K-01 any fans?

The Pentax K-01 was designed by an Australian designer with a trendy reputation called Marc Newson who has designed special edition Leicas and worked for Apple etc. Each camera is 'signed' on the base.

Although it had a designer exterior, the inside was up to the minute Pentax with the same highly regarded 16 Mp APSC sized sensor as the Pentax K-5. It came in various colours,

They originally came with a special version of the Pentax 40mm f2.8 lens which I have, but I sourced this 35mm f2.4 in white from Japan for the wider field of view (giving the same angle as a 50-55 lens on 35mm film) AND to see what it looked like!

The K-01 was never a commercial success in the west, so can be found used and even new at bargain prices.

Quirky and fun to use, outstanding results!

I bought a K-01 4 month ago. I found it quite a nice camera . The size was also ok for me,
But!! The non-mirror camera may be useful in the UK where the weather it is mostly dark and
miserable (except in midsummer murder). However here in Australia with sunshine during the daylight hours, the display is completely useless. one couldn't see anything on the screen and to take a picture was pure guess work. so after 1 month I sold it again.

Also I didn't like the idea of having to hold the camera away , instead of looking through a viewfinder.

Having said all that, I also own a X-5. The advantage of this camera, is the emergency viewfinder.
but I normally use it indoors anyway to make the pictures for my Ebay sales. The adjustable screen is very handy for that.

Regards, Horst

Horst you will see I have added an optical viewfinder for use in bright conditions. I live in Cornwall where the sun shines all the time

The Leica 50mm viewfinder covers a similar field of view to the 35mm f2.4. on the K-01 cropped sensor.

Horst, I purchased a Hoodham Loupe 3 which solved both those issues instantly. Bonus was I can use it on the Q as well or even on the DSLR when I need to review photos on the LCD.
Well worth it.

grahamcod wrote:

I had the same idea. I bought the same 35mm f2.4 lens and I thought of buying a Leica 50mm viewfinder,
but I didn't wont to spend another 150 dollars. The limitation was then that I could only really use a 35mm lens with this viewfinder.
However one positive thing came out of it: The 35mm f2.4 is a superb lens. I kept it and use it on my K5.

It gives a fantastic image. Very underrated lens and the price is great too.

Steve Ledger wrote:

Steve I never thought about this. If I had, I would still have the K-01. Its to late now, but I may repurchase one in the future. I really liked it.

Thanks for that info.

Regards, Horst