Pentax aficionados are wildly enthusiastic about Pentax cameras... and for good reason. There's no perfect camera, so when you find one that fits your needs and you never get tired of using.. and just puts a smile on your face, what does that tell you? Pentax is just different, in a really wonderful way!
When I went from film to digital i started off with a Pentax istDL, then onto the K200D and finally the K5ii which i have had since 2013, I love it, very natural film like colours. I treated myself to an expensive Nikon DSLR a couple of years ago but photos from that in bright sunlight are very contrasty and have deep shadows, it works better in overcast and low light but my Pentax handles bright sunlight so much better. I'll never get rid of my Pentax K5ii.....in fact i'm on my second body. 16MP is more than enough anyway, and Pentax cameras have great weather sealing, i take it on long walks in all weathers and it's never let me down.
Welcome to the Pentax addiction. I purchased one because someone said no one shoots Pentax. Fell in love I've used Panasonic, Nikon, canon, Fujifilm and the Pentax Colors are amazing. 18-135 kit, 20-40 limited, 55-300 plm is all I need
Welcome to the world of Pentax ! The K5 is one of my favorite Pentax camera bodies. Seems that some of my best work was done on a K5. Pentax has always been a great value. It has been said that Pentax is designed by photographers who are engineers and you seem to have caught on to how much fun it is to use. One thing that impressed me is how precise the spot meter is compared to the spot meter function on my Nikons. You can see the spot circle on the screen. I hope to see more Pentax content in the future.
Great find. I bought a K5 IIs made in 2014 about 2 years ago now. My first DSLR was a Pentax ist DL and I love my new Pentax. No complaints. I love that I can also use all my old vintage Pentax glass on it too and M42 screw mount with a 20 dollar adapter. I am considering selling my M 4/3 Olympus kit since they have been sitting on a shelf since I got the K5 IIs.
Pentax DSLR's are killer and are way underrated. The K-1 36mp full frame, despite being 6 years old now, is a beast, especially for landscape photography. The only thing I wouldn't recommend them for is sports and birds in flight, unless you have the newest model the K-3 mk3. The K-5 is a legendary camera, particularly the K-5iis variant, which is destined to be a classic. Even better, you have access to thousands of K-mount lenses going back to the mid 1970's, many of them available for very little money. The performance on some of these lenses is incredible.
there's no full frame camera on planet earth that can compete with Pentax K1 in dynamic range, even today. th-cam.com/video/cZM4ncJnetE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Mvd1yI4_6vmpf06O&t=265
Great video. I hope you stay with Pentax. We need more TH-camrs using these cameras! Thanks for joining the Pentax family. Glad to have you! I started with the K10D which was excellent, then moved to the K-5, and currently I own a K-3, K-3 Mark 2 and the K-1 full frame. They are built like tanks, impervious to any kind of weather conditions and just plain provide great images. For the K3s, I have a a couple of the “plastic fantastics” primes: the 35 and 50mm. My favorites are the two zooms: 16-85 WR and the one you mentioned: 55-300 PLM WR. Both are terrific and provide a great range. I mostly shoot landscapes and mostly use the K-1, but the K-3 like the K-5 is a great camera that checks all the boxes for me and is my go to for travel, and family photos. Thank you!
I am really interested to shoot with my K-3 now as the image processor is probably a lot faster and the "custom image" modes (e.g. bright, natural) I'm sure can produce some really nice output straight out of camera. As I said in the video, the JPEG engine on the K-5 is just too slow for me to have enabled out in the field. I actually found the RAW files from the K-5 to be somewhat flat out of camera, even moreso than usual, but with a little tweaking the colors come right out and are very pleasing, and the RAWs are extremely flexible.
I bought a k5ii in 2014 to take photos of my children at the beach, in the snow, under the rain...still use it, with another k5iis and a k1ii. I was lucky to find them cheap because hybrids were trendy and many people sold their gears to upgrade. Try some limited lenses and old ones, it's a joy to use. The sensor on the k5 is still very good for astrophotography, and some specialised astro camera with the same sensor were sold few years ago for 3000 euros.
The K-1 is such a neat camera. I have a Nikon Df, but after this experience I kind of wish I had a K-1 in its place. I have a nice collection of Nikon lenses I got for peanuts which makes switching to the K-1 impractical.
I've shot with a lot of cameras as a photographer over the decades.. and there really is something magical about this particular model.. like the D700 on the Nikon side.. a job well done.. The K5 has cousins.. the K1000.. the Super Program.. the K200.. there are some classics.. I think now is the perfect time for this particular Pentax classic.. since 16mp is more than enough for almost all uses.. it covers almost all purposes with it's insane high dynamic range.. we got pentax color science.. crazy battery life.. sleek lines.. glues to your hand.. (unless you are Andre the Giant) weather resistant.. shake reduction.. onboard level.. LCD panel.. etc.. etc.. for what.. 200 bucks? insane.
Picked up a K5 a couple of months ago to back up my K3. They are a few years apart but virtually identical in size and layout. At around $200 it's a steal.
Just had to Subscribe as I can just tell you are someone who takes a camera out just for the joy of taking a picture, looking forward to seeing more of your videos and yes I would say keep those family pictures for yourself
Congrats on your first video, and your new-to-you Pentax gear! I really enjoyed the video. Your photographs were a pleasure to look at and your commentary was great. I learned a couple things about the K-5 and want one even more now. You had me going to look for really backlit photos (w/my K-3) with severely underexposed subjects to see if I could boost them like you did. I could! I've always been impressed with the dynamic range but not sure if I tried to recover an image like that. So cool. I was also glad to see your love for the 18-135. That thing is an absolute workhorse and my most used lens in the winter, or any time the weather may be bad. I've absolutely abused it and it still looks and works like new. I've even tumbled in the snow, twice (in a row...lol), with it and it kept working just fine even though it (and the camera) were covered in snow. It's stays sharp even at 135 and I love getting close to my subject at that focal length for great bokeh. With a Raynox attached it even does good macro work. I think that's part of the joy of Pentax photography - it's full of hidden unadvertised gems like that.
Thanks for the kind words! With Lightroom's masking tools (e.g. subject and sky detection) it's really a cinch to squeeze even more dynamic range out of these cameras. I like Capture One a lot but its masking capabilities are lacking when compared to Lightroom, and it's also missing lens profiles for the 18-135mm which Lightroom has. The 18-135mm has no right to be that good for the price you can get it for and the build quality and sharpness that it offers. I can't wait to add some more Pentax lenses to my kit, but I'm trying to resist the GAS. Regardless, I have been eyeing the FA 43mm f1.9 Limited from the get go. It looks amazing. And even though it's relatively expensive when compared to the plastic fantastic lenses, I'm sure it still manages to punch well above its price bracket.
@@SensorStacks GAS is a constant problem! You can't go wrong with the limited lenses. They seem to have a unique character that is so appealing. For example, look at the green ring (not newest version) 15mm da limited if you like starbursts. It's high on my GAS list :)
Ahhh, thanks so much! I don't know how you're able to put out compelling video after video, photo after photo, especially with some of the cameras you have drawn for two weeks. It's a magic trick as far as I'm concerned. Still, it gave me the push to start my channel and really try to squeeze every last ounce out of the cameras in my collection. #nobadcameras I feel like the stars all aligned for my first video (vacation shots, the capabilities of the camera, the fun of an all-in-one zoom, etc). I don't know how I'm going to be able to produce a second, third, fourth video that come anywhere close to my first! But that's the fun of this TH-cam thing, isn't it? I'm hopeful it will "click" (no pun intended) for the next review. Keep up the great work!
The Pentax bodies are really super capable for real world usage. Don’t forget that you can use nearly every Pentax lens ever made and there are some excellent choices to be had for reasonable money. I am hoping to get a K1 next. Unlike most reviewers you didn’t sneer or belittle the camera I can never understand the tendency to talk down cameras that produce such great images so consistently. You really got it about what makes the K5 great.
long time pentax shooter, 1stDL/k10/k20/k5/k5iis/k3. hold a white biz card under the popup flash to bounce it off a ceiling and you wont get the lens shadow. in a pinch.
Steven! Thanks for the kind words. Your videos are excellent and I have added one or two cameras to my list because of them. One thing I forgot to mention in the video is that you can use the IBIS during video with the K-5. And there's a microphone port. So while there are some limitations you get a reasonable set of tools to work with when doing video. I would love to try producing a short vignette with the K-5 to challenge myself. I'm very new to video and it's difficult to imagine producing creative content with a consistent flow.
This video popped up on my feed. I'm a Sony/Olympus/Pentax shooter. I so prefer Pentax ergonomics. My K-5II is a joy to hold and use; it feels like a photographer's camera made by photographers. Thanks for the video, and glad you've discovered Pentax.
Of Course Pentax has a "Full Frame" camera... the K-1 and with recent updates to mark II mark III and so on. The Pentax K-1 has many Features that No Other Camera has, and has won many awards. It was considered to be the Best Landscape Camera out there, and I think it won in that category like 2 years in a row. The Northrup team did a Video where they traveled to CA from their home on the east coast, and met up with some other YT photo video people... Even Tony said it was the Best Landscape Camera he had ever used at that time. The Other Fantastic thing about Pentax, is they Never Changed their Lens Mount from the 1970's ... so Any Old K-mount Manual Focus Lens, made for Pentax K-mount will work on that K-5... and if you get the late 80's versions, with the K-A designation, they work with Auto Aperture in Program modes, or you can control the Aperture manually with the Dials in the K-5 or any other Pentax Digital camera. The K-A lenses have an Aperture Dial on the Lens, that will Lock in the "A" position on that dial, if you want the Camera to control the Aperture. So... You can go on eBay, and find some Amazing Lenses from Pentax, and others like Tokina, Kiron, Tamron, Vivitar, including Series-1 lenses that cost Big Bucks back in the 1980's for pennies on the dollar. I got a Tokina 80-200mm f-2.8 which is a straight f2.8, and not f2.8 / f4.5 so f2.8 even at 200mm for $85.00. Great Glass... Realize Also that 200mm Lens, becomes a 300mm Lens on any APS-C Pentax... so $85.00 for a 300mm f2.8 lens is a Fantastic Deal. The SMC Pentax 50mm f1.4 lens for the longest time had always been in the list of the top 5 sharpest lenses of all time. I don't mind Manual Focus... the Pentax will Beep and show you in the Viewfinder when you are in focus, but I have been using Manual Focus Lenses all my life, so to me, "Auto-Focus" is a Gimmick that I really do not need. lol ... I find it Amazing, and kinda Sad that the Pentax K-5 sells for less than $200.00
I was using a K-7 until about 1 year ago. I wanted to pass it on to a family member without making them feel bad for buying a brand new camera. I didn't really NEED to upgrade though.. and the K-5 was an upgrade to the K-7... and I still think those cameras are perfect. Low-light is quite alot batter after the K-7 though, otherwise, phenomenal cameras for any situation. Would also like to add that the 18-55 WR is the weather resistant one, and it gives surprising results for being a lowly kit lens.
You have me on MPB right now looking at used Pentax prices lol. I never realized I needed a beach camera lol. From the older videos I’ve seen Pentax weather sealing is unbeatable . Thanks
Very cool! I was looking for a beach camera awhile back something to throw in a back and not worry about it. I ended up with the d200 and 35 1.8g killer combo for less than $200 as well. The output from this camera looks wonderful, enjoy it.
I bought my Pentax K-5 in 2011 and put it through so many paces (cold, heat, rain, sand, snow, you name it). I also very rarely used Lightroom or RAW files. The jpegs coming out of this camera are incredible. My friends who mostly owned Canon and Nikon cameras were spending hours post-processing and were constantly asking me and a couple of my other smug Pentax-owning friends how we achieved those colours/dynamic range in highlights and shadows :) Pentax lenses are also so good and very affordable compared to e.g. Canon lenses of the same class (Pentax prime lenses are especially good). And, as other people mentioned, you have access to the old K-mount lenses (with some you can even retain autofocus). The low video quality is my only gripe with this camera (and other Pentax cameras).
K5 is awesome! Owned one and took it to Florida last year, in an error of judgement I let it go and all my Pentax lenses. Invested in Fuji now, thinking about picking at K5 back up. Great photos!
Definitely worth picking up a small K mount kit to have around. I'm shooting the X-E1 right now and it hasn't aged nearly as well as the K-5. But I love my X-T4.
I shot pentax for years, went to Fuji almost a decade ago and now got a used k5ii. Fits like a glove. What an amazing camera, as good as it was back then. Snappy, solid, awesome handling, great dynamic range and very flexible RAW files. Pentax is awesome.
Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm :) don't forget the whole range of "M" and A lenses, for example, SMC 28mm f2.8 M, SMC Pentax 50mm f1.7 (M or A), 135mm f3.5 M, Ricoh, XR 50mm f2, and all M42 lenses! I use next to the Tomioka, the SMC 35mm f3.5 m42 with magnificent sharpness! I used the CZJ a lot with this camera, and Russian optics ...
there is a significant amount of professional bias against Pentax.. like it's some sort of gear for tourists.. however.. as a professional who has shot with everything from 4x5 film gear to flagship Nikon, Canon and many others.. and I find that the K5 is one of the most impressive camera overall.. because it's so good in so many areas.. from functionality to ergonomics.. it becomes and extension of self.. I also shoot with a D700 Nikon and a gaggle of pro nikon lenses.. and you would think the full frame 13 stop dynamic range 14bit raw chunky beast would have a serious edge on the K5.. It does have an edge, afterall it's a full frame but in any reasonable lighting the K5 can compete.. just not in really dim environments... in fact.. people yack about Canon color science, but you may have noticed how good the pentax images look right out of camera? I had to do more tweaking out of Canon D80s.. my D700 may have an edge due to the massive sensor and high bit depth but the K5 dynamic range curve is impressive and competes with the Sony A7 series easily.. If I want fast, sleek.. and minimal post work required.. I grab the K5.. not to mention that some of the pentax vintage lenses are the absolute best bang for buck since nobody seems to know the old SMC Pentax K, A, M, FA are littered with incredible lenses that people sell for 10 bucks at garage sales.. it's just really fun... yet incredibly competent. bought my first pentax in 84, a Super Program.. been my fave ever since.
I have a Sony RX10iv which is now my main camera but I also have my Pentax K7 which I also like to use because it has such great handling, it just naturally fits my hands
I'm actually starting to read the instruction manual more deeply a decade after buying mine. I recommend doing this because the dials can change based on which shooting mode you're in. I like to put aperture control (when you have it) to the front dial and shutter speed to the back because the dials are closer to where the items are. I used to think the digital filters and a color mode called Bleach Bypass were useless gimmicks, but I've gotten into the mood to do "artsy"/alternative lenses--bought a toy lens for my Canon--and I thought I would give it another try. I now like it and have dedicated my User modes to alternative looks, including a good pinhole-mimicking set of settings. I love the 10-18mm Pentax zoom; it has become my walkabout lens while traveling. It has too much chromatic aberration. I think if I had a 10mm prime I'd use that.
I would suggest the DA 40mm Limited as well, that lens is so thin if basically makes up for the longer register/flange distance of the DSLR relative to mirrorless. You can get cheap mirrorless cameras as well BUT if they have the build/handling of the K-5 they are probably quite old and likely have poor EVF's and Autofocus, things which have improved massively in the last decade were as DSLRs were pretty mature with the K-5 came out.
Pentax make great cameras. Really engaging equipment. I am always impressed by the capabilities of the K5. I have seen some shots that seem to match and sometimes better much more expensive cameras, same with the KP, enjoy....
I have owned the K10D, K20D, K7, K5 and original K3. They are the toughest cameras out there, with the best ergonomics and decent IBIS. I loved mine but eventually went smaller with Olympus m4/3 gear. I still miss those great cameras.
You went and made me do it, didn't you? I have a beach trip coming up and I was like "you know what, he's right, it WOULD be perfect!" I've always wanted one. But I have a K10D and K-3, I don't need the K-5. But the K10D has sentimental value and I would be torn up if it got stolen. So when I saw MPB had a K-5 IIs for $174 I couldn't resist. It should work well for me in general. On kayak trips for instance I'll keep something like the 20-40mm limited or 18-135mm on the K-5 and the 55-300 PLM on the K-3. I did this recently with the K10D and K-3 and that worked well, but I had really good light. The K-5 should be great even in less than ideal light. :) For the beach the K-5 will stay in the beach bag with the 18-135, and the K-3 will be locked away with the 55-300 PLM in case I need more reach. :)
Just bought a k5 for as my first camera, cannot way to try it out! Also, why in US they are soo cheap? I bought mine (with a sdm 17-70) for 270€ and looking at other prices i consider it a good deal. But why in your country are for like 175 euros thats very very cheap
Congrats on the purchase! I think it has to do with the Japanese Yen weakening vs the US dollar, and the large number of used Pentax cameras available from Japanese sellers. But I'm not too well versed in such things.
I bought a K3-II brand new and it was amazing, a joy to use it, absolutely amazing device. The shutter so well damped sound (quiet) is amazing. It came with 18-135 WR lens and it dissapoitned me showing tons of cromatic aberrations and lack of resolution apart from the right center. I ended returning it and bought a D500 because I shoot wildlife and wanted fastest AF possible. But I do love Pentax cameras and now I am trying to get a second hand one missing that special feeling it left on me. Just a note: most Pentax cameras have a big problem on Reds looking unreal magentas. It can be adjusted in programs such like DxO PL but it´s too much extra work to do. They did the homework and fixed that on the K3-III.
I have the Pentax K-70 with the exact same lens and the 70 to 300 mm not only that I just spilled out over $800 for a 150 to 500 mm telephoto and for me it definitely was not a waste of money
That was a very good first video...I have only 1 and it really suc............Im into photo's and not much video.....Im looking really hard at this camera, and that's how I found your video....I can get it for right at $200 with a spare battery, and adapter from M42 to P/K which I need...Looking forward to more of your video's....thanks for posting.
Without knowing what else is available in your market I think the K-5 would be the top choice at $200. There's a wide range of lenses to suit any need at any price point. And the camera is so rugged and well built. Judging by the other comments here and my initial impressions, it will definitely last you many years unless the previous owner ran over it with a car at some point! I have a couple of M42 lenses and might have to try adapting them over to Pentax at some point. To be honest I haven't really tried much manual focus recently except on mirrorless where you get peaking, etc. Thanks for watching and for your comments!
Ok I love this camera too, but it has one downside that is a bit annoying and that is the slow timings when shooting raw. My Nikon D70 from 2004 displays the image with zero seconds delay. The K-5 makes you wait quite a bit. I'll try and turn everything off like you suggested. I also have the K-30 (even better images) and a K200D for the CCD sensor. Very happy with the images from that. And all are weather sealed! Never afraid to shoot in the rain. Thx for your talk.
Yeah, even when shooting in RAW there is an embedded JPG preview in the RAW, which as far as I understand the camera will still apply processing for. Turn it off and you should notice a considerable speed boost!
@@SensorStacks I did a reset . Instant display speed. Set format to RAW. Same thing. I really must have had some heavy processing ticked off that I had forgotten. Post processing will be done in Lightroom now, instead of in camera. Great to have a fast K-5 again.
Fujifilm to Pentax! Subscribed. I discovered Pentax after shooting Fuji. Long story short, I sold all my Fuji gear except my X-pro2 graphite and 23mm f2 and switched to Pentax. Are you gonna try film era AF and manual lenses? All of them are great!! Not to mention super compact compared to today's lenses. Great first video by the way!
Thanks Tristan! I won't be selling any of my Fuji kit anytime soon. It got me back into photography in a major way. It's the dials! But having shot thousands of images in manual mode with the dials and being able to experiment with them, I am much quicker at calculating my ideal exposure settings in my head. Now I can apply that skill to even the worst ergonomics. This allows me to make photos with any camera without the ergonomics getting too much in the way of my creative process. As others have said, all of these cameras are capable of producing amazing images. #nobadcameras In terms of lenses, I'm definitely going be on the lookout for older Pentax glass in the future. K mount has so much to offer!
Pentax cameras I've been in rain , 100° plus heat with no problems I have the the replacement for the K-5 the K3-11 My oldest Pentax DSLR a 2005 istDL still works and I use it weekly as I leave it in my car and photograph anything of interest as I drive around
Very interesting review! Aside from sensor size difference, how do you think it compares to a 5D classic? Always been curious about Pentax, but never gotten into it.
The only advantages the 5D mk I has are sensor size and colors. The hype for 5D mk I colors is absolutely warranted. The K-5 is weather sealed, has faster and more accurate autofocus, AF fine tune, a better LCD, sensor stabilization, etc. So many more features, all of which are really well thought out and implemented. I love the 5D mk I, but the 5D mk II or 6D are much more akin to the K-5 in terms of practicality and reliability as an everyday camera. I wouldn't trust a 5D mk I to be my only camera on vacation after having shot a lot with it. The autofocus just isn't very good and the screen makes it very difficult to evaluate whether or not a shot is in focus. You also have to be careful to buy a mirror fixed version or one with a later serial number. The 5D mk I paired with a 50mm f/1.8 is one of my favorite cameras to go out on a walk with though.
Pentax is known for having great colors and dynamic ranges. If you're looking for something full frame from Pentax, look into the K1 or K1 mk II. Built like a tank and loads of features, some unique to Pentax. I.e. built in body lighting (K1 only) for use at night, including a light in the lens mount to see if it's lined up when attaching. Pixel shift, which takes 4 separate images, adjusting the sensor 1 pixel in a square pattern with each shot, giving full RGB info for every pixel and virtually zero noise. Astrotracer, which moves the sensor to follow the stars at night for longer exposure times without star trails. Plus the K1 mk II can still be bought new and cheaper than something like the 5D mk II used. About the only downside to Pentax is focus accuracy/speed is lacking relative to other brands, but the new K3 mk III APS-C camera is getting rave reviews for that, plus insane sensor performance and optical viewfinder for that size camera.
@@Nareimooncatt Great info! I bought a K-1 for a killer price recently but unfortunately the camera was backfocusing beyond the in-camera adjustment so I had to return it. Felt great in the hand though, and the articulation of the screen is awesome. There are loads and loads of neat features like the in body illumination and astrotracer that I would really like to try out in the field. One nit though on your comment, the 5D mk II is under $500 on the used market. No way you can find a K-1 or K-1 II for that price. The price difference makes sense though given all those features, the K-1 is in a whole different class than the 5D mk II. I will certainly be on the lookout for another K-1 at the usual places so I can pick one up!
@@SensorStacks fair point on the price comparison. I have a friend that recently mentioned wanting to switch to full frame and had considered the 5D mk II. When I looked at prices, I saw a lot that were on par or higher than the K1 mk II on the used market. I'm not a Canon user, nor have I looked into them much, so I'll chalk it up to scalpers and people over-estimating the real value of the camera. Btw, my friend is now about set on the K1 mk II as well after my recommendation. I've heard of lenses being too far out of adjustment for the calibration option to compensate, but that's the first I've heard of the body being that out of whack. Good luck with your next attempt at the K1!
@@Nareimooncatt I was surprised too. The lenses focus perfectly on my K-5 but no go on the K-1. It's such a bulletproof camera I can't imagine how it got that way. I was gutted when I realized it! I almost decided to keep it and send it for repair since I got it for such a good price and it was in otherwise excellent condition.
I have 6 tarantulas that I'd like to take macros with. also, I fish slot and take tons of pictures of what I get plus where I catch them. I see this camera around $200 on the net. would this be a good solution?
Hey thanks Lee! You too. I've watched a ton of your videos since getting my K-5. On the lookout for a good deal on a K-1 now! I actually bought one but it was backfocusing beyond the in camera adjustment so I had to send it back.
Found my way here after someone linked to the video at the Pentax Forums website. Great group of people over there, so check it out. If you want a couple of lens ideas, I would look at the SMC DA 15mm Limited, or the FA 100mm macro WR. The 15mm Limited has great sharpness and color reproduction, but it really shines in creating great starbursts. If you do night cityscapes or like to have a direct light source, don't pass this one up. It's a slow lens at f/4, but it dang near lives on my camera. Just be careful if you decide to get this one, as there are two versions. The SMC version has a green ring on the lens and straight aperture blades for those starbursts. The newer HD version (I think that's the designation) has a red ring and curved aperture blades that reduce the starburst effect. The FA 100mm macro WR is a full frame lens, but works with Pentax ASP-C as well. It is weather resistant, great optics, and I actually use it more as a portrait lens than macro. At f/2.8 and that focal length, I have extra reach when not up close to the subject, but still get tons of smooth background blurring while keeping the subject sharp when wide open. They are not cheap lenses, but well worth the price. Subscribed and looking forward to see what other Pentax content you come out with.
Thanks for the info in this comment and your other comment as well! I will definitely be doing more Pentax content in the future. I have already added the 77mm Limited, and I need to do a thorough review of my K-3 at some point. Also have been lurking in the Pentax Forums recently to get some idea of the favorite lenses of Pentaxians. re: the 100mm macro, I found a copy for about $240 in near mint condition. It's in my cart for now, will probably end up getting it in the near future. Thanks for the tip.
Update the firmware. I upgraded my $200 K5 for a $400 K3 and I have no regrets. Mind you, I use mostly Pentax vintage primes on Fuji... At least that's what I did until I got the trusty X100V. It's auto aperture control all through the winter with the immacukate Vivitar 24mm f2 RL Edition on my K3.
I had this camera years ago(about 2011?) loved it; very solid build, a little heavy therefore. Very nice pictures. But after a few year i sold it and moved to Olympus OMD-EM-1(mark I); a silver one. Sold it last year and now i'm "playing"with an old (but realy in mint condition; just 3000 clics) Canon 7D. Maybe i go again for a mirrorless camera, because of the size and weight. But i liked the Pentax very much, was my first digi. camera and the menu was not that compicated. Okay, it's "all" about the lens and the photographer..i know. But today, it seems like Pentax(Ricoh) is "dead"..
Hi there. Im a k5 user as well. There is this one feature that is often overlooked. When accesing the second page of the menu you`ll see "composition adjust." At a first sight it looks like just a live view, but what you actually do in there is to use the SR system for tilt shift adjustments of the sensor. You can tilt it or move it on an xy basis. th-cam.com/video/FUf3-oHX2g8/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=PentaxForums Cheers!
K5 is powerhouse, mine has 140k clicks and was used almost daily for 9 years. Now it is backup for K3.. DA18-135 is my most used lens even tho I have over 20AF lenses :) because it is small, fast focusing and with good enough image quality.
Wow you sure have put that camera to good use. I wish I had discovered the K-5 much earlier! 20 lenses? I am also somewhat of a lens hoarder but of course end up gravitating to one or two lenses most of the time. But each week I love pulling out a lens I haven't used in awhile to break my flow and inspire different compositions.
Not a bad idea! I actually have a Q7 with the 01 prime and the 06 telephoto zoom and have been looking for an opportunity to document something with it. Normally I just play with it for a couple of hours and put it back on the shelf. A road trip with that kit is a great idea. Thanks for the comment!
get its battery grip and add an extra battery and it works for much longer ... but if you do a lot of video on it, which requires the rear LCD to be on all the time, then it consumes a lot of power, draining the batteries much sooner ...
Hey Francesco. I did use a lens hood on my trip actually for the 18-135mm. I always use a hood, even when I am not in bright conditions, to prevent the front glass from bumping since I don't keep a lens cap on when I'm out and about. Just a small oversight not to include the hood in the video. I never use a filter but I did on this trip actually because of sand exposure at the beach. It was a Sigma filter, which is the only filter I have ever come across that I actually like. Thanks for watching!
@mipmipmipmipmip Of course! This is the one I used, Sigma 62mm Protector bhpho.to/2aHguYj. Sigma also makes a similar filter with a water repellent coating (bhpho.to/2aUHk2K) for slightly more money but unless you're going to be shooting in the rain or misty conditions I hardly think that coating is necessary. Anyways like I said it's the only filter I have ever used that I feel like doesn't impart any color or change to the image. And the design of the filter is simple and clean. I saw a filter the other day with Comic Sans markings on it! 😱
I just love when someone discovers Pentax. You can really see the joy they got using the camera. Your speechless moments said it all.
I have the k-50. And it is a sweet camera.
@@semperfi-1918 i have a k1 ii and it beats shit out of any full frame camera in dynamic range.
I have had nearly 50 cameras, over the years. The K-5 is on my top-5 list of all time favorites. Great camera.
Need more reviews from this guy. Great videos! I have a K01 and K5iis and love them equally
Pentax aficionados are wildly enthusiastic about Pentax cameras... and for good reason. There's no perfect camera, so when you find one that fits your needs and you never get tired of using.. and just puts a smile on your face, what does that tell you? Pentax is just different, in a really wonderful way!
When I went from film to digital i started off with a Pentax istDL, then onto the K200D and finally the K5ii which i have had since 2013, I love it, very natural film like colours. I treated myself to an expensive Nikon DSLR a couple of years ago but photos from that in bright sunlight are very contrasty and have deep shadows, it works better in overcast and low light but my Pentax handles bright sunlight so much better. I'll never get rid of my Pentax K5ii.....in fact i'm on my second body. 16MP is more than enough anyway, and Pentax cameras have great weather sealing, i take it on long walks in all weathers and it's never let me down.
Nikon with contrasty and bright colors, it's the Ken Rockwell special 😊
Welcome to the Pentax addiction. I purchased one because someone said no one shoots Pentax. Fell in love I've used Panasonic, Nikon, canon, Fujifilm and the Pentax Colors are amazing. 18-135 kit, 20-40 limited, 55-300 plm is all I need
Welcome to the world of Pentax ! The K5 is one of my favorite Pentax camera bodies. Seems that some of my best work was done on a K5. Pentax has always been a great value. It has been said that Pentax is designed by photographers who are engineers and you seem to have caught on to how much fun it is to use. One thing that impressed me is how precise the spot meter is compared to the spot meter function on my Nikons. You can see the spot circle on the screen. I hope to see more Pentax content in the future.
i own this camera from 12 years and love it! handling, image stabilization, interface and image quality with a good lens are biggest pros to me
Cool video Dad! (Congrats!) I'm a new K-5 shooter as well, and I really like it so far.
Great find. I bought a K5 IIs made in 2014 about 2 years ago now. My first DSLR was a Pentax ist DL and I love my new Pentax. No complaints. I love that I can also use all my old vintage Pentax glass on it too and M42 screw mount with a 20 dollar adapter.
I am considering selling my M 4/3 Olympus kit since they have been sitting on a shelf since I got the K5 IIs.
Pentax DSLR's are killer and are way underrated. The K-1 36mp full frame, despite being 6 years old now, is a beast, especially for landscape photography. The only thing I wouldn't recommend them for is sports and birds in flight, unless you have the newest model the K-3 mk3. The K-5 is a legendary camera, particularly the K-5iis variant, which is destined to be a classic. Even better, you have access to thousands of K-mount lenses going back to the mid 1970's, many of them available for very little money. The performance on some of these lenses is incredible.
there's no full frame camera on planet earth that can compete with Pentax K1 in dynamic range, even today. th-cam.com/video/cZM4ncJnetE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Mvd1yI4_6vmpf06O&t=265
Great video. I hope you stay with Pentax. We need more TH-camrs using these cameras! Thanks for joining the Pentax family. Glad to have you! I started with the K10D which was excellent, then moved to the K-5, and currently I own a K-3, K-3 Mark 2 and the K-1 full frame. They are built like tanks, impervious to any kind of weather conditions and just plain provide great images. For the K3s, I have a a couple of the “plastic fantastics” primes: the 35 and 50mm. My favorites are the two zooms: 16-85 WR and the one you mentioned: 55-300 PLM WR. Both are terrific and provide a great range. I mostly shoot landscapes and mostly use the K-1, but the K-3 like the K-5 is a great camera that checks all the boxes for me and is my go to for travel, and family photos. Thank you!
I had k5ii and now i have k5iis. 5th generation is incredibly convenient and overall they are great reliable cameras with natural live colours
I am really interested to shoot with my K-3 now as the image processor is probably a lot faster and the "custom image" modes (e.g. bright, natural) I'm sure can produce some really nice output straight out of camera. As I said in the video, the JPEG engine on the K-5 is just too slow for me to have enabled out in the field.
I actually found the RAW files from the K-5 to be somewhat flat out of camera, even moreso than usual, but with a little tweaking the colors come right out and are very pleasing, and the RAWs are extremely flexible.
I bought a k5ii in 2014 to take photos of my children at the beach, in the snow, under the rain...still use it, with another k5iis and a k1ii. I was lucky to find them cheap because hybrids were trendy and many people sold their gears to upgrade. Try some limited lenses and old ones, it's a joy to use. The sensor on the k5 is still very good for astrophotography, and some specialised astro camera with the same sensor were sold few years ago for 3000 euros.
The K-1 is such a neat camera. I have a Nikon Df, but after this experience I kind of wish I had a K-1 in its place. I have a nice collection of Nikon lenses I got for peanuts which makes switching to the K-1 impractical.
I bought this exact camera for the exact same reason 4 month ago, love it more than I thought I would.
I've shot with a lot of cameras as a photographer over the decades.. and there really is something magical about this particular model.. like the D700 on the Nikon side.. a job well done.. The K5 has cousins.. the K1000.. the Super Program.. the K200.. there are some classics.. I think now is the perfect time for this particular Pentax classic.. since 16mp is more than enough for almost all uses.. it covers almost all purposes with it's insane high dynamic range.. we got pentax color science.. crazy battery life.. sleek lines.. glues to your hand.. (unless you are Andre the Giant) weather resistant.. shake reduction.. onboard level.. LCD panel.. etc.. etc.. for what.. 200 bucks? insane.
Yes, the K-5 is very nice camera. Nice video, please more K-5 content
Thanks for this! It's still my main camera to be frank. Good to see how much enjoyment you're getting from it. Great photos too.
Had the kx but it broke while I moved into my new apartment. So I'm looking for a K5 now
Picked up a K5 a couple of months ago to back up my K3. They are a few years apart but virtually identical in size and layout. At around $200 it's a steal.
Just had to Subscribe as I can just tell you are someone who takes a camera out just for the joy of taking a picture, looking forward to seeing more of your videos and yes I would say keep those family pictures for yourself
You hit some really good Pentax YT channels there. Pentax is a not-so-hidden treasure, once you're let in on the secret. Good chat!
Congrats on your first video, and your new-to-you Pentax gear! I really enjoyed the video. Your photographs were a pleasure to look at and your commentary was great. I learned a couple things about the K-5 and want one even more now. You had me going to look for really backlit photos (w/my K-3) with severely underexposed subjects to see if I could boost them like you did. I could! I've always been impressed with the dynamic range but not sure if I tried to recover an image like that. So cool.
I was also glad to see your love for the 18-135. That thing is an absolute workhorse and my most used lens in the winter, or any time the weather may be bad. I've absolutely abused it and it still looks and works like new. I've even tumbled in the snow, twice (in a row...lol), with it and it kept working just fine even though it (and the camera) were covered in snow. It's stays sharp even at 135 and I love getting close to my subject at that focal length for great bokeh. With a Raynox attached it even does good macro work. I think that's part of the joy of Pentax photography - it's full of hidden unadvertised gems like that.
Thanks for the kind words! With Lightroom's masking tools (e.g. subject and sky detection) it's really a cinch to squeeze even more dynamic range out of these cameras. I like Capture One a lot but its masking capabilities are lacking when compared to Lightroom, and it's also missing lens profiles for the 18-135mm which Lightroom has. The 18-135mm has no right to be that good for the price you can get it for and the build quality and sharpness that it offers. I can't wait to add some more Pentax lenses to my kit, but I'm trying to resist the GAS. Regardless, I have been eyeing the FA 43mm f1.9 Limited from the get go. It looks amazing. And even though it's relatively expensive when compared to the plastic fantastic lenses, I'm sure it still manages to punch well above its price bracket.
@@SensorStacks GAS is a constant problem! You can't go wrong with the limited lenses. They seem to have a unique character that is so appealing. For example, look at the green ring (not newest version) 15mm da limited if you like starbursts. It's high on my GAS list :)
Dang impressive first vid! Great content, great shots and super good production (hello b roll!). We’ll done and so glad you’re officially on TH-cam!
Ahhh, thanks so much! I don't know how you're able to put out compelling video after video, photo after photo, especially with some of the cameras you have drawn for two weeks. It's a magic trick as far as I'm concerned. Still, it gave me the push to start my channel and really try to squeeze every last ounce out of the cameras in my collection. #nobadcameras
I feel like the stars all aligned for my first video (vacation shots, the capabilities of the camera, the fun of an all-in-one zoom, etc). I don't know how I'm going to be able to produce a second, third, fourth video that come anywhere close to my first! But that's the fun of this TH-cam thing, isn't it? I'm hopeful it will "click" (no pun intended) for the next review.
Keep up the great work!
The Pentax bodies are really super capable for real world usage. Don’t forget that you can use nearly every Pentax lens ever made and there are some excellent choices to be had for reasonable money. I am hoping to get a K1 next. Unlike most reviewers you didn’t sneer or belittle the camera I can never understand the tendency to talk down cameras that produce such great images so consistently. You really got it about what makes the K5 great.
i have had my k5 for 12 years and it still works perfectly. amazing camera 💗
long time pentax shooter, 1stDL/k10/k20/k5/k5iis/k3. hold a white biz card under the popup flash to bounce it off a ceiling and you wont get the lens shadow. in a pinch.
Great video! Love the images from the camera and I’m really surprised by how good the video quality is from the K5. Excellent job!
Steven! Thanks for the kind words. Your videos are excellent and I have added one or two cameras to my list because of them.
One thing I forgot to mention in the video is that you can use the IBIS during video with the K-5. And there's a microphone port. So while there are some limitations you get a reasonable set of tools to work with when doing video. I would love to try producing a short vignette with the K-5 to challenge myself. I'm very new to video and it's difficult to imagine producing creative content with a consistent flow.
K5 and it's variations are great cameras. I have the K5IIs. Colors are great, resolution is fine and auto focus is plenty good.
The beach pictures are great they have a portra 400 look. I like it. Thanks for sharing
i love the concept of green ham gaming, a channel of a guy building a pc for especific games, glad theres similar scene for cameras
Love my K5, still use it today. Not sure who makes the sensor, but it take beautiful pleasing pictures.❤
Great video! And beautiful photos! All Pentax content is loved and appreciated.
This video popped up on my feed. I'm a Sony/Olympus/Pentax shooter. I so prefer Pentax ergonomics. My K-5II is a joy to hold and use; it feels like a photographer's camera made by photographers. Thanks for the video, and glad you've discovered Pentax.
Of Course Pentax has a "Full Frame" camera... the K-1 and with recent updates to mark II mark III and so on.
The Pentax K-1 has many Features that No Other Camera has, and has won many awards. It was considered to be the Best Landscape Camera out there,
and I think it won in that category like 2 years in a row. The Northrup team did a Video where they traveled to CA from their home on the east coast,
and met up with some other YT photo video people... Even Tony said it was the Best Landscape Camera he had ever used at that time.
The Other Fantastic thing about Pentax, is they Never Changed their Lens Mount from the 1970's ... so Any Old K-mount Manual Focus Lens, made
for Pentax K-mount will work on that K-5... and if you get the late 80's versions, with the K-A designation, they work with Auto Aperture in Program modes,
or you can control the Aperture manually with the Dials in the K-5 or any other Pentax Digital camera. The K-A lenses have an Aperture Dial on the Lens, that will
Lock in the "A" position on that dial, if you want the Camera to control the Aperture.
So... You can go on eBay, and find some Amazing Lenses from Pentax, and others like Tokina, Kiron, Tamron, Vivitar, including Series-1 lenses that cost Big Bucks
back in the 1980's for pennies on the dollar. I got a Tokina 80-200mm f-2.8 which is a straight f2.8, and not f2.8 / f4.5 so f2.8 even at 200mm for $85.00. Great Glass...
Realize Also that 200mm Lens, becomes a 300mm Lens on any APS-C Pentax... so $85.00 for a 300mm f2.8 lens is a Fantastic Deal.
The SMC Pentax 50mm f1.4 lens for the longest time had always been in the list of the top 5 sharpest lenses of all time.
I don't mind Manual Focus... the Pentax will Beep and show you in the Viewfinder when you are in focus, but I have been using Manual Focus Lenses all my life,
so to me, "Auto-Focus" is a Gimmick that I really do not need. lol ...
I find it Amazing, and kinda Sad that the Pentax K-5 sells for less than $200.00
I was using a K-7 until about 1 year ago. I wanted to pass it on to a family member without making them feel bad for buying a brand new camera.
I didn't really NEED to upgrade though.. and the K-5 was an upgrade to the K-7... and I still think those cameras are perfect. Low-light is quite alot batter after the K-7 though, otherwise, phenomenal cameras for any situation.
Would also like to add that the 18-55 WR is the weather resistant one, and it gives surprising results for being a lowly kit lens.
You have me on MPB right now looking at used Pentax prices lol. I never realized I needed a beach camera lol. From the older videos I’ve seen Pentax weather sealing is unbeatable . Thanks
Great 1st video by the way
Very cool! I was looking for a beach camera awhile back something to throw in a back and not worry about it. I ended up with the d200 and 35 1.8g killer combo for less than $200 as well. The output from this camera looks wonderful, enjoy it.
Great review video buddy, very nice images too! Welcome to the yesteryear of Pentax cameras!
I subscribe also your channel 😍
this such a great review of such a wonderful camera! very enjoyable stuff!
I bought my Pentax K-5 in 2011 and put it through so many paces (cold, heat, rain, sand, snow, you name it). I also very rarely used Lightroom or RAW files. The jpegs coming out of this camera are incredible. My friends who mostly owned Canon and Nikon cameras were spending hours post-processing and were constantly asking me and a couple of my other smug Pentax-owning friends how we achieved those colours/dynamic range in highlights and shadows :) Pentax lenses are also so good and very affordable compared to e.g. Canon lenses of the same class (Pentax prime lenses are especially good). And, as other people mentioned, you have access to the old K-mount lenses (with some you can even retain autofocus). The low video quality is my only gripe with this camera (and other Pentax cameras).
problem with nikon dynamic range? lol
K5 is awesome! Owned one and took it to Florida last year, in an error of judgement I let it go and all my Pentax lenses. Invested in Fuji now, thinking about picking at K5 back up. Great photos!
Definitely worth picking up a small K mount kit to have around. I'm shooting the X-E1 right now and it hasn't aged nearly as well as the K-5. But I love my X-T4.
I shot pentax for years, went to Fuji almost a decade ago and now got a used k5ii. Fits like a glove. What an amazing camera, as good as it was back then. Snappy, solid, awesome handling, great dynamic range and very flexible RAW files. Pentax is awesome.
Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm :) don't forget the whole range of "M" and A lenses, for example, SMC 28mm f2.8 M, SMC Pentax 50mm f1.7 (M or A), 135mm f3.5 M, Ricoh, XR 50mm f2, and all M42 lenses! I use next to the Tomioka, the SMC 35mm f3.5 m42 with magnificent sharpness! I used the CZJ a lot with this camera, and Russian optics ...
K5iis is the ultimate version. But you just figured out the magic of pentax.
there is a significant amount of professional bias against Pentax.. like it's some sort of gear for tourists.. however.. as a professional who has shot with everything from 4x5 film gear to flagship Nikon, Canon and many others.. and I find that the K5 is one of the most impressive camera overall.. because it's so good in so many areas.. from functionality to ergonomics.. it becomes and extension of self.. I also shoot with a D700 Nikon and a gaggle of pro nikon lenses.. and you would think the full frame 13 stop dynamic range 14bit raw chunky beast would have a serious edge on the K5.. It does have an edge, afterall it's a full frame but in any reasonable lighting the K5 can compete.. just not in really dim environments... in fact.. people yack about Canon color science, but you may have noticed how good the pentax images look right out of camera? I had to do more tweaking out of Canon D80s.. my D700 may have an edge due to the massive sensor and high bit depth but the K5 dynamic range curve is impressive and competes with the Sony A7 series easily.. If I want fast, sleek.. and minimal post work required.. I grab the K5.. not to mention that some of the pentax vintage lenses are the absolute best bang for buck since nobody seems to know the old SMC Pentax K, A, M, FA are littered with incredible lenses that people sell for 10 bucks at garage sales.. it's just really fun... yet incredibly competent. bought my first pentax in 84, a Super Program.. been my fave ever since.
Congrats on a very successful first video
I have a Sony RX10iv which is now my main camera but I also have my Pentax K7 which I also like to use because it has such great handling, it just naturally fits my hands
Have had my K5 since it first came out. Quite like it. Thanks to you, I like it more.
Won't go wrong with Pentax.
Love my K5iis.
Best menu system!
Amazing value for that budget price!
I'm actually starting to read the instruction manual more deeply a decade after buying mine. I recommend doing this because the dials can change based on which shooting mode you're in. I like to put aperture control (when you have it) to the front dial and shutter speed to the back because the dials are closer to where the items are.
I used to think the digital filters and a color mode called Bleach Bypass were useless gimmicks, but I've gotten into the mood to do "artsy"/alternative lenses--bought a toy lens for my Canon--and I thought I would give it another try. I now like it and have dedicated my User modes to alternative looks, including a good pinhole-mimicking set of settings.
I love the 10-18mm Pentax zoom; it has become my walkabout lens while traveling. It has too much chromatic aberration. I think if I had a 10mm prime I'd use that.
Actually you can go as low as 80 iso on the k-5. I think you have to enable iso extended range in the menu though.
Great video sir, much respect. Great work.
I would suggest the DA 40mm Limited as well, that lens is so thin if basically makes up for the longer register/flange distance of the DSLR relative to mirrorless.
You can get cheap mirrorless cameras as well BUT if they have the build/handling of the K-5 they are probably quite old and likely have poor EVF's and Autofocus, things which have improved massively in the last decade were as DSLRs were pretty mature with the K-5 came out.
Pentax make great cameras. Really engaging equipment. I am always impressed by the capabilities of the K5. I have seen some shots that seem to match and sometimes better much more expensive cameras, same with the KP, enjoy....
I have owned the K10D, K20D, K7, K5 and original K3. They are the toughest cameras out there, with the best ergonomics and decent IBIS. I loved mine but eventually went smaller with Olympus m4/3 gear. I still miss those great cameras.
I use the older K200D 10 megapixel with good glass and very happy with the results.
I prefer it over my Olympus OMD-EM5 and that is feature packed. Sometimes less can be more.
Great review... I look for this camera.... Never owned a Pentax. But like the idea of buying a second hand older slr.
You went and made me do it, didn't you? I have a beach trip coming up and I was like "you know what, he's right, it WOULD be perfect!" I've always wanted one. But I have a K10D and K-3, I don't need the K-5. But the K10D has sentimental value and I would be torn up if it got stolen. So when I saw MPB had a K-5 IIs for $174 I couldn't resist. It should work well for me in general. On kayak trips for instance I'll keep something like the 20-40mm limited or 18-135mm on the K-5 and the 55-300 PLM on the K-3. I did this recently with the K10D and K-3 and that worked well, but I had really good light. The K-5 should be great even in less than ideal light. :) For the beach the K-5 will stay in the beach bag with the 18-135, and the K-3 will be locked away with the 55-300 PLM in case I need more reach. :)
😁 Awesome and wonderful captures
Just bought a k5 for as my first camera, cannot way to try it out! Also, why in US they are soo cheap? I bought mine (with a sdm 17-70) for 270€ and looking at other prices i consider it a good deal. But why in your country are for like 175 euros thats very very cheap
Congrats on the purchase! I think it has to do with the Japanese Yen weakening vs the US dollar, and the large number of used Pentax cameras available from Japanese sellers. But I'm not too well versed in such things.
I bought a K3-II brand new and it was amazing, a joy to use it, absolutely amazing device. The shutter so well damped sound (quiet) is amazing. It came with 18-135 WR lens and it dissapoitned me showing tons of cromatic aberrations and lack of resolution apart from the right center. I ended returning it and bought a D500 because I shoot wildlife and wanted fastest AF possible. But I do love Pentax cameras and now I am trying to get a second hand one missing that special feeling it left on me. Just a note: most Pentax cameras have a big problem on Reds looking unreal magentas. It can be adjusted in programs such like DxO PL but it´s too much extra work to do. They did the homework and fixed that on the K3-III.
The Tamron lenses are also really nice.
I have the Pentax K-70 with the exact same lens and the 70 to 300 mm not only that I just spilled out over $800 for a 150 to 500 mm telephoto and for me it definitely was not a waste of money
Imho k5 has the most beautiful look among all mirror cameras. Sure, k1, kp or k3 have stylish design also, but k5 is k5))
Are those images edited ? The colours are what I’m looking for
you need to try k1 / k1 ii, the medium format cameras in a full frame body, the images are that good.
NIKON and Canon are popular ! but sometimes others like PENTAX worked hard to beat and produced great cameras - Minolta too is my favorite
That was a very good first video...I have only 1 and it really suc............Im into photo's and not much video.....Im looking really hard at this camera, and that's how I found your video....I can get it for right at $200 with a spare battery, and adapter from M42 to P/K which I need...Looking forward to more of your video's....thanks for posting.
Without knowing what else is available in your market I think the K-5 would be the top choice at $200. There's a wide range of lenses to suit any need at any price point. And the camera is so rugged and well built. Judging by the other comments here and my initial impressions, it will definitely last you many years unless the previous owner ran over it with a car at some point!
I have a couple of M42 lenses and might have to try adapting them over to Pentax at some point. To be honest I haven't really tried much manual focus recently except on mirrorless where you get peaking, etc.
Thanks for watching and for your comments!
I just got this camera to learn about photography. Maybe I short tutorial about how to use the best this camera would be great. Thanks!
Still have the Pentax? Looking at picking up,the K5iis
Why you use K-5 on the beach instead of XT-4? I'd do that too, because XT-4 is so expensive and K-5 is weather proof!
Smitten with Pentax!
Pity no brid shots. :)
Ok I love this camera too, but it has one downside that is a bit annoying and that is the slow timings when shooting raw. My Nikon D70 from 2004 displays the image with zero seconds delay. The K-5 makes you wait quite a bit. I'll try and turn everything off like you suggested. I also have the K-30 (even better images) and a K200D for the CCD sensor. Very happy with the images from that. And all are weather sealed!
Never afraid to shoot in the rain. Thx for your talk.
Yeah, even when shooting in RAW there is an embedded JPG preview in the RAW, which as far as I understand the camera will still apply processing for. Turn it off and you should notice a considerable speed boost!
@@SensorStacks I did a reset . Instant display speed. Set format to RAW. Same thing. I really must have had some heavy processing ticked off that I had forgotten.
Post processing will be done in Lightroom now, instead of in camera. Great to have a fast K-5 again.
@@northof-62 Awesome! Glad it worked!
Fujifilm to Pentax! Subscribed. I discovered Pentax after shooting Fuji. Long story short, I sold all my Fuji gear except my X-pro2 graphite and 23mm f2 and switched to Pentax. Are you gonna try film era AF and manual lenses? All of them are great!! Not to mention super compact compared to today's lenses.
Great first video by the way!
Thanks Tristan! I won't be selling any of my Fuji kit anytime soon. It got me back into photography in a major way. It's the dials! But having shot thousands of images in manual mode with the dials and being able to experiment with them, I am much quicker at calculating my ideal exposure settings in my head. Now I can apply that skill to even the worst ergonomics. This allows me to make photos with any camera without the ergonomics getting too much in the way of my creative process. As others have said, all of these cameras are capable of producing amazing images. #nobadcameras
In terms of lenses, I'm definitely going be on the lookout for older Pentax glass in the future. K mount has so much to offer!
Pentax cameras I've been in rain , 100° plus heat with no problems I have the the replacement for the K-5 the K3-11 My oldest Pentax DSLR a 2005 istDL still works and I use it weekly as I leave it in my car and photograph anything of interest as I drive around
Very interesting review! Aside from sensor size difference, how do you think it compares to a 5D classic? Always been curious about Pentax, but never gotten into it.
The only advantages the 5D mk I has are sensor size and colors. The hype for 5D mk I colors is absolutely warranted.
The K-5 is weather sealed, has faster and more accurate autofocus, AF fine tune, a better LCD, sensor stabilization, etc. So many more features, all of which are really well thought out and implemented.
I love the 5D mk I, but the 5D mk II or 6D are much more akin to the K-5 in terms of practicality and reliability as an everyday camera. I wouldn't trust a 5D mk I to be my only camera on vacation after having shot a lot with it. The autofocus just isn't very good and the screen makes it very difficult to evaluate whether or not a shot is in focus. You also have to be careful to buy a mirror fixed version or one with a later serial number.
The 5D mk I paired with a 50mm f/1.8 is one of my favorite cameras to go out on a walk with though.
Pentax is known for having great colors and dynamic ranges. If you're looking for something full frame from Pentax, look into the K1 or K1 mk II. Built like a tank and loads of features, some unique to Pentax. I.e. built in body lighting (K1 only) for use at night, including a light in the lens mount to see if it's lined up when attaching. Pixel shift, which takes 4 separate images, adjusting the sensor 1 pixel in a square pattern with each shot, giving full RGB info for every pixel and virtually zero noise. Astrotracer, which moves the sensor to follow the stars at night for longer exposure times without star trails.
Plus the K1 mk II can still be bought new and cheaper than something like the 5D mk II used. About the only downside to Pentax is focus accuracy/speed is lacking relative to other brands, but the new K3 mk III APS-C camera is getting rave reviews for that, plus insane sensor performance and optical viewfinder for that size camera.
@@Nareimooncatt Great info! I bought a K-1 for a killer price recently but unfortunately the camera was backfocusing beyond the in-camera adjustment so I had to return it. Felt great in the hand though, and the articulation of the screen is awesome. There are loads and loads of neat features like the in body illumination and astrotracer that I would really like to try out in the field.
One nit though on your comment, the 5D mk II is under $500 on the used market. No way you can find a K-1 or K-1 II for that price. The price difference makes sense though given all those features, the K-1 is in a whole different class than the 5D mk II. I will certainly be on the lookout for another K-1 at the usual places so I can pick one up!
@@SensorStacks fair point on the price comparison. I have a friend that recently mentioned wanting to switch to full frame and had considered the 5D mk II. When I looked at prices, I saw a lot that were on par or higher than the K1 mk II on the used market. I'm not a Canon user, nor have I looked into them much, so I'll chalk it up to scalpers and people over-estimating the real value of the camera. Btw, my friend is now about set on the K1 mk II as well after my recommendation.
I've heard of lenses being too far out of adjustment for the calibration option to compensate, but that's the first I've heard of the body being that out of whack. Good luck with your next attempt at the K1!
@@Nareimooncatt I was surprised too. The lenses focus perfectly on my K-5 but no go on the K-1. It's such a bulletproof camera I can't imagine how it got that way. I was gutted when I realized it! I almost decided to keep it and send it for repair since I got it for such a good price and it was in otherwise excellent condition.
I've thought about Pentax to get into medium format, eventually. Just because it's so relatively cheap.
Really liked this video. Subscribed!
The only thing I don't like about K5 is the live view button is to close to the 4 way controller.Much better camera than K7.
didnt you ask for a beach camera on the snappiness forum?
I have 6 tarantulas that I'd like to take macros with. also, I fish slot and take tons of pictures of what I get plus where I catch them. I see this camera around $200 on the net. would this be a good solution?
Nice video!
Nice video! Keep up the good work.
Hey thanks Lee! You too. I've watched a ton of your videos since getting my K-5. On the lookout for a good deal on a K-1 now! I actually bought one but it was backfocusing beyond the in camera adjustment so I had to send it back.
Found my way here after someone linked to the video at the Pentax Forums website. Great group of people over there, so check it out. If you want a couple of lens ideas, I would look at the SMC DA 15mm Limited, or the FA 100mm macro WR.
The 15mm Limited has great sharpness and color reproduction, but it really shines in creating great starbursts. If you do night cityscapes or like to have a direct light source, don't pass this one up. It's a slow lens at f/4, but it dang near lives on my camera. Just be careful if you decide to get this one, as there are two versions. The SMC version has a green ring on the lens and straight aperture blades for those starbursts. The newer HD version (I think that's the designation) has a red ring and curved aperture blades that reduce the starburst effect.
The FA 100mm macro WR is a full frame lens, but works with Pentax ASP-C as well. It is weather resistant, great optics, and I actually use it more as a portrait lens than macro. At f/2.8 and that focal length, I have extra reach when not up close to the subject, but still get tons of smooth background blurring while keeping the subject sharp when wide open.
They are not cheap lenses, but well worth the price. Subscribed and looking forward to see what other Pentax content you come out with.
Thanks for the info in this comment and your other comment as well! I will definitely be doing more Pentax content in the future. I have already added the 77mm Limited, and I need to do a thorough review of my K-3 at some point. Also have been lurking in the Pentax Forums recently to get some idea of the favorite lenses of Pentaxians.
re: the 100mm macro, I found a copy for about $240 in near mint condition. It's in my cart for now, will probably end up getting it in the near future. Thanks for the tip.
Great job!
Update the firmware.
I upgraded my $200 K5 for a $400 K3 and I have no regrets. Mind you, I use mostly Pentax vintage primes on Fuji... At least that's what I did until I got the trusty X100V. It's auto aperture control all through the winter with the immacukate Vivitar 24mm f2 RL Edition on my K3.
Hi can you check pentax K5 and k20D if the two has the same video recording save?
Thank you
I had this camera years ago(about 2011?) loved it; very solid build, a little heavy therefore. Very nice pictures. But after a few year i sold it and moved to Olympus OMD-EM-1(mark I); a silver one.
Sold it last year and now i'm "playing"with an old (but realy in mint condition; just 3000 clics) Canon 7D.
Maybe i go again for a mirrorless camera, because of the size and weight. But i liked the Pentax very much, was my first digi. camera and the menu was not that compicated.
Okay, it's "all" about the lens and the photographer..i know.
But today, it seems like Pentax(Ricoh) is "dead"..
Hi there. Im a k5 user as well. There is this one feature that is often overlooked. When accesing the second page of the menu you`ll see "composition adjust." At a first sight it looks like just a live view, but what you actually do in there is to use the SR system for tilt shift adjustments of the sensor. You can tilt it or move it on an xy basis. th-cam.com/video/FUf3-oHX2g8/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=PentaxForums
Cheers!
so true! amazing in combination with tripods!
Thanks really enjoyed your video well done 👍
Love this!
You mention that the base iso is 100, but you can get it as low as 80 !
K5 is powerhouse, mine has 140k clicks and was used almost daily for 9 years. Now it is backup for K3..
DA18-135 is my most used lens even tho I have over 20AF lenses :) because it is small, fast focusing and with good enough image quality.
Wow you sure have put that camera to good use. I wish I had discovered the K-5 much earlier!
20 lenses? I am also somewhat of a lens hoarder but of course end up gravitating to one or two lenses most of the time. But each week I love pulling out a lens I haven't used in awhile to break my flow and inspire different compositions.
20 Af lenses? Let me get one or two 🤷
What is the difference between pentax k5 to k20D?
Cool Video
Get the pentax q7 man with the q01 prime lens. And then go on a road trip with the camera + extra two batteries.
You Won't regret the experience.
Not a bad idea! I actually have a Q7 with the 01 prime and the 06 telephoto zoom and have been looking for an opportunity to document something with it. Normally I just play with it for a couple of hours and put it back on the shelf. A road trip with that kit is a great idea. Thanks for the comment!
No worries. Hoping to see more content from you. Really loved both the videos.
i love my K5
Pentax great models such as the K-5 are so 'modestly and simply' good not everybody understands them!
upgrade the K-5 to its last firmware (if you haven't already) and then use a really fast storage card, and its burst buffer will increase a lot!
get its battery grip and add an extra battery and it works for much longer ... but if you do a lot of video on it, which requires the rear LCD to be on all the time, then it consumes a lot of power, draining the batteries much sooner ...
You don't use lens hood... Why?
Hey Francesco. I did use a lens hood on my trip actually for the 18-135mm. I always use a hood, even when I am not in bright conditions, to prevent the front glass from bumping since I don't keep a lens cap on when I'm out and about. Just a small oversight not to include the hood in the video. I never use a filter but I did on this trip actually because of sand exposure at the beach. It was a Sigma filter, which is the only filter I have ever come across that I actually like. Thanks for watching!
@mipmipmipmipmip Of course! This is the one I used, Sigma 62mm Protector bhpho.to/2aHguYj. Sigma also makes a similar filter with a water repellent coating (bhpho.to/2aUHk2K) for slightly more money but unless you're going to be shooting in the rain or misty conditions I hardly think that coating is necessary. Anyways like I said it's the only filter I have ever used that I feel like doesn't impart any color or change to the image. And the design of the filter is simple and clean. I saw a filter the other day with Comic Sans markings on it! 😱
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