CP+ interview question suggestions

Adam · 02-13-2019, 12:26 PM

We will be conducting our usual Pentax interview at CP+ this year! What questions would you guys like us to ask?

As always, questions about future products will likely be met with "we can't answer that", so please be a bit more creative

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:

bladawiec · 02-13-2019, 12:47 PM - **3 Likes**

Never ending question still without clear answer from Ricoh: about status and future of Pentax Q system.

disconnekt · 02-13-2019, 12:49 PM - **7 Likes**

Will there be a K3II successor in the near future (blink once for yes, twice for no)?

**FozzFoster** · 02-13-2019, 12:53 PM - **2 Likes**

I would be interested to know what obstacles were encountered as to not release the 35 f/2 with weather-sealing and silent focus. Do they expect to release further revamps that encounter the same obstacles?
If so, can you beg them not to revamp the limited series lenses without weather-sealing? Please?

**kiwi_jono** · 02-13-2019, 12:54 PM

While I"m not particularly a mirrorless fan, I would be interested in the answer to the obvious question along the lines of:

"Canon and Nikon have now released mirrorless systems, what affect, if any, does this have on Pentax's research program?"

Also around lenses:

"Pentax has always had a nice offering of compact prime lenses and seeing a revamp of the FA35 was a nice surprise. Is revamping some of the more class lenses something we are likely to see more of?

RonHendriks1966 · 02-13-2019, 12:58 PM

Ricoh Industrial Camera is now also reported in the financial reports of Smart Vision. Is that now also a part of Ricoh-Imaging? Are there any plans to put more imaging products and company's under the wing of Ricoh-Imaging?

**BigMackCam** · 02-13-2019, 01:01 PM - **3 Likes**

Here's mine:

"Marketing of Pentax and Ricoh photographic brands outside of Japan is, at best, minimal (some would say almost non-existent). In such a highly competitive market with shrinking camera sales, does Ricoh Imaging agree that it could benefit from increased marketing through international, national and regional press, events and bricks and mortar stores?"

**clackers** · 02-13-2019, 01:02 PM

Originally posted by disconnekt

Will there be a K3II successor in the near future (blink once for yes, twice for no)?

(Laughs). That's great.

**Erictator** · 02-13-2019, 01:05 PM - **3 Likes**

Will there be any "push" to help other software developers (other than Silkypix) to have R/Pentax up to date RAW converters, and ones that fully supports Pixel Shift?

(I see this as a gap that needs to be filled, and would help two-fold with marketing... What is the point of a feature if it isn't supported except by a 1 or 2 non-mainstream software vendors?)

Will there be any more FW updates for the K-1 for function/performance, not just new lens etc?

Will the new HD FF TC do the math and convey the total Focal length into the exif?

Is R/Pentax going to enhance the Marketing situation in the USA and associated R/Pentax websites so that they are as up to date as the Asian sites and as timely?

What happened to Pro-Support that was supposed to be coming back when releasing the new MF Z and FF, did the initiative get terminated or is it still coming?

That's about it.
Eric

biz-engineer · 02-13-2019, 01:13 PM - **1 Like**

Question #1 about software features: In the past, we have seen a number of marketing survey aimed at defining the preferences of Pentax users with regards to hardware (cameras, lenses, formats, autofocus, WR etc..). In the future, how will Ricoh Imaging consider the software features that users would want to have implemented in their cameras? [Hint: market research student could do it for cheap]

Question #1b about framing: Currently, the K1 series allows apsc 3:2 crop, and 1:1 crop. Framing being one of the most important aspects for still photography, and being something supposedly not difficult to implement in software for the live view mode, do you plan a firmware update of K1 and KP to display various aspect ratios (4:3, 5:4, 16:9, 2:1) on the back LCD for composition of images in live view mode? [shouldn't be a big deal to black out the edges of the frame in LV mode right?]

Question #2 about post processing: The Pentax K1 II came with dynamic pixel shift that aimed at enhancing image quality, more tone information available in shadow areas on images. But post processing tools aren't able to process raw files from dynamic pixel shift. What is the plan of Ricoh Imaging to simplify post processing issues? For example, do you plan to allow in camera conversion to 16bit TIFF or flat RAW file format for easy post-processing of pixel shifted images with any conventional desktop software [PS, LR, etc..]?

Question #3 about viewfinder: Is there any plan to improve the eyepiece on future Pentax camera for better viewing of the frame and reduce light leakage on the sides of the eyepiece? [to me sounds like this is no much R&D effort to improve eyepiece.., but improves user experience]

The Squirrel Mafia · 02-13-2019, 01:21 PM

Originally posted by bladawiec

Never ending question still without clear answer from Ricoh: about status and future of Pentax Q system.

This is most intriguing.

Originally posted by disconnekt

Will there be a K3II successor in the near future (blink once for yes, twice for no)?

I like this one. Hahaha!

BarneyL · 02-13-2019, 01:24 PM

1. Should we expect more 'refreshed' lenses of the FA line (like FA 50/1.4)?
2. Would you consider giving more camera software development kits to the community?
3. Seems like the K-1 upgrade program got a lot of interest. Do you consider running similar thing in the future?
4. 100th anniversary of Asahi Optical is coming. What do you plan to do to celebrate, except releasing K-1 II in silver?
5. Why no full-frame GR? Also, why not have an accessory clip-on EVF for it?
6. Do you consider going mirrorless with the medium format?
7. How's the development on the 'evolved' APS-C camera going?
8. Do you plan to refresh DA* line of lenses in the near future?
9. Will you give an option to customize Accelerator Unit's noise reduction (for example, to make it kick in on ISO 6400 or so)?
10. Does the current roadmap contain all the planned lenses, or is there some additional work behind the scenes?

Adam · 02-13-2019, 01:41 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by bladawiec

Never ending question still without clear answer from Ricoh: about status and future of Pentax Q system.

This was answered last year, I believe. The line was suspended (which means it could be revived, but is currently not being developed).

brofessor · 02-13-2019, 01:59 PM - **2 Likes**

Does Pentax share the same negative sentiment some other manufacturers have on the future of the consumer camera market? If so, what is Ricoh's strategy to adapt to changing market circumstances?

**sbh** · 02-13-2019, 02:28 PM - **1 Like**

Does Ricoh/Pentax want to further develop more communication (interaction etc...) with their users? For example more like the "Make the most fo your PENTAX camera" or the BTS information on the K-1 special sites or the passion about how the DFA*50 was developed? If yes, what do they plan to do or what is their strategy?

02-13-2019, 01:05 PM - 3 Likes	#9
Erictator Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,347	Will there be any "push" to help other software developers (other than Silkypix) to have R/Pentax up to date RAW converters, and ones that fully supports Pixel Shift? (I see this as a gap that needs to be filled, and would help two-fold with marketing... What is the point of a feature if it isn't supported except by a 1 or 2 non-mainstream software vendors?) Will there be any more FW updates for the K-1 for function/performance, not just new lens etc? Will the new HD FF TC do the math and convey the total Focal length into the exif? Is R/Pentax going to enhance the Marketing situation in the USA and associated R/Pentax websites so that they are as up to date as the Asian sites and as timely? What happened to Pro-Support that was supposed to be coming back when releasing the new MF Z and FF, did the initiative get terminated or is it still coming? That's about it. Eric Last edited by Erictator; 02-13-2019 at 01:33 PM.

02-13-2019, 01:13 PM - 1 Like	#10
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,237	Question #1 about software features: In the past, we have seen a number of marketing survey aimed at defining the preferences of Pentax users with regards to hardware (cameras, lenses, formats, autofocus, WR etc..). In the future, how will Ricoh Imaging consider the software features that users would want to have implemented in their cameras? [Hint: market research student could do it for cheap] Question #1b about framing: Currently, the K1 series allows apsc 3:2 crop, and 1:1 crop. Framing being one of the most important aspects for still photography, and being something supposedly not difficult to implement in software for the live view mode, do you plan a firmware update of K1 and KP to display various aspect ratios (4:3, 5:4, 16:9, 2:1) on the back LCD for composition of images in live view mode? [shouldn't be a big deal to black out the edges of the frame in LV mode right?] Question #2 about post processing: The Pentax K1 II came with dynamic pixel shift that aimed at enhancing image quality, more tone information available in shadow areas on images. But post processing tools aren't able to process raw files from dynamic pixel shift. What is the plan of Ricoh Imaging to simplify post processing issues? For example, do you plan to allow in camera conversion to 16bit TIFF or flat RAW file format for easy post-processing of pixel shifted images with any conventional desktop software [PS, LR, etc..]? Question #3 about viewfinder: Is there any plan to improve the eyepiece on future Pentax camera for better viewing of the frame and reduce light leakage on the sides of the eyepiece? [to me sounds like this is no much R&D effort to improve eyepiece.., but improves user experience] Last edited by biz-engineer; 02-15-2019 at 01:32 AM.

02-13-2019, 01:41 PM - 1 Like	#13
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597 Original Poster	Originally posted by bladawiec Never ending question still without clear answer from Ricoh: about status and future of Pentax Q system. This was answered last year, I believe. The line was suspended (which means it could be revived, but is currently not being developed). 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:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
CP+ 2018 Interview Question Suggestions	Adam	Pentax News and Rumors	146	03-09-2018 02:12 PM
CP+ Interview Question Suggestions	Adam	Pentax News and Rumors	127	03-09-2016 05:23 PM
CP+ Pentax Interview - Question Suggestions	Adam	Pentax News and Rumors	188	02-13-2015 07:19 AM
CP+ 2014 Pentax Interview: Question Suggestions	Adam	Photographic Industry and Professionals	137	02-24-2014 12:59 AM
PentaxForums at CP+ 2013, Interview Question Suggestions	Adam	Pentax News and Rumors	189	01-29-2013 08:36 PM

02-13-2019, 12:26 PM	#1
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	CP+ interview question suggestions We will be conducting our usual Pentax interview at CP+ this year! What questions would you guys like us to ask? As always, questions about future products will likely be met with "we can't answer that", so please be a bit more creative 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:

02-13-2019, 12:47 PM - 3 Likes	#2
bladawiec Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Poland Posts: 45	Never ending question still without clear answer from Ricoh: about status and future of Pentax Q system.

02-13-2019, 12:49 PM - 7 Likes	#3
disconnekt Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: SoCal/I.E. Photos: Albums Posts: 1,700	Will there be a K3II successor in the near future (blink once for yes, twice for no)?

02-13-2019, 12:53 PM - 2 Likes	#4
FozzFoster Custom User Title Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 6,808	I would be interested to know what obstacles were encountered as to not release the 35 f/2 with weather-sealing and silent focus. Do they expect to release further revamps that encounter the same obstacles? If so, can you beg them not to revamp the limited series lenses without weather-sealing? Please?

02-13-2019, 12:54 PM	#5
kiwi_jono Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,437	While I"m not particularly a mirrorless fan, I would be interested in the answer to the obvious question along the lines of: "Canon and Nikon have now released mirrorless systems, what affect, if any, does this have on Pentax's research program?" Also around lenses: "Pentax has always had a nice offering of compact prime lenses and seeing a revamp of the FA35 was a nice surprise. Is revamping some of the more class lenses something we are likely to see more of?

02-13-2019, 12:58 PM	#6
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	Ricoh Industrial Camera is now also reported in the financial reports of Smart Vision. Is that now also a part of Ricoh-Imaging? Are there any plans to put more imaging products and company's under the wing of Ricoh-Imaging?

02-13-2019, 01:01 PM - 3 Likes	#7
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,681	Here's mine: "Marketing of Pentax and Ricoh photographic brands outside of Japan is, at best, minimal (some would say almost non-existent). In such a highly competitive market with shrinking camera sales, does Ricoh Imaging agree that it could benefit from increased marketing through international, national and regional press, events and bricks and mortar stores?"

02-13-2019, 01:02 PM	#8
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by disconnekt Will there be a K3II successor in the near future (blink once for yes, twice for no)? (Laughs). That's great.

02-13-2019, 01:21 PM	#11
The Squirrel Mafia Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 3,056	Originally posted by bladawiec Never ending question still without clear answer from Ricoh: about status and future of Pentax Q system. This is most intriguing. Originally posted by disconnekt Will there be a K3II successor in the near future (blink once for yes, twice for no)? I like this one. Hahaha!

02-13-2019, 01:24 PM	#12
BarneyL Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2017 Posts: 899	1. Should we expect more 'refreshed' lenses of the FA line (like FA 50/1.4)? 2. Would you consider giving more camera software development kits to the community? 3. Seems like the K-1 upgrade program got a lot of interest. Do you consider running similar thing in the future? 4. 100th anniversary of Asahi Optical is coming. What do you plan to do to celebrate, except releasing K-1 II in silver? 5. Why no full-frame GR? Also, why not have an accessory clip-on EVF for it? 6. Do you consider going mirrorless with the medium format? 7. How's the development on the 'evolved' APS-C camera going? 8. Do you plan to refresh DA* line of lenses in the near future? 9. Will you give an option to customize Accelerator Unit's noise reduction (for example, to make it kick in on ISO 6400 or so)? 10. Does the current roadmap contain all the planned lenses, or is there some additional work behind the scenes?

02-13-2019, 01:59 PM - 2 Likes	#14
brofessor Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Posts: 27	Does Pentax share the same negative sentiment some other manufacturers have on the future of the consumer camera market? If so, what is Ricoh's strategy to adapt to changing market circumstances?

02-13-2019, 02:28 PM - 1 Like	#15
sbh Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Black Forest, Germany Photos: Gallery Posts: 852	Does Ricoh/Pentax want to further develop more communication (interaction etc...) with their users? For example more like the "Make the most fo your PENTAX camera" or the BTS information on the K-1 special sites or the passion about how the DFA*50 was developed? If yes, what do they plan to do or what is their strategy?