[Nass]

I wouldn't want to wish higher lens prices on anyone; I hope Europe doesn't follow suit. I perfectly understand profit needs to be made but the 15-90 % increases are too greedy. I'd be interested in seeing if this a) results in more profit overall and b) what this revenue is actually spent on, new product development or shareholder Yen.

[westmill]

I think Pentax is trying to commit suicide lol.

[TOUGEFC]

I must be the only happy one

[eddie1960]

Now you Pentaxians on the other side of the pond can experience what we Aussies Down Under have experienced for a long time. Our prices down here have been very high comparably, and now, I reckon they will go higher again.

It is rather disappointing. Pricing us right out of Pentax if it keeps up.

the increase in value of your dollar should be showing an requisite decrease domestically if the distributor is being fair

[Darlene]

I'm not spending another dime on Pentax - anything. I'll use what I have, but I'm dancing with joy that I never sold my two Nikon DSLRs and my three primes and three lenses. Back to being primarily a Nikon user for me. First, it was the increase in prices by Hoya along with the poor quality control. Now it is absurd prices. May Pentax/Ricoh get exactly what they deserve: A very decreased customer base. And if I ever need a new body, it will begin with N....

[westmill]

Me too... im not heavily invested. But I shall revert back to investing in my Nikon gear now.

[monochrome]

Here's what LaurenOE wrote on the other thread:

Ok, here is another scenario.

What would a company, that recently introduced a new lens roadmap and several new cameras, have to do to produce a new (or multiple) lens line(s), with the same amount of production facilities?

How do they...

1. Maintain product in the channel while production is shut down for re-tooling?
2. Slow down buying to preserve inventory?
3. Make sure that the customer buys the new lenses when they come out?
4. Phase out production of legacy lenses?
5. Create new sales agreements and targets?
6. Maintain inventory to support 2 replacement DSLRs and a possible FF DSLR while retooling?
7. Supply lenses in addition to the above cameras to the new additions as in - there will be a K -> Q adapter, lenses for the K-01 and a possible GXR K module demand.

Answer; You raise prices. Hire back lens engineers. Retool. Avoid having "nothing to sell" in the interim. Seems like business is good in the long run.

Sounds familiar

Makes sense. And doesn't make the prices of the FA Limiteds look too encouraging.

[mikeSF]

nevermind the fact that i pretty much have all the lenses i need for now (my new FA21 just came yesterday), i perceive the increase to be something quite essential to the business plan. R&D and new product launches & support do not without cost; here is a company that is trying hard to finance its future.

I also doubt one could switch to canikon and pay far less money for a comparable body and set of good glass. Does anyone have some good comparison figures??

[Ikarus]

Answer; You raise prices. Hire back lens engineers. Retool. Avoid having "nothing to sell" in the interim. Seems like business is good in the long run.

That's giving Pentax way more credit than they deserve. Alienating your customer base by hitting them hard on the pricing front without giving them anything at all in return at the same time can't be part of a good business strategy, no matter how you look at it. They just screwed this one up - big time!

[cali92rs]

nevermind the fact that i pretty much have all the lenses i need for now (my new FA21 just came yesterday), i perceive the increase to be something quite essential to the business plan. R&D and new product launches & support do not without cost; here is a company that is trying hard to finance its future.

I also doubt one could switch to canikon and pay far less money for a comparable body and set of good glass. Does anyone have some good comparison figures??

Nikon D7000 = 1200, Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 = 2400, total = 3600.

Pentax K-5 = 1100, Pentax DA*60-250 f/4 = 2000, total = 3100.

Neglecting systems, and looking at bodies alone, i would go with the K-5. But it would be close. The Nikon 70-200mm i would much rather have than the DA*.

SO its up to you to choose priorities...but the gap in price is not as much as a week ago.

[slackercruster]

That's giving Pentax way more credit than they deserve. Alienating your customer base by hitting them hard on the pricing front without giving them anything at all in return at the same time can't be part of a good business strategy, no matter how you look at it. They just screwed this one up - big time!

...Yep!

[dave216]

Nikon D7000 = 1200, Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 = 2400, total = 3600.
Pentax K-5 = 1100, Pentax DA*60-250 f/4 = 2000, total = 3100.

btw Canon 5d mk2 2199$+70-200mm f/4L USM 709,99$=2908.99$

[westmill]

Lauren is probably correct. I thought the same thing too.
Trouble is.... no time line.... no Idea of whats in the pipeline.... no Idea if QC will be fixed.
When it does take off, will it be the camera everyone is waiting for ?
Its all quite possable indeed. But then it also might not !
I will keep the K5 and just run it into the ground now Ive got it. But... it has just been revoked as my messaround camera.
My intrest in Pentax has gone for good.
Back to the Nikon fold for me.

[mikeSF]

Nikon D7000 = 1200, Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 = 2400, total = 3600.

Pentax K-5 = 1100, Pentax DA*60-250 f/4 = 2000, total = 3100.

Neglecting systems, and looking at bodies alone, i would go with the K-5. But it would be close. The Nikon 70-200mm i would much rather have than the DA*.

SO its up to you to choose priorities...but the gap in price is not as much as a week ago.

thanks for this info - when i go "shopping" for Nikon gear, i never know what glass is comparable.
I only shoot primes and wonder what Nikon and Canon have that compare well to say the 31/43/77 limiteds and the corresponding prices...do you know?? anyone?

[cali92rs]

btw Canon 5d mk2 2199$+70-200mm f/4L USM 709,99$=2908.99$

D'oh..
That certainly puts things into perspective