Sensors that move. Cameras in 100 colors. Film lenses that fit DSLRs. The Pentax K series wasn’t afraid to break the rules – and these are some of its most unusual quirks
The Pentax K-series of DSLRs has now been discontinued, but the line was home to some of the most unusual, innovative camera features
For 23 years, the Pentax K series of DSLRs defied convention, boasting a range of unusual features that set it apart. One such quirk was the camera's lens mount, which remained unchanged for over half a century. This allowed nearly any Pentax DSLR to utilize old film lenses without the need for adapters. Moreover, Pentax pioneered in-body image stabilization, a first for DSLRs, which was incredibly rare due to the camera's mirror-centered design.
Another peculiar aspect of the Pentax K series was its sensor, which could "follow" the stars. This unique feature utilized GPS technology to move the camera in sync with Earth's rotation, thereby preventing the formation of star trails. Some models required an external GPS accessory for this functionality, while models like the K-3 Mark III had this feature built-in.
Pentax also implemented an anti-aliasing filter simulator, a sensor-based solution to correct moiré, a distortion often seen in digital images. This feature could be toggled on and off as needed.
The brand also showcased creativity in its design choices. The Pentax KP introduced a modular grip system, allowing photographers to swap out grips of different sizes depending on the shooting scenario. This design not only made the camera more portable but also more comfortable for the user.
Pentax even introduced a camera in 2009, the Pentax K-x, in 100 different color combinations. While most cameras were predominantly black, Pentax dared to break this norm by offering 20 different body colors and 5 different grip colors.
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