My firsy DSLR. Still got it though i have upgraded to a K3-iii now. Camera's like this and the newer K10-D are a great choice for those on a low budget and produce great results. Newer models like the K5, K3 and the K1 are good choices for those looking to upgrade but not willing to sell bodyparts to buy the latest mirrorless flagships. The added bonus is the vast array of manual, 35mm film era and modern HD digital lenses
the pentax *istd shares the exact same sensor as the nikon d70/d70s. my dad gifted me his d70s almost 10 years ago which he had bought brand new in 2004. up until 2 weeks ago, it was the only camera i have owned and only camera i shot with for 10 years. it to this day still blows me away by how well it produces images. that 6.1 CCD sensor is an absolute dream
As a new owner of *ist DS I'm glad to see such old cameras showing up on YT. So simple, so undistracting. Just joy of shooting, nothing else. Well, as long as the light is sufficient ;-)
Great video ! I'm a long time Pentax user (1977) and I have grown to love the way their cameras are designed. I shoot Nikon as well as Pentax and I can tell that Pentax cameras are designed by photographers and not engineers. Pentax cameras just handle so much better than my Nikons. Hang on to your 6MP camera as photographers are starting to realize that the older(more expensive) CCD sensor has a unique image quality that the newer (cheaper) CMOS sensors don't seem to have. I buy only used gear so I am always prowling my favorite photo equipment dealer for deals and notices that the older 6MP cameras wont last a single day on line. They are sold in a matter of hours. The menus on my Pentax cameras are so much easier to navigate than the ones on my Nikons. Again Pentax seems to have designers that are photographers first. I love my K50's , I enjoy my K5's and absolutely adore my K3's It's funny that now a days it's all about the higher dynamic range but there is an image setting on my Pentaxs which mimics slide film, with it's inherent narrow range and color saturation. It's nice sometimes to have the shadows go completely black. I use an awful lot of rechargeable AA batteries and have found that Powerowl 2800mah batteries are just as good as the Enelupe batteries as a fraction of the price. $23 US for 16 of them on Amazon. Please make more Pentax videos, Thank you. I agree with you 100%, If you want to shoot video, use a dedicated camcorder.
Hi Dominic. Thank you for your detailed comments. I can see you are a true Pentaxian.I can agree pretty much with all your comments here but I probably don't have the technical knowledge you do. I intend to do a review of my Pentax 6x7 before I get too much older and a few other pentaxes. Mainly film cameras.Thanks for the tip on the batteries. I will check them out.geoff.
I keep telling these bozos that Pentax stands by itself,and makes quality,not just specs,frills,and hype..Not only do they handle better,yet who in their right mind wants to even deal with The RECALL KING,and it's sometimes on/off quality??
Just a note on the name of this Pentax: the “*” in the beginning of the name is meant to be replaced by any combination to make it like “hobbyist”, “artist”, or whatever else you wish. Obviously many people didn’t catch the idea and the scheme was dropped by Pentax thereafter.
I am actually not sure they did. They did have a second *ist D (“s”?) I think, which was supposed to be just a slight improvement over the first. But don’t quote me on that, because I only saw that on a YT video myself and nowhere else.
Yes it was a real camera and I thought about buying one on the used market in Adelaide a few years back. They were called the *st . There were 2 other variations of the original *istD. They have been coming up on the used market over the last couple of years.Here is a link to the film version specs etc. www.pentaxforums.com/camerareviews/pentax-ist.html cheers Geoff@@dizzypuppy
Pentax made 5 different *ist models; D, DS, DS2, DL, & the DL2. The *ist DS has the highest score according to Pentax Forums, I see. Which I'll take with a grain of salt as the DS2 is nearly identical apart from a larger rear screen and a choice of focus modes, (also according to PF).😊
Interesting presentation Geoff - I still enjoy my old school Minolta Maxxum 7D which is a 6MP DSLR and very similar to your Pentax - I also have a few Takumar lenses M42 that I enjoy - I also have an old Penatax book written by Herbert Kepler the 10th edition (Pre DSLRs) and its a very informative read and especially on the Pentax range of lenses - excellent glass IMO - and I agree 6MP is quite adequate for most people - I have owned Fuji and Canon and Mamiya camera and currently enjoy my Sony A77ii - Greetings from Ireland
Thanks for your comments Paul. A friend of mine had the Minolta camera you speak of and it was a great camera.Good to have viewer from Ireland.cheers Geoff
That's great. A beautiful camera and mine has been on a long journey with me and I don't think I would ever sell it.It will be interesting to see what Pentax brings out in their new film cameras they are proposing.There was actually a film version of the *ist that was the last film slr they made.cheers Geoff
i myself am a young collector (25), i have never had the fanciest cameras, even now with the money i choose to go for more basic older Cameras film/digital. my absolute favourite is my EOS500D with very basic KF uv/CPL filters and a kit lens. for some reason this camera just reproduces colours so surreal i can hardly believe it, i do allot of surrealist architecture and landscape shots. it was a match made in heaven. long live CCD
I have owned a Pentax *istDL since 2005 and I still use it almost daily I leave it in my car and photograph anything of interest as I drive around. My first DSLR and owned Pentax cameras since the 1970's and was happy my legacy lens work on it
I'm researching Pentax' DSLR timeline at the moment. Google & YT know what I'm doing so they suggested your video now in 2024. Pentax started out pretty good digitally actually, with their feature rich *istD model in 2003. Then they proceeded to issue 6 upgrades but trimmed down/cheaper models through the next 3 years when some features /buttons were removed, but the rear screen got bigger. The DL/DL2 models got only pentamirror vs. pentaprism on the DS/DS2 cameras. In 2006 they ditched the *istD name (I say 'starist' D) for the present K- nomenclature with the K100/K110 models (also with pentamirrors) and later that same year with the K10D; finally a full feature model again, this time with a 10Mp sensor. One thing I notice with all the models up until the K-m is that they all retained the top LCD. And all had CCD sensors until the release of the K-7, (which was a very good body but a flop in its high ISO CMOS performance). The next model, the K-5 (that I purchased new at well below half of the initial MSRP as the store just wanted to get rid of it,) rectified that shortcoming. The K-5 is one of my most handsome and ergonomic cameras, and I use it in the rain and freezing temperatures with confidence. Later I've purchased a new, blue K-30 with that silver 31mm 1.8 and also a used K200D, in mint cond. for next to nothing. I found a new grip for that model which makes it a joy to use. What still surprises me most about my Pentax DSLRs is how well they tackle our Nordic light / white balance and exposure compared to my other brands of digitals. No tweaking necessary. Cheers and thx for reading and your review. There is something to be said for the 6Mp club!
Hi Lars. thank you for your interesting and comprehensive post.The pentax camera line is certainly interesting.I am glad you have enjoyed my video.All the best for your continuing research. cheers geoff
Hello Mr. Thompson. Thank you for the video. Couldn’t agree with you more. However, the current generation won’t realize what this video is all about. But people of my age (67) will surely do. Photography is an art; not science. The art remains unchanged. Film SLRs are the best type of photography equipment that real photographers used. With the change of time, due to its numerous advantages, people became reliant on DSLRs and also got concerned about conservation of nature. The early model DSLRs produced by the manufacturers were the best mainly because those cameras attempted to mimic the filmic feel. That’s the reason why images shot with those cameras look so smooth and heart-melting. Those cameras had CCD sensors with large pixels that produced cleaner images with less organic looking noise. Most of those were devoid of video options - an unnecessary distraction for still photographers. They produce lovely images. Being purely a hobbyist photographer and Canon user, I use 5D Classic, 5D Mark II and 40D for the images I try to create with love. Hope to get one Nikon D40 with its awesome CCD large pixel laden sensor. Being a still photographer; again in agreement with you that when I need to record few casual video clips, I use my smartphone. Strongly maintain; for capturing serious stories in movies; a dedicated video camera must be used. Thanks again.
Thank you for your comments Quazi. Its good to hear from an enthusiast like yourself.You have some good cameras you are using there.I don't fully understand the science of light or optics or cameras but I know and understand enough to create pictures I like.cheers Geoff
I agree. I still have mine that cost (GBP) £640 in the day and it still works perfectly and gives great image quality as it's only 6MP and so the pixels are further apart compared to the 24MP cameras using the same physical size of sensor. This leads to less noise in the final image. As long as you are not printing much bigger than 12x10 then its perfect. I also have a K1 and interesting to compare the image quality of the two cameras. High MP count does not always win!
Thanks Martyn. Interesting exercise to compare to the K1.A lot of what we purchase is because of hype and marketing. Unless you are striving to be the latest and greatest we often over do it. The higher end the cameras are the more complicated they get.When I first started using the *ist D itv was a simple transition form my Pentax Mzs film camera. cheers. geoff
I, too, started my digital journey with an *ist D. Since then, it has gone > K7 > K5 > K5 II >K3 > K3 II > K-1, and I still have them all except the *ist D, which I gave to my niece. My association with Pentax started a lot earlier with a P30, and I gradually moved up to a Z1p, which was my absolute favourite film camera. I love my K-1, and although it is four years old, its picture quality will stand toe to toe with most recent cameras from other manufacturers.
Hi Brian. Thanks for your comments. You certainly have been a pentax enthusiast.That's an impressive list. I was always tempted to buy the Z1p but never did. I have never known anyone who owned one. What were the best features about it?
@@pembridgehouse It had a lot of features found on more expensive cameras, like a 1/8000 top shutter speed. I just liked the design of it, with the flash shoe off to the right side, and how it felt in my hands. I used only Pentax equipment in those days, so I couldn't compare it with any other brand. Needless to say, I still have it, and the Z1 than preceded it. I also have an MZ-S and love that, but I bought it only a few years ago. I also used an MX in my film days: great little camera (still have that, too).
@@Gynra Thanks Brian. I think I bought the Mzs before I got round to buying the Z1P. I was using the sfxn before I bought the Mzs. The one I could never justify buying was the LX which was a professional level camera but it did not appear to have enough features for me to consider. I was doing weddings back then.cheers.
The film *ist _did_ also have the asterisk in the name, but did not have the "D" for digital. They were silly names and put me off buying one, it was hard to take it seriously and made it sound like a toy. I got a K10-D when they came out instead. Anyway, surely a change from film to digital deserved a completely different name, more than just adding a "D"? The *ist D had the advantage that it could use the old off-the-film controlled TTL flash, which the later DSLRs could not, because Pentax claimed digital sensors were not matt enough like film was. However, some people believe the later simpler P-TTL flash was to save costs.
Thanks for adding to the conversation Duke.Yes it was silly name.I bought a metz cobra style ttl flash for use with my pentax film cameras but I never had much joy with it.. I did enjoy hooking up my metz 45 series flashes to my pentaxes which worked a treat. cheers Geoff
Good video. I regret selling mine. I got to do a lot of years in Hawaii with that camera and just the kit lens which I think was 18-55 and not fast. But the images were full of color and light and beauty. It was my first digital camera and began my slow departure from medium format photography--my last medium format film camera was a Pentax; it was the 645nII--I think that is what it was called. They are still quite expensive. Anyway, I'm thinking of getting another *istDL, and your video makes this ever more likely. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks again for your comments. It's so tempting to buy cameras again these days to revisit what we once owned or desired when we didn't have the money.I still have my*istD and lots of other pentaxes. The pentax 645 original version was a favourite of mine and I sold it a little while back. I almost bought it back from the new owner recently but resisted the temptation.I have done a review of mine on this channel. cheers Geoff
Great video. As a keen enthusiast I fell into the trap of upgrade, upgrade, upgrade. I then got rid of a lot and got a pentax k10d for its weather sealing and I loved the old Pentax lenses I adapted to more modern mirrorless. Pentax are second to only Leica imo.
Thanks Paul. I have been away for a few days shooting on my Pentax Kx and Pedntax Kr digital SLR's. They are great value.Pentax are very underrated.cheers. Geoff.
Thanks for your comments.I plan to do a few more reviews down the track.The D90 is a good camera. Your channel looks good so I have subscribed.cheers. Geoff
@@pembridgehouse Thanks for subscribing Geoff and I've done for yours too. My videos were shot with a Cannon and an Olympus. Both are point and shoot cameras and the best camera's I've ever had!
@@srilankatravelstories Thanks.We have some wonderful technology now don't we. I enjoy watching how people in other parts of the world live and the flora and fauna and customs.
Thanks for passing by. Seems like you have a plan.I just read about the Pentax KF. I was not aware of it. Sounds like a good camera.I can't see the wisdom in a monochrome only camera. cheers geoff
I bought one many years ago and am still using it. The main reason I chose the Pentax ist D was to use my existing Pentax lenes. It's a great little camera.
A camera with an impressive reputation. I never owned one. They were always a little bit outside of my price range and the flash sync speed was slower than my other pentaxes.I used to do a lot of fill flash in weddings and the slower shutter flash sync speed was not something I was looking for. I would buy one now if I was looking for another pentax film camera but I have too many. cheers Geoff @@markhansen3111
I had an *ist in the past. I got some beautiful shots with it, but compared to the more recent cameras (such as the Pentax K-3 or Pentax K-1), it’s very outdated. You could probably pick up a second-hand K-3 or even the older K-5 quite cheap now, and both of those cameras are leaps and bounds ahead of the *ist in terms of dynamic range, high ISO and cropping ability. Even the feel of the later cameras is much more robust and professional (and they’re weather sealed, so you can use them when it rains, too). I’m kinda surprised that someone is still using an *ist as a primary camera, given the advances that have occurred since. But, I guess if you’re happy then that’s all that matters.
Hi Bert, thanks for your comments that I would mainly agree with. Just a couple of things. I do not use the *istD as my primary camera. I have a couple of Canon DSLr's that I use as main cameras. When I say my favourite that does not mean it is the best depending on how you define best.My main go to Pentax Digital Slr is a bit of a later model called the KR.It's a bit like you might have a favourite vintage car you own but you don't take it out that often.Your modern car might be a lot more efficient. We could afford an up to date modern car but we still drive and love our 20 year old Toyota Camry.If I was working as a commercial photographer, like when I used to do weddings, I would probably get the latest digital camera with all the bells and whistles.And yet I could still photograph a wedding with my original Pentax spotmatic camera that I used when I started.Of course that might be a bit more of a measured exercise. You won't find me reviewing the latest cameras on this channel.That is for those who are using them and buying them.It is interesting I sold an old super 8 movie camera recently to a young man who has a thriving wedding video business. He is selling his clients the super 8 experience as an adjunct to his main work.Super 8 is not perfect but a lot of old technology is in now.I am glad you found your way to my channel. Geoff Thompson
@@pembridgehouse Thanks for your reply, Geoff. Sorry, I misunderstood your video a bit. I thought you were still plying your trade with the *ist! I agree, it was a great little camera in its day. I don't have mine any more, but I did get some beautiful shots with it. Something about CCD sensors was more appealing than the modern CMOS chips, albeit with limitations. It would be fun to play with it again.
@@bertjilk3456 Thanks Bert. My videos are not slick and well rehearsed so I can be a bit misleading at times. If I find I have done something like that I usually try and make an addendum in the notes underneath.
@@pembridgehouse Yeah, I understand. I've begun making some videos recently too (on a very different topic), and I have had to make a few addendums as well.
Good video and content.I have and use my Pentax K1 mk2,and I laugh at all the dumb comments about the company.I laugh because it appears the majority would rather chase hype/specs,and instead of sheer quality,they deal with 49999 recalls,4888 firmware updates,and EasyBake ovens,etc.Like Goeff said,if you really NEED video quality,just get a camcorder or cinema camera and not have to deal with overheating,recording limits,or other issues.To want one device to do it all,and to cater to everyone,is simple delusion.I know with my Pentax,there is NO overheating,NO firmware needed to make it focus,NO one card slot issue,NO mount confusions,NO recalls,and I shoot in rain,sleet,cold,heat,etc,etc,which I have.I get inside,turn it upside down,wipe it off,and shove it back in my bag,or sling it over my shoulder.
Thanks Michael. People do tend to downgrade Pentax but there is really no good reason.I used Pentax film and Digital cameras doing weddings and also Canon. cheers Geoff
Somehow YT algoritm lead me to your video. I apreciate videos of experienced photographers. Looking forward your reviews of Nikon cameras/lenses since i´m user of the brand. Thanks
Hi Luis, thanks for your comments and interest.I intend to review my Nikons in the next few videos. I have the Nikon d60 and Nikon d70s and some nice lenses, I also have the Nikon F401s film camera. I will include that in the mix.Algorithms takes me a few places as well.Geoff
I still have my *istD. I use it for all shots in my electronics lab. The thing I like most about it is that it is still TTL compatible (as opposed to P-TTL only) so it gets my AF-500FTZ flash. That flash is a wonderful unit that Pentax made useless with their stupid move to P-TTL only. Not that I don't like my K-3 and K-3 II, but it sure pissed me off to have to buy a new flash unit to go with them (and the K-7 and K-10D before them).
@@pembridgehouse Nothing wrong with the AF-500FTZ except the move to P-TTL only in Pentax camera bodies. I've moved over to GODOX flashes at this point thought for my main lights. I also have a Yongnuo and a Pentax AF-360FGZ as backup, but none of them are really on par with the AF-500FTZ.
Hi Deeptesh. Thanks for your question. I would guess you are a cricket fan.Yes and I still follow cricket. I also played cricket as a fast bowler but that other guy spells his name with a J and mine is with a G.Anyway i have written a lot about cricket on my blog so here are a few links if you are interested.You will find lots about cricket with pics also if you look under cricket in my index. geoffthompsonsblog.blogspot.com/2014/12/underneath-fig-trees.html geoffthompsonsblog.blogspot.com/2014/12/australia-v-india-thursday-111214.html geoffthompsonsblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/thoughts-on-fast-bowling-by-geoff.html Thanks for watching. Geoff
Thanks Neilo. I don't have a Sony camera and it is not in competition or comparable to the Sony mirrorless range of cameras.Geoff.
3 года назад
@@pembridgehouse Awesome. Thanks for reply. So you are saying Sony uses mirror less cameras? What does that mean for an uninformed person like myself? Kindly explain if you ge time. No rush for immediate answers if you are busy. Thanks for information and stay strong. 😇🙏💯🌹💪😊❤️
@ Hullo again Neilo. I guess you are not a camera and photography enthusiast like many others. There are SLR cameras(Single Lens Reflex) and Mirrorless cameras that operate differently. Both types of cameras you can use different lenses on them.Both types of cameras are used by professionals and enthusiasts. Some say the mirrorless cameras have an advantage. In a mirrorless camera you often are usually looking through an electronic viewfinder.In a SLR you are looking through a viewfinder with a prism much like a pair of binoculars. I prefer the SLR's at present.I hope that is not too confusing.
@ My pleasure Neilo. Perhaps you should start learning a bit about photography. The basics are very simple really. There are many people who teach photography on youtube.all the best Geoff.
Hi Donal. I have 5 blogs which are listed and linked on my youtube introduction video. Here is the original blog which has links to the others. thanks Geoff geoffthompsonsblog.blogspot.com/
Very interesting video but I am always surprised to see 'experienced' photographers holding a camera like a 'novice' when taking photos. No photographer worth his bread focusses a lens like You do, totally unstable from the side instead from the bottom close to the body. Basic stuff.
My first DSLR was a Pentax K100D super followed by the K 10D, Kr, K5 MKII, K3, MKII AND MKIII, Kp and K1 MKII. I never sold any of the cameras and it did not stop there, i have added Panasonic,, Olympus, Fujifilm and recently two Nikon models, the Z6Ii and the Zf, so i have cameras from full frame, APSC and micro 4/3. I have yet to break the news to my wife that we will need to upgrade our cemetery plot so I can get buried with some of my cameras as i never go anywhere without one so why should that change in the after life.
Thanks for this. It's hard to let go of them isn't it? Mine that are still here when I'm gone will probably go in a skip.I am not sure we will need a camera after death. I have written about the photography of Matthew,Mark,Luke and John so perhaps they are still recording things.cheers Geoff
My firsy DSLR. Still got it though i have upgraded to a K3-iii now. Camera's like this and the newer K10-D are a great choice for those on a low budget and produce great results. Newer models like the K5, K3 and the K1 are good choices for those looking to upgrade but not willing to sell bodyparts to buy the latest mirrorless flagships. The added bonus is the vast array of manual, 35mm film era and modern HD digital lenses
Thanks for your comments Martin. Pentax has done a lot for photography and I still have several pentax models film and digital. cheers geoff
My favorite camera is the D700. Still use it to this day and have no intention of stopping. A documentarian powerhouse.
@@KandiKlover thanks for dropping in. Some cameras are special. Cheers. Geoff.
the pentax *istd shares the exact same sensor as the nikon d70/d70s. my dad gifted me his d70s almost 10 years ago which he had bought brand new in 2004. up until 2 weeks ago, it was the only camera i have owned and only camera i shot with for 10 years. it to this day still blows me away by how well it produces images. that 6.1 CCD sensor is an absolute dream
I agree. I have a D70s as well and I love it.I didn't know the sensor was the same as the pentax.I love the quality of both. Thanks. Geoff
The *ist DS was also my first DSLR having moved across from the ME Super. Traded it in for a K-5 then moved up through each of the K-3 variants!
thanks ray a true pentax man. cheers geoff
As a new owner of *ist DS I'm glad to see such old cameras showing up on YT. So simple, so undistracting. Just joy of shooting, nothing else. Well, as long as the light is sufficient ;-)
Thanks Ryszard for your comments. I am glad you found this interesting.I'm with you simple and undistracting. Sums it up well. cheers Geoff
Great video ! I'm a long time Pentax user (1977) and I have grown to love the way their cameras are designed. I shoot Nikon as well as Pentax and I can tell that Pentax cameras are designed by photographers and not engineers. Pentax cameras just handle so much better than my Nikons. Hang on to your 6MP camera as photographers are starting to realize that the older(more expensive) CCD sensor has a unique image quality that the newer (cheaper) CMOS sensors don't seem to have. I buy only used gear so I am always prowling my favorite photo equipment dealer for deals and notices that the older 6MP cameras wont last a single day on line. They are sold in a matter of hours. The menus on my Pentax cameras are so much easier to navigate than the ones on my Nikons. Again Pentax seems to have designers that are photographers first. I love my K50's , I enjoy my K5's and absolutely adore my K3's It's funny that now a days it's all about the higher dynamic range but there is an image setting on my Pentaxs which mimics slide film, with it's inherent narrow range and color saturation. It's nice sometimes to have the shadows go completely black. I use an awful lot of rechargeable AA batteries and have found that Powerowl 2800mah batteries are just as good as the Enelupe batteries as a fraction of the price. $23 US for 16 of them on Amazon. Please make more Pentax videos, Thank you. I agree with you 100%, If you want to shoot video, use a dedicated camcorder.
Hi Dominic. Thank you for your detailed comments. I can see you are a true Pentaxian.I can agree pretty much with all your comments here but I probably don't have the technical knowledge you do. I intend to do a review of my Pentax 6x7 before I get too much older and a few other pentaxes. Mainly film cameras.Thanks for the tip on the batteries. I will check them out.geoff.
I love my Pentax cameras I have five of them a Spotmatic, *istDL, K100D, K70 and a K3-11 I use them all they are all great cameras
I agree the CCD sensor cameras just seem to have a different look than the CMOS sensor cameras. My 6 megapixel Pentax take great pictures
I keep telling these bozos that Pentax stands by itself,and makes quality,not just specs,frills,and hype..Not only do they handle better,yet who in their right mind wants to even deal with The RECALL KING,and it's sometimes on/off quality??
Pan Wróblewski? Polak? zgadzam się w pełni z Panem jeslichodzi matrycę CCD ale niedlugo znikną już te aparaty
Just a note on the name of this Pentax: the “*” in the beginning of the name is meant to be replaced by any combination to make it like “hobbyist”, “artist”, or whatever else you wish. Obviously many people didn’t catch the idea and the scheme was dropped by Pentax thereafter.
thanks for the interesting explanation . it is of interest that they also had a film camera with a similar name. cheers Geoff
I am actually not sure they did. They did have a second *ist D (“s”?) I think, which was supposed to be just a slight improvement over the first. But don’t quote me on that, because I only saw that on a YT video myself and nowhere else.
Yes it was a real camera and I thought about buying one on the used market in Adelaide a few years back. They were called the *st . There were 2 other variations of the original *istD. They have been coming up on the used market over the last couple of years.Here is a link to the film version specs etc. www.pentaxforums.com/camerareviews/pentax-ist.html
cheers Geoff@@dizzypuppy
Pentax made 5 different *ist models; D, DS, DS2, DL, & the DL2.
The *ist DS has the highest score according to Pentax Forums, I see.
Which I'll take with a grain of salt as the DS2 is nearly identical apart from a larger rear screen and a choice of focus modes, (also according to PF).😊
Interesting presentation Geoff - I still enjoy my old school Minolta Maxxum 7D which is a 6MP DSLR and very similar to your Pentax - I also have a few Takumar lenses M42 that I enjoy - I also have an old Penatax book written by Herbert Kepler the 10th edition (Pre DSLRs) and its a very informative read and especially on the Pentax range of lenses - excellent glass IMO - and I agree 6MP is quite adequate for most people - I have owned Fuji and Canon and Mamiya camera and currently enjoy my Sony A77ii - Greetings from Ireland
Thanks for your comments Paul. A friend of mine had the Minolta camera you speak of and it was a great camera.Good to have viewer from Ireland.cheers Geoff
Thank you for this review.....I was gifted this camera this evening for an early birthday gift. So far it is great!
That's great. A beautiful camera and mine has been on a long journey with me and I don't think I would ever sell it.It will be interesting to see what Pentax brings out in their new film cameras they are proposing.There was actually a film version of the *ist that was the last film slr they made.cheers Geoff
i myself am a young collector (25), i have never had the fanciest cameras, even now with the money i choose to go for more basic older Cameras film/digital. my absolute favourite is my EOS500D with very basic KF uv/CPL filters and a kit lens. for some reason this camera just reproduces colours so surreal i can hardly believe it, i do allot of surrealist architecture and landscape shots. it was a match made in heaven. long live CCD
Thanks for your comments. My first Canon DSLR was the 400d which is also a great camera with rich colours.cheersd geoff
I have owned a Pentax *istDL since 2005 and I still use it almost daily I leave it in my car and photograph anything of interest as I drive around. My first DSLR and owned Pentax cameras since the 1970's and was happy my legacy lens work on it
I still have my first K1000 from 1977 and the original 50mm f2.0 M series.
Thanks for your comments and subscription. Good to hear from another pentax enthusiast.
glad im not the only one that frequently drives with my dslr to randomly photograph anything that comes up =] fun times
I'm researching Pentax' DSLR timeline at the moment. Google & YT know what I'm doing so they suggested your video now in 2024.
Pentax started out pretty good digitally actually, with their feature rich *istD model in 2003. Then they proceeded to issue 6 upgrades but trimmed down/cheaper models through the next 3 years when some features /buttons were removed, but the rear screen got bigger. The DL/DL2 models got only pentamirror vs. pentaprism on the DS/DS2 cameras.
In 2006 they ditched the *istD name (I say 'starist' D) for the present K- nomenclature with the K100/K110 models (also with pentamirrors) and later that same year with the K10D; finally a full feature model again, this time with a 10Mp sensor. One thing I notice with all the models up until the K-m is that they all retained the top LCD. And all had CCD sensors until the release of the K-7, (which was a very good body but a flop in its high ISO CMOS performance).
The next model, the K-5 (that I purchased new at well below half of the initial MSRP as the store just wanted to get rid of it,) rectified that shortcoming.
The K-5 is one of my most handsome and ergonomic cameras, and I use it in the rain and freezing temperatures with confidence.
Later I've purchased a new, blue K-30 with that silver 31mm 1.8 and also a used K200D, in mint cond. for next to nothing. I found a new grip for that model which makes it a joy to use.
What still surprises me most about my Pentax DSLRs is how well they tackle our Nordic light / white balance and exposure compared to my other brands of digitals. No tweaking necessary.
Cheers and thx for reading and your review.
There is something to be said for the 6Mp club!
Hi Lars. thank you for your interesting and comprehensive post.The pentax camera line is certainly interesting.I am glad you have enjoyed my video.All the best for your continuing research. cheers geoff
Hello Mr. Thompson. Thank you for the video. Couldn’t agree with you more.
However, the current generation won’t realize what this video is all about. But people of my age (67) will surely do. Photography is an art; not science. The art remains unchanged.
Film SLRs are the best type of photography equipment that real photographers used. With the change of time, due to its numerous advantages, people became reliant on DSLRs and also got concerned about conservation of nature. The early model DSLRs produced by the manufacturers were the best mainly because those cameras attempted to mimic the filmic feel. That’s the reason why images shot with those cameras look so smooth and heart-melting. Those cameras had CCD sensors with large pixels that produced cleaner images with less organic looking noise. Most of those were devoid of video options - an unnecessary distraction for still photographers. They produce lovely images. Being purely a hobbyist photographer and Canon user, I use 5D Classic, 5D Mark II and 40D for the images I try to create with love. Hope to get one Nikon D40 with its awesome CCD large pixel laden sensor.
Being a still photographer; again in agreement with you that when I need to record few casual video clips, I use my smartphone. Strongly maintain; for capturing serious stories in movies; a dedicated video camera must be used.
Thanks again.
Thank you for your comments Quazi. Its good to hear from an enthusiast like yourself.You have some good cameras you are using there.I don't fully understand the science of light or optics or cameras but I know and understand enough to create pictures I like.cheers Geoff
@@pembridgehouse 👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️
I agree. I still have mine that cost (GBP) £640 in the day and it still works perfectly and gives great image quality as it's only 6MP and so the pixels are further apart compared to the 24MP cameras using the same physical size of sensor. This leads to less noise in the final image. As long as you are not printing much bigger than 12x10 then its perfect. I also have a K1 and interesting to compare the image quality of the two cameras. High MP count does not always win!
Thanks Martyn. Interesting exercise to compare to the K1.A lot of what we purchase is because of hype and marketing. Unless you are striving to be the latest and greatest we often over do it. The higher end the cameras are the more complicated they get.When I first started using the *ist D itv was a simple transition form my Pentax Mzs film camera. cheers. geoff
I, too, started my digital journey with an *ist D. Since then, it has gone > K7 > K5 > K5 II >K3 > K3 II > K-1, and I still have them all except the *ist D, which I gave to my niece. My association with Pentax started a lot earlier with a P30, and I gradually moved up to a Z1p, which was my absolute favourite film camera. I love my K-1, and although it is four years old, its picture quality will stand toe to toe with most recent cameras from other manufacturers.
Hi Brian. Thanks for your comments. You certainly have been a pentax enthusiast.That's an impressive list. I was always tempted to buy the Z1p but never did. I have never known anyone who owned one. What were the best features about it?
@@pembridgehouse It had a lot of features found on more expensive cameras, like a 1/8000 top shutter speed. I just liked the design of it, with the flash shoe off to the right side, and how it felt in my hands. I used only Pentax equipment in those days, so I couldn't compare it with any other brand. Needless to say, I still have it, and the Z1 than preceded it. I also have an MZ-S and love that, but I bought it only a few years ago. I also used an MX in my film days: great little camera (still have that, too).
@@Gynra Thanks Brian. I think I bought the Mzs before I got round to buying the Z1P. I was using the sfxn before I bought the Mzs. The one I could never justify buying was the LX which was a professional level camera but it did not appear to have enough features for me to consider. I was doing weddings back then.cheers.
The film *ist _did_ also have the asterisk in the name, but did not have the "D" for digital. They were silly names and put me off buying one, it was hard to take it seriously and made it sound like a toy. I got a K10-D when they came out instead. Anyway, surely a change from film to digital deserved a completely different name, more than just adding a "D"?
The *ist D had the advantage that it could use the old off-the-film controlled TTL flash, which the later DSLRs could not, because Pentax claimed digital sensors were not matt enough like film was. However, some people believe the later simpler P-TTL flash was to save costs.
Thanks for adding to the conversation Duke.Yes it was silly name.I bought a metz cobra style ttl flash for use with my pentax film cameras but I never had much joy with it.. I did enjoy hooking up my metz 45 series flashes to my pentaxes which worked a treat. cheers Geoff
Good video. I regret selling mine. I got to do a lot of years in Hawaii with that camera and just the kit lens which I think was 18-55 and not fast. But the images were full of color and light and beauty. It was my first digital camera and began my slow departure from medium format photography--my last medium format film camera was a Pentax; it was the 645nII--I think that is what it was called. They are still quite expensive. Anyway, I'm thinking of getting another *istDL, and your video makes this ever more likely. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks again for your comments. It's so tempting to buy cameras again these days to revisit what we once owned or desired when we didn't have the money.I still have my*istD and lots of other pentaxes. The pentax 645 original version was a favourite of mine and I sold it a little while back. I almost bought it back from the new owner recently but resisted the temptation.I have done a review of mine on this channel. cheers Geoff
Great video. As a keen enthusiast I fell into the trap of upgrade, upgrade, upgrade. I then got rid of a lot and got a pentax k10d for its weather sealing and I loved the old Pentax lenses I adapted to more modern mirrorless. Pentax are second to only Leica imo.
Thanks Paul. I have been away for a few days shooting on my Pentax Kx and Pedntax Kr digital SLR's. They are great value.Pentax are very underrated.cheers. Geoff.
Enjoyed your video. It is always nice to see camera review videos! I've got a Nikon D90 and a Tokina 11-16mm and very happy with them!
Thanks for your comments.I plan to do a few more reviews down the track.The D90 is a good camera. Your channel looks good so I have subscribed.cheers. Geoff
@@pembridgehouse Thanks for subscribing Geoff and I've done for yours too. My videos were shot with a Cannon and an Olympus. Both are point and shoot cameras and the best camera's I've ever had!
@@srilankatravelstories Thanks.We have some wonderful technology now don't we. I enjoy watching how people in other parts of the world live and the flora and fauna and customs.
@@pembridgehouse Yes, it is amazing! I'll be doing more videos to show the culture, history and nature of Sri Lanka.
Have the Pentax P30 and P50 ...and in the next days I buy the new KF ! Next year the Monochrome (K3 mark III)
Thanks for passing by. Seems like you have a plan.I just read about the Pentax KF. I was not aware of it. Sounds like a good camera.I can't see the wisdom in a monochrome only camera. cheers geoff
I bought one many years ago and am still using it. The main reason I chose the Pentax ist D was to use my existing Pentax lenes. It's a great little camera.
Thanks for your comment Mark. A good reason to buy it and a good reason to keep it. cheers Geoff
@@pembridgehouse My film camers before the istD was the Pentax LX. Still have it.
A camera with an impressive reputation. I never owned one. They were always a little bit outside of my price range and the flash sync speed was slower than my other pentaxes.I used to do a lot of fill flash in weddings and the slower shutter flash sync speed was not something I was looking for. I would buy one now if I was looking for another pentax film camera but I have too many.
cheers Geoff @@markhansen3111
Love Pentax! Too bad that one didn't have the weather proofing like the 10D to keep the coke out! Just getting into the 10 D cuz I dig pentax Cheers
Yes the weather sealing might have saved it. But the camera is still working fine. Enjoy your 10d. cheers Geoff
Thank you for sharing
Thanks for watching!Geoff
I had an *ist in the past. I got some beautiful shots with it, but compared to the more recent cameras (such as the Pentax K-3 or Pentax K-1), it’s very outdated. You could probably pick up a second-hand K-3 or even the older K-5 quite cheap now, and both of those cameras are leaps and bounds ahead of the *ist in terms of dynamic range, high ISO and cropping ability. Even the feel of the later cameras is much more robust and professional (and they’re weather sealed, so you can use them when it rains, too).
I’m kinda surprised that someone is still using an *ist as a primary camera, given the advances that have occurred since. But, I guess if you’re happy then that’s all that matters.
Hi Bert, thanks for your comments that I would mainly agree with. Just a couple of things. I do not use the *istD as my primary camera. I have a couple of Canon DSLr's that I use as main cameras. When I say my favourite that does not mean it is the best depending on how you define best.My main go to Pentax Digital Slr is a bit of a later model called the KR.It's a bit like you might have a favourite vintage car you own but you don't take it out that often.Your modern car might be a lot more efficient. We could afford an up to date modern car but we still drive and love our 20 year old Toyota Camry.If I was working as a commercial photographer, like when I used to do weddings, I would probably get the latest digital camera with all the bells and whistles.And yet I could still photograph a wedding with my original Pentax spotmatic camera that I used when I started.Of course that might be a bit more of a measured exercise. You won't find me reviewing the latest cameras on this channel.That is for those who are using them and buying them.It is interesting I sold an old super 8 movie camera recently to a young man who has a thriving wedding video business. He is selling his clients the super 8 experience as an adjunct to his main work.Super 8 is not perfect but a lot of old technology is in now.I am glad you found your way to my channel. Geoff Thompson
@@pembridgehouse Thanks for your reply, Geoff. Sorry, I misunderstood your video a bit. I thought you were still plying your trade with the *ist!
I agree, it was a great little camera in its day. I don't have mine any more, but I did get some beautiful shots with it. Something about CCD sensors was more appealing than the modern CMOS chips, albeit with limitations. It would be fun to play with it again.
@@bertjilk3456 Thanks Bert. My videos are not slick and well rehearsed so I can be a bit misleading at times. If I find I have done something like that I usually try and make an addendum in the notes underneath.
@@pembridgehouse Yeah, I understand. I've begun making some videos recently too (on a very different topic), and I have had to make a few addendums as well.
Yeah you should get something more modern, like my K10D 😉
Good video and content.I have and use my Pentax K1 mk2,and I laugh at all the dumb comments about the company.I laugh because it appears the majority would rather chase hype/specs,and instead of sheer quality,they deal with 49999 recalls,4888 firmware updates,and EasyBake ovens,etc.Like Goeff said,if you really NEED video quality,just get a camcorder or cinema camera and not have to deal with overheating,recording limits,or other issues.To want one device to do it all,and to cater to everyone,is simple delusion.I know with my Pentax,there is NO overheating,NO firmware needed to make it focus,NO one card slot issue,NO mount confusions,NO recalls,and I shoot in rain,sleet,cold,heat,etc,etc,which I have.I get inside,turn it upside down,wipe it off,and shove it back in my bag,or sling it over my shoulder.
Thanks Michael. People do tend to downgrade Pentax but there is really no good reason.I used Pentax film and Digital cameras doing weddings and also Canon. cheers Geoff
@@pembridgehouse They downgraded Toyotas too but Oldsmobile,Pontiac,and many others went bye bye,didnt they??
Somehow YT algoritm lead me to your video. I apreciate videos of experienced photographers. Looking forward your reviews of Nikon cameras/lenses since i´m user of the brand. Thanks
Hi Luis, thanks for your comments and interest.I intend to review my Nikons in the next few videos. I have the Nikon d60 and Nikon d70s and some nice lenses, I also have the Nikon F401s film camera. I will include that in the mix.Algorithms takes me a few places as well.Geoff
I still have my *istD. I use it for all shots in my electronics lab. The thing I like most about it is that it is still TTL compatible (as opposed to P-TTL only) so it gets my AF-500FTZ flash. That flash is a wonderful unit that Pentax made useless with their stupid move to P-TTL only. Not that I don't like my K-3 and K-3 II, but it sure pissed me off to have to buy a new flash unit to go with them (and the K-7 and K-10D before them).
Pentax does not seem to have been good at flashes. I have usually used other brands. Thanks for your comments.
@@pembridgehouse Nothing wrong with the AF-500FTZ except the move to P-TTL only in Pentax camera bodies. I've moved over to GODOX flashes at this point thought for my main lights. I also have a Yongnuo and a Pentax AF-360FGZ as backup, but none of them are really on par with the AF-500FTZ.
@@uni-byte Thanks for your comments. It's good to hear from someone who still uses flash. Many don't seem to anymore.
I got one, works great.
Good one!
Geoff, did you follow cricket back in the day?
Hi Deeptesh. Thanks for your question. I would guess you are a cricket fan.Yes and I still follow cricket. I also played cricket as a fast bowler but that other guy spells his name with a J and mine is with a G.Anyway i have written a lot about cricket on my blog so here are a few links if you are interested.You will find lots about cricket with pics also if you look under cricket in my index.
geoffthompsonsblog.blogspot.com/2014/12/underneath-fig-trees.html
geoffthompsonsblog.blogspot.com/2014/12/australia-v-india-thursday-111214.html
geoffthompsonsblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/thoughts-on-fast-bowling-by-geoff.html
Thanks for watching. Geoff
could you do a video on how to shoot the K1 in SILENT ELECTRONIC SHUTTER MODE - please :)
I am sorry I don't own Pentax K1 camera so I cant help you. Geoff
Awesome. That's a great camera. Love it. How does it compare to the Sony one? Thanks. Stay strong 🙏💪🎵🎊💯❤️
Thanks Neilo. I don't have a Sony camera and it is not in competition or comparable to the Sony mirrorless range of cameras.Geoff.
@@pembridgehouse Awesome. Thanks for reply. So you are saying Sony uses mirror less cameras? What does that mean for an uninformed person like myself? Kindly explain if you ge time. No rush for immediate answers if you are busy. Thanks for information and stay strong. 😇🙏💯🌹💪😊❤️
@ Hullo again Neilo. I guess you are not a camera and photography enthusiast like many others. There are SLR cameras(Single Lens Reflex) and Mirrorless cameras that operate differently. Both types of cameras you can use different lenses on them.Both types of cameras are used by professionals and enthusiasts. Some say the mirrorless cameras have an advantage. In a mirrorless camera you often are usually looking through an electronic viewfinder.In a SLR you are looking through a viewfinder with a prism much like a pair of binoculars. I prefer the SLR's at present.I hope that is not too confusing.
@ My pleasure Neilo. Perhaps you should start learning a bit about photography. The basics are very simple really. There are many people who teach photography on youtube.all the best Geoff.
What is your blog? URL?
Hi Donal. I have 5 blogs which are listed and linked on my youtube introduction video. Here is the original blog which has links to the others. thanks Geoff geoffthompsonsblog.blogspot.com/
Very interesting video but I am always surprised to see 'experienced' photographers holding a camera like a 'novice' when taking photos. No photographer worth his bread focusses a lens like You do, totally unstable from the side instead from the bottom close to the body. Basic stuff.
Thank you for your observation. I will have review and think about it. Geoff
My first DSLR was a Pentax K100D super followed by the K 10D, Kr, K5 MKII, K3, MKII AND MKIII, Kp and K1 MKII. I never sold any of the cameras and it did not stop there, i have added Panasonic,, Olympus, Fujifilm and recently two Nikon models, the Z6Ii and the Zf, so i have cameras from full frame, APSC and micro 4/3. I have yet to break the news to my wife that we will need to upgrade our cemetery plot so I can get buried with some of my cameras as i never go anywhere without one so why should that change in the after life.
Thanks for this. It's hard to let go of them isn't it? Mine that are still here when I'm gone will probably go in a skip.I am not sure we will need a camera after death. I have written about the photography of Matthew,Mark,Luke and John so perhaps they are still recording things.cheers Geoff