Back up 2nd Camera

**gump** · 04-09-2020, 06:39 AM

Somewhat of a surprise another person brought up the subject of a second DSLR to back-up my K-70 should it need repair (heaven forbid) or at the odd time when I need two ready lenses.. I suppose the obvious choice is another K-70 and occasionally these are available used. If, however, the K-70 is eliminated from a "list," what would be the next best choice (all my glass is DA/crop)?

jgnfld · 04-09-2020, 06:50 AM

Originally posted by gump

Somewhat of a surprise another person brought up the subject of a second DSLR to back-up my K-70 should it need repair (heaven forbid) or at the odd time when I need two ready lenses.. I suppose the obvious choice is another K-70 and occasionally these are available used. If, however, the K-70 is eliminated from a "list," what would be the next best choice (all my glass is DA/crop)?

K-5s are often available on the marketplace dirt cheap. I see one that might still be available now for $200. Also a K5II for $330.

gatorguy · 04-09-2020, 07:07 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by gump

Somewhat of a surprise another person brought up the subject of a second DSLR to back-up my K-70 should it need repair (heaven forbid) or at the odd time when I need two ready lenses.. I suppose the obvious choice is another K-70 and occasionally these are available used. If, however, the K-70 is eliminated from a "list," what would be the next best choice (all my glass is DA/crop)?

I'd probably look for a K-S2. The ergonomics are very similar, as is the image quality. If you're comfortable with the controls and handling on your K-70 which I presume you are the K-S2 will feel the same in practice.

Personally I sold all my K-S2's (3) and decided to sell off my KP as well to stick with two K-70's. Makes my photography life simpler.

Wheatfield · 04-09-2020, 07:23 AM

Originally posted by jgnfld

K-5s are often available on the marketplace dirt cheap. I see one that might still be available now for $200. Also a K5II for $330.

The K5 is prone to numerous failures, especially the early ones, but there were design failures with that camera that plagued the entire lifespan. I would physically distance myself from the idea of a K5. The K5II is the camera the K5 would have been if Hoya had put a few adults in the room.

**DWS1** · 04-09-2020, 09:50 AM

Right now if I was looking for a second body, I might wait and see what the soon to be released new K mount APS-C camera has to offer, and what effect it's release has on used prices. It could be you end up making the K70 your backup. For me though, I use a K50 that I had and replaced the aperture control solenoid on to use as a backup/second camera to my K70. It is seamless in operation, form, and feel going between the two and works very well for me. I don't see myself needing to upgrade anytime soon. I've always followed the practice if I want a backup to anything I have, of upgrading what I currently have, then my current becomes a backup, as I did going from a K50 to K70.

**dms** · 04-09-2020, 10:19 AM

I should think it is:

1. If you plan on using both concurrently then IMO it should be the same model (I have 2 spotty's, 2 K-x, 2 K-5, 2 Q's, and 2 Nikon D700's, so mostly I do this).
2. If it is truly a backup, then as you said plan on making the current dslr a back up and purchase accordingly.**
3. If there are features you would like for specific scenario(s) then again purchase accordingly (KS-2 for backpacking for me, when not the Q, because of small size/low weight, WP, and tilt screen)
_____
** Since it is a backup I think the K-5 is the most cost effective (except if great AF is important--but then maybe Pentax is not the best choice), and reliability is less of an issue--as the likelihood of the prime and backup both failing is remote--and I am surprised to hear K-5 has (greater) history of problems.

**aslyfox** · 04-09-2020, 10:47 AM

my suggestion is spend a little money by renting first

and rent a K 3 II

Information on Businesses that offer cameras and lenses for rent - Page 3 - PentaxForums.com

Discount Code from LensRental.com good for one use until December 31 - PentaxForums.com

should you like it, look for a K 3 II or a K 3

and make it your main camera with your current camera as a back up

and the K 5 series are always worth a look

K70 vs. K 3 vs. K 3 II vs. K 5 II

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-cameras-compared/?c1=Pentax+K-70&...=Pentax+K-5+II

one possible drawback of another K 70 is it could be subject to the same problems as your current one

**gump** · 04-09-2020, 11:04 AM

Originally posted by aslyfox

one possible drawback of another K 70 is it could be subject to the same problems as your current one

I perhaps should have been more specific. There is nothing wrong with my K-70. My interest was simply back up for a number of reasons. Not a belt AND suspenders guy but I do like to be on the safe side. Of the suggestions the K-s2 looked good for the reason's given. This not to discount other models. I was focusing (pun intended) on the used market for economy. Of course the government is going to send me money they say. Pay bill, buy groceries, or a KP with the new 11-18 lens?

**dms** · 04-09-2020, 02:16 PM

Originally posted by gump

I perhaps should have been more specific. There is nothing wrong with my K-70. My interest was simply back up for a number of reasons. Not a belt AND suspenders guy but I do like to be on the safe side. Of the suggestions the K-s2 looked good for the reason's given. This not to discount other models. I was focusing (pun intended) on the used market for economy. Of course the government is going to send me money they say. Pay bill, buy groceries, or a KP with the new 11-18 lens?

Just be aware the K-S2 has one (for me) infuriating aspect. When you start the camera (or anytime you choose menu, info, etc.) you need to hit "info" and then "info" again which brings up a status screen and you must highlight "display off". Maybe there is work around but I don't have one.

Kobayashi.K · 04-09-2020, 02:25 PM

Besides the camera body you also need a backup battery charger, because in this case of the K-70, when the charger dies the camera is a brick; it has no option for a battery grip (for AA batteries).
So ideally the backup camera should have the same type of battery as the K-70, and a charger should be included if you buy used.

gatorguy · 04-09-2020, 02:33 PM

Originally posted by dms

Just be aware the K-S2 has one (for me) infuriating aspect. When you start the camera (or anytime you choose menu, info, etc.) you need to hit "info" and then "info" again which brings up a status screen and you must highlight "display off". Maybe there is work around but I don't have one.

?
I never had to touch anything for the screen display. It's automatically on. If you don't want to use it flip it in and voila. Gone.

Works the same as the K-70 as far as I remember.

As for the charger I've always rece'd one with a camera, and fortunately the K-s2 the OP is leaning towards uses the same battery as the K-70. I think I have at least 8 batteries at last count and only rely on a single charger, using batteries interchangeably with all my cameras including the KP I recently sold. I've got a couple more chargers but don't typically need them.

kypfer · 04-09-2020, 02:34 PM - **1 Like**

If it's truly a "backup" you want then the only real option is another K-70, however, if it's an alternative camera you're considering, then the world is your oyster ... virtually anything from a *istD forward! Pick the features you want and choose the body that nearest fits those requirements, they're all good, in their own way

gatorguy · 04-09-2020, 02:43 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by gump

Of the suggestions the K-s2 looked good for the reason's given... Of course the government is going to send me money they say. Pay bill, buy groceries, or a KP with the new 11-18 lens?

If you're really comfortable with the K70 handling you may not be entirely pleased with the KP. Jus'sayin'.
Rent before you buy.

**dms** · 04-09-2020, 02:46 PM

Originally posted by gatorguy

?
I never had to touch anything for the screen display. It's automatically on. If you don't want to use it flip it in and voila. Gone.

Works the same as the K-70 as far as I remember.

As for the charger I've always rece'd one with a camera, and fortunately the K-s2 the OP is leaning towards uses the same battery as the K-70. I think I have at least 8 batteries at last count and only rely on a single charger, using batteries interchangeably with all my cameras including the KP I recently sold. I've got a couple more chargers but don't typically need them.

Except I want the screen off, and starting the camera there is a delay as do the steps to shut of the display--but it is mainly an issue in my theatre photography where I want a dark screen almost always but also where I may need to check the screen quickly and for an instant. Bottom line is it is unusable in that venue, and otherwise just very annoying. No other Pentax digital that I have (K-20d, K-x, K-5, Q) does this.

So if the K-70 is similar, then yes the K-S2 would be a good choice.

**Lowell Goudge** · 04-09-2020, 02:55 PM - **1 Like**

I always believe there is a difference between back up and second body.

I shot the *istD and K10D for years as a pair. The istD was better in low light, had better, more versatile flash, supporting both TTL and p-TTL and also supporting high speed sync using the on board flash as the master.

The K10D had better resolution and shake reduction.

Not a true back up, but more of a system.

Currently I use a K1MKII and K5 as a pairing

Edit note, I still have *istD K10 and K7 , PZ1 KX and Ricoh XR2s as backups

04-09-2020, 06:39 AM	#1
gump Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Canton, Ohio Posts: 1,016	Back up 2nd Camera Somewhat of a surprise another person brought up the subject of a second DSLR to back-up my K-70 should it need repair (heaven forbid) or at the odd time when I need two ready lenses.. I suppose the obvious choice is another K-70 and occasionally these are available used. If, however, the K-70 is eliminated from a "list," what would be the next best choice (all my glass is DA/crop)?

04-09-2020, 02:33 PM	#11
gatorguy Moderator Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Central Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,093	Originally posted by dms Just be aware the K-S2 has one (for me) infuriating aspect. When you start the camera (or anytime you choose menu, info, etc.) you need to hit "info" and then "info" again which brings up a status screen and you must highlight "display off". Maybe there is work around but I don't have one. ? I never had to touch anything for the screen display. It's automatically on. If you don't want to use it flip it in and voila. Gone. Works the same as the K-70 as far as I remember. As for the charger I've always rece'd one with a camera, and fortunately the K-s2 the OP is leaning towards uses the same battery as the K-70. I think I have at least 8 batteries at last count and only rely on a single charger, using batteries interchangeably with all my cameras including the KP I recently sold. I've got a couple more chargers but don't typically need them. Last edited by gatorguy; 04-09-2020 at 02:39 PM.

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04-09-2020, 06:50 AM	#2
jgnfld Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,796	Originally posted by gump Somewhat of a surprise another person brought up the subject of a second DSLR to back-up my K-70 should it need repair (heaven forbid) or at the odd time when I need two ready lenses.. I suppose the obvious choice is another K-70 and occasionally these are available used. If, however, the K-70 is eliminated from a "list," what would be the next best choice (all my glass is DA/crop)? K-5s are often available on the marketplace dirt cheap. I see one that might still be available now for $200. Also a K5II for $330.

04-09-2020, 07:07 AM - 1 Like	#3
gatorguy Moderator Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Central Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,093	Originally posted by gump Somewhat of a surprise another person brought up the subject of a second DSLR to back-up my K-70 should it need repair (heaven forbid) or at the odd time when I need two ready lenses.. I suppose the obvious choice is another K-70 and occasionally these are available used. If, however, the K-70 is eliminated from a "list," what would be the next best choice (all my glass is DA/crop)? I'd probably look for a K-S2. The ergonomics are very similar, as is the image quality. If you're comfortable with the controls and handling on your K-70 which I presume you are the K-S2 will feel the same in practice. Personally I sold all my K-S2's (3) and decided to sell off my KP as well to stick with two K-70's. Makes my photography life simpler.

04-09-2020, 07:23 AM	#4
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,986	Originally posted by jgnfld K-5s are often available on the marketplace dirt cheap. I see one that might still be available now for $200. Also a K5II for $330. The K5 is prone to numerous failures, especially the early ones, but there were design failures with that camera that plagued the entire lifespan. I would physically distance myself from the idea of a K5. The K5II is the camera the K5 would have been if Hoya had put a few adults in the room.

04-09-2020, 09:50 AM	#5
DWS1 Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Arkansas, USA Posts: 1,169	Right now if I was looking for a second body, I might wait and see what the soon to be released new K mount APS-C camera has to offer, and what effect it's release has on used prices. It could be you end up making the K70 your backup. For me though, I use a K50 that I had and replaced the aperture control solenoid on to use as a backup/second camera to my K70. It is seamless in operation, form, and feel going between the two and works very well for me. I don't see myself needing to upgrade anytime soon. I've always followed the practice if I want a backup to anything I have, of upgrading what I currently have, then my current becomes a backup, as I did going from a K50 to K70.

04-09-2020, 10:19 AM	#6
dms Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New York, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,192	I should think it is: 1. If you plan on using both concurrently then IMO it should be the same model (I have 2 spotty's, 2 K-x, 2 K-5, 2 Q's, and 2 Nikon D700's, so mostly I do this). 2. If it is truly a backup, then as you said plan on making the current dslr a back up and purchase accordingly. 3. If there are features you would like for specific scenario(s) then again purchase accordingly (KS-2 for backpacking for me, when not the Q, because of small size/low weight, WP, and tilt screen) _____ Since it is a backup I think the K-5 is the most cost effective (except if great AF is important--but then maybe Pentax is not the best choice), and reliability is less of an issue--as the likelihood of the prime and backup both failing is remote--and I am surprised to hear K-5 has (greater) history of problems.

04-09-2020, 10:47 AM	#7
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,582	my suggestion is spend a little money by renting first and rent a K 3 II Information on Businesses that offer cameras and lenses for rent - Page 3 - PentaxForums.com Discount Code from LensRental.com good for one use until December 31 - PentaxForums.com should you like it, look for a K 3 II or a K 3 and make it your main camera with your current camera as a back up and the K 5 series are always worth a look K70 vs. K 3 vs. K 3 II vs. K 5 II https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-cameras-compared/?c1=Pentax+K-70&...=Pentax+K-5+II one possible drawback of another K 70 is it could be subject to the same problems as your current one

04-09-2020, 11:04 AM	#8
gump Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Canton, Ohio Posts: 1,016 Original Poster	Originally posted by aslyfox one possible drawback of another K 70 is it could be subject to the same problems as your current one I perhaps should have been more specific. There is nothing wrong with my K-70. My interest was simply back up for a number of reasons. Not a belt AND suspenders guy but I do like to be on the safe side. Of the suggestions the K-s2 looked good for the reason's given. This not to discount other models. I was focusing (pun intended) on the used market for economy. Of course the government is going to send me money they say. Pay bill, buy groceries, or a KP with the new 11-18 lens?

04-09-2020, 02:16 PM	#9
dms Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New York, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,192	Originally posted by gump I perhaps should have been more specific. There is nothing wrong with my K-70. My interest was simply back up for a number of reasons. Not a belt AND suspenders guy but I do like to be on the safe side. Of the suggestions the K-s2 looked good for the reason's given. This not to discount other models. I was focusing (pun intended) on the used market for economy. Of course the government is going to send me money they say. Pay bill, buy groceries, or a KP with the new 11-18 lens? Just be aware the K-S2 has one (for me) infuriating aspect. When you start the camera (or anytime you choose menu, info, etc.) you need to hit "info" and then "info" again which brings up a status screen and you must highlight "display off". Maybe there is work around but I don't have one.

04-09-2020, 02:25 PM	#10
Kobayashi.K Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 716	Besides the camera body you also need a backup battery charger, because in this case of the K-70, when the charger dies the camera is a brick; it has no option for a battery grip (for AA batteries). So ideally the backup camera should have the same type of battery as the K-70, and a charger should be included if you buy used.

04-09-2020, 02:34 PM - 1 Like	#12
kypfer Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Jersey C.I. Posts: 3,595	If it's truly a "backup" you want then the only real option is another K-70, however, if it's an alternative camera you're considering, then the world is your oyster ... virtually anything from a *istD forward! Pick the features you want and choose the body that nearest fits those requirements, they're all good, in their own way

04-09-2020, 02:43 PM - 1 Like	#13
gatorguy Moderator Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Central Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,093	Originally posted by gump Of the suggestions the K-s2 looked good for the reason's given... Of course the government is going to send me money they say. Pay bill, buy groceries, or a KP with the new 11-18 lens? If you're really comfortable with the K70 handling you may not be entirely pleased with the KP. Jus'sayin'. Rent before you buy.

04-09-2020, 02:46 PM	#14
dms Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New York, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,192	Originally posted by gatorguy ? I never had to touch anything for the screen display. It's automatically on. If you don't want to use it flip it in and voila. Gone. Works the same as the K-70 as far as I remember. As for the charger I've always rece'd one with a camera, and fortunately the K-s2 the OP is leaning towards uses the same battery as the K-70. I think I have at least 8 batteries at last count and only rely on a single charger, using batteries interchangeably with all my cameras including the KP I recently sold. I've got a couple more chargers but don't typically need them. Except I want the screen off, and starting the camera there is a delay as do the steps to shut of the display--but it is mainly an issue in my theatre photography where I want a dark screen almost always but also where I may need to check the screen quickly and for an instant. Bottom line is it is unusable in that venue, and otherwise just very annoying. No other Pentax digital that I have (K-20d, K-x, K-5, Q) does this. So if the K-70 is similar, then yes the K-S2 would be a good choice.

04-09-2020, 02:55 PM - 1 Like	#15
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,891	I always believe there is a difference between back up and second body. I shot the istD and K10D for years as a pair. The istD was better in low light, had better, more versatile flash, supporting both TTL and p-TTL and also supporting high speed sync using the on board flash as the master. The K10D had better resolution and shake reduction. Not a true back up, but more of a system. Currently I use a K1MKII and K5 as a pairing Edit note, I still have istD K10 and K7 , PZ1 KX and Ricoh XR2s as backups