The Inspirational Pentax K10D

By PF Staff in Influential Photo Gear on Jan 14, 2013

I'm writing about the Pentax K10D that had the most influence on my photography. I bought the camera in early 2007. Up until that time I didn't take a lot of pictures not because I didn't like photography, but because of the cost of film and getting the pictures developed.

With the K10D that all changed. I was able to shoot away and get instant feedback on the camera and also critique the photos on the computer. Of course moving into the digital age, I had to learn some photo-shopping skills as well, which I am still working on.

Pentax K10D + Tamron AF 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 Di II LD

When I first received the camera I pretty much shot it in green mode as I got used to it. I did take a photography class in college and another afterwards to improve my shooting and learn the basics of composition, although they were quite a few years prior. I got a few pictures that I liked, but I didn't get the camera as a point and shoot instrument (click the image to enlarge).

Wild horse on Cumberland Island, Georgia, US

Pentax K10D, Pentax-F 28-80mm F3.5-4.5

I started shooting in TAv mode then full manual mode. It took a while to get pictures that I considered decent shooting this way but it is much more rewarding. I don't like the camera deciding for me how the picture is going to look, although occasionally I will put the camera in green mode if I know I want the shot and I only have one chance to get it. When I finally got a picture shooting fully manual the way I wanted it, I felt a surge of excitement and knew my efforts weren't an exercise in futility.

High Falls State Park, Georgia

Pentax K10D, Tamron 18-250mm

Most of what I do is nature and landscapes. Getting the camera also opened new avenues in photography, not to mention my wallet. I bought a K 300mm F4 manual lens and F 1.7x extender for wildlife and look forward to the day when there will be star glass in the camera bag.

Five-lined Skink (Eumeces fasciatus)

Pentax K10D, SMC Pentax K 300mm

This also brought in a new phase of photography in learning to use a mono pod. Then it took me to the opposite extreme of wanting to learn macro photography with a FA 50mm macro lens and Vivitar 2x extender. (Picture 5)

Pentax K-10D + SMC Pentax-FA 50mm macro lens and Vivitar 2x extender

My only gripe with the camera is the low ISO and inconsistent auto focus. It's been rewarding though to grow with the camera even with its limitations. I look forward to the next camera and its better features, but the K10D will always be the camera that had the most influence on my photography.