Originally posted by Paul the Sunman Before buying my first DSLR 9 years ago (the K5) I spent many months researching the options. Which system to buy into? Canon didn't appeal, but I nearly jumped at Nikon (D90) and Sony Alpha. At that stage, Pentax was a minor though still visible player. When the K5 was released, with all the advantages of the K7 but much better high-ISO performance, I bought in. At that stage I had no investment in any system, and Pentax seemed to be there or there abouts in capability.
These days, there has been a rush of mirrorless releases from the Big Boyz that pushes the technology forward at a dizzying rate. The 2019 sales figures make it clear that Pentax has no hope of competing in that pool. The decision to focus entirely on DSLR was not a decision at all, it was forced. They simply could not afford the development costs of a competitive mirrorless camera and lenses. All the talk of the superior experience of OVF is a justification after the fact, even if they believe it themselves (and if we buy it too).
So that's where we are. Pentax cannot run fast enough to keep up with the pack, so it opts to remain in a more sedate race (DSLR). It may well have it completely to itself within a few years. I am still going along with them. But I struggle to see that there is a future in it.
And yet their lenses (old and new) are still up there with the best! I guess that is what keeps most of us coming back for more.
Sure, I tend to agree with you. Now there is a need to focus on DSLR only. But I think that they can be successful with this strategy whatever the world "successful" means. I am convinced that they will survive and that is enough for me.
Ricoh slowly innovates Pentax lenses - but when they prepare them, they are good. APS-C shooters will have a new DA* 16-50/2,8, maybe a new DA* 50-135/2,8, alltogether with DA* 11-18/2,8 ... I think that they will be ready for serious shooting for the next 10 years again, especially with the K-new. The only Pentax lens I really miss is a small(ish
) DA 24/1,4 WR for APS-C bodies.
With a new body every 5 years I will survive.
Of course, before buying my first DA* lens this year I have been looking for other options. So far, none of them has been suitable for my needs. So far, I can have a small system with limiteds if I want to.