The Pentax K-1 Mark II is Pentax's only full-frame DSLR, rated at approximately 300,000 actuations. Shutter count is stored in the Pentax MakerNote of PEF RAW files and can be read via ExifTool — PEF is not yet supported in the browser-based shuttercount.app tool.
Check Shutter Count →The Pentax K-1 Mark II (2018) is an updated version of the K-1, featuring an improved accelerator unit for better high-ISO noise reduction and a refined Real Resolution mode. It retains the K-1's 36.4 MP full-frame CMOS sensor, 87-point weather sealing, 5-axis IBIS with Pixel Shift Resolution, AA filter simulator, and the Pentax-exclusive Astrotracer GPS function. The shutter is rated at approximately 300,000 actuations.
| Model | Release | Sensor | Rated Shutter Life | RAW Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pentax K-1 Mark II | 2018 | 36.4 MP full-frame | ~300,000 | PEF / DNG |
| Pentax K-3 Mark III (APS-C sibling) | 2021 | 25.73 MP APS-C | ~300,000 | PEF / DNG |
| Nikon D850 (competitor) | 2017 | 45.7 MP full-frame | 200,000 | NEF |
| Canon EOS 5D Mark IV (competitor) | 2016 | 30.4 MP full-frame | 150,000 | CR2 |
exiftool -ShutterCount yourfile.PEF. Pentax embeds the shutter count in the Pentax MakerNote section of PEF files. ExifTool reads this reliably across firmware versions.| Actuation Count | % of Rated Life | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 15,000 | 0 – 5 % | Very low use — near new |
| 15,000 – 75,000 | 5 – 25 % | Low use |
| 75,000 – 180,000 | 25 – 60 % | Moderate use — normal for active shooters |
| 180,000 – 250,000 | 60 – 83 % | High use — negotiate price |
| 250,000 + | 83 %+ | Near or past rated life |
The Pentax K-1 Mark II shutter is rated at approximately 300,000 actuations, consistent with the original K-1. This is notably higher than most competing full-frame DSLRs, which typically rate their shutters at 150,000–200,000 actuations. Pentax's robust shutter design is a defining feature of the K-1 line.
Yes. Pentax stores the shutter count in a proprietary MakerNote tag within PEF files. ExifTool reliably reads this with exiftool -ShutterCount file.PEF. This is the recommended method for verifying the shutter count on a used K-1 Mark II.
The K-1 Mark II shares the identical body and sensor as the original K-1, but adds an updated accelerator unit that improves high-ISO noise reduction (effective +1 stop at higher ISOs), a revised Real Resolution mode that works better in real-world (slightly moving) scenes, and a new Handheld Pixel Shift mode. The shutter mechanism, weather sealing, and all physical characteristics are unchanged.
Inspect: weather sealing gasket condition (especially around doors and the K-mount bayonet), SR II IBIS function, GPS Astrotracer module, sensor pixel integrity, the tilting rear LCD mechanism, and battery condition (D-LI90P). The K-1 Mark II is often used in challenging outdoor conditions — check for signs of moisture intrusion despite the weather sealing.