Questions For Pentax Owners

[Bob_Benner]

I am considering buying a K100d and was wondering how the build quality and dependability is on Pentax cameras. I am considering this camera over a Nikon D50 due to the fact that it has built in image stabilizing rather than having to pay hundreds of dollars more for a lens that has it. Any info on Pentax would be great. Thank you

[Colin T]

Hi Bob

My old film pentax is a lovely unit and has proven to be very reliable. The new K100D has a farely solid body and seems well constructed however, after the amount of trouble it has given me during the last 2 and a half months I would suggest testing the camera before buying it. Take it outside and focus on a distant object. Then take the pic, upload it to a pc and see how sharp it is. If it isn't crisp and clear try another camera, and another, and another.

Pentax used to be a great brand and for film cameras it was a toss up between them and Nikon. Now in the age of digital SLRs I would maybe go for a Nikon or another Pentax but not the K100D. There haven't been too many problems with the Pentax 1stDL and others.

A few people have had great success with their K100D but I have had nothing but problems. My camera is currently back at Pentax being looked at for the second time in a couple of months and I won't be getting it back for at least a couple more weeks. It has spent about half its time either at Pentax or travelling back and forth to the camera store or to Pentax. And I still can't take sharp picutres with it.

[pas49ras]

I've had none of the problems that Colin has had with his K100D. I've used Pentax film cameras for many years and the K100D was my first DSLR and I couldn't be happier. It is a well built and easy to use camera..takes great pictures and the SR feature works like a dream. I've taken 500+ pictures with it without ANY problems.

[jeisner]

see my sig for a pentax only forum... a lot more people for specific Penatx questions..

I have found the reliability of Pentax cameras very high and at least in my area the service department is great (I needed a new rear LCD (stuck pixels) on my ist DS and it was done and back to me in 3 days)

[SpecialK]

The K100D is great. Could not be happier. Go for it. There is nothing wrong with the image quality which is one of many reasons people like the camera, and it is in the buyer's guide right here at DCRP. I only read one negative post about image quality, and in that one the Pentax rep actually came out to see the photog and was of the opinion the older lens being may not truly be compatible (no ultimate resolution posted).

Wanted an XTi, thought about Nikon, went Pentax. I'd do it again.