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krebsy75 · 03-09-2012, 07:08 AM

Pentax doesn't always exceed expectations with their products. In fact, they sometimes fail to even meet. With the new K-01, however, they freakin' knocked it out of the park!

We received a white one from B&H the other day. WOW! The K-01 really is beautiful. And the quality... you can tell extra care went into this product. Design, engineering, and manufacturing are all first rate. For the first time in a long time, Pentax, you've exceeded my expectations!

My initial reaction is that the cam should prove wonderful for street and candid photography. The K-01 and a bunch of DA Limiteds... so sweet. It's definitely awkward to use with a zoom. Our 17-70 also seemed fussy focusing on the long end. It might also be difficult to get K5-level sharpness using natural light indoors. This is because you're forced to hold the cam away from your body - resulting in more movement when the shutter button is pressed.

Out of the box I feel the K-01 is best suited for primes. We're gonna put it through its paces this weekend to get a better feel for things. It should be a great complement to our K5.

Are you thinking about getting a K-01? If yes, please keep this in mind: it's NOT a DSLR and NOT meant to replace one. It's a one-of-a-kind product, really. We're hoping it will make picture-taking more fun for my sometimes techno-phobic wife.

Last edited by krebsy75; 03-09-2012 at 07:50 AM.

jezza323 · 03-09-2012, 07:41 AM

The K-01 with 15mm, 21mm, 40mm, 70mm LTD primes makes a whole lot of sense to me also

Would love to have that as a second kit, just can't give up on a viewfinder for some of the things I enjoy shooting

Clavius · 03-09-2012, 07:51 AM

Funny how tastes can vary. (And it's good that they do!) To me, the K-01 is the very first FAIL in their entire history. I hope this was only their attempt to bite a piece of the APSC mirrorless market. And that they can now move on to the more serious cameras. I would seriously hate to have to jump to another brand if Pentax keeps issueing models like this.

**monochrome** · 03-09-2012, 07:53 AM

Originally posted by Clavius

Funny how tastes can vary. (And it's good that they do!) To me, the K-01 is the very first FAIL in their entire history. I hope this was only their attempt to bite a piece of the APSC mirrorless market. And that they can now move on to the more serious cameras. I would seriously hate to have to jump to another brand if Pentax keeps issueing models like this.

It is a serious camera. It is a Home Run.

If you disagree don't buy it. Move along. Nothing to see here.

Clavius · 03-09-2012, 07:56 AM

Originally posted by monochrome

Don't buy it.

No sh*t, Sherlock!

krebsy75 · 03-09-2012, 07:58 AM

There are many different types of photography people enjoy. The K-01 might not appeal to you for good reason. With the kind of photos we capture, I see value.

Without question, this is gonna be a quirky cam. There isn't a single Pentax lens optimized for contrast-detection auto-focus. I can see certain lenses not playing nice with this thing.

Originally posted by Clavius

Funny how tastes can vary. (And it's good that they do!) To me, the K-01 is the very first FAIL in their entire history. I hope this was only their attempt to bite a piece of the APSC mirrorless market. And that they can now move on to the more serious cameras. I would seriously hate to have to jump to another brand if Pentax keeps issueing models like this.

**monochrome** · 03-09-2012, 07:58 AM

Originally posted by Clavius

No sh*t, Sherlock!

The K-5 was an abject failure. Crap autodcus, crap WB, crap shutter speed, crap flash sync. No quality control, random faults that rendered it useless, no dependable service. I wouldn't buy one of those POS cameras for anything.

Clavius · 03-09-2012, 08:06 AM

Originally posted by monochrome

Crap autodcus, crap WB, crap shutter speed, crap flash sync. No quality control, random faults that rendered it useless, no dependable service.

Now I can see what I'm dealing with.

The AF of the K5 is PDAF and that of the K-01 you love so much is the much slower CDAF.

The shutter speed of the K5 that is 1/8000, but that of the K-01 is only half.

The quality control is not limited to bodies, but to the whole company. If the quality control is better now, then when the K5 was released, then a K5 which you buy now will go through the same improved QC.

Why am I even responding to this?

krebsy75 · 03-09-2012, 08:08 AM

I know you're kidding but this bears mentioning: The K5 was so close to camera perfection. If they just spent a little more time refining prototypes, maybe they would have found some of the faults users did. And the flash-exposure issue... why this wasn't discovered first-thing is truly baffling.

Hopefully Ricoh will improve quality control.

BTW: At first glance, flash exposures with the K-01 seem spot on.

Originally posted by monochrome

The K-5 was an abject failure. Crap autodcus, crap WB, crap shutter speed, crap flash sync. No quality control, random faults that rendered it useless, no dependable service. I wouldn't buy one of those POS cameras for anything.

rfortson · 03-09-2012, 08:18 AM

Originally posted by jezza323

The K-01 with 15mm, 21mm, 40mm, 70mm LTD primes makes a whole lot of sense to me also

<snip>

That's exactly what I'm going to use on mine. It just seems like a great little travel kit with high IQ. I get my white one today!

jezza323 · 03-09-2012, 08:19 AM

Being able to share batteries with a K-5 is an added bonus as well

rfortson · 03-09-2012, 08:24 AM

Originally posted by Clavius

Funny how tastes can vary. (And it's good that they do!) To me, the K-01 is the very first FAIL in their entire history. I hope this was only their attempt to bite a piece of the APSC mirrorless market. And that they can now move on to the more serious cameras. I would seriously hate to have to jump to another brand if Pentax keeps issueing models like this.

While I can certainly understand this camera isn't for everyone, I don't think this means Pentax will quit making dSLRs. They are still a small company, yet they've got a nice range of products. The Optio water-resistant P&S cams, the Q (not sure where/how that fits in, to be honest), the K-01 for a nice mirrorless option, the K5 for a very nice dSLR, and the 645D if you want ultimate image quality. To me, that's an impressive lineup, and about all I can expect out of a company the size of Pentax.

Given that you can still find Kx and Kr's around, that should have something for everyone. I'm optimistic about Pentax's future.

snkenai · 03-09-2012, 08:26 AM

I really don't understand why some folks here are so hateful is response to simple statement of opinion by others. Personal insults are not needed, or helpful.

krebsy75 · 03-09-2012, 08:28 AM

Ditto.

Originally posted by jezza323

Being able to share batteries with a K-5 is an added bonus as well

krebsy75 · 03-09-2012, 08:30 AM

It's human nature, unfortunately. We're wired to be mean and condescending when we don't agree with or like someone.

Originally posted by snkenai

I really don't understand why some folks here are so hateful is response to simple statement of opinion by others. Personal insults are not needed, or helpful.

03-09-2012, 07:08 AM	#1
krebsy75 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Chester County, Pa. Posts: 804	Pentax: You've Exceeded My Expectations Pentax doesn't always exceed expectations with their products. In fact, they sometimes fail to even meet. With the new K-01, however, they freakin' knocked it out of the park! We received a white one from B&H the other day. WOW! The K-01 really is beautiful. And the quality... you can tell extra care went into this product. Design, engineering, and manufacturing are all first rate. For the first time in a long time, Pentax, you've exceeded my expectations! My initial reaction is that the cam should prove wonderful for street and candid photography. The K-01 and a bunch of DA Limiteds... so sweet. It's definitely awkward to use with a zoom. Our 17-70 also seemed fussy focusing on the long end. It might also be difficult to get K5-level sharpness using natural light indoors. This is because you're forced to hold the cam away from your body - resulting in more movement when the shutter button is pressed. Out of the box I feel the K-01 is best suited for primes. We're gonna put it through its paces this weekend to get a better feel for things. It should be a great complement to our K5. Are you thinking about getting a K-01? If yes, please keep this in mind: it's NOT a DSLR and NOT meant to replace one. It's a one-of-a-kind product, really. We're hoping it will make picture-taking more fun for my sometimes techno-phobic wife. Last edited by krebsy75; 03-09-2012 at 07:50 AM.

03-09-2012, 07:41 AM	#2
jezza323 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Brisbane Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,421	The K-01 with 15mm, 21mm, 40mm, 70mm LTD primes makes a whole lot of sense to me also Would love to have that as a second kit, just can't give up on a viewfinder for some of the things I enjoy shooting Last edited by jezza323; 03-09-2012 at 07:57 AM.

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03-09-2012, 07:51 AM	#3
Clavius Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: De Klundert Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,150	Funny how tastes can vary. (And it's good that they do!) To me, the K-01 is the very first FAIL in their entire history. I hope this was only their attempt to bite a piece of the APSC mirrorless market. And that they can now move on to the more serious cameras. I would seriously hate to have to jump to another brand if Pentax keeps issueing models like this.

03-09-2012, 07:53 AM	#4
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by Clavius Funny how tastes can vary. (And it's good that they do!) To me, the K-01 is the very first FAIL in their entire history. I hope this was only their attempt to bite a piece of the APSC mirrorless market. And that they can now move on to the more serious cameras. I would seriously hate to have to jump to another brand if Pentax keeps issueing models like this. It is a serious camera. It is a Home Run. If you disagree don't buy it. Move along. Nothing to see here.

03-09-2012, 07:56 AM	#5
Clavius Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: De Klundert Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,150	Originally posted by monochrome Don't buy it. No sh*t, Sherlock!

03-09-2012, 07:58 AM	#6
krebsy75 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Chester County, Pa. Posts: 804 Original Poster	There are many different types of photography people enjoy. The K-01 might not appeal to you for good reason. With the kind of photos we capture, I see value. Without question, this is gonna be a quirky cam. There isn't a single Pentax lens optimized for contrast-detection auto-focus. I can see certain lenses not playing nice with this thing. Originally posted by Clavius Funny how tastes can vary. (And it's good that they do!) To me, the K-01 is the very first FAIL in their entire history. I hope this was only their attempt to bite a piece of the APSC mirrorless market. And that they can now move on to the more serious cameras. I would seriously hate to have to jump to another brand if Pentax keeps issueing models like this.

03-09-2012, 07:58 AM	#7
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by Clavius No sh*t, Sherlock! The K-5 was an abject failure. Crap autodcus, crap WB, crap shutter speed, crap flash sync. No quality control, random faults that rendered it useless, no dependable service. I wouldn't buy one of those POS cameras for anything.

03-09-2012, 08:06 AM	#8
Clavius Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: De Klundert Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,150	Originally posted by monochrome Crap autodcus, crap WB, crap shutter speed, crap flash sync. No quality control, random faults that rendered it useless, no dependable service. Now I can see what I'm dealing with. The AF of the K5 is PDAF and that of the K-01 you love so much is the much slower CDAF. The shutter speed of the K5 that is 1/8000, but that of the K-01 is only half. The quality control is not limited to bodies, but to the whole company. If the quality control is better now, then when the K5 was released, then a K5 which you buy now will go through the same improved QC. Why am I even responding to this?

03-09-2012, 08:08 AM	#9
krebsy75 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Chester County, Pa. Posts: 804 Original Poster	I know you're kidding but this bears mentioning: The K5 was so close to camera perfection. If they just spent a little more time refining prototypes, maybe they would have found some of the faults users did. And the flash-exposure issue... why this wasn't discovered first-thing is truly baffling. Hopefully Ricoh will improve quality control. BTW: At first glance, flash exposures with the K-01 seem spot on. Originally posted by monochrome The K-5 was an abject failure. Crap autodcus, crap WB, crap shutter speed, crap flash sync. No quality control, random faults that rendered it useless, no dependable service. I wouldn't buy one of those POS cameras for anything.

03-09-2012, 08:18 AM	#10
rfortson Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,129	Originally posted by jezza323 The K-01 with 15mm, 21mm, 40mm, 70mm LTD primes makes a whole lot of sense to me also <snip> That's exactly what I'm going to use on mine. It just seems like a great little travel kit with high IQ. I get my white one today!

03-09-2012, 08:19 AM	#11
jezza323 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Brisbane Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,421	Being able to share batteries with a K-5 is an added bonus as well

03-09-2012, 08:24 AM	#12
rfortson Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,129	Originally posted by Clavius Funny how tastes can vary. (And it's good that they do!) To me, the K-01 is the very first FAIL in their entire history. I hope this was only their attempt to bite a piece of the APSC mirrorless market. And that they can now move on to the more serious cameras. I would seriously hate to have to jump to another brand if Pentax keeps issueing models like this. While I can certainly understand this camera isn't for everyone, I don't think this means Pentax will quit making dSLRs. They are still a small company, yet they've got a nice range of products. The Optio water-resistant P&S cams, the Q (not sure where/how that fits in, to be honest), the K-01 for a nice mirrorless option, the K5 for a very nice dSLR, and the 645D if you want ultimate image quality. To me, that's an impressive lineup, and about all I can expect out of a company the size of Pentax. Given that you can still find Kx and Kr's around, that should have something for everyone. I'm optimistic about Pentax's future.

03-09-2012, 08:26 AM	#13
snkenai Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Photos: Albums Posts: 113	I really don't understand why some folks here are so hateful is response to simple statement of opinion by others. Personal insults are not needed, or helpful.

03-09-2012, 08:28 AM	#14
krebsy75 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Chester County, Pa. Posts: 804 Original Poster	Ditto. Originally posted by jezza323 Being able to share batteries with a K-5 is an added bonus as well

03-09-2012, 08:30 AM	#15
krebsy75 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Chester County, Pa. Posts: 804 Original Poster	It's human nature, unfortunately. We're wired to be mean and condescending when we don't agree with or like someone. Originally posted by snkenai I really don't understand why some folks here are so hateful is response to simple statement of opinion by others. Personal insults are not needed, or helpful.

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