Maybe informational post for some people
and then I just talk later on in post
-------------------------
So I call Pentax today to get information on camera calibrations. First, let me say they are
awesome. They literaly picked up the phone on the second ring. And the voice was
human. Wow.
Anyway: I told the guy my story -- I have a K200D that seems to be front focusing with various lenses (see this forum or SLR lenses forum about Tamron 28-75mm). For info: My camera, in various degrees, has front focused with AL II kit, Tamron 70-300,
two copies of Tamron 28-75mm.
He tells me what I've sorta read before but never from official sources:
-------------------------------------
Quote: Pentax cannot calibrate cameras on 3rd party lenses. Their connection and lens specifics are unknown, and the camera cannot identify 3rd party lenses to save the calibration in the first place.
Overall the guy was very helpful and double-checked to see if it was possible, but unfortunately one cannot sent a non-adjustable camera (AKA a non-K20D camera) to Pentax with a third party lens for calibration
I also asked about K20D in-camera -- He said that yes, it should work with 3rd party, but you may have to manually type in a description of the lens (since camera cannot auto identify), then select this lens when you place it on the camera to enact the focus adjustments. Any owner confirm this operation with 3rd party lens?
Sorry if this has been posted, but good information!
--------------------------
--------------------------
Now that that's settled -- I'm going to upgrade to K20D! I like my K200D (even with the FF problem), but I'm yearning for "more". More everything.
I'm about to sell my truck and hopefully get $1900 U.S.
I plan on :
K20D - $989 after rebate
DA* 50-135 - $650 after rebate (portraits, event photography, walk around)
DA 55-300 - $349 (Minor birding, animals)
------------------------------
$1988 after rebates.
It's a shame Pentax doesn't have a longer zoom in the $700 range...I would return my Tamron 28-75mm to Amazon and combine that cash with the 55-300 money for a longer / faster telephoto zoom.
I think I'm going to refund the Tamron anyway and get the DA 16-45mm, as with the Tamron I have too much overlap with the 50-135 and the 16-45 lets me go wide...plus, I will have all Pentax glass! I think I get a cookie for that!
Really like this Tamron, though, and highly recommended.
Sound like a plan? Would anyone do different, considering my situation?