Actually, I've joined the list loaded with questions. I've wanted the *ist D ever since they came out, but as you are all probably aware, some reviewers aren't particularly happy with it. Its main problems seem to come down to two:Hello, Jon. I did the same thing. This list is a wealth of information about things Pentax. It is also just fun to read.
I have had no real problems with the CF slot. I had read about it before buying the *istD in February. So I purchased PostIt Flags from an office supply store. They are sticky on one end and not on the other. They are normally used for marking pages in a book or document but on a CF card they give you something to hold onto to pull the card out if it doesn't eject enough. Some CF cards almost "jump" out when the button is pressed and others barely come out. On balance it is a small thing to me.1. The compact flash memory slot
2. Lack of histogram. I have read nothing on the web that indicates that a firmware upgrade fixed this problem, so I presume it's still an issue?I have read a multitude of opinions about the histogram and frankly don't understand the big deal. I never use it. Occasionally I will review my pictures when I am in questionable conditions (I shoot my son's high school soccer which is often at night in poorly lit stadiums) but I never use the histogram. Maybe I should....
There are two things that I have found a little disconcerting. One is the battery indicator. I just bought the grip so haven't had occasion to see how the indication works with it but I have found that the true indication of low battery is when the camera starts "acting up". I have the had shutter "lock" a couple of times and it was just a low battery. I have to admit my heart stopped when it happened because once it was in a light rain and I thought that I had screwed up (I ruined a ZXM once by not getting out the rain). The other thing that bothers me is the battery compartment door. Every time I put new batteries in and close that door I am afraid that it is going to break because there is a bit of force involved in closing it because the batteries protrude a bit out of the slot because of some sort of spring on the contacts inside. I don't know if there is any danger of breakage but it still worries me.
(and a third, not so important it seems) 3. some odd ergonomic/interface quirks...
For those of you who have used this camera extensively, how much of a problem are the two (three) above-mentioned issues? Also, are there any other weird problems you have had with the *istD that have bugged you more and more over time (more related to the third question)?The *istD works fine with manual lenses. The only AF lens I have is the DA 16-45 which is a great lens. Most of my shooting (all at soccer games) is with either a Tokina 100-300 f4 or a Tokina 80-200 f2.8. Both are manual focus and both work great.
I've appreciated all the comments recently regarding the comparison between the D70 and the istD. I see that the viewfinder is a big plus in the istD. That's good. I wear glasses, and think that the D70's problem in this area almost discludes it for me... However, I have one other, big question...
How well does the istD work with manual focus lenses?
However, I am currently looking at buying an AF zoom because I find myself misfocusing a fair amount during games (just not quick enough) and think that an AF lens may solve some of that. I have asked several questions here about AF lenses in the 80-200 f2.8 range and the information has been most useful. Right now I am torn between the Sigma 70-200 and the Tokina 80-200. I just have to sort out in my own mind which I want and then when I am willing to part with the money.
I ask, because I have two lenses. The main glass is SMC Pentax A zoom, 35-105mm F: 1:3.5. I have long loved this lens, and can hardly bring myself to part with it! Will this lens work as a good main lens for some time? or should I consider getting a "proper" DA lens? I have to confess myself a rather fuddy-duddy when it comes to focus. I just prefer to focus myself. I don't really know why. I play with AF cameras often, and my Nikon CoolPix autofocuses, but in the end, I feel like it's one step too far removed for me. So, how would this camera work with this lens?I have the 35-105 also and it works fine on the *istD. As I said above the DA 16-45 is a very good lens. I would recommend it.
Also, I have an older Chinon 135mm F 1:2.8 telephoto. It's a K mount (not KA), so I presume it will not work perfectly with the istD, but exactly what do I lose. I get a bit confused reading the reviews about these lenses...The only thing missing is the ability of the camera to read the aperture information and meter automatically at the actual aperture setting. With the green button you can stop down the aperture to what you set it to manually, the camera meters and sets the shutter speed and then you press the shutter release to shoot (the two buttons are right next to each other). It sounds like a bit of a hack but it works fine and has been accurate for me.
On balance this is a great camera and I have not regretted the decision.
Buy a *istD or *istDS, it has also received good reviews, and just start shooting and have fun. There are more opinions about the various digital cameras than there are people owning them. I love my *istD and am glad that I got it and I would do it again.
So, is there any advice, considered opinions, etc?
Larry Cook www.cook-imaging.com
