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Forum: Pentax KP
11-27-2023, 08:45 AM
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Yah. I have been amazed that so few now seem to remember all the negative comments when it was first released.
For my part, simply picking it up was enough. No need to even look through the viewfinder. It fits my personal ergonomics perfectly with the large grip (I have all three).
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Forum: Pentax KP
05-31-2022, 05:44 PM
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I have been a long time Pentax shooter, pretty much ever since my grandmother came back from japan in the mid 60's with a pair of spotmatics, there has always been a Pentax camera in the family. When I read the marketing blurb for the KP I'll admit I was scratching my head a bit: who is this camera for, it is neither full frame nor is it a continuation of the classic K#D or K##D line of cameras but perhaps an offshoot of both? My puzzlement continued until in 2019 a KP+Grip kit in silver showed up in my local camera store...where after having held it in my hands for a while I promptly bought it.
I have to say with the standard grip, the camera's ergonomics are passable. For me the large grip feels more secure, ergonomic and the fact that it is compliant with the battery grip makes it: an essential accessory.
The fact you can store an extra memory card in the battery tray on the grip is a handy throwback to the K10D which could do the same.
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Forum: Pentax KP
05-08-2022, 03:11 PM
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To be fair, let us not forget the fangirls. It doesn't have to be this way. An updated KP II having the new BSI sensor and an improved LV AF function, along with its size and features, would compete even better with the high-end APS-C mirrorless crowd, so as to attract more new Pentaxians, and would appeal to those current Pentax users who value the more compact design of the KP. There would still always be those who value the K-3 series style of body with its meatier size and grip, higher fps for burst shooting, 2-card slots, etc. A K-3 IV update might include a K-1 style pull-out rear screen and a larger buffer. The BSI sensor in the new KP II might necessitate a higher price, maybe starting around $1,450 USD, eventually settling perhaps around $900, and worth every penny. It would be perfect as the mid-price high-quality model of the KP's unique compact body design. Keeping the K-70 the way it is for entry level, but hopefully as the K-80 with a reliable solenoid upgrade..
An updated K-1 mkIII could also employ the new BSI sensor technology.
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Forum: Product Suggestions and Feedback
07-22-2021, 08:34 AM
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I've come to realize, that the kp looks fairly retro.....
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Forum: Product Suggestions and Feedback
07-14-2021, 10:21 AM
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I would. In the meantime my silver KP is retro enough, and has better photo specs than the Zfc
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Forum: Pentax KP
12-13-2021, 06:01 AM
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Same for me Mike, the grip makes the camera tall but still keeps the charm like you say. The larger battery in winter is fantastic and the ergonomics in portrait orientation is wonderful.
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Forum: Pentax KP
12-07-2021, 05:31 PM
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As it turned out, this was clearly a mistaken assessment. The KP and the K-3 III are very dissimilar in design and function. Perhaps more alike in performance, in that the KP does approach that of the K-1 II, as the K-3 III does also- yet more. The KP is good for burst shooting, but with a rather small buffer, while the K-3 III is far better than any previous Pentax. The modular concept of the KP is unique, but not for everyone's taste, for whom the K-3 III would be the logical step forward. The concept of the KP is for a compact, slim model of pro build quality, that is great for lighter carrying and competes quite well with high-end APS-C mirrorless offerings, but with its modular capability can be converted to a bulkier handful, while the K-3 III weighs a quarter pound more and bulkier on its own, which is more suitable for those preferring this style of camera. The KP has a built-in flash, which some find useless while others find useful. The KP would fit very well slotted-in as the mid-priced high-quality compact option, between the entry-level but capable K-70 and the top-level low-light and fast action K-3 III.
I have the K20D and K-5 IIs for the more full-size models, and the K-S2 for the flippy-screen lightweight model for casual carrying. This model is of similar design to the K-70, but is yet smaller and lighter, and it is capable of fine results. I use it for certain events with the small DA 18-50mm, which will actually fit into a large jacket pocket! I also use it for other purposes where the flippy screen will serve best. So the K-70 as a secondary body for backup, and specific alternative uses could work in similar manner in relationship to the KP.
If shooting JPEG images, the KP's Prime IV processor does an outstanding job for right out-of-camera results, even better than my K-S2 or K-5 IIs. With either camera, be sure to implement "Fine Sharpening" in the Custom Image menus for best fine detail. This is the same processor as in the K-1 II.
The KP's 86K pixel metering also seems to be more accurate than that of my previous cameras, also being the same as in the K-1 II. Likewise, the KP's SAFOX 11 AF impresses me as a bit quicker and more sure, especially when using traditional screw-driven AF lenses. Operation and shutter are quieter than my K-S2, but not compared to my K-5 IIs. The KP's controls are very advanced, far superior compared to my K-S2, but not compared to my K-5 IIs.
I enjoy the use of many of my lenses on the KP. The DA 20-40mm Ltd lens is great, and on the KP fits like a custom glove on the hand. The KP is also a great combo with the compact, high-quality Ltd primes. When adding the KP's battery grip, handling is much better for overall handling when not in the shooting position if using large, heavier lenses, and far better than when putting such lenses on my K-S2, even somewhat better than my K-5 IIs without its battery grip. I also like the battery grip when shooting certain events where pausing for battery changes would be disruptive. No such option with my K-S2.
Due to FOV issues, there are some of my FF lenses I definitely prefer to use with my K-1 II.
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Forum: Pentax KP
12-10-2021, 02:51 PM
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I bought two K-70s as I saw them as the logical upgrade to the two K-30s I own, I and I liked them a lot for the time I kept them.
I never had an issue with the K-30s until last year. My plan was to keep the two K-70s as main bodies, sell one of the K-30s and retaining the other as I liked the fact of having a body that used AA batteries which are readily available anywhere in emergency.
Unexpectedly, after several years of fair use and when I was in the process of selling it, one of the two K-30 developed the dreaded ABF and that made me think about the K-70s that, potentially, with time, might develop the same problem.
For my peace of mind I decided to sell the two almost new K-70s and purchased a used silver KP. It was love at first sight! So much so that I bought a second body, new this time, when they were sold new at less than 600 Euros early last year, just for a few days.
Needless to say that I did not regret my decision for a minute. The main points (there are more, but less importatnt to me) that make me prefer the KP over the otherwise very capable K-70 are:
- peace of mind regarding the potential ABF
- better AF and quieter shutter
- third wheel! once you get used to, you cannot simply live without it
- building quality! the K70 is good, but the KP is in another league
- last but not least the availability of a dedicated battery grip that can hold a larger D-LI90 battery
So, to answer your question, KP anytime for me!
(Did I mention that the silver KP is a real beauty? :D)
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Forum: Lens Sample Photo Archive
05-15-2020, 05:39 PM
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Before my rotator cuffs started failing, this was my dream lens.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
11-28-2021, 12:05 AM
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I like the idea of a smaller (cheaper?) manual full frame.
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Forum: Pentax KP
07-18-2021, 04:08 PM
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That would be awesome. I love my KP and a successor with better AF and touchscreen is all I need.
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Forum: Pentax KP
07-04-2021, 06:08 AM
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A lot of he design effort seems to be going into providing a meaningful alternative to mirrorless, and a small form factor is an important part of that market (at the hobbyist end) as well as more classic designs that Fuji (and Olympus?) are doing well with and Nikon are returning to - so I think they SHOULD - but I don't know that they will - they might just prefer to go down the entry level K-70 successor route.
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Forum: Pentax KP
07-01-2021, 10:01 AM
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KP w/D FA 150-450
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Forum: Photographic Technique
09-16-2018, 10:22 AM
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From yesterday at a benefit show, An Evening with Champions
(k3ii, 55-300plm)
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
04-29-2021, 06:35 AM
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If they release FF KP styled camera it will be hard to resist (for me) not to get HD Limiteds and the camera.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-25-2021, 01:19 AM
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With some of these cameras approaching 50 years, I am always concerned for the teenagers bringing in their SLR's from the last century. But with the K1000, at worst it's only worn light seals or a battery cover oxidized closed. The crop of cameras in my current class are amazingly mint condition, with the exception of a Canon EOS 10s that has plastic just begging to age badly.
I do wish anyone would make a durable, affordable, manual focus, manual exposure, simple SLR (or TLR) again.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-10-2020, 08:25 AM
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I think another contender in my mind for a dream camera would be something like the KP but thinner and lighter, and with a pancake like the 43 Ltd optimized for aps-c (effectively a 28mm 1.4 pancake prime / I guess technically the 31mm ltd would work, but I want it more pancakey). It should come in many colorways, black with black leather inlay, bronze/rose gold with white leather inlay, creamy brushed white with tan leather inlay, etc. Small, unobstrusive, sexy design, like a Leica with all the perks of DSLR. Overtime the shell can age and patina for an even sexier look.
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Forum: Pentax KP
01-14-2021, 11:50 AM
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Yesterday at the beach 15mm Ltd
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
06-29-2020, 09:42 AM
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I accompanied social media broadcaster Tara Bassett to the Justice for Breonna Taylor protest site the morning after an angry homeless man fired into the crowd killing one volunteer and wounding another. Many protesters the next morning were visibly armed. This young man also had serious thoughts about cancer.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
06-22-2020, 05:38 AM
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I accompanied social media broadcaster Tara Bassett to the Breonna Taylor protest site in downtown Louisville, KY again on Friday evening and Saturday morning. I had my “outdoor event rig”, K3II / 16-85 and K70 with 55-300PLM and an ultra wide angle in reserve. In this case, a GRIII with the ultra wide converter for more discrete shooting.
The 55-300 allows me to snipe individuals in the crowd and maintain social distancing. These two shots are of atypical protesters but the results endear this lens to me even further.
There’s about a 100 protest photos In an album on my Flickr page.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
05-14-2020, 08:50 PM
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Once they complete the line refresh (motor upgrade) for 16-50/2.8, 50-135/2.8, 200/2.8 and 300/4, we will have a great apsc lineup!
Just do it faster Pentax!
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Forum: Pentax KP
10-04-2017, 05:34 AM
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I agree. For me the black looks great, and less intimidating. But for its retro style, silver is better suited. It brings a lot of similarity to the ME, which I love for its look.
Also another reason of me getting a silver is to feel different from thousands of camera users out there, especially ones with a big black Canon or Nikon, with a huge lens attached to it.
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Forum: Pentax Forums Giveaways
12-05-2020, 02:34 PM
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Welcome to our surprise Pentax KP raffle!
Each day in from December 7th through December 26th, you can claim one raffle entry, for a maximum of 20 per member.
To claim your daily raffle entry, simply post a reply in this thread each day you want to enter. You first will need to have at least 6 other forum posts on any day you wish to enter. It's as simple as that!
On December 27th, in addition to randomly drawing one grand prize (Pentax KP) winner, we will also draw 3 runners-up who will win their choice of a Pentax Forums T-shirt.
Restrictions:
- this raffle is open to all forum members worldwide
- winners of PF camera raffles from 2017 and onward are not eligible for the grand prize, but can still win the T-shirt prizes
- all contest times are in GMT
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-21-2020, 08:42 PM
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I think the best Xmas present you could give your KP are some of the Limited lenses. A match made in heaven.
Personally I favor the 15, 20-40 and 70 as a 3 lens kit. Mainly because I don't like changing lenses much around the normal focal ranges.
But since you are used to being a prime shooter I think the KP + 21, 40 and 70 pancakes is an awesome compact kit. I don't think any other manufacturer can match that combination, not even Fuji.
Need macro? substitute the 40 for the DA 35 2.8 Limited.
Need more speed? substitute the 40 for the FA 43 or FA 31 or FA 35.
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Forum: Pentax KP
11-10-2020, 06:52 PM
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