Pentax K-01, Ugliest Camera Ever

[kdemas]

Originally Posted by ampguy

anyone using one of these?

Moi. Love it. IQ is awesome.

[tstermitz]

Same top-rated, APS-C sensor as Nikon D7000 and Pentax K5.

It is a bit boxy in order to use the K-mount flange distance.

[ZorkiKat]

Originally Posted by jsrockit

Are you sure it is just as big?

Almost as big, the about the same as a compact DSLR. Thick deep body. Not your usual flattened mirrorless CSC types.

Almost got one of these fugly Pentaces, but got a Samsung NX 200 instead. May have been one of my better decisions made.

[nparsons13]

I'll bet you know someone who loves a woman who you think isn't very attractive. Would you call her fugly to his face?

It was considered cool last year--even on the Pentax forums--to try to outdo the last guy in insulting the K-01's design. But it's been nearly a year since the camera's release, and more and more photographers have fallen in love with the camera and have found once again that beauty is more than skin deep.

So continue with the trash talk if you want--just keep in mind that the more great K-01 photos are made, the more your passé bad-mouthing sounds like sour grapes.

[charjohncarter]

I actually have one and it is really a good camera: it fits my hand, it is simple compared to the DSLRs I've owned and the pictures are excellent. Basically there is very little difference between the final out put of digital so get what you want and forget about the hype.

This weekend, I never do sports, well amost never:

[ampguy]

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.

[nparsons13]

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]

Originally Posted by nparsons13

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.

That is an amazing deal for a camera with this IQ. Wow.

[giellaleafapmu]

Originally Posted by kdemas

That is an amazing deal for a camera with this IQ. Wow.

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]

Originally Posted by giellaleafapmu

AF is slowish

GLF

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.

[giellaleafapmu]

Originally Posted by nparsons13

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.

Thanks for the advice, it's so new I didn't even look at updates yet... Something to do during weekend.

GLF

[btgc]

If I'm used to AF speed of Sigma DP1, probably, speed of this Pentax would be quite OK or even great

[giellaleafapmu]

Originally Posted by btgc

If I'm used to AF speed of Sigma DP1, probably, speed of this Pentax would be quite OK or even great

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

[btgc]

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.

[giellaleafapmu]

Originally Posted by btgc

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.

The largest book retailer lists the combo (with yellow body, well, rubber covers) starting at 420 US$.

GLF

[jarski]

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

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.

[btgc]

Originally Posted by giellaleafapmu

The largest book retailer lists the combo (with yellow body, well, rubber covers) starting at 420 US$.

GLF

Thanks, but I'd rather choose black set for 370 or such. Yellow cover isn't worth extra $50 Majot stores still have this....