Going digital....maybe

[Range-rover]

I had a Pentax Digital for a short time but the lens selection is not as big as it is for
Nikon or Canon. I did go back to Nikon and picked up a D300 at a nice deal it just depends what you want.

Range

 

[subman60]

I like Nikon and Canon cameras. In fact I've got some of each in film, have several older Nikkor lenses that I like a lot. But neither companies digital offerings support the lenses I have unlike Pentax. Almost bought a used d200 at a pawn shop a while ago because the guy told me it would support my lenses. Went home checked it out and found out he was wrong.

 

[driver]

I've handled all the major brands, to me the ergonomics aren't going to be that big of a deal from one brand to another. The reason for looking mainly at Pentax is because I have several Pentax & third party lenses that can be used. I have other lenses for other brands but non that will work easily on there dslr other than a 50mm 1.8 canon lens.
The KR will probably do what I need which is shooting for my own enjoyment and to archive family events. The K50 just seems like it is a little better camera at a good price for what is offered with the kit. I will probably carry a pentax film body or my M3 when I go out.

Mark, how much film could you shoot for the cost of "going digital"? Just asking with all due respect. I've just revealed my bias toward film but I do not judge. Imagine holding the latest Pentax DSLR 2 years from now or a rather nicely functioning Spotmatic SPII 😉

 

[Faintandfuzzy]

Unless you absolutley want a Pentax camera, i would buy a used Canon 5d classic. 12.7 mp are equivalent to most 35mm film, yes low iso/grain 35mm film and a high quality scan can yield more resolution, but in practical terms you will most often get around 12mp. Other advantages are better build quality, better viewfinder and of course full frame. As for the age of the camera: i think it is not much of a problem, it has pro build and a camera with low shutter count will not have the sensor destroyed in the near future. Pair it with the 50 1.8 and one of the early eos wideangle primes like the 24 2.8 and you will get a lot of image quality for your money. You could also buy a Tamron 28-75 2.8 if you desire a zoom. Of course it is perfectly possible to use the camera with your mf primes via an adapter.

I presume you mean the Canon 5D.....as I am unaware of any "Classic" special edition model. The Pentax K50 will have superior resolution, build, dynamic range, LCD, liveview, video, etc, etc. The old 5D is best left in the past. The fact that it is full frame is not relevant hers.

 

[subman60]

Driver I'm not going to stop using film, mostly for B&W and when I can take my time with the shot. There is something very satisfying about using an all manual film camera. It's kind of the same feeling I get from working on and riding my older BMW motorcycle or my MG Midget. But the last couple of years I've found myself not shooting much because film is getting harder to find locally. Plus it's gotten more expensive to buy and process. You are right about the cost to go digital thats part of the reason I went used and took so long to buy into it.

Also I do have a 3 Spotmatics, one being an SPIIa

 

[Michael Markey]

I use Leica ,Pentax and Contax/Yashica film cameras.
Bought a Canon DSLR last year for times when it is convenient /appropriate .

It takes all my Zeiss and Pentax lenses (both K and M42).
I tend to use it in manual mode 99% of the time .

My only regret is that its not full frame.

 

[nparsons13]

Well I took the KR. Got a third lens in the deal, a smc f 1:4.7-5.6 80-200mm. All for the total price of $270. The K-R shows less than 750 shoots being taken with it and the price is easier for me to justify. I know the lenses aren't the best bit it will get me through the learning curve of shooting in digital. Then if need be I can upgrade.

Good decision. I know the Kr will treat you well, and you got a great price for a relatively unused camera and three lenses. Enjoy!

 

[subman60]

I'm finding that the owners manual would have been nice to have with it. I'm used to older manual cameras.

 

[Swift1]

I'm finding that the owners manual would have been nice to have with it. I'm used to older manual cameras.

http://c758710.r10.cf2.rackcdn.com/...0632054595281761237manual_k-r_en_official.pdf