Originally posted by dms Since the K30 seems to be pretty well liked--perhaps I should say what/why I did not care for it. The little I used it I found the following two problems. And BTW except for one AF lens all my lenses are K (and some takumars)--and principally I use K (pre A) lenses.
1. (Like my K-x) one cannot use exposure compensation in manual mode--and with most of my lenses that is the only mode available (as in your case). This is a big deal when doing rapid photo's in changing light (e.g., stage/theatre photos)--not likely a deal breaker for you.
And if you decide to put in a split screen focusing screen (I strongly suggest a replacement screen--either all mat or with split screen--for mat the ist-d mat screen with grid is excellent)--then the spot metering will be off by 2-3 e.v. for slower than f/3.5 (about) lenses, and all pre-A lenses (don't meter full open). This is very tough to work around in my stage/theatre work.
2. (And maybe this is my lack of detailed knowledge) every time I turned the camera on the display would blast me with light. It's been several months but I believe it was when turning on (and I change lenses a lot)--but what ever it was it was very annoying! And looking through the manual I could not find a way to stop it. (If I used it in my theatre work it would be totally unacceptable.)
I also did not care for the small form factor and light weight--but that is more dependent on individual taste--but coming from a (film) K-x you may also feel as I do.
1. The front wheel will do the same as EC, changing the shutter speed as metered by the green button on a K lens by 1/3 stop each click.
2. Turn the LCD off. The K-30 is quite usable without it being on during shooting, just use the VF info line for basic information. You will get the screen come up once at switch on asking for the focal length of a manual lens but you can stop it by disabling SR. It will also come on if you change ISO or WB during shooting so you would need those set first. You would also need to disable instant review. It may also help, if keeping the same lens on, to let the camera power-save rather than turning it off manually, then you could keep SR on as you won't get asked for the FL each time you wake it up with a half-shutter press. Do all that and the screen never comes on unless you want it to.