Pentax Q series


The Pentax Q series is a series of mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras made by Pentax and introduced in 2011 with the initial model Pentax Q., it was the world's smallest, lightest interchangeable lens digital camera. The first models used a 1/2.3" back-illuminated sensor CMOS image sensor. The Q7, introduced in June 2013, uses a larger 1/1.7" type sensor. The Q system is now discontinued.

Characteristics

The Pentax Q and Q10 sensors have a crop factor of 5.53× while the Pentax Q7 and Q-s1 have a crop factor of 4.65×. The original Pentax Q sensor has a 12.4 megapixels with 1.52 µm pixel pitch. All Pentax Q system cameras have a short flange focal distance of 9.2mm. With a 5.53× crop factor, an adapted 100mm lens has the equivalent field of view of a 553mm telephoto in the 35mm full-frame format. An additional implication of these relatively large crop factors is that depth of field is proportionally increased relative to full-frame systems at the same equivalent focal length and aperture; this puts the Pentax Q system cameras at a distinct advantage when capturing as much as possible with acceptable focus is important.
Pentax Q system cameras do not have a mechanical shutter or neutral density filter in the camera body. Because of this, some lenses and adapters have a built-in mechanical leaf shutter and/or a built-in ND filter.
The short flange focal distance of the Pentax Q series enables lenses from many manufacturers to be adapted to it, including Olympus OM, Canon FD, Minolta, M42 screw mount, M39 Leica, C-Mount, D-Mount, Pentax K, and Pentax 6×7. A Pentax adapter with a synchronized shutter for Pentax K-mount lenses was released in October 2012.
The camera is equipped with "SR" sensor-shift image stabilization technology to improve image quality when using the camera without a tripod. It works with all native and adapted lenses. The Pentax Q also features a "blur control" mode to provide a pseudo shallow focus effect when desired.

Models

Pentax Q

The initial model was announced in June, 2011.

Pentax Q10

Announced in September, 2012, the Q10 has a slightly redesigned body and an improved sensor. Most features and specifications were unchanged.

Pentax Q7

The Q7 was announced in June 2013 and has a larger 1/1.7" sensor. It is available in a wide variety of colors.

Pentax Q-S1

The Q-S1 was announced August 4, 2014. It has a 1/1.7" sensor. In addition to the Q-7 features, it has auto focusing in the video mode

Lenses

Eight lenses have been released in the Pentax Q system. :
Mfg.LensTypeFocal Length35mm Equiv 35mm Equiv Max. ApertureMin. ApertureLeaf ShutterFilter DiameterYear
Pentax01 Standard PrimeAF/MF, single-focal8.5 mm47 mm40 mm1.98yes40.5mm2011
Pentax02 Standard ZoomAF/MF, varifocal5–15 mm28–83 mm23–70 mm2.8-4.58yes40.5mm2011
Pentax03 FisheyeMF, single-focal3.2 mm18 mm15 mm5.65.6non/a2011
Pentax04 Toy Lens WideMF, single-focal6.3 mm35 mm29 mm7.17.1non/a2011
Pentax05 Toy Lens TelephotoMF, single-focal18 mm99 mm83.7 mm88non/a2011
Pentax06 Telephoto ZoomAF/MF, varifocal15–45 mm83–249 mm70–209 mm2.88.0yes40.5mm2012
Pentax07 Mount Shield LensFixed focus, single focal11.5 mm64 mm53 mm99non/a2013
Pentax08 Wide ZoomAF/MF, varifocal3.8-5.9 mm21.3–33 mm17.5–27 mm3.7 - 47.1 - 8yes49.0mm2013
PentaxAdapter Q for K-Mount Lensn/a*See below**Approx. 5.6 times the
focal length of lens
Approx. 4.5 times the
focal length of lens
See below***See below****yesSee below**2012

Notes: *Any lenses adapted to the adapter will function in MF only. Whether it is single or varifocal depends on the optical characteristic of the lens.
**Although the adapter itself cannot have a focal length or filter diameter, the focal length/filter diameter for adapter/lens combination will depend on the lens attached.
***The maximum aperture depends on the lens aperture for most lenses. However, for larger-aperture lenses, since the adapter controls the aperture, the effective f-stop may increase or falloff may become more apparent.
****The minimum aperture depends on the adapter.