Pentax's K-mount mirrorless — the K-01, APS-C, native K lenses, in-body SR, no viewfinder, 2012.
The Pentax K-01 was released in 2012 as an unusual mirrorless camera that kept the full Pentax K bayonet rather than adopting a shorter mirrorless mount. Designed by Marc Newson, it let owners fit existing K-mount lenses directly without an adapter, and it stood apart from the K-series DSLRs as Pentax's mirrorless take on the mount.
This is an APS-C mirrorless camera on the Pentax K mount. Because it retains the K mount's flange distance, standard Pentax lenses mount natively with no adapter. It uses a CMOS sensor and has no viewfinder, so composition is on the rear LCD only, and it includes sensor-shift in-body Shake Reduction. It records 1080p video. There is no optical or electronic eye-level finder.
Native compatibility with the large K-mount lens range is its defining appeal, making it attractive to Pentax users who want a mirrorless body for their existing glass, including older manual lenses that benefit from the stabilisation. The absence of any viewfinder and its comparatively bulky body for a mirrorless are the main handling limits, so it suits screen-based street and travel shooting.
On the used market, check the shutter operation and any actuation count against its rated life, listen for normal versus faulty Shake Reduction rattle, and inspect the sensor for dust and marks. Test the rear LCD for dead or stuck pixels, check the card and battery door latches, and confirm the D-LI90 battery holds charge; aftermarket cells are available. Check the grip and rubber for wear and note the K mount's native compatibility with the full range of Pentax lenses.