Getting K-3; Sell my K-30 or keep it?

Sdenby · 12-28-2014, 08:19 AM

So I've finally done what I've been dreaming of for a while and purchased a k30. I was wondering what I should do with my k30 now. It doesn't seem like I could get very much from it by selling it, around $300, so I was wondering if it would be a good idea to just keep it as a back up/"disposable" camera. Please give me your thoughts, thanks!

drypenn · 12-28-2014, 08:24 AM

I am in the same situation.

I have a K-x and a K-30, and I'm probably getting a K3 in a week or two. I'll be giving my K-x to my daughter, and will keep the K-30 as a WR back up (smaller and lighter) to the K3.

If one's not in a tight budget, I'd agree to just keep the K30. And if one's in a bind, keep the K30, and postpone the K3.

**csa** · 12-28-2014, 08:26 AM

I would keep it for a backup in case something would happen to your new K-3. I was in a position not long ago, when my only camera (not Pentax) had to be sent in for repair. This left me without a camera; something I'll not have happen again. So, that's why I recommend having a backup!

Congratulations on your K-3!

Sdenby · 12-28-2014, 08:36 AM

Thanks for the advice!
I was able to buy my new K3, which is arriving tomorrow, without needing to sell any current gear, and so I don't have a big necessity to sell, but I'm thinking I might be able to buy a new lens or something with the money. Do you really think there will be enough situations that I won't be able to use my K3 to warrant essentially $300? One thing I didn't mention is I have a MX-1 which I use when I'm backpacking or just want a small camera. That's what I kinda use as my "back-up" camera now.

robthebloke · 12-28-2014, 08:52 AM

Convert it to infra red

drypenn · 12-28-2014, 08:53 AM - **1 Like**

I still think that the K30's design is "iconic" enough to justify keeping/collecting it.

**ramseybuckeye** · 12-28-2014, 08:55 AM

When my K-30 spent an eternity at Pentax repair (got caught in the repair shop switch) I ended up buying a K-50 because of the great deals. I actually got the K-30 back a few days after getting the K-50, but I love having two cameras. There are a lot of situations where changing lenses is not wise (wind and rain). And times when action is fast paced but you want to shoot with two different lenses. You could give it a couple of months, if you find yourself not using it, sell it and put it in the lens fund.

Docrwm · 12-28-2014, 09:10 AM

A backup camera is nice. I use my K-01 as the backup to my K-5iis and find that there are situations where smaller is better. And when I need really small I go Q.

magkelly · 12-28-2014, 09:25 AM - **1 Like**

I would not give up my K-30's for anything. I think a lot of the K5II I've now got but if it came down to it and one had to go that one would be it, not my K-30's. The K-30 is just awesome. One of a kind. It's definitely a keeper and a 2nd body is always a good thing, IMHO.

**csa** · 12-28-2014, 09:28 AM

"Do you really think there will be enough situations that I won't be able to use my K3 to warrant essentially $300?"

I didn't think I'd need a backup when my 8 month old camera had to be sent away! I now have a K10D, and Monday will be receiving my 2nd K10D, so I will have a backup.

Only you can decide whether or not to sell it.

**mtngal** · 12-28-2014, 09:49 AM - **2 Likes**

I'm another that keeps 2 cameras around. Not only because of potential repair situations, but mostly because it's nice to have different lenses (one long and one wide).

**robgski** · 12-28-2014, 10:26 AM

the IR conversion sounds like a cool idea. Otherwise, I think having two cameras is great, I'm waiting to purchase a back-up to my K-5 when the time is right.

I like using primes, not zooms, or having a zoom and a really good prime would be ideal versatility without having to change lenses

The K-30 is small and light, put a pancake 40mm or 21mm on it and you have a stealthy but full-featured camera for street photos, or other times when you don't want an intrusive camera and a long lens around.

Al_Kahollick · 12-28-2014, 12:05 PM

In the film days I used two cameras with different films and / or lenses for each. Up until about a month ago I had the *ist DL, K20, K30 and K3. I've since unloaded the DL and K20. I was close to getting a second K30 (love the 30) when B+H ran their K3 / free grip/ $50 540 FGZ Flash deal. I'll carry the 2 bodies with different lenses, negates the need to change glass in the field, minimizing dust risk. I use the BlackRapid Yeti strap which can be used as a single or double sling strap.

anemone · 12-28-2014, 02:02 PM

+1 for backup camera.

If I go out with camera, I have two items which can be said to be cameras. And then I have phone. Main camera is usually Pentax and backup is some P&S.

Anyway memory card fills or battery dies always wrong time and then there has to be something to take that shot. Or there is just wrong lens in front of camera.

**crewl1** · 12-28-2014, 02:29 PM

Some events I shoot, it is a good idea to have a second body with a different lens so you don't miss any shots while changing lenses.

It really depends on your photo interests whether a second or backup body is needed.

But if rent is due it is an easy choice.

12-28-2014, 08:19 AM	#1
Sdenby Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 122	Getting K-3; Sell my K-30 or keep it? So I've finally done what I've been dreaming of for a while and purchased a k30. I was wondering what I should do with my k30 now. It doesn't seem like I could get very much from it by selling it, around $300, so I was wondering if it would be a good idea to just keep it as a back up/"disposable" camera. Please give me your thoughts, thanks!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For Sale - Sold: Focusingscreens.com EE-S Screen for K-3, K-5, K-5II, K-7, K-30, K-50 & K-500	Aperturae	Sold Items	6	10-06-2014 06:49 AM
For Sale - Sold: KatzEye Split-Prism Focusing Screen - for K-3, K-5, K-5II, K-7, K-30, K-50 & K-500	Eyewanders	Sold Items	7	04-15-2014 08:35 PM
Keep K20D and add K-01, or sell and get closeout K-5 instead?	ChristianRock	Pentax DSLR Discussion	26	08-02-2013 10:49 AM
Which to sell? K-5 or K-30?	lawsonstone	Pentax DSLR Discussion	8	07-08-2013 03:26 PM
Ergonomics How Important? - Keep K20D (As New) or Sell & Get K-5 or KR	Thorolf	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	3	11-11-2010 11:42 PM

12-28-2014, 08:24 AM	#2
drypenn Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 963	I am in the same situation. I have a K-x and a K-30, and I'm probably getting a K3 in a week or two. I'll be giving my K-x to my daughter, and will keep the K-30 as a WR back up (smaller and lighter) to the K3. If one's not in a tight budget, I'd agree to just keep the K30. And if one's in a bind, keep the K30, and postpone the K3.

12-28-2014, 08:26 AM	#3
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133	I would keep it for a backup in case something would happen to your new K-3. I was in a position not long ago, when my only camera (not Pentax) had to be sent in for repair. This left me without a camera; something I'll not have happen again. So, that's why I recommend having a backup! Congratulations on your K-3!

12-28-2014, 08:36 AM	#4
Sdenby Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 122 Original Poster	Thanks for the advice! I was able to buy my new K3, which is arriving tomorrow, without needing to sell any current gear, and so I don't have a big necessity to sell, but I'm thinking I might be able to buy a new lens or something with the money. Do you really think there will be enough situations that I won't be able to use my K3 to warrant essentially $300? One thing I didn't mention is I have a MX-1 which I use when I'm backpacking or just want a small camera. That's what I kinda use as my "back-up" camera now.

12-28-2014, 08:52 AM	#5
robthebloke Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Sydney Photos: Albums Posts: 844	Convert it to infra red

12-28-2014, 08:53 AM - 1 Like	#6
drypenn Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 963	I still think that the K30's design is "iconic" enough to justify keeping/collecting it.

12-28-2014, 08:55 AM	#7
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,294	When my K-30 spent an eternity at Pentax repair (got caught in the repair shop switch) I ended up buying a K-50 because of the great deals. I actually got the K-30 back a few days after getting the K-50, but I love having two cameras. There are a lot of situations where changing lenses is not wise (wind and rain). And times when action is fast paced but you want to shoot with two different lenses. You could give it a couple of months, if you find yourself not using it, sell it and put it in the lens fund.

12-28-2014, 09:10 AM	#8
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	A backup camera is nice. I use my K-01 as the backup to my K-5iis and find that there are situations where smaller is better. And when I need really small I go Q.

12-28-2014, 09:25 AM - 1 Like	#9
magkelly Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,901	I would not give up my K-30's for anything. I think a lot of the K5II I've now got but if it came down to it and one had to go that one would be it, not my K-30's. The K-30 is just awesome. One of a kind. It's definitely a keeper and a 2nd body is always a good thing, IMHO.

12-28-2014, 09:28 AM	#10
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133	"Do you really think there will be enough situations that I won't be able to use my K3 to warrant essentially $300?" I didn't think I'd need a backup when my 8 month old camera had to be sent away! I now have a K10D, and Monday will be receiving my 2nd K10D, so I will have a backup. Only you can decide whether or not to sell it.

12-28-2014, 09:49 AM - 2 Likes	#11
mtngal Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Wherever I’m Parked Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,003	I'm another that keeps 2 cameras around. Not only because of potential repair situations, but mostly because it's nice to have different lenses (one long and one wide).

12-28-2014, 10:26 AM	#12
robgski Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,816	the IR conversion sounds like a cool idea. Otherwise, I think having two cameras is great, I'm waiting to purchase a back-up to my K-5 when the time is right. I like using primes, not zooms, or having a zoom and a really good prime would be ideal versatility without having to change lenses The K-30 is small and light, put a pancake 40mm or 21mm on it and you have a stealthy but full-featured camera for street photos, or other times when you don't want an intrusive camera and a long lens around.

12-28-2014, 12:05 PM	#13
Al_Kahollick Banned Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 390	In the film days I used two cameras with different films and / or lenses for each. Up until about a month ago I had the *ist DL, K20, K30 and K3. I've since unloaded the DL and K20. I was close to getting a second K30 (love the 30) when B+H ran their K3 / free grip/ $50 540 FGZ Flash deal. I'll carry the 2 bodies with different lenses, negates the need to change glass in the field, minimizing dust risk. I use the BlackRapid Yeti strap which can be used as a single or double sling strap.

12-28-2014, 02:02 PM	#14
anemone Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 165	+1 for backup camera. If I go out with camera, I have two items which can be said to be cameras. And then I have phone. Main camera is usually Pentax and backup is some P&S. Anyway memory card fills or battery dies always wrong time and then there has to be something to take that shot. Or there is just wrong lens in front of camera.

12-28-2014, 02:29 PM	#15
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	Some events I shoot, it is a good idea to have a second body with a different lens so you don't miss any shots while changing lenses. It really depends on your photo interests whether a second or backup body is needed. But if rent is due it is an easy choice.