Originally posted by Pål Jensen Hmmm. Their screw mounted cameras were hghly succesful. So were the k-MOUNT cameras. Their released the first AF slr. Their first succesful AF slr system is contemporary with nikon and Canon first.
All true. They suffered from an issue many companies have when they are on the top. They think they will stay on top, but the other guys want to be on top as well.
I'm not trying to put down Pentax. But they stumbled badly many times. As you say they were there first for many things, just did not follow through. Or stayed with tried and true too long because they did not want to upset current business cash flow.
It is a testament to the company that despite all those fails, despite Hoya, they are still going and still making amazing products. Personally I think the future of Pentax is brighter right now than at any time in the last 20 years. I am especially happy to see Ricoh taking a "get it right" attitude. The market has changed and there is no room for cheap products that do not perform to the best.