[BigMike]

I just want to add, I don't own any K-mount lenses, but I'm now a happy owner of a K01. I shot with the NEX 5N previously, great camera and handling in its own right, but in a strange way, I actually prefer the heft, solid build and unique design of the K01. Given the size of the lenses, the NEX 5N wasn't pocketable anyway, so I don't have a problem with the larger size of the K01 body and the large K mount lens selection makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable. At the end of the day, the current price point plays a big part in one's overall expectations and feelings towards the K01. If I purchased this camera at the initial rrp, I would probably have a lot more gripes.

I also bought and sold the Q in a matter of one week, preferred the K01.

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Last edited by BigMike; 01-14-2013 at 11:30 PM.

[Na Horuk]

The brick shape made it very easy to slip in and out of a camera bag among other things.

I think this is actually very important. In terms of size and weight, its not much smaller than a K-r, but it fits into bags and pockets so much nicer.

[monochrome]

I was shocked when someone pointed out that I hold my camera "upside down" for portrait orientation (right hand underneath). I had to go back to my ME Super manual, where landscape was option A, right-hand-down was option B, and left-hand-down was option C. Some time after that, B and C were swapped, then the third option dropped entirely. I was still doing it 'by the book'.

Sux to be this old, don't it? We're correct but we're still wrong.

[Piscator]

My reactions to the points raised within this thread:

- The rubber door: It was noted that the K-7/5 also have rubber doors. Yes, but not doors that must be opened to download photos. I never touch the one on my K-7. There is no way to get the pix out of the K-01 (card or cable) without opening this rubber door. I think the rubber door is the major design fail of this camera. I'm still in love with it (arrived today, mind you).

- The Mark Whatshisname factor: Doesn't bother me.

- Lack of viewfinder: Agree that at original price point, would have been a factor. At $300 plus change, meh. Would love to find a deal on one of those cool, retro, add-on viewfinders. Could use it on my Q as well.

- Button placement: Something I haven't yet heard mentioned is the fact that, for no apparent reason, the identical buttons have been rearranged between K-5/7, Q, and K-01. Why? I've had my K-7 long enough that button access has been committed to muscle memory. Consequently, I reach for the wrong buttons on my newish Q and new K-01. Why not retain the pattern across form factors? Major fail for me.

All else is joy, joy, joy. SO impressed with low-light. Love the 40XS. Not half as happy with the Q; may sell that one. Ideal setup at the moment would be a K-5ii/s and my new K-01.

[Docrwm]

My reactions to the points raised within this thread:

- The rubber door: It was noted that the K-7/5 also have rubber doors. Yes, but not doors that must be opened to download photos. I never touch the one on my K-7. There is no way to get the pix out of the K-01 (card or cable) without opening this rubber door. I think the rubber door is the major design fail of this camera. I'm still in love with it (arrived today, mind you).

- The Mark Whatshisname factor: Doesn't bother me.

- Lack of viewfinder: Agree that at original price point, would have been a factor. At $300 plus change, meh. Would love to find a deal on one of those cool, retro, add-on viewfinders. Could use it on my Q as well.

- Button placement: Something I haven't yet heard mentioned is the fact that, for no apparent reason, the identical buttons have been rearranged between K-5/7, Q, and K-01. Why? I've had my K-7 long enough that button access has been committed to muscle memory. Consequently, I reach for the wrong buttons on my newish Q and new K-01. Why not retain the pattern across form factors? Major fail for me.

All else is joy, joy, joy. SO impressed with low-light. Love the 40XS. Not half as happy with the Q; may sell that one. Ideal setup at the moment would be a K-5ii/s and my new K-01.

Congratulations on the new K-01. I use an old viewfinder from a rangefinder auxiliary lens set for my Q and K-01 - a Tele-Wide.

[clatrell]

I'm not sure what your yardstick is, but if the clean lines of the K-01 is fugly to your eyes then how would describe the amorphous black shapes that are every other DSLR on the market haphazardly scattered with mismatching dials, knobs and switches?

+1 for this. I love the looks of the K-01, which are as you said clean and minimal, and very modern. Nor have I found the ergonomics at all complicated, compared with my K-X or Q. I really think it's a classic in its design. This is no longer really an interesting discussion, but I'm still amazed at the unwillingness of people to enjoy the K-01 because it looks and feels different.

[mrbdm99]

After a week+ with my K-01, I'll go back to my original statement of the door. It is sort of annoying in how it fits going back in place, but the way the rubber (or whatever material it is) is situated and bends, I honestly can't see how anyone would end up wearing it/breaking it without being careless. The design there seems to let it articulate more than actually bend. Again, the fit going back down is a little weird as I haven't decided if it is best to slid it or push it. hm.

I have yet to hit a wrong button and I guess I've just been holding cameras wrong my whole life as I haven't found anything awkward about how this one is situated.

300 frames later and I still start to pull it up to my eye on the first snap. I really miss the OVF, but I'll live. The focus still bothers me a bit, but, it is faster and more accurate than my old ist ds. I think it feels slower due to how it actually focuses, but I put them together and did some tests. No contest really for the few things I did.

[pentaxian_tmb]

I think the review here is pretty much right, except for the ergonomics part. I agree, the green button could be placed better (even if just switched with the red button), but its not in an impossible place and the user will adapt quickly. All camera controls seem awkward if its the first time you are using such a camera.

My biggest problem with the ergonomics is the placement of the on/off switch. I find I routinely hit it by accident when changing lenses or it gets pressed by my camera strap when putting it in my bag. I have not had any problems with the flash button. I don't mind the dial on top. I do wish it had a second wheel. I agree that the placement of the green button is less than ideal.

[Steve.Ledger]

I agree with retaining the continuity of button layout as much as possible across models.
Perhaps PENTAX/RICOH aren't fully appreciative that there are a large base of people who own and use more than one of their cameras?

So far, my view is that the Q and the K-01 are partners

[monochrome]

I agree with retaining the continuity of button layout as much as possible across models.
Perhaps PENTAX/RICOH aren't fully appreciative that there are a large base of people who own and use more than one of their cameras?

So far, my view is that the Q and the K-01 are partners

[EDIT: My bad. What was I thinking? Wrong all the way around. K-01, Q and K-30 have little commonality of button placement. Ignore the comment below]

I can't say for sure but i THINK Pentax is consistent with their button placement and Menu options across the mid-range bodies (which would include the Q and K-01) and across the high-end bodies (at least since the K-7), but certain button functions aren't available in the mid-range so they changed the button placement.

[regor]

I really bought my K-01 as a temporary fix until Pentax-Ricoh has a chance to bring us a real replacement for the K-05. I've been using the K-10D ever since it first came out, and my next "big" purchase will be for the next 10+ years. The K-05II didn't make the cut for a long term camera for me and I'd rather wait... easier now that I have the inexpensive K-01. It ain't perfect, but it fit the bill ;-)

[Piscator]

I really bought my K-01 as a temporary fix until Pentax-Ricoh has a chance to bring us a real replacement for the K-05. I've been using the K-10D ever since it first came out, and my next "big" purchase will be for the next 10+ years. The K-05II didn't make the cut for a long term camera for me and I'd rather wait... easier now that I have the inexpensive K-01. It ain't perfect, but it fit the bill ;-)

I completely admire your way of thinking and behaving. I just don't think I have your patience.

You are absolutely right, though. A big purchase--car, dishwasher, prosumer camera--should last you ten years, at least. My K1000 has lasted 30 years (although I did have to replace the light seals). I recently bought a used Canon 20D just because I wanted to try the Sigma lens to which it was attached (70-200/2.8--whole package for $350). Lens is great, but really, so is the camera. Not so long ago, people made a living with 20Ds. Although it is ten years old, it appears to function perfectly today, and it has become my swim meet camera. We are definitely in the "wants" rather than the "needs" category with any of this stuff.

I still want a K-5. :^)

[Steve.Ledger]

I can't say for sure but i THINK Pentax is consistent with their button placement and Menu options across the mid-range bodies (which would include the Q and K-01)

Menus I have no trouble with, consistent body button placement? Um no, not really.
Between the Q and the K-01 there are significant differences.

[RonHendriks1966]

Well with the latest firmware the K-01 is pretty perfect as a tool. Problems with saving files to UHS-I cards are solved as far as I could notice. The working off the AF with longer lenses (Pentax) is pretty good. Only thing not working well is with my Sigma 70-200mm zoom, but I except that issue since it is a second brand lens.

This portrait made yesterday as part of a portfolio for these new young sporsters:

Made with K-01 and DA*300mm on tripod with f8 iso100 and 1/160th and studioflashsystem (radiotrigger)

[monochrome]

Menus I have no trouble with, consistent body button placement? Um no, not really.
Between the Q and the K-01 there are significant differences.

My bad. What was I thinking? Wrong all the way around. K-01, Q and K-30 have little commonality of button placement.