Originally posted by PushTheRedButton Two months ago, after a fair amount of research and trying bodies from Canon and Nikon, I purchased a K5. One of the biggest reasons I went with Pentax was the image quality that other brands in the same price range just couldn't touch. It seemed like the only cameras that were better than the K5 were FF cameras, but those were a tad out of my price range. More importantly though, as the research I did told me my best investment would actually be the glass, was the incredible price and value of Pentax glass, and that Pentax had a history dating back decades upon decades so I knew they would be reliable. From the prices I was looking at, I would most likely be able to afford a couple of DA* zoom lenses and a specialty lens, being either a macro or wide-angle. More research revealed issues with the SDM system, so I held off on those and went with Pentax's standard 18-55mm AL II and the D FA 100mm macro. Almost every day I scoured the internet looking for some sign of revival of the SDM as I had also learned that Ricoh Imaging had somewhat recently acquired Pentax.
Unfortunately I never found any literature suggesting Pentax had addressed the SDM issue. Even more unfortunate, though, was waking up yesterday and noticing Pentax glass prices on Amazon were, um, off of what they had been. After a very short search I discovered what Pentax had done. At first I was optimistic, hoping that maybe the drastic price increase in the DA* line was due to a new SDM system, but alas there was nothing that confirmed that hope.
There's really no point to this post, other than to maybe let Pentax know how they really disappointed someone who is new to photography (although I've had a passion for it for years, I've only recently acquired the funds) and could have been a major supporter of the brand. Instead all I want to do now is return the macro and sell the K5 and 18-55mm (I'm not 100% yet, but the return period for the macro is up soon) and jump ship if I'm going to be spending ~$3200 for two zooms (16-50 & 60-250).
Am I overreacting? Possibly. Hell, probably. But here's my position: This is a camera I wanted to have for life as I'm not one to really buy new things unless I absolutely need them. I don't ever see myself upgrading to a new body if the current ones do everything I'll ever need unless my current were to ever melt or something. As stated, my research led me to believe that the glass is the most important aspect, especially with today's technology in DSLR bodies being what it is. As such, if Pentax is going to raise prices I'd rather spend the same on a brand that has a MUCH larger selection of glass (I know Tamron and others make glass but I would prefer to keep things all one brand) and as such spend a little more on a FF body.
If you've read what I've posted, thanks and I'll end with this question:
Aside from all speculation about what Pentax is doing, there is currently no official word on anything other than prices. Knowing that, if you had a week to decide on keeping the K5 and risking nothing happens with Pentax (they make no new lenses (until 2013 like their roadmap suggests) or fail to officially acknowledge and fix the SDM issue) or would you spend a little more on a FF body (that you keep for the rest of your life and never need to buy another) with another reputable company with a larger selection of glass?
Thanks for your input, please don't burn me at the stake
I'm telling you this after I went through manopause last week, when shortly before my birthday, the prices on many Pentax lenses went up considerably. Initially I was pissed, and ready to dump everything and start over.
Then, after taking some Pamperin, and considering the advice of a few very level-headed participants on this forum, I remembered something important. My K-5 is a bad ass camera, and every time I use it, I'm reminded just how great a dslr it is, and how I feel my camera kicks the ass of anything in its class. It's light, compact, extremely well-built, and I don't have to worry about 10,000 Pentax APS-C models to throw my OCD into hyperdrive. It takes great pictures with my expensive glass, just as it does with the kit lens that came with my K-7.
Now, about the lenses....Yes, a significant price jump sucks. It sucks in many ways, because it's never easy to see something you could have bought for $800 now $1,400. But, I had my reasons for not having bought that lens in the first place, and despite the lack of 3rd party lens offerings, there are still a few good ones from Sigma that offer great bang for buck performance.
Looking at the picture a littler longer, I noticed the excellent FA lens prices have stayed the same. They were always a bigger investment, but you never see q/c issues or complaints with optical quality. The FA lenses have advantages as well....On a crop sensor, they have an excellent sweet spot in the middle, and should Pentax ever offer up a full frame camera, then you have a lens that's ready to go.
Anyway, I don't see any real reason for changing systems. I mean, if you do, then that's okay too, but when you step back and think about how easy the K-5 is to operate, how comfortable it is to carry and use, and just how outstanding the image quality is, then a temporary loss of transmission while Ricoh flies over the dark side of the Rising Sun won't be the end of the world, and I'm sure all of us will become well-informed, and even happy, once new announcements are made.
You'll be okay, and in the long run, should you decide to hold onto your excellent camera, you'll more than likely be introduced to some new lenses with improved functionality, as well as an upgrade path once you're ready to retire your K-5 or when your needs change.