FAS Photo - Photography by Frank Sollecito - Pentax page. I am a long time user of Pentax camera gear, starting with a Spotmatic IIa in 1974. Since that first Spotmatic and before the digital revolution I had also owned several other Pentax cameras including a couple of K1000's, a 6X7, a Super Program and a two ZX5n's. That being said, I've always liked the design, feel and outstanding image quality of Pentax cameras and lenses, so factoring that in, along with the selection of Pentax glass I owned at the time, choosing the *ist DS in 2004 as my first digital slr was an easy decision.

My 1st dslr - the*ist DS w/ da 18-55 and da 50-200

My current Pentax K5IIs with the HD DA 16-85 f/3.5-5.6 wr zoom lens

Making a complete transition to digital photography, 2004 would be the last time I would shoot film for almost 16 years, and since that first *ist DS I have also owned a K100D Super, a couple of K10D's, and the K500 - all leading up to my current dslr parings, the K5II and K5IIs. Keeping in mind that even with some of the limitations compared to todays digital cameras, these solidly built, weather sealed top rated cameras of their time can still deliver excellent image quality.  I am currently still using my 16 megapixel K5II and IIs for all my professional real estate shoots as well a my personal wildlife / nature outings while throwing in an occasional portrait here and there. I may eventually spring for the newer faster focusing , higher resolution K3 III for my wildlife photography, but I still find my current K5IIs with its great handling and solid build to be an incredible workhorse producing outstanding image quality for my real estate photos. I have quite a few lenses to accompany these cameras. The ones I use most are the HD DA 16-85mm, HD DA 55-300 WR and a Sigma 120-400 for my Wildlife / Nature photos and the the Sigma 10-20mm and the SMC DA 16-45 for my real estate shoots. I also own the SMC M 28mm f/2.8, the SMC FA 35mm f/2.0, the SMC F 50mm f/1.7 and a SMC M 100mm f/2.8  which I use primarily on my film cameras.

Keeping my K5IIs company the MX-1 and Optio W60 add a bit of versatility to my digital shooting experience.

In addition to the K5II and IIs, I also own the MX-1 and the Optio W60. Still getting use on an occasional excursion here and there as well as some ebay and blog cover photos my Pentax MX-1 is a 12 megapixel medium sized compact camera having a very nice f/1.8 - f/2.4 - 4x zoom lens which was categorized in 2013 as a high end compact digital camera with a stylish look for which I have to agree. Even with its small sensor - and as long as I don't venture to an ISO rating higher than 800 this camera produces excellent quality photos. 

Still owned, but not seeing much action these days -my tiny 10 megapixel waterproof Optio W60

My Optio W60 is an extremely compact waterproof camera, which except for being a bit thicker, is physically smaller than my cellphone. Under the right conditions this camera has taken some great photos. Originally purchased in 2008 to capture images while snorkeling on vacation in the Caribbean and my then frequent mountain bike rides - it's now primarily delegated for duty on my fishing trips.

2020 - I'm back to shooting film - The K1000se and MX

It's 2020 and enter the pandemic. - Having a bit of spare time, I somehow decided to scan some of my old negatives from the 1970's. I then said to myself - WOW!!! - film was really magic - and the window of inspiration opened up before me. So I went and purchased several older Pentax K mount film cameras and lenses and joined the resurging community of photographers who wanted a break from the onslaught of digital technology. Doing so has surprisingly altered and renewed the way I see and capture images.

From the late 50's thru the 90's, Asahi Optic made so many wonderful Pentax film cameras and lenses that over the past two years I was still able to find several models online in nice looking and working condition. My main priorities are models being strictly fully manual and mechanical with a built in light meter and a split image focusing screen. I have to say though, one of my all time favorite film cameras happens to be the Pentax Spotmatic, but sadly it was not offered with a split image focusing screen. Enter the K1000se - which is basically an upgraded Spotmatic SP1000 with a split image focusing screen, a newly designed K mount lens system and open aperture metering, making this a perfect alternative to the original Spotmatic. With the same body style, top control layout and similar handling as the Spotmatic - the K1000se along with its updated feature set allowed me to have my cake and eat it too (-: 

The K1000 is a strictly mechanical, all manual, dependable, pure and simple workhorse that has been recognized as one of the best 35mm cameras for someone wanting to learn photography as well as the seasoned photographer who wants to create photos based on their ability vs. that of the cameras. The all mechanical MX is a similar experience in a more compact form adding a self timer and depth of field preview. For myself, a photographer wanting to have complete control and create a photo based on my ability, using these two Pentax film cameras is a gratifying experience.

Whether shooting film or digital these are two of my favorites (-:

Doing my best not turn this page in to a novel or a camera review which I will leave to all the other technical minded folks out there. I just want to create a picture of what I am currently doing with my Pentax gear. I enjoy taking photos with the old Pentax film cameras as well as my bit outdated digital gear and the bottom line is they all work fine and take photos. What more can you ask of a camera. In the digital arena I still have not had an urge to replace my awesome K5IIs - shooting almost all film these days might have something to do with that. - Maybe!!! - Film wise - what can I say I just love the experience of the K1000se and MX.

Catch me in the Pentax Photo Gallery - The Pentax Photo Gallery showcases the photographic capabilities of their gear from every level and aspect of photography and I am honored to be included among the fine photographers which this site represents.
Thanks for visiting this page, please browse my collection of images in the Pentax Photo Gallery ( PPG ).