PENTAX V LEICA

Pentax is a brand name that will instil a sense of nostalgia in the older generation and great
excitement in the current crop of collectors. Founded as Asahi Kogaku Goshi Kaisha in 1919
producing spectacle lenses and other optics such as periscopes and binoculars, it entered the
camera and lenses market in 1952 where Asahi Kogaku Goshi Kaisha was at the forefront of
revolutionising the industry when it came out with its first camera ‘Asahiflex’, which was the
first SLR to be produced and this model boomed due to Korean War and photojournalists
starting to prefer them over Leica. In 1957 the company bought the name Pentax, familiar to
us, from a German company Zeiss Ikon. In 2011 after merging with Ricoh Optics the Pentax
brand name was lost and the entire company was named Ricoh Imaging.

Initially founded as Leitz, after the founder Ernst Leitz, in 1869 as an optics company
producing microscopes, the company later rebranded itself as Leica after the popularity of its
camera brand. In 1913 Leica really made its mark on the camera industry by designing the
first practical camera to use standard cinema 35 mm films, although it didn’t go into
production until 1921. Another notable change the company bought was to use the 35 mm
film horizontally rather than vertically, as is the convention before that, and it is still the most
used format currently. Leica had its boom during the World War 2 producing for the German
Army and Air Force. During its peak Leica’s design was copied and used by Nikon and
Canon for their camera bodies and lenses. Leica cameras have a rich history in being
preferred by photographers for street and landscape photography.

Although both the companies were one of the most marketable companies at their peak
during and post-World War II, as it was the case with most of the companies dealing with
optics back then, it is beyond doubt that their stature has come down significantly due to
various reasons. Leica’s stubbornness to not to reinvent itself and continuing with the
rangefinder, which they still produce, when every other companies such as Nikon and Canon
were coming with SLRs contributed significantly to its fall. Nowadays, although with newer
models coming up, Leica has more collectible values than any practical value and are priced
premium just for the brand name.

Leica D-Lux 7 V Pentax K50

Leica D-Lux 7: Price: ₹ 89,000

With its 17 megapixel and Micro Four Thirds sensor, this light weight compact camera with
its fixed lens is a great option for you travels. Although at this price you can buy an
interchangeable lens camera, the price goes a long way in a Leica. Its full 4K HD video
recording is also a great selling point. Its compact, lightweight and stylish look is blended
with dust and waterproof body.

Full Specs:

 Body type Large sensor compact

 Max resolution 4736 x 3552
  Effective pixels 17 megapixels
 Sensor size Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm)
 Sensor type CMOS
 ISO Auto, 200-25600 (expands down to 100)
 Focal length (equiv.) 24–75 mm
 Max aperture F1.7–2.8
 Articulated LCD Fixed
 Screen size 3″
 Screen dots 1,240,000
 Max shutter speed 1/4000 sec
 Format MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264
 Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I supported)
 USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
 Weight 403 g (0.89 lb / 14.22 oz)
 Dimensions 118 x 66 x 64 mm (4.65 x 2.6 x 2.52″)

Pentax K50: Price: ₹ 40,000

Equipped with 16 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor undoubtedly the camera’s best feature is its low-
light or night time photography. . Full 1080p HD video capture at 30 frames per second and
60 FPS for 720p with its dust and waterproof body makes it one of the best products for
enthusiasts.

Full Specs:

 Body type Compact SLR

 Max resolution 4928 x 3264
 Effective pixels 16 megapixels
 Sensor size APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm)
 Sensor type CMOS
 ISO Auto, 100 to 51600, in 1, 1/2, 1/3 EV steps
 Lens mount Pentax KAF2
 Focal length mult. 1.5×
 Articulated LCD Fixed
 Screen size 3″
 Screen dots 921,000
 Max shutter speed 1/6000 sec
 Format MPEG-4, H.264
 Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC
 USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
 Weight 650 g (1.43 lb / 22.93 oz)
 Dimensions 130 x 97 x 71 mm (5.12 x 3.82 x 2.8″)
LEICA M10-D V Pentax K-1 Mark II

LEICA M10-D: Price: ₹5,53,390

This premium riced product of Leica is again not for the features offered but for its brand
name. The absence of a display makes the M10-D look very much like its analog
predecessors. It’s an attempt to bring back the analog design but without the drawbacks of the
old. This rangefinder camera comes with 24 megapixel sensor and Maestro II processor.

Full Specs:

 Body type Rangefinder-style mirrorless

 Max resolution 5952 x 3992
 Effective pixels 24 megapixels
 Sensor size Full frame (35.8 x 23.9 mm)
 Sensor type CMOS
 ISO Auto, 100-50000
 Lens mount Leica M
 Focal length mult. 1×
 Articulated LCD No
 Max shutter speed 1/4000 sec
 Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC
 Weight 660 g (1.46 lb / 23.28 oz)
 Dimensions 139 x 38 x 80 mm (5.47 x 1.5 x 3.15″)

Pentax K-1 Mark II: Price: ₹1,64,447

36.4MP full-frame sensor and PRIME IV processing engine makes this flagship of Pentax an
affordable option for beginners as well as enthusiasts. Magnesium Alloy, Weather Resistant
body makes it perfect for travellers. One of the positives for this model is the wide variety of
lenses available for this body.

Full Specs:

 Body type Mid-size SLR

 Max resolution 7360 x 4912
 Effective pixels 36 megapixels
 Sensor size Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm)
 Sensor type CMOS
 ISO Auto, 100-819200
 Lens mount Pentax KAF4
 Focal length mult. 1×
 Articulated LCD Tilting
 Screen size 3.2″
 Screen dots 1,037,000
  Max shutter speed 1/8000 sec
 Format MPEG-4, H.264
 Storage types Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
 USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
 Weight 1010 g (2.23 lb / 35.63 oz)
 Dimensions 137 x 110 x 86 mm (5.39 x 4.33 x 3.39″)

LEICA SL2 V Pentax 645z

LEICA SL2: Price: ₹4,41,525

Looking at the price you can guess that this was not meant for mass consumption or for
enthusiasts. With 47MP full frame CMOS sensor and C4K & UHD at 60 fps, this is preferred
by only a select number of professionals and connoisseurs.

Full Specs:

 Body type SLR-style mirrorless

 Max resolution 8368 x 5584
 Effective pixels 47 megapixels
 Sensor size Full frame (36 x 24 mm)
 Sensor type CMOS
 ISO Auto, 100-50000 (expands to 50-50000)
 Lens mount Leica L
 Focal length mult. 1×
 Articulated LCD Fixed
 Screen size 3.2″
 Screen dots 2,100,000
 Max shutter speed 1/8000 sec
 Format MPEG-4, H.264
 USB USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
 Weight 835 g (1.84 lb / 29.45 oz)
 Dimensions 146 x 107 x 42 mm (5.75 x 4.21 x 1.65″)

Pentax 645z: Price: ₹3,74,03

This is yet another camera aimed at the professionals. 51.4 mega-pixel CMOS sensor and
internal stabilisation is encased in a rather clunky body which is too large for many people’s
convenience.

Full Specs:

 Body type Large SLR

 Max resolution 8256 x 6192
  Effective pixels 51 megapixels
 Sensor size Medium format (44 x 33 mm)
 Sensor type CMOS
 ISO Auto, ISO 100-204800
 Lens mount Pentax 645AF2
 Focal length mult. 0.8×
 Articulated LCD Tilting
 Screen size 3.2″
 Screen dots 1,037,000
 Max shutter speed 1/4000 sec
 Format MPEG-4, H.264
 Storage types Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots
 USB USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
 Weight 1550 g (3.42 lb / 54.67 oz)
 Dimensions 156 x 117 x 123 mm (6.14 x 4.61 x 4.84″)

LEICA Q2 V Pentax KP

LEICA Q2: Price: ₹368,644

47.3MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor, UHD 4K video recording and electronic wayfinder is all
encased in a compact body which is weather proof. This is a point-and-shoot camera though
which sort of takes the shine away.

Full Specs:

 Body type Large sensor compact

 Max resolution 8368 x 5584
 Effective pixels 47 megapixels
 Sensor size Full frame (36 x 24 mm)
 Sensor type CMOS
 ISO Auto, 50-50000
 Focal length (equiv.) 28 mm
 Max aperture F1.7
 Articulated LCD Fixed
 Screen size 3″
 Screen dots 1,040,000
 Max shutter speed 1/2000 sec
 Format MPEG-4
 Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC
 Weight 734 g (1.62 lb / 25.89 oz)
 Dimensions 130 x 80 x 92 mm (5.12 x 3.15 x 3.62″)
Pentax KP: Price: ₹ 56,000

This is a more classic looking Pentax with 24.3 megapixel and optical wayfinder. Its
waterproof construction and in-body anti shake function are sure to attract a few buyers. Full
HD 1080p video recording makes this a perfect camera for an enthusiast.

Full Specs:

 Body type Mid-size SLR

 Max resolution 6016 x 4000
 Effective pixels 24 megapixels
 Sensor size APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
 Sensor type CMOS
 ISO Auto, 100-819200
 Lens mount Pentax KAF2
 Focal length mult. 1.5×
 Articulated LCD Tilting
 Screen size 3″
 Screen dots 921,000
 Max shutter speed 1/6000 sec
 Format MPEG-4, H.264
 Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I supported)
 USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
 Weight 703 g (1.55 lb / 24.80 oz)
 Dimensions 132 x 101 x 76 mm (5.2 x 3.98 x 2.99″)

LEICA C-LUX V Pentax K-70

LEICA C-LUX: Price: ₹76,271

One of the bestselling points in this camera is its 15X zoom which produces stunning
pictures. 20.1MP MOS Sensor and a stylish build gives it a premier look and feel when
handling. Its 5-axis optical image stabilisation ensures clear pictures and not a blurry mess.

Full Specs:

 Body type Large sensor compact

 Max resolution 5472 x 3648
 Effective pixels 20 megapixels
 Sensor size 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm)
 Sensor type CMOS
 ISO Auto, 125-12800 (expands to 80-25600)
 Focal length (equiv.) 24–360 mm
 Max aperture F3.3–6.4
 Articulated LCD Fixed
  Screen size 3″
 Screen dots 1,240,000
 Max shutter speed 1/2000 sec
 Format MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264
 Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I compatible)
 USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
 Weight 340 g (0.75 lb / 11.99 oz)
 Dimensions 113 x 67 x 46 mm (4.45 x 2.64 x 1.81″)

Pentax K-70: Price: ₹ 60,000

Weather-resistant construction and on-board shake reduction with its rugged build makes it a
good choice for enthusiasts and semi-pros. 24.2 megapixel and Full HD 1080p video
recording is sure to give a picture worth saving.

Full Specs:

 Body type Compact SLR

 Max resolution 6000 x 4000
 Effective pixels 24 megapixels
 Sensor size APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
 Sensor type CMOS
 ISO Auto, 100-102400
 Lens mount Pentax KAF2
 Focal length mult. 1.5×
 Articulated LCD Fully articulated
 Screen size 3″
 Screen dots 921,000
 Max shutter speed 1/6000 sec
 Format MPEG-4, H.264
 Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
 USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
 Weight 688 g (1.52 lb / 24.27 oz)
 Dimensions 126 x 93 x 74 mm (4.94 x 3.66 x 2.91″)