Originally posted by J-L SALVIGNOL As always with Sean, we have a very rigorous and precise analysis of the strengths - great IQ - and weaknesses - lack of EVF - of the K-01 by a real photographer. Sean suggests a great solution to the lack of EVF: use OVF adapted to focus and practice Zone Focussing, as with a good old Leica.
The subscription has a very low cost. In passing, a single "bad purchase" (lens or camera) avoided by reading Sean pays for decades of subscription.
Regarding Sean interest for Pentax brand it dates back to the Pentax K10D and has nothing to do with the recent acquisition by Ricoh.
Back in the day when I thought I would buy a M9 and some Leica and Zeiss glass, I was very close to getting both subscriptions. Then that moment of insanity left so I did not need them. I bought a K-5 plus a set of beautiful primes for a quarter of the price and never looked back.
I guess that really sums up the K-01 and is in line with most other reviews. Great IQ, no EVF or tiltable LCD. The shape is neither here nor there for me. I got used to the GF1 which is heading down to P&S territory so a somewhat heftier body would be welcome. Grip could be better and it appears the rubber body armor stains easily and is a bugger to clean. This may actually make it more theft proof as it will soon look like something not worth stealing. ;-)
Don't know what it is with Pentax MILCs and not having an EVF. Did some old codger run the initial meetings and berate the young whippersnappers for wanting a fancy shmancy EVF. It is the one thing holding me back from getting the camera. I have tried to use my K-5 in LV mode only and it is doable. Then I just take a peak through the OVF and it is like putting my glasses on in the morning. Everything is so clear and I can really see what I am creating rather than guessing. "Oh, there is a branch poking into the frame, let me move a little to the left." Things like this are very hard to pick out when the LCD is mostly washed out in bright sun light.
This is my impression of how it would be and maybe I am wrong. It just seems that way from my experiments with the K-5. I would love to know this is not true but some users have said as such. I have seen some great images created by some talented people but i must admit, most seem to from cloudy days. The sun shines a lot in New Jersey.