Beautiful and well built, all manual, no gadgetry, can function without batteries, huge viewfinder, well that's ... i forgot : uses Zeiss lenses :) | bricklayer

None that I can think of.

Mirror lockup Remote control Custom functions Construction AF speed and accuracy More features than similarly priced competition.

Not able to K & M lenses Slow sync flash Harsher mirror

This is a follow up review. It just passed the 10 roll (36 exp) mark and I thought it would be useful to post my impression. I am still focused mainly on the differences between the *ist and my 5n. It has exceeded my expectation. AF focus is faster than 5n and much more accurate. Even though the *ist has a penta-mirror as opposed to a penta-prism in the 5n, I have not really noticed any difference. Manual focus is just as easy as the 5n. Mirror lockup is a key feature I was looking for. It really made a difference. I have a prosumer tele zoom lens that I know is capable of decent resolution, which I have seen at very fast shutter speed and long exposure. However, at normal intermediate speeds, images were not always sharp enough. With the mirror lockup feature, this lens produced sharp images at all shutter speed and all focal length. Even more amazing is that some people thought the lens was soft at 400mm, but I think that might be caused by vibration. This feature alone saved me from replacing this this lens with a pro lens at a cost of an additional $500 - 600 and probably does not solve the problem either. Remote control is great; however, I wish the range would be longer. For those who are photographer in heart but do want to be in a picture occasionally, this is a must have feature. Custom functions ... I am learning. I found the ability to leave the film lead out to be another great feature. I can now change film in the middle of a row, which was possible in the old manual rewind days and am very happy to have this feature again. I do lose a frame just to be on the safe side but that is a small price. I never thought that I would be using the LCD screen but I am. Again, this is a feature that 5n does not have. This is useful for land scape and close up. Does it mean that I would give up the 5n. Not yet. I still prefer the way 5n handles slow sync flash. The mirror on the 5n is definitely smoother. Finally, I do miss using my K and M lenses on the *ist. I wonder if Pentax can change the firm ware just like the D *ist sister model to allow the use of K & M lenses. Despite I have no problem using the wheel to change aperture or shutter speed, I still prefer changing aperture on the lens. I think I will be shopping for a bag to hold two bodies so that I can use whatever lenses I like to use.

Similar Products Used:

Pentax MX Pentax P30 Pentax 5n

Light weight. AF is good. Metering is excellent. ergonomics is excellent. Produce well exposed slides 95% of the time.

Plastic body. mirror viewfinder with low magnification. Cannot use older Pentax MF lenses. Slightly pricier than the competition but worth the difference.

I have used many compact SLRs. This is the best all round compact SLR. A very capable camera with light weight, small size and good price. These days, Pentax is not as popular as Canon or Nikon. This is also by no means the best professional camera around so if you want the best, go for the big and expensive 1v, F5 or F100 which will not disappoint. But considering its price, I would give it 5 stars. A perfect second body or as carry around point and shoot. By the way, team it with the FA 35mm f2 or the FA 50mm f1.7 but not some cheap zooms.

Customer Service

So far not needed.

Similar Products Used:

Pentax MZ-S, MZ-3, Minolta Dynax 5, Nikon F80.

Compact, custom features, idiot-proof mode as well as full adjustment over all the cameras controls, good array of aftermarket lenses. Backlit LCD and dial

None yet. Maybe for big people the small size, but use the BG-20 and anyone should be fine

Unfortunately, I don't mhave much experience with SLR yet as I've recently made a switch from digital P&S to 35mm SLR. Despite this, I absolutely love this camera. Out of the box, it is a small camera, well suited for smalled-handed people. But I've got the BG-20 battery pack which adds good weight (for stability) and more grip. The *ist has tons of features from a huge shutter speed range to multiple exposures to 17 custom features. For a beginner it allows you to take gret pictures without having to know too much about photography. I'll be taking a class in the upcoming months and wanted a beginner's camera that would grow with me. I looked at the other camera in this category and found the *ist to have many more features at a lower price. I can't say enough good things about the *ist other than to say if you're thinking about it, go get one. I especially like the large LCD sreen on the back of the camera. Both this and the left-hand dial to switch shooting modes are backlit (either automatically or manually depending on custom-mode chosen!) Do a search on froogle.com or popphoto.com for the best price. I got a bit jacked on the shipping charges but it was still cheaper than any other adverstised price. good luck and enjoy...

Customer Service

Not yet, either...

Similar Products Used:

Looked at N-75, Rebel Ti, Maxxum-5, ZX-L

* Exceptionally small. Even better when used with Pentax 43mm f1.9 Limited lens * Top shutter speed: 1/4000 of a second * 2.5 frames/s drive rate * Spot, centre-weighted, multi-segment metering modes * 17 custom functions * Ergonomic and stylish design

* NOT made in Japan. Made in Philippines. * Right-hand dial responds slowly for shutter/aperture values * Setting the left-hand PASM dial may accidentally change metering mode * Infrared film cannot be used since camera relies on it for film transport * Superimposed focus points cannot be seen in certain lighting conditions. However, audible signal confirms focus. * Drive mode frame rate significantly decreases in low-light conditions when in manual mode.

NOTE: My review and ratings are strictly based on relationships and comparisons with other cameras in the class of the *ist (e.g. Canon EOS Rebel Ti (aka 300V), Nikon N65 & N75, etc.) I have been using the *ist for a solid 4 months now. It is truly a diminutive SLR with some features usually found on pro-level cameras. A top shutter speed of 1/4000 of a second, unlimited multiple exposures, 2.5 frames/s drive rate, 3 metering modes, and 17 useful custom functions are all of great benefit to someone who takes their photography seriously. Due to the size of the body, a quick test in handling the camera is strongly recommended prior to buying it. The *ist proved too small for me on it’s own but perfect with the BG-20 vertical battery grip attached - an accessory I always prefer with any camera. Though made of plastic, the body itself is robust and features a metal lens mount. Style, ergonomics, and button placement - including focus point selector - have all been well thought out. These elements are even maintained with the BG-20 attached. I found loading film from the right hand side to be done quickly and easily. The transport distance is short, which translates to a few extra frames. The overall design of the *ist has exhibited characteristics unlike other Pentax models. The camera has already won a major award and favour amongst many. Along with the digital version (*ist D), the company is headed in the right direction if it is to compete in the film SLR and digital SLR markets. Other features of the *ist include: * comes with standard date back * option to leave end of film unwound after rewinding * Capable of continuous auto-focus * large illuminated LCD * AE bracketing * mirror lock-up (with 2s self-timer only) * viewfinder dioptre adjustment * Built-in flash

Customer Service

No official Pentax office in Australia, only dedicated wholesaler. They are friendly and can answer some technical questions.

Similar Products Used:

* Canon EOS Rebel Ti (aka 300V) * Nikon N75