PENTAX Makes Really Weird Cameras

[@ImageMaven]

Thanks for highlighting this camera Robin. I love that you say photography should be about FUN. Too many people are too worried about specs that they forget to have fun! Cheers!

[@robinwong]

Yes, lets bring fun back to photography!

[@tedphillips2951]

I have shot the Pentax 645 medium format film camera for quite a while & felt it was quite under appreciated but then I was lucky to find a 645Z digital for a very good price. I was blown away. The images are amazing in spite of the fact that it is a beast of a camera. Pentax is definitely an underrated camera company.

[@robinwong]

Indeed, they have some really good medium format stuff!

[@ronbokje6213]

My dad collected Pentax for as long as I can remember, then in the beginning of this year he decided to sell all the older stuff. Now I got all the k-mount lenses and bought a K1 because it’s backwards compatible, all manual focus but it’s so much fun and a beast of a camera. I love it.

[@Olgersdr]

Pentax offer the best value for the money. Weather sealing, magnesium alloy and IBIS on entry level bodies and not to mention the number K-mount lenses that have been produced since 1975. It doesn't have the best autofocus and video capabilities but if one is more on still photography than Pentax should be considered. As for the action photographers Pentax K3 III is more than capable. I always enjoy your videos Robin!.

[@robinwong]

Thanks. I think "best value for money" is kinda subjective, we can't find them readily available here, and the price is sky high compared to other systems. All things considered, it is a niche option, and that is why I see them as quirky, especially with all the unusual camera releases.

[@TristanColgate]

They don't only do quirky well either. The k1000 film camera seems to have been *the* standard camera for college photography students for a good couple of decades (at least in the UK and the US). A friend still has hers from 25 years ago, and it still works like a charm!

[@corysekine-pettite1783]

My photo journalism class in college used them!

[@robinwong]

OH dear, that is way before my time.

[@ivarnordlkken8082]

That camera was produced for almist 25 years. A very long time.

[@dionhouston]

I still have mine! I don't think it's completely serviceable, but I have a few other Pentax film cameras too (including 2x LX). I mostly shoot film era lenses with my K-1 now, since film photography is so expensive...

[@whafrog]

I had one, and would probably still have it today if it hadn't been stolen. It was a workhorse.

[@Needacreate]

I've been a proud evolutionary Pentaxian for more than thirteen years now, but while I will never forget that Pentax rekindled my love of photography in the digital age, there is a much bigger, and frankly, more important question looming here: Do we want our photography tools to be soulless robots, unerringly efficient in getting us that shot, but otherwise indifferent, or do we also value and seek gear that may make us rely a bit more on our skill, but reward us by enjoying the process and feeling more involved in the photographic result when we get it. I may have missed a couple of action shots with my K-7 and K-3, but with newer lenses and firmware updates and constant honing of skills my keeper rates have improved significantly even in the faster genres over the years, and what a fun journey this has been! As for image quality, the classic brand has always delivered. Thanks, Robin, for spreading some genuinely-felt Pentax love and for your uplifting celebration of quirkiness and individuality. 👍

[@crimlarksSteve]

I owned both a K-01 and a Q and when my wife and I did a driving trip to Utah and the Grand Canyon I used those cameras on that trip and got some great photos. The K-01 had a great sensor; really the only downside to the camera was that it was hard to see the screen on the back in bright light. But paired with the excellent Pentax lenses it was a nice camera. Thanks for the great video, Robin - I always enjoy your videos.

[@robinwong]

Thanks Steve, they should have added an electronic viewfinder for the K-01!

[@ryejack]

I love that Pentax is taking risks and creating interesting cameras. Last December they announced they're developing new film cameras, which I'm incredibly excited for.

[@aerialfilm1]

In the late 70’s when I was pressing my nose against the shop display case dreaming of a camera, I had whittled it down to Pentax or Olympus. There’s something about Pentax I feel fondly about, although only having limited time with them.

[@robinwong]

Back then Pentax was a big player. These days, they don't fight the big boys, they do their own things, and that is ok too!

[@eldorado5650]

Thanks for the video, Robin! I am a Pentaxian and an MFT shooter and I have been shooting Pentax DSLRs for around 2 years now. I know I am late in the game. I use my K-3 for street, nature, landscape, birding, astro and everything else as I carry it with me all the time. It's a camera brand that bonds with my mind, body and soul and I really, really enjoy shooting with their DSLRs. It's just hard to explain. It starts from the bright OVF to the ergonomics, then to the colours of the prints. I like using it in the street because I find that, with my shooting style, people tend to be relaxed around a bigger camera than a camera that fits in the palm of my hand. The greens in nature are very well-represented as they are just natural. I just have fun shooting and then printing large format. My experience is that, when shooting with Pentax, especially when birding with screw-driven lenses, there is a lot more input from the photographer than mirrorless cameras where the cameras themselves do the lot for you. Anyone can be an instant birder with the O-M1 but with Pentax, practice is needed. I Quick-Shift to infinity when birding and get all shots sharp. With DC lenses, I don't need to do that. To get a better AF experience, a Pentaxian has to upgrade/change just the lenses. I did birding even with 90s Sigma 300mm screw-driven lenses and even just a DC motor AF lens changes everything. Imagine what can be done with their PLM lenses, where AF is almost instant! The monochrome project is actually community-requested. The first community-requested one was the Jet Black version. Next is the monochrome which is supposed to be put in the K-70, however, the Pentax boss said that he wanted the monochrome to be premium, hence the selection of the K-3 III. Also, the K-70 became the KF so there's that. The plethora of lenses is just out-of-this world. K-Mount lenses from 1975 are open-standard and that's why we can get good lenses for cheap. Besides that, the M42 mount, which was implemented by Asahi Pentax, has the same flange distance as the K-Mount so the adapter to K-Mount just converts your K-Mount Pentax to an M42 one. It really is a different experience. Anyway, you're also a Pentaxian and your enthusiasm is very similar to the other Pentaxians I have met. Cheers.

[@prodigyxl]

I used to shot with a Pentax K-5 and I was in love with the Limited lens serie. A very eery, dreamy, 3D feel to the images, hard to explain! But Pentax Achille talon has always been the focus speed. On the other hand, the Colors and a high end feel to the images resulting from this camera system (menus are great btw, compared to Olympus!) has always impressed me. Thanks for reviewing a Pentax product, Pentaxians are a different race!

[@ds1v0r19]

Good video Robin. I have a small collection of Pentax cameras and lenses. Two Q bodies , a Q7 body which has a slightly larger sensor than the original Q. The Q7 has a polycarbonate body, whereas the original Q had a magnesium alloy body. Oh the fun of shooting those Q cameras. small, unobtrusive, toy like but capable in delivering very good imaging for such a small sensor. I have three of the Q lenses. I also have a Pentax 6x7 MLU body with five 6x7 lenses, plus a Spotmatic with a couple of Super Takumar uncoated lenses. I started with Pentax near the end of 1978 with a ME 35mm film camera. I shot Pentax until the end of 1999, and then switched to Canon. In 2010 I switched to Olympus. Today I shoot MFT Olympus and occasionally will adapt either the Pentax Super Takumar lenses to my Pen-F or E-M1 MK III, or a few of my Olympus OM System 35mm lenses. I have a complement of M4/3 Olympus lenses I also use. The joy of photography is finding the unexpected image while I am out searching. Some days bring more joy than other days. Then, when I have captured some nice images I will email them to my friends and family. I reserve my best images for prints and will make a 9"x12" print to send as a gift or present to a family members or friends. As far as the new Pentax K3 Mark III Monochrome, it is on my "I want one list", along with the new Olympus 90mm macro lens. I don't consider the monochrome a quirky camera. The Q is definitely quirky and the K-01 looked quirky. The monochrome makes me think back to 1978, with my first Pentax ME 35mm film camera. The very first roll of film I shot was b&w. I had to wait few days to get the roll processed and printed. I made lots of mistakes back then. When I get the Pentax Monochrome I'm sure I'll make some mistakes in the early stages. That won't get me down but inspire me more. I will use it for landscapes, architecture and experimental in camera multiple exposures. Kudos to Pentax for their bold move.

[@robinwong]

I guess I describe it quirky because K-III Mark III monochrome is unpopular, and certainly a lot of people would just prefer to shoot in color and convert to black and white. Unless you do very serious black and white work, the monochrome sensor won't bring much benefit, hence you have to be a bit on the quirky side yourself to get the camera!

[@TootNugget]

2:27 Was too wholesome for some reason- You just made that guys day by taking photos of him!

[@ikonseesmrno7300]

That's what I like about Pentax. They're always up to something. First it was news of film cameras & now a monochrome in their lineup. It's an interesting time to follow what they are doing.

[@robinwong]

Yeah goot to see Pentax gaining some love and attention again!

[@kaminobatto]

I have the Pentax Q with all the lenses they released for that format. I love how quirky it is, and this is the reason why I bought it in the first place. I also have the special silver edition of Pentax K1 Mark II which looks amazing, handles beautifully, and has an amazing sensor. And perhaps, one of my favorite features, which is a 3 dials: 1 for aperture, 1 for shutter speed, and 1 customizable that I always have as an ISO dial. I don't need anything else! I wanted a K3 Mark III for some time now because it's the flagship and it's packed with cool features, but wasn't too sure. Now that there is a monochrome version, I no longer have a doubt because I always wanted a native B&W camera for the exact reasons that you mentioned, and I was about to buy a standard camera and convert it; however, now I have a native option which is great! I love my Pentax cameras and what they offer, even though I am mostly a Nikon shooter.

[@robinwong]

Pentax is smart to choose the less travelled path. Competing head on with the big boys won't do them good, but making cameras that not many others make, such as the black and white DSLR was a good move! Hope to see more unique cameras from them soon.

[@kaminobatto]

@@robinwong very true.

[@RobRobBob]

I have a number of pentax cameras, I agree, great fun system! This was a really fun video Robin!

[@nightshooterdigitalforensi1113]

Super video Robin, that's what photography should be about, fun. Love the music on this one too.

[@thegreatsiberianitch]

I hear so much about Olympus, Canon, Nikon... I was wondering to myself, "What about Pentax?". Just the video I was looking for, and from one of my favorite camera guys! Let's DO THIS!! Thanks Robin!

[@leckywoznicki5393]

Thank you :)

[@robinwong]

Cheers!

[@jbp6759]

Great video. My Pentax K10d was my first digital DSLR. I've had the k5iis, k3, and now k3iii. All wonderful, underrated, and a joy to use.

[@derekwinsor8072]

Who else but Pentax would give you a fully functioning astrotracker built into their K1 and the most rugged adjustable rear screen yet seen on a professional quality DSLR. As a landscape tool, the K1 has very few rivals. Oh yes, I have the K01 also, converted into an excellent infrared camera.

[@robinwong]

They do have some really specialized features. I guess going this route has some advantages!

[@thissidetowardscreen4553]

I been using Pentax digital cameras since the release of the K10d. My experience with Pentax is hit or miss, but mostly hit. I really Like the KP, Mx-1 and Q, but have other point and shoots. What was important is that I had a lot of Pentax vintage lens so it really cuts the cost. Nice to hear and see Pentax getting attention again! Thanks for sharing Robin! Sometimes it is good to be on the outside looking in :)

[@robinwong]

Pentax is not meant to be the brand to compete in terms of performance and specs war, they's be far behind. But they do have some really cool stuff - the black and white camera speaks volumes! No one else has something like that except Leica!

[@38josue91]

The colors of that camera come out amazingly!

[@DonalLeader]

I took down my K-01 from its shelf today and took some photos. I am amazed how intuitive it was to use and how good were the photos. Coupled with a good pentax lens it produces very good results. Yes, I have also experimented with video with very usable results.

[@singaporehikers]

Love Pentax TAv mode

[@grilledlettuce4028]

I LOVE THIS MAN! I ALWAYS SMILE!

[@VincentHansen-e4k]

Indeed, I have a K70 and 2 old CCD Pentax camera. Great lenses and the High ISO are pretty good

[@luzr6613]

Robin - you're All Fun! Great location and a privilege to see your photos from there - they look like lovely people. My 'most fun' is my E300, which i've had from new. I only use it now with vintage glass, especially Takumar 50 f1.4 and Takumar 150 f4, and the hit rate is crazy low because the viewfinder is miserable, the back screen tiny, and there's no live-view. But those are great lenses and the Kodak sensor is a great sensor and when you get the focus right on it's a huge thrill. i'd love to see you review a K1 and or a Sigma SD Quattro - a selfish wish because i'm trying to decide between one of those two very different cameras. Keep on making your great videos, Robin... they make a lot of us smile. All the best from New Zealand.

[@robinwong]

Yeah sometimes people forget that photography should be about fun, not just obsessing on gear! It does not matter if you have 100MP with ISO10billion, and 20 stops dynamic range, if you don't enjoy using the camera!

[@timjanssen2771]

Variety and beeing able to choose from different manufactuarers is great and well should hope that as many brands as possible survive in the future.

[@mohnkern]

I just got a Pentax K-3 first generation (used) and I'm loving it. I grew up with a Pentax K-1000. Pentax camera have always had a solid reputation, and are well built. Monochrome Camera - really interesting.

[@K7.2023]

thanks Robin! i love your videos!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

In astrophotogarphy we use Mono cameras a lot. They cost less to make but the manufactures still charge more for them because they know we will for the superior image quality .

[@robinwong]

Ah I did not know black and white is popular for astro!

[@cmck1777]

Haven’t watched this yet and it’s already my fav

[@robinwong]

Please go watch, thanks!

[@kyleparks4528]

I would love a pentax that leaned hard into vintage lenses and manual focus and stripped down a lot of the other DSLR features. As good as pentax viewfinders are, I didn't realize there was a whole set of focus assist features in old viewfinders that just aren't in modern cameras.

[@karlbrodowsky7744]

Thank you for the video. You are making very good points! I found this video just now, so it's a little bit late to answer. I am using Pentax and I am kind of stuck with it because of the lenses. But they have one plus: I can use any Pentax lens since 1975 on my K1 Mark II, the pre-autofocus lenses with some restrictions, more as "fun lenses", but 25 year old lenses work quite well. Having built my lens collection over the years, that is a huge plus. The biggest minus is that it is getting harder to get new lenses, like Sigma or Tamron for Pentax and that applies to some lenses that are easily availble for E-Mount and need some effort to get for Pentax. And the K1 is a little bit too heavy to take it along. But I kind of had to buy it, because my lenses make most sense on a FF camera.

[@nikytamayo]

More manufacturers should take risks like this. Specialty cameras may not sell in the same numbers as Jack-of-all-trades cameras, but they create excitement and help build customer loyalty. I think if a manufacturer were to take a chance on a monochrome point and shoot, even with a small 1" or less sensor, they may find more interest than they expect, especially if they pair it with a standard color variant of the same design.

[@robinwong]

I think if Pentax can make a popular K-III Mark III monochrome, I am sure this will be picked up by other camera manufacturers!

[@pwolkowicki]

I have K-01, I had K110D(K100D without SR), K-7. It was my first and the only Pentax properly focusing with fast lenses.

[@JP4drumsFarrell]

I have the tiny Q10 and it is my ultimate FUN Camera.

[@tristanb.8561]

Good morning and greetings from Germany. At the end of your video you say you would like to test the Pentax K1 for yourself. I can really recommend them to you. It is wonderfully built, the sensor is simply amazing. Yes it is heavy and bulky. but apart from the K3, I haven't had a camera in my hand that just feels good in a long time

[@tristanb.8561]

And even if Pentax isn't advertised like other Brands, or in other words the marketing department is asleep, the cameras are built like tanks. Pentax seems to build everything that is possible into the cameras, apart from good video functions ;-)

[@dylan.1776]

Would be cool to see them do a really compact full frame box camera. Viewfinder open from the top, still K mount. Would sell like crazy as a cheap alternative to Hasselblad. A guy can dream

[@miekpls]

suggest trying pentax k-01 + 31mm ltd if you ever get a chance, one of my favourite camera-lens combos

[@kentxx12]

I here you,but you must take a look of the : Sigma DP Merill Series,that is "good tear" in super image quality.

[@robinwong]

Sigma is not aiming to be quirky, they claimed higher image quality, but the improvement is not worth the trade off in terms of speed and operation.

[@mikes4408]

Have a Pentax k70 and it's a great camera. Was my first DSLR getting back into photography after 50 year absents. Also enjoy my em-1 II and em 10 II. Shoot a lot of B&W K3 monochrome ?? Boy cheaper than a Leica (I hope)!

[@robinwong]

Yeah it definitely is cheaper than any Leica options!

[@lindeleasley]

I have 6 Pentax cameras. 2 ME Super bodies, a MX, a LX, a K-7 and a KF. I use them all, but I have been considering getting a K-01.

[@christopherbonis]

Pentax is definitely an underrated brand.

[@robinwong]

Agreed

[@gordon3988]

You always have so much energy…and great photos which equal fun! Curious, are you vlogging here with the Action 2 or the EM5 3? Regardless, looks good!

[@robinwong]

Thanks, appreciate that! For all POV videos including this one, it was DJI Action 2.

[@gordon3988]

@@robinwong have you considered the Action 3? Likely no need.

[@jaipalreddy4894]

I have Pentax K3, out of the camera colors of K3 are great compared to my recent A7iv camera.

[@loboblanco99]

My first Digital Pentax is a K200D..(2008) great camera,, very good Portrait camera... Still working in 2023

[@robinwong]

Awesome, keep the shutter clicking!

[@Optykz]

Please review the Pentax Q1S. The smallest and cutest mirrorless interchangeable lens camera

[@konradkoeppe2840]

They maybe quirky but oh the colors! And their juicy files......

[@sweden_ove2074]

I love the idea of B/W cameras. I wish Olympus will make one too. How about PEN F2 B/W? And a cheep OM-10 b/w too... Dare and you'll win. 😅 I know you would love it too.

[@robinwong]

At this moment I don't even know what OM Digital Solutions is doing. Chances of having any PEN camera is quite slim.

[@TomVestvik]

Hi! I’m Tom too. And I’m dreaming of a GRIIIm.

[@fabriziorasi]

What about infrared filter in K01?

[@jimmm18]

Love your people images! What jpg are you shooting at or are you post processing raw? It looks very warm.

[@robinwong]

Thanks James. They were shot in RAW and post-processed to taste.

[@jimmm18]

@@robinwong Thanks! Trying to duplicate but haven't been able to.

[@weisserth]

I think Ricoh should issue a GR III Monochrome. I'd buy that immediately.

[@robinwong]

Maybe they will make it happen. We shall wait and see.

[@SouthendSites-o4c]

Pentax is a fantastic company, Just backward compatibility means They were green a long time before it was fashionable. I can use My -2, -3 or -5 dioptre correction lens to add to the adjustable +1 to -2.5 to keep Me focusing without glasses into the future. There are lots of examples of how Pentax just work. When You buy something free firmware update shows Pentax care even after They have sold You something.

[@4mooncheese]

Pretty sure the Nokia 9 Pureview can shoot Monochrome RAW DNG, which would probably make it one of the more affordable options. Pentax make a lot of great cameras and I would love to try the K3 III monochrome. I have the Pentax Q which I need to take out again.

[@warrenmerrill532]

Smartphone photography is generally a far more casual type of image capture, but yeah for the fun factor it might be a viable option. I prefer a viewfinder but holding a phone screen out in front of you works for a lot of people.

[@blindsouris]

I like a camera with a EVF, if selected you will see your image in monochrome, I don't see how they can do that with a VF of a DLSR. It's only possible on the monitor and after your shot. Is that a progress?

[@melvinch]

It's not for you. Just stick to your mirrorless toy.

[@blindsouris]

@@melvinch My dentist will be disappointed... 🙂

[@Gynra]

I have used many camera systems over the years dating back to my film days, but the one constant has been my Pentax cameras and lenses. I won't part with them. I recently bought a K-3 III Jet Black and a Monochrome. They are great cameras.

[@leonarddaneman810]

Pentax hit a homerun with their Monochrome DSLR. Personally, I own a 645z with seven lenses. I sold an historic, fully restored Asahi Pentax ES, the first TTL Auto Exposure SLR to a student. Regret selling it, but just taking up shelf space. Mirrorless? That would wipe out all the Takumar legacy glass unless you had good adapters.

[@wickie4801]

OK Robin, I never used a Pentax camera until now. I would like the backside illuminated buttons - why doesn't have any other camera this great feature? Because of Pentax doesn't have mirrorless I'm not really interested in. But if someone has fun with it - why not using...

[@robinwong]

Yeah I think all cameras should have backlit buttons!

[@s_trill]

i wish they hadn't discontinued the KP before i had a chance to buy one

[@SummersSnaps]

Nice video Robin. The only thing I would say is the quirkiness from Pentax should not be confused (sadly) with also 'desperation'. I know how that sounds and believe me I am no Pentax hater! I owned the K-50, KP, K-1 and still shoot with the 645D. I LOVE the brand, but in todays climate (without the resources to go mirrorless) they have been pushed into a corner and so their choices become slimmer and slimmer, so you see somewhat of a rise in what could be considered 'quirky' releases from them. Many Pentaxians are wanting a K-1 successor, but really, for the price they would need to charge for a flagship FF DSLR camera in 2023/24, it's going to have very limited appeal, which is why we see easier mods like this new K3iii Mono. I think at this point in time we will see the quirkiness ramped up even more, expect a K-1 Mono to follow and perhaps even a K1000D (D for Digital)! But certainly, with this financial constraint and being stuck with the OVF, it is still a breath of fresh air for the photographic community and from desperation comes innovation and risks other brands would not consider entertaining, and for that we should be very grateful for Pentax. How long now till we see a Fuji Acros camera :D

[@FukuroOFU]

In the era of film cameras, I remembered that Pentax MX was a rival of OLIMPUS OM-1.

[@robinwong]

That was before my time!

[@FukuroOFU]

@@robinwong It was too old, wasn't it?

[@dukenukem5768]

True. the OM-1 came first and then Pentax deliberately made the MX a bit smaller. I don't know the OM-1 but I had an MX and it was a superb camera.

[@corysekine-pettite1783]

Someone has to do weird things. Most other manufacturers just make the same things and copy each other.

[@robinwong]

Yeap, sometimes weird is good!

[@corykphotography]

We need some Pentax K mount high megapixel mirrorless Apsc cameras

[@manuelbego9288]

Pentax has stated that it will only make SLR cameras. His business is just that

[@dukenukem5768]

If they made mirrorless K-mount it would not have the advantage of mirrorless in being smaller.

[@jonlow]

Storm trooper of a camera

[@robinwong]

Yessssss, white white black

[@TheRealMarxz]

9:48 "I'm gorgeous and I know it!"

[@robinwong]

Meow!

Dear Robin, have you at least consider 645D (or 645Z)?

[@robinwong]

I see no reason to. If I were to go big or want better specifications, Pentax is the last to consider. I'd get Pentax for having something that others don't. Like the monochrome DSLR.

[@nachohernandez9491]

Can I put a Nikon lens on a Pentax?

[@CarlosMoreno_h]

long live PENTAX

[@tonyhayes9827]

What I got from this video is that Malaysia must be the friendliest place on earth.

[@dukenukem5768]

Seems so. Would not get away with photographing guys like that in the West, they would give you a black eye. But Robin has great charm.

[@foodiefundamental1767]

Pentax K-5 blew my socks off. It just sings colours with sigma lenses

[@southendonsea4044]

Also Pentax have just brilliant ones ...

[@Behnam_Moghaddam]

imagine pentax would come out with 3 Q-S2 and a few new lenses for that system: a "normal", a B/W one and one with no IR-Filter... i would immediately sell my full frame for that

[@robinwong]

I am sure they can do it. We shall wait and see.

[@hedydd2]

The main difference between some mono sensors and colour is lower noise in dark conditions. I shoot a lot of black and white with varying amounts of contrast to my taste and the conditions and cannot imagine any real life situation where a pure mono camera would do better than either in-body jpeg or conversion from Raw files in post processing. There are plenty of programs, like Silver Efex Pro, that are supremely flexible at this. Many ‘normal’ cameras can shoot b&w plus a colour raw and, I like this one, shoot in colour but have the viewfinder and LCD screen display in monochrome for help with composition.

[@robinwong]

The advantage is more than just quality. Based on my own observations, the contrast is better too! And the fine details are more "refined" and the edges appear smoother, more organic looking. Based on images shot with Leica monochrom

[@hedydd2]

@@robinwong I’ll take your word for it but I can choose how much contrast a mono image has either in-camera or in post using a myriad of available recipes as starting points for fine adjustment. My eyes are not good enough to see any discernable differences due to the sensor being monochrome except that there is an undoubted low light advantage between mono and colour Leica sensors. My Sony sensor has better low light performance to start with and probably equals the Leica Monochrom. Sharpness can also be turned down in camera or in post for that smoother organic look. My personal opinion, as a Leica fan and owner as well as Sony, Olympus and Panasonic user, is that monochrome cameras are great if one can justify the extra camera to oneself. I certainly cannot justify it on some perceived advantage in the images I see and despite trying, cannot now be persuaded otherwise.

[@keldmikkelsen5246]

A nice introduction to Pentax. Robin Wong, New Pentax Ambassador?

[@robinwong]

Tomorrow I will talk about Leica. Will I be Leica ambassador? How about Kodak?

[@sagnikroy2478]

Nice video. You should really try the Pentax K-1 with a 43mm or 31mm limited lens. The results are gorgeous.

[@robinwong]

Someone can buy me the camera then I can try. No one shoots Pentax here sadly.

[@artoriaslee]

ive been very interested in buying a modern pentax especially the FF or aspc flagship. but the price is so expensive compared to what i can get in mirrorless ff. I was eyeballing the panasonic s5 new against it. i've only known mirrorless cameras so committing to dslr is quite an effort.

[@dayeah765caoni3]

I’m on the same boat so far I’m bought a mint olympus E5 and canon 5d classic. They are fun to use, just no auto eye detection like my mirrorless cameras ff or m43

[@artoriaslee]

@@dayeah765caoni3 thanks for sharing. I recently picked up a panasonic G9 to compliment my olympus m1x, em1ii and other mft bodies and lenses. I think my mft kit is complete so I'm interested in exploring a bit. I've been interested in trying FF.

[@artoriaslee]

@@hanumanguy I did look at the K70 but I'm more interested in the flagships. I also like sub f/2 primes. I kinda want the best a platform has to offer but you're right though, K70 looks like a good camera. I could dabble with the K70 and move up from there. I prefer primes over zooms and the 35mm is a good choice from other videos I've seen.

[@robinwong]

Yeah that is a problem with being quirky and non popular, the price is quite high!

[@artoriaslee]

​@@hanumanguy after some thought, i just placed an order for the pentax kf. should be here tomorrow. i know of the price increase over the k70 and marginal differences. youre right. if i enjoy it, i'll consider getting the newest k3 or latest k1. it comes w a zoom kit lens. about 1000 bucks usd new after tax. i think its worth a try. plus i get it next day and my bday is on sunday so why not.

[@Abesteroni]

I'm of the opinion that now that the Sony ZV-E1 is now a thing, it'd be easy to do something similar in a Pentax body like a follow up to the K-01, and using their flavor of Sony's 36MP sensor that's used in the K1's. That said, we seem to be getting closer to a point where it could be feasible to develop a full frame Ricoh GR with dimensions that are similar to the current GR series. Using the 36MP sensor yet again but using electronic shake reduction instead of physically moving the sensor, the size and cost of the electronics could be kept down. But the most serious concept I'd like to see Ricoh explore? 645ZII and 645ZIIs, using the current generation of 50MP and 100MP sensors that Fujifilm uses in the GFX series. If they could improve the cinematography features of those cameras, it'd be a boon to filmmakers looking for something different that uses inexpensive, accessible legacy lenses.

[@robinwong]

I don't see how the Sony ZV-E1 and Pentax variations have anything in common. The Sony is more targetted toward vloggers, or content creators, and it is a very compelling option with solid specifications. The Pentax however serves a completely different crowd, and has little regard to specifications and performance! Hence I describe them as quirky.

[@photozen8398]

And it looks like PANDA…that is fun by itself.

[@yungsookevinhong7943]

I think This is the only interchangeable k mount mirrorless camera Pentax ever come up that was in 2012

[@yungsookevinhong7943]

Those are not bank breaking kid introductory camera

[@yungsookevinhong7943]

When it is introduce the price range is very low in comparing to the market at the point.

[@corykphotography]

And in all honesty, they should have used the mirrorless K-01 as the monochrome conversion. Dslr is just not the target of the consumers currently.

[@robinwong]

Well, the K-01 was not doing well, I guess they just repurposed one of their recent cameras with monochrome sensor, so save cost

[@BobK58]

Pentax!

[@kici5777]

No they should also do cameras that long time pentaxisns with not much money can pay for! Had many Pentax cameras failure directly after warranty..

[@simontaylor9991]

Only Pentax would have a model called k-01 and a completely different model called k-1

[@robinwong]

I think the naming problem is consistent throughout all Japanese brands. Sony and Olympus have horrible naming systems too.

[@dukenukem5768]

Pentax also had a KX and a K-x. Nikon and Canon have a long history of using similar names to each other, starting with the Nikon F, F2, F3 etc and Canon's F1.

[@sayo911k]

according to Kimio Tanaka(田中 希美男) the japanese PhotoGrapher, "DSLR might be vanished in the near future" he sometimes obtain an information from insider as a professional photographer, so he may got something that bussiness plan of the Ricoh Imaging. it's sad, but I'm take it for granted. APS-C is crap and they are always behind time with their work. and now, this rumour confirmed. he is right. ricoh intend to completely close DSLR development division, left only FILM. crap.

[@xmeda]

The problem is, that Hoya fired a lot of designers when they were selling the bussiness to Ricoh and when Ricoh bought Pentax they did another circle of reductions. Now we see the result. It takes 4-5 years to see any new camera. Lenses are also on long cycles or reused from Tamron with significant price increase. At the same time competitors now offer what always was Pentax advantage. Now everybody have sealed bodies and IBIS. And since Pentax has only very small R&D department now, they are lagging in technology a lot. AF system is worst on current market, video is worst on current market. FF system is not competitve at all as it lacks many classic lenses like 20/1.4, 24/1.4, 35/1.4, long lenses, fast zooms etc. On the other hand during recent years Sony, Canon and Nikon were able to build complete new systems with mirrorless cameras and significantly better lens support. Pentax K mount lost all 3rd party AF lens support. And even APS-C system that used to be the main horse is now beaten by Fuji who offers more modern lenses, 3rd party support, adaptors etc. Additionally they burried 645 system, because we had zero news about it for over 6 years. Sad story.. And what we got recently? Overpriced K3III with 2016 parameters, K70 from 2016 reintroduced as KF and now black&white K3III that cost as much as K3III three years ago when it was introduced. This is crazy.

[@mickeli7155]

I whis i could afford a K3 Monochrome.

[@zx128ks]

I only imagine Pentax with a budget of say Sony.....

[@fredericetancelin1105]

Leica first of all then Pentax for music then Nikon for war then canon for cheap Electronic caméra..

[@pratipkarmakar01]

They are also stick to DSLR instead of making mirrorless..it's really unique

[@nihuho]

meow meow meow

[@robinwong]

Meow!

[@Garthgoyle]

Meh. Pentax is now a brand for fan boys only.

[@robinwong]

I am not a Pentax fanboy. I am an Olympus fanboy. But I love Pentax, and I shoot with them.

[@goldenhnd]

Pentax be making sensor focusing on light instead of colors

[@robinwong]

Focus has nothing to do with light or colors. It works on contrast.

[@goldenhnd]

@@robinwong yeah i mean contrast 🙏

[@edmontontangobar4991]

I had the K5 and made the mistake of buying the K3ii hoping for better autofocus, but still hopeless, bought Sony. Pentax AF works 2/10 shots, Sony 9/10.

[@robinwong]

If you want performing camera then Pentax is not for you. It has its place, being quirky. Other cameras are getting boring honestly.

[@punkrachmaninoff]

I just sold my X100V for the KP and I have no regrets.