Ricoh official update the K-mount roadmap

mee · 02-27-2017, 04:23 PM

Originally posted by FantasticMrFox

That's how you give a proper interview:

CP+ 2017 - Sigma interview: 'We?ve learned that some customers require exceptional lens performance': Digital Photography Review

Sigma sends one person (the CEO, none less) and gives a lot of information (like that they are planning native E-mount lenses), Ricoh sends four and says practically nothing.

Why even bother interviewing them ...

The issue isn't entirely the interviewee but of the interviewer. The questions the PF interviewer provided were very pointed and direct.. 20 questions interrogation style. The questions the DPR interviewer provided were more friendly... as if it was a discussion between two people.

Kunzite · 02-27-2017, 04:28 PM

Yes, but it's our questions.

mee · 02-27-2017, 04:31 PM

Could (Should) have fluffed them to be less pointed..

**RGlasel** · 02-27-2017, 04:33 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by NotSteve

the motley crew of us PF members

Hey, I resemble that remark!

Originally posted by NotSteve

The PF interviews play their role in ferreting out info

Which is an important point. Unlike the IR interview, where there could be an understanding, explicit or implicit, about the questions that will be asked and the tone of the interview; the PF interview is more likely to go in directions the Ricoh representatives would rather not discuss. After all, we PF members take considerable pride in doing a Perry Mason impression, for Adam and Albert to ignore what we want and perform a charm offensive to get a more relaxed interview that only appears to be more open, isn't going to make anyone happy, either.

Kunzite · 02-27-2017, 04:39 PM

Originally posted by mee

Could (Should) have fluffed them to be less pointed..

He (they) did it...

I can't figure out any way of doing it better; there's nothing much that can be done, as long as Adam&Co are insisting in getting answers to our way too specific questions.

mee · 02-27-2017, 04:45 PM

Originally posted by Kunzite

He (they) did it...

I can't figure out any way of doing it better; there's nothing much that can be done, as long as Adam&Co are insisting in getting answers to our way too specific questions.

I can think of ways to do this in a more discussionary manner instead of What about X and now What about Y and now oh What about Z.

Instead.. Pentax has had good success with their weather sealed DSLRs can you talk about the value of ruggedness in a DSLR? (Then follow up with an actual user question) And with respect to the strength of the ruggedness in Pentax DSLRs, has there been a movement towards making the K mount prime lens lineup just as rugged with the adoption of weather sealing?

Ask like that.. it is more of a discussion in a coffee shop than basement interrogation.. even include some non-questions, just remarks and let them respond as breathers between questions.

**lithedreamer** · 02-27-2017, 04:50 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Kunzite

He (they) did it...

I can't figure out any way of doing it better; there's nothing much that can be done, as long as Adam&Co are insisting in getting answers to our way too specific questions.

I think we got a lot more out of this interview than I've seen in previous interviews with Ricoh. Here's what I took away,

Quote:

A K-3ii successor is in the works

The K-1 and KP will have real video SR

Mirrorless is not in the works in the near future

Image Sync will be improved

The Q line is on hold because of limited resources, but will still be developed, including the long awaited macro.

Future GR cameras will be fixed focal length.

PLM motors only work with lightweight lenses

There is a recognised demand for compact D-FA lenses, and that's going to be addressed

They're currently researching automatic lens calibration and putting flash and GPS in the same camera, but don't expect anything soon.

The new D FA 50 will be out within the next 12 months, the 85 likely won't be.

That's pretty dang comprehensive for a company to just discuss with the public.

Rico · 02-27-2017, 04:54 PM

In 2004 Pentax revamped the FA 100mm ƒ2.8 Macro into the D FA 100mm ƒ2.8 Macro WR which shows it is not out of the realm of possibilities to modernize the FA LTD's in the same way. The D FA 100mm ƒ2.8 Macro WR is still reasonably priced. Pentax/Ricoh should do to the FA 31/43/77 LTD's what they did with the FA 100mm Macro and be done with it.

**lithedreamer** · 02-27-2017, 05:38 PM

Originally posted by Rico

In 2004 Pentax revamped the FA 100mm ƒ2.8 Macro into the D FA 100mm ƒ2.8 Macro WR which shows it is not out of the realm of possibilities to modernize the FA LTD's in the same way. The D FA 100mm ƒ2.8 Macro WR is still reasonably priced. Pentax/Ricoh should do to the FA 31/43/77 LTD's what they did with the FA 100mm Macro and be done with it.

They added weathersealing, revamped the shell, shrank the filter thread and removed the aperture ring, focus limiter and focus clamp. Did I miss anything?

The shells of the FA Limiteds are already metal, they already use fairly small filter threads, so they could probably just add weather sealing and remove the aperture rings. Is that an upgrade worth paying for? I'm not sure.

Uluru · 02-27-2017, 05:47 PM

Originally posted by lithedreamer

They added weathersealing, revamped the shell, shrank the filter thread and removed the aperture ring, focus limiter and focus clamp. Did I miss anything?

The shells of the FA Limiteds are already metal, they already use fairly small filter threads, so they could probably just add weather sealing and remove the aperture rings. Is that an upgrade worth paying for? I'm not sure.

Exactly. And still use screw drive on top of that? Well, no.
Everyone in their right state of mind, and with a bit of technical competence, understands that FA limiteds cannot be modernised to today's standards without a complete redesign, and after that redesign, they are not FA limiteds anymore.

Instead of that futile effort, we can have a modern DFA*50/1.4, which — lo and behold — is coming, and is a far better option for users who wish to come from other systems.

**monochrome** · 02-27-2017, 05:47 PM

Originally posted by lithedreamer

They added weathersealing, revamped the shell, shrank the filter thread and removed the aperture ring, focus limiter and focus clamp. Did I miss anything?

The shells of the FA Limiteds are already metal, they already use fairly small filter threads, so they could probably just add weather sealing and remove the aperture rings. Is that an upgrade worth paying for? I'm not sure.

What no one seems to accept is

the FA Limiteds are* IN PRODUCTION and there is inventory held for sale.

The inventory of FA 50 and 100 Macros had run down, so rather than doing a new FA batch, they were slightly revamped to D FA WR.

* DK how long the planned production run was / is but Ricoh restarted production 01/2016.

Uluru · 02-27-2017, 05:50 PM

Originally posted by Kunzite

He (they) did it...

I can't figure out any way of doing it better; there's nothing much that can be done, as long as Adam&Co are insisting in getting answers to our way too specific questions.

Questions are too specific, too technical, and too widespread. Company cannot really open up, because they are, like, in front of a firing squad comprised of 40 guys aiming all across their body.
For better insights, PF should invite them to a coffee, and talk about a few subjects only, only few, and let them come forward with their thoughts. Imaging Resources manages to do that to a better degree.

Rico · 02-27-2017, 06:24 PM

Originally posted by lithedreamer

They added weathersealing, revamped the shell, shrank the filter thread and removed the aperture ring, focus limiter and focus clamp. Did I miss anything?

The shells of the FA Limiteds are already metal, they already use fairly small filter threads, so they could probably just add weather sealing and remove the aperture rings. Is that an upgrade worth paying for? I'm not sure.

Thanks for pointing out how easy it would be to revamp the FA LTD's into D FA LTD's.

The D FA 100mm ƒ2.8 Macro WR lens is an example that indeed the FA LTD's could easily be modernized in the same way. Keep it simple. I have the 77 and the 43. If they made D FA WR LTD's I would buy them.

And it is the focal lengths that are important. The FA LTD's were made for film. The focal lengths work well on FF. It's time Pentax/Ricoh made them for DSLR's.

And yeah in the end they no longer will be FA LTD's they will be D FA LTD's. With the same form factor solid construction with modern coatings and WR.

**luftfluss** · 02-27-2017, 06:59 PM

Originally posted by Rico

In 2004 Pentax revamped the FA 100mm ƒ2.8 Macro into the D FA 100mm ƒ2.8 Macro WR which shows it is not out of the realm of possibilities to modernize the FA LTD's in the same way. The D FA 100mm ƒ2.8 Macro WR is still reasonably priced. Pentax/Ricoh should do to the FA 31/43/77 LTD's what they did with the FA 100mm Macro and be done with it.

The 2004 D FA 100mm ƒ2.8 Macro was not WR. The WR successor didn't come out until 2009, and also features rounded aperture blades.

**luftfluss** · 02-27-2017, 07:05 PM

Originally posted by monochrome

Leave the FA Limiteds alone. If revamped they aren't FA Limiteds any more. They should keep producing and selling them as they are until people stop buying them or they run out of glass blanks.

It is far more important to start with a fresh sheet of paper and design modern lenses. Eventually the interest in FA Limiteds will abate and they should simply be retired.

I feel you. The FA Ltds are marker of a specific time and place in the history of Pentax, and were designed to appeal to a different sensibility than what we have now. If Ricoh made D FA versions they might be Starlets, but never Princesses.

02-27-2017, 05:47 PM	#101
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by lithedreamer They added weathersealing, revamped the shell, shrank the filter thread and removed the aperture ring, focus limiter and focus clamp. Did I miss anything? The shells of the FA Limiteds are already metal, they already use fairly small filter threads, so they could probably just add weather sealing and remove the aperture rings. Is that an upgrade worth paying for? I'm not sure. What no one seems to accept is the FA Limiteds are* IN PRODUCTION and there is inventory held for sale. The inventory of FA 50 and 100 Macros had run down, so rather than doing a new FA batch, they were slightly revamped to D FA WR. * DK how long the planned production run was / is but Ricoh restarted production 01/2016. Last edited by monochrome; 02-28-2017 at 08:09 AM.

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02-27-2017, 04:23 PM	#91
mee Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 7,403	Originally posted by FantasticMrFox That's how you give a proper interview: CP+ 2017 - Sigma interview: 'We?ve learned that some customers require exceptional lens performance': Digital Photography Review Sigma sends one person (the CEO, none less) and gives a lot of information (like that they are planning native E-mount lenses), Ricoh sends four and says practically nothing. Why even bother interviewing them ... The issue isn't entirely the interviewee but of the interviewer. The questions the PF interviewer provided were very pointed and direct.. 20 questions interrogation style. The questions the DPR interviewer provided were more friendly... as if it was a discussion between two people.

02-27-2017, 04:28 PM	#92
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Yes, but it's our questions.

02-27-2017, 04:31 PM	#93
mee Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 7,403	Could (Should) have fluffed them to be less pointed..

02-27-2017, 04:33 PM - 2 Likes	#94
RGlasel Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Saskatoon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,228	Originally posted by NotSteve the motley crew of us PF members Hey, I resemble that remark! Originally posted by NotSteve The PF interviews play their role in ferreting out info Which is an important point. Unlike the IR interview, where there could be an understanding, explicit or implicit, about the questions that will be asked and the tone of the interview; the PF interview is more likely to go in directions the Ricoh representatives would rather not discuss. After all, we PF members take considerable pride in doing a Perry Mason impression, for Adam and Albert to ignore what we want and perform a charm offensive to get a more relaxed interview that only appears to be more open, isn't going to make anyone happy, either.

02-27-2017, 04:39 PM	#95
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Originally posted by mee Could (Should) have fluffed them to be less pointed.. He (they) did it... I can't figure out any way of doing it better; there's nothing much that can be done, as long as Adam&Co are insisting in getting answers to our way too specific questions.

02-27-2017, 04:45 PM	#96
mee Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 7,403	Originally posted by Kunzite He (they) did it... I can't figure out any way of doing it better; there's nothing much that can be done, as long as Adam&Co are insisting in getting answers to our way too specific questions. I can think of ways to do this in a more discussionary manner instead of What about X and now What about Y and now oh What about Z. Instead.. Pentax has had good success with their weather sealed DSLRs can you talk about the value of ruggedness in a DSLR? (Then follow up with an actual user question) And with respect to the strength of the ruggedness in Pentax DSLRs, has there been a movement towards making the K mount prime lens lineup just as rugged with the adoption of weather sealing? Ask like that.. it is more of a discussion in a coffee shop than basement interrogation.. even include some non-questions, just remarks and let them respond as breathers between questions.

02-27-2017, 04:50 PM - 2 Likes	#97
lithedreamer Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,799	Originally posted by Kunzite He (they) did it... I can't figure out any way of doing it better; there's nothing much that can be done, as long as Adam&Co are insisting in getting answers to our way too specific questions. I think we got a lot more out of this interview than I've seen in previous interviews with Ricoh. Here's what I took away, Quote: A K-3ii successor is in the works The K-1 and KP will have real video SR Mirrorless is not in the works in the near future Image Sync will be improved The Q line is on hold because of limited resources, but will still be developed, including the long awaited macro. Future GR cameras will be fixed focal length. PLM motors only work with lightweight lenses There is a recognised demand for compact D-FA lenses, and that's going to be addressed They're currently researching automatic lens calibration and putting flash and GPS in the same camera, but don't expect anything soon. The new D FA 50 will be out within the next 12 months, the 85 likely won't be. That's pretty dang comprehensive for a company to just discuss with the public.

02-27-2017, 04:54 PM	#98
Rico Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,205	In 2004 Pentax revamped the FA 100mm ƒ2.8 Macro into the D FA 100mm ƒ2.8 Macro WR which shows it is not out of the realm of possibilities to modernize the FA LTD's in the same way. The D FA 100mm ƒ2.8 Macro WR is still reasonably priced. Pentax/Ricoh should do to the FA 31/43/77 LTD's what they did with the FA 100mm Macro and be done with it.

02-27-2017, 05:38 PM	#99
lithedreamer Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,799	Originally posted by Rico In 2004 Pentax revamped the FA 100mm ƒ2.8 Macro into the D FA 100mm ƒ2.8 Macro WR which shows it is not out of the realm of possibilities to modernize the FA LTD's in the same way. The D FA 100mm ƒ2.8 Macro WR is still reasonably priced. Pentax/Ricoh should do to the FA 31/43/77 LTD's what they did with the FA 100mm Macro and be done with it. They added weathersealing, revamped the shell, shrank the filter thread and removed the aperture ring, focus limiter and focus clamp. Did I miss anything? The shells of the FA Limiteds are already metal, they already use fairly small filter threads, so they could probably just add weather sealing and remove the aperture rings. Is that an upgrade worth paying for? I'm not sure.

02-27-2017, 05:47 PM	#100
Uluru Banned Join Date: May 2010 Location: Back to my Walkabout Creek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,535	Originally posted by lithedreamer They added weathersealing, revamped the shell, shrank the filter thread and removed the aperture ring, focus limiter and focus clamp. Did I miss anything? The shells of the FA Limiteds are already metal, they already use fairly small filter threads, so they could probably just add weather sealing and remove the aperture rings. Is that an upgrade worth paying for? I'm not sure. Exactly. And still use screw drive on top of that? Well, no. Everyone in their right state of mind, and with a bit of technical competence, understands that FA limiteds cannot be modernised to today's standards without a complete redesign, and after that redesign, they are not FA limiteds anymore. Instead of that futile effort, we can have a modern DFA*50/1.4, which — lo and behold — is coming, and is a far better option for users who wish to come from other systems.

02-27-2017, 05:50 PM	#102
Uluru Banned Join Date: May 2010 Location: Back to my Walkabout Creek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,535	Originally posted by Kunzite He (they) did it... I can't figure out any way of doing it better; there's nothing much that can be done, as long as Adam&Co are insisting in getting answers to our way too specific questions. Questions are too specific, too technical, and too widespread. Company cannot really open up, because they are, like, in front of a firing squad comprised of 40 guys aiming all across their body. For better insights, PF should invite them to a coffee, and talk about a few subjects only, only few, and let them come forward with their thoughts. Imaging Resources manages to do that to a better degree.

02-27-2017, 06:24 PM	#103
Rico Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,205	Originally posted by lithedreamer They added weathersealing, revamped the shell, shrank the filter thread and removed the aperture ring, focus limiter and focus clamp. Did I miss anything? The shells of the FA Limiteds are already metal, they already use fairly small filter threads, so they could probably just add weather sealing and remove the aperture rings. Is that an upgrade worth paying for? I'm not sure. Thanks for pointing out how easy it would be to revamp the FA LTD's into D FA LTD's. The D FA 100mm ƒ2.8 Macro WR lens is an example that indeed the FA LTD's could easily be modernized in the same way. Keep it simple. I have the 77 and the 43. If they made D FA WR LTD's I would buy them. And it is the focal lengths that are important. The FA LTD's were made for film. The focal lengths work well on FF. It's time Pentax/Ricoh made them for DSLR's. And yeah in the end they no longer will be FA LTD's they will be D FA LTD's. With the same form factor solid construction with modern coatings and WR.

02-27-2017, 06:59 PM	#104
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,619	Originally posted by Rico In 2004 Pentax revamped the FA 100mm ƒ2.8 Macro into the D FA 100mm ƒ2.8 Macro WR which shows it is not out of the realm of possibilities to modernize the FA LTD's in the same way. The D FA 100mm ƒ2.8 Macro WR is still reasonably priced. Pentax/Ricoh should do to the FA 31/43/77 LTD's what they did with the FA 100mm Macro and be done with it. The 2004 D FA 100mm ƒ2.8 Macro was not WR. The WR successor didn't come out until 2009, and also features rounded aperture blades.

02-27-2017, 07:05 PM	#105
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,619	Originally posted by monochrome Leave the FA Limiteds alone. If revamped they aren't FA Limiteds any more. They should keep producing and selling them as they are until people stop buying them or they run out of glass blanks. It is far more important to start with a fresh sheet of paper and design modern lenses. Eventually the interest in FA Limiteds will abate and they should simply be retired. I feel you. The FA Ltds are marker of a specific time and place in the history of Pentax, and were designed to appeal to a different sensibility than what we have now. If Ricoh made D FA versions they might be Starlets, but never Princesses.