I was, with ever failing sharp eyes, about to buy a new k-01 which would have been my first new purchase of Pentax since 1980, as I always bought used Pentax/Ricoh bodies and lenses since.
Hesitant, with limited budget, I really want 35mm full frame to replace my aging ist ds's , to complement my 35mm slrs and Pentax-M, -A and off brand K-M lenses. I have no DAs, Pentax APS-c kit 18 ~ 55 is rarely used, a good lens but no fun.
On surplusshed.com, while getting some lens elements, I saw this lens:
KODAK EKTON 9-27MM F/2.0 SVS ZOOM LENS . A video lens used by NASA.
Search revealed little to add to the brief description on surplusshed.com
Anyway I decided by internet search, and the photo, that this lens is close to the micro 4/3 standard.
Ordered: Cost $34.75
Next I searched for the absolute lowest cost, "new" micro 4/3 body only:
Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds | Benefits of Micro Four Thirds
Olympus superseded Pen E-PL1 21.63 mm circle, 4/3 aspect ratio,17.3 mm by 13 mm sensor, register distance 19.25 mm.
Ordered: Cost $149.95 free shipping
I concentrated on: the Manual modes, the shake reduction is in body, the output can be in my favorite jpg in range 3 MB, the weight/size is less than ist ds, the lens mount is machined aluminum and the contacts are recessed behind the mount.
Importantly, the micro 4/3 seems to be designed to be friendly in completely manual mode to all lenses of longer register.
The downside:
I expect the low light/ high iso side to be not much better than the ist ds, except for the shake reduction.
Only my -M's 24mm, 28mm and maybe 35mm will be of use.
The reasons that I took the "risky" project were:
-The excitement of the unknown. If all goes to hell, as some of my projects do, not much is lost!
-Outlay is quite small $ less than $200.
-The depreciation on M-less ILC is much worse than a typical DSLR, for example my aging 2004 ist ds's still fetch hefty prices, while I am getting this 2010 Olympus 12 MB 4/3 at 28 cents/$1. Another example is my MX!
-If I screw up the lens mount I can still buy a lens adaptor and use Pentax -M, and I have a relic Kodak Ekton for the collection.
-I have a lathe and I can machine lens mounts as necessary to correct the registration.
-I can also machine and adjust for infinity my own adaptor pentax K lens to micro 4/3 body
Comments will be appreciated, while the parts are arriving.
i will add here as things proceed.