DSLR and old lenses

I have been researching the use of older lenses
from film slr cameras like the spotmatic, K1000, and LX. Also known
as 42mm screw mount and K mount lenses for the Pentax brand of
cameras. It seems that Pentax is the only manufacturer to maintain
backward compatibility with all lenses ever made for their
cameras.

Based on the research I have done, it
seems that the old lenses that I have will work and produce nice
quality images and I may not have to spend thousands of dollars on
new lenses right away.

My research also
indicates that the kit lens is a decent lens and is weatherproof
like the new bodies.

My thanks to www.pentaxforum.com
and the members for their work and reviews of the Pentax branded
lenses.

After I have purchased a new camera in
mid-January, I will do some testing of all the old lenses that I
have and posting reviews here with sample images. It should
be interesting to see how the new bodies handle the old lenses and
how much of a hassle it is to use the old manual lenses. I
may have to actually have to read the manual, or parts of
it.

DLSR research update

I went to the local camera store and spoke with the owner.  His prices are the same as Pentax. I would only save shipping costs by buying it through him.

I have also priced a couple of the reputable online companies and their prices are $200 to $400 lower per item.  As we get closer, I will need to decide which lens(es) I will get with the body.

DSLR Research Progress

I have done some research on my preferred brand of Camera, Pentax, and it looks like they currently have two models that meet my base requirement of an X-sync socket to allow the use of external strobes.  This is important because I would like to be able to use the Norman Studio strobes that I have currently stored away.

The Models in question are the K-5 at $1599.95 (body only) and K-7 at $1099.95 (body only).  I am leaning toward the more expensive one due to higher data capture and some of the high end features.  One thing I have been reminded of during this research is that good lenses can tend to cost more than the camera body. For example, a smc Pentax DA* 300mm f/4 ED (IF) SDM lists for $1399.95 and a smcP DA 50-135mm f2.8 ED (IF) SDM lists for $1129.95.  It is very nice to see that Pentax is still making prime lenses. For those that do not know, a prime lens is a fixed length lens, like the 300mm lens I referred to.

It is possible to find less expensive lenses out there, but the lens is the heart of the camera and plays a very large role in the quality of images you get.  No amount of manipulation in software can fix an image taken through a cheap lens.

Due to cost and budget constraints, I may only get one lens with the camera and work with my old lenses.  I will at least get a short zoom like the DA * 16-50mm F2.8 ED/AL (IF) at $1029.95.  The prices I quote are directly from the Pentax Web Store. I am sure that I can find lower prices by shopping around good camera stores like Gordon’s Photo Service in Reno.

Time to research DSLR cameras

I will be buying a new camera after spring semester. I am leaning toward the Pentax cameras, since I already own several of them and have always liked the reliability and design of them.

I suspect that there will be a new model by then. I will see what happens and the features of the new models.

I have a K1000SE that I received as a gift in 1980 and an LX that was a gift in 1984. I love them both and am hoping that Pentax has maintained the standards they had in that era and before.

From what I have read, I can use the old lenses that I already own with the new bodies. There are disadvantages to using the old lenses, no auto focus, or any other auto features.