Pentax K20 DSLR for coins

Comments

• notwilight Posts: 12,864 ✭✭✭

  October 26, 2008 11:38PM

  I like pentax. My first SLR many years ago was a pentax (remember film?). But I would go with canon or nikon for more available accessories. Both are also available on ebay at good prices. that's where I bought mine. Many of the bulk sellers have them and you might find one that would swap a macro in for the packages they have. you'll need a macro. --Jerry

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• mgoodm3 Posts: 17,497 ✭✭✭

  October 27, 2008 12:57AM

  Should work fine with a decent macro lens. There is at least one person around here using a Pentax SLR.

  coinimaging.com/my photography articles Check out the new macro lens testing section

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• jessewvu Posts: 5,065 ✭✭✭✭✭

  October 27, 2008 1:21AM

  Does anyone have a suggestion for a quality SLR camera in the 900-1000 range? The Pentax camera I was looking at came with 4 lenses and some other stuff... I am interested in finding a package to take full advantage of the MSN Live and eBay coupon discounts. I was reading reviews on http://www.dpreview.com/ (the best review website I could find) and the Pentax was in my price range with really good reviews.
  
  Link to DPreview Website K20 Comparison

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• mgoodm3 Posts: 17,497 ✭✭✭

  October 27, 2008 1:42AM

  You can pretty easily find SLR bodies (sometimes with a lens) in the $400 - $500 range.
  
  100 mm Macro lenses can be had in the range of $200 - $800. The lower end of that range will typically be used (I have used lenses). Nw lenses typically $350 and up.
  
  Any of the major brands should be fine: Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Olympus, Sony

  coinimaging.com/my photography articles Check out the new macro lens testing section

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• mgoodm3 Posts: 17,497 ✭✭✭

  October 27, 2008 1:55AM

  Another thing to think about are the extras that you will need (hidden costs). Things like a copystand/tripod, memory cards, lighting. These will add to the costs a bit. expect somewhere from $50 - $300.

  coinimaging.com/my photography articles Check out the new macro lens testing section

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• BECOKA Posts: 16,961 ✭✭✭

  October 27, 2008 2:25AM

  Mark has it right, for coin photography just about any SLR body will work, you want to get the best lens you can within your budget. 100-150mm seems to work the best for leaving enough distance to let enough light in.
  
  Copy stand is a must, lights fixtures with flexible or adjustable necks are a must. I got mine at Ikea pretty cheap.

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• drwstr123 Posts: 7,049 ✭✭✭✭✭

  October 27, 2008 3:52AM

  I love the Pentax w/100mm Macro. User friendly, great pidcs.
  

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