Gearshift

In proper keeping for a mold|breaker, I am making a rather radical shift in camera gear. It will be interesting to see how this turns out!

I've been a big Pentax fan since about 1980. Film SLRs from 80-00, a compact film body for a couple of years after that, then digital SLRs since 2010. A recent return to micro43 has produced a kit that serves me well in that format, so the PK gear has seen little use. Others have pointed out that with two sensors of similar size, one or the other will dominate; I now agree with that assessment.

Pentax lenses have accumulated over time, with occasional purges. I have learned the hard way that I'm unable to resist a good deal on a used K-mount lens! It's better than buying new, but it's still stress on the family budget. I've sworn off more than once, but I keep watch and invariably fall to the siren call.

The best choice for me to improve a larger system would be a K-1 body. This would restore my prime set to its proper place with a 36×24 sensor and justify a few of those deals I found irresistible. Problem is the K-1 is $1200 or more for a used copy, and its size and feature-set are more than I'd ever need.
Bummer.

So it's all leaving.

I find that the kit (Pentax + a few redundant m43 items) has an accumulated value of about $500.  For that amount I can pick up a used Nikon D600/610 body: 24Mpx 36×24 sensor, a limited amount of pro-level features that fit me better, rumours of improved focus and video competence, and an entirely different set of compatible legacy lenses.

The D600 was composed of many D7000 components (Nikon's K-5 contemporary) and a "FF" sensor. It had some issues that led to the 610's appearance and some low-key maintenance offers to D600 owners; by not issuing a true recall they lost much goodwill among Nikonians). It is therefore not "pro level" gear but targeted at higher-level amateurs and upgraders. Someone like.. me!

What the -

My reason is true to the mold|breaker motto ("hm.. I'd better come up with one"). Since I know pretty much NOTHING about Nikon gear beyond its large following, I am free of any siren call. I won't have lens nostalgia or a large forum of familiar people calling out amazing old items to be acquired, no reviews to sway me (assuming I manage to stay away). I believe this can work, and I'm betting All of my K gear on it. Also it's all leaving at once: I'll get a lower price than dealing piecemeal but the break is quite clean this way.

I have a line on a D600 with a factory-replaced shutter and fairly low clicks, and a few readings recommend the older 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. This pair, a prime or two (35+85?) and a long zoom with stabilized optics and I'm good, considering the 𝛍43 kit will get the most use.