The term "Canikon"?

LightMeter · 11-09-2011, 08:22 PM

After joining the Pentax forums, I found the term interesting. I find Nikon more like Pentax rather than Canon-both have the best backward compatibility. I know there's some arrogance among Nikon users, but it seems to be worse with Canon. For years all of my gear was Nikon. Not because I think Nikon is better, but I decided to have all my gear compatible with each other(I started with Nikon). But I've always had the thought of getting a 645 and maybe a 35mm or DSLR by Pentax-I've always liked their stuff. But Canon-never cared for their photo gear. They screwed their loyal users when they changed the lens mount for the AF era.

I ordered a K-r yesterday. Their bodies are very attractively priced, but I'm discovering that shopping for Pentax lenses is not going to be a picnic. Looking at new and used lenses, many are priced what I call "over the top" just like Nikon.

***I'm not trying to start a brand war. That is not the intent of this thread.

SpecialK · 11-09-2011, 08:45 PM

It's a term meant to imply, among other things, a sheeplike-follower mentality of the masses. Of course, not every Canikon owner falls into that category, nor do they all have micro genitals or cramped colons. It just seems that way :-)

I just bought a Canon P&S tonight to replace the Samsung which refused to turn on.

Bah. Baahhh....

JinDesu · 11-09-2011, 08:48 PM

I think it's a term that came up due to the sheer amount of Nikon and Canon users out there, as compared to practically any other brand.

Frogfish · 11-09-2011, 09:56 PM

Although it can be used as a derogatory term (bah baaah as Special K said) it is more often than not just a quicker, easier way of writing out Canon / Nikon in full.

Welcome to the brand - the Kr is a great camera and I'm sure you are going to love it. Buying Pentax lenses need not be expensive if you use the vast back catalogue and/or are not afraid of manually focusing lenses. Let us know what you are looking for and you'll get a great response/advice, hopefully you ordered the Kr with the kit 18-55 which is an absolute steal and often rated as the best kit lens out there and is WR too !

LightMeter · 11-09-2011, 10:10 PM

Originally posted by Frogfish

Welcome to the brand - the Kr is a great camera and I'm sure you are going to love it. Buying Pentax lenses need not be expensive if you use the vast back catalogue and/or are not afraid of manually focusing lenses. Let us know what you are looking for and you'll get a great response/advice, hopefully you ordered the Kr with the kit 18-55 which is an absolute steal and often rated as the best kit lens out there and is WR too !

Yes I got the white K-r with 18-55 lens. And I do plan on getting manual focus lenses-that was part of the reason I went with the K-r. The cheapest Nikon that meters with manual lenses is $1200. Right now I've got my eye on a couple of A lenses-135 2.8 and 70-210 f/4. KEH has them for very reasonable prices, but can't buy now. That's a project for later.

Frogfish · 11-09-2011, 10:22 PM

Originally posted by LightMeter

Yes I got the white K-r with 18-55 lens. And I do plan on getting manual focus lenses-that was part of the reason I went with the K-r. The cheapest Nikon that meters with manual lenses is $1200. Right now I've got my eye on a couple of A lenses-135 2.8 and 70-210 f/4. KEH has them for very reasonable prices, but can't buy now. That's a project for later.

That was a good buy then. Let us know what you are shooting and we can give you tips - the 135/2.8 is an excellent lens.

nickthetasmaniac · 11-10-2011, 12:48 AM

I think it came about simply because (in terms of numbers), Canon and Nikon basically are dSLR photography... And in terms of models (lenses and bodies) they have very similar line-ups...

Philoslothical · 11-10-2011, 12:49 AM

Originally posted by LightMeter

I find Nikon more like Pentax rather than Canon-both have the best backward compatibility.

Originally posted by LightMeter

The cheapest Nikon that meters with manual lenses is $1200.

Hmm.

The way both Canon and Nikon gimp their entry level and mid-range models was a dealbreaker for me, including the metering issue mentioned here. I don't trust either one to stick with their mounts either. Both have shown a willingness to strand their users and make them re-purchase the same glass in a new mount, in order to use newer bodies.

To my eyes, Canon and Nikon both behave more like American corporations, with short term greed being the ultimate motivating factor. Pentax, on the other hand, behaves more like a traditional Japanese corporation, and even a good one at that. They have been very very faithful to their customers when it comes to compatibility and mounts, and they really don't make things unnecessarily difficult for people with even their entry level models.

What it boils down to for me is this: A K-5 will do some things better than my K-r, but there are very few things the K-5 can do that my K-r is unable to. Conversely, there's an awful lot a D7000 can do that a D3100 simply can't, be it not in the build, or crippled in the firmware.

pentup · 11-10-2011, 01:48 AM

Originally posted by LightMeter

I find Nikon more like Pentax rather than Canon-both have the best backward compatibility.

Professionals and deep-pocketed amateurs may find Nikon more "compatible" than some of us, since they can ignore the entry-level stuff. My Nikkor 20mm lens won't even meter manually on my Nikon D40. If I put it on a Pentax body, it works beautifully, complete with auto metering. Nikon cripples their cheaper bodies in ways that make me laugh when people tout Nikon's "compatibility." The D7000 is, I think, currently the least expensive Nikon that's backwards compatible with that lens and others like it. The same goes for auto-focus; if you have an auto-focus lens for Pentax, it doesn't matter which Pentax body you put it on.

RioRico · 11-10-2011, 02:32 AM

It's an abbreviation of Canikonympus.

Tommot1965 · 11-10-2011, 03:22 AM

Originally posted by pentup

Professionals and deep-pocketed amateurs may find Nikon more "compatible" than some of us, since they can ignore the entry-level stuff. My Nikkor 20mm lens won't even meter manually on my Nikon D40. If I put it on a Pentax body, it works beautifully, complete with auto metering. Nikon cripples their cheaper bodies in ways that make me laugh when people tout Nikon's "compatibility." The D7000 is, I think, currently the least expensive Nikon that's backwards compatible with that lens and others like it. The same goes for auto-focus; if you have an auto-focus lens for Pentax, it doesn't matter which Pentax body you put it on.

dont you think its a easier decision for pentax ..it only has two Dslrs..where as nikon have 6 Dslr in its line up...I think that nikon has done whats its done to the D5100 and the D3100 to keep costs down....plus it wants a upgrade path.

the D7000 and the K5 are a similar price point....both meter with any older lenses ..

canikon is used in this forum often as a pentax small man syndrome..

nickthetasmaniac · 11-10-2011, 05:17 AM

Originally posted by Philoslothical

To my eyes, Canon and Nikon both behave more like American corporations, with short term greed being the ultimate motivating factor. Pentax, on the other hand, behaves more like a traditional Japanese corporation, and even a good one at that. They have been very very faithful to their customers when it comes to compatibility and mounts, and they really don't make things unnecessarily difficult for people with even their entry level models.

I'd dispute that... I know my SMC Pentax 50/f1.2 meters perfectly in Aperture Priority on my Panasonic GH2 - definitely doesn't do that on my Dad's K-7

Isn't it referred to as the 'crippled' K-mount?

**Rondec** · 11-10-2011, 05:54 AM

Originally posted by Tommot1965

dont you think its a easier decision for pentax ..it only has two Dslrs..where as nikon have 6 Dslr in its line up...I think that nikon has done whats its done to the D5100 and the D3100 to keep costs down....plus it wants a upgrade path.

the D7000 and the K5 are a similar price point....both meter with any older lenses ..

I don't particularly have a problem with either Canon or Nikon, but I think for both companies they cripple lower end cameras to protect upper end cameras. A lot of the crippling is purely software -- not hardware, so lack of bracketing, etc could be added without any problem, except it wouldn't give people impetus to buy up. Pentax doesn't have to protect the K5 from the kr -- differences have more to do with sealing, build and penta prism -- and so features aren't as limited with the entry level camera, at least from a software stand point.

To the OP: Canon and Nikon have about 85 percent of the market between them and a lot of people buy their cameras, mainly because they are big and wouldn't buy a Pentax because they aren't a big name. That said, I personally haven't heard anyone disparage my Pentax cameras because they weren't Canon or Nikon (although others on this forum seem to have heard such comments) and older photographers have fond memories of Pentax.

**TomB_tx** · 11-10-2011, 06:44 AM

Joining the Canon-Nikon terms makes some historic sense. When the company that became Canon started in the '30s (by 3 men), they planned to make a the mechanical "instrument" part of the camera, and had an agreement with Nippon Kogaku (later became Nikon) to provide the lenses and rangefinders. That didn't last long, but Nippon Kogaku continued to make lenses in the Leica thread mount for other Japanese camera makers. (I have a Nicca with Nippon Kogaku lens.) Of course, both Canon and Nikon made rangefinder "clones" of Leica and Contax in the 50s. It took Asahi to decide the future was SLR! Even then Asahi didn't go with the market flow.

Philoslothical · 11-10-2011, 08:09 AM

Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac

I'd dispute that... I know my SMC Pentax 50/f1.2 meters perfectly in Aperture Priority on my Panasonic GH2 - definitely doesn't do that on my Dad's K-7

Isn't it referred to as the 'crippled' K-mount?

It's not quite as convenient, but would you prefer to use M mode and the green button, or not be able to meter at all, a la Nikon? At least Pentax does maintain an alternative method for using these old lenses.

11-09-2011, 08:22 PM	#1
LightMeter Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Houston, Republic of Texas Posts: 158	The term "Canikon"? After joining the Pentax forums, I found the term interesting. I find Nikon more like Pentax rather than Canon-both have the best backward compatibility. I know there's some arrogance among Nikon users, but it seems to be worse with Canon. For years all of my gear was Nikon. Not because I think Nikon is better, but I decided to have all my gear compatible with each other(I started with Nikon). But I've always had the thought of getting a 645 and maybe a 35mm or DSLR by Pentax-I've always liked their stuff. But Canon-never cared for their photo gear. They screwed their loyal users when they changed the lens mount for the AF era. I ordered a K-r yesterday. Their bodies are very attractively priced, but I'm discovering that shopping for Pentax lenses is not going to be a picnic. Looking at new and used lenses, many are priced what I call "over the top" just like Nikon. ***I'm not trying to start a brand war. That is not the intent of this thread.

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11-09-2011, 08:45 PM	#2
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,481	It's a term meant to imply, among other things, a sheeplike-follower mentality of the masses. Of course, not every Canikon owner falls into that category, nor do they all have micro genitals or cramped colons. It just seems that way :-) I just bought a Canon P&S tonight to replace the Samsung which refused to turn on. Bah. Baahhh....

11-09-2011, 08:48 PM	#3
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	I think it's a term that came up due to the sheer amount of Nikon and Canon users out there, as compared to practically any other brand.

11-09-2011, 09:56 PM	#4
Frogfish Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Shanghai Posts: 4,490	Although it can be used as a derogatory term (bah baaah as Special K said) it is more often than not just a quicker, easier way of writing out Canon / Nikon in full. Welcome to the brand - the Kr is a great camera and I'm sure you are going to love it. Buying Pentax lenses need not be expensive if you use the vast back catalogue and/or are not afraid of manually focusing lenses. Let us know what you are looking for and you'll get a great response/advice, hopefully you ordered the Kr with the kit 18-55 which is an absolute steal and often rated as the best kit lens out there and is WR too !

11-09-2011, 10:10 PM	#5
LightMeter Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Houston, Republic of Texas Posts: 158 Original Poster	Originally posted by Frogfish Welcome to the brand - the Kr is a great camera and I'm sure you are going to love it. Buying Pentax lenses need not be expensive if you use the vast back catalogue and/or are not afraid of manually focusing lenses. Let us know what you are looking for and you'll get a great response/advice, hopefully you ordered the Kr with the kit 18-55 which is an absolute steal and often rated as the best kit lens out there and is WR too ! Yes I got the white K-r with 18-55 lens. And I do plan on getting manual focus lenses-that was part of the reason I went with the K-r. The cheapest Nikon that meters with manual lenses is $1200. Right now I've got my eye on a couple of A lenses-135 2.8 and 70-210 f/4. KEH has them for very reasonable prices, but can't buy now. That's a project for later.

11-09-2011, 10:22 PM	#6
Frogfish Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Shanghai Posts: 4,490	Originally posted by LightMeter Yes I got the white K-r with 18-55 lens. And I do plan on getting manual focus lenses-that was part of the reason I went with the K-r. The cheapest Nikon that meters with manual lenses is $1200. Right now I've got my eye on a couple of A lenses-135 2.8 and 70-210 f/4. KEH has them for very reasonable prices, but can't buy now. That's a project for later. That was a good buy then. Let us know what you are shooting and we can give you tips - the 135/2.8 is an excellent lens.

11-10-2011, 12:48 AM	#7
nickthetasmaniac Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2,361	I think it came about simply because (in terms of numbers), Canon and Nikon basically are dSLR photography... And in terms of models (lenses and bodies) they have very similar line-ups...

11-10-2011, 12:49 AM	#8
Philoslothical Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 1,889	Originally posted by LightMeter I find Nikon more like Pentax rather than Canon-both have the best backward compatibility. Originally posted by LightMeter The cheapest Nikon that meters with manual lenses is $1200. Hmm. The way both Canon and Nikon gimp their entry level and mid-range models was a dealbreaker for me, including the metering issue mentioned here. I don't trust either one to stick with their mounts either. Both have shown a willingness to strand their users and make them re-purchase the same glass in a new mount, in order to use newer bodies. To my eyes, Canon and Nikon both behave more like American corporations, with short term greed being the ultimate motivating factor. Pentax, on the other hand, behaves more like a traditional Japanese corporation, and even a good one at that. They have been very very faithful to their customers when it comes to compatibility and mounts, and they really don't make things unnecessarily difficult for people with even their entry level models. What it boils down to for me is this: A K-5 will do some things better than my K-r, but there are very few things the K-5 can do that my K-r is unable to. Conversely, there's an awful lot a D7000 can do that a D3100 simply can't, be it not in the build, or crippled in the firmware.

11-10-2011, 01:48 AM	#9
pentup Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Flushing NY Photos: Albums Posts: 413	Originally posted by LightMeter I find Nikon more like Pentax rather than Canon-both have the best backward compatibility. Professionals and deep-pocketed amateurs may find Nikon more "compatible" than some of us, since they can ignore the entry-level stuff. My Nikkor 20mm lens won't even meter manually on my Nikon D40. If I put it on a Pentax body, it works beautifully, complete with auto metering. Nikon cripples their cheaper bodies in ways that make me laugh when people tout Nikon's "compatibility." The D7000 is, I think, currently the least expensive Nikon that's backwards compatible with that lens and others like it. The same goes for auto-focus; if you have an auto-focus lens for Pentax, it doesn't matter which Pentax body you put it on.

11-10-2011, 02:32 AM	#10
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	It's an abbreviation of Canikonympus.

11-10-2011, 03:22 AM	#11
Tommot1965 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,026	Originally posted by pentup Professionals and deep-pocketed amateurs may find Nikon more "compatible" than some of us, since they can ignore the entry-level stuff. My Nikkor 20mm lens won't even meter manually on my Nikon D40. If I put it on a Pentax body, it works beautifully, complete with auto metering. Nikon cripples their cheaper bodies in ways that make me laugh when people tout Nikon's "compatibility." The D7000 is, I think, currently the least expensive Nikon that's backwards compatible with that lens and others like it. The same goes for auto-focus; if you have an auto-focus lens for Pentax, it doesn't matter which Pentax body you put it on. dont you think its a easier decision for pentax ..it only has two Dslrs..where as nikon have 6 Dslr in its line up...I think that nikon has done whats its done to the D5100 and the D3100 to keep costs down....plus it wants a upgrade path. the D7000 and the K5 are a similar price point....both meter with any older lenses .. canikon is used in this forum often as a pentax small man syndrome..

11-10-2011, 05:17 AM	#12
nickthetasmaniac Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2,361	Originally posted by Philoslothical To my eyes, Canon and Nikon both behave more like American corporations, with short term greed being the ultimate motivating factor. Pentax, on the other hand, behaves more like a traditional Japanese corporation, and even a good one at that. They have been very very faithful to their customers when it comes to compatibility and mounts, and they really don't make things unnecessarily difficult for people with even their entry level models. I'd dispute that... I know my SMC Pentax 50/f1.2 meters perfectly in Aperture Priority on my Panasonic GH2 - definitely doesn't do that on my Dad's K-7 Isn't it referred to as the 'crippled' K-mount?

11-10-2011, 05:54 AM	#13
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	Originally posted by Tommot1965 dont you think its a easier decision for pentax ..it only has two Dslrs..where as nikon have 6 Dslr in its line up...I think that nikon has done whats its done to the D5100 and the D3100 to keep costs down....plus it wants a upgrade path. the D7000 and the K5 are a similar price point....both meter with any older lenses .. I don't particularly have a problem with either Canon or Nikon, but I think for both companies they cripple lower end cameras to protect upper end cameras. A lot of the crippling is purely software -- not hardware, so lack of bracketing, etc could be added without any problem, except it wouldn't give people impetus to buy up. Pentax doesn't have to protect the K5 from the kr -- differences have more to do with sealing, build and penta prism -- and so features aren't as limited with the entry level camera, at least from a software stand point. To the OP: Canon and Nikon have about 85 percent of the market between them and a lot of people buy their cameras, mainly because they are big and wouldn't buy a Pentax because they aren't a big name. That said, I personally haven't heard anyone disparage my Pentax cameras because they weren't Canon or Nikon (although others on this forum seem to have heard such comments) and older photographers have fond memories of Pentax.

11-10-2011, 06:44 AM	#14
TomB_tx Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,446	Joining the Canon-Nikon terms makes some historic sense. When the company that became Canon started in the '30s (by 3 men), they planned to make a the mechanical "instrument" part of the camera, and had an agreement with Nippon Kogaku (later became Nikon) to provide the lenses and rangefinders. That didn't last long, but Nippon Kogaku continued to make lenses in the Leica thread mount for other Japanese camera makers. (I have a Nicca with Nippon Kogaku lens.) Of course, both Canon and Nikon made rangefinder "clones" of Leica and Contax in the 50s. It took Asahi to decide the future was SLR! Even then Asahi didn't go with the market flow.

11-10-2011, 08:09 AM	#15
Philoslothical Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 1,889	Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac I'd dispute that... I know my SMC Pentax 50/f1.2 meters perfectly in Aperture Priority on my Panasonic GH2 - definitely doesn't do that on my Dad's K-7 Isn't it referred to as the 'crippled' K-mount? It's not quite as convenient, but would you prefer to use M mode and the green button, or not be able to meter at all, a la Nikon? At least Pentax does maintain an alternative method for using these old lenses.