Don Williams wrote:
Hi all,
I am about to invest -- after all this time -- in a digital camera. In
the past I have had some really valuable help from old friends in this
group and now need more.
I'd like to use a Pentax *ist D or its smaller sibling because I have
a decent collection of Pentax lenses, a macro setup, and the body
would go onto the microscopes without any need for further engineering
-- that has all been done for other SLR bodies.
Here are the questions:
Does the camera have mirror lock-up or some other anti-vibration feature?
Yes, built into the self timer function.
Is the cable release an expensive addition?
You can build one yourself a wired remote from common parts for pennies,
or you can get a used remote from a number of different Pentax camera
bodies, or you can haunt e-bay, I've seen a "universal" remote going for
around $20.00 US.
Will it work with the Vivitar 730AFPK Autofocus Zoom Flash I have for
the MZ50?
If it works with the MZ50 it almost certainly will work with a *ist -D
family body. (If you have the wireless remote for that camera it may
work with the *ist-D, I don't know for sure).
Are there any weaknesses that have emerged over the few years the
camera has been on the market?
People have discussed problems that sound like computer lockups usually
in conjunction with low battery conditions. I haven't heard much about
actual failures, except as with most electronics, infant mortality.
I'll be looking for a secondhand body and if anyone has such a thing
I'd be interested.
KEH sometimes has a couple of bodies at reasonable prices.
Best,
Don
--
When you're worried or in doubt,
Run in circles, (scream and shout).
