[Docrwm]

At some point one has to make a choice to believe or not believe what is said directly to one's face. (Well, on the internet it it is more to one's monitor, but you get my drift). I believe Ricoh believes Pentax can be the third major cull-line camera maker in the intermediate term. I believe #1 in 20 years is a meaningful Vision if foundational steps are taken today, but the time horizon is so long and future events so indeterminate that no one can really know if such is even possible.

I believe Pentax is attempting to earn access to some of Ricoh's capital, especially PRAC, but the task is beyond challenging - it is daunting. They will try. Success depends on execution.

Even if one does not believe Ricoh, there is the issue of their current gear. My K-5IIs is Brilliant, period. I have a good selection of lenses and really don't need anything more unless it were longer or a real Pentax TC. So, I have great gear, its working well, I have a solid range of lenses, and changing systems would improve AF speed but the cost would be exorbitant. So, I stay with Pentax and enjoy what I have while I wait and watch for developments.

[ElJamoquio]

My lenses would sell for more than I paid for them, personally, thanks to the price hikes through the years.

[jcdoss]

Even if one does not believe Ricoh, there is the issue of their current gear.

Ditto that. I switched to Pentax from Nikon for the smaller lenses and the chance to use Limited primes, which still exist. I need to pick up some more Limiteds, a 100 DFA WR, and the 200 DA* and I'll be set. Well, maybe if they'd bring out the TC everyone's waiting for, *then* I'll be set.

[wildimages]

Therein lies the entire risk to Pentax's future. (Damn you, Hoya).

I'll second that "Damn you, Hoya" comment.

[Uluru]

The mantra around here is, "be patient"...which is silly to me when other options exist right now which fit the bill.

Patience is a virtue. I'm still stuck to a K-7, but don't feel stuck; I simply don't want to bother with Nikon and Canon and their inferior camera experiences. To me a camera is more than a pile of latest technology. I can't use and refuse to use those CaNikon bricks'n'doughnuts. They're without soul.

[Sol Invictus]

Patience is a virtue. I'm still stuck to a K-7, but don't feel stuck; I simply don't want to bother with Nikon and Canon and their inferior camera experiences. To me a camera is more than a pile of latest technology. I can't use and refuse to use those CaNikon bricks'n'doughnuts. They're without soul.

You know your argument is finished when you fall back on "soul" in your dSLR. We're not even talking about a classic camera or a Leica, we're talking about a dSLR. Sheesh.

And now Canon and Nikon make brick'n' doughnuts? There is recognizing the strengths of Pentax cameras and then there is being delusional.

[Uluru]

You know your argument is finished when you fall back on "soul" in your dSLR. We're not even talking about a classic camera or a Leica, we're talking about a dSLR. Sheesh.

And now Canon and Nikon make brick'n' doughnuts? There is recognizing the strengths of Pentax cameras and then there is being delusional.

If you're new to the neighbourhood, there is a statement that is older than many PF members here: "Just hold Pentax". Not a joke, a real thing.

It's not a delusional quality; it is quite subtle, and is not related with any specific technology. I'd say, rather with kind of thinking, with artistry.
Say, what differentiates a painting by Leonardo da Vinci and a painting by some other painter(s), who may be much more prolific and wealthier? Finally, they use same material, but something Leonardo has in his mind and the other guy(s) don't.

Yes, there is also such thing as a classic rangefinder, classic SLR, etc. I like both Pentax and Leica. Those are only two camera manufacturers I'd ever consider and those were only cameras I ever owned with pride. For DSLRs Pentax, for rangefinders Leica. I had Fuji for a short while, and got rid of it — it was a half-baked rangefinder-looking bagel, not a camera.

[ElJamoquio]

You know your argument is finished when you fall back on "soul" in your dSLR. We're not even talking about a classic camera or a Leica, we're talking about a dSLR. Sheesh.

And now Canon and Nikon make brick'n' doughnuts? There is recognizing the strengths of Pentax cameras and then there is being delusional.

I own a D600.

A Pentax helps you take pictures, other brands you wrestle into compliance.

[Sol Invictus]

It's pointless arguing with the Believers...

[Wired]

I own a D600.

A Pentax helps you take pictures, other brands you wrestle into compliance.

I agree. My D600 fights me and is no where as enjoyable to use as my K5

[monochrome]

You know your argument is finished when you fall back on "soul" in your dSLR. We're not even talking about a classic camera or a Leica, we're talking about a dSLR. Sheesh.

And now Canon and Nikon make brick'n' doughnuts? There is recognizing the strengths of Pentax cameras and then there is being delusional.

If you're new to the neighbourhood, there is a statement that is older than many PF members here: "Just hold Pentax". Not a joke, a real thing.

It's not a delusional quality; it is quite subtle, and is not related with any specific technology. I'd say, rather with kind of thinking, with artistry.
Say, what differentiates a painting by Leonardo da Vinci and a painting by some other painter(s), who may be much more prolific and wealthier? Finally, they use same material, but something Leonardo has in his mind and the other guy(s) don't.

Yes, there is also such thing as a classic rangefinder, classic SLR, etc. I like both Pentax and Leica. Those are only two camera manufacturers I'd ever consider and those were only cameras I ever owned with pride. For DSLRs Pentax, for rangefinders Leica. I had Fuji for a short while, and got rid of it — it was a half-baked rangefinder-looking bagel, not a camera.

I own a D600.

A Pentax helps you take pictures, other brands you wrestle into compliance.

Many, many members here have held Pentax SLR and dSLR cameras manufactured over generations, starting I guess with those from the 50's. I've bought and sold most of the models over the last 15 years just to try them, as well as the signature Nikon and Canon SLR's and a dSLR or two.

Pentaxes have been and are different.

[bossa]

I've owned a K2, LX and MX from the film days and had K-5's an K-01 and two D800E's. I'm thinking about selling one of the D800's because the damned things are too heavy to walk around with all day.. I could easily walk around with 2 K-5's and a K-01 all day however. It's also scary having so much money hanging off of you (Nikon) walking around by yourself. I've always had a emotional response to Pentax though but none of the other brands.

[junyo]

It's pointless arguing with the Believers...

If you don't believe them, just look at how few professional photographers - people that make their living with a camera - use cheap, hard to use nonsense like Canon or Nikon. Who needs modern features when you've got soul. Sidelines, press boxes, and studios the world over are filled with Pentaxes, since once people hold them one time it's like an epic, life changing experience, and they can never go back to those soulless plastic lumps. I think the new marketing strategy should just be going around and pressing cameras against people's skin to get the cosmic karma process started. Totally will increase market share.

[cali92rs]

I had a Nikon D90...I never had to wrestle with it and found the ergonomics top notch. I am sure you can find many other nikonians that feel the same way about their camera. My point is that people get objective and subjective qualities mixed up.

[Wired]

I had a Nikon D90...I never had to wrestle with it and found the ergonomics top notch. I am sure you can find many other nikonians that feel the same way about their camera. My point is that people get objective and subjective qualities mixed up.

The ergonomics are very similar between the 600 and the k5 in my opinion. The difference is the lack of contrast Nikon has compared to Pentax. I find that the images are flat in terms of color, but more depth and 3d like elements to the iimages.

The other concern for me is some of the button placement (iso) and features of the 600 vs K5. Ie 1/8000" and a front facing IR port for example. I also find the grip too shallow. But other people love it.