Hints about future products on Twitter

JPT · 12-16-2018, 08:09 AM - **19 Likes**

There has been some interesting talk on Twitter this weekend about upcoming Ricoh/Pentax products.

I should explain the context first. The Osaka camera store Yaotomi hosted an evening with Mr. Wakashiro (name edited after correction on another site), of the Ricoh Imaging Product Planning Dept. and some of their loyal customers. The Tweets are exchanged between Yaotomi and the people who attended. There are clearly a lot of things they heard that they are not at liberty to mention, but still there is some interesting information.

Upcoming products
- The first thing to come will be a lens or lenses (not clear if referring to one or multiple)
- K-3 Evolved camera is under heavy development (they have used this "evolved" phrasing before - it's clear they don't want it to be seen as a mere K-3 III)
- Two other products that were discussed specifically, but cannot be mentioned. I assume these are not things on the roadmap, and it’s just my speculation but I think they are cameras
- He loves the idea of an LX Digital, but I don’t see any indication that it is actually coming
- When asked whether anything would come out for the centenary, he hinted at something silver (just a k-1 II limited edition?)

DA* 11-18
- The rep brought a prototype of the DA* 11-18. It looks basically complete.
- It has an indentation for attaching a “lens heater for shooting stars”.
- It doesn’t seem to be confirmed that the heater will be released.

Other
- He also brought along one of the original, never-produced K-1s. You can see it in the photos.
- When they develop cameras, they don’t ask themselves “What will sell?”, they ask “Will it be interesting to use?”
- They sold loads of Qs in Japan, but overseas was a different story (not such a surprise)
- The GXR A12 was selling well right up until the end (this is interesting to me)

Overall, it sounds like there is lots to look forward to next year.

Here is the Twitter page for Yaotomi Camera (in Japanese, of course): ??????? (@yaotomicamera) on Twitter

Last edited by JPT; 12-19-2018 at 04:57 AM.

Not a Number · 12-16-2018, 08:24 AM - **1 Like**

Thanks for sharing this.

Originally posted by JPT

- Two other products that were discussed specifically, but cannot be mentioned. I assume these are not things on the roadmap, and it’s just my speculation but I think they are cameras

Uh-oh. Fuel for the endless hope-to-die discussion on Pentax/Ricoh mirrorless cameras...

Aren't the Theta and action camera mirrorless?

**ben-pentax** · 12-16-2018, 08:33 AM

Thank you for an interesting update.

Docrwm · 12-16-2018, 08:35 AM - **1 Like**

Arigatou. Sad to see several Pentaxians with their camera but taking photos with their cellulars.

zapp · 12-16-2018, 08:55 AM

First real rumor in months, with little news, but at least some signs of life.
Time to deliver what is on the roadmap - plus a little more. Looks like the next new camera will be an evolved APS-C, lens wise the 11-18 is coming and hopefully the 85. 1.4x FF converter is on the horizon and hopefully some updates to existing lenses - stuff you don't publish in a road map.
For LX anniversary Zeiss built the 1.2/85 for C anniversary there was a 1.2/55 lens.

**RGlasel** · 12-16-2018, 09:02 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Docrwm

Sad to see several Pentaxians with their camera but taking photos with their cellulars.

Lots of pictures of food in restaurants, too

One day, smartphone pictures will only be available for a short time, then their bits will disintegrate into random noise and become lost for ever. The ultimate disposible camera, even the photographs aren't permanent.

mee · 12-16-2018, 09:04 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by JPT

- K-3 Evolved camera is under heavy development (they have used this "evolved" phrasing before - it's clear they don't want it to be seen as a mere K-3 III)

That's a bit exciting to me. I am happy they are using the K-3 moniker too to describe it at least. Because, to me, this indicates that perhaps it will still be using the K-3 form-factor and not the KP's with respect to the shutter release button placement and top panel. Hopefully it comes with a serious hand grip like the K-3 or K-1.

Thanks for the translation on the 'news'!

Adam · 12-16-2018, 09:14 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by JPT

it's clear they don't want it to be seen as a mere K-3 III)

This is particularly welcome. The days of iterative improvement on DSLRs are over IMO.

stevebrot · 12-16-2018, 10:33 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by zapp

Looks like the next new camera will be an evolved APS-C

Large sensor Theta, undoubtedly...

Steve

Docrwm · 12-16-2018, 10:36 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Large sensor Theta, undoubtedly...

Steve

Full frame of Medium Format?

RonHendriks1966 · 12-16-2018, 10:43 AM

So the guessing game is on......

What is coming in 2019 and in what order?
1. 11-18mm
2. 70-200mm
3. K-1ii Silver anniversary edition
4. 85mm
5. New full frame camera

That's all folks.

(Except maybe some Theta or so)

stevebrot · 12-16-2018, 10:56 AM

Originally posted by RonHendriks1966

So the guessing game is on......

A special "chrome" silver DA L collection with matching silver lens caps and shiny limited edition box.

Steve

sculptor666 · 12-16-2018, 10:57 AM - **2 Likes**

pics of the new wa here, mounted on k-1 annex

Docrwm · 12-16-2018, 10:59 AM - **2 Likes**

Digital back for the K1000

BarneyL · 12-16-2018, 11:02 AM

Quote:

hinted at something silver (just a k-1 II limited edition?)

I know it's some sort of Pentax' tradition to release silver limited versions of cameras, but that would be very underwhelming for a centenary. Just like Nikon's special edition D5 and D500.

I hope Ricoh's going to implement one of their patents in this new, evolved APS-C; either tilting sensor or hybrid VF.

12-16-2018, 08:09 AM - 19 Likes	#1
JPT Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Tokyo Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,821	Hints about future products on Twitter There has been some interesting talk on Twitter this weekend about upcoming Ricoh/Pentax products. I should explain the context first. The Osaka camera store Yaotomi hosted an evening with Mr. Wakashiro (name edited after correction on another site), of the Ricoh Imaging Product Planning Dept. and some of their loyal customers. The Tweets are exchanged between Yaotomi and the people who attended. There are clearly a lot of things they heard that they are not at liberty to mention, but still there is some interesting information. Upcoming products - The first thing to come will be a lens or lenses (not clear if referring to one or multiple) - K-3 Evolved camera is under heavy development (they have used this "evolved" phrasing before - it's clear they don't want it to be seen as a mere K-3 III) - Two other products that were discussed specifically, but cannot be mentioned. I assume these are not things on the roadmap, and it’s just my speculation but I think they are cameras - He loves the idea of an LX Digital, but I don’t see any indication that it is actually coming - When asked whether anything would come out for the centenary, he hinted at something silver (just a k-1 II limited edition?) *DA 11-18** - The rep brought a prototype of the DA* 11-18. It looks basically complete. - It has an indentation for attaching a “lens heater for shooting stars”. - It doesn’t seem to be confirmed that the heater will be released. Other - He also brought along one of the original, never-produced K-1s. You can see it in the photos. - When they develop cameras, they don’t ask themselves “What will sell?”, they ask “Will it be interesting to use?” - They sold loads of Qs in Japan, but overseas was a different story (not such a surprise) - The GXR A12 was selling well right up until the end (this is interesting to me) Overall, it sounds like there is lots to look forward to next year. Here is the Twitter page for Yaotomi Camera (in Japanese, of course): ??????? (@yaotomicamera) on Twitter Last edited by JPT; 12-19-2018 at 04:57 AM.

12-16-2018, 09:14 AM - 2 Likes	#8
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by JPT it's clear they don't want it to be seen as a mere K-3 III) This is particularly welcome. The days of iterative improvement on DSLRs are over IMO. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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12-16-2018, 08:24 AM - 1 Like	#2
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Thanks for sharing this. Originally posted by JPT - Two other products that were discussed specifically, but cannot be mentioned. I assume these are not things on the roadmap, and it’s just my speculation but I think they are cameras Uh-oh. Fuel for the endless hope-to-die discussion on Pentax/Ricoh mirrorless cameras... Aren't the Theta and action camera mirrorless?

12-16-2018, 08:33 AM	#3
ben-pentax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 133	Thank you for an interesting update.

12-16-2018, 08:35 AM - 1 Like	#4
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Arigatou. Sad to see several Pentaxians with their camera but taking photos with their cellulars.

12-16-2018, 08:55 AM	#5
zapp Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2,385	First real rumor in months, with little news, but at least some signs of life. Time to deliver what is on the roadmap - plus a little more. Looks like the next new camera will be an evolved APS-C, lens wise the 11-18 is coming and hopefully the 85. 1.4x FF converter is on the horizon and hopefully some updates to existing lenses - stuff you don't publish in a road map. For LX anniversary Zeiss built the 1.2/85 for C anniversary there was a 1.2/55 lens.

12-16-2018, 09:02 AM - 2 Likes	#6
RGlasel Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Saskatoon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,228	Originally posted by Docrwm Sad to see several Pentaxians with their camera but taking photos with their cellulars. Lots of pictures of food in restaurants, too One day, smartphone pictures will only be available for a short time, then their bits will disintegrate into random noise and become lost for ever. The ultimate disposible camera, even the photographs aren't permanent.

12-16-2018, 09:04 AM - 1 Like	#7
mee Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 7,403	Originally posted by JPT - K-3 Evolved camera is under heavy development (they have used this "evolved" phrasing before - it's clear they don't want it to be seen as a mere K-3 III) That's a bit exciting to me. I am happy they are using the K-3 moniker too to describe it at least. Because, to me, this indicates that perhaps it will still be using the K-3 form-factor and not the KP's with respect to the shutter release button placement and top panel. Hopefully it comes with a serious hand grip like the K-3 or K-1. Thanks for the translation on the 'news'!

12-16-2018, 10:33 AM - 1 Like	#9
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by zapp Looks like the next new camera will be an evolved APS-C Large sensor Theta, undoubtedly... Steve

12-16-2018, 10:36 AM	#10
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by stevebrot Large sensor Theta, undoubtedly... Steve Full frame of Medium Format?

12-16-2018, 10:43 AM	#11
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	So the guessing game is on...... What is coming in 2019 and in what order? 1. 11-18mm 2. 70-200mm 3. K-1ii Silver anniversary edition 4. 85mm 5. New full frame camera That's all folks. (Except maybe some Theta or so)

12-16-2018, 10:56 AM	#12
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by RonHendriks1966 So the guessing game is on...... A special "chrome" silver DA L collection with matching silver lens caps and shiny limited edition box. Steve

12-16-2018, 10:57 AM - 2 Likes	#13
sculptor666 Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: PA Photos: Gallery Posts: 675	pics of the new wa here, mounted on k-1 annex

12-16-2018, 10:59 AM - 2 Likes	#14
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Digital back for the K1000

12-16-2018, 11:02 AM	#15
BarneyL Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2017 Posts: 899	Quote: hinted at something silver (just a k-1 II limited edition?) I know it's some sort of Pentax' tradition to release silver limited versions of cameras, but that would be very underwhelming for a centenary. Just like Nikon's special edition D5 and D500. I hope Ricoh's going to implement one of their patents in this new, evolved APS-C; either tilting sensor or hybrid VF.