DPReview's interview with Ricoh Imaging

Kunzite · 04-05-2018, 06:14 AM

Just published, so I didn't read it yet. Impressions to follow...

Ricoh interview: "The development of the K-series is our first priority": Digital Photography Review

**jpzk** · 04-05-2018, 06:21 AM

This part of the interview I like:

Will we see an updated APS-C flagship camera in the future?
For the flagship APS-C model, we have just started to develop that. It’ll be the successor of the K-3 II and will be an evolution of the K-3 series.

Kunzite · 04-05-2018, 06:22 AM

Not much difference from Pentaxforums'...
Apparently, we "want more lenses that match the higher resolution of the K-1"

They're "studying" the GR III and it will come "someday". If this means September, it doesn't looks like it for a westerner (careful when trying to interpret nuances)
645 to stay DSLR?

Now I'm waiting for Imaging Resource's version...

---------- Post added 05-04-18 at 04:23 PM ----------

Originally posted by jpzk

This part of the interview I like:

Will we see an updated APS-C flagship camera in the future?
For the flagship APS-C model, we have just started to develop that. It’ll be the successor of the K-3 II and will be an evolution of the K-3 series.

He said about the same thing in Pentaxforums' interview. He is consistent

normhead · 04-05-2018, 06:29 AM - **10 Likes**

There is some good stuff there.

On competition in the 645 arena.

Quote:

Our strategy has not really changed. The 645Z is a DSLR, a reflex camera, and the advantage of a reflex camera is that what you see is what you get [through the optical viewfinder]. On top of that, the 645Z can use Live View, so it has the advantage of having both options. We think that it’s a strong point that our competitors don’t have, and we’ll continue to develop the possibilities of what we can do with reflex cameras.

Quote:

We actually welcome competitors like Fujifilm and Hasselblad. Together with competitors, we can expand the total medium-format market. People can be made more aware of medium-format’s advantages, and we believe in the superiority of medium-format compared to full-frame.

Who uses K-1s and KPs?

Quote:

Especially for the K-1, customers who are looking for higher resolution in the field of landscape photography and [appreciate] our tough body construction and weather and dust resistance. Lots of customers who really use this camera in the field are very fond of the new K-1 series.

On the K-3 successor

Quote:

For the flagship APS-C model, we have just started to develop that. It’ll be the successor of the K-3 II and will be an evolution of the K-3 series.

So, 6 to 9 months until the next APS-c flagship, it sounds like it will be the K-3 mkIII as he called it the "K-3 series."

I love his point any Pentax body can lock the mirror up and use live view, becoming a mirrorless camera. A mirrorless camera can't become optical.

For the flagship APS-C model, we have just started to develop that. It’ll be the successor of the K-3 II and will be an evolution of the K-3 series.

Brief synopsis,

Pentax thinks Hassleblad and Fuji entering the 645 business will mean more sales for Pentax, through increased awareness of the advantages of the format. (Funny how here on the forum it's "Fuji and Hasselblad will wipe Pentax out, Pentax is done." Pentax sees an opportunity.)

The K-3 mkIII is coming.

Mirrorless is not in the plans, with Live View Pentax already has an in camera mirrorless option.

-------

Those of you looking for your official announcements, there they are. For the "Pentax should do this, Pentax should do that." crowd. Read em and weep. Pentax is still Pentax, They aren't going to make a u-turn and become the company you envision. There is a great thread going now on switching to Sony for better face recognition AF. Maybe it's time for some to make the leap.

Pentax is for people who shoot mainly landscapes. You've got it there right from the horse's mouth. Time to stop complaining about what they don't do, and aren't going to do. Time to move to another brand. Pentax is never going to be what you want it to be. Pentax is not the droid you're looking for.

But it is going to be what I and many others want it to be. That makes me happy.

Last edited by normhead; 04-05-2018 at 07:49 AM.

Biro · 04-05-2018, 06:31 AM

Originally posted by jpzk

This part of the interview I like:

Will we see an updated APS-C flagship camera in the future?
For the flagship APS-C model, we have just started to develop that. It’ll be the successor of the K-3 II and will be an evolution of the K-3 series.

In April of 2018, they are only now beginning development of the next APS-C flagship? I sincerely hope he misspoke.

Kunzite · 04-05-2018, 06:32 AM

Again, he said the same in Pentaxforums' interview. But if September is "someday"...

D1N0 · 04-05-2018, 07:01 AM - **7 Likes**

Originally posted by Biro

In April of 2018, they are only now beginning development of the next APS-C flagship? I sincerely hope he misspoke.

Starting to develop is Japanese for It's nearly finished

Kunzite · 04-05-2018, 07:03 AM - **8 Likes**

While for us westerners, "it's basically done" means the engineers weren't told about it yet

**Ray Cox** · 04-05-2018, 07:04 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by normhead

There is some good stuff there.

Those of you looking for your official announcements, there they are. For the "Pentax should do this, Pentax should do that." crowd. Read em and weep. Pentax is still Pentax, They aren't going to make a u-turn and become the company you envision. There is a great thread going now on switching to Sony for better face recognition AF. Maybe it's time for some to make the leap.

Pentax is for people who shoot mainly landscapes. You've got it there right from the horse's mouth. Time to stop complaining about what they don't do, and aren't going to do. Time to move to another brand. Pentax is never going to be what you want it to be. Pentax is not the droid you're looking for.

But it is going to be what I and many others want it to be. That makes me happy.

Well said. I'm one happy camper here. K3, K1, 645D, 645Z. All are the right tool for what I do.

Mistral75 · 04-05-2018, 08:17 AM

So, according to the specialists of the Japanese culture, which one will be announced first:

- the successor to the Ricoh GR II

Quote:

Although we don’t know whether it will be called ‘GR III’ or not, the study for the development of the next GR is already ongoing. We cannot say when, and how exactly it will be, but the next GR will come someday.

- or the successor to the Pentax K-3 II?

Quote:

For the flagship APS-C model, we have just started to develop that. It’ll be the successor of the K-3 II and will be an evolution of the K-3 series.

The Squirrel Mafia · 04-05-2018, 08:21 AM

Originally posted by D1N0

Starting to develop is Japanese for It's nearly finished

そうですか?

There are going to be a few that are not going to be able to wait. Some aggressive discounts on old bodies like the K-3II

& some lenses would probably keep them here for a while. Hahaha!

**monochrome** · 04-05-2018, 08:22 AM - **5 Likes**

Originally posted by Mistral75

So, according to the specialists of the Japanese culture, which one will be announced first:

- the successor to the Ricoh GR II

- or the successor to the Pentax K-3 II?

Whichever one you aren’t waiting for

.:

normhead · 04-05-2018, 08:22 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Mistral75

So, according to the specialists of the Japanese culture, which one will be announced first:

- the successor to the Ricoh GR II

- or the successor to the Pentax K-3 II?

5 years from now, no one will care. I don't care now, others will come around.

SSGGeezer · 04-05-2018, 09:20 AM - **5 Likes**

All I can say is that I am sorry I read the comments since most seem like dolts and trolls who seem to be reading about Pentax so they can spout FUD. Now my brain feels dirty!

pentaxfall · 04-05-2018, 09:44 AM

I think it is time that journalists ask them tough questions about their QA process. Here are few questions that I would ask. These are based on my professional experience in manufacturing process.
1) How many minutes is spent on testing every unit after it comes out of assembly lane?
2) Do they test whether the unit meets the spec, like FL?
2) Do they do reliability test(like drop test) on sample copies?
3) Do they test for well known problems(focus breathing, decentring)?
4) Has there been an history of conducting an internal investigation in response to a well known problem? If so elaborate.

04-05-2018, 06:14 AM	#1
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	DPReview's interview with Ricoh Imaging Just published, so I didn't read it yet. Impressions to follow... Ricoh interview: "The development of the K-series is our first priority": Digital Photography Review

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Imaging Resource: Ricoh’s “Multi-Imaging Technology” pairs a K-1 with a Theta S	EssJayEff	Pentax News and Rumors	16	03-03-2017 12:05 AM
DPReview: Photokina 2016 interview: Ricoh aims for visual revolution	EssJayEff	Pentax News and Rumors	50	10-09-2016 01:03 PM
Ricoh Imaging Interview on DC Watch website	JPT	Pentax News and Rumors	242	01-18-2015 11:57 AM
Interview with Chief Sales & Marketing Officer / Ricoh Imaging Japan	leonsroar	Pentax News and Rumors	464	01-13-2014 01:42 PM
Ricoh announces company name change - no more Pentax Ricoh Imaging, just Ricoh.	rawr	Pentax News and Rumors	528	10-28-2013 04:39 PM

04-05-2018, 06:21 AM	#2
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251	This part of the interview I like: Will we see an updated APS-C flagship camera in the future? For the flagship APS-C model, we have just started to develop that. It’ll be the successor of the K-3 II and will be an evolution of the K-3 series.

04-05-2018, 06:22 AM	#3
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132 Original Poster	Not much difference from Pentaxforums'... Apparently, we "want more lenses that match the higher resolution of the K-1" They're "studying" the GR III and it will come "someday". If this means September, it doesn't looks like it for a westerner (careful when trying to interpret nuances) 645 to stay DSLR? Now I'm waiting for Imaging Resource's version... ---------- Post added 05-04-18 at 04:23 PM ---------- Originally posted by jpzk This part of the interview I like: Will we see an updated APS-C flagship camera in the future? For the flagship APS-C model, we have just started to develop that. It’ll be the successor of the K-3 II and will be an evolution of the K-3 series. He said about the same thing in Pentaxforums' interview. He is consistent

04-05-2018, 06:29 AM - 10 Likes	#4
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	There is some good stuff there. On competition in the 645 arena. Quote: Our strategy has not really changed. The 645Z is a DSLR, a reflex camera, and the advantage of a reflex camera is that what you see is what you get [through the optical viewfinder]. On top of that, the 645Z can use Live View, so it has the advantage of having both options. We think that it’s a strong point that our competitors don’t have, and we’ll continue to develop the possibilities of what we can do with reflex cameras. Quote: We actually welcome competitors like Fujifilm and Hasselblad. Together with competitors, we can expand the total medium-format market. People can be made more aware of medium-format’s advantages, and we believe in the superiority of medium-format compared to full-frame. Who uses K-1s and KPs? Quote: Especially for the K-1, customers who are looking for higher resolution in the field of landscape photography and [appreciate] our tough body construction and weather and dust resistance. Lots of customers who really use this camera in the field are very fond of the new K-1 series. On the K-3 successor Quote: For the flagship APS-C model, we have just started to develop that. It’ll be the successor of the K-3 II and will be an evolution of the K-3 series. So, 6 to 9 months until the next APS-c flagship, it sounds like it will be the K-3 mkIII as he called it the "K-3 series." I love his point any Pentax body can lock the mirror up and use live view, becoming a mirrorless camera. A mirrorless camera can't become optical. For the flagship APS-C model, we have just started to develop that. It’ll be the successor of the K-3 II and will be an evolution of the K-3 series. Brief synopsis, Pentax thinks Hassleblad and Fuji entering the 645 business will mean more sales for Pentax, through increased awareness of the advantages of the format. (Funny how here on the forum it's "Fuji and Hasselblad will wipe Pentax out, Pentax is done." Pentax sees an opportunity.) The K-3 mkIII is coming. Mirrorless is not in the plans, with Live View Pentax already has an in camera mirrorless option. ------- Those of you looking for your official announcements, there they are. For the "Pentax should do this, Pentax should do that." crowd. Read em and weep. Pentax is still Pentax, They aren't going to make a u-turn and become the company you envision. There is a great thread going now on switching to Sony for better face recognition AF. Maybe it's time for some to make the leap. Pentax is for people who shoot mainly landscapes. You've got it there right from the horse's mouth. Time to stop complaining about what they don't do, and aren't going to do. Time to move to another brand. Pentax is never going to be what you want it to be. Pentax is not the droid you're looking for. But it is going to be what I and many others want it to be. That makes me happy. Last edited by normhead; 04-05-2018 at 07:49 AM.

04-05-2018, 06:31 AM	#5
Biro Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,200	Originally posted by jpzk This part of the interview I like: Will we see an updated APS-C flagship camera in the future? For the flagship APS-C model, we have just started to develop that. It’ll be the successor of the K-3 II and will be an evolution of the K-3 series. In April of 2018, they are only now beginning development of the next APS-C flagship? I sincerely hope he misspoke.

04-05-2018, 06:32 AM	#6
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132 Original Poster	Again, he said the same in Pentaxforums' interview. But if September is "someday"...

04-05-2018, 07:01 AM - 7 Likes	#7
D1N0 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Location: --- Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,802	Originally posted by Biro In April of 2018, they are only now beginning development of the next APS-C flagship? I sincerely hope he misspoke. Starting to develop is Japanese for It's nearly finished

04-05-2018, 07:03 AM - 8 Likes	#8
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132 Original Poster	While for us westerners, "it's basically done" means the engineers weren't told about it yet

04-05-2018, 07:04 AM - 1 Like	#9
Ray Cox Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Utica,Il Posts: 184	Originally posted by normhead There is some good stuff there. Those of you looking for your official announcements, there they are. For the "Pentax should do this, Pentax should do that." crowd. Read em and weep. Pentax is still Pentax, They aren't going to make a u-turn and become the company you envision. There is a great thread going now on switching to Sony for better face recognition AF. Maybe it's time for some to make the leap. Pentax is for people who shoot mainly landscapes. You've got it there right from the horse's mouth. Time to stop complaining about what they don't do, and aren't going to do. Time to move to another brand. Pentax is never going to be what you want it to be. Pentax is not the droid you're looking for. But it is going to be what I and many others want it to be. That makes me happy. Well said. I'm one happy camper here. K3, K1, 645D, 645Z. All are the right tool for what I do.

04-05-2018, 08:17 AM	#10
Mistral75 Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Paris, France Posts: 7,527	So, according to the specialists of the Japanese culture, which one will be announced first: - the successor to the Ricoh GR II Quote: Although we don’t know whether it will be called ‘GR III’ or not, the study for the development of the next GR is already ongoing. We cannot say when, and how exactly it will be, but the next GR will come someday. - or the successor to the Pentax K-3 II? Quote: For the flagship APS-C model, we have just started to develop that. It’ll be the successor of the K-3 II and will be an evolution of the K-3 series.

04-05-2018, 08:21 AM	#11
The Squirrel Mafia Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 3,054	Originally posted by D1N0 Starting to develop is Japanese for It's nearly finished そうですか? There are going to be a few that are not going to be able to wait. Some aggressive discounts on old bodies like the K-3II & some lenses would probably keep them here for a while. Hahaha!

04-05-2018, 08:22 AM - 5 Likes	#12
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by Mistral75 So, according to the specialists of the Japanese culture, which one will be announced first: - the successor to the Ricoh GR II - or the successor to the Pentax K-3 II? Whichever one you aren’t waiting for .:

04-05-2018, 08:22 AM - 1 Like	#13
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by Mistral75 So, according to the specialists of the Japanese culture, which one will be announced first: - the successor to the Ricoh GR II - or the successor to the Pentax K-3 II? 5 years from now, no one will care. I don't care now, others will come around.

04-05-2018, 09:20 AM - 5 Likes	#14
SSGGeezer Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Indiana, U.S. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,845	All I can say is that I am sorry I read the comments since most seem like dolts and trolls who seem to be reading about Pentax so they can spout FUD. Now my brain feels dirty!

04-05-2018, 09:44 AM	#15
pentaxfall Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Bangalore, India Posts: 581	I think it is time that journalists ask them tough questions about their QA process. Here are few questions that I would ask. These are based on my professional experience in manufacturing process. 1) How many minutes is spent on testing every unit after it comes out of assembly lane? 2) Do they test whether the unit meets the spec, like FL? 2) Do they do reliability test(like drop test) on sample copies? 3) Do they test for well known problems(focus breathing, decentring)? 4) Has there been an history of conducting an internal investigation in response to a well known problem? If so elaborate.