Should the K-01 have been a new lens mount?

johnmflores · 02-08-2012, 09:03 AM

Criticism of the K-01 has revolved around a number of things - the design, the size, and the lack of an EVF (built-in or optional). This survey is about one of these issues - size. Perhaps the biggest decision that Pentax made with this camera was to use the K-mount. That had a direct impact on the size, the design, and the availability of lenses for this camera.

Should the K-01 have been a new lens mount?

**crewl1** · 02-08-2012, 09:07 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by johnmflores

Should the K-01 have been a new lens mount?

I don't think so. For size advantage they already have a new lens mount - the Q.

The intentional converter-free support of legacy glass combined with improvements in video help it stand out from the crowd.

bikecoboss · 02-08-2012, 09:07 AM

They may not need a new mount, it looks like they're going to have some K-01 only lenses, with the rear element extending into the mirror box:
http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20120208_510376.html

Not a Japanese speaker, but Google translate does call it a 'K-01'

ogl · 02-08-2012, 09:10 AM

Originally posted by johnmflores

Criticism of the K-01 has revolved around a number of things - the design, the size, and the lack of an EVF (built-in or optional). This survey is about one of these issues - size. Perhaps the biggest decision that Pentax made with this camera was to use the K-mount. That had a direct impact on the size, the design, and the availability of lenses for this camera.

Should the K-01 have been a new lens mount?

With new line of lenses - XS type - NO.

**monochrome** · 02-08-2012, 09:16 AM

Originally posted by ogl

With new line of lenses - XS type - NO.

K-0* could be smaller when it matters - whenever an XS lens is mounted - than its competitors' APSc MILCs with their lenses mounted.

elho_cid · 02-08-2012, 09:17 AM

I really like the K-01. I'd buy it if I were more interested in video or if I didn't have the K-5 already.
Some may say they miss the EVF but>
1/ Today 80% of EVIL cameras sold do not have one. EVF-less mirrorless are simply more popular.
2/ K-5 has the OVF, K-5 successor will have the OVF. Who wants a viewfinder, will choode the better optivcal one, EVF is not worth considering in K-mount world.

jezza323 · 02-08-2012, 09:26 AM

I think I am the first to vote Yes!

I think an electronically compatible mount with a shorter register distance would be ideal. A simple mount adapter (with AF screw drive transfer) would then allow the use of current K mounts on the "new" mount whilst retaining all AF, AE, SR focal length info etc.

Since they are going to release a bunch of new DA-XS lenses anyway, they should have just done them with a shorter register IMO

v5planet · 02-08-2012, 09:29 AM

Originally posted by monochrome

K-0* could be smaller when it matters - whenever an XS lens is mounted - than its competitors' APSc MILCs with their lenses mounted.

I agree with this, and I suspect the protruding rear components of future XS lenses will allow the K-01 to be far more balanced when mounted than larger lenses might be on other systems

JinDesu · 02-08-2012, 09:31 AM

Only thing I don't like about the K-01 is that it doesn't have a viewfinder.

Reasons to keep k-mount:
-I can get it in the future. Or it's derivative.
-People will buy k-mount lenses. Giving Sigma and Tamron more reasons to produce k-mount.
-K-01 will drive smaller k-mount primes in the XS format (so far the XS format looks compatible with our DSLRs).
-Alternative mount format will split K-01 users from non-K-01 users.

eddie1960 · 02-08-2012, 09:34 AM

Given all the anti K-01 comments i'm surprised at the poll being overwhelmingly in favour of the K mount so far. (i voted for the K-mount too - they have the Q for tiny camera systems)

Jezza that simple adapter would cost $400 and would probably be poor AF (like the Sony and Olympus ones are - and hardly anyone buys them) It would relegate the Pentax to a Me Too product rather than differentiating itself and offering something no-one else has

johnmflores · 02-08-2012, 09:46 AM

There is too much emphasis on camera size. More attention needs to be paid to System Size, especially with kit zooms since they are the most popular lenses sold.

When viewed as a System - Sony NEX + kit zoom system kind of looks silly and not likely to be significantly larger than a K-01 + kit zoom system. So ultimately, APS-C based mirrorless Systems will always be pretty big, bigger than smaller sensor alternatives, unless manufacturers can design satisfactory collapsing zooms like the new Panasonic 14-42x

That said, the Sony bodies look deliciously thin, something that consumers are attracted too and may make purchase decisions on before being bait-and-switched to the kit zoom. And the one criticism one can make of the K-01 design is that it could have been designed to minimize/reduce the size difference instead of accentuating them with a blocky design. I like it, but the blocky shape is akin to a "big-boned" person putting on a shirt with horizontal stripes.

No matter, it will slide happily into my bag with a DA Limited.

**jpzk** · 02-08-2012, 09:50 AM

I voted for the K mount.

I have plenty of lenses to last me a while and I wouldn't like to be in a situation where I'd have to gather a whole new lineup of lenses.

Bad for LBA!

Whether I will or not ever get a K-01 remains to be seen.

JP

Biro · 02-08-2012, 10:07 AM

I'm glad they kept the K-mount and I have no problem with the introduction of a K-mount XS series of lenses to keep things small. But, personally, if I eventually do buy a K-01, I wouldnt bother with the XS lenses... opting instead to use my Limited primes and DA-L 35 f/2.4 on it.

**Aristophanes** · 02-08-2012, 10:19 AM

Originally posted by jezza323

I think I am the first to vote Yes!

I think an electronically compatible mount with a shorter register distance would be ideal. A simple mount adapter (with AF screw drive transfer) would then allow the use of current K mounts on the "new" mount whilst retaining all AF, AE, SR focal length info etc.

Since they are going to release a bunch of new DA-XS lenses anyway, they should have just done them with a shorter register IMO

Mount adapters are a nightmare for compatibility, power supply, warranty, durability, WR, etc. They cannot handle all functions outlines above and are usually horrendously expensive ($400).

A shorter register distance just kills the DA 40XS. Register distance is the k-mount. You cannot have it both ways. The K-01 is and forever more going to have the current k-mount register distance.

Raffwal · 02-08-2012, 10:24 AM

Originally posted by bikecoboss

They may not need a new mount, it looks like they're going to have some K-01 only lenses, with the rear element extending into the mirror box:
http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20120208_510376.html

I actually find that a pretty clever solution. Keep the mount and compatibility with old lenses, but make the whole system smaller by this technique with the new lenses.

View Poll Results: Should the K-01 have been a new lens mount?
No, I'm glad it they chose K-mount	105	88.98%
Yes, New mount = smaller camera	13	11.02%
Voters: 118. You may not vote on this poll

02-08-2012, 09:03 AM	#1
johnmflores Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Somerville, NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,361	Should the K-01 have been a new lens mount? Criticism of the K-01 has revolved around a number of things - the design, the size, and the lack of an EVF (built-in or optional). This survey is about one of these issues - size. Perhaps the biggest decision that Pentax made with this camera was to use the K-mount. That had a direct impact on the size, the design, and the availability of lenses for this camera. Should the K-01 have been a new lens mount?

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02-08-2012, 09:07 AM - 1 Like	#2
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	Originally posted by johnmflores Should the K-01 have been a new lens mount? I don't think so. For size advantage they already have a new lens mount - the Q. The intentional converter-free support of legacy glass combined with improvements in video help it stand out from the crowd.

02-08-2012, 09:07 AM	#3
bikecoboss Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Pemberton BC Posts: 238	They may not need a new mount, it looks like they're going to have some K-01 only lenses, with the rear element extending into the mirror box: http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20120208_510376.html Not a Japanese speaker, but Google translate does call it a 'K-01'

02-08-2012, 09:10 AM	#4
ogl Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sankt Peterburg Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,382	Originally posted by johnmflores Criticism of the K-01 has revolved around a number of things - the design, the size, and the lack of an EVF (built-in or optional). This survey is about one of these issues - size. Perhaps the biggest decision that Pentax made with this camera was to use the K-mount. That had a direct impact on the size, the design, and the availability of lenses for this camera. Should the K-01 have been a new lens mount? With new line of lenses - XS type - NO.

02-08-2012, 09:16 AM	#5
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by ogl With new line of lenses - XS type - NO. K-0* could be smaller when it matters - whenever an XS lens is mounted - than its competitors' APSc MILCs with their lenses mounted.

02-08-2012, 09:17 AM	#6
elho_cid Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Prague Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,199	I really like the K-01. I'd buy it if I were more interested in video or if I didn't have the K-5 already. Some may say they miss the EVF but> 1/ Today 80% of EVIL cameras sold do not have one. EVF-less mirrorless are simply more popular. 2/ K-5 has the OVF, K-5 successor will have the OVF. Who wants a viewfinder, will choode the better optivcal one, EVF is not worth considering in K-mount world.

02-08-2012, 09:26 AM	#7
jezza323 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Brisbane Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,421	I think I am the first to vote Yes! I think an electronically compatible mount with a shorter register distance would be ideal. A simple mount adapter (with AF screw drive transfer) would then allow the use of current K mounts on the "new" mount whilst retaining all AF, AE, SR focal length info etc. Since they are going to release a bunch of new DA-XS lenses anyway, they should have just done them with a shorter register IMO

02-08-2012, 09:29 AM	#8
v5planet Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Seattle Photos: Albums Posts: 1,915	Originally posted by monochrome K-0* could be smaller when it matters - whenever an XS lens is mounted - than its competitors' APSc MILCs with their lenses mounted. I agree with this, and I suspect the protruding rear components of future XS lenses will allow the K-01 to be far more balanced when mounted than larger lenses might be on other systems

02-08-2012, 09:31 AM	#9
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Only thing I don't like about the K-01 is that it doesn't have a viewfinder. Reasons to keep k-mount: -I can get it in the future. Or it's derivative. -People will buy k-mount lenses. Giving Sigma and Tamron more reasons to produce k-mount. -K-01 will drive smaller k-mount primes in the XS format (so far the XS format looks compatible with our DSLRs). -Alternative mount format will split K-01 users from non-K-01 users.

02-08-2012, 09:34 AM	#10
eddie1960 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,666	Given all the anti K-01 comments i'm surprised at the poll being overwhelmingly in favour of the K mount so far. (i voted for the K-mount too - they have the Q for tiny camera systems) Jezza that simple adapter would cost $400 and would probably be poor AF (like the Sony and Olympus ones are - and hardly anyone buys them) It would relegate the Pentax to a Me Too product rather than differentiating itself and offering something no-one else has

02-08-2012, 09:46 AM	#11
johnmflores Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Somerville, NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,361 Original Poster	There is too much emphasis on camera size. More attention needs to be paid to System Size, especially with kit zooms since they are the most popular lenses sold. When viewed as a System - Sony NEX + kit zoom system kind of looks silly and not likely to be significantly larger than a K-01 + kit zoom system. So ultimately, APS-C based mirrorless Systems will always be pretty big, bigger than smaller sensor alternatives, unless manufacturers can design satisfactory collapsing zooms like the new Panasonic 14-42x That said, the Sony bodies look deliciously thin, something that consumers are attracted too and may make purchase decisions on before being bait-and-switched to the kit zoom. And the one criticism one can make of the K-01 design is that it could have been designed to minimize/reduce the size difference instead of accentuating them with a blocky design. I like it, but the blocky shape is akin to a "big-boned" person putting on a shirt with horizontal stripes. No matter, it will slide happily into my bag with a DA Limited.

02-08-2012, 09:50 AM	#12
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251	I voted for the K mount. I have plenty of lenses to last me a while and I wouldn't like to be in a situation where I'd have to gather a whole new lineup of lenses. Bad for LBA! Whether I will or not ever get a K-01 remains to be seen. JP

02-08-2012, 10:07 AM	#13
Biro Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,200	I'm glad they kept the K-mount and I have no problem with the introduction of a K-mount XS series of lenses to keep things small. But, personally, if I eventually do buy a K-01, I wouldnt bother with the XS lenses... opting instead to use my Limited primes and DA-L 35 f/2.4 on it.

02-08-2012, 10:19 AM	#14
Aristophanes Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Rankin Inlet, Nunavut Photos: Albums Posts: 3,948	Originally posted by jezza323 I think I am the first to vote Yes! I think an electronically compatible mount with a shorter register distance would be ideal. A simple mount adapter (with AF screw drive transfer) would then allow the use of current K mounts on the "new" mount whilst retaining all AF, AE, SR focal length info etc. Since they are going to release a bunch of new DA-XS lenses anyway, they should have just done them with a shorter register IMO Mount adapters are a nightmare for compatibility, power supply, warranty, durability, WR, etc. They cannot handle all functions outlines above and are usually horrendously expensive ($400). A shorter register distance just kills the DA 40XS. Register distance is the k-mount. You cannot have it both ways. The K-01 is and forever more going to have the current k-mount register distance.

02-08-2012, 10:24 AM	#15
Raffwal Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: The North Posts: 879	Originally posted by bikecoboss They may not need a new mount, it looks like they're going to have some K-01 only lenses, with the rear element extending into the mirror box: http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20120208_510376.html I actually find that a pretty clever solution. Keep the mount and compatibility with old lenses, but make the whole system smaller by this technique with the new lenses.