Pentax K-01, Ugliest Camera Ever

I think I'd like one if they go on sale again for ~$200 or so for just a body, wouldn't want yellow, or the pancake lens though.

No hurry though, since my one camera one year project is the EPL1 with AR Hexanon SLR lens.
 
We may see $200 for a K-01 body eventually. A price drop to $299.95 was announced this morning. That's a tremendous bargain for such a capable camera.
 
kdemas said:
That is an amazing deal for a camera with this IQ. Wow.
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I got one (yellow!) a few days ago, if you consider that the DA 40mm f2.8 costs more than 250,- US$ if bought alone this is impossible to skip. The IQ is amazing and I love the face people put when I get that out of the bag: "Did he steal his kid's camera? Fisher Price camera should be only for kids...".

Ah, yep, I also found that pointless and ugly when it appeared, and AF is slowish and it has no EVF but - who cares? - photography is not always about speed and this camera is funny so now it become my unprofessional camera of choice!

GLF
 
nparsons13 said:
Install the two firmware updates, 1.01 and 1.02. The latter was released just a few days ago. The first speeds up AF a lot, and the second helps other more minor problems.
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Thanks for the advice, it's so new I didn't even look at updates yet... Something to do during weekend.

GLF
 
If I'm used to AF speed of Sigma DP1, probably, speed of this Pentax would be quite OK or even great :)
 
btgc said:
If I'm used to AF speed of Sigma DP1, probably, speed of this Pentax would be quite OK or even great :)
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Without any firmware update it is ok most of the times in good light but if you come from a Nikod D4, D800 or whatever similar Canon does or even from a K5 it's like going back to driving a Corolla after driving a Porsche. Still I really don't care, "Horses for courses" I guess...

GLF
 
Well, thinking about K-01...I've istD which I generally like so it's not a matter of bare need for me. I've small stash of K-mount glass, but nothing too fancy. Superfast AF isn't required, but I'm uncertain by LCD at daylight as only mean to compose, in this regard istD is troublefree.

I don't see "yellow + 40mm" combos anymore, pity. Do you agree AF 40mm for extra $60 is nobrainer? I could live with black body as I'm not too picky although yellow would help to use it where cameras are divided into fun cams and pro gear. Basically, I'm attracted by current sensor, good battery life and straight K-mount for the price of P&S.
 
btgc said:
Well, thinking about K-01...I've istD which I generally like so it's not a matter of bare need for me. I've small stash of K-mount glass, but nothing too fancy. Superfast AF isn't required, but I'm uncertain by LCD at daylight as only mean to compose, in this regard istD is troublefree.

I don't see "yellow + 40mm" combos anymore, pity. Do you agree AF 40mm for extra $60 is nobrainer? I could live with black body as I'm not too picky although yellow would help to use it where cameras are divided into fun cams and pro gear. Basically, I'm attracted by current sensor, good battery life and straight K-mount for the price of P&S.
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The largest book retailer lists the combo (with yellow body, well, rubber covers) starting at 420 US$.

GLF
 
wonder how prices reflect the K-01 discontinuation notice?

on the other hand rumors about new small full frame Pentax are getting stronger. interesting times :rolleyes:

Pentax essentially states that they think full-frame is the way to go, and that development of a full-frame camera has been advancing. Wakashiro added that even during Photokina he had mixed feelings about the prospect of making such a camera, but now both he and the company are open to it. The way he phrased this implies that full-frame is about to be a permanent Pentax product line. Although what he said is still subject to interpretation, there is much less uncertainty now than there's ever been before.
Wakashiro also said that while small size is important, the full-frame will also be unique in other ways compared to what's already out there.
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That's what I wanted to see the picture quality and it really nice, I just got a Pentax
a K20D and I'm picking up a FA and A lenses for it and so far the pictures are really
nice, great colors.

Range
 
I have been eyeing these since first introduced. I've always been a fan of Pentax manual-focus lenses, and even though I donated a bunch away a couple of years ago, I've been interested in getting a new digital Pentax.

So, thanks to _this_ disparaging thread (!) I found the black K-01 with the 40mm lens on Amazon for $429 and bought. I also got a hoodman loupe which if I can attach to the back OK will be a decent viewfinder.

So a few day 3 observations:

it's solid and chunky. fits my sorta large hands well, especially with the 55mm f/1.7 SMC Pentax (no M A, or any other letters following)
I am a big fan of "just a little bit long" lenses, so the 40 and 55 combo is really good for me.
Haven't decided yet if I like the focus peaking for assist.
IQ seems quite good, but I haven't done serious examination yet.
Much faster than the 9 year old sony compact I've been using.
Build quality appears great.
Ugly? Maybe. Mine's not yellow.

Am I offended by the size? probably not. Or only slightly. It might have been really cool if Pentax had created a "micro K" mount like the 4/3 people did. But I bought the thing *primarily to use manual-focus K-mount lenses* so I'm not bothered.

The market success of this beast would indicate that my primary use for this camera is not all that popular. :)

If any actual users of this thing have read this far and have some tips for useful configuration of the custom modes, or style of using in general that has worked for you with MF lenses, I would love to hear the details!!

--mike
 
mike rosenlof said:
I have been eyeing these since first introduced. I've always been a fan of Pentax manual-focus lenses, and even though I donated a bunch away a couple of years ago, I've been interested in getting a new digital Pentax.

So, thanks to _this_ disparaging thread (!) I found the black K-01 with the 40mm lens on Amazon for $429 and bought. I also got a hoodman loupe which if I can attach to the back OK will be a decent viewfinder.

So a few day 3 observations:

it's solid and chunky. fits my sorta large hands well, especially with the 55mm f/1.7 SMC Pentax (no M A, or any other letters following)
I am a big fan of "just a little bit long" lenses, so the 40 and 55 combo is really good for me.
Haven't decided yet if I like the focus peaking for assist.
IQ seems quite good, but I haven't done serious examination yet.
Much faster than the 9 year old sony compact I've been using.
Build quality appears great.
Ugly? Maybe. Mine's not yellow.

Am I offended by the size? probably not. Or only slightly. It might have been really cool if Pentax had created a "micro K" mount like the 4/3 people did. But I bought the thing *primarily to use manual-focus K-mount lenses* so I'm not bothered.

The market success of this beast would indicate that my primary use for this camera is not all that popular. :)

If any actual users of this thing have read this far and have some tips for useful configuration of the custom modes, or style of using in general that has worked for you with MF lenses, I would love to hear the details!!

--mike
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You might consider an FA or F lens to this gives auto-focus but retains the beauty of manual aperture control. I love this especially for flash, a depth of field without fussing with the knob.

I usually use my in manual mode and hit the green button before shooting. I personally don't like some guy in Japan deciding what ISO, f-stop, shutter speed I use. I don't use the SR because I do a lot of tripod shots and I forget to turn it off. It does not have a cable release as all new cameras do I bought a $2.99 (including shipping) remote release. It is good for at least 25 feet.

I had a Leitz accessory viewfinder which I use outside, Mine is permanently (almost) with a 28mm FA Pentax lens.

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Above, I love this with flash. It is so easy to use, much easier than my DSLR.
 
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