HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mmF4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE

totsmuyco · 10-16-2016, 01:03 AM

Originally posted by BigMackCam

I visited the Digital Splash show in Liverpool yesterday, and spoke to Ricoh's representatives. Apparently, there are no plans to discontinue the screw-drive 55-300 as Ricoh recognises the need to continue support for KAF3-mount users, and because it has been one of it's (quote) "best selling lenses"

I agree, but we also need an upgrade on our old lenses. Maybe a FF version with better AF would be a good upgrade path for both APS-C and FF users. More like hitting 2 birds with one stone. Of course, the price will be higher.

I'm also wishing for an 80-400 APS-C dedicated lens with the aperture lever of course. Just wishing out loud. I hope Ricoh hears it.

Zygonyx · 10-16-2016, 02:02 AM

If they want the new PLM version to keep "best sales", they'd better increase K-AF4 body compatibility...
Things are as simple as that...

**BigMackCam** · 10-16-2016, 02:19 AM

Originally posted by Zygonyx

If they want the new PLM version to keep "best sales", they'd better increase K-AF4 body compatibility...
Things are as simple as that...

I don't think it matters if the specific lens model continues to be a best seller... what matters is the total number of lenses sold. Introduction of the new PLM model will simply shift many of the sales away from the old model.

I tried the new PLM version on a K-70 at the show, and it's a really nice little lens with very fast, precise and quiet focusing

FantasticMrFox · 10-16-2016, 04:07 AM

Originally posted by BigMackCam

I don't think it matters if the specific lens model continues to be a best seller... what matters is the total number of lenses sold.

That's what he was talking about - total number of lenses sold will decrease, because many camera models are not compatible with the new lens (e.g. K3, K50, K5 II ...) and owners of these bodies will not be able to buy the new lens. So if at the same time Pentax ceases sales of the older HD screw-drive version, then total lens sales for 55-300 lenses will fall.

Zygonyx · 10-16-2016, 04:42 AM

Need some threatening statistics ?

Click below :

Lens Sales continuous drop

I guess many of us will better understand why independent opticians are reluctant to diversify their product adaptation.... e.g. in K-mount...

And why Ricoh should do even more than it does, to sell the few albeit excellent lenses it produces or OEM under the Pentax brand...

**BigMackCam** · 10-16-2016, 06:08 AM

Originally posted by FantasticMrFox

That's what he was talking about - total number of lenses sold will decrease, because many camera models are not compatible with the new lens (e.g. K3, K50, K5 II ...) and owners of these bodies will not be able to buy the new lens. So if at the same time Pentax ceases sales of the older HD screw-drive version, then total lens sales for 55-300 lenses will fall.

But they're not going to stop supplying the old version, according to the rep from Ricoh. So, now there are two lenses available... one that the KAF4 camera owners will likely buy, and the other that KAF3 camera owners will buy. The same number of 55-300 lenses will be sold, I think - it's just those sales will be split across the screw-drive and PLM models.

**BigMackCam** · 10-16-2016, 06:10 AM

Originally posted by Zygonyx

Need some threatening statistics ?

Click below :

Lens Sales continuous drop

I guess many of us will better understand why independent opticians are reluctant to diversify their product adaptation.... e.g. in K-mount...

And why Ricoh should do even more than it does, to sell the few albeit excellent lenses it produces or OEM under the Pentax brand...

That's interesting, but I don't understand the relevance to the 55-300 screw-drive and PLM lenses... or is this a separate point that I'm missing?

Zygonyx · 10-16-2016, 07:28 AM

The only point is to show that in a schrinking market, it would be cost-stupid for RI to maintain 2 models of 55-300mm.

Hence my doubt that the british RI representative has got it right, and my renewed demand for extended K-AF4 compatibility.

**BigMackCam** · 10-16-2016, 07:42 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Zygonyx

The only point is to show that in a schrinking market, it would be cost-stupid for RI to maintain 2 models of 55-300mm.

Hence my doubt that the british RI representative has got it right, and my renewed demand for extended K-AF4 compatibility.

I think we'll just have to agree to differ

The way I see it (and it's just my opinion), Ricoh would almost certainly add KAF4 capability to other cameras such as the K-3 if it was easily able to, as that would allow it to drop production of the screw-drive 55-300 and concentrate on selling the new PLM model. As it stands, with only certain cameras KAF4 compatible, Ricoh is better off financially by continuing to offer both models side-by-side until demand for the screw-drive version tails off - at which point it will no doubt stop production. I'm sure this has been carefully thought through

normhead · 10-16-2016, 08:26 AM

I satisfied my demand for KAF4 compatibility by buying a KAF4 compatible camera. It just seems like the sensible thing to do. All current models K-70 (entry) K-3II (flagship APS-c) and K-1 (flagship) support KAF4, so I'm not sure what you are demanding here. So, after their next upgrade cycle, everyone will have a KAF4 camera.. except for those who upgrade in the second hand market, or the bargain basement bins where they sell the older models like the K-50.

MBT74 · 10-16-2016, 08:31 AM

It's good to hear that the older model is not discontinued. But having said that, every Australian shop I've asked (including dcexpert which I thought was CR Kennedy) has said that Pentax won't send them one if a customer placed an order. Maybe Pentax Australia doesn't sell enough here to warrant shipping more out here but markets like the US, UK etc will continued to be supplied.

Zygonyx · 10-16-2016, 10:07 AM

Originally posted by BigMackCam

I think we'll just have to agree to differ

The way I see it (and it's just my opinion), Ricoh would almost certainly add KAF4 capability to other cameras such as the K-3 if it was easily able to, as that would allow it to drop production of the screw-drive 55-300 and concentrate on selling the new PLM model. As it stands, with only certain cameras KAF4 compatible, Ricoh is better off financially by continuing to offer both models side-by-side until demand for the screw-drive version tails off - at which point it will no doubt stop production. I'm sure this has been carefully thought through

I would agree if we knew the old version inventories.
Apparently in some aereas they are close to nil.
But time will tell...

---------- Post added 16-10-16 at 10:08 ----------

Originally posted by normhead

I satisfied my demand for KAF4 compatibility by buying a KAF4 compatible camera. It just seems like the sensible thing to do. All current models K-70 (entry) K-3II (flagship APS-c) and K-1 (flagship) support KAF4, so I'm not sure what you are demanding here. So, after their next upgrade cycle, everyone will have a KAF4 camera.. except for those who upgrade in the second hand market, or the bargain basement bins where they sell the older models like the K-50.

I had by chance bought K-S1, so have no problem per se.
But personal situations don't forbid anyone to think more globally.
And the answer given by RI on K-3 non K-AF4 compatibility didn't sound fair...

normhead · 10-16-2016, 10:22 AM

Originally posted by Zygonyx

I would agree if we knew the old version inventories.
Apparently in some aereas they are close to nil.
But time will tell...

---------- Post added 16-10-16 at 10:08 ----------

I had by chance bought K-S1, so have no problem per se.
But personal situations don't forbid anyone to think more globally.
And the answer given by RI on K-3 non K-AF4 compatibility didn't sound fair...

Except sometimes trying to think globally invents situations that don't and never will exist. I'm willing to entertain the idea that someday someone who does have aKAF4 camera will buy the lens, in fact I think it already happened once... but hopefully most of us are paying attention.

Zygonyx · 10-16-2016, 11:46 AM

I think not everybody has the means to buy both the new lens and the new K-70,K-S2 or K-3II.
Happy you if you did.

Furthermore, one of our members has been shipped the new lens, whereas he ordered the old one.
I was told the old lens wasn't anymore available in Australia.

An other member was told in the UK the old 55-300 was such a good selling lens, that it would be kept in Pentax's catalogue.

Those 3 points are not science fiction, are they ?

So, in short it seems again, that RI/their distributors are messing things up for some of their customers.

**BigMackCam** · 10-16-2016, 12:01 PM

Originally posted by Zygonyx

So, in short it seems again, that RI/their distributors are messing things up for some of their customers.

Have you tried e-mailing Ricoh Imaging to explain that there are mixed messages about the screw-drive lens and ask if it will continue to be available for the foreseeable future?

10-16-2016, 04:42 AM	#545
Zygonyx Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ile de France Posts: 4,032	Need some threatening statistics ? Click below : Lens Sales continuous drop I guess many of us will better understand why independent opticians are reluctant to diversify their product adaptation.... e.g. in K-mount... And why Ricoh should do even more than it does, to sell the few albeit excellent lenses it produces or OEM under the Pentax brand... Last edited by Zygonyx; 10-16-2016 at 04:49 AM.

10-16-2016, 10:07 AM	#552
Zygonyx Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ile de France Posts: 4,032	Originally posted by BigMackCam I think we'll just have to agree to differ The way I see it (and it's just my opinion), Ricoh would almost certainly add KAF4 capability to other cameras such as the K-3 if it was easily able to, as that would allow it to drop production of the screw-drive 55-300 and concentrate on selling the new PLM model. As it stands, with only certain cameras KAF4 compatible, Ricoh is better off financially by continuing to offer both models side-by-side until demand for the screw-drive version tails off - at which point it will no doubt stop production. I'm sure this has been carefully thought through I would agree if we knew the old version inventories. Apparently in some aereas they are close to nil. But time will tell... ---------- Post added 16-10-16 at 10:08 ---------- Originally posted by normhead I satisfied my demand for KAF4 compatibility by buying a KAF4 compatible camera. It just seems like the sensible thing to do. All current models K-70 (entry) K-3II (flagship APS-c) and K-1 (flagship) support KAF4, so I'm not sure what you are demanding here. So, after their next upgrade cycle, everyone will have a KAF4 camera.. except for those who upgrade in the second hand market, or the bargain basement bins where they sell the older models like the K-50. I had by chance bought K-S1, so have no problem per se. But personal situations don't forbid anyone to think more globally. And the answer given by RI on K-3 non K-AF4 compatibility didn't sound fair... Last edited by Zygonyx; 10-16-2016 at 10:13 AM.

10-16-2016, 11:46 AM	#554
Zygonyx Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ile de France Posts: 4,032	I think not everybody has the means to buy both the new lens and the new K-70,K-S2 or K-3II. Happy you if you did. Furthermore, one of our members has been shipped the new lens, whereas he ordered the old one. I was told the old lens wasn't anymore available in Australia. An other member was told in the UK the old 55-300 was such a good selling lens, that it would be kept in Pentax's catalogue. Those 3 points are not science fiction, are they ? So, in short it seems again, that RI/their distributors are messing things up for some of their customers. Last edited by Zygonyx; 10-16-2016 at 11:53 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
HD PENTAX-DA 18-50mm F4-5.6 DC WR RE	D1N0	Pentax News and Rumors	167	04-09-2015 10:03 PM
Pentax HD 55-300mm f4-5.8 ED WR lens: recognizing issue in Lightroom 5.6	lavie	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	2	09-10-2014 05:24 AM
For Sale - Sold: HD PENTAX-DA 1:4-5.8 55-300mm ED WR 55-300 (price reduced)	transam879	Sold Items	6	07-15-2014 06:05 PM

10-16-2016, 01:03 AM	#541
totsmuyco Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Iloilo City Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,276	Originally posted by BigMackCam I visited the Digital Splash show in Liverpool yesterday, and spoke to Ricoh's representatives. Apparently, there are no plans to discontinue the screw-drive 55-300 as Ricoh recognises the need to continue support for KAF3-mount users, and because it has been one of it's (quote) "best selling lenses" I agree, but we also need an upgrade on our old lenses. Maybe a FF version with better AF would be a good upgrade path for both APS-C and FF users. More like hitting 2 birds with one stone. Of course, the price will be higher. I'm also wishing for an 80-400 APS-C dedicated lens with the aperture lever of course. Just wishing out loud. I hope Ricoh hears it.

10-16-2016, 02:02 AM	#542
Zygonyx Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ile de France Posts: 4,032	If they want the new PLM version to keep "best sales", they'd better increase K-AF4 body compatibility... Things are as simple as that...

10-16-2016, 02:19 AM	#543
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,660	Originally posted by Zygonyx If they want the new PLM version to keep "best sales", they'd better increase K-AF4 body compatibility... Things are as simple as that... I don't think it matters if the specific lens model continues to be a best seller... what matters is the total number of lenses sold. Introduction of the new PLM model will simply shift many of the sales away from the old model. I tried the new PLM version on a K-70 at the show, and it's a really nice little lens with very fast, precise and quiet focusing

10-16-2016, 04:07 AM	#544
FantasticMrFox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Munich Posts: 2,339	Originally posted by BigMackCam I don't think it matters if the specific lens model continues to be a best seller... what matters is the total number of lenses sold. That's what he was talking about - total number of lenses sold will decrease, because many camera models are not compatible with the new lens (e.g. K3, K50, K5 II ...) and owners of these bodies will not be able to buy the new lens. So if at the same time Pentax ceases sales of the older HD screw-drive version, then total lens sales for 55-300 lenses will fall.

10-16-2016, 06:08 AM	#546
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,660	Originally posted by FantasticMrFox That's what he was talking about - total number of lenses sold will decrease, because many camera models are not compatible with the new lens (e.g. K3, K50, K5 II ...) and owners of these bodies will not be able to buy the new lens. So if at the same time Pentax ceases sales of the older HD screw-drive version, then total lens sales for 55-300 lenses will fall. But they're not going to stop supplying the old version, according to the rep from Ricoh. So, now there are two lenses available... one that the KAF4 camera owners will likely buy, and the other that KAF3 camera owners will buy. The same number of 55-300 lenses will be sold, I think - it's just those sales will be split across the screw-drive and PLM models.

10-16-2016, 06:10 AM	#547
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,660	Originally posted by Zygonyx Need some threatening statistics ? Click below : Lens Sales continuous drop I guess many of us will better understand why independent opticians are reluctant to diversify their product adaptation.... e.g. in K-mount... And why Ricoh should do even more than it does, to sell the few albeit excellent lenses it produces or OEM under the Pentax brand... That's interesting, but I don't understand the relevance to the 55-300 screw-drive and PLM lenses... or is this a separate point that I'm missing?

10-16-2016, 07:28 AM	#548
Zygonyx Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ile de France Posts: 4,032	The only point is to show that in a schrinking market, it would be cost-stupid for RI to maintain 2 models of 55-300mm. Hence my doubt that the british RI representative has got it right, and my renewed demand for extended K-AF4 compatibility.

10-16-2016, 07:42 AM - 1 Like	#549
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,660	Originally posted by Zygonyx The only point is to show that in a schrinking market, it would be cost-stupid for RI to maintain 2 models of 55-300mm. Hence my doubt that the british RI representative has got it right, and my renewed demand for extended K-AF4 compatibility. I think we'll just have to agree to differ The way I see it (and it's just my opinion), Ricoh would almost certainly add KAF4 capability to other cameras such as the K-3 if it was easily able to, as that would allow it to drop production of the screw-drive 55-300 and concentrate on selling the new PLM model. As it stands, with only certain cameras KAF4 compatible, Ricoh is better off financially by continuing to offer both models side-by-side until demand for the screw-drive version tails off - at which point it will no doubt stop production. I'm sure this has been carefully thought through

10-16-2016, 08:26 AM	#550
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	I satisfied my demand for KAF4 compatibility by buying a KAF4 compatible camera. It just seems like the sensible thing to do. All current models K-70 (entry) K-3II (flagship APS-c) and K-1 (flagship) support KAF4, so I'm not sure what you are demanding here. So, after their next upgrade cycle, everyone will have a KAF4 camera.. except for those who upgrade in the second hand market, or the bargain basement bins where they sell the older models like the K-50.

10-16-2016, 08:31 AM	#551
MBT74 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 135	It's good to hear that the older model is not discontinued. But having said that, every Australian shop I've asked (including dcexpert which I thought was CR Kennedy) has said that Pentax won't send them one if a customer placed an order. Maybe Pentax Australia doesn't sell enough here to warrant shipping more out here but markets like the US, UK etc will continued to be supplied.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

10-16-2016, 10:22 AM	#553
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by Zygonyx I would agree if we knew the old version inventories. Apparently in some aereas they are close to nil. But time will tell... ---------- Post added 16-10-16 at 10:08 ---------- I had by chance bought K-S1, so have no problem per se. But personal situations don't forbid anyone to think more globally. And the answer given by RI on K-3 non K-AF4 compatibility didn't sound fair... Except sometimes trying to think globally invents situations that don't and never will exist. I'm willing to entertain the idea that someday someone who does have aKAF4 camera will buy the lens, in fact I think it already happened once... but hopefully most of us are paying attention.

10-16-2016, 12:01 PM	#555
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,660	Originally posted by Zygonyx So, in short it seems again, that RI/their distributors are messing things up for some of their customers. Have you tried e-mailing Ricoh Imaging to explain that there are mixed messages about the screw-drive lens and ask if it will continue to be available for the foreseeable future?