I'm writing this from the perspective of someone who owns an LX, a ZX-5, and
a bunch of FA* glass. The high-end Pentax lenses are definitely good. If
you look at B&H New York prices, most Pentax lenses are comparable in price
to C***n, N***n, and M*****a lenses (there are a couple of exceptions,
including the overpriced FA* 80-200 F2.8). Pentax low-end bodies are, I
think, pretty comparable to C***n, N***n, and M*****a bodies in features and
price.
When they are released, Pentax high-end bodies are comparable to those of
the others, too. The LX rocked when it came out. Other contributors to the
PDML have said that the PZ-1p is comparable to the N***n N90s and is a
better deal (except for a couple of poor build-quality issues).
The problem that I see is that the Pentax high-end body planning and release
cycle is not well-run at all! How many of us would have been ecstatic to be
able to buy a camera derived from the PZ-1p, but with updated auto focus, a
real battery grip, and a vertical shutter release? As another example, the
ZX-5n/MZ-3 used to compare well in spec to equivalent C***n and N***n
products, but they are aging and noone is talking about replacements.
Is it worth it to build a Pentax system? From an objective perspective, you
can probably get better bodies and more good glass for less $$$ if you go
with N***n or something.
I built a Pentax collection partly because I started out with a P-3n and a
couple of lenses back in the 1980's, and partly because I like to be a
little different. I'll probably buy an MZ-S when they become available.
For me, it is worth it to build a Pentax system. My gear makes me happy. I
like taking pictures with it. It is cool to be able to put a 30 year-old
screw-mount lens on a brand-new body and be able to take a picture.
--Mark
http://www.westerickson.net/mark/mark.html
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