I use the Q system as an expansion of my main camera
(KS-2 with DA Ltd 20-40 or K1 with D FA 28-105)
when I'm traveling or have limited space.
The basic kit is a pair of Q7 cameras,
one with the 06 tele and the other with the 08 wide angle zoom.
Normally, I use the bigger cameras when it's dark,
but the two-Q kit is good for casual walkaround on its own.
People who don't understand the Q system (that's almost everybody)
don't realize how the jello-beating leaf shutters
also let you shoot smoothly in low light at very low speeds,
compensating for the limitations of the 1/1.7 sensor.
Originally posted by armi101 I also can't seem to find information as to why they discontinued the series. Poor sales is my guess.
Ricoh inherited the system from Hoya,
and with their marginal commitment to Pentax,
they weren't ready even to release the 09 macro,
just like they haven't renewed the 645 system.
The Q system got typecast into the "Japanese schoolgirl" market,
blinding all but a few to its fascinating capability of expanding the photographic space,
the way the original Leicas did almost 100 years ago.