Originally posted by monochrome
They aren't stupid and they aren't vain. They're doing what their market research tells them will yield the highest profit over the intermediate term. If the Pentax brand had such powerful, magic cache' they would have released the Pentax GR. Pentax doesn't have positive brand recognition any more. It means nothing outside our little community.
Pentax destroyed the brand from the inside all by itself, starting in 1988. Just look at the crappy, ugly, plastic products!! Sure - there was a gem in there every once in a while, but most of the time they exploited their history at our expense. FA-J lenses??? HAHAHAH!! Dealer support?? They should sell us because we're Pentax. I swear, I know 2 retired former Pentax Reps who went to Canon in the 80's and I know why.
Aside from the K10D what has Pentax done in the last 15 years???
The K3. And that's at least half Ricoh.
Hoya merely consumed the entrails.
I don't like it - but blaming Ricoh doesn't do anyone any good.
I do care. Unfortunately there aren't enough people like me left in the world to keep the brand name relevant and marketable, and certainly not enough between 25 and 54. Today doesn't really matter. 2024 matters, when today's 25-44 are 35-54.
Pentax is K-nmount, Q and 645. Forget about Ricoh around the edges. Pentax as a brand is the money shot.
Mono...Pentax outside of our little cache gets me the following comments when I am out and about.
"Pentax, my first camera was a Pentax".
"Pentax, they make great cameras, I didn't know of the K**"
"Wow, this Pentax feels GREAT".
"Those pictures..did they come from a Nikon?..Pentax? Wow!"
"Those pictures..did they come from a Canon?..Pentax? Wow!"
Everywhere I go, I get positive comments about Pentax.
So whatever "market research" you are quoting is wrong. Plain wrong.
Maybe in your neck of the woods.
Again and again, so many people want Pentaxians to roll over and give up.
It won't happen that way.
Sometimes Mono, I wonder if you are a paid Ricoh person.
Did they give you some promo material?
A free camera? Lens maybe?
I have seen a few Pentaxians with little "gifts", and their loyalty can be bought, mine can't.
Have you never fought for something solely based on passion?
Fight along side us, if you believe in Pentax.
Don't keep making excuses for Ricoh.