Which to buy, Q or K-01?

tclausen · 03-09-2013, 07:18 AM

I thought that the answer, conventionally accepted as the universal truth, to such "should I buy X or Y?" questions was "both"?

I have the Q and K-01, and they're both cool and not at all interchangeable. You do need both

audiobomber · 03-09-2013, 08:53 AM

Originally posted by tclausen

I have the Q and K-01, and they're both cool and not at all interchangeable. You do need both

I'm trying to pretend I didn't hear that.

tclausen · 03-09-2013, 09:08 AM

Originally posted by audiobomber

I'm trying to pretend I didn't hear that.

Ahh, youth, ideals, and self-control .... all wither with time.......

**monochrome** · 03-09-2013, 09:36 AM

A Q is still a bargain.

Submit to The Force.

Sulawesi-Man · 03-12-2013, 12:10 PM

Originally posted by audiobomber

I considered a Q for a long time, and had little interest in the K-01. In the end I bought the K-01 for two reasons.
1. I didn't want to start collecting lenses for another mount, and I know I would have if I owned a Q.
2, I wanted a low light shooter and the K-01 excels here

That's why I got the K-01. I also didn't want to start a whole new collection but now that I've read the recent review here on this web site on the official Pentax K-mount-to-Q adapter, I am quite intrigued (especially with that 5X crop factor plus the fact the old Q is going for just a little over $200 on Amazon).

cpho · 03-18-2013, 05:04 AM

Well, with the discontinuation of the k-01 and the original q, I went on a random buying spree and bough both the K-01+40mm XS and the Q 01&02 twin kit lens and put it on my CC.

Now the problem begins. I'm a cash strapped teenage uni student and can't exactly afford to keep both.
Neither of them have arrived (both should be here before the end of the month) but I'm hoping to line up a buyer, either on here, online or at my university photography club.
This brings me to another more relevant problem:
I have a K-5 with a 18-135mm which I find heavy to carry around for candid and street photography.
I have a few options, to sell the K-01, the Q, or sell both and buy a 15mm Ltd.
I'd like to print 16x20, but given the purpose of my Q, I dont think it's have many shots worth printing that big.
The 1.10 update on the Q brings in the focus peaking, which gives it some equality to the K-01's, but the K-01's low light performance would give me a very nice backup camera...

So, I am rather torn. I've played with both in store, the K-01 is quite literally a brick, while the Q's mini sensor is a 'little' restrictive.
Could someone who's owned both give me some advice what to do with my family of cameras which requires emancipation?

audiobomber · 03-18-2013, 05:18 AM

Originally posted by cpho

The 1.10 update on the Q brings in the focus peaking, which gives it some leverage, but the K-01's low light performance would give me a very nice backup camera...

I can't help you to decide, but I would just point out that the K-01 also has focus peaking.

NickLarsson · 03-18-2013, 07:20 PM

Originally posted by cpho

Well, with the discontinuation of the k-01 and the original q, I went on a random buying spree and bough both the K-01+40mm XS and the Q 01&02 twin kit lens and put it on my CC.

Now the problem begins. I'm a cash strapped teenage uni student and can't exactly afford to keep both.
Neither of them have arrived (both should be here before the end of the month) but I'm hoping to line up a buyer, either on here, online or at my university photography club.
This brings me to another more relevant problem:
I have a K-5 with a 18-135mm which I find heavy to carry around for candid and street photography.
I have a few options, to sell the K-01, the Q, or sell both and buy a 15mm Ltd.
I'd like to print 16x20, but given the purpose of my Q, I dont think it's have many shots worth printing that big.
The 1.10 update on the Q brings in the focus peaking, which gives it some equality to the K-01's, but the K-01's low light performance would give me a very nice backup camera...

So, I am rather torn. I've played with both in store, the K-01 is quite literally a brick, while the Q's mini sensor is a 'little' restrictive.
Could someone who's owned both give me some advice what to do with my family of cameras which requires emancipation?

Well, focus peaking is a nice feature but for me it's relatively useless regarding candid and street photography, since you usually just have a few seconds to focus, compose and take the shot.

The Q is nice for the streets because it's small and inconspicuous and usually most of the scene is in focus thanks to its small sensor. But I personally miss a wide prime (28 or 35mm eq), so I just ordered a Ricoh GRD 4

The K-01+40XS is also a great walk-around combo and a high IQ performer. But here again I sometimes find the 40mm a bit too long.

Regarding the DA 15, I find that it's a wonderful lens for landscapes and cityscapes, but a bit too wide and too slow when it comes to street photography (especially at dusk and night), so maybe the DA 21 would be more appropriated.

Now K-01 vs Q, maybe you could sell the K-01 body and keep the 40XS for your K-5. Thus you would have a lighter alternative to your 18-135.

Also the Q is really lighter and more pocketable than the K-01 or K-5, so in the end it's what I take the most often when I leave home and I don't know if I will take pictures or not.

stepmac · 03-19-2013, 02:40 PM

I have to admit that my attraction to the K-01 was one of nostalgia. I hung a smc 28-105 on it, which is a pretty beefy affair and now I've got a camera that looks and feels like my old K-1000 with a zoom afixed. Ah, for the good old days! The new outfit produces extremely clear, bright and contrasty photos. With the packaged 40mm pancake lens it's easy to haul around and all of the features work. So I'm a fan. Never used the Q, but I'm sure it's a fine machine.

The so called "brick" is a quirky camera, but I'm a quirky guy and we make a nice team.

ivoire · 03-19-2013, 03:20 PM

Get the Q, it's fun and very versatile. Add the K to Q converter and It's a new animal (use your existing K lenses). Put it in your pocket with the 01 or 02 lens and go for a walk. Very useful/convenient vacation/travel camera.

Tonto · 03-19-2013, 03:20 PM

I'm abit late to give advice for Blackcloudbrew but I'll add my thoughts if someone else has the same dilemma. Firstly if you have anything like a K7 or below, get a K01- as it complements it and the older models very well- higher ISO, smaller size and better movie capability make it a great partner (I have a K7 and ended up getting a Q! However I have a smaller/higher ISO Kx aswell). I you have a load of primes especially Manual ones get it as well, even if you have a K5 up asit it gives you the focus assist and lighter weight that primes give you. Also with a K5 or another camera you now have a second body to reduce lens changes.
The Q to me is a totally different category get it so you have a camera on you at all times.
It suits someone who has one of the higher ISO/quality cameras already such as a K5 etc especially if you prefer bigger lenses and or Zooms as the need for a smaller body will be higher. And of course if have tele or macro lenses the Q with adapter works as a great little electronic teleconverter!

**blackcloudbrew** · 03-24-2013, 05:25 AM

Yep, it's a bit late but good points none the less. I bought a Q and have been having lots of fun with it.

Sandy Hancock · 03-24-2013, 05:34 AM

Originally posted by blackcloudbrew

Yep, it's a bit late but good points none the less. I bought a Q and have been having lots of fun with it.

Good decision. The K-01 would have only given you different ways of doing the same thing. The Q will open up new horizons.

Rob22315 · 03-24-2013, 02:00 PM

I got both because of the recent drop in prices. Who could resist the k-01/40mm for $360 or the Q/02 kit for $240?

Lurch · 03-24-2013, 09:49 PM

I'm kinda torn here too.

I got the Q on a bit of a whim. The 8mm is a nice lens, but a bit limiting in regards to versatility. I'm at the point now where I can get either a K-01 or cough up a little less for the 5-15mm zoom for the lens.
I got the Q/K adapter, but am currently frustrated with the manual focusing with the screen. I realize this specific issue is the same with the K-01, but on the other hand I already have a host of AF lenses that will go straight on, so the whole manual focusing thing becomes null and void.
Considering my K5 lives with its grips, the big 20-40mm, and an eye piece on it - as much as the Q in tiny (and very cute), anything is going to be smaller/lighter than my K5.
Also, after attending a wedding the other day with the Q; I'm quite disappointed with its low-light/noise abilities. Although coming from a K5; most things are going to be disappointing in that regard. But again; a plus I guess for the K-01.
*Sigh*
And I'm heading to Melb on Sunday for *another* wedding and now dont know what to take :/

03-18-2013, 05:04 AM	#51
cpho Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Canberra, ACT Posts: 147	Well, with the discontinuation of the k-01 and the original q, I went on a random buying spree and bough both the K-01+40mm XS and the Q 01&02 twin kit lens and put it on my CC. Now the problem begins. I'm a cash strapped teenage uni student and can't exactly afford to keep both. Neither of them have arrived (both should be here before the end of the month) but I'm hoping to line up a buyer, either on here, online or at my university photography club. This brings me to another more relevant problem: I have a K-5 with a 18-135mm which I find heavy to carry around for candid and street photography. I have a few options, to sell the K-01, the Q, or sell both and buy a 15mm Ltd. I'd like to print 16x20, but given the purpose of my Q, I dont think it's have many shots worth printing that big. The 1.10 update on the Q brings in the focus peaking, which gives it some equality to the K-01's, but the K-01's low light performance would give me a very nice backup camera... So, I am rather torn. I've played with both in store, the K-01 is quite literally a brick, while the Q's mini sensor is a 'little' restrictive. Could someone who's owned both give me some advice what to do with my family of cameras which requires emancipation? Last edited by cpho; 03-18-2013 at 05:23 AM.

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03-09-2013, 07:18 AM	#46
tclausen Veteran Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 1,397	I thought that the answer, conventionally accepted as the universal truth, to such "should I buy X or Y?" questions was "both"? I have the Q and K-01, and they're both cool and not at all interchangeable. You do need both

03-09-2013, 08:53 AM	#47
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by tclausen I have the Q and K-01, and they're both cool and not at all interchangeable. You do need both I'm trying to pretend I didn't hear that.

03-09-2013, 09:08 AM	#48
tclausen Veteran Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 1,397	Originally posted by audiobomber I'm trying to pretend I didn't hear that. Ahh, youth, ideals, and self-control .... all wither with time.......

03-09-2013, 09:36 AM	#49
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	A Q is still a bargain. Submit to The Force.

03-12-2013, 12:10 PM	#50
Sulawesi-Man Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 17	Originally posted by audiobomber I considered a Q for a long time, and had little interest in the K-01. In the end I bought the K-01 for two reasons. 1. I didn't want to start collecting lenses for another mount, and I know I would have if I owned a Q. 2, I wanted a low light shooter and the K-01 excels here That's why I got the K-01. I also didn't want to start a whole new collection but now that I've read the recent review here on this web site on the official Pentax K-mount-to-Q adapter, I am quite intrigued (especially with that 5X crop factor plus the fact the old Q is going for just a little over $200 on Amazon).

03-18-2013, 05:18 AM	#52
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by cpho The 1.10 update on the Q brings in the focus peaking, which gives it some leverage, but the K-01's low light performance would give me a very nice backup camera... I can't help you to decide, but I would just point out that the K-01 also has focus peaking.

03-18-2013, 07:20 PM	#53
NickLarsson Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Paris, France Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,390	Originally posted by cpho Well, with the discontinuation of the k-01 and the original q, I went on a random buying spree and bough both the K-01+40mm XS and the Q 01&02 twin kit lens and put it on my CC. Now the problem begins. I'm a cash strapped teenage uni student and can't exactly afford to keep both. Neither of them have arrived (both should be here before the end of the month) but I'm hoping to line up a buyer, either on here, online or at my university photography club. This brings me to another more relevant problem: I have a K-5 with a 18-135mm which I find heavy to carry around for candid and street photography. I have a few options, to sell the K-01, the Q, or sell both and buy a 15mm Ltd. I'd like to print 16x20, but given the purpose of my Q, I dont think it's have many shots worth printing that big. The 1.10 update on the Q brings in the focus peaking, which gives it some equality to the K-01's, but the K-01's low light performance would give me a very nice backup camera... So, I am rather torn. I've played with both in store, the K-01 is quite literally a brick, while the Q's mini sensor is a 'little' restrictive. Could someone who's owned both give me some advice what to do with my family of cameras which requires emancipation? Well, focus peaking is a nice feature but for me it's relatively useless regarding candid and street photography, since you usually just have a few seconds to focus, compose and take the shot. The Q is nice for the streets because it's small and inconspicuous and usually most of the scene is in focus thanks to its small sensor. But I personally miss a wide prime (28 or 35mm eq), so I just ordered a Ricoh GRD 4 The K-01+40XS is also a great walk-around combo and a high IQ performer. But here again I sometimes find the 40mm a bit too long. Regarding the DA 15, I find that it's a wonderful lens for landscapes and cityscapes, but a bit too wide and too slow when it comes to street photography (especially at dusk and night), so maybe the DA 21 would be more appropriated. Now K-01 vs Q, maybe you could sell the K-01 body and keep the 40XS for your K-5. Thus you would have a lighter alternative to your 18-135. Also the Q is really lighter and more pocketable than the K-01 or K-5, so in the end it's what I take the most often when I leave home and I don't know if I will take pictures or not.

03-19-2013, 02:40 PM	#54
stepmac Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 263	I have to admit that my attraction to the K-01 was one of nostalgia. I hung a smc 28-105 on it, which is a pretty beefy affair and now I've got a camera that looks and feels like my old K-1000 with a zoom afixed. Ah, for the good old days! The new outfit produces extremely clear, bright and contrasty photos. With the packaged 40mm pancake lens it's easy to haul around and all of the features work. So I'm a fan. Never used the Q, but I'm sure it's a fine machine. The so called "brick" is a quirky camera, but I'm a quirky guy and we make a nice team.

03-19-2013, 03:20 PM	#55
ivoire Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,381	Get the Q, it's fun and very versatile. Add the K to Q converter and It's a new animal (use your existing K lenses). Put it in your pocket with the 01 or 02 lens and go for a walk. Very useful/convenient vacation/travel camera.

03-19-2013, 03:20 PM	#56
Tonto Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wellington Posts: 969	I'm abit late to give advice for Blackcloudbrew but I'll add my thoughts if someone else has the same dilemma. Firstly if you have anything like a K7 or below, get a K01- as it complements it and the older models very well- higher ISO, smaller size and better movie capability make it a great partner (I have a K7 and ended up getting a Q! However I have a smaller/higher ISO Kx aswell). I you have a load of primes especially Manual ones get it as well, even if you have a K5 up asit it gives you the focus assist and lighter weight that primes give you. Also with a K5 or another camera you now have a second body to reduce lens changes. The Q to me is a totally different category get it so you have a camera on you at all times. It suits someone who has one of the higher ISO/quality cameras already such as a K5 etc especially if you prefer bigger lenses and or Zooms as the need for a smaller body will be higher. And of course if have tele or macro lenses the Q with adapter works as a great little electronic teleconverter!

03-24-2013, 05:25 AM	#57
blackcloudbrew Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cotati, California USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,461 Original Poster	Yep, it's a bit late but good points none the less. I bought a Q and have been having lots of fun with it.

03-24-2013, 05:34 AM	#58
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,275	Originally posted by blackcloudbrew Yep, it's a bit late but good points none the less. I bought a Q and have been having lots of fun with it. Good decision. The K-01 would have only given you different ways of doing the same thing. The Q will open up new horizons.

03-24-2013, 02:00 PM	#59
Rob22315 Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Alexandria VA USA Posts: 315	I got both because of the recent drop in prices. Who could resist the k-01/40mm for $360 or the Q/02 kit for $240?

03-24-2013, 09:49 PM	#60
Lurch Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Canberra, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 582	I'm kinda torn here too. I got the Q on a bit of a whim. The 8mm is a nice lens, but a bit limiting in regards to versatility. I'm at the point now where I can get either a K-01 or cough up a little less for the 5-15mm zoom for the lens. I got the Q/K adapter, but am currently frustrated with the manual focusing with the screen. I realize this specific issue is the same with the K-01, but on the other hand I already have a host of AF lenses that will go straight on, so the whole manual focusing thing becomes null and void. Considering my K5 lives with its grips, the big 20-40mm, and an eye piece on it - as much as the Q in tiny (and very cute), anything is going to be smaller/lighter than my K5. Also, after attending a wedding the other day with the Q; I'm quite disappointed with its low-light/noise abilities. Although coming from a K5; most things are going to be disappointing in that regard. But again; a plus I guess for the K-01. Sigh And I'm heading to Melb on Sunday for another wedding and now dont know what to take :/