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beholder3 · 07-07-2018, 12:22 AM - **1 Like**

My assumption is that Ricoh acts similarly to Nikon in that they only greenlight select few projects and expect them to be profitable quickly. So success and failure of a lens/camera is judged quickly and any longer sales success is just an added bonus.

Probably they have optimized their fixed costs and other manufacturing and inventory costs, so they can live off small volumes.

If the DFA* 50 preorders have sold out I expect it to be considered a commercial success either already or very soon.

That is a good ingredient for them to move on with the next lenses. The 7.5 kg 85mm F1.4 lens.

While this approach is slow, it ensures sustainability even through longer drought periods.

Obviously this is not an option you could choose if you depend on huge marketing budgets and super quick release cycles (Sony, Nikon, Canon).

Sometimes smaller is better.

Kunzite · 07-07-2018, 01:01 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by beholder3

My assumption is that Ricoh acts similarly to Nikon in that they only greenlight select few projects and expect them to be profitable quickly.

Yet the D FA* lenses show some sort of long time thinking

beholder3 · 07-07-2018, 02:59 AM

Originally posted by Kunzite

Yet the D FA* lenses show some sort of long time thinking

There is no automatic contradiction between both objectives. It all depends on the individual products selected and quality/cost/price levels.

**clackers** · 07-07-2018, 03:57 AM

Originally posted by beholder3

There is no automatic contradiction between both objectives. It all depends on the individual products selected and quality/cost/price levels.

Yes, we know the K-1 was worked on for some time before the suits decided to go ahead with it.

**clickclick** · 07-07-2018, 06:38 AM

Originally posted by gm4life

Absolutely true. Heck I am like looking forward to it on crop!

Speaking of crop, at some point, here, I'm looking forward to the announcement of a new APS-C flagship. I guess I have a bad case of GAS. I love full frame, but I still really like my K3II and crop too. But that's OK. The DA* 11-18 will fit in the bag nicely too!

**clickclick** · 07-07-2018, 06:40 AM

Originally posted by nzondlo

I now regret waiting to buy one. Should have just whipped out the credit card.

It was really hard not to click on the pre-order button at B&H (clicked on the notify instead). This lens will be added to the kit. Thinking I might have to wait until Thanksgiving. Yes, hoping for a cyber/black Friday deal. The challenge will be waiting. This is going to be hard!

**Mikesul** · 07-07-2018, 07:30 AM

What many of us seem to want is a super K-3ii little brother for the K-1ii.

Kunzite · 07-07-2018, 07:58 AM

Originally posted by beholder3

There is no automatic contradiction between both objectives. It all depends on the individual products selected and quality/cost/price levels.

Except maybe for the quick profit.

OoKU · 07-08-2018, 10:08 PM - **1 Like**

https://tuchong.com/3097518/19859959/?user_id=296538_share&ut...appinstalled=0

Mark Ransom · 07-08-2018, 10:20 PM

Originally posted by clickclick

It was really hard not to click on the pre-order button at B&H (clicked on the notify instead). This lens will be added to the kit. Thinking I might have to wait until Thanksgiving. Yes, hoping for a cyber/black Friday deal. The challenge will be waiting. This is going to be hard!

Does Pentax play the Black Friday game? I know they don't for camera bodies, not sure about lenses.

Mark Ransom · 07-08-2018, 10:27 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by clickclick

If it is what it appears, that they have already sold out all preorders, I'd say more great news. More demand for the K-1 upgrade than projected and more demand for this lens than anticipated bodes well for the niche Pentax continues to carve out.

I think it's more down to over-conservative bean-counters at Pentax. They refused to authorize a realistic amount of up-front build without demonstrated demand.

On the other hand it's probably a positive signal for green-lighting similar projects at headquarters.

**clickclick** · 07-09-2018, 04:26 AM

Originally posted by Mark Ransom

Does Pentax play the Black Friday game? I know they don't for camera bodies, not sure about lenses.

I've seen some good discounts on Pentax equipment at B&H photo, so perhaps not directly, but through some of their distribution channels.

**clickclick** · 07-09-2018, 04:28 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Mark Ransom

I think it's more down to over-conservative bean-counters at Pentax. They refused to authorize a realistic amount of up-front build without demonstrated demand.

On the other hand it's probably a positive signal for green-lighting similar projects at headquarters.

Was thinking something similar, but figured if the bean counters green lighted what they did produce up front, that was probably tied to a break even/risk point they could all agree on. So hopeful that it encourages more development.

**clackers** · 07-09-2018, 05:44 AM

Originally posted by clickclick

Was thinking something similar, but figured if the bean counters green lighted what they did produce up front, that was probably tied to a break even/risk point they could all agree on. So hopeful that it encourages more development.

I agree. If enough people don't buy this lens, it would jeopardize future releases like the DFA*85 and DFA*35 or whatever it will be. Remember, the failure of the K-01 (for various reasons) killed mirrorless development at Pentax.

Their market research would have said the Fifty would be a good barometer for the need of a big premium prime line.

**mlt** · 07-09-2018, 07:01 AM

Originally posted by OoKU

HD PENTAX-D FA?50mmF1.4 SDM AW - ?????? - ??? - ?????????

Great samples from the web site in the link. The full reviews should be very interesting.

07-08-2018, 10:08 PM - 1 Like	#234
OoKU Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 740 Original Poster	https://tuchong.com/3097518/19859959/?user_id=296538_share&ut...appinstalled=0 Last edited by OoKU; 07-08-2018 at 11:27 PM.

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07-07-2018, 12:22 AM - 1 Like	#226
beholder3 Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 3,112	My assumption is that Ricoh acts similarly to Nikon in that they only greenlight select few projects and expect them to be profitable quickly. So success and failure of a lens/camera is judged quickly and any longer sales success is just an added bonus. Probably they have optimized their fixed costs and other manufacturing and inventory costs, so they can live off small volumes. If the DFA* 50 preorders have sold out I expect it to be considered a commercial success either already or very soon. That is a good ingredient for them to move on with the next lenses. The 7.5 kg 85mm F1.4 lens. While this approach is slow, it ensures sustainability even through longer drought periods. Obviously this is not an option you could choose if you depend on huge marketing budgets and super quick release cycles (Sony, Nikon, Canon). Sometimes smaller is better.

07-07-2018, 01:01 AM - 1 Like	#227
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Originally posted by beholder3 My assumption is that Ricoh acts similarly to Nikon in that they only greenlight select few projects and expect them to be profitable quickly. Yet the D FA* lenses show some sort of long time thinking

07-07-2018, 02:59 AM	#228
beholder3 Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 3,112	Originally posted by Kunzite Yet the D FA* lenses show some sort of long time thinking There is no automatic contradiction between both objectives. It all depends on the individual products selected and quality/cost/price levels.

07-07-2018, 03:57 AM	#229
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by beholder3 There is no automatic contradiction between both objectives. It all depends on the individual products selected and quality/cost/price levels. Yes, we know the K-1 was worked on for some time before the suits decided to go ahead with it.

07-07-2018, 06:38 AM	#230
clickclick Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,904	Originally posted by gm4life Absolutely true. Heck I am like looking forward to it on crop! Speaking of crop, at some point, here, I'm looking forward to the announcement of a new APS-C flagship. I guess I have a bad case of GAS. I love full frame, but I still really like my K3II and crop too. But that's OK. The DA* 11-18 will fit in the bag nicely too!

07-07-2018, 06:40 AM	#231
clickclick Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,904	Originally posted by nzondlo I now regret waiting to buy one. Should have just whipped out the credit card. It was really hard not to click on the pre-order button at B&H (clicked on the notify instead). This lens will be added to the kit. Thinking I might have to wait until Thanksgiving. Yes, hoping for a cyber/black Friday deal. The challenge will be waiting. This is going to be hard!

07-07-2018, 07:30 AM	#232
Mikesul Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,594	What many of us seem to want is a super K-3ii little brother for the K-1ii.

07-07-2018, 07:58 AM	#233
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Originally posted by beholder3 There is no automatic contradiction between both objectives. It all depends on the individual products selected and quality/cost/price levels. Except maybe for the quick profit.

07-08-2018, 10:20 PM	#235
Mark Ransom Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 498	Originally posted by clickclick It was really hard not to click on the pre-order button at B&H (clicked on the notify instead). This lens will be added to the kit. Thinking I might have to wait until Thanksgiving. Yes, hoping for a cyber/black Friday deal. The challenge will be waiting. This is going to be hard! Does Pentax play the Black Friday game? I know they don't for camera bodies, not sure about lenses.

07-08-2018, 10:27 PM - 1 Like	#236
Mark Ransom Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 498	Originally posted by clickclick If it is what it appears, that they have already sold out all preorders, I'd say more great news. More demand for the K-1 upgrade than projected and more demand for this lens than anticipated bodes well for the niche Pentax continues to carve out. I think it's more down to over-conservative bean-counters at Pentax. They refused to authorize a realistic amount of up-front build without demonstrated demand. On the other hand it's probably a positive signal for green-lighting similar projects at headquarters.

07-09-2018, 04:26 AM	#237
clickclick Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,904	Originally posted by Mark Ransom Does Pentax play the Black Friday game? I know they don't for camera bodies, not sure about lenses. I've seen some good discounts on Pentax equipment at B&H photo, so perhaps not directly, but through some of their distribution channels.

07-09-2018, 04:28 AM - 1 Like	#238
clickclick Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,904	Originally posted by Mark Ransom I think it's more down to over-conservative bean-counters at Pentax. They refused to authorize a realistic amount of up-front build without demonstrated demand. On the other hand it's probably a positive signal for green-lighting similar projects at headquarters. Was thinking something similar, but figured if the bean counters green lighted what they did produce up front, that was probably tied to a break even/risk point they could all agree on. So hopeful that it encourages more development.

07-09-2018, 05:44 AM	#239
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by clickclick Was thinking something similar, but figured if the bean counters green lighted what they did produce up front, that was probably tied to a break even/risk point they could all agree on. So hopeful that it encourages more development. I agree. If enough people don't buy this lens, it would jeopardize future releases like the DFA85 and DFA35 or whatever it will be. Remember, the failure of the K-01 (for various reasons) killed mirrorless development at Pentax. Their market research would have said the Fifty would be a good barometer for the need of a big premium prime line.

07-09-2018, 07:01 AM	#240
mlt Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 1,159	Originally posted by OoKU HD PENTAX-D FA?50mmF1.4 SDM AW - ?????? - ??? - ????????? Great samples from the web site in the link. The full reviews should be very interesting.

RICOH ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF HD PENTAX-D FA★50mm F1.4 SDM AW STAR-SERIES LENS

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!