Why did you pick Pentax?

[yolanda_b]

It would seem that Pentax is an uncommon choice for cameras. So the reason you chose this brand might be interesting.
I chose Pentax in 1987 because that was what I was told was the best choice of entry level SLR camera for a beginner.
Since I was already into Pentax and could save a buck or two on the lens, and because I was pretty satisfied with the quality, I chose to stay with that brand. The more I learn, the happier I am about it. I'll never wear a branded sweat shirt, don't want anyone's faddy logo on my butt, and the cachet of using a camera that's not "popular" really appeals to me.

[Fred flyfisher]

Originally Posted by yolanda_b

It would seem that Pentax is an uncommon choice for cameras. So the reason you chose this brand might be interesting.
I chose Pentax in 1987 because that was what I was told was the best choice of entry level SLR camera for a beginner.
Since I was already into Pentax and could save a buck or two on the lens, and because I was pretty satisfied with the quality, I chose to stay with that brand. The more I learn, the happier I am about it. I'll never wear a branded sweat shirt, don't want anyone's faddy logo on my butt, and the cachet of using a camera that's not "popular" really appeals to me.

It's an interesting question for sure. I started out with a K1000 SLR in 1982. I love that camera, it's still used by my youngest child. My choice of the K100D was poo pooed by my pro photog father-in-law but I don't care. I'm like you in that I care not to have some company's name or logo emblazoned across any part of my anatomy. I have been very pleased with the K100D so I'm solidly a Pentaxian I guess. I picked it because of past experience with Pentax, the obvious price difference, the features and the plethora of available lenses made it an easy choice.

[jimshin]

I bought my first Pentax in 1968. I bought a seconhand Asahi Pentax Spotmatic as my initial venture into through the lense metering. This gave me exceptional service in the heat and humidity of the Kimberleys, mostly with coloured slides.
My next move was to a Pentax MX and then the SF7. I had no complaints with their performance but moved into DSLR with a package purchase ex USA of an *istD series L.with a range of lenses. My only disappointment is that some of the features of the *istD were omitted from the L series to make it more suitable to the basic photographer with a lower budget. I did not know at the time. Pentax has always been good for me but I do feel a bit left out with the number of Canon and Nikon users using this forum and obviously used by many of those submitting articles.

[BigSquareHead]

Started in '78 (at the tender age of 12) with a K1000 and shot so many rolls of film I can't even imagine. Most 12 year olds spend their allowance on baseball cards or comic books. I spent mine on Kodachrome.

My dad wanted me to learn how to use a camera, f-stops, focus, DOF, the works. And boy I'm glad he did.

That K1000 took all the abuse I could hand it and it N-E-V-E-R let me down. I dropped it (more than I care to admit). I jostled it for miles and miles while I rode my bicycle with it jammed in a gym bag. I left it in my Dad's trunk in sub-zero weather (he took the car to the airport for a business trip for 2 weeks - it was like someone took my right hand). I hiked with it up in the White Mountain range in NH with it stuffed in my day pack with PB&J's, dirty socks, and water bottles in there to keep it company.

Pull it out, turn the focus ring, and push the button.

I had my original K1000 stolen in a house break-in (which all these years later still hurts) and replaced it with an ME Super. I was nervous. It was more advanced, had WAY more buttons and controls than my "K". It was a beauty, but would it be as reliable?

Yep.

I still have it and we'll be celebrating our Silver Anniversary together next year (please no cards or flowers necessary ). It just works. I've had it CLA'd a couple of times, changed the batteries and pulled roll after roll out of it.

They are built like tanks, reliable, and capable, I couldn't leave the Pentax Nest.

I bought an *ist DS (quite possibly the dumbest names for a camera line IMO) back in '05 for a trip to Yellowstone. It's got over 12k shutter cycles on it and it is now being used by both my son and daughter as a way to learn photography. Its still going strong and being heavily worked out by my 13 and 11 year old.

I bought my K20D late last year (kind of on a whim) and like the 3 before it, it just works. With it's metal frame and its weather sealing it feels like it's up to the same vigorous use my other Pentax cameras got. And so far, so good.

I only hope that Hoya does right by Pentax and keeps them alive and relevant. I think (and yeah, the Nikon and Canon guys will pummel me for saying it, but so be it) that Pentax made and makes some of the finest optics that are on par (or even better) than those offered by the Big 2. Not the broadest selection. Certainly not the most popular in terms of sales figures, but still some exceptionally fine glass.

Sorry for the long winded response, but thanks for letting me trip down memory lane.

[mattdm]

I was attracted to the system for the DA Limited "pancake" lenses, and also pretty happy that the K10D was such a solid and well-featured camera body for the price. And I've stayed with Pentax because those pancake lenses are indeed amazing — no one else really does anything even close to comparable to the current Pentax prime-lens lineup.

[ejones]

Several reasons...some of which you pointed out...

Bought my first new SLR (35mm film) a little more than 7 years ago, just before the birth of my first daughter. It was a Pentax ZX-30. Very pleased with it - it let me down once while it was still under warranty, but was fine after it was repaired.

The quality was very good - very rugged - could take a beating, and still produce great shots (minus the operator error).

So, the primary reason was the brand had treated me well...I tend to be loyal when I find a good performing brand. Other reasons:

1. Ability to use older Pentax lenses. I only had 1, but $150 is $150...if you can spare $150, I'll gladly take it

2. I like the ability to use AA batteries if needed

3. I like having a brand that not too many other people have

4. I don't think you can beat the combination of price and performance...

Overall, still thrilled with the brand. Unless something crazy happens, whenever I upgrade, it will be to another Pentax.

[GEli]

Picked Pentax because of the K10D and its combination of solid, weather sealed construction and excellent pricepoint.

Left Pentax digital because of the K10D's sluggish AF, poor high ISO performance and the recent massive increase in Canadian prices (+60 to 100%).

Stayed with Pentax film because I wub my LX and the tiny but solid FA 50mm f/1.4 <3.

[BirdDude007]

Well this is one of my first posts other than one in 'introductions' thread.
I grew up and learned everything I know with a Pentax ME, man I loved that thing, YOU COULD'T KILL THAT THING!!! then one day someone stole it, I bought a Pentax ME Super, like always it too is an awesome camera although it sits out in the storage building(havent used it in ten years) I went to using point and shoot cameras once everything went digital, I was bummed about digital, felt let down, kept hoping they would invent some sort of digital adapter device for the old SLRs(you know like how they used to have those interchangeable data backs for them? why couldn't they invent a back like those that converted the old cameras to digital?) My first digital camera I bought was a Pentax Optio S5i (brand loyalty drove me to this purchase) now this is a nifty little camera at only 5 megapixels(I still have it after five years, used the heck out of it and now my eight year old daughter uses it, not bad for a small digital camera), after time I wanted something a bit faster than that one was, and I just bought my wife a Cannon compact at 8 megapixels and I was so impressed with that compact that I was sold on digital cameras and ended up buying a Cannon powershot SD770 IS with 10 megapixels, I am totally satisfied with this little camera and since I like it so much I am starting to look towards getting back into photography heavily again and so I am looking for a new DSLR, well this brings me back to "brand loyalty" again and I am scoping out Pentax DSLRs for that next big purchase. I am going to have to learn so much more now seeing as I know nothing about the ins and outs of digital workings, but I am a fast learner, your help will be greatly appreciated.......thanks.......007

PS: I hope you all like photos of exotic birds because I have several of them and I LOVE photographing them

[Turkey_Lips]

You mean they make another DSLR brand?
I was shopping for my first DSLR in 2006 and the nicest people seemed to be in the Pentax Forums, I also liked that I could use all the lenses they ever made on any DSLR camera I purchased from Pentax.

[hnikesch]

I too had several 35mm K mount lenses and for that reason got the K2000, my other digitals are Canon SD series because of the size and the CHDK hack that provides lots of additions
Hans