DC Watch: Interview with Toshiyuki Kitazawa, Pentax's Head of Business Development

soalle · 10-09-2012, 10:59 PM

Originally posted by leonsroar

Sorry I just posted another thread without knowing this...

thanks for translating!

froeschle · 10-10-2012, 12:58 AM

News: Pentax full-frame SLR in development - will this give sports photogs another option? | P1 Race Photography

Quote:

[...] Pentax Japan development unification section chief, Toshiyuki Kitazawa, said, “We are working on it [the FF camera] as a product proposal, so it will, without doubt, be released”.

However, he said, “we are developing with an eye to a 2013-or-later release”, so even though he also said Pentax was already in contact with sensor manufacturers, don’t get your hopes up just yet. [...]

So again:

Quote:

Pentax has officially confirmed the development of a full frame DSLR.

and

Originally posted by pentaxinator:

Attention all full frame fanatics, let the forum go berserk, we have a full frame in the works!!!!!!!

gazonk · 10-10-2012, 02:08 AM

Originally posted by fuent104

That makes the outlook sound bleak for the digital K1000 some of us have been hoping for. Still, it's really great to see Pentax acknowledge their customers and communicate in this way.

Digital K1000 is just so silly. The K1000 was a great low cost camera, but it already looked very old besides the MX, which was a much smaller system camera with lots of features that the K1000 didn't have.

Alizarine · 10-10-2012, 02:12 AM

Originally posted by Mistral75

Our long term strategy is towards FF while short term strategy is increasing line-up in APS-C segment.

I wonder how long will be that long term strategy and when will we see its fruits

but in any case, this interview contains really good info. Thanks to Mistral75 and leonsroar!

gazonk · 10-10-2012, 02:18 AM

Originally posted by leonsroar

<Information Source>
http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/interview/20121010_564928.html

<Rough Translation>

Thanks!

Quote:

We are developing towards commercial productization and will definitely launch though, it is the matter of whether it makes sense or not for Pentax to produce similar FF SLR to others and slightly smaller & lighter FF Lenses than others. As to time frame, it is under advanced development towards 2013 or later. You can expect that.

Well then, finally confirmed! Possibly even in 2013.

Quote:

We feel so honored that they are still targeting it as their benchmark but it was launched back in June, 2010. Needless to say we have been developing the successor.

This is so exiting, although it will probably still be way out of my price range. I'm guessing we'll see it already at CP+

Quote:

Even though there was possibility to bring FF into this segment, it was our conclusion that APS-C should be the utmost size for mirrorless segment.

Since we already know the K-01 is a dead end, I think there might be a hint here that Pentax is working on APS-C mirrorless with a new mount. So they might end up with 4 mounts...? They've been there before, so why not...

greg57 · 10-10-2012, 02:38 AM

Ok, looks like I won't be selling my 31mm f/1.8 Limited after all...

gtl · 10-10-2012, 03:07 AM

FA limiteds on FF! Woo hoo! Now to hunt down that Voigtlander 125mm...

Clavius · 10-10-2012, 03:45 AM

LOL! It seems as if the same FF discussions are being held in the Pentax R&D department as those here on PF. FF or not, it's good to see them looking into expanding their product lineup. It will be interesting to see what they will come up with.

Caat · 10-10-2012, 03:54 AM

Interesting but nothing that a sensible person wouldn't have expected.

The only remarkable piece of info is that they are investigating ways of adapting sensors to higher IQ in ways other than removing the AA filter.

froeschle · 10-10-2012, 04:16 AM - **1 Like**

Quote:

[...] However, SLR [...] users have been seeking for better IQ even if only slightly. For this reason they would like to move forward to the largest sensor size which their lens-mount system accepts. [...] Our long term strategy is towards FF while short term strategy is increasing line-up in APS-C segment. [..] Back to FF [...] We are developing towards commercial production and will definitely launch though, [...] As to time frame, it is under advanced development towards 2013 or later. You can expect that. [...]

Pentax just has officially announced that a FF DSLR is in the works and will be brought to series-production readiness...

...and this is your best expression of joy?

I must say, I am a bit disappointed

.

You can do better than that. Try again

!

Tonto · 10-10-2012, 05:40 AM

I really enjoyed the responses to the questions posed, they are measured and make sense given the size of Pentax- I am willing to wait now now there is a clear sense of direction and development for the longterm- its REALLY good news that they are holding onto their niche categories of Q and 645D. Interesting times ahead thats for sure

LFLee · 10-10-2012, 05:45 AM

2013, Pentax FF.

I think I will get a K5IIs first to see the power of no AA filter and the improved AF.

Couldn't be more happy to hear this news.

Mistral75 · 10-10-2012, 05:49 AM

Originally posted by LFLee

2013, Pentax FF.

(...)

Beware, the actual quote is

Originally posted by leonsroar

(...) targeting 2013 or later (...)

And 2013 has to be understood as FY2013, which ends on March 30th, 2014.

So the actual launch of Pentax 24x36 DSLR could well be CP+ 2014 (in February) or even Photokina 2014 (in September).

gazonk · 10-10-2012, 06:01 AM

Originally posted by Mistral75

So the actual launch of Pentax 24x36 DSLR could well be CP+ 2014 (in February) or even Photokina 2014 (in September).

Perfect. In June 2015 my K-5 will be 3 years old and I may be looking for a new body. The volunteer beta testers will then have provided ample evidence for me to make an informed decision.

But I'm left with one small problem: DA15 and DA21 are high on my LBA list. Or they were. Now I'm not so sure about buying APS-C only lenses anymore...

ElJamoquio · 10-10-2012, 06:04 AM

Originally posted by jeffshaddix

A non-bayer sensor would be welcome with me as well. That was an odd quote. InVisage perhaps? Or a coop with Sigma/foveon? You know...I remember reading a post saying Sigma was actively working on a FF foveon sensor. Hmmm...

Edit: Reference: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/non-pentax-cameras-canon-nikon-etc/201084...-features.html

Excerpt:

A FF Foveon sounds great at first glance, but currently the Foveon's have wretched, wretched high ISO performance.

10-10-2012, 12:58 AM	#32
froeschle Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Germany Photos: Gallery Posts: 552	News: Pentax full-frame SLR in development - will this give sports photogs another option? \| P1 Race Photography Quote: [...] Pentax Japan development unification section chief, Toshiyuki Kitazawa, said, “We are working on it [the FF camera] as a product proposal, so it will, without doubt, be released”. However, he said, “we are developing with an eye to a 2013-or-later release”, so even though he also said Pentax was already in contact with sensor manufacturers, don’t get your hopes up just yet. [...] So again: Quote: Pentax has officially confirmed the development of a full frame DSLR. and Originally posted by pentaxinator: Attention all full frame fanatics, let the forum go berserk, we have a full frame in the works!!!!!!! Last edited by Blue; 10-10-2012 at 06:05 AM.

10-10-2012, 02:38 AM	#36
greg57 New Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 22	:) Ok, looks like I won't be selling my 31mm f/1.8 Limited after all...

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10-09-2012, 10:59 PM	#31
soalle Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Italy -> Canada -> Belgium -> Switzerland Photos: Gallery Posts: 233	Originally posted by leonsroar Sorry I just posted another thread without knowing this... thanks for translating!

10-10-2012, 02:08 AM	#33
gazonk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oslo area, Norway Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,746	Originally posted by fuent104 That makes the outlook sound bleak for the digital K1000 some of us have been hoping for. Still, it's really great to see Pentax acknowledge their customers and communicate in this way. Digital K1000 is just so silly. The K1000 was a great low cost camera, but it already looked very old besides the MX, which was a much smaller system camera with lots of features that the K1000 didn't have.

10-10-2012, 02:12 AM	#34
Alizarine Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Manila Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,185	Originally posted by Mistral75 Our long term strategy is towards FF while short term strategy is increasing line-up in APS-C segment. I wonder how long will be that long term strategy and when will we see its fruits but in any case, this interview contains really good info. Thanks to Mistral75 and leonsroar!

10-10-2012, 02:18 AM	#35
gazonk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oslo area, Norway Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,746	Originally posted by leonsroar <Information Source> http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/interview/20121010_564928.html <Rough Translation> Thanks! Quote: We are developing towards commercial productization and will definitely launch though, it is the matter of whether it makes sense or not for Pentax to produce similar FF SLR to others and slightly smaller & lighter FF Lenses than others. As to time frame, it is under advanced development towards 2013 or later. You can expect that. Well then, finally confirmed! Possibly even in 2013. Quote: We feel so honored that they are still targeting it as their benchmark but it was launched back in June, 2010. Needless to say we have been developing the successor. This is so exiting, although it will probably still be way out of my price range. I'm guessing we'll see it already at CP+ Quote: Even though there was possibility to bring FF into this segment, it was our conclusion that APS-C should be the utmost size for mirrorless segment. Since we already know the K-01 is a dead end, I think there might be a hint here that Pentax is working on APS-C mirrorless with a new mount. So they might end up with 4 mounts...? They've been there before, so why not...

10-10-2012, 03:07 AM	#37
gtl Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 349	FA limiteds on FF! Woo hoo! Now to hunt down that Voigtlander 125mm...

10-10-2012, 03:45 AM	#38
Clavius Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: De Klundert Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,150	LOL! It seems as if the same FF discussions are being held in the Pentax R&D department as those here on PF. FF or not, it's good to see them looking into expanding their product lineup. It will be interesting to see what they will come up with.

10-10-2012, 03:54 AM	#39
Caat Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: United Kingdom Photos: Albums Posts: 927	Interesting but nothing that a sensible person wouldn't have expected. The only remarkable piece of info is that they are investigating ways of adapting sensors to higher IQ in ways other than removing the AA filter.

10-10-2012, 04:16 AM - 1 Like	#40
froeschle Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Germany Photos: Gallery Posts: 552	Quote: [...] However, SLR [...] users have been seeking for better IQ even if only slightly. For this reason they would like to move forward to the largest sensor size which their lens-mount system accepts. [...] Our long term strategy is towards FF while short term strategy is increasing line-up in APS-C segment. [..] Back to FF [...] We are developing towards commercial production and will definitely launch though, [...] As to time frame, it is under advanced development towards 2013 or later. You can expect that. [...] Pentax just has officially announced that a FF DSLR is in the works and will be brought to series-production readiness... ...and this is your best expression of joy? I must say, I am a bit disappointed . You can do better than that. Try again !

10-10-2012, 05:40 AM	#41
Tonto Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wellington Posts: 969	I really enjoyed the responses to the questions posed, they are measured and make sense given the size of Pentax- I am willing to wait now now there is a clear sense of direction and development for the longterm- its REALLY good news that they are holding onto their niche categories of Q and 645D. Interesting times ahead thats for sure

10-10-2012, 05:45 AM	#42
LFLee Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,292	2013, Pentax FF. I think I will get a K5IIs first to see the power of no AA filter and the improved AF. Couldn't be more happy to hear this news.

10-10-2012, 05:49 AM	#43
Mistral75 Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Paris, France Posts: 7,527 Original Poster	Originally posted by LFLee 2013, Pentax FF. (...) Beware, the actual quote is Originally posted by leonsroar (...) targeting 2013 or later (...) And 2013 has to be understood as FY2013, which ends on March 30th, 2014. So the actual launch of Pentax 24x36 DSLR could well be CP+ 2014 (in February) or even Photokina 2014 (in September).

10-10-2012, 06:01 AM	#44
gazonk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oslo area, Norway Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,746	Originally posted by Mistral75 So the actual launch of Pentax 24x36 DSLR could well be CP+ 2014 (in February) or even Photokina 2014 (in September). Perfect. In June 2015 my K-5 will be 3 years old and I may be looking for a new body. The volunteer beta testers will then have provided ample evidence for me to make an informed decision. But I'm left with one small problem: DA15 and DA21 are high on my LBA list. Or they were. Now I'm not so sure about buying APS-C only lenses anymore...

10-10-2012, 06:04 AM	#45
ElJamoquio Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 4,873	Originally posted by jeffshaddix A non-bayer sensor would be welcome with me as well. That was an odd quote. InVisage perhaps? Or a coop with Sigma/foveon? You know...I remember reading a post saying Sigma was actively working on a FF foveon sensor. Hmmm... Edit: Reference: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/non-pentax-cameras-canon-nikon-etc/201084...-features.html Excerpt: A FF Foveon sounds great at first glance, but currently the Foveon's have wretched, wretched high ISO performance.