■2nd Contribution
More than anything else, I’m grateful for the fact that the original PENTAX K-1, which my hands had grown so used to, has been upgraded to a high-image-quality version without changing the feeling of operation, so that I have been able to use it without having to relearn how to operate it. Since I often use a high sensitivity for shooting images of animals, and even of landscapes, the improvement in high-sensitivity image quality has also opened up new areas in photography. I also like the viewfinder, which offers the easy viewing only possible with an optical viewfinder, and the fact that the body is compact although it is a full-size model.

●01
“Sexy pose (Ezo squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris orientis))”
Lens used: HD PENTAX-D FA 150-450mmF4.5-5.6ED DC AW

●02
“Child in the field (Ezo red fox (Vulpes vulpes schrencki))”
Lens used: HD PENTAX-D FA 150-450mmF4.5-5.6ED DC AW

●03
“Lone red flower (Farm Tomita)”
Lens used: HD PENTAX-D FA 150-450mmF4.5-5.6ED DC AW

●04
“Northern colors (Farm Tomita)”
Lens used: HD PENTAX-D FA 150-450mmF4.5-5.6ED DC AW

●05
“Nihilism (Ezo sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis))”
Lens used: HD PENTAX-D FA 150-450mmF4.5-5.6ED DC AW

●06
“Rest (Shichiku Garden)”
Lens used: smc PENTAX-D FA MACRO 100mmF2.8 WR

●07
“Light shines (Shirahige Waterfalls, Biei)”
Lens used: HD PENTAX-D FA 28-105mmF3.5-5.6ED DC WR

■1st Contribution
It was raining when I arrived at Auckland Airport in the rich nature of New Zealand. As the rain grew heavier, it reminded me of a typhoon. I was informed later that it was caused by a Class-2 hurricane, powerful enough to be reported overseas. My PENTAX camera’s dustproof, weather-resistant performance, however, was unquestioned. Although the rain got the lens’ front surface wet, I could easily wipe it off, thanks to the acclaimed SP Coating. I began shooting without worrying about the rain.

When I first took the PENTAX K-1 Mark II in my hand, what pleased and impressed me most was the fact that its operation system was identical with the original PENTAX K-1. Because I could operate it just like my familiar PENTAX K-1, I started taking pictures without any problem, even though it had been handed to me right there. It might have lacked the excitement of handling something completely new, but I found it reassuring that my familiar camera had evolved into something better.

With the PENTAX K-1 Mark II, PENTAX further upgraded the image quality to the level available only to top-grade full-frame models. While retaining high resolving power at lower sensitivities, this camera provides a broader usable range at higher sensitivities. Compared with the original PENTAX K-1, it has a two-step advantage at a high-sensitivity range, thus allowing me to capture high-sensitivity images more effortlessly. It’s good enough to enlarge an image captured at ISO 12800 to a large-size print. In fact, it played a vital role when I was photographing little birds in a dimly lit forest and glowworms at Waitomo Caves.

The PENTAX-original Pixel Shift Resolution System also makes it possible to handhold the camera while taking high-resolution images. If the subject is stationary and other conditions are acceptable, the system assures a resolution equal to that produced by a higher-class model, reproducing images more accurately than the naked eye and enhancing the scope of photographic expression. Even when I mounted the HD PENTAX-D FA 28-105mmF3.5-5.6ED DC WR lens featured in the lens kit, it delivered a very impressive resolving power.

Images captured by the CMOS image sensor with approximately 36.40 effective megapixels offer much more than what I saw during the shooting. When I looked at my pictures later, I was once again impressed by the details which I couldn’t detect with the naked eye at the time of shooting, such as delicate carvings of Maori wooden sculptures and the intricate patterns on brown boobies. It almost made me feel that I could find elves hiding under leaves at Fairy Falls.

I believe that the PENTAX K-1 Mark II’s compact body assures outstanding operability and exceptional image rendition — a combination that can further advance the photographer’s creativity to an even higher level.

PROFILE
Yoshiaki Kobayashi
Born in 1969 in Tokyo, Kobayashi became a freelance photographer after graduating from Tokyo College of Photography (today’s Tokyo Visual Arts). He has captured numerous images depicting the beauty of nature, from microscopic subjects to sweeping landscapes and wildlife. Currently residing in the eastern part of Hokkaido, he takes pictures with themes such as Inochi no Keshiki (Scenery of Life) and Hikari no Iro, Kaze no Iro (Color of Light, Color of Wind). He also has an extensive knowledge of camera mechanisms, and gives lectures on how to use a camera expertly. He has organized a number of exhibitions, including the Tokyo Nature Snap series and Hikari no Iro, Kaze no Iro - Part 2. He has also supplied images to PENTAX’s product brochures and calendars.