[i83N]

Why do Pentax community pushis FF camera but doesn't even try to play with idea of monochrome camera. We have exempels of specific camera models like K5IIs and 645D IR. Why not K5II m? Leica did it and there is a demand. I think pentax could make it way cheaper.

[vonBaloney]

Why do Pentax community pushis FF camera but doesn't even try to play with idea of monochrome camera. We have exempels of specific camera models like K5IIs and 645D IR. Why not K5II m? Leica did it and there is a demand. I think pentax could make it way cheaper.

Well, if you're the only one pushing it, I guess that tells you the level of demand compared to FF.

[i83N]

It same as FF IMHO

[audiobomber]

I'm not surprised there's not a lot of demand. A monochrome camera is limiting for general purpose photography. I shoot in raw and convert a few photos to B&W. Quality is fine for my purposes.

[mdodrill]

Even shooting in jpeg I get decent results with Topaz B&W
Leica appeals to a very small up scale consumer....tuff for Pentax to make it in that market

[vonBaloney]

It same as FF IMHO

The demand for monochrome? No way. You ask why people aren't pushing for it like they are pushing for FF, and of course the answer is many less people are seriously interested. You are answering your own question -- if there was demand, well there would be...demand. You would see all sorts of threads about it. But we only have this one (and a handful of others previously, maybe). You seem to be assuming there is a lot of demand, and then asking why there is no evidence of such demand. The answer is there is no such demand -- you just made it up.

[Adam]

I don't think there's going to be much of a demand, but the advantages are clear. A 18mp monochrome sensor will feel like it has much higher resolution than a 18mp color sensor, as no interpolation from the bayer pattern is needed.

[joe.penn]

I would buy one tomorrow if it were available...

[dmort]

I don't think this is a wild suggestion - tons of photographer who shoot any of the major companies look at Leica products as very desirable but out of reach choices. If pentax were to make something that competed with a Leica M but cost say 1/5th of the M, I think it would sell. In a way, this idea is more consistent with Pentax philosophy than the release of a full frame camera - Pentax doesn't always try to compete, they try to innovate. Sometimes it flops, sometimes it doesn't - I think a Pentax M wouldn't flop.

[i83N]

Let me explain my self; same demand means that those who really needs and will buy Pentax FF would be approximately same as monochrome.

[i83N]

I don't think this is a wild suggestion - tons of photographer who shoot any of the major companies look at Leica products as very desirable but out of reach choices. If pentax were to make something that competed with a Leica M but cost say 1/5th of the M, I think it would sell. In a way, this idea is more consistent with Pentax philosophy than the release of a full frame camera - Pentax doesn't always try to compete, they try to innovate. Sometimes it flops, sometimes it doesn't - I think a Pentax M wouldn't flop.

RIcoh GXR M mount uppgetede to markt 2 is what you want (;

[Clavius]

I would buy a monochrome Pentax before I would buy an FF Pentax.

The market for FF is tough, but there is still lots and lots of room for an affordable monochrome camera. Pentax is pretty late to the FF party, so the everybody that live in the now and wants (or needs) an FF camera already has one. Choices for dedicated monochrome cameras are limited though.

[vonBaloney]

Let me explain my self; same demand means that those who really needs and will buy Pentax FF would be approximately same as monochrome.

I still say no way -- much greater demand for FF. Of course price is a big factor. I will get the Pentax FF -- maybe a year or more after it comes out, but I'll get it. That's something to save for. While in theory I'd *like* a monochrome, I just can't see myself getting one unless it is only $300 or something. Very few people will want only a monochrome body, and so by definition it will be lower priority than other bodies on their "to buy" list, i.e. no one is going to buy one (except specialists) unless their all-around color cam needs are fulfilled first. Whereas an FF body will potentially appeal to everybody (at least if, or once the price is right).

[i83N]

I still say no way -- much greater demand for FF. Of course price is a big factor. I will get the Pentax FF -- maybe a year or more after it comes out, but I'll get it. That's something to save for. While in theory I'd *like* a monochrome, I just can't see myself getting one unless it is only $300 or something. Very few people will want only a monochrome body, and so by definition it will be lower priority than other bodies on their "to buy" list, i.e. no one is going to buy one (except specialists) unless their all-around color cam needs are fulfilled first. Whereas an FF body will potentially appeal to everybody (at least if, or once the price is right).

No offense, but you sound like someone who never shot on b&w film.

[mdodrill]

Let me clairfy: I would love to have a Pentax Mono; it would be the perfect camera for me....notice my collection of Pentax primes. My office is decorated with 6 B&W prints.
I just not sure it would make financial sense for Pentax.
i83N.....thanks for brining it up....interesting discussion