Why is Pentax so great!

Big Dave · 05-13-2008, 11:56 AM

Hello everyone,
One reason that I bought a Pentax DSLR because of the manual lens compatibility with full metering. I often wondered why the lowend Nikons wouldn't meter with manual lenses. I have all of these great manual Nikkor lenses and they won't fit on some Nikons and won't meter on those that will accept them.

Dave

Add on-board light metering to your Nikon D40 - Hack a Day

**Lowell Goudge** · 05-13-2008, 12:19 PM

Dave

Not to beat a dead horse here but there is a difference in nikon's situation, and that of pentax.

Nikon don't need to offer the compatibility, and many users that buy nikons probably would not consider getting used equipment.

Pentax needs every advantage they can get, because they are not #1 or #2 in the market, and one way is to offer their existing (read this film) customers the ability to use all their lenses.

Personally, I am glad they did, as I am not sure what I would have done if the *istD did not come out when it did. I was very close to throwing it all away and becoming another conforming canikon user.

Big Dave · 05-13-2008, 01:13 PM

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

Dave

Not to beat a dead horse here but there is a difference in nikon's situation, and that of pentax.

Nikon don't need to offer the compatibility, and many users that buy nikons probably would not consider getting used equipment.

Pentax needs every advantage they can get, because they are not #1 or #2 in the market, and one way is to offer their existing (read this film) customers the ability to use all their lenses.

Personally, I am glad they did, as I am not sure what I would have done if the *istD did not come out when it did. I was very close to throwing it all away and becoming another conforming canikon user.

Lowell,
Actually the SR in the body was the biggest reason that I switched to Pentax. The lack of support for my lenses just kept me from buying a Nikon DSLR. The $100 rebate helped also. When I bought my Nikon FTN in 1968, Nikon was proud that they would always maintain complete compatibility with their old lenses. Well at least their compatibility is better then Canon. LOL

Dave

Torphoto · 05-13-2008, 02:32 PM

Nothing really great about Pentax, it's just that every time I make up my mind to switch they give me a reason not to. That and I like cameras that were made to be used to shoot with, not just look good on paper

**monochrome** · 05-13-2008, 03:46 PM

Originally posted by Big Dave

Hello everyone,
One reason that I bought a Pentax DSLR because of the manual lens compatibility with full metering. I often wondered why the lowend Nikons wouldn't meter with manual lenses. I have all of these great manual Nikkor lenses and they won't fit on some Nikons and won't meter on those that will accept them.

Dave

Add on-board light metering to your Nikon D40 - Hack a Day

Dave: I am re-entering photography as a hobbyist/enthusiast, but this time I am committed to a quality end product.

That being said, I am cost-aware, and I have several manual Pentax film bodies and lenses. After extensive research, was the K10D not competitive feature for feature with other bodies I might have ebay'ed the lot and started with a high-end consumer Canikon.

Happily, that didn't happen.

My calculus

Compatibility with everything I own +
Feature parity +
Better price =
Best Value
QED

Wheatfield · 05-13-2008, 03:49 PM

I came to Pentax via Nikon. I came for the lenses, and keep wishing they would put out a camera body to match the quality of them.

Outlaw · 05-14-2008, 05:54 PM

I came to Pentax because first off, I did a lot of research on model features and price then when I spoke to the guy in the camera store and said I wanted Pentax, he said, "I have an *istDL - it's a great camera and perfect for what you (I)want." I had explained to him what my needs were. There was never any discussion about C***n or N***n - refreshing given the many posts elsewhere about folks being pushed towards the big 2.

As Torphoto said" it's just that every time I make up my mind to switch they give me a reason not to. " Hence I have a K10 now and am happy with no intention of switching.

Damn Brit · 05-14-2008, 06:58 PM

I came to Pentax after doing plenty of research and review reading.
Three things really stood out that I think are reasons for Pentax being great (not in any order);
The lens compatibility, ease of use and the history of Pentax.
SR helped as well but that was for my decision making. I think SR is great but history will tell whether it contributes to Pentax's greatness.

Adam67 · 05-21-2008, 11:16 AM

Bang for the buck and compatibility with lenes I already own......no brainer.

axl · 05-21-2008, 11:56 AM

I came to Pentax from Fuji's superzoom camp. I never had SLR/DSLR before, never had any lenses. But:
- I'm cost aware, I like the size and feel of K100D, I like the brand's history, I like the SR, I like the compatibility with old (cheap) manual lenses, I like the pancake ltds, shall I continue?

At the time I was choosing, there were 3 other competitors: Oly e500, EOS350D, Nikon D50.
D50 was for long time on top (I was comparing with *ist DL2) but when K100D came out I didn't hesitate for a moment...
And I'm happy eversince...
except I'd like to have K10D

two68s · 05-21-2008, 01:00 PM

This is my first post and I bought a Pentax because I like the green ring around the lens!

Just kidding. My dad has an *istD and is looking to add a K10 or K20 to his bag. I have used his *istD on several occasions and decided that I had to have my own DSLR. I loved it, easy to use, felt nice, and it was hard to take a bad picture. I have been researching other brands, Canon and Sony mainly (I just flat out don't like the look and feel of Nikons). There is nothing that I don't like about a Pentax; ergonomics, build quality, durability, performance, and price. I just ordered a K200D...it should be here tomorrow.

Plus...I can mooch off of my dad's lens collection

cpopham · 05-21-2008, 02:03 PM

I had previously been researching cameras, and found that Pentax had several features I really liked - in body SR, and the backwards compatability.

I then went to a camera shop and started looking through the various cameras with a helpful salesperson. Picked up the K100 and it just seemed made to fit my hands.

pichygrue · 05-21-2008, 04:25 PM

If making pictures is your fascination: do it!
If making pictures is your addiction: I'll pray!

Outlaw · 05-21-2008, 09:20 PM

Originally posted by two68s

This is my first post and I bought a Pentax because I like the green ring around the lens!

Just kidding. My dad has an *istD and is looking to add a K10 or K20 to his bag. I have used his *istD on several occasions and decided that I had to have my own DSLR. I loved it, easy to use, felt nice, and it was hard to take a bad picture. I have been researching other brands, Canon and Sony mainly (I just flat out don't like the look and feel of Nikons). There is nothing that I don't like about a Pentax; ergonomics, build quality, durability, performance, and price. I just ordered a K200D...it should be here tomorrow.

Plus...I can mooch off of my dad's lens collection

Welcome to the forum two86s. I am sure you will enjoy your K200D!

Mike Bokeh · 05-22-2008, 06:12 PM

This is the reason I went with Pentax digital.

I needed no further persuasion.

Mike

05-13-2008, 03:46 PM	#5
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Why I stayed with Pentax Originally posted by Big Dave Hello everyone, One reason that I bought a Pentax DSLR because of the manual lens compatibility with full metering. I often wondered why the lowend Nikons wouldn't meter with manual lenses. I have all of these great manual Nikkor lenses and they won't fit on some Nikons and won't meter on those that will accept them. Dave Add on-board light metering to your Nikon D40 - Hack a Day Dave: I am re-entering photography as a hobbyist/enthusiast, but this time I am committed to a quality end product. That being said, I am cost-aware, and I have several manual Pentax film bodies and lenses. After extensive research, was the K10D not competitive feature for feature with other bodies I might have ebay'ed the lot and started with a high-end consumer Canikon. Happily, that didn't happen. My calculus Compatibility with everything I own + Feature parity + Better price = Best Value QED

05-13-2008, 03:49 PM	#6
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,986	I came to Pentax via Nikon. I came for the lenses, and keep wishing they would put out a camera body to match the quality of them. Last edited by Wheatfield; 05-13-2008 at 04:22 PM.

05-21-2008, 01:00 PM	#11
two68s Forum Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 56	This is my first post and I bought a Pentax because I like the green ring around the lens! Just kidding. My dad has an istD and is looking to add a K10 or K20 to his bag. I have used his istD on several occasions and decided that I had to have my own DSLR. I loved it, easy to use, felt nice, and it was hard to take a bad picture. I have been researching other brands, Canon and Sony mainly (I just flat out don't like the look and feel of Nikons). There is nothing that I don't like about a Pentax; ergonomics, build quality, durability, performance, and price. I just ordered a K200D...it should be here tomorrow. Plus...I can mooch off of my dad's lens collection Last edited by two68s; 05-21-2008 at 01:01 PM. Reason: I can't spell

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Great Recession vs Great Depression	Nesster	General Talk	1	07-01-2010 07:16 AM
Pentax- becoming the great unknown	lesmore49	Pentax News and Rumors	96	02-13-2009 01:57 PM
Great Pentax Bargains	DAP	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	24	01-20-2008 11:15 PM
Some great Pentax shots here	Peter Zack	Photographic Technique	7	08-09-2007 05:59 AM

05-13-2008, 11:56 AM	#1
Big Dave Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: San Antonio, Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 547	Why is Pentax so great! Hello everyone, One reason that I bought a Pentax DSLR because of the manual lens compatibility with full metering. I often wondered why the lowend Nikons wouldn't meter with manual lenses. I have all of these great manual Nikkor lenses and they won't fit on some Nikons and won't meter on those that will accept them. Dave Add on-board light metering to your Nikon D40 - Hack a Day

05-13-2008, 12:19 PM	#2
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,891	Dave Not to beat a dead horse here but there is a difference in nikon's situation, and that of pentax. Nikon don't need to offer the compatibility, and many users that buy nikons probably would not consider getting used equipment. Pentax needs every advantage they can get, because they are not #1 or #2 in the market, and one way is to offer their existing (read this film) customers the ability to use all their lenses. Personally, I am glad they did, as I am not sure what I would have done if the *istD did not come out when it did. I was very close to throwing it all away and becoming another conforming canikon user.

05-13-2008, 01:13 PM	#3
Big Dave Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: San Antonio, Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 547 Original Poster	Originally posted by Lowell Goudge Dave Not to beat a dead horse here but there is a difference in nikon's situation, and that of pentax. Nikon don't need to offer the compatibility, and many users that buy nikons probably would not consider getting used equipment. Pentax needs every advantage they can get, because they are not #1 or #2 in the market, and one way is to offer their existing (read this film) customers the ability to use all their lenses. Personally, I am glad they did, as I am not sure what I would have done if the *istD did not come out when it did. I was very close to throwing it all away and becoming another conforming canikon user. Lowell, Actually the SR in the body was the biggest reason that I switched to Pentax. The lack of support for my lenses just kept me from buying a Nikon DSLR. The $100 rebate helped also. When I bought my Nikon FTN in 1968, Nikon was proud that they would always maintain complete compatibility with their old lenses. Well at least their compatibility is better then Canon. LOL Dave

05-13-2008, 02:32 PM	#4
Torphoto Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Trinidad W.I. Photos: Gallery Posts: 612	Nothing really great about Pentax, it's just that every time I make up my mind to switch they give me a reason not to. That and I like cameras that were made to be used to shoot with, not just look good on paper

05-14-2008, 05:54 PM	#7
Outlaw Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Adelaide, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 108	I came to Pentax because first off, I did a lot of research on model features and price then when I spoke to the guy in the camera store and said I wanted Pentax, he said, "I have an istDL - it's a great camera and perfect for what you (I)want." I had explained to him what my needs were. There was never any discussion about Cn or N*n - refreshing given the many posts elsewhere about folks being pushed towards the big 2. As Torphoto said" it's just that every time I make up my mind to switch they give me a reason not to. " Hence I have a K10 now and am happy with no intention of switching.

05-14-2008, 06:58 PM	#8
Damn Brit Guest	I came to Pentax after doing plenty of research and review reading. Three things really stood out that I think are reasons for Pentax being great (not in any order); The lens compatibility, ease of use and the history of Pentax. SR helped as well but that was for my decision making. I think SR is great but history will tell whether it contributes to Pentax's greatness.

05-21-2008, 11:16 AM	#9
Adam67 Forum Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: MI Posts: 62	Bang for the buck and compatibility with lenes I already own......no brainer.

05-21-2008, 11:56 AM	#10
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183	I came to Pentax from Fuji's superzoom camp. I never had SLR/DSLR before, never had any lenses. But: - I'm cost aware, I like the size and feel of K100D, I like the brand's history, I like the SR, I like the compatibility with old (cheap) manual lenses, I like the pancake ltds, shall I continue? At the time I was choosing, there were 3 other competitors: Oly e500, EOS350D, Nikon D50. D50 was for long time on top (I was comparing with *ist DL2) but when K100D came out I didn't hesitate for a moment... And I'm happy eversince... except I'd like to have K10D

05-21-2008, 02:03 PM	#12
cpopham Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Auckland Posts: 553	I had previously been researching cameras, and found that Pentax had several features I really liked - in body SR, and the backwards compatability. I then went to a camera shop and started looking through the various cameras with a helpful salesperson. Picked up the K100 and it just seemed made to fit my hands.

05-21-2008, 04:25 PM	#13
pichygrue Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Netherlands Posts: 21	If making pictures is your fascination: do it! If making pictures is your addiction: I'll pray!

05-21-2008, 09:20 PM	#14
Outlaw Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Adelaide, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 108	Originally posted by two68s This is my first post and I bought a Pentax because I like the green ring around the lens! Just kidding. My dad has an istD and is looking to add a K10 or K20 to his bag. I have used his istD on several occasions and decided that I had to have my own DSLR. I loved it, easy to use, felt nice, and it was hard to take a bad picture. I have been researching other brands, Canon and Sony mainly (I just flat out don't like the look and feel of Nikons). There is nothing that I don't like about a Pentax; ergonomics, build quality, durability, performance, and price. I just ordered a K200D...it should be here tomorrow. Plus...I can mooch off of my dad's lens collection Welcome to the forum two86s. I am sure you will enjoy your K200D!

05-22-2008, 06:12 PM	#15
Mike Bokeh Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Queens, New York Photos: Gallery Posts: 608	This is the reason I went with Pentax digital. I needed no further persuasion. Mike