Originally posted by ffking This does seem to be the trajectory Pentax are on under Ricoh to some extent - the newer * lenses are top quality - the trouble is that the competitors also offer very good lenses amongst their range and that it takes a long time to establish a reputation like Leica has to the extent that people, as mentioned above, see Leica s the best optically and best made even when the cameras are so-so technologically
I use both Pentax and Leica (in previous posts I have called Pentax the Leica of Japan) kits and the largest difference is the cost of a Leica system. My K-1 series cost about 5,000 to build. It took over twice that for the Leica kit. The 35mm f/2 summicron was 2,500 by itself. I will say that the Leica for landscape and still or street photos is superior in overall quality, but for durability, weather resistance, telephoto prowess, I choose Pentax in the field. Most Leica's are not weather resistant and have has sensor, shutter and other issues over the years. Leica does honor its products though and its own repair facility in NJ is top-notch.
Leica Glass is excellent but it's also double the top end lenses by Pentax that produce 90% of the Leica lenses sharpness. Pentax also has an auto focus component. Leica's CL is a mirrorless 24mp with excellent modern features but costs $2,600 for the body alone. It's 1/2 the size of the K-1 series but it also costs 30% more than the Pentax and is APSc versus FF and 36mp power.....It images beautifully but it always costs more for the little 'red dot'.