[Ropuchy]

yes, you will be able to use your existing lenses

this info might be of use:

Pentax Lens Compatibility Chart
Copyright 2006-2016 Mosphotos.com. All rights reserved.

Pentax bayonet lenses labeled "SMC Pentax" are referred to as "K" lenses in the table below. Other Pentax bayonet lenses have the lens designation as a part of their name as in "SMC Pentax-FA."

Note that "star" lenses work like their "non-star" counterparts: DA* lenses work like DA lenses, FA* like FA, F* like F, A* like A, and M* like M.

The Pentax Camera Lens Compatibility Chart

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Pentax K-Mount Lens Series Explained: The differences between various Pentax lens series

In a nutshell

There are several series of Pentax K-mount lenses; the ones currently being produced include the DA (digital), DA L (cheap digital kit), D FA (full-frame, digital optimized), and FA (full-frame) series. While all Pentax K-mount lenses ever produced are compatible with all current Pentax DSLRs (in some cases with restrictions in that not all exposure modes of the camera are supported by old lenses), there are significant differences between each lens series and each has different features. Furthermore some of the newer lenses do not work with older cameras. We'll be exploring the differences between the various K-mount series lenses in this article . . .

Pentax K-Mount Lenses Explained: The differences between various Pentax lens series

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be sure to check out options for buying " experienced " equipment from the Market Place " buy/sell "

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if you can fit one of the K 5 series into your budget it would be a great camera to start with

Pentax K-5 vs. Pentax K-5 II vs. Pentax K-5 IIs - Pentax Camera Comparison - PentaxForums.com

Thank you for the lens compatibility table!

---------- Post added 07-31-18 at 04:21 PM ----------

To an extent, but without a WR lens not as much. A damaged screen would affect live view. You may find a K-30 or K-50 that has the aperture problem. I may be mistaken but you can use manual lenses with them and they should be dirt cheap. If that is wrong hopefully someone will correct it.

Yeah, the older manual lenses can be found for very cheap in comparison to the new ones.
Thanks!

[Adam]

Would this impact the live view feature at all, or would it be fine?

If it's just the screen, possibly not. But I would follow up with the seller.

[Ropuchy]

The K10d and K100D (and 110D and 100D super) and older cameras are CCD sensors. These will have a lot higher noise at high ISO than CMOS sensors. Also the newest sensors have the lowest noise at least to a degree. I see quite a few K-x models on ebay close to your price range.

Ah, alright. I'll try to keep the sensor type in mine while I do more research and whatnot.

The K-x model has been recommended a couple times, so I'll have to have a more in-depth look at it.

---------- Post added 07-31-18 at 04:25 PM ----------

For 200 usd, this K5 is a wonderful deal:

Pentax K-5, DA 40 Limited, DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135 - PentaxForums.com

That's a good deal! I'll have to look around in the forums for sales posts and whatnot.
Thanks!

---------- Post added 07-31-18 at 04:28 PM ----------

I got my k10d in very nice shape for 120. If you're willing to accept scratch or two, unlikely to affect performance, they're around 100. I like it a lot and it's still perfectly capable of nice photos, but, its iso performance isn't that great, and its response to pushing in post lacks compared to newer sensors (not iso invariant)

Yeah, purely cosmetic scuffs and scratches don't bother me at all. My K1000 is a little beat up, but it's great!
I'll keep the K10D in mind while I explore other options.
Thanks for the input!

---------- Post added 07-31-18 at 04:31 PM ----------

I am going to throw out a different option,
Used Olympus EM10 mark 1, should be going now for around $200, get a $15 pk adapter from Ebay, have a modern setup with auto ISO, easier to focus due to zoom focus and focus peaking. In body IS 3 axis.
All these photos were on EM10, using adapters, more crop factor on Oly though, 50mm becomes 100mm, even on K10 it will still be around 70mm
Roxsen Focal Reducer Pentax K to M43 | Flickr

Thanks for providing an alternative option! I've been mainly looking at Pentax cameras because I am unable to keep track of what other cameras can use their lenses with adapters and whatnot.
Those are some nice photos!
Thanks.

---------- Post added 07-31-18 at 04:33 PM ----------

If it's just the screen, possibly not. But I would follow up with the seller.

Alright. I'll think about it.
Thanks!

[tonezime]

The K-S1 might be worth looking at. Reasonably modern, slightly unusual ergonomics. I've heard it didn't sell very well, but in any case, there are more than you might expect in the $150-200 range for a camera that's only a few years old. I really like mine with the DA 40 XS. It didn't take long to get used to the small grip, though I don't think I'd like it with a large lens.

[mikesbike]

Rather than the K-x, I would recommend the next model afterwards- the K-r. It has numerous updates, and is likewise very good for low light and higher ISO. Other than that, if you can get a K-5 in very good condition, that is a whole other ballgame, being that it is of pro design for controls, features, and build caliber, including WR (Weather Resistant). Imaging is yet better than a K-r, and even low light capability as well.

Your old lenses should be usable with your Pentax DSLR, whichever model, but with some restrictions compared to more modern lenses. No WR, even though the body may have this feature, and a number of other features and functions also missing. So at some point it is recommended that you also get a modern all-purpose lens.

[Ropuchy]

The K-S1 might be worth looking at. Reasonably modern, slightly unusual ergonomics. I've heard it didn't sell very well, but in any case, there are more than you might expect in the $150-200 range for a camera that's only a few years old. I really like mine with the DA 40 XS. It didn't take long to get used to the small grip, though I don't think I'd like it with a large lens.

Interesting model! Where are you seeing them in the $150-200 range?

I rarely use a large zoom lens, I prefer the weight/feel of the stubbier ones.

Thanks for the suggestion!

---------- Post added 07-31-18 at 05:07 PM ----------

Rather than the K-x, I would recommend the next model afterwards- the K-r. It has numerous updates, and is likewise very good for low light and higher ISO. Other than that, if you can get a K-5 in very good condition, that is a whole other ballgame, being that it is of pro design for controls, features, and build caliber, including WR (Weather Resistant). Imaging is yet better than a K-r, and even low light capability as well.

Your old lenses should be usable with your Pentax DSLR, whichever model, but with some restrictions compared to more modern lenses. No WR, even though the body may have this feature, and a number of other features and functions also missing. So at some point it is recommended that you also get a modern all-purpose lens.

Alright, thanks for the suggestion!
The K-x and K-r would be more than enough for what I'm going to use them for, I think.
I've seen the K-5 mentioned a bit. What about the previous model, the K-7?

Yeah, if I got into digital photography a bit more then I could justify buying a more modern lens than what I currently have.
I do prefer turning all the knobs by hand, though.

[Billk]

If you are using vintage lenses, live view will be great. A K5 would give you lots of room for your photography to grow.

[Ropuchy]

If you are using vintage lenses, live view will be great. A K5 would give you lots of room for your photography to grow.

Alright. Having headroom to grow into would be good!
I'll look into the K-5 a bit more.
The K-7 also has live view, but can be found a bit cheaper. What are your thoughts?


Thanks!

[Rnovo]

Sounds like you just need to start with a K10D. Many will disagree...(!) but it will get you in there and you have lots to help you get going and remember it was one of the best at the time. Today everybody will tell you to get all the gizmos. When you get better at it just keep it as a spare and get a K5 or even a K3. I did some of my best photography with it in 2008-2010 and it has all the basics.

[aslyfox]

I have to admit

that one of the K 5 series, K 5, K 5 II or K 5 IIs if you could find one in your budget range would be great

but

some times as noted by Rnovo, the photographer's knowledge, experience and technique can make the difference

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the good news is that there are many here who are willing to help with questions, suggestions and there are great articles to help out

[Ropuchy]

Sounds like you just need to start with a K10D. Many will disagree...(!) but it will get you in there and you have lots to help you get going and remember it was one of the best at the time. Today everybody will tell you to get all the gizmos. When you get better at it just keep it as a spare and get a K5 or even a K3. I did some of my best photography with it in 2008-2010 and it has all the basics.

Yeah, the K10D has a lot of nice features and isn't too expensive.
It's not as 'refined' as the others, but it'd still give me a lot of room to grow and whatnot.


Did you take many photos in low-light or of the night sky?


Thanks!

---------- Post added 07-31-18 at 05:47 PM ----------

I have to admit

that one of the K 5 series, K 5, K 5 II or K 5 IIs if you could find one in your budget range would be great

but

some times as noted by Rnovo, the photographer's knowledge, experience and technique can make the difference

____________________

the good news is that there are many here who are willing to help with questions, suggestions and there are great articles to help out

I agree, I've seen some real amazing photos taken with the K10D.
Maybe in a few years when I have a bit more money I'd be able to afford one of the later, nice models.

I'm thinking it'd be better to get one of the older models (cheaper), and learn how to take nice photographs before I go and spend a lot more money on a more modern camera.
I'm only into this hobby $10 at the moment, so I think it'd be good to see how much I'd be able to get out of lower-budget options.

I don't want to seem like a complete amateur, getting some big expensive camera and having no clue how to use it.

Thanks!

[aslyfox]

. . . I don't want to seem like a complete amateur, getting some big expensive camera and having no clue how to use it.

Thanks!

why not, a lot of us started that way

and some of us still are

you can learn how to do this stuff it takes time, research, effort

but first and foremost

make it fun

[Ropuchy]

why not, a lot of us started that way

and some of us still are

you can learn how to do this stuff it takes time, research, effort

but first and foremost

make it fun

Yeah, I bet!

I think keeping the price low will help make it more fun, less worrying about losing all the investment and whatnot.

I'd feel a bit nervous with a $2000 camera around my neck, ya know? ;P

One of the reasons I prefer my manual lenses, they're just a lot more fun to use, all clicky and whatnot.

[aslyfox]

Yeah, I bet!

I think keeping the price low will help make it more fun, less worrying about losing all the investment and whatnot.

I'd feel a bit nervous with a $2000 camera around my neck, ya know? ;P

One of the reasons I prefer my manual lenses, they're just a lot more fun to use, all clicky and whatnot.

now I wasn't thinking about that expensive a camera to start with

but some have I am sure

[tonezime]

Interesting model! Where are you seeing them in the $150-200 range?

eBay and this forum, maybe every month or two. Of course there are still the ones listed for $300+, but compared to the K-30 and K-50 which I almost never see below $200-$250, it's possible to get a pretty good deal.