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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-08-2011, 11:38 PM
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Let's take an example of zoom's. The Canon 70-300 IS is better than the Pentax 55-300 according to reviews. Makes some sense because I bought my DA L 55-300 on a used K-x for about $120 extra.
Frankly, if the Sony SLT models were not such bleeding edge technology they would have been my next choice. They also kind of felt like toys. I found the bottom end Pentax equation a no brainier in a lot of ways. Big viewfinder (about the same as a rebel but the d5000/5100 has a tiny one), large selection of cheaper lenses, AF motor on the body, sensor stablization. I actually shoot better with a prime lens than a zoom. I had a canon s90 and shot it a lot at 28mm (probably half my total shots) so I could get F2.0 indoors and loved it. Of course Nikon's upper end models have amazing AF and Flash so if one was say shooting a wedding it would be an argument one could win against Pentax.
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Forum: Pentax K-r
11-08-2011, 10:41 PM
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Well after thorough testing on detailed human and flat objects the new k-r had identical issues with FF in tungsten light. In all other artificial light the second copy was dead on. For me it was nothing the AF adjust could fix either. Sent it back and bought a used k-x which just got here today. The same tests with 3 lenses (F28 2.8, 18-55, 55-300) were all much better with the k-x. It misses sometimes which I am totally OK with but the second time on the same object in the same place the k-x always seems to hit its mark. I ended up save a couple hundred dollars which made me pretty happy.
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Forum: Sold Items
11-04-2011, 11:08 AM
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Forum: Pentax K-r
10-31-2011, 03:54 PM
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Well I took free shipping from Amazon on new kit.
This time I have 30 days and it is brand new. I finally found the serial number database on the fourms here and it would be fair to say the earlier serial numbers had significantly more returns so I am hoping that bodes well here. I did play with a D90 and the focus and viewfinder seemed very good but can't imagine paying an extra $200-300 at this point (the wife might have an issue with it) and I liked my first K-r well enough to try it again.
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Forum: Pentax K-r
10-31-2011, 12:10 AM
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To Philoslothical:
It is true that this has been discussed ad nauseum so perhaps I would be better off just letting it go.
Does setting the WB manually seem to fix the problem better? I decided I would rather have a newer copy in any case. I get that every shot is not necessarily going to be in focus but at the same time standing there shooting a newspaper and a focus chart under excellent light I would think that the focus should be something resembling the contrast detect auto focus. It is more like the variability of people's experiences that got me thinking a newer serial number might have had some hidden improvements in it. I reviewed the serial number comments on the forum here and some people seem to have no problems under any conditions with AF. I was getting a lot of FF focus shots in excellent artificial light. If the K-r is going to consistently do that than perhaps I should buy a different model.
I am thinking of giving it another try and if being smarter about custom white balance would help then that is something I will make sure to explore. I am thinking of just buying a kit from amazon.
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Forum: Pentax K-r
10-30-2011, 08:44 PM
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I returned the camera. The e-dial worked fine but was initially a little flaky. The problem with not focusing properly under artificial light is a big one (mine seemed to struggle some with Halogen, CFL and Tungsten). Usually it appears to be limited to Tungsten. It was just so spot on in the natural light that I would think that it has to do with the focusing module and/or software. I got soft facebook sized photos with focus confirmation on the correct part of the subject and f3.2 aperture with flash. I just decided that was totally unacceptable. Out of 50 shots I probably missed 20, 10 were kind of soft but good enough for online and 20 were pretty sharp.
I took another few photos with live view all completely sharp with the same shutter speed/aperture.
This seems like too many misses. I was trying to convince myself that I should just set it to -7 indoors but even that was worse than Contrast detect so back it went.
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Forum: Pentax K-r
10-30-2011, 04:49 PM
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Hi All,
I just picked up my Pentax k-r with 35mm lens refurbished from best buy. Great performance so far but I did shoot significantly under tungsten light at a Halloween party. Some shots were sharp but under bright tungsten light it consistently had front focus. First off I don't really like how cool a custom tungsten white balance looks so I am using AWB with strong correction. I printed a Focus chart and with the micro-focus adjust my K-r FF's about -7 under strong tungsten. I had some issues with CFL lights as well but I only have a few in the house. Sunlight is tack sharp at 0 correction. The SN# is 3800768.
I am assuming this is an older camera that Pentax fixed and sold as a refurbished model. No other problems once the e-dial got used a bit it was perfect. Has anyone had any better luck with newer K-r's? I am thinking about returning it and buying a brand new one as I have 14 days to do it. Or should I just buy a t2i :confused or K-x, K-7: I have loved every Canon I have had but everyone on planet earth seems to own a rebel and I don't like the idea of no sensor stabilization.
Update:
I have decided to return. Live view is just much sharper at the same f number even when using a -7 adjust. This is mixed CFL, tungsten and halogen. Just seems dumb to have a camera that can't focus properly inside. Contrast focus was just as sharp as the daylight focusing. Also I updated the firmware to 1.11 - no change.
Should I give the K-r another go?
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Forum: Pentax K-r
10-25-2011, 12:12 PM
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I just purchased the one from BestBuy with 35mm lens for $599 with free shipping to store. I am waiting to pick it up but will post how that goes. This is only my second DSLR after an old Olympus E-510 which I was not that impressed with compared to the Canon S90 I had (Great camera but sold it to buy the K-R)
I was going through this as well. I almost decided on used K-X but once one takes into account the cost of the 35mm f2.4 (I wanted a fast prime) the K-R refurbished was only $100-120 more than the K-x. I am looking to eventually pick up the kit lens used and maybe a focusing screen for some older glass including my 50mm f1.7 mounted on my K1000.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
10-20-2011, 01:56 PM
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Thanks for the replies everyone.
I think I am going to pull the trigger on the K-R with the 35mm f2.4 lens included. It looks like the kit lens is pretty cheap 2nd hand so I will probably pick that up as well from someone on this forum. |
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Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
10-20-2011, 10:48 AM
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Hello from Portland, OR:confused:
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
10-20-2011, 10:45 AM
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First Post:)!
I have pretty much decided on Pentax because I like the system (SR and good selection of "affordable" lenses)
I have put about a $700 limit on myself.
I am trying to decide between a used pentax k-x and then buying the 40mm 2.8 pancake lens or a refurbished k-r with the 35mm 2.4 lens ($600 at BestBuy.com of all places).
The front focusing stories of the pentax k-r concern me a bit but I don't mind learning how to do a custom white balance when shooting indoors.
I am leaning towards a k-r as I like the better screen and timelapse feature built in.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
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