Pentax k-x

[trousers]

Hi,

 

I'm about to get back into the world of 'keen amateur' SLR photography having strayed away when compact digital cameras took over the world 10 or so years ago.

 

In the 35mm world I tended to stick with Pentax (can't remember why I chose them above Canon, Nikon etc but was always happy with Pentax) and still have some Pentax lenses.

 

I've been having a look at what's on offer in the DSLR world and the Pentax k-x has caught my eye, especially as it appears my old lenses are still compatible.

 

The only possible drawbacks I've read about in reviews are battery drain (it uses 4xAA rather than a dedicated camera battery) and body size (it's the smallest body size in it's class I believe - I don't have large hands so perhaps the compactness is actually a plus point in terms of portability)

 

Anyone got any experience of using the Pentax k-x ?

 

Cheers

[St Landrew]

Nope, no experience at all, trousers, but I can remind you of why you chose Pentax over everybody else. It was because they were as good as anybody else, with perhaps the exception of Nikon, but they weren't anywhere near Nikon price, they didn't weigh a ton, could fit into your pocket, unlike the competition, had quality lenses with the best bayonet fit going at the time, had the fastest light meters [gallium arsenide, none of your silicon rubbish ] on the market bar nobody, and... they looked simply gorgeous. Utterly reliable, only you didn't know it at the time, and built very well indeed.

 

I have one as well, a Pentax [obviously, but I like the name] ME Super. All my additional lenses are classic Tamron. I was going to get an MX to go with it, but the ME Super proved to be so good, I never got around to it. I mean look at it. Isn't it cute..? If it was a woman it would be Marilyn Monroe. So sweet and compact for a classic camera, I'm going to have a look at the old 'un right now...

 

Just checked. The light meter registered just as it should. I haven't been near the thing for ages. Great, great camera.

 

Edited 23 June, 2010 by St Landrew

[RonManager]

The Pentax K1000 was the camera of choice in the archaeological fieldwork world during the 70s, 80, and 90s. Hardy and good quality, excellent light reading and lenses, and relatively cheap.

[trousers]

Well, I ordered the Pentax k-x and it arrived yesterday. £427 - body and two lenses - bargain. And on first usage it looks and feels like a cracking (re)entry level DSLR. Very happy with purchase. Now to ponder over why I spent the last 10 years or so cursing over the inflexibility of compact digital cameras!

[Pancake]

Well, I ordered the Pentax k-x and it arrived yesterday. £427 - body and two lenses - bargain. And on first usage it looks and feels like a cracking (re)entry level DSLR. Very happy with purchase. Now to ponder over why I spent the last 10 years or so cursing over the inflexibility of compact digital cameras!

 

Good stuff Trousers, now get yourself on Flickr...