Pentax Another K-01 on it's way.

First look

Picked up at PO this morning. I seriously doubted I would like it, but was looking for affordable high IQ. I do like it, on many levels. I can even get along with the "flap" sd cover. Biggest complaint. It is hard to "feel" the shutter button blind (without looking).

Then the big wake up. I only have one lens for it. The Pentax-M 50mm 1:1.7. Guess what. The aperture is always wide open when camera is powered on (except in preview mode). No work around.

NO, Wait! If you have a lot of courage (recklessness :eek:), it can be used. The little "tang" on the lens mount that you flip, to check for slow aperture; CAREFULLY break/cut it off. Check to be sure the stub has free movement. Proceed to use it the same as on m4/3. Be warned! It is now no good, for any other use.

Still have a long way to go, to become comfortable and proficient in the use of this strange, photography business tool. But anticipate the trip.:)

K01 with the M 50mm and a narrow hood. Taken with the E-p2 and Vivitar 24mm 2.8, and FL36 flash and defuser.
K01_and_M_50mm.jpg
 
I've read about people fixing this "bit" for the aperture but wouldn't like to do that myself! I use mine in Manual mode, set the aperture then use the green button for the camera to set the exposure, focus and take the pic. I find this works well enough as the exposure doesn't change much if the subject is fairly static anyway.
 
I could not find the information, about using the green button. But the lens that I have is not worth much, to sell, so I just "helped myself". Needle nose pliers, a few bends back and forth, and a check that stub still was free, and back in service. Not for everyone, but I'm like that.:)
 
I could not find the information, about using the green button. But the lens that I have is not worth much, to sell, so I just "helped myself". Needle nose pliers, a few bends back and forth, and a check that stub still was free, and back in service. Not for everyone, but I'm like that.:)

Using manual glass - PentaxForums.com

You destroyed the Pentax-M 50mm 1:1.7??? Not worth much? Bite your tongue!!! It rates 9.29 out of 10 in the review section at pentaxforums, and its worth is in the IQ it can produce. and you didn't need to do anything with needlenose pliers. sighhh.

*Hangs head dejectedly*

Do not destroy Pentax lenses. Ever.
 
I've been getting acquainted with this K01, a bit today.

Impressions:

High ISOs much more useable than 12MP 4/3 - m4/3. I still favor ISO 200.
I feel the need to be very careful, in handling, to prevent scratches, etc. After a while it will probably not be an issue.
In the hand, I like the thickness/grip (but not the shutter button. I will probably glue a piece of leather on, for tactical feel).
Flash is HOT, hard to tone down. Made a slip-on defuser, that really softens, spreads the light nicely.
Images look musk better on LCD than my old Dell monitor.
Having hard time finding the best settings, to get the right "look" to JPEG (too many years with OLY). Don't want to use raw all the time.)
Depth of field is so narrow with the Pentax-M 50mm 1:1.7 at wide apertures, that getting accurate focus is critical, and a bit "tedious".
Sometimes, the focus peaking gets in the way. Found the setting the use the green button, to cycle on/off. Great!
Flat base, works great on tripod, without tendency to rotate.
Weight/heft, feel just about right to me. Steady, but not too heavy.
Thumb wheel solid, firm clicks.
Need to save for high quality AF prime, preferably macro.
This one is a bit of challenge to sort out, but the promise of better things is enticing.

And this is just the first couple days.

Is it a "keeper"? Too early to be sure. But.....Maybe. :)
 
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