More Cameras Should Do This!

[@comment_section4766]

I owned the K10D, the K7, K5, and the K3. I sold all my Pextax gear. . . except the K-01. I adore this little yellow brick.

[@hh3888]

You love the design of the K-01 but everyone loves your passion for photography. Please keep up the good work.

[@robinwong]

Thanks Terry, you are being so kind.

[@SummersSnaps]

Woohoo! PeNtAx! I am a proud Fujaxian, I shoot Penji and Funji! They are both great systems 🥰

[@robinwong]

Pentax is really something!

[@chrisbarron5861]

What great colours. I'm Fuji/Nikon/ Olympus, and find red is always a difficult colour. Pentax got that right !

[@0zaree100]

I purchased my Pentax k-01 in black with pancake back in 2013 on sale. I took many great images with this camera and to this day it's in my collection. When I take it out in public it attracts a lot of attention due to it's 'uncanny' design. I agree, the color rendering is very good. Great review!

[@CarmineTavernaPhotography]

Robin, your beautiful photographs taken with this Pentax k-01 camera, has raised the used market price for it with the same lens you used, to $270.00 USD as of June 1, 2022, here in the States..wow..people (and me) love your work ;)

[@Fotofan4life]

As a Pentax user (K20D, K-m) dating back to my early 1970's photo retail days, I associated your YT site with Olympus so my curiosity was piqued to hear about your K-01 experience. I like your image portfolio and pithy observations. Your photography, which resonates with me, and your upbeat style made for enjoyable viewing. Thank you for this excellent presentation.

[@longrider9551]

I have owned Sony, Fuji, Canon cameras, the best colors right from the camera IMO are my little Ricoh GRiii. As you say so very organic

[@robinwong]

Yeah loving the colors I get from the K-01

[@RobTrek]

This camera has been on my short list of cameras to get. I always thought it was pretty cool. Thanks for the giving us a look at this wonderful little camera.

[@DonalLeader]

Yes I would like to see a review of the 40mm lens. I have this camera myself and I do agree that it is clumsy. But, man, those images!!

[@sukhdevmand6099]

Pentax colours are awesome!!

[@JalanKesini]

Wow... Never thought you would become a Pentaxian. Thats one of my wishlish camera simply because I have few vintage Pentax Lenses and by using that camera I don't nedd any adaptor because its the same mount with the old pk mount.

[@robinwong]

I bought the K-01 mainly for collection purpose, it was cheap and in great condition. And the design, no one else dares to try something like that

[@brianlaunchbury4491]

I've just processed a load of old K-7 and K-3 images, I totally agree about the colours. Going back to my Olympus files was a bit of a shock. I do think that the OM-1 is a definite improvement though. If Pentax had produced a good mirrorless camera it's possible I would never have changed to Olympus. The cameras failings are the fault of the programme team for getting the answers about features very wrong.

[@robinwong]

I don't think it was that difficult to get the camera right - slap in an EVF, good AF, you are good to go!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Yes we sure do need something fresh like that. I myself thought it was pretty cool when it came out.

[@robinwong]

While a lot hate the design, I LOVE IT!

[@kennethmoyuenchui1535]

I ‘ve this cam & still use it

[@正治志村-m4m]

Hi Robin-san I am using this camera by modifying it into an IR camera. Recorded with this camera before Painting was restored. This camera is very easy to disassemble. Removes built-in UV and IR filters. For the lens, use a 35mm macro lens (Pentax Limited) and attach an R72 filter in front of the lens. I modified more than 20 units and distributed them to my restoration colleagues.

[@Abesteroni]

The 40/2.8 XS Pancake introduced with the K-01 is an absolute stunner, especially at today's prices on the used market (I own two.) It's got the same optical formula and presumably the same SMC coatings present on the pre-HD coated 40/2.8 Limited. It's also full frame compatible and on a K-1, it's the ultimate stealth prime lens. It's also one of, if not the smallest autofocusing pancake prime lenses ever made. The autofocus on the 40/2.8 XS is also much much faster on more conventional Pentax bodies.

[@inesf04]

I love Pentax cameras and limited lenses. The quality is outstanding and even I have bought Olympus and now Nikon z for the mirrorless functionality I can’t sell the Pentax. I use it from time to time and go back to ovf from time to time.

[@robinwong]

I can see how people love Pentax now, even from the flawed K-01.

[@michaelbuckley8986]

Thanks

[@robinwong]

Thanks Michael, appreciate that a lot!

[@armanddimeo6575]

What a cool camera! I am surprised Pentax did not pick this up and run with it. It is an APS-C interchangeable lens mirrorless camera that is compatible with K-Mount lenses without an adapter, which is something Nikon, Canon, and Olympus were not able to do. I have always had a soft spot for Pentax cameras, although I have never owned one.

[@robinwong]

The camera is problematic to begin with, hence it was getting negative reviews and not selling well. If the sales was good, I am sure Pentax would make more.

[@prose4ever]

I own quite a few Pentax lenses, and I should look into a DSLR in my kit. Main reason for the K-01's bulk is that it's using the K mount. If you want the smallest camera that can change lenses, you gotta try the Pentax Q series.

[@robinwong]

I can take better photos with my phone now with a 1 inch sensor, so I shall pass on the Pentax Q as it offers me no advantage.

[@semperfi-1918]

My first pentax dslr is the K-50. Love it. I am using older lenses and use manual mode. Getting clean sharp immages and suprized how easy it is to get better with it. Soon when the weather warms up ill be able to go out and take some nature shots.

[@solutionsnetwork6862]

Pentax user here. Got excited about your enthusiasm for this body. Will have to pick one up...

[@roberthunt989]

Robin I love your enthusiasm and as a Fujifilm Shooter I really appreciate you supporting smaller sensors . With the K-01 , I purchased mine as a backup when I was shooting Pentax . I also like the Odd design ( I drive a Nissan Cube, Go Figure) All of your comments were right on but the best value of this camera is the easy conversion to Infra Red. It has a very low cost to convert and does a good job with IR. Also the bulk is an issue but it allows you to use any Pentax lens with out a adaptor. Keep up the good work.

[@archiekins82]

Great shots and love the natural colors RW! Keep it up!

[@robinwong]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@VenomIIID]

Really nice review Robin. I love my Pentax and Olympus cameras. Together they are the perfect system 😁.

[@andriusrepsys]

I love every word you said about K-01's design and about all the camera designs in general. I agree that K-01 is bulky but still I love how it looks like. It's not just the technic specs that make a great photo but the aesthetic feel that the camera's design triggers. Actually this is even more important I would dare to say.

[@ianvaughan9028]

And yes, please review the pancake lens, it looks very interesting. Thanks Robin. :-)

[@robinwong]

Sure thing, it is in the pipeline!

[@jimzielinski946]

When the k-01 first came out I thought it was ugly as sin and wouldn't buy it. Many years later I was looking for a full spectrum converted Pentax digital camera. I found a seller on ebay that converted the k-01, but no other Pentax model so I bought it. After getting it and playing with it I found that I really liked it so I picked up an unmodified k-01 for regular photography. I mostly use the unmodified k-01 on a microscope so I almost exclusively use manual metering and of course there is no autofocus when using a microscope. I usually use the full spectrum body for infrared so metering and focus is also manual only. I did pick up a Zacuto screen magnifier so I can use either camera outside like a mirror less camera with an electronic eyepiece. The k-01 is a real oddball but I like it. I'm glad I can use it with any K mount or screw mount lens. I do have a few other Pentax dslrs that I'm also happy with. Each one seems to have its own personality.

[@ivarnordlkken8082]

Strange. I also bought my Pentax K-01 as a full-spectrum camera.

[@michaelsmith697]

All the colours look GREAT! I’m very impressed! From your video, the auto focus worked fine, don’t see any issues. I like the pancake lens! I have a few Pentax lenses so I’m looking for a Pentax DSLR or Mirrorless. I have lots of other cameras, but there’s something about Pentax that I just like so much! I’ll get this one or a Q10

[@rascalhusky8129]

I got mine in Singapore and love the special and different design. It's a eye catcher. I have only ever seen one other besides mine here in Canada. It's definitely a collectors item and I have one which I would never ever sell.

[@drumsticksusa]

Good coverage of a unique camera. I have two, but use my KP more, of course. Nonetheless, I do enjoy having the K-01's. The K-01 sensor was from the Pentax K-5 and was regarded as one of the very best at the time of issue.

[@adrianharrison5208]

Thanks you for reviewing this one after all these years, it made me remember why I did not buy one. If it had an electronic view finder I would of bought when they first came out, put as I already have the Q I just did not want another non view finder less camera.. I still think about it sometimes so maybe one-day I will buy one, the prices and still quite high so 🤷

[@anthonyrutherford758]

I miss your Olympus input,you helped me into my upgrade to em1 mk3, but I still appreciate your unique perspective. keep up your posts😂

[@paulsteunenberg5617]

Pentax K-01 was the mirroriless sister of the famous mirror-reflex Pentax K-5. Techincal inside are almost similar, all of the pro's are almost the same like the K-5. Many old reviews wasn't so good about the K-01, all of the con's i agree that, but Pentax K-01 take in that time ( 2012 ) a big risk for the new mirrorless aps-c camera, everybody knows now, it wasn't a succes in many ways. It was built to early, just in a wrong time about the mirrorless camera's. Because this fail, left Pentax the technology of mirrorless camera. Thank you Robin, you put the finger on the painfull area with the pro's and con's, your review is be honest and sincere. Thumbs up.

[@christopherward5065]

The K-01 worried me when it first arrived. It was a fairly premium priced machine without an EVF. It takes nearly every Pentax lens ever made. It has extremely good features and makes professional quality images in and out of the studio. The camera body is compact and the elastomer covering makes it easy to grip. It has image stabilisation and makes very malleable raw files. Adding the last iteration of the firmware makes it work better. It is quirky and good. I have a loupe on the back like a film rig. You get used to it and it rewards you with the pictures you want. It isn’t capable in every sphere such as sports action or fast-moving wildlife but, with excellent critical focus it makes using manual focus glass in and out of the studio superb. Macro work is excellent. Portraiture is excellent. Still life is excellent. Landscape is excellent. Architecture is excellent. Street scenes, excellent. Social photography, excellent. Once you master it, the results are worth seeing.

[@simonwilliams2109]

Thanks Robin.

[@robinwong]

No worries, glad I can share

[@Ronroncho]

before Olympus i shot pentax, i really miss the colors! also using all vintage glass on it, is a joy. You should try Pentax Q, super fun camera, and it has computational stuff in it, like ND filter, (works on video LOL) and blur control!, nothing professional but very fun to use! hope to see more videos like this :3 liked!

[@robinwong]

Thanks for the kind words. I'd love to give Pentax Q a try but it is non existent in this part of the planet.

[@ivarnordlkken8082]

@@robinwong I bought mine on Ebay. Doesn't matter where you live.

[@bittertruth6175]

Great review. Provided critical information, especially camera's shortfall/limitations.

[@thissidetowardscreen4553]

Awesome video Robin! I nearly bought the Pentax K-01 but ended up buying the KP. the attraction of having a camera that is different has kinda been my thing for awhile. I think we lost something when cameras companies started to design by marketing. I also own a Pentax MX4, you can not get weirder. I know when you buy into these types of cameras, there are trade offs, as long as you know what to expect, then you be ok. Makes you work around the flaws and be creative.

[@robinwong]

I think camera manufacturers should try to strive to be different, not just follow the herd! I applaud Pentax for standing out

[@莊思妙]

I owned a kr in red ten years ago , good camera and fun to use

[@konradkoeppe2840]

One of my fav youtubers with one of my fav camera brands! I have a pentax mx1 since new. Pentax colors are where its at!

[@robinwong]

Yeah the Pentax colors!

[@正治志村-m4m]

Hi Robin-san　K-01 is an academic camera. I remove the internal filter from this one and use it as an infrared camera. The lens is a 35mm macro lens with an R72 filter attached. I set it to black and white mode and set the dial to HDR. Variable high quality. 20 units were modified with IR and sent to Art restorers. 😎

[@leckywoznicki5393]

Thank you & i do like how it looks.

[@StevenBrener]

I had two of them. I did eventually sell them although I wish I kept one. My main gripes were the autofocus in challenging light and the lcd that would wash out in bright sunlight. The firmware update made a big difference in improving the autofocus speed and accuracy, most noticeable in good light, but it continued to struggle in low light. I got a flip out thing for the lcd which helped in bright light. The ergonomics were a bit questionable too. But, I loved the image quality, focus peaking and in body stabilization. It’s great for landscape since that doesn’t require blading fast autofocus. It’s especially great for manual lenses - you put on on and use focus peaking and image stabilization and you can get some great shots. If they were a bit cheaper I’d probably pick one up again.

[@besperus4475]

Howdie Robin. It is weird camera to use but a very good idea. I would have bought a Q camera. Talk about strange! 12 megapixels with the smallest digital camera with interchangeable lenses. A whole different wold. K01 is great as well. But I’m stuck with m4/3 format. In fact I’m trying to find a Kodak S1 pro. It was a 4/3 camera with interchangeable lenses too. The other Pentax, the MX 1 is a better crop sensor fixed lens camera. Keep up the good work.

[@prabhakarrao4922]

I used to own this and it was an amazing amazing camera. Perhaps a bit on the bulky side but the images out of it were splendid. Then the store persuaded me that Canon Colour science was the gold standard so with much regret soon afterwards I traded my beloved Pentax K-01 for the 5DMk3. I detested the 5D MK III and sold it pretty quickly and after a few years without a camera I bought the amazing Lumix GH4 traded up to G9 which I have passed onto my son as it is simply an amazing camera punching well above its weight and for myself I have recently acquired the OM-1 which literally sets an amazing new standard for M43 format. Thanks Robin for this look back at the amazing Pentax K-01

[@domtomazo]

Great video! I have the K-01 (also the black/white version as in your video). Got it brand new about 2 years after initial release for quite cheap. I had a K-5 already at the time, so it was a fun second camera - that I still have! Used it on some travel, around the house, parties (w. external flash). Works very well with the DA Limited line of lenses. I agree with your analysis, too slow for a main "do-it-all" camera but fun as secondary/casual! Worth mentioning is has focus peaking, works quite nice with manual m42 glass.

[@robinwong]

If you are a Pentax shooter I'd say the K-01 is a great addition, something fun looking and still shares the same lenses!

[@michaelbuckley8986]

Thanks for sharing this review.Looks like this camera has a rather rebellious personality😊👍

[@villagranvicent]

Great video Robin! Love this camera but I never had one, maybe some day!

[@johnembry9055]

I love my Yellow copy. Thanks for the video..

[@robinwong]

I would have gone for yellow if I had an option! Could not find one in the used market!

[@yaupie]

I just checked and found out that K-01 should be the only mirrorless camera from Pentax other than its Q series. Yes, please do a review of the pancake lens (BTW, if the crop factor is 1.5 it should be equivalent to 60mm FF?)

[@robinwong]

yea the lens is equivalent to 60mm. and the pancake lens video is in the pipeline

[@stevew7779]

Loved this, looks a lot of fun and those images, wow

[@robinwong]

Thanks, it was a fun camera, but I won't suggest it to anyone wanting to take photography more seriously. Do take note of the flaws I have highlighted

[@stevew7779]

@@robinwong Don't worry, I love my Fujis! :)

[@yukonchris]

Pentax, like Olympus, often got a bad rap in the popular photographic press during the digital age. It's a self destructive and negative approach that has made all photographers the poorer. We are heading rapidly towards a veritable corporate mono-culture, where a few big players are all that remain of a once rich and vibrant ecosystem. The result, as I think we are beginning to see already, is less choice, higher prices, and similar product specs across the board. Anyway, glad to see you trying different things, and finding value in them.

[@robinwong]

I have been hunting for the K-01 for a while, only found one recently! And yes trying something different is always nice.

[@nsnoesuarez]

Loved this camera, my workhorse cam but unfortunately both my two K-01 has fallen to the dreaded Aperture Block.

[@blueadv]

Is a great camera...I love K01!

[@robinwong]

I love the K-01 for the design, but I won't go as far as to say it is a great camera with some serious shortcomings. Too bad Pentax did not come up with a second version to fix those issues.

[@PaulWilkinson]

I'm curious to know your thoughts on the lens. I own the 40mm 2.8 xs and I love it, it's pretty darn sharp, especially in the centre. It's also great for sunburst!! My 35mm 2.4 has been left on the shelf unused since I bought the 40mm.

[@megansalt]

gorgeous colors!

[@eldorado5650]

"Organic and natural." That's what I thought, too, regarding colours. Aside from that, I find that the highlight-shadow transition/gradient looks very natural but it's hard to explain. That's beneficial as one can almost expect what the outcome is after shooting through the 100% FoV pentaprism. Most of the negative reviews came from actual Pentaxians. I can imagine as, in 2012, they already have the K-5, which, even until today, is one hell of a camera. It was very easy for them to compare the magnesium DSLR with a stainless-steel chassis to the K-01 which look like it came from funky town. The bulk of the camera, by the way, is due to the fact that, even though it doesn't have the mirror, the flange distance is the one from the K-mount which has been alive since 1975. Yes, any K-mount lens from 1975 can be mounted on the K-01 still or any modern Pentax camera. We have ~260 genuine Pentax K-mount lenses plus ~1,600 3rd-party ones so they are plenty. Aside from that, if one is into M42 cameras, they can easily be mounted using an adapter which also sits flush to the K-mount like there is no adapter at all. We have about ~1700 M42 lenses, including the highly-regarded Super Takumars. Availability is the issue, at the moment. It's easy to get one from Japan but it would be nice to be able to hold/try the camera first before buying. They are still there. They just don't advertise much. They may be playing the sustainability run but that's just an assumption. Regarding the lens, yes, it would be nice to have your impressions on that 40mm. That one is popular because it makes any Pentax DSLR look like a mirrorless when mounted. By the way, in Pentaxia, the 40mm Limiteds are the ones that are called "pancake lens." The 40mm XS is called the "biscuit lens." You can try the Pentax-F or Pentax-FA lenses if you can find them there. Some of them have really, really good rendering. The Limiteds are expensive but they all showcase edge-to-edge sharpness in compact sizes. Cheers from a Pentax and MFT user.

[@7Miralas]

This lens is also great in Pentax auto focus film bodies. Im using one in zm30. The combo is tiny and capable!

[@ssthapit]

I love pancake lenses and would love to see more reviews

[@robinwong]

The video on Pancake lens is coming!

[@jaiganeshk5378]

Yes please share your review about pan cake lens.

[@derekwinsor8072]

I have one and it is definitely under rated in its image quality. I have had mine converted to 720nm infrared and is providing excellent service making alternative landscape images in this transformation. Like the camera, IR images can be very Marmite!

[@TheSquirrelMafia]

If you like that pancake lens, you should really try out the SMC DA Limited prime lenses. They're fairly inexpensive used. 15mm f/4 21mm f/3.2 35mm f/2.8 MACRO 40mm f/2.8 70mm f/2.4. But yeah. You want the SMC versions of the DA Limited lenses, not the current HD ones. I prefer the SMC versions myself.

[@xmeda]

Do not bother with DA15/4 and DA21/3.2, there is nothing special about these. DA12-24/4 has much better image quality than DA15/4 and basically any good zoom lens kills the DA21/3.2.. so if you get Sigma 17-50/2.8 instead, you'll have 21-40 covered by very capable lens. DA40 is not bad, I sometimes carry mine as it is very small. And DA70/2.4 has nice bokeh..

[@robinwong]

I have no interest in getting any lenses for the Pentax camera. I bought K-01 mainly for collection, the unique design no other camera dares to do. I don't intend to use it for any serious shoots, will take it out for a spin once in a while and use it to start conversations. I have other cameras with amazing lenses to do other jobs.

[@SoSaMin0524]

Would love to hear your thoughts on that Pentax lens in a separate video 😁 I highly value your insight and perspective regarding lens discussions 😁 They are always honest and thoughtful 😁

[@robinwong]

Thanks. That video is in the pipeline!

[@mikejankowski6321]

Your photos look great (no surprise there) and this camera looks like it would be fine in the landscape/cityscape/still life service. While it looks bulky, it also suggests being lightweight for some reason. Maybe the white paint does it. It just looks like it should be a big hollow box. Clearly it has some things in its favor. And it just looks fun to carry and shoot.

[@robinwong]

Thanks for the kind words. Yes that's the main point I was conveying - it looks fun! Isn't photography supposed to be fun?

[@sandeepkaul3315]

Enjoyed your honest and enthusiastic review, Robin. I still have my K-01 and my kids love using it (mine is yellow). I pack mine with the 40 mm pancake lens into a navy blue Crumpler Pleasure Dome case, which is a fantastic fitting and beautifully made case, (almost seems like it’s custom-made for the K-01!). I take the K-01 along as a spare to the K1 MII or 645Z; they all share the same DLI90 battery, so it’s a perfect “backup” and fun to use. I love how easy it is to change aspect ratios, and can switch to a square format in seconds when I need to pop off a few passport type photos. Happy shooting, and sure would like to see a review of the pancake, which, considering its low cost and tiny size, produces surprisingly beautiful, color-accurate photos. You should give the 645Z a spin, and while the lenses are superb, no pancakes are available currently for medium format…

[@robinwong]

Thanks, was a pleasure exploring something different and I did quite enjoy the K-01. I don't think I have the kind of cash to spend on medium format. I'll probably make a video to explain why photographers in Malaysia are so poor and not earning as much as our counterparts in higher income nations like the US or UK. I need to be very careful on how I spend my money, the K-01 was of course cheap being an old, and used camera.

[@sandeepkaul3315]

Totally understand, Robin, though I do still strongly recommend the Crumpler Pleasure Dome (small size) case as cheap but really well made protection for your K-01. They’re available on Amazon, at least in the US

[@kevinroberts1888]

Thats one of the smallest pancake lenses that I've seen. Nice shots, some of those older cameras are quite capable. I often use an Olympus E-M5 mark i for my photo-walks and it's from 2012 as well. Takes beautiful pictures.

[@robinwong]

E-M5 is by far a superior camera to the K-01 in all ways except colors! I think E-M5 is a fantastic camera too

[@kcphotogeek6207]

I’d be interested in the 40mm XS review. There is also a similar 40mm Ltd Series pancake that has great image character, even when adapted to mirror less bodies these lenses are still tiny

[@kcphotogeek6207]

@robinwong Is there a reason why my original comment was deleted? There was nothing aggressive, negative or profane quite the opposite

[@robinwong]

@@kcphotogeek6207 I did not delete your comment. For that, you have to ask Google and what they are up to.

[@kcphotogeek6207]

@@robinwong thanks Robin I didn’t think you would, very odd, anyway the K-5 and K-3 are also reasonable priced cameras front the same era as the K-01 that are packed with good stuff like weather sealing IBIS etc. Also there is an excellent community based around Pentax cameras, they are the main reason why I’ll always shoot Pentax (that was pretty much my original comment).

[@ahilgaz]

@mipmipmipmipmip well it also has 1.4 and even 1.2 lens

[@kcphotogeek6207]

@mipmipmipmipmip there’s a great variety of photographers on the Pentax forums. The gear discussions are less spec driven hence less gear shaming. A lot of niche specialist photographers use Pentax gear so the images shared have great variety with people explaining the techniques they used rather than just looking for praise. The Pentaxian Yearbooks showcase this very well. There’s a myth that Pentax have no fast lenses this simply isn’t true there’s a great variety of glass yes much of it is vintage manual focus but for street urban and cityscapes I mostly manually focus anyway. The Takumar 50mm f1.4 is a stunning lens, the 43mm f1.9 FA ltd lens is a great lens which adapts wonderfully to both m43 and full frame, yes that’s right I use Lumix and Sony too so not a fanboy either 🤓

[@johncantrell614]

Image quality looked pretty good to me. I have loved Pentax cameras, and have had the k20d, k-3, and the new k-3 lll. Pentax is often underrated, but the glass can compete with the best of them.

[@franciscocarneiro181]

Hi Robin, I also find the vintage look of this camera very beautiful. It would be very interesting if you try other old Pentax cameras. Cameras made just after this one. I used Fuji for years and still use it. The colors are not the most natural, but I really enjoy them for some situations, they can give you a magical oil paint effect. That's why I keep my Fuji XE1, from the stone age, but it has my favourite sensor. I may buy this Pentax, I make a lot of photos of quiet subjects and I take my time, so I can live with it's flaws. Anyway, thank you for this video, the images are great !

[@robinwong]

I don't think Pentax made anything else similar to the K-01, it was one of its kind. I got it purely for the design, and everything else from Pentax looks rather "normal"

[@srmrlr]

I can't disagree with you on this camera. I bought one recently out of curiousity. Love the color it puts out, in many ways better than my Pentax K3ii. I enjoy it in a few settings, but it isn't my first choice for much. I love my example in yellow. I dislike pretty much every thing you disliked. I'll keep it as much out of having so.ething weird, as having something useful...

[@eldritchshiner]

This is why I've kept my two K-01's- fun to shoot and great image quality from that Pentax-tweaked Sony sensor! The bumblebee yellow one with the XS or the 21mm Ltd mounted just doesn't look like a very serious camera and seems to make for better candid shots at gatherings for that reason.

[@stevenjohnson4283]

Pentax colors are very very accurate. When pixel shift came out, which was supposed to act like a Foveon sensor and record true color information, the comparison was very very close. Pentax has always had extremely accurate colors. I recall comparing Pentax images with canon and nikon apsc equivalents and the Pentax was just brilliant and vastly superior. When you compared it to a D3 or 1DX the Pentax was on par with the top tier in Nikon and Canon. So I went out and switched. Pentax is a hot brand with superior image quality, 3D rendering lenses and massive amounts of features - and is at the same time hated and treated as an irrelevant brand. The K-01 has only got a 12 bit color depth, wait till you go to the 14 bit color depth in a K-5 16mp, its even more glorious a picture. Similarly with the 24mp cameras and 14 bit color depth. The only issue is that Pentax's default color setting is "Bright" or something, which is 11% over saturated colors, which I use anyway because its how my mind remembers the scene. There is the neutral setting which brings the colors down to reality, but I never use it, because when I tried it, my brain doesn't remember the colors that way. Most people set it in Neutral color settings for jpegs. Pentax 645z also eats Fujifilm medium format crop system for breakfast too. Pentaxes 3D pop lenses, brilliant colors and complete weather sealing with silicone rubber seals and gaskets, and not the cheap foam rubber (Aerated foam) seals found in Fuji, Nikon, Sony and Canon cameras. Pentax real deal weather sealing in 645z, full frame and apsc with silicone rubber, and not that cheap aerated plastic/rubber. The kind of foam rubber used in expansion joints in concrete footpaths.

[@lordovravens]

I also wanted to point out how Robin's observation on Pentax colors was spot on. I use the "natural" setting, because that's how i remember the colors and it is pretty accurate. Bright feels too saturated for me.

[@Lauren_C]

If someone can stick some more modern internals in there to improve performance, Robin will have a new BFF. 😅

[@robinwong]

I probably won't be spending that much money on a new camera, even if it has great internals and upgraded performance. I bought the K-01 used and cheap.

[@Nicholas019]

Are SOOC colors as nice as the ones in your files that you shared?

[@stephenbrasure4331]

Interesting video as I don't remember ever seeing anything about the K-01. A quick search and the camera is still typically well over $300 (US) for the camera with the lens. I find that kind of surprising considering that for the same price, you can get an Olympus E-M 10 Mark II which has many more features. Perhaps that indicates that the Pentax K-01 is becoming a collector's item? But, thanks for sharing a very interesting video!

[@VictorReynolds]

Thanks for sharing a enjoyable video Robin. Please do a review of the lens. All the best!

[@robinwong]

Yes I will definitely talk about the lens soon

[@robertszota1210]

I have Pentax K 01 as pair to my Pentax DDLR and collection Pentax lenses. Only one hat o missing is digital viewfinder! Why Pentax don’t sale digital viewfinder attachment for k01 like Canon ?

[@amanandapan9635]

I am still using K-01 occasionally. DR and high ISO performance are great. Color is outstanding, especially skin tone. With HD DA70, it is a great combination for shooting portrait.

[@robinwong]

Glad you have the K-01 and still use it from time to time! I enjoyed shooting with it

[@sdhute]

Does that da70 lens work in full frame mode? I recently picked up a k1 ii

[@melbango1]

I so miss my old K 30

[@robinwong]

I am sure it is a good camera

[@Archbab]

Pentax​ had hiding function that effect like live composite in body camera . Only focus was still problem for pentax you can use old pentax with green button for help your focus but it was manual focus( the new len may have good focus but in my country have only RIcho gr for sales) I love files, colour and design of camera. many lens was so compact.

[@lorenschwiderski]

I used a Pentax SF1 film camera for years -- great camera and the lenses were wonderful at the consumer grade level. A super value camera back in the late 1980's. Sadly, Pentax lagged in digital age of cameras, never selling well here in the States.

[@robinwong]

I don't think they did well anywhere else in the world too, it is almost non-existent here in Malaysia

[@kennyj604]

Awesome video Mr. Wong. I had one of these for about a year then I traded it away. Kinda regret it now because I think it would be wonderful to use with all the manual focus kmount and m42 lenses I have accumulated lately.

[@Leptospirosi]

I agree 100% cameras should explore new shapes but in the hands of good designers. This Pentax might not be for everyone but certainly it is for someone and it's a way to create a niche for a product that is dwindling and is uninteresting for many people. To be honest, excluding Sony and Panasonic that colour wise were plain bad (I also don't like my old E-PL6), I prefer most old camera colour rendering to recent ones. I think the old Fuji 16Mp is the best looking and the old Canon 5d is the best of the lot. Nikon also had exceptional colours on it' s DF, despite the low resolution and most CCD sensors, like on the Leica M8 are amazing. New cameras may have a huge edge on ISO performance dynamic range and resolution, but have lost the vibe. It could be interesting to test the camera with another lens to see if AF sluggishness is about the camera or the lens: I'm thinking of the Panasonic 20mm f1.7 and the 14mm 2.8

[@bataadashnyam6456]

Nice video 👍👍👍, i want buy this camera, what is recoding camera, lens?

[@sdhute]

That camera body was designed by a popular designer. That's why it's more of an art statement. It was created to also be a piece of art. Once again Pentax was ahead of the game. Mirrorless was not adopted well in those days. Pentax does have amazing colors.

[@dougcooper4917]

Good Review Robin. Thank You.

[@robinwong]

Thanks Doug

[@rolandmarkdy3328]

does PENTAX K-01 wifi ready for transferring photos to cellphones? TIA

[@TudorDaniel89]

If you want take a look at Hasselblad H6D, it looks like a video camera, that's my favourite not regular shape for a camera. 😃

[@robinwong]

hasselblad is unfortunately, out of my reach

[@Kenri_Basar]

This review is good....just came from DP review of the video and it was really bad... I mean they didn't like it... I have the camera so I am just piqued... I bought it from Japan eBay (used) but looked brand new when I got it... I enjoyed using it but because of the weight I hardly used it but lately I feel like using it again so I was looking for videos of it.... BTW can I use my android phone via mini HDMI cable as as external monitor? As I like to shoot looking down... (tilted screen)...

[@leonardkessinger5574]

Actually I disagree. I used this camera for real estate photography and it was amazing for that

[@arnewoodman]

Its sad that Pentax/Ricoh did not have the will or budget or market foresight to build on this. Could have been a good transition to a mirrorless system, the K-02 could have reduced the body size and flange to sensor distance, allowing for new lens designs, but come with an adapter to take all the older K mount glass.

[@mattisulanto]

This was a good one, thanks. There are some camera designs in the past that tried to break the norm, but none of them were really successful. I guess we consumers want our cameras to look like cameras😀 However, it would be nice to see a different camera.

[@robinwong]

Yeah that's too bad! I want something unique and different and to express my weird self

[@yukonchris]

One of the most compelling "thinking-out-of-the-box" designs that I've seen over the years was the 2004 Epson RD-1 with it's rangefinder style, but also it's very unique analogue guages. I always rather hoped that Epson, or someone else, would revisit this, dare I say, "steam-punk-esque" aesthetic. Very cool! I also continue to hold out hope for Sigma. Every now and then, they produce something completely different, which is awesome! It's unfortunate that they seem unable to marry "different" and "comfortable." Still, I do honour their attempts. The last one I'd mention here was the Ricoh GXR. I still think that the "interchangeable module" idea had, and has, merit. Marrying a specific lens to a specific sensor is expensive, but the unit could be fully sealed, and perfectly matched. I wondered if Olympus, or someone else could have revisited this with a large sensor back containing most of the electronics, married to a universal adapter that accepted interchangeable mounts? In that way, one back could potentially take every camera mount every made from old OM/FD/F mounts, etc., to more modern EF/43rds/etc. The mount itself could contain a micro circuit that translated electronic/mechanical lens signals between attached lenses, and the image processing circuitry in the body. Anyway, it would be impossible, I know, because different manufacturers would never agree, but imagine how great that could be for photographers with all sorts of different lenses, and legacy systems! Anyway, we are allowed to dream . . .

[@benoittissier58]

Cameras still look like film cameras ! At that time, it was necessary to fit one roll on each side of the body. Now that cameras go shutterless (Z9), only lens and sensor have to be aligned. It makes sense to keep the screen/viewfinder in the same axis, but everything else (electronics, battery, memory cards, buttons, dials) can be flipped around for the best ergonomics. Be creative guys !

[@citrocar1028]

Where to buy used gear (lens and cams) that deliver internationally? Amazon doesn't have anything 😒.

[@robinwong]

We have a few places to source them locally here in Malaysia, I got mine from online used market called Carousell

[@eworldRick]

Shutter lag and autofocus is why I didn't keep this camera in 2013. It could have also used a Samsung 900 dot OLED.

[@annarakannan6620]

I cannot agree with you more. I have a Pentax K-01 in yellow and I love it. The auto focus is so unreliable that I always use manual focus. I got so good at it that I don’t remember using autofocus in this camera at all 😀😀. The focus peaking works great and I can manually focus 10 times faster. But the images are fantastic. The stabilization works fantastic. I have consistently shot at under 20th of a-sec and got track sharp images 90% off the time in low light. The iso performance is spectacular. That lens is superb. The colors are fantastic. But the autofocus is incredibly bad. Video is mediocre. Lacks controls. I love the brick feel. It is solidly built. I love the looks. Caution: Manuel focus only.

[@philmartin5689]

I've used loads of Pentax cameras, from the ME super to the KP and K1ii but this camera has always seemed to be a bit of a dog to me and this was confirmed many years ago when I handled a friends copy of this camera. Yet another Pentax dead end, alongside the Pentax Auto 110 and the Pentax Q series.

[@robinwong]

While the K-01 received a lot of hate, rightfully so for all the issues that came with it, I got it just for one reason - the design. Hate it or love it, you gotta applaud Pentax for trying something so radically different.

[@philmartin5689]

Yes but by chasing the fashionable instead of photographers.

[@rodmehta5356]

Go Robin! ✌️

[@yihshyangloo7199]

Hi. Please proceed to review this tiny pancake lenses. Thanks

[@robinwong]

It is in the works. Thanks

[@yihshyangloo7199]

Dear Robin. Will you plan to do review on more vintage lenses. That will be much appreciate if you plan to do so..