Pentax K-01 w/40mm f/2.8 lens Review

By Chuck Hajdu

I have been testing a Pentax K-01 for a few weeks now and have had a chance to find several likes and dislikes. Of course, this isn’t a full review, that will be published in our monthly ePub in an upcoming issue. If you aren’t a subscriber just email me and we’ll add you to our list.

For the K-01

What I like:
The excellent auto-focus speed and accuracy
Superb picture quality
The ability to use a gazillion Pentax K-mount lenses
The built-in flash is surprisingly good

What I dislike:
The boxy shape that designer Marc Newson created
The overly simple controls
No thumb rest on the designer back
The hideous “signature” yellow color
No electronic viewfinder which forces you to try to use the LCD on the back in bright sunlight. It just doesn’t work

For the SMC Pentax DA 40mm f/2.8 XS lens

Like:
Picture quality is great
Auto-focus speed is very impressive

Dislike:
The 27mm filter diameter
The miniscule lens cap (I’ve lost it a half dozen times)
Because of the small depth of the lens the focus ring rubs against your hand when focusing
The 40mm focal length is too long for a one lens camera. The 35mm f/2.4 Pentax lens would be a better choice for anyone buying a K-01 who wants a non-zoom lens