Originally posted by anthony mazzeri The K-01 II name makes more sense instead of K-02 in that regard, considering the K-01 was based on the K-5 and the next model is based on the K-5 II.
I've found I no longer want/need a KAF GXR module. The K-01 fills that role now, and at the bargain $300 firesale price likely a third of the cost I could ever get a GXR KAF unit for.
I have a Black K-01 now. It supplements the GXR and gives me a platform to use my two DA limited lenses (70 and 21). I prefer the ergonomics, menu system, and the EVF of the GXR. I have a K to Leica Mount adapter, but it does not have an aperture control ring. When the DA limited lenses are used on the GXR mount, they are fully stopped down. If I got the new Kipon DA to Leica M adapter or the Novoflex, I would have aperture control, but still no autofocus. While the Kipon is priced around $120, the Novoflex is about $300. It is much more cost effective to purchase the K-01 body (and I did).
Because of the issues of glare, i would really prefer an EVF. I also prefer an EVF since I have older eyes that no longer accommodate like they used to so the K-01 is difficult for me to hold.
With the K-01 discontinued, there is still a need for a high quality, more compact, alternative to the K-30 or K5. I think such a camera with an integrated EVF would be more compact and very usable. It would be a worth addition to the K-30 and K-5 and a fantastic followup to the K-01, classically or Mark Newson styled. A KAF module for the GXR would provide a similar solution.
Pure speculation, and remembering the initial suggestions about how Ricoh and Pentax would develop and market future cameras, suggests that the Pentax Brand will continue with dSLR designs like the K-30 and that Ricoh would produce high compact designs. The Ricoh brand might continue with mirrorless as well as compact cameras. The rumored GR (or GR5, or APS GR) might be the first such camera to be released. I can hope that future releases might include a new GXR body (with EVF), updated modules including a new Leica M mount module, KAF module, or new lens modules based on Pentax optics.
Consider a Limited 70mm, 43mm, 31mm, 21mm or 15mm module with leaf shutter. How compact could a module based on the 40mm XS be? If there was a Pentax KAF APS module, the 40mm XS mounted would be very compact and possibly have better ergonomics than the K-01 with the 40mm XS.
This is pure speculation. If the rumored GR with APS sensor is released with a fixed lens (28mm), maybe the future is not "lessors" or GXR modules, but carefully matched lenses and sensors in a compact body. The GRD model (or Sony RX1 model) but with Pentax Optics... 77mm? 43mm? 15mm?
I will fully admit, that this speculation fails when the Pentax MX-1 is considered. It just may be the last Hoya managed Pentax Project.