| Author: | | New Member Registered: November, 2019 Posts: 1 | | Review Date: March 17, 2023 | Recommended | Price: $915.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | High build quality. Takes broad range of legacy lenses. Good intuitive controls. | | Cons: | None that spring to mind. | | Years Owned: 5 years
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: Used
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My workhorse camera. Really enjoy using it. Controls are very intuitive and are now second nature to me.
I use it with a wide variety of prime lenses, both autofocus and legacy manual. Via a dumb adapter, I also occasionally use it with a small selection of 6x7 optics, which produce truly stunning results, particularly the 105mm f2.4.
My example is now almost permanantly used fitted with the D-BG6 battery grip, which makes handling better for me as I have large hands.
For a long time now, since I first owned my K-1, I've been using the 1x1 (square) crop option, which I particularly enjoy as in the past I've been very used to framing shots in a 6x6 medium format viewfinder.
The K-1 probably has more facilities than I'll ever need or use. However, those of it's capabilities that I use, all perform completely to my satisfaction.
| | | | | | | Forum Member Registered: April, 2010 Location: Adelaide Posts: 84
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: June 22, 2021 | Recommended | Price: $1,350.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Great picture quality. Good AF. Quiet shutter/mirror | | Cons: | A little heavy. Lack of USB 3.0 | | Years Owned: 0.3
Ergonomics: 8
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 8
Features: 8
Value: 8
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: Used
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I sold my K-5 with all my crop lenses in early 2017 hoping to buy a K-1 (new or used) around June that year. However everything went awry and I wasn't able to buy a K-1 until March this year. I bought the camera from Japan and had to pay taxes and other charges on arrival but it was still good value with only about 3000 shots recorded and still looking almost like new. I don't have any modern full frame lenses and that will take some time, but my old Tamron 24-135 AF (film lens) and Tamron 17-35mm Di seem to work well on the K-1. An old Pentax 50mm f1.7 KA lens gives stunning results.
I find the K-1 shutter/mirror particularly quiet. I was expecting it to be noisier than the K-5 but it is very quiet in comparison.
All in all, it was well worth the long wait! | | | | | New Member Registered: September, 2017 Posts: 6
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: March 10, 2021 | Recommended | Price: $2,100.00
| Rating: 1 |
| Pros: | for people who love adjust everything | | Cons: | to big, too heavy, too many adjastment | | Years Owned: 1,5
Ergonomics: 1
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 1
Autofocus: 1
Features: 10
Value: 1
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
| |
It is NOT camera for average user! Average user snaps kids, family gathering and so on. There is no time to play with optimum adjustment of camera setting.
Most reviewer here are either athletes (love heavy staff) or professionals who don't mind learning to adjust zillions of things or lovers of pixel peeping.
For others this camera is NOT PRACTICAL TOOL for photography. Too heavy to complicated.
It may be blasphemy to say that K1 is stupid, because on its own can not pick up optimum setting (no scene modes). And finally, how many times do we print anything bigger then A4?
Superb Pentax technological achievement but for very limited market. 
PS
Anybody here remember principle of product QUALITY ?
Fitness for purpose and eliminations of opportunity for errors. (Each button and menu option are)
| | | | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: October, 2018 Location: Quebec City, Quebec Posts: 6,633
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 20, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $1,500.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | A dream camera for the landscape photographer. | | Cons: | None | | Years Owned: 3
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 10
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
| |
| | | | | | | Pentaxian Registered: June, 2011 Posts: 485
7 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 20, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $800.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | image quality, pixel shift, astrotracer, lights for astro, gps, weather sealing, body design | | Cons: | gets pretty heavy I guess | | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 9
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: Used
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I have hesitated reviewing this camera for a while because... well... I still have not been able to master it. It is more camera than I am photographer. But, I think it's time to share some thoughts after owning it for two years now.
TL;DR Pentax killed it with their first full-frame, but you may not really need it.
I originally bought it in 2018 for $800, with some defects. For that price at the time it was a steal to me, as I could sell my K-3 and lens for it. Nowadays, I have seen several used K-1's in the 800-900 USD range, which is incredible. Making the switch to full-frame for me wasn't entirely educated, and to be honest I didn't know what I was getting myself into as far as size and cost. Those concerns notwithstanding, I have never been let down by the image quality or usability of the camera.
The K-3 is amazing. The K-1 just takes it up a notch with new sensor and processor technology. Images have even more dynamic range and noise is better controlled. That being said, if you considering making a similar jump, my images aren't "better" now. With my style of shooting, knowledge and skill level (amateur, approaching intermediate in some areas), I mostly have seen advantages in situations that I can shoot more comfortably in. Like indoors, where I can bump up the ISO and take advantage of the full width of a full-frame lens. I feel like more modern Pentax APS-C cameras like the KP and the new one just announced mitigate this with better ISO performance. My point here is, think twice (maybe thrice) about going full-frame unless you have a specific reason, and don't go full-frame uneducated like me 
I really appreciate the astrotracer being built in, and the little lights they put around the camera. I use those all the time with night photography. I don't use the red screen mode as much, as it makes reviewing the images impossible. Otherwise, it's a great idea because it does help with your eyes. Very cool features.
I haven't used pixel shift a lot, because I often find myself without a tripod. But from what I have experienced, it's great. Cool feature.
The jump to 24 -> 36 MP was big. No, I'm not printing that large to make a difference, but I often crop and I feel like it has made a practical difference when I need to.
The camera is very well built. Like a tank. That leads me to my one and only real negative which is size and weight. It is a very chunky camera. In many ways that's actually a positive thing - holding it is easy and it feels premium - but it does make me question taking it out with me for casual walks, and I have resorted to buying old Pentax bodies that are smaller and lighter to fill the photography urge for those kinds of trips. Another thing to think about.
For the price you can get these now it's becoming an even better deal, if you can deal with the size, weight and have access to full-frame glass. If not and you're drooling over it anyway, just know your APS-C camera is just fine
Just tryin' to save you some money | | | | | Senior Member Registered: October, 2008 Location: Great Plain, Hungary Posts: 204
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 16, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $1,800.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Plenty of hard buttons and dials, JPEG adjustments, IQ, articulating LCD | | Cons: | AF maybe, but I have adapted, Pentax stopped firmware update other than new lens support | | Years Owned: 3
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 8
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
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I have had my K-1 since March 2017. Bought it new at the Photography Show in Birmingham. I do not shoot raw at all, instead I tweaked and saved user settings for my photo habits. That serves me well 99% of the time. Really cool that I can change them by just turning the dial and I am ready to go.
I have not got much complaint about this camera. Image quality is still outstanding after 3 years, lots of adjustment through menu, and the extra dials make a big difference in handling. I hardly ever enter the menu since I have the user settings saved.
Battery life is pretty good, although I have to admit that the first setting on the camera was to get rid of the info LCD being on all the time, and to turn off instant preview completely. I do it for two (three) reasons on all my digital cameras. First to save battery life. Second: if you do not know what settings you are at without the info screen then you do not know your camera or not pay attention to what you are doing. Third: instant preview is for dummies, isn't it? You have just taken that very picture, do not you remember? If it is fckd it is too late already...
Anyway, back to the review.
AF as many have stated already is its weakest point, or its weak point. But we Pentaxians have learnt to live with it, haven't we? For action I just have the 9 point select one offset to one side (do not need to compose in the middle and move the camera sideways) and that does the job most of the time. Besides all my lenses calibrated/AF fine tuned in-camera, so AF is as good as you can get with a Pentax.
I have not tested my K-1 in harsh condition, but it is reassuring it can take some rain and dust. None of my lenses though, so that is the bottleneck of the system.
| | | | | Junior Member Registered: January, 2018 Posts: 47
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: November 18, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $1,300.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | image quality, weather sealing, robustness | | Cons: | | | Years Owned: 3
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 9
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: Used
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I have had the K-1 for about two and half years and the shutter count is currently at around 60.000. I have previous use experience from mostly Pentax DSLRs (K-x, K-50, KP, K-3ii) and Canon EOS M (mark 1), Sigma Foveon DSLRs and DP1 models (including Merrill), as well as some Olympus P&S and MFT, Fujifilm P&S and Nikon D40, film DSLR and even Samsung Gear 360 cameras as well as several video cameras.
My use of Pentax gear is mostly outdoors in any weather. I carry it in a front loader camera bag with a harness when I am biking, paddling or hiking. Many reviewers have already covered the standard use of the camera, so I will be focusing more on using it in the extreme conditions.
In wet conditions, my experience is two-fold. One of the most extreme conditions humidity-wise has been a rain and hail storm for several hours, on top of a mountain with high winds. The DFA 15-30 actually stopped working after a few hours of this. Camera still worked with other lenses (when back indoors and it was safe to swap the lens) and even the 15-30 came back to life after a night of drying out and does not seem to have suffered from this exposure to the elements. Other times, I have had the camera e.g. boating or canoeing in heavy rain for hours with DFA 24-70, which became my go-to lens for wet conditions after the hail storm incident. DFA 24-70 has never showed any issues related to humidity. I am routinely taking my K-1 out in conditions where no regular DSLR can go. It has probably been out in heavy rain 100 times or more. The one experience with malfunctioning lens has made me a bit more cautious, but I still do not hesitate to take K-1 out in any weather.
Temperature-wise, I have successfully used the camera for astro and other photography at freezing conditions. At -30C and below, with long exposure astrophotography shots, the number of shots per one battery can go to just 60 images, but if you do have the spare batteries at hand, the camera never stops working even if kept for hours under bare sky so that it starts turning into a block of ice. (I am currently experimenting with lens heaters to keep shooting in these conditions). A number of times, there has been some arctic wind which means wind chill has been way lower than the -30 or -40C, and you can only take off gloves for a few seconds at a time, and the camera does not miss a beat. This is quite remarkable, as this means that even a well clothed photographer gives up long before the camera. One important thing is that K-1 can be handled with thick gloves on (except the power switch and AF/MF switch which are too tiny). On hikes in cold weather, when you keep the camera in a bag most of the time, there is not even much degradation in battery life.
Using the camera in these harsh conditions month after month, some of the buttons have become quite sticky. This is probably due to some salt water or sand penetrating inside the button wells (but not through the sealing I would guess). This does not affect the actual camera function.
There have only been two actual malfunctions with the camera so far. The first one was the hail storm incident described above, and the second one was not related to extreme humidity or temperature as far as I know. Actually, when it occurred, I had the camera with me for a few days’ hike in zero Celsius temperatures, but it never got very cold or even very humid. After about four days of this, the camera suddenly reset itself to factory settings. This has not occurred ever since, and the root cause for this one incident remains unknown to me. I have shot another few thousand images after this occurred, and I am hoping that this was a one-time occurrence.
I see K-1 as a perfect landscape and nature photography camera, and especially as an outdoors camera for Nordic conditions. (I don’t shoot birds or wildlife, do not have the time it would take to find the wildlife). The weight with one DFA lens is still tolerable and a handful of batteries takes you through a few days’ hike. Image quality is superb even in low light. I routinely use bracketing (+/- 1.5 EV stops) but rarely need to go for the + or – images. My only criticism is about the lens weight and size for the weather resistant selection: a weather-sealed pancake size lens in the wide to normal range (prime) is missing from Pentax selection. Ideally, something maybe in the 20 or max 35 mm focal range. f/4 would be perfectly okay for landscape photography.
| | | | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: December, 2009 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Posts: 2,437 | | Review Date: October 19, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $2,200.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | A please to use, excellent IQ, great selection of features | | Cons: | Shutter shock | | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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Now that I have owned my K-1 for a couple of years now, I thought its about time to review it.
Overall I love it and it doesn't leave me wanting for much. It feels so great in my hands and comfortable enough to hold for hours. Personally I don't think its too heavy as the weight helps me with steady holding and seems to balance with the lenses I use very nicely. Size is small for a mirrored FF and really its not much bigger than a K-5 or K-3 - coming from a K-5, I did not really notice it being bigger until I put them side by side and certainly the extra depth to grip makes it much more comfortable to hold than the K-5 (which was already quite good).
I don't like a lot of noise in my images and with K-5 would avoid going over ISO 1600 when I could. On the K-1 I have many times been shooting indoor at ISO3200 (and sometimes 6400) and been very happy with image quality. To be honest I was not particularly needing more resolution than the K-5, however I have found the 36 MP sensor does give me a lot more flexibility to crop and can obviously help with noise performance too by the time you scale the image down. I'm more impressed with the sensor than I thought I would be.
I have to mention the tilt screen. This is a feature that I was not particularly looking forward to as I have always been concerned about the durability of tilt screens. But on the K-1 its a solid beast and I have no concerns about it at all. In fact its a feature I have really come to love and I'm often popping the screen out to help with those really awkward angle shots! GPS is nice to have too and have shot the occasional astrotracer too.
Features I have not used that much (a bit to my surprise but maybe its just me):
* Wifi. Mobile apps has often been quite problematic for me to get going and I don't often have a need for it anyway.
* Pixel shift. Have played with it but most of the scenes I shoot are rarely static enough for effective PixelShift. Often quite breezy in NZ.
* Extra selector knob. I alternate between selecting it to ISO and exposure but most of the time I forget what its on and I'm so used to the exposure and ISO buttons that I use those without even having to think. Its a nice idea though.
AF is actually quite good and certainly a big step up from my K-5. Its fast and accurate enough for my use but then I don't shoot a lot of action and rarely use continuous mode.
My only little annoyance (that is greatly outweighed by all the positives), is the occasional shutter shock. I use smaller lenses and occasionally the DFA28-105, and its with these lenses that it tends to show up. I shows up as a slight blurring when you pixel peep (and in cases where I know its not movement causing it). Also its usually not that critical to me as there is plenty of resolution there to work with when it happens - that said for more critical scenes and where shutter speed fall between 1/60 and 1/250, I sometimes change to LV (with ES turned on) to avoid it. To be fair I should point out that this is a common problem with FF DSLRs in general and its good Pentax has added ES in LV to help mitigate it.
Highly recommended if you into landscape photography.
Some sample shots:
1. ISO3200 (shadows boosted a bit as it was a dark seen and I believe no NR applied as I'm not fan of it)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwi_jono/32751914666
2. ISO400
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwi_jono/42822346734
3. ISO100
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwi_jono/33079762078
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwi_jono/40014570223 | | | | | New Member Registered: May, 2019 Location: Roma Posts: 10 | | Review Date: October 2, 2019 | Not Recommended | Price: $1,500.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | OTTIMA E FACILE DA USARE | | Cons: | NESSUNO | | Years Owned: 0.6
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 10
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
| |
FINALMENTE LA MACCHINA PERFETTA PER ME. OTTIMA IN OGNI SITUAZIONE ANCHE IN SCARSA LUMINOSITA'. CONTRASTO E COLORI ULTRADEFINITI. MOLTO UTILE IL WI-FI E MOLTO EFFICACE SENZA PERDITA DI SEGNALE E MOLTO VELOCE NEL TRASFERIMENTO DELLE IMMAGINI. OTTIMO IL GPS
SI USA CON MOLTA FACILITA' ED HA UN RAPPORTO QUALITA' PREZZO ECCELLENTE
| | | | | New Member Registered: May, 2016 Location: Arkansas Posts: 13
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: January 22, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $1,500.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Ergonomics, FF, IBIS, Weather Sealed, High ISO, Direct Control | | Cons: | Centralization of AF points, AF speed, Articulating screen | | Years Owned: 1 month
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 7
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
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Coming from a K20d the K1 is a huge leap for me in everything except the learning curve, most buttons and controls are very similar so I've found myself completely at ease with this camera. On first unboxing I was concerned because there was a definite shifting of something within the camera, I later found out that this is normal. That was a scare as I bought the camera from an ebay retailer (but authorized Pentax dealer), but it still worried me. I bought the K1 new instead of the Mk II due to some issues raised by DPReview, if this camera interests you on the used market you might read that review. Anyhow here are my thoughts on some aspects of this camera.
Positives:
1. Build Quality is superb - What I've come to expect from Pentax/Ricoh.
2. Ergonomics - great, maybe not as good as my K20d, but I don't have the battery grip yet. If you don't think this is important, I have a Nikon D5000 gathering dust you should talk to.
3. IBIS - Easily 4-5 stops of stabilization, superb! Coupled with the high ISO, most flash situations are non-existent with this camera. Hence, no pop-up flash needed!
4. Size is large but not really much bigger than my k20d!
5. 3 command dials and 2 function dials and button inputs!!! Awesome, no menu diving for basic functions. Camera is a joy to use, especially if you grew up with film cameras.
6. Quieter and quicker by far than K20d.
7. Great to have an articulating monitor, I've missed that. It is something I used to use often.
8. The viewfinder is super, I can focus manually again. Wish they came with split/microprism focusing screen though.
Negatives:
1. Why not have a flip and twist monitor?? My Coolpix 8700, Oly E-3, and Nikon D5000 (kinda) had it, but the K1 has a strut system. Better than nothing, but still, what's the deal?
2. All the AF points are in the APS field of view. This to me is just stupid, I'm constantly having to recompose to get the composition I want.
3. Slow AF. My first "good" DSLR, the Oly E-3, stomps the K1 ... ELEVEN YEARS LATER!!! If only Oly hadn't used the 4/3 sensor.
4. Slow FPS continuous shooting... not a deal breaker, but again the 11 y.o. Oly beats it.
5. Slow write-to-card speed and buffer clearance. Also, if you switch cards around it can cause issues with the camera.
The only issue to me that is truly a big problem (for my picture taking style) would be the centralization of focus points. Then again, I've used cameras with only 3 FP's! No negative is so great as to detract from the whole in this camera.
As always, even from it's earliest film days, Pentax is a camera for photographers who appreciate value, quality, and core photographic needs. This is not a video camera, it is not a do everything but nothing well camera. It is a superb photographic machine. Bravo RICOH!!
P.S. - I have not tried the astrotracer or pixel-shift yet so no comment on those abilities but really am looking forward to trying them out soon.
| | | | | New Member Registered: June, 2018 Location: Houghton, Michigan Posts: 1
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 27, 2018 | Recommended | Price: $1,190.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | FF Pentax! 36MP, Weather Sealing, Astrotracer, Composition Adjust, IBIS | | Cons: | AF, Video Mode, limited selection of modern lenses | | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 7
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: Used
| |
The Pentax K-1 is my body of choice for still photography where you can take your time. The featureset and resolution is simply unmatched at this pricepoint, and is a long-awaited gift for those of us who love the character and "personality" of Pentax's vintage glass without the hassle of shooting film.
I won't say much about ergonomics because it's so subjective. I love the addition of the variable dial, tilt screen, and comfortable grip. I would have liked to see a dedicated AF point joystick and alternative placement/design of the remote trigger socket - it gets in the way of adjusting the camera on a tripod, and my trigger tends to fall out quite often.
The build quality of this camera is second to none. Comparing this camera with other major brands - Nikon and Sony come close but Canon is definitely coming in at dead last. The overall body construction, materials, and weather sealing on this camera is incredible, especially at this price point. The minute you hold one in your hand, you will know exactly what I am talking about.
The UI of this camera is not for everyone, but allows the user an incredible amount of control over the camera overall. Some people may prefer a more simple interface, but I don't mind a bit of digging when there are this many features available in a "budget" FF body.
The AF on this camera is nothing incredible and one of the reasons I really hesitate to recommend this body to the uninitiated. Pentax knows their market - it works fine, but is far behind the competition with the incredible features of Nikon's Continuous AF, Canon Dual-Pixel AF, and Sony's Eye AF. The AF on this camera will serve you well, but is a definite drawback from the Pentax system - if you are looking for a sport or action camera, I'd recommend you look elsewhere. Stills - it will work well.
The featureset of this camera is the #1 reason I decided to invest in the Pentax system. As a still photographer shooting landscapes, waterfalls, and abandoned buildings, this camera has more to offer than the other "Big 3" combined. My favorite features on the camera the others can't offer in a single package:
- Built-in GPS tagging (I like to drive around and take pictures of whatever I like - this feature lets me return to a location effortlessly. Why don't the others include??)
- Tilt Screen!! Until the D850 (released shortly after purchase for 2-3x the cost) neither Nikon or Canon have offered a serious FF body with a tilt screen.
Ridiculous - it's incredibly useful for all types of shooting at difficult angles. While quirky, I love Pentax's implementation
- Best in class Weather Sealing - exploring dusty, abandoned mines, snowy mountains, dirt trails and waterfalls - this has never failed me
- IBIS makes all of your vintage lenses stabilized - perfect for those who love the character and rendition of old glass
- Astrotracer feature works wonderfully (most of the time  ) for astro and landscape shots! Unique to Pentax, at least for FF.
- Pixel Shift for even higher resolution. Notably doesn't work well on moving subjects, and doesn't always play nice with Lightroom/PS.
- Composition Adjust!! This feature is commonly overlooked for some reason... in a matter of 2 minutes and 4 shots, flawlessly stitched in post - you can simulate a
46MP, medium-format-ish sensor. Simply shifting the sensor to the 4 corners allows you to cover ~26% more area with a wider FOV and higher resolution from a
single perspective with 0 parallax errors or other issues, besides possible vignetting.
The value of this camera speaks for itself. It is easily the best choice for still life photographers, and comes at such a cheap price. Perfectly functional used bodies can be found for $1200- on feeBay.
IQ is also top tier, with a sensor matching that found in the D810, the IQ and Dynamic Range is easily on par with the best Canon, Nikon, and Sony have to offer. Noise is incredibly low and with Pixel Shift on a static subject, I would say it is easily the lowest-noise FF camera on the market.
So why would anyone buy anything besides a Pentax, you might ask? Well, a lot of reasons. Firstly, as stated, the AF on this camera is nothing special - functional, but not impressive compared to the competition. Secondly, the video capabilities are nothing short of embarrassing. If you want a video camera, this is not the one for you - look at Sony a7s series.
Third, and I would say most important, is the relatively tiny selection of modern, FF, AF glass for a 36MP system. Pentax has covered its bases with the DFA 15-30mm, 24-70mm, 70-200mm*, 150-450mm, and 50mm*. Not to mention the lovely limited lenses and those high-quality DA lenses that work perfectly on the FF sensor, including many DA* primes and the DA560mm. Additionally, the cost gap grows wider when considering the used market, as the Big 3 have many lenses of years past available for relatively cheap, including Sigma and Tamron support. But wait! Pentax has supported the K-Mount for 40 years, you say. There's countless lenses in the K, M, A, F, and FA series supporting a FF image circle! I can already hear my fellow Pentaxians screaming bloody murder as I criticize the FF lens lineup. As someone who absolutely adores vintage glass, the cold, hard, truth is that 98% of those old film lenses are simply "not enough" on a 36MP sensor. While there are MANY notable exceptions, most of that stuff was designed for film resolving the equivalent of around 8MP, not a modern 36MP sensor. Not to say that they should be immediately forgotten, but the point stands that lens selection is a huge drawback for the Pentax system - something I think Ricoh understands and is working incredibly hard to remedy.
Overall, this camera is second to none for people willing to take their time to get the shot. I love using sharp old glass such as the K 135/2.5, A 50/1.7 or M 28/3.5 without the hassles of shooting film. There is a certain indescribable quality about vintage glass that makes me love it, but as someone who also loves large prints - you need to choose wisely. few of the beloved Takumar/Pentax lenses stand up to digital quality standards.
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: October, 2013 Location: Florida Posts: 195
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 24, 2018 | Recommended | Price: $1,500.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Image Quality, Full Frame, Ergonomics, Dynamic Range, Build Quality | | Cons: | 4 frames per second burst and buffer speeds | | Years Owned: 3 months
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 9
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
| |
I moved up from a K5 IIs to the K-1. I had owned the K-1 back in 2016 but the copy I received had some quirky issues that caused me to return it during the trial period. This copy of the K-1 I am reviewing is perfect. I was able to pick up with the grip, sling bag, 32GB SD card, software, cleaner, pentax strap, and other goodies for the amazing price of $1497 delivered! From a value standpoint, i would rate it a 15. The camera has a great weight to it and is combined with great weather sealing.
The K-1 has been rock solid since the unboxing. I updated the firmware and started shooting. I was amazed at the image quality produced from all of my lenses but especially my 77mm limited, 31mm limited and now the most impressive 50mm * 1.4. The combo of the the 50mm and this camera body is out of this world. Every lens I place on the K-1 renders amazing photos. I have 3 sigma lenses that rally benefit from the 36MP: 100-300mm F4 (FF), 70-200mm ff2.8 (FF), and 18-35 f1.8 (APS-C). Without any post editing, the images are spectacular. The best implementation of Sony 36MP sensor with amazing dynamic range.
I have been a Pentaxian for 7 years and have to say this camera is exactly the full frame camera I was waiting for. In my hand I feel the possibilities are endless. With the movable rear screen, the camera is an excellent choice for any landscape photography shoot. With the improved 5 axis image stabilization, photos come out razor sharp even when hand held in average to low light.
If I had to list improvements that would entice me to upgrade in the future, it would be more cross type focus points, improved frames per second count (at least 7 in ff), 4K video (even though i don't use for filming), improved buffer performance, and continued improvement on autofocus algorithms. While I am not a sports photographer, these upgrades would make the Pentax full frame, the ultimate full frame. However I would add that anyone who purchases the K-1 couldn't possibly be disappointed. This is an amazing camera that should be able to take me through the next 8 years of photography.
What everyone says about the K-1 is true. I have no idea how I can outgrow this camera. I highly recommend the K-1 for any person who loves photography!
 | | | | | New Member Registered: November, 2017 Posts: 5
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: November 24, 2017 | Recommended | Price: $1,990.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Full Frame, tropicalized, shake reduction, many lens available even for low budget, great high isos, handling, | | Cons: | for the moment nothing | | Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 10
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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I already have Canon 5D classic, Sony A7 and Kodak Pro 14n, and I wanted to get a full frame by Pentax, the K1 was and is the obvious answer to me.
I had it for $1990 as special offer and also taken official battery grip for increasing handling in portraits shooting and also using my Eneloop AA batteries.
For the moment I am deeply satisfied and will share some pictures very soon.
If you have the basics and really need full frame, you will be happy with K1, however avoid lenses as 28-300 and so on, use constant aperture or prime lenses. For sure if you are low budgeted when once bought K1, 50 1.7 or 1.8 are great choices or take a 35mm, choices are numerous.
| | | | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: November, 2010 Location: San Rafael, CA Posts: 806
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: November 1, 2017 | Recommended | Price: $1,896.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Image quality, dynamic range | | Cons: | Heavy | | Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
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I've been using my K-1 pretty constantly since May, primarily for landscape and birding at the moment, stepped up from the K3. All in all it's an excellent camera, a great value for the money. And compared to the big name competition, you can't beat the quality or features for the price. The image quality is excellent, the dynamic range is amazing. I love the unique flippy LCD screen, it saves my back a lot of pain, long overdo.
The ergonomics are as always with Pentax gear, excellent. I'm still getting used to using the third control wheel. Not sure it adds a lot, though I am getting spoiled being able to change ISO on the fly. So I guess it is possible to teach an old dog some new tricks. No complaints for more choices.
Auto focus is very good generally, not as good as I'd like but what photographer was ever satisfied with autofocus
The external illumination is an amazing feature. Was very very happy to find that feature. My only wish is that they could be switched red LED's too.
I primarily use the D-FA 24-70 and the D-FA 150-450, along with the FA-31, FA-77 and FA 100 Macro F/2.8. Most of my other lenses are going unused. I'm anxiously awaiting an ultra wide angle prime from Pentax (20mm range) in order to round out my kit. I'm finding the FA Limiteds to be wickedly sharp on the K-1 body.
My only negative, is that it's heavy, though with a full frame sensor, I wouldn't expect otherwise. Combined with the D-FA 150-450, and it's a work out, especially when shooting birds in flight.
I'd recommend this camera, without hesitation, to anyone looking to move from their current APS-C kit to full frame.
Lastly, my hat is off to Ricoh for being a proactive and excellent steward of the Pentax brand.
 | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: September, 2014 Location: Bendigo, Victoria Posts: 389
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 12, 2017 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Image quality, build quality | | Cons: | not really designed for big hands, thumb rolls onto the four way controller when using the camera in any mode | | Years Owned: 1.5 11700 images
Ergonomics: 5
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 8
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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I have owned this camera from new. I use the 24 - 70 zoom,the 70 -200 zoom and the 150 - 450 zoom.I also own the 28 - 105 zoom. They all perform amazingly well with the K-1.
I have bid hands, 2XL in gloves, and get really pissed off when my fingers roll onto the four way controller part way through a shoot. this is my only criticism, other wise the camera and lens combinations mentioned above really sing. ( see foldedrat on flickr)
Would I buy another? Just as soon as my K-3 dies.
I really like this camera and will super glue some sort of extra relief for my thumb on the back, whenever I remember.
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