Ricoh should revisit K01

bdery · 02-19-2021, 08:22 AM

Originally posted by someasiancameraguy

Plus the fact that it would be considered a betrayal of sorts if they did release a new mount considering they said they are committed to the future of DSLRs.

The only economically sensible path towards that, while not antagonizing Pentax DSLR lowers, would be to piggy-back on a current mirrorless system, and release a perfectly functional adapter. An open system like Sony's would be the obvious path for that, but it would quite a side-step for Pentax (or any other company for that matter). It would mean that Pentax would keep its DSLR lineup, but trade profits on body sales for profit in adapter sales.

dbs · 02-19-2021, 01:18 PM

The K 01 could still work
(a) It is a K mount GR so the lens choice is yours
( b ) Advertise it like crazy but focus on one aspect to make it seem like it is better than sliced bread for ex GMH in Australia with RTS radial tuned suspension ( every manufacturer had it but did not advertise it ) ( It was the time when radial tyres replaced cross ply tyres )

Dave

reh321 · 02-20-2021, 02:15 PM

Originally posted by someasiancameraguy

Plus the fact that it would be considered a betrayal of sorts if they did release a new mount considering they said they are committed to the future of DSLRs. I still say my suggested approach of a hybrid interchangeable viewfinder system is the most reasonable, considering the fact that the expertise is already there. They know how to build, weatherseal, and electrically connect viewfinders from the LX era. They know how to implement OSPDAF from the K-70 and the GR III. They have stated that the SAFOX unit is nearing its technical limitations, so there should be an upcoming design with new PDAF + metering that might allow the removal of the split screen mirror box, therefore retaining the K-01 form factor without losing functionality.

They have already built all parts of a K-02 except the EVF.
It would basically be a KP with a different type of view finder - an EVF which take the signal which now goes to the LCD in ‘LV’.
Simple in concept - but they have already decided that it would’ve sell.

someasiancameraguy · 02-21-2021, 03:02 AM

Originally posted by reh321

They have already built all parts of a K-02 except the EVF.
It would basically be a KP with a different type of view finder - an EVF which take the signal which now goes to the LCD in ‘LV’.
Simple in concept - but they have already decided that it would’ve sell.

Yeah. I absolutely love the KP design. Swappable EVF OVF on a KP would be an instant buy. A K-2 full frame version would be awesome too.

repaap · 02-22-2021, 12:26 PM

It will be interesting to see what kind of advance has happened in K-3III AF. From videos that I'v seen from it, seems that LV focusing has taken quite big leap compared to my K-1 in LV mode. I know that K-3 was even worse.

K-01 was from time before k-3? So it can be that now with BSI sensors and that they have updated AF all to gether they will improve that even further especially since they do need it with GR line. AND with new PLM electronically coupled lenses that gap might change even more. So maybe K-01, but with actual OVF hybrid. Full usability of old lenses too, but more performance with PLM.

It could be something that replaces K-P line? and perhaps similar one for FF too while they are at it.

reh321 · 03-03-2021, 10:15 AM

Originally posted by repaap

It will be interesting to see what kind of advance has happened in K-3III AF. From videos that I'v seen from it, seems that LV focusing has taken quite big leap compared to my K-1 in LV mode. I know that K-3 was even worse.

K-01 was from time before k-3? So it can be that now with BSI sensors and that they have updated AF all to gether they will improve that even further especially since they do need it with GR line. AND with new PLM electronically coupled lenses that gap might change even more. So maybe K-01, but with actual OVF hybrid. Full usability of old lenses too, but more performance with PLM.

It could be something that replaces K-P line? and perhaps similar one for FF too while they are at it.

Pentax learned "MILC is not for us" from the K-01 - instead of the "MILC needs EVF" learned by other manufacturers - so don't expect a logical follow-up to the K-01.

**pres589** · 03-03-2021, 10:51 AM

Originally posted by reh321

Pentax learned "MILC is not for us" from the K-01 - instead of the "MILC needs EVF" learned by other manufacturers - so don't expect a logical follow-up to the K-01.

Quoted for truth. I'd also like to add "don't make it look like a baby's toy next time around" to something they should learn. Wasn't there also something about the K-01 running K-30 firmware and it wasn't quite a 100% fit?

Fogel70 · 03-03-2021, 11:52 AM

Originally posted by reh321

Pentax learned "MILC is not for us" from the K-01 - instead of the "MILC needs EVF" learned by other manufacturers - so don't expect a logical follow-up to the K-01.

Ricoh had a EVF option for their mirrorless system, but it did not help for them.

With Pentax/Ricoh having abandoned 3 differet mirrorless investments, it is a pretty slim chance of a fourth try.

reh321 · 03-03-2021, 12:12 PM

Originally posted by Fogel70

Ricoh had a EVF option for their mirrorless system, but it did not help for them.

With Pentax/Ricoh having abandoned 3 differet mirrorless investments, it is a pretty slim chance of a fourth try.

I wasn’t aware of any Ricoh effort other than Pentax’s K-01 and “Q” line.

Fogel70 · 03-03-2021, 12:14 PM

Ricoh GXR

reh321 · 03-03-2021, 12:33 PM

Originally posted by Fogel70

Ricoh GXR

Isn’t that the funky camera with no viewfinder and which requires that you purchase a sensor with each lens?
Not a good example of how the market would respond to a standard MILC.

**pres589** · 03-03-2021, 12:42 PM

The GXR was modular, there was a Leica mount sensor module, etc. The viewfinder was an add-on. I think it was kind of costly at the time and it's not small. It came out in 2009.

Fogel70 · 03-03-2021, 12:47 PM

Originally posted by reh321

Isn’t that the funky camera with no viewfinder and which requires that you purchase a sensor with each lens?
Not a good example of how the market would respond to a standard MILC.

Yeah, both Ricoh and Pentax seems to be experts in finding the smallest possible niches in mirrorles segment.
So I think their option for this has ran out.

Now they have to go for the wide road where everyone else is on, but being a small player and 10 years behind the big players it is unlikely Ricoh is willing to invest what it takes to be competitive.

johnmflores · 03-03-2021, 02:25 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by reh321

Pentax learned "MILC is not for us" from the K-01 - instead of the "MILC needs EVF" learned by other manufacturers - so don't expect a logical follow-up to the K-01.

Even if the K-01 had an EVF it would have failed, as no modern mirrorless camera maintains the flange distance of their DSLR predecessors.

Originally posted by pres589

Quoted for truth. I'd also like to add "don't make it look like a baby's toy next time around" to something they should learn. Wasn't there also something about the K-01 running K-30 firmware and it wasn't quite a 100% fit?

The K-01 wasn't designed for the kinds of people that frequent forums like this. It was designed for a younger, fashion forward generation that looked at black DSLRs as devices that their parents used.

**pres589** · 03-03-2021, 02:27 PM

It could have been a case of Pentax being a very Japan-centric company. Some of the color combinations seemed right out of the world Hello Kitty.

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02-19-2021, 08:22 AM	#91
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,362	Originally posted by someasiancameraguy Plus the fact that it would be considered a betrayal of sorts if they did release a new mount considering they said they are committed to the future of DSLRs. The only economically sensible path towards that, while not antagonizing Pentax DSLR lowers, would be to piggy-back on a current mirrorless system, and release a perfectly functional adapter. An open system like Sony's would be the obvious path for that, but it would quite a side-step for Pentax (or any other company for that matter). It would mean that Pentax would keep its DSLR lineup, but trade profits on body sales for profit in adapter sales.

02-19-2021, 01:18 PM	#92
dbs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Clare Valley S A Photos: Albums Posts: 7,565	The K 01 could still work (a) It is a K mount GR so the lens choice is yours ( b ) Advertise it like crazy but focus on one aspect to make it seem like it is better than sliced bread for ex GMH in Australia with RTS radial tuned suspension ( every manufacturer had it but did not advertise it ) ( It was the time when radial tyres replaced cross ply tyres ) Dave

02-20-2021, 02:15 PM	#93
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,185	Originally posted by someasiancameraguy Plus the fact that it would be considered a betrayal of sorts if they did release a new mount considering they said they are committed to the future of DSLRs. I still say my suggested approach of a hybrid interchangeable viewfinder system is the most reasonable, considering the fact that the expertise is already there. They know how to build, weatherseal, and electrically connect viewfinders from the LX era. They know how to implement OSPDAF from the K-70 and the GR III. They have stated that the SAFOX unit is nearing its technical limitations, so there should be an upcoming design with new PDAF + metering that might allow the removal of the split screen mirror box, therefore retaining the K-01 form factor without losing functionality. They have already built all parts of a K-02 except the EVF. It would basically be a KP with a different type of view finder - an EVF which take the signal which now goes to the LCD in ‘LV’. Simple in concept - but they have already decided that it would’ve sell.

02-21-2021, 03:02 AM	#94
someasiancameraguy Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 419	Originally posted by reh321 They have already built all parts of a K-02 except the EVF. It would basically be a KP with a different type of view finder - an EVF which take the signal which now goes to the LCD in ‘LV’. Simple in concept - but they have already decided that it would’ve sell. Yeah. I absolutely love the KP design. Swappable EVF OVF on a KP would be an instant buy. A K-2 full frame version would be awesome too.

02-22-2021, 12:26 PM	#95
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	It will be interesting to see what kind of advance has happened in K-3III AF. From videos that I'v seen from it, seems that LV focusing has taken quite big leap compared to my K-1 in LV mode. I know that K-3 was even worse. K-01 was from time before k-3? So it can be that now with BSI sensors and that they have updated AF all to gether they will improve that even further especially since they do need it with GR line. AND with new PLM electronically coupled lenses that gap might change even more. So maybe K-01, but with actual OVF hybrid. Full usability of old lenses too, but more performance with PLM. It could be something that replaces K-P line? and perhaps similar one for FF too while they are at it.

03-03-2021, 10:15 AM	#96
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,185	Originally posted by repaap It will be interesting to see what kind of advance has happened in K-3III AF. From videos that I'v seen from it, seems that LV focusing has taken quite big leap compared to my K-1 in LV mode. I know that K-3 was even worse. K-01 was from time before k-3? So it can be that now with BSI sensors and that they have updated AF all to gether they will improve that even further especially since they do need it with GR line. AND with new PLM electronically coupled lenses that gap might change even more. So maybe K-01, but with actual OVF hybrid. Full usability of old lenses too, but more performance with PLM. It could be something that replaces K-P line? and perhaps similar one for FF too while they are at it. Pentax learned "MILC is not for us" from the K-01 - instead of the "MILC needs EVF" learned by other manufacturers - so don't expect a logical follow-up to the K-01.

03-03-2021, 10:51 AM	#97
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,533	Originally posted by reh321 Pentax learned "MILC is not for us" from the K-01 - instead of the "MILC needs EVF" learned by other manufacturers - so don't expect a logical follow-up to the K-01. Quoted for truth. I'd also like to add "don't make it look like a baby's toy next time around" to something they should learn. Wasn't there also something about the K-01 running K-30 firmware and it wasn't quite a 100% fit?

03-03-2021, 11:52 AM	#98
Fogel70 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Photos: Albums Posts: 3,062	Originally posted by reh321 Pentax learned "MILC is not for us" from the K-01 - instead of the "MILC needs EVF" learned by other manufacturers - so don't expect a logical follow-up to the K-01. Ricoh had a EVF option for their mirrorless system, but it did not help for them. With Pentax/Ricoh having abandoned 3 differet mirrorless investments, it is a pretty slim chance of a fourth try.

03-03-2021, 12:12 PM	#99
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,185	Originally posted by Fogel70 Ricoh had a EVF option for their mirrorless system, but it did not help for them. With Pentax/Ricoh having abandoned 3 differet mirrorless investments, it is a pretty slim chance of a fourth try. I wasn’t aware of any Ricoh effort other than Pentax’s K-01 and “Q” line.

03-03-2021, 12:14 PM	#100
Fogel70 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Photos: Albums Posts: 3,062	Ricoh GXR

03-03-2021, 12:33 PM	#101
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,185	Originally posted by Fogel70 Ricoh GXR Isn’t that the funky camera with no viewfinder and which requires that you purchase a sensor with each lens? Not a good example of how the market would respond to a standard MILC.

03-03-2021, 12:42 PM	#102
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,533	The GXR was modular, there was a Leica mount sensor module, etc. The viewfinder was an add-on. I think it was kind of costly at the time and it's not small. It came out in 2009.

03-03-2021, 12:47 PM	#103
Fogel70 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Photos: Albums Posts: 3,062	Originally posted by reh321 Isn’t that the funky camera with no viewfinder and which requires that you purchase a sensor with each lens? Not a good example of how the market would respond to a standard MILC. Yeah, both Ricoh and Pentax seems to be experts in finding the smallest possible niches in mirrorles segment. So I think their option for this has ran out. Now they have to go for the wide road where everyone else is on, but being a small player and 10 years behind the big players it is unlikely Ricoh is willing to invest what it takes to be competitive.

03-03-2021, 02:25 PM - 1 Like	#104
johnmflores Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Somerville, NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,361	Originally posted by reh321 Pentax learned "MILC is not for us" from the K-01 - instead of the "MILC needs EVF" learned by other manufacturers - so don't expect a logical follow-up to the K-01. Even if the K-01 had an EVF it would have failed, as no modern mirrorless camera maintains the flange distance of their DSLR predecessors. Originally posted by pres589 Quoted for truth. I'd also like to add "don't make it look like a baby's toy next time around" to something they should learn. Wasn't there also something about the K-01 running K-30 firmware and it wasn't quite a 100% fit? The K-01 wasn't designed for the kinds of people that frequent forums like this. It was designed for a younger, fashion forward generation that looked at black DSLRs as devices that their parents used.

03-03-2021, 02:27 PM	#105
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,533	It could have been a case of Pentax being a very Japan-centric company. Some of the color combinations seemed right out of the world Hello Kitty.