Originally posted by m8o I use the handhold attached (photo by Ron Reznick).
Just for grins, last night I got out my MESuper and left the body cap mounted. Using the classic two-handed grip shown in the old manuals (left palm under the base, fingers on the lens focus ring, right hand gripping the the side, finger on the release) I raised the camera to eye level.
Keeping my elbows close to my body and the rear of the camera (imagine it is an LCD) about six inches from my face, I held this position for seven minutes before my arms really started to ache.
It wasn't an uncomfortable position, but my muscles aren't yet accustomed to that combination of contractions and extensions.
This works because there is enough surface area on the base and side of the camera body to support it. There will be more surface area with the K-01 grip taken into account. I don't think it would work for one of the skinny P&S form mirrorless bodies everyone is so hepped about.
I can do this for video and stills. I could also use a monopod (I can't believe no one has mentioned that yet) but I'd bet the target user doesn't know what a monopod is.
I
personally wouldn't use this camera with a long, heavy lens - I'd use something else more suited to the purpose - but I
could use a monopod there, too.
Try this - it really works!! Pentax got this body right - but only we old film guys have figured it out
.