Originally posted by Euronitzan The problem with this kind of policy is that overall, the prices are going up in this system. people will not buy Pentax gear at any cost. Some will buy 3rd party, some will buy used and some will even find it beneficial to switch systems altogether. There is one more problem with this policy: Potential customers - They will have a really hard time justifying entering the Pentax system if it's prices are close to more established and well known competitors.
I have already posted my support for this thread - but this is an excellent point and I would like to comment.
18 months ago I was ready to get my first DSLR. I have a long history with Pentax film cameras and I was intrigued by the chance to use my 35mm primes on a DSLR. Eventually I realized that the K-5 was a very special camera and I jumped in (with some reservations about build quality) and I have been very, very happy with my choice.
But part of my decision process was based on the availability of reasonably priced, high quality Pentax glass and I quickly acquired a DA 18-135, a DA* 16-50, and a DA* 50-135. These are all excellent lenses and a real value at the Internet pricing. I had already envisioned getting a really long lens, a macro lens and some more primes. Then - bam - the new pricing policy hit and I have not gotten a single lens since.
So this policy aimed at supporting B&M stores has in my case stopped me from buying any more Pentax lenses. Such a shame for me and for Pentax.
I am lucky in having a local B&M outlet for Pentax products. I bought my K-5 body from them because of my quality concerns with Pentax products (now there is a strategy for supporting B&M outlets!). But my subsequent lens purchases have all been from B&H and until internet prices come back to a rational level I am done acquiring any new Pentax products.
If this had been the case 18 months ago I would have probably had a few nostalgic moments thinking about Pentax products from my past and I would have just bought a Cannon DSLR instead. Ricoh really needs to think about this impact on prospective Pentax buyers and how they are really telling us to just move on to a more stable brand.