if need be. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the KE on those cameras but, the viewfinder on the K5 is bright enough that with a little care in setting the diopter and slowing down a little bit in technique, the KE is not needed. Again, someone elses mileage may vary.

07-22-2011, 04:17 PM	#27
JeremyP Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: SK, Canada Posts: 83	Originally posted by Tom S. Not an accessory, but every photographer can use an assistant: I was going to add something, but now I can't remember what I was going to say .

07-22-2011, 04:51 PM	#28
Graham67 Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Leicester, England Photos: Gallery Posts: 89	A hotshoe spirit level, if one isn't built into your tripod.

07-22-2011, 07:49 PM	#29
8540tomg Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Waterloo, Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,461	Originally posted by JeffJS Been there. Had one on the K10d and migrated it to the K20d. Still have the screen, in its box. I found for the most part, that using the split was just as troublesome for me (not that much) as judging sharpness on a matte type screen. In other words, one has to be just as mindful with the KE as they do the matte screen. The Live View on the K7/5 is that good that you can get just as good results by zooming as adding a $105+ screen. This is especially true if you are shooting macros. Catch in Focus is also a nice workaround if need be. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the KE on those cameras but, the viewfinder on the K5 is bright enough that with a little care in setting the diopter and slowing down a little bit in technique, the KE is not needed. Again, someone elses mileage may vary. Again good to know. I'll bow to the voice of experience here. I'm saving for a K5 and I still use a lot of manual focus lenses. No one will be happier than myself if there is no need to purchase another expensive KatzEye. Tom G

07-22-2011, 09:19 PM	#30
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	Originally posted by 8540tomg Again good to know. I'll bow to the voice of experience here. I'm saving for a K5 and I still use a lot of manual focus lenses. No one will be happier than myself if there is no need to purchase another expensive KatzEye. Tom G You may still decide you want one but I would suggest holding on to the money until you know that for sure. The money you save may buy you a spiffy new (used) lens or two.