Ricoh Imaging Diversifying the Pentax Brand via High Performance Astronomy Optics!

dcpropilot · 12-14-2019, 07:40 PM

Ricoh announces two weatherproof, high-performance, wide-angle eyepieces for astronomy telescopes

---------- Post added 12-14-2019 at 09:43 PM ----------

I may have look into this for my 10" dobsonian.

Last edited by dcpropilot; 12-14-2019 at 08:11 PM.

**reh321** · 12-14-2019, 08:02 PM

Originally posted by dcpropilot

Ricoh announces two weatherproof, high-performance, wide-angle eyepieces for astronomy telescopes

---------- Post added 12-14-2019 at 09:43 PM ----------

I may have look into this for my 10" dobsonian.

From the second paragraph of the last section, it appears that Ricoh is adopting Pentax’s history.

**stevebrot** · 12-14-2019, 09:03 PM

Originally posted by reh321

From the second paragraph of the last section, it appears that Ricoh is adopting Pentax’s history.

They have used that language at times pretty much since ever since they bought the Pentax camera and sport optics divisions. Since there has been continuity of production, the claim makes more sense than the bogus name-only brands such as Meyer Optic and their products. Despite that, I still think it is bad form if they can't even see fit to name the subsidiary Pentax Imaging.

Steve

**johnha** · 12-15-2019, 01:05 AM

Aren't these the same eyepieces for the Pentax 85mm spotting scope, there was a zoom one and several fixed ones? IIRC the astronomy community have lots of good things to say about them. I think this is just Ricoh reminding people they still make them.

**pentaxus** · 12-15-2019, 01:28 AM - **1 Like**

The news release mentions that these eyepieces are a re-release. Pentax used to make telescopes and eyepieces that were considered to be quite good. Some of the eyepieces were used on their spotting scopes. Ricoh is choosing to make another batch of a couple of eyepieces that they know will sell and generate profit.

MikeyBugs95 · 12-15-2019, 01:45 AM

Well anything that can make a profit that can be reinvested into the Pentax brand is good. I'd normally have a little bit more to say but it's too late to be thinking.

PePe · 12-15-2019, 03:32 AM - **1 Like**

Anything that supports and reinforces the brand is a plus, isn´t it?

Kunzite · 12-15-2019, 03:47 AM

Originally posted by PePe

Anything that supports and reinforces the brand is a plus, isn´t it?

Of course. Ideally, Pentax would generate a (small) profit and won't have to be subsidized be the GR and Theta. At this scale, every successful product helps.

**Pentax Syntax** · 12-15-2019, 06:46 AM

I have the original XW30 and XW40 and they are fantastic widefield eyepieces. Many users on Cloudy nights prefer them to Televue, Takahashi, Baader and other high end offerings. Big demand probably drove reintroduced items. Excellent news.

fsge · 12-15-2019, 07:20 AM

I have no idea of the market size of this niche products by any effort to bring pentax under the spotlights is definitely welcome!

bobmaxja · 12-15-2019, 07:49 AM

I had one on my Pentax scope that I sold last year. Very good quality

Vmax911 · 12-15-2019, 09:42 AM - **3 Likes**

The more the Pentax name is used the better in my book.

tvdtvdtvd · 12-15-2019, 02:37 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by stevebrot

I still think it is bad form if they can't even see fit to name the subsidiary Pentax Imaging.

I have no problem with all Pentax products coming from Ricoh Imaging. Ricoh has proved itself worthy of maintaining the
Pentax ethos. We have Ricoh to thank for Pentax' continued existence. Now pause for a moment and consider what would
become of Pentax if they were acquired by Sony........ Yeah, Pentax products from Ricoh imaging doesn't sound so bad.

**Mikesul** · 12-15-2019, 02:47 PM

Yes, we should be grateful that the brand and technology are continuing to be developed by Ricoh. What they name their corporate divisions is not a big deal for users. The old Pentax Corporation and Asahi Optical Company are long gone. May they rest in peace.

y0chang · 12-15-2019, 04:42 PM - **3 Likes**

Pentax is quite well known in the Astronomy world for their optics. Pentax used to make telescopes as well as eyepieces. Interesting that Ricoh is going back into that after a long time away (except for the binocular market). The DA 560mm was supposedly based on a Pentax telescopic design.

Pentax 105SDP Apochromatic Refractor | Astromart

This is an example of one of the older pre-hoya designs. The quality of Pentax telescopes were much higher than department store or even most enthusiast telescopes, they did not sell any low end equipment which why they are so rare.

12-14-2019, 07:40 PM	#1
dcpropilot Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Vermont Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 865	Ricoh Imaging Diversifying the Pentax Brand via High Performance Astronomy Optics! Ricoh announces two weatherproof, high-performance, wide-angle eyepieces for astronomy telescopes ---------- Post added 12-14-2019 at 09:43 PM ---------- I may have look into this for my 10" dobsonian. Last edited by dcpropilot; 12-14-2019 at 08:11 PM.

12-14-2019, 09:03 PM	#3
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 34,848	Originally posted by reh321 From the second paragraph of the last section, it appears that Ricoh is adopting Pentax’s history. They have used that language at times pretty much since ever since they bought the Pentax camera and sport optics divisions. Since there has been continuity of production, the claim makes more sense than the bogus name-only brands such as Meyer Optic and their products. Despite that, I still think it is bad form if they can't even see fit to name the subsidiary Pentax Imaging. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 12-14-2019 at 09:05 PM. Reason: grammar

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12-14-2019, 08:02 PM	#2
reh321 retired sw engineer Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 16,239	Originally posted by dcpropilot Ricoh announces two weatherproof, high-performance, wide-angle eyepieces for astronomy telescopes ---------- Post added 12-14-2019 at 09:43 PM ---------- I may have look into this for my 10" dobsonian. From the second paragraph of the last section, it appears that Ricoh is adopting Pentax’s history.

12-15-2019, 01:05 AM	#4
johnha Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Lancashire, UK Photos: Albums Posts: 845	Aren't these the same eyepieces for the Pentax 85mm spotting scope, there was a zoom one and several fixed ones? IIRC the astronomy community have lots of good things to say about them. I think this is just Ricoh reminding people they still make them.

12-15-2019, 01:28 AM - 1 Like	#5
pentaxus Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Central Coast, CA Posts: 657	The news release mentions that these eyepieces are a re-release. Pentax used to make telescopes and eyepieces that were considered to be quite good. Some of the eyepieces were used on their spotting scopes. Ricoh is choosing to make another batch of a couple of eyepieces that they know will sell and generate profit.

12-15-2019, 01:45 AM	#6
MikeyBugs95 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 876	Well anything that can make a profit that can be reinvested into the Pentax brand is good. I'd normally have a little bit more to say but it's too late to be thinking.

12-15-2019, 03:32 AM - 1 Like	#7
PePe Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Helsinki, Finland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 536	Anything that supports and reinforces the brand is a plus, isn´t it?

12-15-2019, 03:47 AM	#8
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 12,356	Originally posted by PePe Anything that supports and reinforces the brand is a plus, isn´t it? Of course. Ideally, Pentax would generate a (small) profit and won't have to be subsidized be the GR and Theta. At this scale, every successful product helps.

12-15-2019, 06:46 AM	#9
Pentax Syntax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 433	I have the original XW30 and XW40 and they are fantastic widefield eyepieces. Many users on Cloudy nights prefer them to Televue, Takahashi, Baader and other high end offerings. Big demand probably drove reintroduced items. Excellent news.

12-15-2019, 07:20 AM	#10
fsge Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Genf Posts: 1,079	I have no idea of the market size of this niche products by any effort to bring pentax under the spotlights is definitely welcome!

12-15-2019, 07:49 AM	#11
bobmaxja Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Laval, Quebec Canada Posts: 1,997	I had one on my Pentax scope that I sold last year. Very good quality

12-15-2019, 09:42 AM - 3 Likes	#12
Vmax911 Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ABQ Photos: Gallery Posts: 790	The more the Pentax name is used the better in my book.

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12-15-2019, 02:37 PM - 1 Like	#13
tvdtvdtvd Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,566	Originally posted by stevebrot I still think it is bad form if they can't even see fit to name the subsidiary Pentax Imaging. I have no problem with all Pentax products coming from Ricoh Imaging. Ricoh has proved itself worthy of maintaining the Pentax ethos. We have Ricoh to thank for Pentax' continued existence. Now pause for a moment and consider what would become of Pentax if they were acquired by Sony........ Yeah, Pentax products from Ricoh imaging doesn't sound so bad.

12-15-2019, 02:47 PM	#14
Mikesul Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 6,136	Yes, we should be grateful that the brand and technology are continuing to be developed by Ricoh. What they name their corporate divisions is not a big deal for users. The old Pentax Corporation and Asahi Optical Company are long gone. May they rest in peace.

12-15-2019, 04:42 PM - 3 Likes	#15
y0chang Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: United States Posts: 698	Pentax is quite well known in the Astronomy world for their optics. Pentax used to make telescopes as well as eyepieces. Interesting that Ricoh is going back into that after a long time away (except for the binocular market). The DA 560mm was supposedly based on a Pentax telescopic design. Pentax 105SDP Apochromatic Refractor \| Astromart This is an example of one of the older pre-hoya designs. The quality of Pentax telescopes were much higher than department store or even most enthusiast telescopes, they did not sell any low end equipment which why they are so rare.