CP+ in Tokyo - What we have seen so far

Overview of the several news form RICOH

By PF Staff in CP+ 2019 on Feb 27, 2019

The CP+ trade show in Tokyo is just about to begin. Leading up to this show Ricoh has announced quite a number of news which we shall summarize here in no particular order.

Theta Z1

A new model of the Theta family has been announced, the Theta Z1. The Z1 represents a significant upgrade over earlier models with its dual 1 inch sensors, built-in display, Bluetooth connectivity, and more. Read about the Theta Z1 announcement on our home page.

HD Pentax-DA* 11-18mm F2.8 Zoom and HD Pentax-FA 35mm F2

Earlier this year the long awaited, top shelf, super wide angle 11-18mm F2.8 lens was announced supporting our belief that Pentax has no intention to leave the APS-C format behind. At the same time we got the surprise announcement of the HD Pentax-FA 35mm F2. This full-frame prime lens is a re-spin with improved coating of the old and trusted smc Pentax-FA 35mm F2 lens.

Read about these new lenses on our home page.

Ricoh GR III

Another long awaited item was announced, the Ricoh GR III. The GR series have many fans, and the GR III brings a 24MP APS-C sized sensor to the table in a very compact package. And Ricoh even found room for a sensor based shake reduction mechanism which allows for an advanced Pentax DSLR feature to sneak in, namely the AA filter simulator. Read our GR III presentation here.

Ricoh WG-6

The Ricoh WG-6 is a water proof, dust proof, crush proof compact camera that continues Ricoh's line of rugged cameras. The WG-6 has an improved control layout that should be better suited for use with gloves. Also, the pixel count has been upped to 20 MP, and the camera shoots video in 4K resolution. Read more about the WG-6 here.

Ricoh G900

Ricoh has adapted the above mentioned WG-6 to use at construction sites and dubbed that variant the Ricoh G900. The G900 has a password lock, a bar code reader, and the ability to attach text and audio notes to images. Refer the press release on Ricoh's home page.

Ricoh G900SE

This is another variant of the WG-6 for business use. It is intended to replace the G800SE and has various data management functions such as use of a computer-encrypted digital certificate compatible with the Enterprise Wi-Fi system; export of original XML data files; and upgraded camera management features, such as firmware updates and camera setting changes via intranet. Refer the press release from Ricoh.

HD Pentax-D FA* 85mm F1.4

A mock-up of this coming top-of-the-line prime lens will be exhibited at CP+. So will a brusque looking Pentax KP (click on the images to enlarge). Whether or not the latter will ever come into production is not known. Refer the Ricoh press release on these two so-called reference products.

Pentax 100 year Anniversary

Ricoh is announcing their "Pentax 100 Years of History" campaign. November 27, 2019 is the 100th anniversary of Asahi Optical Joint Stock Co., the original manufacturer of PENTAX-branded products, and this will be celebrated at various events. Details are still sparse. We have reported what we no so far here.

Brand Portal

Finally, Ricoh has announced a Brand Portal on the web site which supposedly shall highlight the brands being marketed and make it easier to just browse the brand you're interested in.