Pentax forum questions for Ricoh at Photokina

RonHendriks1966 · 08-17-2014, 08:26 AM

Originally posted by JimmyDranox

When Canon is coming wirh a new multilayer dual pixel sensor, when Sony has already three FF,and the fourth is on the way,, and others are making a lot of steps to new and innovative product, a change of the mount will be a one way ticket to other, more dynamic makers for many Pentax users.

I was talking about updating the K-mount to a full electronic mount (for new lenses) while keeping old lenses compatible. So not a new mount, but the next version K-mount KAF4.

thibs · 08-17-2014, 08:36 AM

Originally posted by RonHendriks1966

I was talking about updating the K-mount to a full electronic mount (for new lenses) while keeping old lenses compatible. So not a new mount, but the next version K-mount KAF4.

They also could (may they never do that) only use digital pin, disable completely the usual old contacts and those hypothetical new full frame lenses would *completely* unusable on any older Pentax cameras (Super/ProgramA, Z, P, MZ, SF...).
Just another example of cost cutting.

Na Horuk · 08-17-2014, 09:21 AM

I think the K-mount is central to Pentax, so whatever they do with it, they shouldn't cut corners. People already complained about the current version being "crippled." Compatibility should be their number one priority, and with modern technology, this should be doable. And the mount is "cheap", because all of their cameras will use it, will be based around it. Being cheap with the camera mount causes a lot of discomfort and saves very little money to the producer

Kunzite · 08-17-2014, 09:30 AM

Originally posted by JimmyDranox

I think (hope) that Ron is talking only theoretically about a mount change.

As I said before, IMO, Pentax don't need a new mount, but new lenses. A lot of them. And new cameras. And better, a new strategy, more dynamic, even aggressive, in developing new product. Now, there are more than 3 years since Ricoh bought Pentax, and Ricoh is a very powerful enterprise. So, lack of money, integrations, and other reasons, can no longer be a serious problem. The only problem can be the managing vision. But, I am still optimistic. We have a month until Photokina, and we will see if there is a change, not of the mount, but of their attitude.

I'm sure he does (but I'll let Ron confirm). The discussion is hypothetical - can the K-mount become a mount capable of fully-electronic operation? All that's missing is the aperture control. If it would become necessary (my point wasn't about cost reduction, but technical reasons - perhaps finer, quieter aperture control), I'm sure the K-mount could make this step. But, I don't need this; the mechanical linkage works quite well.
And from the response given at CP+, I understand they don't see a technical issue with the mechanical linkage.

Regarding new lenses, that's a different issue - and in this case we can see an "immediate" need. I don't like speculating, but it doesn't seems realistic that Pentax would launch only one K-mount optical product this year (i.e. the converter).

RonHendriks1966 · 08-17-2014, 09:34 AM

Originally posted by thibs

They also could (may they never do that) only use digital pin, disable completely the usual old contacts and those hypothetical new full frame lenses would *completely* unusable on any older Pentax cameras (Super/ProgramA, Z, P, MZ, SF...).
Just another example of cost cutting.

Originally posted by Na Horuk

I think the K-mount is central to Pentax, so whatever they do with it, they shouldn't cut corners. People already complained about the current version being "crippled." Compatibility should be their number one priority, and with modern technology, this should be doable. And the mount is "cheap", because all of their cameras will use it, will be based around it. Being cheap with the camera mount causes a lot of discomfort and saves very little money to the producer

Lenses like 17-70, 55 and 60-250 are already not completely compatable with older camera's, since they only have SDM for AF and no screwdriven AF. So it is not completely new. Important is that old lenses can be used on the new camera's. New lenses are then only fully functional on those new camera's. Takes time, but then we all have those new camera's.

thibs · 08-17-2014, 11:21 AM

Originally posted by RonHendriks1966

Lenses like 17-70, 55 and 60-250 are already not completely compatable with older camera's, since they only have SDM for AF and no screwdriven AF. So it is not completely new. Important is that old lenses can be used on the new camera's. New lenses are then only fully functional on those new camera's. Takes time, but then we all have those new camera's.

Sure but you still can use them manually.
If they remove the contacts there's nothing anymore: Z should be OK, SF to be checked, MZ should be OK, Super/Program/P series are out even manual focus.
Of course, those aperture ringless lenses are already unusable on older cams (K and M series) and partially usable/unusable (depends how you see things) : P and Tv only with SuperA, MZ-5/MZ-3/MZ-S

Personally, I don't give a cent about AF when working with analog so the SDM not working is no issue at all. I don't miss AF on my Wista either

Uluru · 08-17-2014, 07:15 PM

No changes to the K-mount. Pretty please. It is bad enough we cannot use DA lenses on old bodies, including film bodies, because they don't change aperture electronically.

**jpzk** · 08-17-2014, 08:03 PM

Too lazy to read through the entire thread ....

Has anyone addressed the "floppy-flappy mirror syndrome" inherent to the K3 as a potential question?

Cheers!

mee · 08-17-2014, 09:30 PM

Originally posted by jpzk

Too lazy to read through the entire thread ....

Has anyone addressed the "floppy-flappy mirror syndrome" inherent to the K3 as a potential question?

Cheers!

I think it might have been between the suggestions of 'Ask them about FF' and 'Don't ask them about FF.'

**clackers** · 08-17-2014, 10:50 PM

Originally posted by RonHendriks1966

Lenses like 17-70, 55 and 60-250 are already not completely compatable with older camera's, since they only have SDM for AF and no screwdriven AF.

They do have screwdriven AF, Ron, but not by default.

HawaiianOnline · 08-17-2014, 11:12 PM

Well, it didn't take long for this thread to completey and totally derail...

Fogel70 · 08-18-2014, 12:01 AM

Originally posted by clackers

They do have screwdriven AF, Ron, but not by default.

It's only the first few SDM lenses that has both screw-drive and SDM. Later SDM (and DC) lenses lack screw-drive.

**clackers** · 08-18-2014, 12:35 AM

Originally posted by Fogel70

It's only the first few SDM lenses that has both screw-drive and SDM. Later SDM (and DC) lenses lack screw-drive.

Ah, thanks for making that distinction, Fogel!

RonHendriks1966 · 08-18-2014, 01:05 AM

Originally posted by clackers

They do have screwdriven AF, Ron, but not by default.

Well I was thinking, but at least 55mm and 17-70 only have SDM. No screwdriving in those lenses. About 60-250 I'm not totaly sure.

gaddigad · 08-18-2014, 01:58 AM

Or what's wrong with yellow, anyway?
Happen to be looking (right now) at the current cover photo of this site, why do all recent Pentax photos have that sickly-bluish cold tone?

08-18-2014, 01:58 AM	#150
gaddigad Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 48	Hoya's / Ricoh's colour gamut Or what's wrong with yellow, anyway? Happen to be looking (right now) at the current cover photo of this site, why do all recent Pentax photos have that sickly-bluish cold tone?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Pentax Interview at Photokina - Posted	Adam	Pentax News and Rumors	182	10-12-2012 04:35 PM
Lula's take on Pentax at Photokina	solar1	Photographic Industry and Professionals	14	09-26-2012 05:15 AM
Pentax Ricoh Photokina 2012 Interview Update	Adam	Pentax News and Rumors	31	09-22-2012 09:10 AM
Tilt-Shift/Panorama solution for K-mount found at Photokina	Light-in-Focus	Pentax News and Rumors	8	09-21-2012 09:22 AM
EVIL Camera at Photokina for Pentax ?	wll	Pentax News and Rumors	19	09-11-2010 06:22 PM

08-17-2014, 08:26 AM	#136
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	Originally posted by JimmyDranox When Canon is coming wirh a new multilayer dual pixel sensor, when Sony has already three FF,and the fourth is on the way,, and others are making a lot of steps to new and innovative product, a change of the mount will be a one way ticket to other, more dynamic makers for many Pentax users. I was talking about updating the K-mount to a full electronic mount (for new lenses) while keeping old lenses compatible. So not a new mount, but the next version K-mount KAF4.

08-17-2014, 08:36 AM	#137
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	Originally posted by RonHendriks1966 I was talking about updating the K-mount to a full electronic mount (for new lenses) while keeping old lenses compatible. So not a new mount, but the next version K-mount KAF4. They also could (may they never do that) only use digital pin, disable completely the usual old contacts and those hypothetical new full frame lenses would completely unusable on any older Pentax cameras (Super/ProgramA, Z, P, MZ, SF...). Just another example of cost cutting.

08-17-2014, 09:21 AM	#138
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	I think the K-mount is central to Pentax, so whatever they do with it, they shouldn't cut corners. People already complained about the current version being "crippled." Compatibility should be their number one priority, and with modern technology, this should be doable. And the mount is "cheap", because all of their cameras will use it, will be based around it. Being cheap with the camera mount causes a lot of discomfort and saves very little money to the producer

08-17-2014, 09:30 AM	#139
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Originally posted by JimmyDranox I think (hope) that Ron is talking only theoretically about a mount change. As I said before, IMO, Pentax don't need a new mount, but new lenses. A lot of them. And new cameras. And better, a new strategy, more dynamic, even aggressive, in developing new product. Now, there are more than 3 years since Ricoh bought Pentax, and Ricoh is a very powerful enterprise. So, lack of money, integrations, and other reasons, can no longer be a serious problem. The only problem can be the managing vision. But, I am still optimistic. We have a month until Photokina, and we will see if there is a change, not of the mount, but of their attitude. I'm sure he does (but I'll let Ron confirm). The discussion is hypothetical - can the K-mount become a mount capable of fully-electronic operation? All that's missing is the aperture control. If it would become necessary (my point wasn't about cost reduction, but technical reasons - perhaps finer, quieter aperture control), I'm sure the K-mount could make this step. But, I don't need this; the mechanical linkage works quite well. And from the response given at CP+, I understand they don't see a technical issue with the mechanical linkage. Regarding new lenses, that's a different issue - and in this case we can see an "immediate" need. I don't like speculating, but it doesn't seems realistic that Pentax would launch only one K-mount optical product this year (i.e. the converter).

08-17-2014, 09:34 AM	#140
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	Originally posted by thibs They also could (may they never do that) only use digital pin, disable completely the usual old contacts and those hypothetical new full frame lenses would completely unusable on any older Pentax cameras (Super/ProgramA, Z, P, MZ, SF...). Just another example of cost cutting. Originally posted by Na Horuk I think the K-mount is central to Pentax, so whatever they do with it, they shouldn't cut corners. People already complained about the current version being "crippled." Compatibility should be their number one priority, and with modern technology, this should be doable. And the mount is "cheap", because all of their cameras will use it, will be based around it. Being cheap with the camera mount causes a lot of discomfort and saves very little money to the producer Lenses like 17-70, 55 and 60-250 are already not completely compatable with older camera's, since they only have SDM for AF and no screwdriven AF. So it is not completely new. Important is that old lenses can be used on the new camera's. New lenses are then only fully functional on those new camera's. Takes time, but then we all have those new camera's.

08-17-2014, 11:21 AM	#141
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	Originally posted by RonHendriks1966 Lenses like 17-70, 55 and 60-250 are already not completely compatable with older camera's, since they only have SDM for AF and no screwdriven AF. So it is not completely new. Important is that old lenses can be used on the new camera's. New lenses are then only fully functional on those new camera's. Takes time, but then we all have those new camera's. Sure but you still can use them manually. If they remove the contacts there's nothing anymore: Z should be OK, SF to be checked, MZ should be OK, Super/Program/P series are out even manual focus. Of course, those aperture ringless lenses are already unusable on older cams (K and M series) and partially usable/unusable (depends how you see things) : P and Tv only with SuperA, MZ-5/MZ-3/MZ-S Personally, I don't give a cent about AF when working with analog so the SDM not working is no issue at all. I don't miss AF on my Wista either

08-17-2014, 07:15 PM	#142
Uluru Banned Join Date: May 2010 Location: Back to my Walkabout Creek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,535	No changes to the K-mount. Pretty please. It is bad enough we cannot use DA lenses on old bodies, including film bodies, because they don't change aperture electronically.

08-17-2014, 08:03 PM	#143
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251	Too lazy to read through the entire thread .... Has anyone addressed the "floppy-flappy mirror syndrome" inherent to the K3 as a potential question? Cheers!

08-17-2014, 09:30 PM	#144
mee Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 7,403	Originally posted by jpzk Too lazy to read through the entire thread .... Has anyone addressed the "floppy-flappy mirror syndrome" inherent to the K3 as a potential question? Cheers! I think it might have been between the suggestions of 'Ask them about FF' and 'Don't ask them about FF.'

08-17-2014, 10:50 PM	#145
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by RonHendriks1966 Lenses like 17-70, 55 and 60-250 are already not completely compatable with older camera's, since they only have SDM for AF and no screwdriven AF. They do have screwdriven AF, Ron, but not by default.

08-17-2014, 11:12 PM	#146
HawaiianOnline Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hawaii Posts: 613	Well, it didn't take long for this thread to completey and totally derail...

08-18-2014, 12:01 AM	#147
Fogel70 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Photos: Albums Posts: 3,062	Originally posted by clackers They do have screwdriven AF, Ron, but not by default. It's only the first few SDM lenses that has both screw-drive and SDM. Later SDM (and DC) lenses lack screw-drive.

08-18-2014, 12:35 AM	#148
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by Fogel70 It's only the first few SDM lenses that has both screw-drive and SDM. Later SDM (and DC) lenses lack screw-drive. Ah, thanks for making that distinction, Fogel!

08-18-2014, 01:05 AM	#149
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	Originally posted by clackers They do have screwdriven AF, Ron, but not by default. Well I was thinking, but at least 55mm and 17-70 only have SDM. No screwdriving in those lenses. About 60-250 I'm not totaly sure.