Which Pentax FF would you buy ?

123jippo · 08-28-2012, 12:36 AM

Originally posted by joakim

A Pentax K-5 casing and 24Mp FF sensor. That would be a camera I would buy!

I vote for this, price same as current K5

Honestly i will not buy any 2k$ camera...

**Lowell Goudge** · 08-28-2012, 05:46 AM

i voted not interested.

If I want a full frame camera I take out my PZ-1, and load it with low ISO film. works just fine for me

Clavius · 08-28-2012, 06:20 AM

Much to my own surprise, I voted for the mirrorless FF! It's the price that did it. And the fact that I'll keep my K5 with the OVF around.

**savoche** · 08-29-2012, 11:39 PM

I'm surprised a quarter (atm) votes "not interested" (like I did). I'd think I'm not the only one to routinely skip threads about ff - don't know why I didn't with this one

But a bigger, better viewfinder would have been nice

**RobA_Oz** · 08-30-2012, 12:23 AM

Originally posted by savoche

I'm surprised a quarter (atm) votes "not interested" (like I did). I'd think I'm not the only one to routinely skip threads about ff - don't know why I didn't with this one

But a bigger, better viewfinder would have been nice

Turn that on its head, and three-quarters are interested. However, like all self-selecting polls, it's hardly scientific.

You can have a bigger viewfinder any time you like but, for any given lens on an optical VF system, it will inevitably be dimmer, regardless of format, although the larger the format, the brighter the image for a given magnification. Pentax led the way years ago with mirror coatings to reduce specular reflections, so there's not much more you can do in that department, except avoid a pentamirror design.

Of course, an EVF can give you as big and bright a VF image as you want, if you can put up with its limitations (and some can, clearly, but not me at this stage - maybe I will as my eyes age further, and/or the technology gets better).

**RobA_Oz** · 08-30-2012, 12:26 AM

Originally posted by 123jippo

I vote for this, price same as current K5

Honestly i will not buy any 2k$ camera...

I checked my investment in lenses last night. Honestly, a $2k (even a $3k!) body pales by comparison. I don't think I'm alone there, either.

Clavius · 08-30-2012, 01:48 AM

Why would a mirrorless FF camera be THAT much cheaper then a mirrored camera?

Especially when we assume that such a high end camera will not be receiving a low end EVF like the one going in the new X5, but a much better OLED EVF, then I would expect it to be even more expesive actually.

**savoche** · 08-30-2012, 02:06 AM

Originally posted by RobA_Oz

Turn that on its head, and three-quarters are interested. However, like all self-selecting polls, it's hardly scientific.

Yep, exactly.

Quote:

You can have a bigger viewfinder any time you like but, for any given lens on an optical VF system, it will inevitably be dimmer, regardless of format, although the larger the format, the brighter the image for a given magnification. Pentax led the way years ago with mirror coatings to reduce specular reflections, so there's not much more you can do in that department, except avoid a pentamirror design.

Of course, an EVF can give you as big and bright a VF image as you want, if you can put up with its limitations (and some can, clearly, but not me at this stage - maybe I will as my eyes age further, and/or the technology gets better).

All true. I agree with you on the EVF, technology needs to get better. Of course, even an EVF is far, far better than no VF at all.

All in all, I can't see how ff will fulfill my needs (or "needs") any more than the K-5 already does., mirrorless or not.

**RobA_Oz** · 08-30-2012, 07:13 AM

Originally posted by savoche

All true. I agree with you on the EVF, technology needs to get better. Of course, even an EVF is far, far better than no VF at all.

Yes, it's the one extra thing I wish my Q had.

Originally posted by savoche

All in all, I can't see how ff will fulfill my needs (or "needs") any more than the K-5 already does., mirrorless or not.

Except for a big, bright viewfinder, of course.

builttospill · 08-30-2012, 07:37 AM

Originally posted by noser

I'd prefer a choice of a high end FF but with a lower MP count. If I want 36MP I'll buy a 645D... :P

My thoughts exactly, but it's not an option. I voted on mid-level, although in reality I'd buy a top-end 24mp FF without hesitation.

If it doesn't have an optical VF I won't buy it.

ihasa · 08-30-2012, 08:20 AM

Voted for the entry level FF. Getting the 'proper' FOV and DOF on my lenses, and a larger VF to focus with, would be fantastic. I don't care about the bells and whistles *at all*...

Alizarine · 08-30-2012, 11:12 PM

I'd easily go for the mid-end one (if I had the money of course!)

Personally I believe the high end should be beyond the D800 - aside from high MP count, it should somewhat be like an LX-D; interchangeable parts, with a variety of optional grips, viewfinders, focusing screens, power options, etc.

doing so will make it the most flexible FF system out there, but it may also steal some potential market for the 645D - which may soon be relegated to only studio shooting, if an LX-D be built...

**RobA_Oz** · 08-30-2012, 11:27 PM

Originally posted by Alizarine

I'd easily go for the mid-end one (if I had the money of course!)

Personally I believe the high end should be beyond the D800 - aside from high MP count, it should somewhat be like an LX-D; interchangeable parts, with a variety of optional grips, viewfinders, focusing screens, power options, etc.

doing so will make it the most flexible FF system out there, but it may also steal some potential market for the 645D - which may soon be relegated to only studio shooting, if an LX-D be built...

The permanent price drop for the present 645D leaves room for another, presumably higher-specification MF camera, either as a replacement or as a second entry in this segment.

You could count me in for an LX-D body, too. Having now experienced the original, I comprehend the attraction. Price would possibly be a consideration, though, as these things come at a cost.

**RKKS08** · 08-31-2012, 01:48 AM

I am not a professional, so my cameras cannot earn the money I had to spend.

So, as much as I would like to have a FF - shooting 24x36 for 50 years - spending $1600 for just the body would mean I had to stop all my other activities for quite a while. My decision is to stay with APS-C for the time being.

Some day in the future, if and when the price of a used one will drop <<< $1000, and I'm still around, I may rethink.
Also, I would not mind a FF with only 16MP - presently they don't exist (?). My set of lenses would not outperform such a sensor (but, except the kit, all the lenses I own are FF capable).

A mirrorless - as they are offered at this time - would not be an option. It could be in the future, but only if EVFs get equal to the best optical ones of the film era (resolution, color, no time lag).

gtl · 08-31-2012, 02:56 AM

Sadly the d600 at its rumored 1500 price point is gonna kill Pentax FF unless they can release it not long after. Of course this is just my opinion but Nikon has the cheap lenses and FF kit zoom to go with it. The longer Pentax waits the more people are gonna jump ship. Of course announcing a FF under development could possibly hold off the jumpers.....

View Poll Results: Which Pentax FF would you buy ?
Entry-level FF, 24Mp, limited features, D600-like - around $1800	33	20.50%
Mid-level FF, 24Mp, advanced features - $2000-2500	53	32.92%
High-end FF, 36 Mp, D800-like - $3000	16	9.94%
Mirrorless FF, 24 Mp, EVF - $1200-1500	19	11.80%
Not interested in FF	40	24.84%
Voters: 161. You may not vote on this poll

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08-28-2012, 12:36 AM	#31
123jippo Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 165	Originally posted by joakim A Pentax K-5 casing and 24Mp FF sensor. That would be a camera I would buy! I vote for this, price same as current K5 Honestly i will not buy any 2k$ camera...

08-28-2012, 05:46 AM	#32
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,891	i voted not interested. If I want a full frame camera I take out my PZ-1, and load it with low ISO film. works just fine for me

08-28-2012, 06:20 AM	#33
Clavius Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: De Klundert Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,150	Much to my own surprise, I voted for the mirrorless FF! It's the price that did it. And the fact that I'll keep my K5 with the OVF around.

08-29-2012, 11:39 PM	#34
savoche Master of the obvious Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Lowlands of Norway Posts: 18,311	I'm surprised a quarter (atm) votes "not interested" (like I did). I'd think I'm not the only one to routinely skip threads about ff - don't know why I didn't with this one But a bigger, better viewfinder would have been nice

08-30-2012, 12:23 AM	#35
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,209	Originally posted by savoche I'm surprised a quarter (atm) votes "not interested" (like I did). I'd think I'm not the only one to routinely skip threads about ff - don't know why I didn't with this one But a bigger, better viewfinder would have been nice Turn that on its head, and three-quarters are interested. However, like all self-selecting polls, it's hardly scientific. You can have a bigger viewfinder any time you like but, for any given lens on an optical VF system, it will inevitably be dimmer, regardless of format, although the larger the format, the brighter the image for a given magnification. Pentax led the way years ago with mirror coatings to reduce specular reflections, so there's not much more you can do in that department, except avoid a pentamirror design. Of course, an EVF can give you as big and bright a VF image as you want, if you can put up with its limitations (and some can, clearly, but not me at this stage - maybe I will as my eyes age further, and/or the technology gets better).

08-30-2012, 12:26 AM	#36
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,209	Originally posted by 123jippo I vote for this, price same as current K5 Honestly i will not buy any 2k$ camera... I checked my investment in lenses last night. Honestly, a $2k (even a $3k!) body pales by comparison. I don't think I'm alone there, either.

08-30-2012, 01:48 AM	#37
Clavius Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: De Klundert Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,150	Why would a mirrorless FF camera be THAT much cheaper then a mirrored camera? Especially when we assume that such a high end camera will not be receiving a low end EVF like the one going in the new X5, but a much better OLED EVF, then I would expect it to be even more expesive actually.

08-30-2012, 02:06 AM	#38
savoche Master of the obvious Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Lowlands of Norway Posts: 18,311	Originally posted by RobA_Oz Turn that on its head, and three-quarters are interested. However, like all self-selecting polls, it's hardly scientific. Yep, exactly. Quote: You can have a bigger viewfinder any time you like but, for any given lens on an optical VF system, it will inevitably be dimmer, regardless of format, although the larger the format, the brighter the image for a given magnification. Pentax led the way years ago with mirror coatings to reduce specular reflections, so there's not much more you can do in that department, except avoid a pentamirror design. Of course, an EVF can give you as big and bright a VF image as you want, if you can put up with its limitations (and some can, clearly, but not me at this stage - maybe I will as my eyes age further, and/or the technology gets better). All true. I agree with you on the EVF, technology needs to get better. Of course, even an EVF is far, far better than no VF at all. All in all, I can't see how ff will fulfill my needs (or "needs") any more than the K-5 already does., mirrorless or not.

08-30-2012, 07:13 AM	#39
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,209	Originally posted by savoche All true. I agree with you on the EVF, technology needs to get better. Of course, even an EVF is far, far better than no VF at all. Yes, it's the one extra thing I wish my Q had. Originally posted by savoche All in all, I can't see how ff will fulfill my needs (or "needs") any more than the K-5 already does., mirrorless or not. Except for a big, bright viewfinder, of course.

08-30-2012, 07:37 AM	#40
builttospill Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Utah, Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,398	Originally posted by noser I'd prefer a choice of a high end FF but with a lower MP count. If I want 36MP I'll buy a 645D... :P My thoughts exactly, but it's not an option. I voted on mid-level, although in reality I'd buy a top-end 24mp FF without hesitation. If it doesn't have an optical VF I won't buy it.

08-30-2012, 08:20 AM	#41
ihasa Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: West Midlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,066	Voted for the entry level FF. Getting the 'proper' FOV and DOF on my lenses, and a larger VF to focus with, would be fantastic. I don't care about the bells and whistles at all...

08-30-2012, 11:12 PM	#42
Alizarine Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Manila Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,185	I'd easily go for the mid-end one (if I had the money of course!) Personally I believe the high end should be beyond the D800 - aside from high MP count, it should somewhat be like an LX-D; interchangeable parts, with a variety of optional grips, viewfinders, focusing screens, power options, etc. doing so will make it the most flexible FF system out there, but it may also steal some potential market for the 645D - which may soon be relegated to only studio shooting, if an LX-D be built...

08-30-2012, 11:27 PM	#43
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,209	Originally posted by Alizarine I'd easily go for the mid-end one (if I had the money of course!) Personally I believe the high end should be beyond the D800 - aside from high MP count, it should somewhat be like an LX-D; interchangeable parts, with a variety of optional grips, viewfinders, focusing screens, power options, etc. doing so will make it the most flexible FF system out there, but it may also steal some potential market for the 645D - which may soon be relegated to only studio shooting, if an LX-D be built... The permanent price drop for the present 645D leaves room for another, presumably higher-specification MF camera, either as a replacement or as a second entry in this segment. You could count me in for an LX-D body, too. Having now experienced the original, I comprehend the attraction. Price would possibly be a consideration, though, as these things come at a cost.

08-31-2012, 01:48 AM	#44
RKKS08 Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Frankfurt am Main Posts: 1,241	I am not a professional, so my cameras cannot earn the money I had to spend. So, as much as I would like to have a FF - shooting 24x36 for 50 years - spending $1600 for just the body would mean I had to stop all my other activities for quite a while. My decision is to stay with APS-C for the time being. Some day in the future, if and when the price of a used one will drop <<< $1000, and I'm still around, I may rethink. Also, I would not mind a FF with only 16MP - presently they don't exist (?). My set of lenses would not outperform such a sensor (but, except the kit, all the lenses I own are FF capable). A mirrorless - as they are offered at this time - would not be an option. It could be in the future, but only if EVFs get equal to the best optical ones of the film era (resolution, color, no time lag).

08-31-2012, 02:56 AM	#45
gtl Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 349	Sadly the d600 at its rumored 1500 price point is gonna kill Pentax FF unless they can release it not long after. Of course this is just my opinion but Nikon has the cheap lenses and FF kit zoom to go with it. The longer Pentax waits the more people are gonna jump ship. Of course announcing a FF under development could possibly hold off the jumpers.....