Pentax K-1 Getting $550 Optional Upgrade with K-1 II Internals

Putting to shame larger camera manufacturers, Pentax announced that existing Pentax K-1 photographers (this is a two year old camera, announced February 2016 [see New Cameras of 2016]) won’t be left behind! They are offering an optional $550 hardware upgrade to the K-1 that will give it the K-1 II internals. The service will be provided by the trusty Precision Camera of Austin::Texas between May 21 and September 30 in 2018. The service won’t be available before or after this date range. Details at the press release which describes the changes as follows (with more details as we get closer to upgrade time):

“The PENTAX K-1’s main circuit board will be replaced to add new functions featured in the new PENTAX K-1 MKII. Additionally the current SR logo on the PENTAX K-1 MKII will be replaced with the new PENTAX K-1 MKII logo.”

Speaking of the upcoming K-1 II, Amazon itself is now accepting pre-orders for $2000 but unlike Adorama and B&H Photo, Amazon does not currently include the Pentax D-BG6 for FREE with pre-orders. Eventually the Amazon AI Bots may wake up and add it but for now, it’s not included.

It will be interesting to see what this upgrade option will do to the used prices of the Pentax K-1, since the Upgrade optional increases the value potential of the camera. However, the four month upgrade window further complicates things since there is a cut-off point. The lowest used price as of the time of writing is $1600 in “Used – Condition 10” at B&H Photo and “Like New Minus” at KEH Camera. Amazon’s own Warehouse Deals (not 3rd-party sellers there) offers it for $1428 but no warranty (KEH offers 180 days, B&H 90 days). Warehouse Deals offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee only. Mayhaps some Options Trading technology may be needed to figure this one out 🙂

Pentax K-1 II added to the Stock Status Tracker

Today is the most productive day of 2018 so far blog-wise it seems. I just added the brand new Pentax K-1 II full frame DSLR to the Stock Status Tracker. And since our pre-order post, we have another development, now B&H Photo too is offering a free Pentax D-BG6 battery grip with pre-orders.

I also did some remodeling in the sidebars and menus of both this blog and the Main blog, mainly to add the new Cameras and Lenses of 2018 tracking page, along with the brand new (in progress) Price Charts series.

Pre-order new Pentax K1 II 35mm full frame DSLR for $2000 [with FREE Pentax D-BG6 Battery Grip!!!]

If you wish of a 35mm full frame Pentax DSLR but don’t want to pay $2000, the chances of discounts in the next few weeks increased as Pentax has revealed their second generation K1 II! This means that eventually the first generation K1 will do the discounting song and dance.

The new K1 II flagship is available as body only for $2000 and with HD Pentax-D FA L 28-105mm F3.5/5.6 ED for $2400! Pre-orders are accepted as follows:

+ K1 II Body with FREE Pentax D-BG6 Battery Grip for $2000 at Adorama and B&H Photo

+ K1 II with 28-105mm with FREE Pentax D-BG6 Battery Grip for $2400 at Adorama and B&H Photo

+ UPDATE: now B&H too offers a free battery grip with pre-order

Finally after almost two months, the DSLRs have “scored a goal”, the K1 II is the first DSLR announced in 2018, and the first 35mm full frame camera of 2018.

Pentax K70 with 18-55 and Extras for $647

While the Pentax K70 body only remains at $600 [versus our November 2017 snapshot], the official K70 with 18-55 “take pictures with” has dropped $50, currently going for $647 with free shipping at Adorama (with free Lowepro 140 bag, 16GB SD, etc) and B&H Photo (no freebies).

Pentax K-3 II Body with Pentax D-BG5 Battery Grip for $829

The Pentax K3 II APS-C DSLR is still alive and kicking. It currently goes for $830 in new condition as the body only. For the same price, Adorama is offering it with a FREE Pentax D-BG5 Battery Grip. The free battery grip is included by Adorama automatically while this promotion is running. You see it mentioned on the product page. With free expedited shipping.

If you have B&H gift cards or promotional rewards, they are close, they are offering the K3 II + Battery Grip combo for $836.50 with free expedited shipping.

Pentax KP with 50mm f1.8 DA for $947

Yesterday we completed the 35mm Full Frame Price Charts write-up. Now the process has began for the APS-C DSLRs version with the price-checking round!

The Pentax KP is down $100 since the November 2017 APS-C price charts and it is getting a handful of free accessories for its new $900 price at Adorama.

But if you don’t want/need the extra accessories or want a “take pictures with” kit, then $947 will get you the black Pentax KP with 50mm f1.8 DA with free expedited shipping at B&H Photo. The lens goes for $110+ on its own, so you are essentially getting it for half price.

The silver KP is not eligible for this promotion, but you can purchase it together with four different Pentax lenses for a combined purchase discount. You can see them all at the main Pentax KP listing at B&H Photo.

Pentax AF360FGZ II Flash for $377

It’s Pentax time! The new condition Pentax AF360FGZ II Flash is currently on sale for $377~ with free expedited shipping at B&H Photo and also at Adorama

Still Good: 20% back on Pentax K-1, KP, K70, Lenses IF you pay with Prime Credit Card

This promotion continues! If you are a Prime member and pay for the purchase with a Prime credit card (only Prime members can have a Prime credit card), the Prime 20% Cashback Offer continues offering a variety of Pentax DSLRs and lenses, which is nice since Pentax gear doesn’t get as many deals as offers.

This offer includes:

+ Pentax K-1 body (pay $1900, get $380 statement credit)

+ Pentax KP body (pay $880, get $176 statement credit)

+ KP with 18-135 (pay $850, get $170 statement credit)

+ various Pentax DSLR lenses

Prime Credit Cards Only: 20% back on these Pentax Lenses: 24-70/2.8, 70-200/2.8, Etc

The prerequisites of this promotion are outlined in this introductory post. If you are a Prime member, and pay for the order with one of the two Prime credit cards, and you get an eligible lens sold and shipped by Amazon itself, you will receive a 20% off statement credit on your credit card:

+ Pentax D FA 24-70mm F2.8ED SDM WR for $1080
+ get $216~ statement credit

+ Pentax HD D FA 70-200mm f2.8ED DC AW Telephoto-Zoom for $1536
+ get $307~ statement credit

+ Pentax HD DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE for $370
+ get $74 statement credit

+ Pentax D FA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6ED DC WR HD for $500
+ get $100 statement credit

+ these are part of the Prime 20% Cashback Offer

PS: you may have to be logged on to your Prime account in order for their website to show you this offer…

Prime Credit Cards Only: Buy Pentax K70 with 18-135 for $850, Get $170 statement credit

This offer is bit more complicated, so please read carefully!

The Pentax K70 body only goes for $600, while the K70 with the 18-135mm goes for $850 at B&H Photo and Adorama in either the black or the silver color schemes.

The same prices are available at Amazon by Amazon actual. Of these kits, only the K70 with 18-135mm kits are eligible for the 20% statement credit IF you pay with a Prime credit card. You pay $850 at checkout, and after your credit card statement closes, you receive a $170 statement credit.

If you purchase the K70 body only from Amazon, and pay with a Prime credit card, you will only receive the standard 5% statement credit, not a 20% statement. Only the “K70 with 18-135” kits are eligible.

EXAMPLE

As always, double check that the product you are about to buy is eligible for this promotion by making sure the offer is mentioned on its product page. Take a screenshot as well to be on the same side! Example for the K70 with 18-135 vs the K70 body only:

The K70 with 18-135mm is eligible as you can see

The K70 body only is NOT eligible. The offer is NOT mentioned on its product page

This is a limited time offer! You can find details and all the eligible products through the Prime 20% Statement Credit offer page.

Prime Credit Cards Only: Buy Pentax KP for $880, Get $176 statement credit

The two Pentax K-P bodies range from $880 to $900 at Adorama and B&H Photo.

The same prices are available at Amazon by Amazon itself. But if you are a Prime member, and PAY with either Prime credit card, you will receive a 20% statement credit, around $176 for the silver KP and around $180 for the black KP. For more details on the 20% statement credit offer, read the introductory post, I don’t want to repeat the whole thing in every post.

This is a limited time offer! You can find details and all the eligible products through the Prime 20% Statement Credit offer page.

Prime Credit Cards Only: Buy Pentax K-1 Body for $1900, Get $380 Statement Credit

The Pentax K-1 body goes for $1900 with a FREE Pentax D-BG6 Battery Grip at B&H Photo and Adorama.

It also goes for $1900 at Amazon by Amazon itself but Amazon does not include the free Battery Grip. HOWEVER, if you are a Prime member, and you pay for this purchase sold and shipped by Amazon, paid with either Prime credit card, you will receive $380 back as a statement credit! I don’t want to repeat the details of this promotion in every post, read the introductory post here.

The battery grip costs $220 on its own, so the statement credit offer handily defeats the free battery grip.

Here’s how the Amazon product page looks when this promotion is alive and kicking:

This is a limited time offer! You can find details and all the eligible products through the Prime 20% Statement Credit offer page.

Pentax DSLR Lens Instant Savings (29 options)

On the Pentax K-mount, a total of 29 Pentax lenses are participating in the latest B&H Photo Pentax Instant Savings promotion. Some (but not all) of the lens offers expire Saturday at 11:59pm ET. Note however that B&H is not accepting orders between Friday PM and Saturday PM, so factor that in your planning! Some of the lenses earn 4% promotional rewards.

Prices range from $92 (50mm f1.8 DA) up to $4000 (560/5.6). There is a mix of zooms and primes, including some of the f2.8 PRO zooms and their Limited Primes.

Ends Thur PM: Pentax Lens Instant Savings (24 options)

Last call! The current Pentax Lens Instant Savings promotion is expiring at 11:59pm ET on Thursday at B&H Photo, featuring 24 lens options, with a mix of zooms and primes, and prices ranging from $92 (50mm f1.8DA) to $4000 (560mm f5.6).

Pentax K-3 II Body drops to $830 or $846 with BG-5 Battery Grip

And now, the moment you have all been waiting for! I am beginning a full price check of all cameras tracked in the Camera Price Charts. This will basically cover almost all of the DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, along with the serious fixed lens cameras with RAW (above 1/2.x” sensor size). Hide your wallets!

We start in K-landia where the Pentax K-3 II body only has dripped down to $830 with free shipping at Amazon by Amazon itself with a up to three units per customer.

But if you want the official Pentax battery grip to go with it, the BG-5, you can get them together as a bundle for $847 with free shipping at B&H Photo.

Pentax K-1 Body with D-BG6 Battery Grip for $1900 [also: Pentax 24-70/2.8 for $1100]

The Pentax K-1 body only is bundled with Pentax D-BG6 Battery Grip, together for $1900 at B&H Photo… The Pentax HD Pentax-D FA 24-70mm f/2.8ED SDM WR is on sale for $1100 with free shipping on its own as part of the B&H Black Friday sales… Or you can get them together for the same total price ($2994) as a bundle.

Used Pentax AF-330FTZ Zoom Flash for $13 + S&H

The Pentax AF-330FTZ Zoom Flash currently has two used listings at Adorama in “Excellent Minus” condition for $13.50 plus shipping (around $5). This is an old model. The listings for it are bare bones, no picture, no description, but the manufacturer code is the correct one, PXSAF330FTZ. If you don’t see any used listings at the link above, it means they sold out. Adorama offers a 30-day return and 90-day warranty of their own, so you are covered in case there’s an error in the listing. So a bit of YMMV.

Still available: Pentax K-1 Silver Limited Edition

The Pentax K-1 Silver Limited Edition (body only with official battery grip) is out of stock and cannot be ordered at Amazon and B&H Photo, but hope is not lost!

Adorama comes to the rescue. As of the time of writing it remains in-stock and shipping for $2200 with free expedited shipping over there. Optional financing offers are available with the new Adorama Credit Card.

Yes, Adorama has an official credit card, offered by Comenity Capital Bank per the listing over there.

New Lens Instant Savings II: Pentax, Sigma, Rokinon, Samyang, Olympus

The previous Lens Instant Savings post got crowded, so now we have a Part II with some of the other lens manufacturers!

+ Pentax K-Lenses: 42 options including 24-70/2.8 SDM for $1100, 70-200/2.8 AW for $1600, 100/2.8 WR Macro for $500, etc

+ Sigma Lenses (various systems): 96 options including 17-50/2.8 DC OS HSM for $369, 105/2.8 HSM Macro for $569 and many more

+ Olympus M43 lenses: 15 options including 30/3.5 Macro for $199

+ Samyang Lenses (various systems): 49 options with a mix of photography-priority and video-priority lenses

+ Rokinon Lenses (various systems): 92 options with a mix of photography-priority and video-priority lenses including Sony E-system autofocus lenses
+ CORRECTED: an “option swith” is “options with” with the “s” at the wrong place 🙂

More on these later on, as, unfortunately, I am not IBM’s Watson and I cannot “digest” hundreds of lenses (over 500 of them in these two posts) on the fly. Not to mention that glass causes indigestion. Mayhaps I’ll start with the plastic lenses first 🙂

Pentax K-3 II Body with BG-5 Battery Grip for $853

I typically round prices for simplicity but in this case, the exact price is Jermaine Jackson (okay, germane) to the deal…

The new condition Pentax K-3 II body only goes for $846 in new condition at authorized dealers such as Adorama and Amazon itself.

But if you forgo a supersized Starbucks frappuccino, for $853 with free shipping you can get the K-3 II body only with the official Pentax BG-5 battery grip for $853 with free expedited shipping at B&H Photo. $7 more for the battery grip is pretty, pretty, pretty good!

Pentax KP with 18-55 and Extras for $1000

Somehow I strayed from the alphabetical price-checking and finished the S-cameras before the P-cameras. To the P-cameras we go! The Pentax KP body only goes for $1000 in new condition at authorized dealers. At the moment, there is a promotion that for the same price you also get the Pentax SMCP-DA 18mm-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Weather Resistant AF Lens for FREE, such as B&H Photo in either the silver or the black color scheme.

But wait, there’s more! At Adorama, for the same price, you also get a handful of free accessories, which if you don’t need, you can put them in various camera-related gifts during the upcoming holiday season 🙂 The additional freebies at Adorama are 24/7 Traffic Collection holster, 16GB Sandisk SD card, USB card reader, cleaning kit and the Corel software bundle (five titles as usual, AfterShot, PaintShop, VideoShop, etc).

This offer at Adorama with the freebies is available in both the silver KP DSLR kit and the black KP DSLR kit. The free lens is included, you have to expand the “Bundle Includes” section, it is the last one in the list. Here’s a screenshot:

Pentax 645Z MF DSLR Body Only for $5497

A rare medium format DSLR discount! The Pentax 645Z body only medium format DSLR camera is now down to $5497 at authorized dealers including B&H Photo and Adorama and various thru Amazon.

B&H and Adorama offer 4% promotional rewards, which is about $220 to be used in future purchases at B&H or Adorama. Amazon does not have promotional rewards, but if you are a Prime member and pay with either one of the official Amazon credit cards, you get 5% back as a statement credit.

(ENDED) 15% off USED Pentax Gear (390+ options)

This 1-day coupon expired…

[Read more…]

KEH Weekly USED Coupon Deals: Used Nikon D80 Body for $74+, Pentax 55/1.8 Takumar M43 for $23 to $42

A new week has arrived which means another round of featured USED Weekly Sales at KEH has been added. These are eligible for 25% off with permanent coupon KEHDEALS and continue until Friday night of the same week (eg Friday 9/29/17 in this case).

This week includes:

+ USED Nikon D80 body only starting at $74~ in “BGN” condition and going up in “EX” and “EX+” conditions

+ USED Pentax 55mm F/1.8 SMC Takumar M42 Screw Mount Manual Focus Lens starting at $23 in “BGN” with some damage and going up to $42 in “EX” condition

+ also eligible for the coupon are four photo-accessories – details at the Weekly Sales at KEH

In a separate promotion, not eligible for the coupon above, KEH has an on-going overstock sale with over 400 items participating.

Also, ending by Sunday night, they have a Buy More, Save More coupon promotion ($25/$200+ or $75/$600+ or $150/$1000+)

Pentax 31mm f1.8 AL Limited for $997

Prime time for Pentaxians! The new condition Pentax SMCP-FA 31mm f1.8 AL Limited is on sale for a limited time for $997 with free shipping at Adorama and B&H Photo and Amazon.

Pentax K-P Silver Body with 40mm f2.8 XS Pancake for $1177

Pancakes are being served at Cafe Pentaxian! Pentax has a new K-P bundle, it’s the silver K-P body only bundled with the 40mm f2.8 XS pancake lens, together going for the very specific price of $1176.90 with free shipping. This is marked as a “Coming Soon” item at B&H Photo.

The little pancake lens itself, the Pentax DA 40mm f/2.8 XS is a special order with a 7-14 business days estimate for $227 with 4% promotional rewards.

If you don’t want to buy them together as a kit, the silver K-P body only goes for $949 on its own.

Pentax Lens Instant Savings (20 options)

Pentax K-Temptations! A total of 20 Pentax K-system lenses are currently participating in a new Pentax Instant Savings promotion at B&H Photo, featuring a mix of primes and zooms, big and small, with prices ranging from $272 to $1997.

KEH Weekly USED Coupon Deals: Pentax K1000 for $134 Excellent or $44 UGLY; Canon 50/1.8 SC BL FD for $22 to $44

A new week has arrived which means another round of featured USED Weekly Sales at KEH has been added. These are eligible for 25% off with permanent coupon KEHDEALS and continue until Friday night of the same week (eg Friday 9/8/17 in this case).

This week includes:

+ USED Pentax K1000 Body only FILM CAMERA has three options:
+ prices below AFTER 25% off coupon:
+ AS-IS condition for $39~ [no warranty, no returns]
+ UGLY condition for $44~
+ EXCELLENT condition for $134

+ USED Canon 50mm F/1.8 SC Breech Lock FD Mount
+ AFTER COUPON prices range from $22~ (UGLY) to $44~ (EXCELLENT)
+ AS IS for $13~ but NO warranty and NO returns

+ also eligible for the coupon are four photo-accessories – details at the Weekly Sales at KEH

In a separate promotion, not eligible for the coupon above, KEH has an on-going overstock sale with over 400 items participating.

Pentax K-70 with 18-55 for $697

The Pentax K-70 body only goes for $600 at various places (eg Amazon), but if you prefer a “Take Pictures With” kit, you can get the K-70 with the 18-55 f3.5-5.6 AL WR DA-L for $697 with free shipping at B&H Photo and Adorama (with free Lowepro, 16GB SD and accesso-trinkets).

Pentax KP Silver Body for $1028

If you like silver DSLR-looking DSLRs, the new condition silver color scheme Pentax KP APS-C AA-Filterless DSLR is on sale for $1028 with free shipping at B&H Photo and Amazon by Amazon itself (limit up to three per customer).