I have been pondering whether to keep the Pentax K-1 II with the 28-105mm FF lens.  I thought that a deciding factor could be the Fujifilm X-T2 with the 55 – 200mm lens.  The Pentax combination weighs 1450g with a max effective focal length of 100mm.  The Fujifilm combination weighs 1085g with a max effective focal length of 300mm.  I found few differences having the 36MP FF capability of the K-1 II when I compared the Pentax IQ to the Fujifilm IQ for longer focal lengths.  I think the only significant loss with using the Fujifilm would be the loss of WR due to the lens.  In wet conditions I could still use the Fujifilm WR 18-135mm lens and that combination only weighs 1020g.  I’m pretty sure that the Pentax setup is a lot more rugged and more weather resistant, but I really don’t need that level of WR these days.

My most difficult decision has been how to measure the non-quantifiable factors that exist in my preferences for the underdog Pentax vs. the joy of using the Fuji cameras.  I’m basically a contrarian, but have you tried to find photographers who are using the K-1 II?  They are few in number and hard to find in this day and age, except for Kirk Tuck who has been trying the K-1 II and the 28-105mm lens.

I’m finding that the further I got away from looking for rational reasons for choosing the Pentax over the Fujifilm cameras, the harder it is to make a choice.  It isn’t because one system is better than the other (overall the Fuji camera plus lenses is better based on available lenses), it’s just that I like the ease of grabbing and using the Pentax for some things, but not all.  Do those “some things” justify keeping it?

New Issue

After writing the above, I tried to use my Fujifilm X-T2 and the shutter curtain stuck.  Now what?