Thinking to change from Nikon to Pentax

kwetiaw · 10-15-2009, 07:35 PM

Hi all

i got nikon d40 dslr and since i have lots of vintage k-mount lenses which can be used with pentax dslr like pentax k-x.

What are your suggestions such as which pentax dslr should i choose, etc?

I also noticed that pentax dslr uses AA batteries, is this normal? what about the performance?

Thanks heaps

LeDave · 10-15-2009, 07:39 PM

The K-x is definitely a monster for the pricing. I believe it is normal for the K-x to use AA batteries. The performance of this thing is suppose to be really great. Just check out all the threads here about the K-x, it's said to be using the same Sony sensor used on the a500. Since it's a Sony sensor, it's gauranteed to have great high iso noise levels, some say it's even better than the K-7. The K-x will be a big leap from the D40 that you have, you'll be doubling from 6 to 12 megapixels, swapping over from CCD to CMOS to have live view and HD video recording, a gigantic leap to a better high iso image quality, and you will also have a larger range of lens selection.

kwetiaw · 10-15-2009, 07:53 PM

Originally posted by LeDave

The K-x is definitely a monster for the pricing. I believe it is normal for the K-x to use AA batteries. The performance of this thing is suppose to be really great. Just check out all the threads here about the K-x, it's said to be using the same Sony sensor used on the a500. Since it's a Sony sensor, it's gauranteed to have great high iso noise levels, some say it's even better than the K-7. The K-x will be a big leap from the D40 that you have, you'll be doubling from 6 to 12 megapixels, swapping over from CCD to CMOS to have live view and HD video recording, a gigantic leap to a better high iso image quality, and you will also have a larger range of lens selection.

thanks dave, that's what i thought as well

i mean the AA batteries upside is you can get it from the shops. I would probably get decent rechargeable batteries.

yep in terms of megapixel and live view and the HDR function plus the HD video. oh man... very very very very tempting.

**Ash** · 10-15-2009, 07:58 PM

The K-x is worth a very good look if you're after video and live view. Haven't yet had any reivews from users here but it's got to be an awesome entry-level contender.

If you don't like AA batts, you'll then need to consider the more expensive K-7 (or get a second hand K20D without video).

SteveM · 10-15-2009, 08:09 PM

I switched from Canon to Pentax as I too had older glass from my film camera....and I'm glad I did.

The K-7 grip can take both AAs and the proprietary battery. I prefer the proprietary over AAs but having the option is nice. Batteries seems to last a very long time in the Km but video might be a bit of a killer on the Kx. Battery life for the k20d and k-7 is very good....2 batteries and you're set.

I find the k20d or K-7 a little easier to use with vintage glass in manual mode than my wife's Km (haven't tried the Kx but I think it would be about the same as the Km). If you try it, let us know how you make out. There are a couple of tricks with the k20d/k-7 but once you know them it's quite easy.

Eruditass · 10-15-2009, 08:15 PM

For me, AA is an advantage - cheaper charger, cheaper batteries, free battery upgrades (when rechargable gets better, like from NiCd to NiMH or NiMh to NiMh hybrid), shares batteries with flash, option to choose lighter longer lasting cold weather option (lithium, though not rechargable).

For others, it is a disadvantage - doesn't have lightweight / cold + rechargable in one.

I get 1200+ shots on my K2000 but I have settings to get better than average battery life.

kwetiaw · 10-15-2009, 08:19 PM

Originally posted by smc

I switched from Canon to Pentax as I too had older glass from my film camera....and I'm glad I did.

The K-7 grip can take both AAs and the proprietary battery. I prefer the proprietary over AAs but having the option is nice. Batteries seems to last a very long time in the Km but video might be a bit of a killer on the Kx. Battery life for the k20d and k-7 is very good....2 batteries and you're set.

I find the k20d or K-7 a little easier to use with vintage glass in manual mode than my wife's Km (haven't tried the Kx but I think it would be about the same as the Km). If you try it, let us know how you make out. There are a couple of tricks with the k20d/k-7 but once you know them it's quite easy.

that's it, im selling my nikon d40 for sure

**Ash** · 10-15-2009, 08:57 PM

Originally posted by kwetiaw

that's it, im selling my nikon d40 for sure

You'll find the upgrade quite significant from your D40.
But be weary of LBA (lens buying addiction) - Pentaxians are more at risk of this than Canikonians due to the ability to use all older lenses...

SteveM · 10-15-2009, 09:08 PM

Originally posted by Ash

You'll find the upgrade quite significant from your D40.
But be weary of LBA (lens buying addiction) - Pentaxians are more at risk of this than Canikonians due to the ability to use all older lenses...

Check out the Takumar club thread. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/31601-takumar-club-192.html ....or the K club.. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/29948-k-club-23.html .or the M club. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/27739-m-club-72.html...or the soviet club...https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/31430-soviet-lenses-club-18.html...or...

kwetiaw · 10-15-2009, 09:42 PM

Originally posted by Ash

You'll find the upgrade quite significant from your D40.
But be weary of LBA (lens buying addiction) - Pentaxians are more at risk of this than Canikonians due to the ability to use all older lenses...

haha yeah i know that.
i already have 5 old pentax k mount lenses. im excited already now, cannot wait to finish work and sell my nikon d40.

what pentax im getting either k20d or newly released k-x depending how much i can sell my nikon d40

**Ash** · 10-15-2009, 09:58 PM

Originally posted by smc

Check out the Takumar club thread. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/31601-takumar-club-192.html ....or the K club.. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/29948-k-club-23.html .or the M club. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/27739-m-club-72.html...or the soviet club...https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/31430-soviet-lenses-club-18.html...or...

Stop it! You're making it worse!

kwetiaw · 10-15-2009, 10:06 PM

Originally posted by Ash

Stop it! You're making it worse!

too late. oh no, beautiful!

Dangermouse · 10-16-2009, 09:54 AM

The battery life with AAs seems pretty good to me. I'm still using the set that came with my Km, have been since late June. I'd estimate that I've probably taken about 500 shots and they're showing no signs of wearing out.

I don't use the flash, which might make a difference.

The lens buying addiction is a serious problem. I've ended up with four assorted AF zooms alongside the kit lens and keep scanning ebay for others. I tend to buy lenses that most would consider dirt cheap, for example my £60 100-300mm Pentax-F zoom was my most expensive to date.

Eruditass · 10-16-2009, 09:58 AM

Originally posted by smc

I find the k20d or K-7 a little easier to use with vintage glass in manual mode than my wife's Km (haven't tried the Kx but I think it would be about the same as the Km). If you try it, let us know how you make out. There are a couple of tricks with the k20d/k-7 but once you know them it's quite easy.

What makes it easier in manual mode? The K-x has digital preview, so that means real time metering, which the K-m didn't, and I believe that was the main gripe.

**Lowell Goudge** · 10-16-2009, 10:02 AM

Originally posted by kwetiaw

haha yeah i know that.
i already have 5 old pentax k mount lenses. im excited already now, cannot wait to finish work and sell my nikon d40.

what pentax im getting either k20d or newly released k-x depending how much i can sell my nikon d40

can you tell us whether the lensses are K or KA mount?

Some cameras meter differently with older lenses, from experience (I own *istD K10D and K7D) i can tell you that metering with K10D and K20D is not as good as other bodies for lenses that do not have an A position.,

This does not mean they can't be used, but you need to pay more attention to the histogram with these two bodies specifically

10-15-2009, 07:35 PM	#1
kwetiaw Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 174	Thinking to change from Nikon to Pentax Hi all i got nikon d40 dslr and since i have lots of vintage k-mount lenses which can be used with pentax dslr like pentax k-x. What are your suggestions such as which pentax dslr should i choose, etc? I also noticed that pentax dslr uses AA batteries, is this normal? what about the performance? Thanks heaps

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10-15-2009, 07:39 PM	#2
LeDave Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Minneapolis - St. Paul Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,067	The K-x is definitely a monster for the pricing. I believe it is normal for the K-x to use AA batteries. The performance of this thing is suppose to be really great. Just check out all the threads here about the K-x, it's said to be using the same Sony sensor used on the a500. Since it's a Sony sensor, it's gauranteed to have great high iso noise levels, some say it's even better than the K-7. The K-x will be a big leap from the D40 that you have, you'll be doubling from 6 to 12 megapixels, swapping over from CCD to CMOS to have live view and HD video recording, a gigantic leap to a better high iso image quality, and you will also have a larger range of lens selection.

10-15-2009, 07:53 PM	#3
kwetiaw Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 174 Original Poster	Originally posted by LeDave The K-x is definitely a monster for the pricing. I believe it is normal for the K-x to use AA batteries. The performance of this thing is suppose to be really great. Just check out all the threads here about the K-x, it's said to be using the same Sony sensor used on the a500. Since it's a Sony sensor, it's gauranteed to have great high iso noise levels, some say it's even better than the K-7. The K-x will be a big leap from the D40 that you have, you'll be doubling from 6 to 12 megapixels, swapping over from CCD to CMOS to have live view and HD video recording, a gigantic leap to a better high iso image quality, and you will also have a larger range of lens selection. thanks dave, that's what i thought as well i mean the AA batteries upside is you can get it from the shops. I would probably get decent rechargeable batteries. yep in terms of megapixel and live view and the HDR function plus the HD video. oh man... very very very very tempting.

10-15-2009, 07:58 PM	#4
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	The K-x is worth a very good look if you're after video and live view. Haven't yet had any reivews from users here but it's got to be an awesome entry-level contender. If you don't like AA batts, you'll then need to consider the more expensive K-7 (or get a second hand K20D without video).

10-15-2009, 08:09 PM	#5
SteveM Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Vancouver Island, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,294	I switched from Canon to Pentax as I too had older glass from my film camera....and I'm glad I did. The K-7 grip can take both AAs and the proprietary battery. I prefer the proprietary over AAs but having the option is nice. Batteries seems to last a very long time in the Km but video might be a bit of a killer on the Kx. Battery life for the k20d and k-7 is very good....2 batteries and you're set. I find the k20d or K-7 a little easier to use with vintage glass in manual mode than my wife's Km (haven't tried the Kx but I think it would be about the same as the Km). If you try it, let us know how you make out. There are a couple of tricks with the k20d/k-7 but once you know them it's quite easy.

10-15-2009, 08:15 PM	#6
Eruditass Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,207	For me, AA is an advantage - cheaper charger, cheaper batteries, free battery upgrades (when rechargable gets better, like from NiCd to NiMH or NiMh to NiMh hybrid), shares batteries with flash, option to choose lighter longer lasting cold weather option (lithium, though not rechargable). For others, it is a disadvantage - doesn't have lightweight / cold + rechargable in one. I get 1200+ shots on my K2000 but I have settings to get better than average battery life.

10-15-2009, 08:19 PM	#7
kwetiaw Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 174 Original Poster	Originally posted by smc I switched from Canon to Pentax as I too had older glass from my film camera....and I'm glad I did. The K-7 grip can take both AAs and the proprietary battery. I prefer the proprietary over AAs but having the option is nice. Batteries seems to last a very long time in the Km but video might be a bit of a killer on the Kx. Battery life for the k20d and k-7 is very good....2 batteries and you're set. I find the k20d or K-7 a little easier to use with vintage glass in manual mode than my wife's Km (haven't tried the Kx but I think it would be about the same as the Km). If you try it, let us know how you make out. There are a couple of tricks with the k20d/k-7 but once you know them it's quite easy. that's it, im selling my nikon d40 for sure

10-15-2009, 08:57 PM	#8
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Originally posted by kwetiaw that's it, im selling my nikon d40 for sure You'll find the upgrade quite significant from your D40. But be weary of LBA (lens buying addiction) - Pentaxians are more at risk of this than Canikonians due to the ability to use all older lenses...

10-15-2009, 09:08 PM	#9
SteveM Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Vancouver Island, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,294	Originally posted by Ash You'll find the upgrade quite significant from your D40. But be weary of LBA (lens buying addiction) - Pentaxians are more at risk of this than Canikonians due to the ability to use all older lenses... Check out the Takumar club thread. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/31601-takumar-club-192.html ....or the K club.. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/29948-k-club-23.html .or the M club. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/27739-m-club-72.html...or the soviet club...https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/31430-soviet-lenses-club-18.html...or...

10-15-2009, 09:42 PM	#10
kwetiaw Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 174 Original Poster	Originally posted by Ash You'll find the upgrade quite significant from your D40. But be weary of LBA (lens buying addiction) - Pentaxians are more at risk of this than Canikonians due to the ability to use all older lenses... haha yeah i know that. i already have 5 old pentax k mount lenses. im excited already now, cannot wait to finish work and sell my nikon d40. what pentax im getting either k20d or newly released k-x depending how much i can sell my nikon d40

10-15-2009, 09:58 PM	#11
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Originally posted by smc Check out the Takumar club thread. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/31601-takumar-club-192.html ....or the K club.. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/29948-k-club-23.html .or the M club. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/27739-m-club-72.html...or the soviet club...https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/31430-soviet-lenses-club-18.html...or... Stop it! You're making it worse!

10-15-2009, 10:06 PM	#12
kwetiaw Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 174 Original Poster	Originally posted by Ash Stop it! You're making it worse! too late. oh no, beautiful!

10-16-2009, 09:54 AM	#13
Dangermouse Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 283	The battery life with AAs seems pretty good to me. I'm still using the set that came with my Km, have been since late June. I'd estimate that I've probably taken about 500 shots and they're showing no signs of wearing out. I don't use the flash, which might make a difference. The lens buying addiction is a serious problem. I've ended up with four assorted AF zooms alongside the kit lens and keep scanning ebay for others. I tend to buy lenses that most would consider dirt cheap, for example my £60 100-300mm Pentax-F zoom was my most expensive to date.

10-16-2009, 09:58 AM	#14
Eruditass Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,207	Originally posted by smc I find the k20d or K-7 a little easier to use with vintage glass in manual mode than my wife's Km (haven't tried the Kx but I think it would be about the same as the Km). If you try it, let us know how you make out. There are a couple of tricks with the k20d/k-7 but once you know them it's quite easy. What makes it easier in manual mode? The K-x has digital preview, so that means real time metering, which the K-m didn't, and I believe that was the main gripe.

10-16-2009, 10:02 AM	#15
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,887	Originally posted by kwetiaw haha yeah i know that. i already have 5 old pentax k mount lenses. im excited already now, cannot wait to finish work and sell my nikon d40. what pentax im getting either k20d or newly released k-x depending how much i can sell my nikon d40 can you tell us whether the lensses are K or KA mount? Some cameras meter differently with older lenses, from experience (I own *istD K10D and K7D) i can tell you that metering with K10D and K20D is not as good as other bodies for lenses that do not have an A position., This does not mean they can't be used, but you need to pay more attention to the histogram with these two bodies specifically