Hey guys, before I start I want to say I apologize in advance for creating another advice thread (which you are probably inundated with), but I need some semi-specific advice. Last time I was here (two years ago, yikes) I mentioned I wanted to upgrade to a DSLR body for ease of use and slap my SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.2 on it. I still haven't gone ahead with it, but I've gotten the bug again and want to make it happen. The only thing significantly holding me back is the low Canadian dollar, even Canadian sellers are asking USD (I don't blame them). Last time, a Pentaxian was nice enough to offer me a deal on a K-5/7, and in hindsight maybe I should have taken it! Because if anything, since then it seems the secondhand market has gotten more slow, and prices have stayed stagnant (or have maybe even gone up).
I guess this is an update to this
"how old is too old" thread, which I read quite a while ago and was the only thing I could find similar to the topic.
Originally, my plan was to pick up a super cheap K10D/K100D/ist and their successors but I feel like they are
too old by now (even though I'm still very temped by a 20D). I have a terrible case of purchasing products that are above my level because I unnecessarily think about preventing future upgrades, but I've learned that the camera market moves pretty quickly over the years. The K-7 has been the frontrunner (with the ideal K-5 is still out of my price range), but recently the K-r has intrigued me as it has some good stats but goes for much cheaper, am I missing something? Of course it doesn't have WR which was a long necessity for me until I read the thread I linked where someone said even the non-WR Pentax bodies are rugged. It's not like my old 50mm is WR, but a fully WR upgrade in the future would be a consideration. Nevertheless, the K-r is smaller and lighter (because of the lack of WR) which makes it appealing.
Essentially, I'm not looking for fancy features, just plain good old performance (resolution, ISO, FPS, etc.). Something to learn on and put my 50mm to good use with that I won't feel bad leaving around if I get busy. The Pentax equivalent to the Nikon D90 I once had would make me quite happy (or even something less than that). I'm just bummed I can't handle them in real life, compare the button placement and feel of each camera in my hands. That's important to me and would make a decision much easier. So if anyone can give some input, it would be great. It's too soon, but those vintage looking mirrorless cameras are super appealing, maybe I should keep waiting!
Anyway, potentially dumb question but is there anything that would specifically pair well with my 50mm? Or is it a question of opportunity, i.e. what I can find secondhand for the best price as soon as possible?