100th Anniversary next year - what will they release?

pathdoc · 08-28-2018, 08:37 AM

Originally posted by yucafrita

They will please us film-shooters and release an MZ-S mark II with uncrippled KAF 5 compatible with all new DFA lenses.

Why not hope for an uncrippled MZ-D? We could hope for lots of things, and I have a wishlist as long as my arm, but I would prefer that Pentax simply still be there.

Ricoh bought Pentax to stop them from dying, and the K-1's advertising guff was full of expressions of respect for the Pentax tradition. If you think they wouldn't go so far as to rebrand a centenary camera with the Asahi Optical Co. logo, I think you're wrong. They may not, of course, but I don't think it would be something they automatically wouldn't do.

**monochrome** · 08-28-2018, 08:50 AM

Originally posted by pathdoc

Why not hope for an uncrippled MZ-D? We could hope for lots of things, and I have a wishlist as long as my arm, but I would prefer that Pentax simply still be there.

Ricoh bought Pentax to stop them from dying, and the K-1's advertising guff was full of expressions of respect for the Pentax tradition. If you think they wouldn't go so far as to rebrand a centenary camera with the Asahi Optical Co. logo, I think you're wrong. They may not, of course, but I don't think it would be something they automatically wouldn't do.

I was a little sad those K-1ll AOCo prism stickers didn’t come in the US packaging of the Fat Fifty like they did in Japan.

Mark Ransom · 08-28-2018, 08:53 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by twilhelm

I still wonder if they didn’t hope the KP would have been accepted as a flagship model. A few upgrades and it could have been.

They never intended the KP to be a flagship, because they already had a flagship - the K-1.

They didn't realize there was a need for a separate APS-C flagship until we hit them upside the head with a clue stick.

**Pål Jensen** · 08-28-2018, 12:08 PM

An APS flagship has been on the cards from day one. FF and APS are two different formats...

Mark Ransom · 08-28-2018, 12:49 PM

Originally posted by Pål Jensen

An APS flagship has been on the cards from day one. FF and APS are two different formats...

If that's true, then where is it? The most reasonable explanation for a late delivery is a late start.

I don't think they were originally considering FF as a different format, rather they were thinking it was a critical feature that needed to be on their flagship.

victormeldrew · 08-28-2018, 02:00 PM

Originally posted by Mark Ransom

I don't think they were originally considering FF as a different format, rather they were thinking it was a critical feature that needed to be on their flagship.

That would make sense if the lens ecosystem supported it. Clearly it was a new format, or they wouldn't then have to scrabble around trying to get a few lenses out for it.

yucafrita · 08-28-2018, 09:31 PM

Originally posted by pathdoc

Why not hope for an uncrippled MZ-D? We could hope for lots of things, and I have a wishlist as long as my arm, but I would prefer that Pentax simply still be there.

Ricoh bought Pentax to stop them from dying, and the K-1's advertising guff was full of expressions of respect for the Pentax tradition. If you think they wouldn't go so far as to rebrand a centenary camera with the Asahi Optical Co. logo, I think you're wrong. They may not, of course, but I don't think it would be something they automatically wouldn't do.

Well, my wish would just be that a new film camera comes out. I know this completely out of discussion, there is basically no market for it, it would be too expensive, they wouldnt even have the machinery & tools to replicate the MZ-S.

It's just... Canon dropped film now completely, Nikon dropped it completely, I think Leica may still have a camera or two in their portfolio (maybe not).

It would just be nice to have a film camera with top features like the MZ-S, with some upgrades like the Av-Mode wheel and the possiblity to drive the aperture a la KAF4 and use DC autofocus. I wonder if it would be possible to hack the MZ-S firmware to achieve this. Oh well...

I must admit, if I werent such a fan of Pentax, I might have gone with the F6 but I didnt want to switch the mount.

But you are right, most important is Ricoh/Pentax stays in business.

Last edited by yucafrita; 08-28-2018 at 09:38 PM.

**ffking** · 08-29-2018, 02:00 AM

Originally posted by yucafrita

It would just be nice to have a film camera with top features like the MZ-S, with some upgrades like the Av-Mode wheel and the possiblity to drive the aperture a la KAF4 and use DC autofocus. I wonder if it would be possible to hack the MZ-S firmware to achieve this. Oh well...

I think film cameras got about as good as they can get before film went out of fashion - no new technology really reads across usefully - perversely, a very basic but classic film camera - early 80's style but with a better light meter - sort of back to basics, where you can learn how to control the image making process yourself - might be a better gamble - except, of course, you can still get them second hand anyway.

MarkJerling · 08-29-2018, 02:15 AM

Originally posted by Mark Ransom

If that's true, then where is it? The most reasonable explanation for a late delivery is a late start.

I don't think they were originally considering FF as a different format, rather they were thinking it was a critical feature that needed to be on their flagship.

I seem to recall, in one of the interviews, they hinted that.

**ffking** · 08-29-2018, 03:10 AM

Originally posted by Mark Ransom

I don't think they were originally considering FF as a different format, rather they were thinking it was a critical feature that needed to be on their flagship.

Originally posted by MarkJerling

I seem to recall, in one of the interviews, they hinted that.

Well it would be a quirky way of looking at things - which might be further proof that the Pentax DNA was alive and well in Ricoh Imaging

Wasp · 08-29-2018, 03:16 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by yucafrita

They will please us film-shooters and release an MZ-S mark II with uncrippled KAF 5 compatible with all new DFA lenses.

I would settle for any DSLR with non-crippled K mount but we all have our flights of fantasy.

timw4mail · 08-29-2018, 04:15 AM

Originally posted by Wasp

I would settle for any DSLR with non-crippled K mount but we all have our flights of fantasy.

K-1 Super?

MarkJerling · 08-29-2018, 04:18 AM

Originally posted by pathdoc

If you think they wouldn't go so far as to rebrand a centenary camera with the Asahi Optical Co. logo, I think you're wrong. They may not, of course, but I don't think it would be something they automatically wouldn't do.

All depends who owns that trademark.

Not a Number · 08-29-2018, 10:24 AM

Originally posted by MarkJerling

All depends who owns that trademark.

Trademark issues is probably why the AOC stickers included with DFA* 50mm were only seen in Japan.

**pres589** · 08-29-2018, 11:58 AM

Ricoh/Pentax is kind of funny though, they probably thought only Japan would care about AOC and that history.

A new LX might be nice but I think if they did film it should be more like an MZ-S with the latest AF and everything the KAF4 mount brings with it. It would need to be uncrippled, though, otherwise I think some folks wouldn't be as interested. And uncrippling the KAF4 might be more engineering than they want to do.

I would be shocked if they bring back a film camera but I also think it might be an interesting way to exploit a niche. Not many new film cameras on the market anymore and if Ricoh could tap that, even if it's a small percentage of the world's total camera market...

08-28-2018, 08:50 AM	#77
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by pathdoc Why not hope for an uncrippled MZ-D? We could hope for lots of things, and I have a wishlist as long as my arm, but I would prefer that Pentax simply still be there. Ricoh bought Pentax to stop them from dying, and the K-1's advertising guff was full of expressions of respect for the Pentax tradition. If you think they wouldn't go so far as to rebrand a centenary camera with the Asahi Optical Co. logo, I think you're wrong. They may not, of course, but I don't think it would be something they automatically wouldn't do. I was a little sad those K-1ll AOCo prism stickers didn’t come in the US packaging of the Fat Fifty like they did in Japan. Last edited by monochrome; 08-28-2018 at 03:29 PM.

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08-28-2018, 08:37 AM	#76
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	Originally posted by yucafrita They will please us film-shooters and release an MZ-S mark II with uncrippled KAF 5 compatible with all new DFA lenses. Why not hope for an uncrippled MZ-D? We could hope for lots of things, and I have a wishlist as long as my arm, but I would prefer that Pentax simply still be there. Ricoh bought Pentax to stop them from dying, and the K-1's advertising guff was full of expressions of respect for the Pentax tradition. If you think they wouldn't go so far as to rebrand a centenary camera with the Asahi Optical Co. logo, I think you're wrong. They may not, of course, but I don't think it would be something they automatically wouldn't do.

08-28-2018, 08:53 AM - 1 Like	#78
Mark Ransom Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 498	Originally posted by twilhelm I still wonder if they didn’t hope the KP would have been accepted as a flagship model. A few upgrades and it could have been. They never intended the KP to be a flagship, because they already had a flagship - the K-1. They didn't realize there was a need for a separate APS-C flagship until we hit them upside the head with a clue stick.

08-28-2018, 12:08 PM	#79
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	An APS flagship has been on the cards from day one. FF and APS are two different formats...

08-28-2018, 12:49 PM	#80
Mark Ransom Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 498	Originally posted by Pål Jensen An APS flagship has been on the cards from day one. FF and APS are two different formats... If that's true, then where is it? The most reasonable explanation for a late delivery is a late start. I don't think they were originally considering FF as a different format, rather they were thinking it was a critical feature that needed to be on their flagship.

08-28-2018, 02:00 PM	#81
victormeldrew Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: South West UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,493	Originally posted by Mark Ransom I don't think they were originally considering FF as a different format, rather they were thinking it was a critical feature that needed to be on their flagship. That would make sense if the lens ecosystem supported it. Clearly it was a new format, or they wouldn't then have to scrabble around trying to get a few lenses out for it.

08-28-2018, 09:31 PM	#82
yucafrita Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 459	Originally posted by pathdoc Why not hope for an uncrippled MZ-D? We could hope for lots of things, and I have a wishlist as long as my arm, but I would prefer that Pentax simply still be there. Ricoh bought Pentax to stop them from dying, and the K-1's advertising guff was full of expressions of respect for the Pentax tradition. If you think they wouldn't go so far as to rebrand a centenary camera with the Asahi Optical Co. logo, I think you're wrong. They may not, of course, but I don't think it would be something they automatically wouldn't do. Well, my wish would just be that a new film camera comes out. I know this completely out of discussion, there is basically no market for it, it would be too expensive, they wouldnt even have the machinery & tools to replicate the MZ-S. It's just... Canon dropped film now completely, Nikon dropped it completely, I think Leica may still have a camera or two in their portfolio (maybe not). It would just be nice to have a film camera with top features like the MZ-S, with some upgrades like the Av-Mode wheel and the possiblity to drive the aperture a la KAF4 and use DC autofocus. I wonder if it would be possible to hack the MZ-S firmware to achieve this. Oh well... I must admit, if I werent such a fan of Pentax, I might have gone with the F6 but I didnt want to switch the mount. But you are right, most important is Ricoh/Pentax stays in business. Last edited by yucafrita; 08-28-2018 at 09:38 PM.

08-29-2018, 02:00 AM	#83
ffking Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Old South Wales Posts: 6,039	Originally posted by yucafrita It would just be nice to have a film camera with top features like the MZ-S, with some upgrades like the Av-Mode wheel and the possiblity to drive the aperture a la KAF4 and use DC autofocus. I wonder if it would be possible to hack the MZ-S firmware to achieve this. Oh well... I think film cameras got about as good as they can get before film went out of fashion - no new technology really reads across usefully - perversely, a very basic but classic film camera - early 80's style but with a better light meter - sort of back to basics, where you can learn how to control the image making process yourself - might be a better gamble - except, of course, you can still get them second hand anyway.

08-29-2018, 02:15 AM	#84
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,421	Originally posted by Mark Ransom If that's true, then where is it? The most reasonable explanation for a late delivery is a late start. I don't think they were originally considering FF as a different format, rather they were thinking it was a critical feature that needed to be on their flagship. I seem to recall, in one of the interviews, they hinted that.

08-29-2018, 03:10 AM	#85
ffking Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Old South Wales Posts: 6,039	Originally posted by Mark Ransom I don't think they were originally considering FF as a different format, rather they were thinking it was a critical feature that needed to be on their flagship. Originally posted by MarkJerling I seem to recall, in one of the interviews, they hinted that. Well it would be a quirky way of looking at things - which might be further proof that the Pentax DNA was alive and well in Ricoh Imaging

08-29-2018, 03:16 AM - 1 Like	#86
Wasp Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Pretoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,661	Originally posted by yucafrita They will please us film-shooters and release an MZ-S mark II with uncrippled KAF 5 compatible with all new DFA lenses. I would settle for any DSLR with non-crippled K mount but we all have our flights of fantasy.

08-29-2018, 04:15 AM	#87
timw4mail Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Driving a Mirage Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,670	Originally posted by Wasp I would settle for any DSLR with non-crippled K mount but we all have our flights of fantasy. K-1 Super?

08-29-2018, 04:18 AM	#88
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,421	Originally posted by pathdoc If you think they wouldn't go so far as to rebrand a centenary camera with the Asahi Optical Co. logo, I think you're wrong. They may not, of course, but I don't think it would be something they automatically wouldn't do. All depends who owns that trademark.

08-29-2018, 10:24 AM	#89
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Originally posted by MarkJerling All depends who owns that trademark. Trademark issues is probably why the AOC stickers included with DFA* 50mm were only seen in Japan.

08-29-2018, 11:58 AM	#90
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,533	Ricoh/Pentax is kind of funny though, they probably thought only Japan would care about AOC and that history. A new LX might be nice but I think if they did film it should be more like an MZ-S with the latest AF and everything the KAF4 mount brings with it. It would need to be uncrippled, though, otherwise I think some folks wouldn't be as interested. And uncrippling the KAF4 might be more engineering than they want to do. I would be shocked if they bring back a film camera but I also think it might be an interesting way to exploit a niche. Not many new film cameras on the market anymore and if Ricoh could tap that, even if it's a small percentage of the world's total camera market...