Forgot Password
Pentax Camera Forums Home
 

Reply
Show Printable Version Search this Thread
06-04-2023, 05:17 AM   #1
New Member




Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 14
NOS K-5 for US$400. Worth it?

Found a new-old-stock K-5 limited silver and 2.8 XS lens combo for $400. I believe only 1500 units of these were produced.

Is it worth it? I have a KP and a couple of cheap primes (35mm 2.4 and 50mm 1.8). I also have a few other non-Pentax cameras. Yeah, GAS.

I'm not a hardcore Pentaxian, so not too familiar with the K-5, except that it was top of the line once with a robust build. I don't need another camera, but getting a limited one for 1/4th its original price is enticing. The vintage, hipster appeal is icing on the cake.

What say you?

06-04-2023, 05:41 AM - 2 Likes   #2
Digitiser of Film
Loyal Site Supporter
BigMackCam's Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: North East of England
Posts: 20,576
If the DA40/2.8 XS is a lens you want, then I'd say that's a good package price. It means you're getting a brand new K-5 Limited for around $200, give or take a little.

Bear in mind the K-5 isn't KAF4 compatible, so the latest lenses with electronic aperture control aren't fully compatible (they'd only work at maximum aperture).

My biggest concern would be why it's new / old stock. Was it a customer return with a fault, or something like AF fine adjustment outside normal tolerances... that kind of thing. If I were buying it, I'd want to be sure of the returns policy, then check shutter count immediately upon receipt and give it a very thorough test - every single function and feature - and with several K-mount lenses that I know require zero or little AF fine adjustment on my K-3 and K-3II...

Last edited by BigMackCam; 06-04-2023 at 03:28 PM.
06-04-2023, 05:43 AM - 3 Likes   #3
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
mattt's Avatar

Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Niagara
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 3,905
Vintage hipster appeal…

IMO the K5 iis is the one to look out for.
06-04-2023, 06:04 AM   #4
New Member




Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 14
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by BigMackCam Quote

Bear in mind the K-5 isn't KAF4 compatible
Thanks for the reply. I'm also eyeing a Sigma 30mm 1.4 DC Art down the road, will that work on the K-5. Apologies for the Pentax noob questions.

06-04-2023, 06:14 AM - 1 Like   #5
Loyal Site Supporter
Loyal Site Supporter




Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Zuiderkempen - Grote Netewoud - Belgium
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 1,352
QuoteOriginally posted by BigMackCam Quote
If the DA40/2.8 XS is a lens you want, then I'd say that's a good package price. It means you're getting a brand new K-5 Limited for around $200, give or take a little.

Bear in mind the K-5 isn't KAF4 compatible, so the latest lenses with electronic aperture control aren't fully compatible (they'd only work at maximum aperture).

.....
The lens alone can be fun if you want a very compact camera without protruding lens like for events or street photography. It is the ultimate , newest pancake lens...
The K-5 is a 16 Mpixels camera from 2011 and hence , sensor low light performance, autofocus etc will be good but bit less than your KP, especially if pushing it in low light or cropping of image, so it depends a bit on your expectations.
Price wise the deal is ok, both items used, value the same amount roughly....the longterm value of a limited series is always guessing and personal matter.

---------- Post added 04-06-23 at 06:17 ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by typericey Quote
Thanks for the reply. I'm also eyeing a Sigma 30mm 1.4 DC Art down the road, will that work on the K-5. Apologies for the Pentax noob questions.
Yes..
Pentax K-5 and Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC HSM (Art) - Compatibility | PentaxForums.com
06-04-2023, 06:18 AM - 1 Like   #6
Digitiser of Film
Loyal Site Supporter
BigMackCam's Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: North East of England
Posts: 20,576
QuoteOriginally posted by typericey Quote
Thanks for the reply. I'm also eyeing a Sigma 30mm 1.4 DC Art down the road, will that work on the K-5. Apologies for the Pentax noob questions.
It will work on the K-5, yes. It's actually one of my favourite lenses... Some folks have had issues with AF accuracy / consistency on this lens, but I use single centre-point AF to avoid or minimise this. I've had very few missed focus shots with mine.
06-04-2023, 06:51 AM - 1 Like   #7
Loyal Site Supporter
Loyal Site Supporter
robgski's Avatar

Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 8,759
The K-5 and DA 40 XS was my most used prime combo for several years. Great results in a compact form. I would definitely consider purchasing this package for that price.

06-04-2023, 07:16 AM - 2 Likes   #8
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
c.a.m's Avatar

Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 4,172
If the camera is truly new old stock, I'd be concerned about the length of time that it's been in storage. It's possible (likely) that the included battery has fully self-discharged, which isn't good for its health. Also, if the main battery has discharged, or if it had not been installed in the camera, the camera's internal back-up battery has probably discharged, which means the camera won't keep the time/date when the main battery is removed.

See, for example: Maintainance of CMOS or memory or backup-battery - PentaxForums.com

- Craig
06-04-2023, 01:00 PM - 1 Like   #9
Site Supporter
Site Supporter




Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: San Francisco
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 281
QuoteOriginally posted by typericey Quote
Found a new-old-stock K-5 limited silver and 2.8 XS lens combo for $400. I believe only 1500 units of these were produced.



Is it worth it? I have a KP and a couple of cheap primes (35mm 2.4 and 50mm 1.8). I also have a few other non-Pentax cameras. Yeah, GAS.



I'm not a hardcore Pentaxian, so not too familiar with the K-5, except that it was top of the line once with a robust build. I don't need another camera, but getting a limited one for 1/4th its original price is enticing. The vintage, hipster appeal is icing on the cake.



What say you?
I'd go for it. Silver is rare, lens is good and the K5 has great image quality. I wouldn't worry too much about the battery. Pentax batteries are easily available and the internal battery is rechargeable. I bought a NOS K2000 which only takes AA batteries, none installed, and the internal was fine.

06-04-2023, 03:22 PM - 1 Like   #10
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
ramseybuckeye's Avatar

Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Hampstead, NC
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 17,276
Make sure the source of this mew old stock is legit.
06-04-2023, 04:34 PM   #11
New Member




Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 14
Original Poster
Thanks for the responses, advice and the useful links. Pentaxians are really an awesome bunch.
Reply

Bookmarks
  • Submit Thread to Facebook Facebook
  • Submit Thread to Twitter Twitter
  • Submit Thread to Digg Digg
Tags - Make this thread easier to find by adding keywords to it!
30mm, art, camera, dc, dslr, f1.4, hsm, k-5, lens, nos k-5, pentax, photography, value
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
NOS Super Multi-Coated 85mm f:1.9 Takumar onlineflyer Pentax Price Watch 6 05-02-2022 09:21 AM
New (to me) NOS K3 Silver! Popeye.Tom Pentax K-3 & K-3 II 8 09-04-2021 08:53 AM
For Sale - Sold: NIB/NOS Asahi PENTAX 52mm Round Lens Hood Standard Lens (K Series) (US/UK/CAN/ monochrome Sold Items 2 04-11-2010 03:32 PM
For Sale - Sold: NIB/NOS Pentax Auto Extension Tube K 50mm (US/UK/CAN/AUS) monochrome Sold Items 2 04-11-2010 01:30 PM



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 05:12 AM. | See also: NikonForums.com, CanonForums.com part of our network of photo forums!
  • Red (Default)
  • Green
  • Gray
  • Dark
  • Dark Yellow
  • Dark Blue
  • Old Red
  • Old Green
  • Old Gray
  • Dial-Up Style
Hello! It's great to see you back on the forum! Have you considered joining the community?
register
Creating a FREE ACCOUNT takes under a minute, removes ads, and lets you post! [Dismiss]
Top