Pentax K1 mark ii Review

[@ronbokje6213]

My dad is a collector of Pentax and he gave me all his manual k mount lenses so got the K1 markII 2 years ago and really like the. camera. the versatility is so good, stars tracking is great too.

[@francoisgagnon5393]

No1 quality !!!

[@joedusel]

Yeah, carrying a Pentax K-1 around all day would get tiresome. That is why I carry two of them with a Op-Tech dual camera strap - one with a Tamron 70-200mm and the other with a Pentax 24-70mm. That way I don't have to get tired from continuously changing the lenses. 😎

[@tettazwo9865]

This is better for your spine!

[@l.nauwelaerts195]

Thank you for the good, honest overview. I agree with what you said about the K-1 being a camera to be used with a specific purpose in mind. That is where it shines: when you plan the trip/studio shoot, have your lens selection ready and then being able to put it in the mud, sand, etc. Your pictures demonstrate that very well. And the AF is even exceptional as long as your subject isn't moving too fast. That's where the AF of the K-3 iii really does a much better job in my opinion. Like you, I've also had some issues in getting to know that camera's AF system and now I pretty much enjoy it. It is very capable (but not perfect yet). Looking forward to your future videos.

[@EdwardMartinsPhotography]

I had the Monochrome and the K1 Mark II and kept the K1 Mark II. The monochrome is awesome, but the K3 III body is not my favorite. Lack of aspect ratios and a tilt screen make it kinda a lot of cash for something that's not quite everything I could want.

[@matthewp7428]

Enjoying the videos. It's nice to see the opinions of a newcomer to the system. I think for those of us that have shot with the K1 for a while, we sometimes forget how spoiled we are. It is a fantastic camera if it fits your needs. I'm hoping they're working on a mark iii version. Maybe a little lighter, maybe try to address the AF a bit, but overall don't change a whole lot.

[@RecluseHolster]

My K1 MkI is set up in U1 for Black and White. All the benefits you express here for color and with a flick of the dial - monochrome. Very happy with it.

[@raymondpenalver7095]

Aa very underated camera and your beautiful images were amazing 👏

[@i.like.pixels]

I'm amazed it's not more mainstream, such a well rounded and well built camera! And thank you for the kind comments 😁

[@tettazwo9865]

Thanks, great presentation!

[@vincemokry9643]

I have both K-3 mk iii versions, color and mono. I've really enjoyed the mono. I'm curious now that you have said the output of converted K-1 mk ii B&W pics are about same as the mono! While I have never gone DSLR full frame....you have me thinking about picking up a used mk ii !!!

[@i.like.pixels]

@vincemokry9643 their lovely Cameras, preferd the ergonomics of the k1 ii over the k3 iii. But it's all personal choice. I'd say if your already invested to stick with your dual k3 iii's

[@ianthomas465]

I am using the predecessor K1 for years now and I totally agrre. It is such a great camera and finally you can use all the outstanding Pentax lenses with K, M and A-mount too. For static subjects it gives the oportunity of a hihger resolution with pixel shift and also for star photography the sensor moves during the exposure for avoiding the stars becoming stripes

[@fistfulloflenses]

in the last few years ive been using vintage manual focus pentax lenses, very impressed with the build quality, does this camera work well with legacy glass?

[@i.like.pixels]

@fistfulloflenses I tried briefly to use old k-mount lenses, I didn't find the metering and aperture control very convenient. Perhaps I was doing it wrong, but it required me to pre expose with the selected aperture before taken the photo. Otherwise it would use the lens wide open regardless of where the aperture ring was set, not worth it in my opinion. But perhaps the seasoned users could correct me and help you find the right setting.

[@fistfulloflenses]

@@i.like.pixels okay thanks, I will have to do my research

[@ArtDecoArtNouveau]

@@i.like.pixels If you are referring to the fact you have to use the green button to meter these lenses before you take the shot that is the only way with these totally manual K lenses - that is why I like to use A lenses and then one can use the auto modes and auto ISO. With the camera set up to use the "catch in focus" method with these manual lenses means they are a joy to use with my K1 and KP.

[@haenzelv6287]

Finally somebody with the same opinion. The autofocus of the Pentax K1 mk II is just fine. I've never had any issue getting sharp images with this camera. If you fail to deliver with this camera it's either a bad copy, wrong settings or just poor technique. I wouldn't want to swap my trusty Pentax for any other camera.

[@iivarilappalainen9836]

K1ii + da 40mm limited are pretty portable for those "just in case" trips ;) Really looking towards K1iii, hopefully theyll push it out sooner than later. Im still optimistic.

[@dcwaku]

I have a K-1 and love it. Too bad Pentax may not continue on with it. 😞

[@ArtDecoArtNouveau]

I have the K1 -1 and the KP (which is like an APSC "bridge" between the K1 and mark II version) and love these cameras . Also if one shoots in B/W DNG and uses the Digital Utility program that RAW file can be saved as a B/W TIFF.

[@jricard0745]

I've used only Pentax since 1967; from the Asahi Pentax to the K-1. The K-1 is simply awesome. With better marketing, I think Pentax would be among the current leaders.

[@quite1enough]

As I've heard K1 II has a noise reduction baked in raw files. Idk from which iso it starts but I assume from not that high. It's just I'm considering K-1 mark I for astro photography and that noise reduction thing is really bothering me :c (but at the same time mark II has better AF)

[@DessieTots]

Pentax need to develop a cohesive set of dedicated Pentax lenses. Pentax managed to do this in the 1960’s, why not now?

[@i.like.pixels]

@DessieTots yes their lens line up is a little strange, but the lenses available are very good thankfully 😀

[@bobjohnson9597]

I own both the APSC KS1 and KS2. Way better than my APSC canon dslr or any of my Sony APSC models that I used to own. I use the KS1 with my manual focus Pentax 50mm lens only as it pushes me to slow down.

[@Technoctopus]

Sad to hear you sold the monochrome but glad you're liking the K1 Mk2. I've been thinking about picking up one to accompany my K3 Mk3 mono.

[@i.like.pixels]

@Technoctopus it's a great camera I'm sure you'll love it, menus and button layout are very different and take some getting used to compared to k3iii.

[@Janihonkalaxx]

Mark 1 is more better. It makes better with noises.

[@i.like.pixels]

@Janihonkalaxx as I do wildlife photography autofocus was priority over image noise, in my experience noise was never a problem.

[@sovu9399]

one of the reasons for releasing mark 2 was ISO improvement, so....

[@Janihonkalaxx]

So? And still its worse in 2 model🤷‍♂️ in long exposures that 2nd model software make shit quality pictures🤷‍♂️ like potato mousse🤷‍♂️ if you dont see that, you must test it..🤷‍♂️ noise removing is fault🤷‍♂️ mark 1 makes that thing better🤷‍♂️💪

[@sovu9399]

@@Janihonkalaxx iso 6400 on mark 1 is iso 10000 on mark 2 the noise is the same on both. So....

[@EdwardMartinsPhotography]

The added noise reduction in the Mark II would only be a problem if it reduced the resolution as most noise reduction does. But as the noise reduction is done in such a way that it has no noticeable effect on the resolution of the image, as compared to the Mark I (tested,) it is absolutely an internet fabrication and a non-issue. Both cameras are excellent and I prefer the Mark II, but would gladly use a Mark I with no issues or regrets.

[@michelemarcolin2548]

It does not take a diploma at MIT to know that K1 is better than the Monochrome toy.... it is the flagship. Reality is in colors. Yet, I have some reserve in listening to a review that boasts K1ii over Monochrome saying that the photographer use images pretty much straight out of camera: every digital image need an amount of rework and one of the very good aspects of K1 sensor, is indeed the fact that it produces one of the best workable RAW file around. Said that, Pentax AF functions and camera reactivity are prehistoric. Usable, but prehistoric. LCD reliability too is completely of chart. The lack of an illuminated focus confirmation in the viewfinder also is a serious lack IMO. And the lack of a reliable and dedicated tethering system also is a huge fault. I am an avid user of K1ii and I like it very much, but it really sucks seeing the disregard of Pentax for it and for its potentialities. They do not like to mix with software and mobile engineers to exploits everything it could be done these days with it. With the DFA lenses, a more precise and fast AF, integration with software and WIFI, it could be an awesome competitor to medium format for studio, at a ludicrous fraction of the money you are requested for a Phase One, Hassel or Fuji medium format setup.