[TheGrandPrixKid]

Amateur Photographer a well respected weekly photo news and review publication in the UK has just Predicted end Pentax and K1ii likely to be it's last new Camera. Article written by Andy Westlake who is Technical Editor and a former DPReview reviewer, wrote that the slow down in the release of new lenses, camera bodies and Ricoh's reluctance to enter the mirrorless market will lead to the demise of Pentax due to lack of research and development. He says quote "Pentax isn't even a company in its own right any more" pointing to Pentax just being a brand name used by Ricoh. At the end of the article he says "it will be a real shame to see Pentax disappear, but the Pentax K1 mark ii would be a fitting last hurrah"

Although we've all read the writing is on the wall for Pentax in the past it has been easy to dismiss. But to read an article by a respected publication, by a knowledgeable and respected photojournalist is a bit more concerning than random stories from the mass online media. Anyone else read the article or have any thoughts?

[normhead]

a former DPReview reviewer,

Say no more. You just blew any serious consideration with that revelation.

[totsmuyco]

Sorry, I can't find my crystal ball so I can't confirm if he's right.

[Mikesul]

It is an opinion piece, based on interpretation not actual evidence. Much current public discussion is like this to the general debasement of discourse.

[bertwert]

Agreed with Norm, just someone blabbering nonsense.

[normhead]

Ya, those of us who lived through the "whole" Apple won't last to the end of the year" know there is nothing as ignorant as a writer who's worked himself into the egotistical mindset, where he thinks he/she knows the future. Well maybe those who take him/her seriously are as as bad, but that's debatable.

" I know the future, God knows the future, but I now a little bit more than he does." Why even comment on such lunatics?

[Dartmoor Dave]

I think it's outrageous for a magazine that is quite influential in this country to run a piece that is effectively trying to scare readers away from buying Pentax because of mere FUD. Could it be anything to do with the fact that Pentax doesn't buy advertising space in Amateur Pornographer (as I've always called that rag because of its past obsessions with "glamour" photography).

[Kunzite]

DPReviewers contaminating various magazines?

[normhead]

by a knowledgeable and respected photojournalist

Now you're making me laugh.

[jpzk]

Article written by Andy Westlake who is Technical Editor and a former DPReview review e

To me, that says it all.

[D1N0]

Everybody is an oracle these days.

[BigMackCam]

Although we've all read the writing is on the wall for Pentax in the past it has been easy to dismiss. But to read an article by a respected publication, by a knowledgeable and respected photojournalist is a bit more concerning than random stories from the mass online media. Anyone else read the article or have any thoughts?

I stopped buying and reading Amateur Photographer some time back, although I do still pick up a copy every few months.

The equipment reviews are generally late compared to many other sources, and the content seems derivative. Tutorials are typically shallow, perhaps due to the brevity required in a weekly rag, and much of it seems to be aimed at the beginner-to-intermediate end of the scale. Furthermore, the amount of simply incorrect or poorly explained information is ever-increasing. Neither Damien Demolder nor Andy Westlake have had much to say that I've been interested in.

Better quality reviews, tutorials, information and opinions are available from the internet, and without the time lag.

So, it may still be a respected publication, but my own respect for it waned years ago.

That aside, I agree with Dartmoor Dave - it's very disappointing for a supposedly brand-agnostic publication to spread potentially damaging opinions. If I hadn't already stopped reading it, I'd be doing so now...

[normhead]

To me, that says it all.

We really just need to burn down DPR wherever it is. They are breeding and spreading to other magazines like pink eye. So far no inoculation is available.

Every time I read the words DPR these days I feel dirty and spend hours in the shower trying to wash it off.

Reading a DPR review of cameras you actually own and use causes PTSD. It's like they do everything imaginable to try and make you angry, depressed and ready to jump off a bridge. They assault Pentax and Pentax users, who they consider to be in need fo "saving", with themselves as the appointed "saviours."

The trouble with "self appointed saviours" is they'll lie so they can take your money.

DPR is desperate. They need some clicks.

I predict Amateur Photography dies before Pentax does.

[SCGushue]

Amateur Photographer a well respected weekly photo news and review publication in the UK has just Predicted end Pentax and K1ii likely to be it's last new Camera. Article written by Andy Westlake who is Technical Editor and a former DPReview reviewer, wrote that the slow down in the release of new lenses, camera bodies and Ricoh's reluctance to enter the mirrorless market will lead to the demise of Pentax due to lack of research and development. He says quote "Pentax isn't even a company in its own right any more" pointing to Pentax just being a brand name used by Ricoh. At the end of the article he says "it will be a real shame to see Pentax disappear, but the Pentax K1 mark ii would be a fitting last hurrah"

Although we've all read the writing is on the wall for Pentax in the past it has been easy to dismiss. But to read an article by a respected publication, by a knowledgeable and respected photojournalist is a bit more concerning than random stories from the mass online media. Anyone else read the article or have any thoughts?

OMG!!!!!!! Really?????? "Call the police in America"

I have been hearing that steady drumbeat since joining this forum in 2006. It hasn't stopped me from buying the latest and greatest from, Pentax-Hoya-Ricoh-Honeywell- Asahi or whomever produced their camera gear over the last 40 years. Yes it is sad, and at times momentarily demoralizing.... that these prophets of doom spout this stuff.
However, none of their predictions have ever come to fruition.

Take it with a dose of salt. Life goes on.

Stephen

[clickclick]

and a former DPReview reviewer

Can't help but wonder what communication he currently has. I can hear the conversation now with current DPR staff bashing Pentax. Where's the "Pentax is Doomed" rubber stamp?

Is this a print publication? If so, he should be worried about his own demise, not Pentax.