Ricoh is appropriating Pentax History now.

bossa · 09-03-2013, 04:58 PM

It appears that Ricoh is trying to usurp Pentax' history. Take a look at this quote from their own website in the USA.

"The company now known as Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation, was originally founded in 1919, under the name Asahi Optical Joint Stock Co. and launched its first SLR camera in the 1950s under the PENTAX name. Today, Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation continues to produce the heritage-rich, award-winning line of PENTAX DSLR cameras, lenses and sport optics equipment as well as Ricoh’s offering of stylish and compact digital cameras, known for their wide-ranging, rich set of features."

PENTAX - Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation Expands Team with Appointment of Brian McIntosh as Director of Marketing

DeadJohn · 09-03-2013, 05:14 PM - **4 Likes**

And? This is nitpicking fluff text.

Wired · 09-03-2013, 05:17 PM

Saw this on Ricehigh first. I laughed then got on with my day. There are more things to talk about... like whats going to be announced in 2 days?!

Penta x Tuga · 09-03-2013, 05:31 PM

Originally posted by Wired

Saw this on Ricehigh first. I laughed then got on with my day. There are more things to talk about... like whats going to be announced in 2 days?!

Seems rather factual (though the mention of ricoh imaging americas corporation sounds a bit strange in this context). No need to read something that isn't there: Pentax as a company no longer exists, but it's legacy, a product line of cameras branded Pentax, survives as part of Ricoh Imaging. I don't see how this is «appropration» of anything.

**jatrax** · 09-03-2013, 05:31 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by bossa

"The company now known as Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation, was originally founded in 1919, under the name Asahi Optical Joint Stock Co

I read that the other day and I guess my interpretation was the opposite. At least they took the time to KEEP the history they could have dropped all mention of Asahi. I thought it was a logical progression as the company is now called Ricoh Imaging Americas with a clear connection to its past. They are saying this is the same company, just a new name.

They could have simply removed all evidence of Pentax and Asahi from before they bought the company. Personally I think this is a good thing, a connection to the Pentax history and values is more important than any particular product.

**Deimos** · 09-03-2013, 05:32 PM - **1 Like**

The company has been Asahi, Honeywell, Pentax, Hoya and now Ricoh, whats the difference?

One look at the timeline should make it clear the Pentax brand name isnt going anywhere.

Ricoh owns the history now. It is a large chunk of what they purchased and it is very valuable.

RICOH Imaging Timeline

bxf · 09-03-2013, 05:34 PM - **1 Like**

This may be twisting and stretching things a bit, but at the same time, I take it as an indication that Ricoh is trying to build on Pentax's historic strengths, which is exactly what I think they should do.

Franky2step · 09-03-2013, 05:48 PM

Originally posted by bxf

This may be twisting and stretching things a bit, but at the same time, I take it as an indication that Ricoh is trying to build on Pentax's historic strengths, which is exactly what I think they should do.

Agree 100%

momotazur · 09-03-2013, 06:06 PM

Originally posted by bxf

I take it as an indication that Ricoh is trying to build on Pentax's historic strengths, which is exactly what I think they should do.

Agreed.

**monochrome** · 09-03-2013, 06:09 PM

My company was quite literally formed by our much smaller acquirer in 2009 with the specific purpose to acquire and merge us. They've completely replaced our name, systems and management, yet EVEN SO they claim our heritage, which extends to 1820. They were formed in 1934 and were always third-rate, growing by acquisition and leverage.

Ricoh hasn't done that.

**Clinton** · 09-03-2013, 06:16 PM - **3 Likes**

We really have moved up to a whole new level of waiting for news haven't we...

**jatrax** · 09-03-2013, 06:18 PM

Originally posted by Clinton

We really have moved up to a whole new level of waiting for news haven't we...

I am off to Yellowstone tomorrow. No internet for 10 days so you guys are on your own, lol. Going to miss the big news on the 5th, I guess I will be surprised when I get back.

johnmflores · 09-03-2013, 07:10 PM - **2 Likes**

People are going to be popping blood vessels when Adam renames this place RicohForums.com!

**ramseybuckeye** · 09-03-2013, 07:16 PM

Originally posted by jatrax

I am off to Yellowstone tomorrow. No internet for 10 days so you guys are on your own, lol. Going to miss the big news on the 5th, I guess I will be surprised when I get back.

Have an awesome trip, take as many lenses as you can.

Tanzer · 09-03-2013, 07:27 PM

I think the claim may be technically correct, since the text refers specifically to the American company (or subsidiary), formerly known as Pentax Imaging. That always was Pentax.

I could be completely wrong about this, but I don't think Ricoh even had its own US-based camera subsidiary. So for Pentax Imaging, it's just a name change, not even really a merger.

09-03-2013, 04:58 PM	#1
bossa Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Adelaide Posts: 4,546	Ricoh is appropriating Pentax History now. It appears that Ricoh is trying to usurp Pentax' history. Take a look at this quote from their own website in the USA. "The company now known as Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation, was originally founded in 1919, under the name Asahi Optical Joint Stock Co. and launched its first SLR camera in the 1950s under the PENTAX name. Today, Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation continues to produce the heritage-rich, award-winning line of PENTAX DSLR cameras, lenses and sport optics equipment as well as Ricoh’s offering of stylish and compact digital cameras, known for their wide-ranging, rich set of features." PENTAX - Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation Expands Team with Appointment of Brian McIntosh as Director of Marketing

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09-03-2013, 05:14 PM - 4 Likes	#2
DeadJohn Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York Posts: 4,834	And? This is nitpicking fluff text.

09-03-2013, 05:17 PM	#3
Wired Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Edmonton, AB Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,519	Saw this on Ricehigh first. I laughed then got on with my day. There are more things to talk about... like whats going to be announced in 2 days?!

09-03-2013, 05:31 PM	#4
Penta x Tuga Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Cascais, Portugal Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40	Originally posted by Wired Saw this on Ricehigh first. I laughed then got on with my day. There are more things to talk about... like whats going to be announced in 2 days?! Seems rather factual (though the mention of ricoh imaging americas corporation sounds a bit strange in this context). No need to read something that isn't there: Pentax as a company no longer exists, but it's legacy, a product line of cameras branded Pentax, survives as part of Ricoh Imaging. I don't see how this is «appropration» of anything.

09-03-2013, 05:31 PM - 2 Likes	#5
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by bossa "The company now known as Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation, was originally founded in 1919, under the name Asahi Optical Joint Stock Co I read that the other day and I guess my interpretation was the opposite. At least they took the time to KEEP the history they could have dropped all mention of Asahi. I thought it was a logical progression as the company is now called Ricoh Imaging Americas with a clear connection to its past. They are saying this is the same company, just a new name. They could have simply removed all evidence of Pentax and Asahi from before they bought the company. Personally I think this is a good thing, a connection to the Pentax history and values is more important than any particular product.

09-03-2013, 05:32 PM - 1 Like	#6
Deimos Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Kingdom of Wonder Posts: 1,777	The company has been Asahi, Honeywell, Pentax, Hoya and now Ricoh, whats the difference? One look at the timeline should make it clear the Pentax brand name isnt going anywhere. Ricoh owns the history now. It is a large chunk of what they purchased and it is very valuable. RICOH Imaging Timeline

09-03-2013, 05:34 PM - 1 Like	#7
bxf Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Lisbon area Posts: 1,660	This may be twisting and stretching things a bit, but at the same time, I take it as an indication that Ricoh is trying to build on Pentax's historic strengths, which is exactly what I think they should do.

09-03-2013, 05:48 PM	#8
Franky2step Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Niagara Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 793	Originally posted by bxf This may be twisting and stretching things a bit, but at the same time, I take it as an indication that Ricoh is trying to build on Pentax's historic strengths, which is exactly what I think they should do. Agree 100%

09-03-2013, 06:06 PM	#9
momotazur Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Providence, RI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 368	Originally posted by bxf I take it as an indication that Ricoh is trying to build on Pentax's historic strengths, which is exactly what I think they should do. Agreed.

09-03-2013, 06:09 PM	#10
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	My company was quite literally formed by our much smaller acquirer in 2009 with the specific purpose to acquire and merge us. They've completely replaced our name, systems and management, yet EVEN SO they claim our heritage, which extends to 1820. They were formed in 1934 and were always third-rate, growing by acquisition and leverage. Ricoh hasn't done that.

09-03-2013, 06:16 PM - 3 Likes	#11
Clinton Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,912	We really have moved up to a whole new level of waiting for news haven't we...

09-03-2013, 06:18 PM	#12
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by Clinton We really have moved up to a whole new level of waiting for news haven't we... I am off to Yellowstone tomorrow. No internet for 10 days so you guys are on your own, lol. Going to miss the big news on the 5th, I guess I will be surprised when I get back.

09-03-2013, 07:10 PM - 2 Likes	#13
johnmflores Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Somerville, NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,361	People are going to be popping blood vessels when Adam renames this place RicohForums.com!

09-03-2013, 07:16 PM	#14
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,294	Originally posted by jatrax I am off to Yellowstone tomorrow. No internet for 10 days so you guys are on your own, lol. Going to miss the big news on the 5th, I guess I will be surprised when I get back. Have an awesome trip, take as many lenses as you can.

09-03-2013, 07:27 PM	#15
Tanzer Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Perrineville, NJ Posts: 1,375	I think the claim may be technically correct, since the text refers specifically to the American company (or subsidiary), formerly known as Pentax Imaging. That always was Pentax. I could be completely wrong about this, but I don't think Ricoh even had its own US-based camera subsidiary. So for Pentax Imaging, it's just a name change, not even really a merger.