Looking for recommendations Back up body to the K1

Gregor · 11-03-2017, 12:48 PM

Looking for a back up crop body to my K1. Something I can just keep my Tokina 400 5.6 on for wildlife shots. I've sunk most of my budget on the full frame and lenses, so it would need to be relatively cheap. My first instinct is a used K3. They can be found for under $500 and are pretty good on image quality. Any other suggestions?

Adam · 11-03-2017, 12:50 PM - **1 Like**

The KP. Very good noise performance and has a similar interface to the K-1.

**UncleVanya** · 11-03-2017, 12:54 PM

I'd have said the K-3 - but Adam is more up to date.

biz-engineer · 11-03-2017, 01:11 PM

The best backup for a K1 is a backup K1 or... a K1.

**aslyfox** · 11-03-2017, 01:15 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by biz-engineer

The best backup for a K1 is a backup K1 or... a K1.

are there benefits to OP having a FF and APS-C camera bodies

I think so, but it isn't my choice

biz-engineer · 11-03-2017, 01:19 PM

Originally posted by Aslyfox

I think so, but it isn't my choice

There is an apsc camera inside the K1. Both cameras share the same mirror, so , in this regards, the apsc inside the K1 can't be a backup.

Sandy Hancock · 11-03-2017, 01:28 PM - **1 Like**

It depends what you shoot. If you like action, a K-3 would be a sensible choice for the frame rate, buffer and reach. If you lean towards candid, street and low light photography, the form factor and high ISO performance of the KP would win.

I had both for a while, and liked the KP so much I basically stopped using my K-3. It is now being used by my brother.

If my K-1 stopped working though, I'd want another K-1.

**aslyfox** · 11-03-2017, 01:32 PM

Originally posted by biz-engineer

There is an apsc camera inside the K1. Both cameras share the same mirror, so , in this regards, the apsc inside the K1 can't be a backup.

yes, K 1 does have a cropped mode

but aren't there " aspects " of the K 3 superior to the K 1

and there are " aspects " of K 1 superior to K 3

that is what I meant.

**UncleVanya** · 11-03-2017, 01:32 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Gregor

Looking for a back up crop body to my K1. Something I can just keep my Tokina 400 5.6 on for wildlife shots. I've sunk most of my budget on the full frame and lenses, so it would need to be relatively cheap. My first instinct is a used K3. They can be found for under $500 and are pretty good on image quality. Any other suggestions?

Given the focus on Wildlife and the budget I really think the K-3 is the right option. You get the big buffer, the high frame rate, the dual cards, and a high density sensor that will crop nicely if needed. I'd say that's the best answer. The KP is likely more expensive and I think it has a smaller buffer and lower frame rate.

Pentax K-3 II vs. Pentax K-3 vs. Pentax KP - Pentax Camera Comparison - PentaxForums.com

**Alex645** · 11-03-2017, 01:39 PM

Originally posted by Gregor

Looking for a back up crop body to my K1. Something I can just keep my Tokina 400 5.6 on for wildlife shots. I've sunk most of my budget on the full frame and lenses, so it would need to be relatively cheap. My first instinct is a used K3. They can be found for under $500 and are pretty good on image quality. Any other suggestions?

Hereʻs an out of the box suggestion: Any number of Pentax 35mm SLRs or even a new Promaster 2500PK or Vivitar3800n with Ilford XP2 Super at any ISO between 200-1600. Iʻm sure there is at least one lab in Austin that can develop and scan the film for you.

biz-engineer · 11-03-2017, 01:48 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Gregor

Something I can just keep my Tokina 400 5.6 on for wildlife shots.

For shooting wildlife with a 400mm lens, the K3 is a better choice, because of , better frame rate, deeper buffer, better handling, better sealing, and cheaper than the KP.

Gregor · 11-03-2017, 02:04 PM

Thanks for the suggestions! I'm intrigued by the KP but may "settle" for the K3 due to the price. I like the thought of having twice the reach of my K-1 with the 300mm on it in a really light set up.

**Pentax Syntax** · 11-03-2017, 03:17 PM - **1 Like**

You can’t go wrong with the K-3. It’s my backup to the K-1 and it’s frame rate two card capacity and buffer will make a difference for your intended purpose. If you intend to put a long telephoto like the Tokina 5.6 (2 lb 3 oz) on the K-3 I would suggest you also get the grip. My 80-200 2.8 balances much better on the K-3 with grip attached. The K-1 allows all of my fingers to wrap while the K-3 without the grip makes my little finger hang free. YMMV.

1434 · 11-03-2017, 07:01 PM

I have a K1. I back that up with a K3II. The K3II is backed up with a K3. I back the K 3 up with a Ricoh GRII.

Anyways, I'm definitely voting for a K3 of some sort. New or used, the price cannot be beat.

I shot about 20 weddings this year. As much as I like the K1, there were times when I was glad I had the K3s on hand.

The fact that the KP doesn't have a dual card slot is all I need to know about to know it isn't for me. Just can't take that risk when I'm actually getting paid for pictures.

The K3 feels like a smaller K1. The KP just comes off like a goofy KS2 type deal. No thanks.

VoiceOfReason · 11-03-2017, 07:09 PM

I have a K1 with a K3 backing it up and I'm happy with it.

11-03-2017, 12:48 PM	#1
Gregor Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Austin Posts: 161	Looking for recommendations Back up body to the K1 Looking for a back up crop body to my K1. Something I can just keep my Tokina 400 5.6 on for wildlife shots. I've sunk most of my budget on the full frame and lenses, so it would need to be relatively cheap. My first instinct is a used K3. They can be found for under $500 and are pretty good on image quality. Any other suggestions?

11-03-2017, 12:50 PM - 1 Like	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	The KP. Very good noise performance and has a similar interface to the K-1. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

11-03-2017, 03:17 PM - 1 Like	#13
Pentax Syntax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 595	You can’t go wrong with the K-3. It’s my backup to the K-1 and it’s frame rate two card capacity and buffer will make a difference for your intended purpose. If you intend to put a long telephoto like the Tokina 5.6 (2 lb 3 oz) on the K-3 I would suggest you also get the grip. My 80-200 2.8 balances much better on the K-3 with grip attached. The K-1 allows all of my fingers to wrap while the K-3 without the grip makes my little finger hang free. YMMV. Last edited by Pentax Syntax; 11-03-2017 at 03:34 PM.

11-03-2017, 07:01 PM	#14
1434 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Minneapolis, MN Photos: Albums Posts: 35	I have a K1. I back that up with a K3II. The K3II is backed up with a K3. I back the K 3 up with a Ricoh GRII. Anyways, I'm definitely voting for a K3 of some sort. New or used, the price cannot be beat. I shot about 20 weddings this year. As much as I like the K1, there were times when I was glad I had the K3s on hand. The fact that the KP doesn't have a dual card slot is all I need to know about to know it isn't for me. Just can't take that risk when I'm actually getting paid for pictures. The K3 feels like a smaller K1. The KP just comes off like a goofy KS2 type deal. No thanks. Last edited by 1434; 01-17-2018 at 01:55 PM.

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11-03-2017, 12:54 PM	#3
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	I'd have said the K-3 - but Adam is more up to date.

11-03-2017, 01:11 PM	#4
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,231	The best backup for a K1 is a backup K1 or... a K1.

11-03-2017, 01:15 PM - 1 Like	#5
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by biz-engineer The best backup for a K1 is a backup K1 or... a K1. are there benefits to OP having a FF and APS-C camera bodies I think so, but it isn't my choice

11-03-2017, 01:19 PM	#6
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,231	Originally posted by Aslyfox I think so, but it isn't my choice There is an apsc camera inside the K1. Both cameras share the same mirror, so , in this regards, the apsc inside the K1 can't be a backup.

11-03-2017, 01:28 PM - 1 Like	#7
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	It depends what you shoot. If you like action, a K-3 would be a sensible choice for the frame rate, buffer and reach. If you lean towards candid, street and low light photography, the form factor and high ISO performance of the KP would win. I had both for a while, and liked the KP so much I basically stopped using my K-3. It is now being used by my brother. If my K-1 stopped working though, I'd want another K-1.

11-03-2017, 01:32 PM	#8
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by biz-engineer There is an apsc camera inside the K1. Both cameras share the same mirror, so , in this regards, the apsc inside the K1 can't be a backup. yes, K 1 does have a cropped mode but aren't there " aspects " of the K 3 superior to the K 1 and there are " aspects " of K 1 superior to K 3 that is what I meant.

11-03-2017, 01:32 PM - 2 Likes	#9
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	Originally posted by Gregor Looking for a back up crop body to my K1. Something I can just keep my Tokina 400 5.6 on for wildlife shots. I've sunk most of my budget on the full frame and lenses, so it would need to be relatively cheap. My first instinct is a used K3. They can be found for under $500 and are pretty good on image quality. Any other suggestions? Given the focus on Wildlife and the budget I really think the K-3 is the right option. You get the big buffer, the high frame rate, the dual cards, and a high density sensor that will crop nicely if needed. I'd say that's the best answer. The KP is likely more expensive and I think it has a smaller buffer and lower frame rate. Pentax K-3 II vs. Pentax K-3 vs. Pentax KP - Pentax Camera Comparison - PentaxForums.com

11-03-2017, 01:39 PM	#10
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,526	Originally posted by Gregor Looking for a back up crop body to my K1. Something I can just keep my Tokina 400 5.6 on for wildlife shots. I've sunk most of my budget on the full frame and lenses, so it would need to be relatively cheap. My first instinct is a used K3. They can be found for under $500 and are pretty good on image quality. Any other suggestions? Hereʻs an out of the box suggestion: Any number of Pentax 35mm SLRs or even a new Promaster 2500PK or Vivitar3800n with Ilford XP2 Super at any ISO between 200-1600. Iʻm sure there is at least one lab in Austin that can develop and scan the film for you.

11-03-2017, 01:48 PM - 2 Likes	#11
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,231	Originally posted by Gregor Something I can just keep my Tokina 400 5.6 on for wildlife shots. For shooting wildlife with a 400mm lens, the K3 is a better choice, because of , better frame rate, deeper buffer, better handling, better sealing, and cheaper than the KP.

11-03-2017, 02:04 PM	#12
Gregor Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Austin Posts: 161 Original Poster	Thanks for the suggestions! I'm intrigued by the KP but may "settle" for the K3 due to the price. I like the thought of having twice the reach of my K-1 with the 300mm on it in a really light set up.

11-03-2017, 07:09 PM	#15
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	I have a K1 with a K3 backing it up and I'm happy with it.