Mishka wrote:
>
> this thread is so depressing... seems like the only reason everyone is using
> pentax gear is because that's what they used when they were kids.
Not quite so, Mess'r!
I started out with a Retina folder (a Ia?) and took some awesome
photos/scenics I find very difficult to duplicate in my later years. I
had never heard of Pentax. In fact, when I took my Retina 1a photos,
Pentax was merely a gleam in it's father's eye. If that!
I went from there to 2 or 3 Arguses, to an Exa, to an Exacta, several
others, and finally a Contax IIa.
I was ecstatic! A very quiet rangefinder, 35mm, and an absolutely top,
top quality lens!
Being single and ravenously hungry forced me to sell it. Took it to a
pawn shop and never redeemed it! Sighhhh.
Years went by. I experimented with various interesting (I didn't say
top quality) cameras.
I bought a Minolta TLR (624?) that took most excellent photos ~ at
least in black and white. Never explored the color slides much. I took
a roll or two of slides and was impressed, but...
Somewhere along the line, I possessed a Leica IIIa, or was it a IIIc?
Anyhow, I was very much put off by the removable bottom, the need to
get a couple of spools out and pre-thread, and cut/shape the film
leader to a sandwich template's outline... Sighhh. I was terminally
bored with the whole Leica scene!
I had a marvelous camera, of absolutely top quality, but I couldn't
stand the tediousness of getting it ready to shoot! Enough is enough!
I re-sold it for a reasonable price.
>From there to where?
Eventually I ended up with an Olympus OM-1. I was totally enchanted
with this camera! Small, light, fit my hands under all possible
situations, reasonably quiet and took marvelous photos!
I built up a rather large cadre of lenses and accessories.
Took some absolutely great photos. I was very happy... Or I thought I was.
The OM-1 lsted for many years. I eventually bought an OM-2 and gave
the -1 to my wife.
Bought/shared many lenses etc.
Then one day, something happened. Not totally sure what, right now. I
may simply have seen a Pentax MG on a table in a gun show. Picked it
up and handled it. Small as, or smaller than, my OM-1! Amazing. Light
and maneuverable.
Well thought out. Handy. Desireable camera...
After joining the Pentax list and visiting eBay shortly after that
(June/July 1998) I found on MG in an auction. Almost brand new!
Looked never used!
Looked at the pictures, exchanged words with the seller (Paul Jamison,
once of this list, I believe), and ended up buying it.
Also bought a leather travel case and a camera soft case he had, as
well as a couple of extra lenses and a partially disassembled body to
have and keep for spare parts.
I've seldom been happier.
Shortly after I got the MG, I started selling off all my OM stuff on
eBay. All sold reasonably quickly and for a reasonable price.
In fact, soon I had changed my entire OM camera kit for a Pentax kit!
All via eBay!
Before 3 years had passed, I found a Spotmatic F in a gun show. It was
perfect! Barely used. I mean, literally LIKE NEW!
>From years ago I had remembered how I lusted after a Spotmatic.
Now I have one!
Sent away for an owner's manual. I'm extremely well pleased!
By now, I'm a dyed-in-the-wool Pentax shooter. Suits me! ;^)
Keith whaley
Mar Vista, CA
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Brad Dobo" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Sent: Sunday, September 08, 2002 4:43 PM
> Subject: Re: Orgin Myths
> ...
>
> > Now that I have so many accessories and what not, I
> > can't leave Pentax, which I want to due but cannot financially. Reason?
> > Here in London it's impossible to get anything I want without waiting a
> > month. I see the stock of the stores and there is a tiny pile for Pentax,
> > slightly larger one for Minolta, and two HUGE piles of Nikon and Canon.
> ...
>
> brad, if you already have that many "accessories and what not", why do you
> care how many piles are in stores? is there something specific that you need
> and cannot get for your pentax gear?
>
> best,
> mishka
