Ricoh Imaging Exhibits at CP+ 2018

K-1 II, new roadmaps, upcoming GR relaunch, and more

By PF Staff in CP+ 2018 on Mar 4, 2018

Ricoh Imaging has exhibited the latest in Pentax and Ricoh cameras at the annual CP+ trade show near Tokyo.  This year's booth focused on the recently-launched Pentax K-1 II and the Theta V; there was also an area for presentations and a "touch and try" counter allowing visitors to test the full lineup of Pentax lenses.

We have conducted our annual interview with Ricoh representatives, during which we asked a wide range of Pentax-related products.  We expect to publish the interview in the coming days.

Pentax side of the Ricoh Imaging booth at CP+ 2018

While the booth was smaller overall than in previous years, the simplified layout placed a strong emphasis on Ricoh's core camera offerings and the most recent developments, similar to what we saw at WPPI 2018 just a few days earlier.  Interestingly, though, the 645Z had a very minimal presence at CP+ and was actually more prominent at the WPPI show.  The Q line was available in the touch & try area only.

New roadmaps for the K-mount lens lineup made a debut at the show; see our separate post to learn more the upcoming DA* 11-18mm F2.8, D FA* 50mm F1.4, and D FA 70-200mm F4 lenses.  Roadmaps for the 645Z and Q line remain unchanged.

New roadmaps and upcoming lenses (click to enlarge)

Views of the DA* 11-18mm prototype

For the first time ever for a Pentax DSLR, a hardware update service is being offered to current K-1 owners.  This upgrade service essentially upgrades a K-1 with all of the features of the K-1 II.

Rather than replacing the top plate, the SR logo gets replaced with "II" badge, allowing an upgraded K-1 to be differentiated from the standard model.  This is shown in the photos below.

Pentax K-1 (II) following the hardware upgrade

More general photos of different areas of the booth follow.

You may have noticed the GR logo above.  We've learned that Ricoh plans to "relaunch" the GR line as early as April, so GR fans may be in for a nice surprise.  Stay tuned for our Pentax interview and further insights from the show!