Love the K-01, but . . .

**ivanvernon** · 11-06-2013, 07:13 AM

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I really like this camera. Image quality is great, and I just have one complaint--the way the viewfinder screen disappears in bright outside situations. Has anyone come up with a solution? I am thinking that an add-on viewfinder to insert into the hotshoe would be a good idea. It could be permanently zeroed in at, say 50mm, which ought to be good enough for lots of walk around photography. You would not be able to frame the shot exactly unless using 50 mm lens (or equivalenta full-frame), but at the very least it would help make sure you are zeroed in on the center of the frame you are trying for.

normhead · 11-06-2013, 07:18 AM

Originally posted by ivanvernon

I really like this camera. Image quality is great, and I just have one complaint--the way the viewfinder screen disappears in bright outside situations. Has anyone come up with a solution? I am thinking that an add-on viewfinder to insert into the hotshoe would be a good idea. It could be permanently zeroed in at, say 50mm, which ought to be good enough for lots of walk around photography. You would not be able to frame the shot exactly unless using 50 mm lens (or equivalenta full-frame), but at the very least it would help make sure you are zeroed in on the center of the frame you are trying for.

You need one of those black cloths… I always carried one out on assignment with my 8x10 in the 60's.

**TER-OR** · 11-06-2013, 07:21 AM

I think there are EVs but I don't know if they work with the K-01. One manufacturer is a sponsor here.

Another option is a stick-on type shade for the LCD.

Search for 'camera lcd viewer loupe'

johnmflores · 11-06-2013, 07:41 AM

Have you turned the brightness up to max? The big battery handles it well.

Na Horuk · 11-06-2013, 08:51 AM

a) turn up brightness to maximum.
b) make sure screen is as clean as it can be
c) Stand in such a way that you prevent glare on the screen. Wearing a hat can help a lot. If you see your reflected face, you can stand more at an angle to the side, if you see a reflection of the sun, you can stand so that your body shades the camera, etc. Its a bit awkward, but a lot can be done
d) You can equip the screen - there are loupes, shades, and other such products. I think quite a few users have these. Many of these accessories are compact and can be easily uninstalled. Others are bigger and more permanent.

ducdao · 11-06-2013, 08:54 AM

That's why my K-01 is decidated to my studio photography. I bring my K-5 with me when I shoot outdoor.

mrNewt · 11-06-2013, 08:59 AM

There are plenty of options... is just a matter of what is working for you.
This works for me very well in any light conditions:

jdong · 11-06-2013, 09:16 PM

I got this LCD Viewfinder from eBay. Works fine. Here is the link:

LCD Viewfinder Viewfinder 3 " inches 4 3 F Canon 5D II 7D GF1 GF 2 D300S LVF43 | eBay

Biro · 11-06-2013, 09:55 PM

I can use the OVF for my Pentax Q on my K-01. The OVF is designed to work with the 47mm prime for the Q. It's not that bad a fit with a 35mm K-mount prime on the K-01, which has an effective field of view of about 52mm.

prime.partisan · 11-06-2013, 11:45 PM

I use a GearMaxx anti-glare film bought on Ebay. It's very easy to apply and the screen is now visible under brightest outdoor light. But screen sharpness does drop a bit.

**ivanvernon** · 11-07-2013, 05:56 AM

I sure appreciate all these tips. I am going on-line to see what I can find. The information everyone provided reminds me how much I love this forum even when ads pop up in my face from time to time!

rmalbers · 11-07-2013, 11:13 AM

Originally posted by ivanvernon

I sure appreciate all these tips. I am going on-line to see what I can find. The information everyone provided reminds me how much I love this forum even when ads pop up in my face from time to time!

Me too! I just order this: GearMaxx anti-glare film
To me the LCD glare is the only drawback to the k01!

jon404 · 11-10-2013, 02:46 AM

I bought a 3" Hoodman loupe, and gaffer-taped it to the back of my K-01. Works perfectly!

Full description on an earlier post, here:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/138-pentax-k-01/232295-will-vf-3-view-fin...ml#post2461637

Steve.Ledger · 11-15-2013, 06:43 PM

I second the Hoodman (sans gaffer tape though

)

**Jacquot** · 11-15-2013, 06:49 PM

I have the same difficulty as much as I love the camera. I like the black cloth over the head solution the best--great retro solution that will definitely get attention, and work! I know the loupes will work, and may go that route, but like the cloth idea!

11-06-2013, 07:13 AM	#1
ivanvernon Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Medina, OH Photos: Albums Posts: 7,224	Love the K-01, but . . . Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. I really like this camera. Image quality is great, and I just have one complaint--the way the viewfinder screen disappears in bright outside situations. Has anyone come up with a solution? I am thinking that an add-on viewfinder to insert into the hotshoe would be a good idea. It could be permanently zeroed in at, say 50mm, which ought to be good enough for lots of walk around photography. You would not be able to frame the shot exactly unless using 50 mm lens (or equivalenta full-frame), but at the very least it would help make sure you are zeroed in on the center of the frame you are trying for.

11-07-2013, 05:56 AM	#11
ivanvernon Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Medina, OH Photos: Albums Posts: 7,224 Original Poster	Thanks everyone, for all the tips! I sure appreciate all these tips. I am going on-line to see what I can find. The information everyone provided reminds me how much I love this forum even when ads pop up in my face from time to time!

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11-06-2013, 07:18 AM	#2
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by ivanvernon I really like this camera. Image quality is great, and I just have one complaint--the way the viewfinder screen disappears in bright outside situations. Has anyone come up with a solution? I am thinking that an add-on viewfinder to insert into the hotshoe would be a good idea. It could be permanently zeroed in at, say 50mm, which ought to be good enough for lots of walk around photography. You would not be able to frame the shot exactly unless using 50 mm lens (or equivalenta full-frame), but at the very least it would help make sure you are zeroed in on the center of the frame you are trying for. You need one of those black cloths… I always carried one out on assignment with my 8x10 in the 60's.

11-06-2013, 07:21 AM	#3
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	I think there are EVs but I don't know if they work with the K-01. One manufacturer is a sponsor here. Another option is a stick-on type shade for the LCD. Search for 'camera lcd viewer loupe'

11-06-2013, 07:41 AM	#4
johnmflores Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Somerville, NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,361	Have you turned the brightness up to max? The big battery handles it well.

11-06-2013, 08:51 AM	#5
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	a) turn up brightness to maximum. b) make sure screen is as clean as it can be c) Stand in such a way that you prevent glare on the screen. Wearing a hat can help a lot. If you see your reflected face, you can stand more at an angle to the side, if you see a reflection of the sun, you can stand so that your body shades the camera, etc. Its a bit awkward, but a lot can be done d) You can equip the screen - there are loupes, shades, and other such products. I think quite a few users have these. Many of these accessories are compact and can be easily uninstalled. Others are bigger and more permanent.

11-06-2013, 08:54 AM	#6
ducdao Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Montreal/Vermont Posts: 2,160	That's why my K-01 is decidated to my studio photography. I bring my K-5 with me when I shoot outdoor.

11-06-2013, 08:59 AM	#7
mrNewt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: ON, RH Posts: 2,181	There are plenty of options... is just a matter of what is working for you. This works for me very well in any light conditions:

11-06-2013, 09:16 PM	#8
jdong New Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 16	I got this LCD Viewfinder from eBay. Works fine. Here is the link: LCD Viewfinder Viewfinder 3 " inches 4 3 F Canon 5D II 7D GF1 GF 2 D300S LVF43 \| eBay

11-06-2013, 09:55 PM	#9
Biro Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,200	I can use the OVF for my Pentax Q on my K-01. The OVF is designed to work with the 47mm prime for the Q. It's not that bad a fit with a 35mm K-mount prime on the K-01, which has an effective field of view of about 52mm.

11-06-2013, 11:45 PM	#10
prime.partisan Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 198	I use a GearMaxx anti-glare film bought on Ebay. It's very easy to apply and the screen is now visible under brightest outdoor light. But screen sharpness does drop a bit.

11-07-2013, 11:13 AM	#12
rmalbers Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 104	Originally posted by ivanvernon I sure appreciate all these tips. I am going on-line to see what I can find. The information everyone provided reminds me how much I love this forum even when ads pop up in my face from time to time! Me too! I just order this: GearMaxx anti-glare film To me the LCD glare is the only drawback to the k01!

11-10-2013, 02:46 AM	#13
jon404 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 696	I bought a 3" Hoodman loupe, and gaffer-taped it to the back of my K-01. Works perfectly! Full description on an earlier post, here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/138-pentax-k-01/232295-will-vf-3-view-fin...ml#post2461637

11-15-2013, 06:43 PM	#14
Steve.Ledger Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Far North Qld Posts: 3,301	I second the Hoodman (sans gaffer tape though )

11-15-2013, 06:49 PM	#15
Jacquot Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sun City Center, FL Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,544	I have the same difficulty as much as I love the camera. I like the black cloth over the head solution the best--great retro solution that will definitely get attention, and work! I know the loupes will work, and may go that route, but like the cloth idea!