Six different versions of the Pentax K-3 Mark III

**TwoUptons** · 01-12-2022, 03:39 AM - **1 Like**

Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here.

Originally posted by BarneyL

IMO an analog camera (a basic SLR like K1000) would make much more sense to make these days then manual focus only digital SLR (especially crop sensor).

All the other options seem quite reasonable to explore.

There have been a number of threads about that recently...

One big issue I've identified is that Ricoh doesn't make very many lenses that would work properly on a mechanical camera.
Certainly not any of the fancy new glass. DFA50? 85? 21 Limited? nope.
Puts a huge dent in your market space, so I don't think they would go that way.
And if they make a new "MZ-Sii", compatible with all the new lenses, they now have a film camera that costs more than $1,000...

The advantage of using the K3iii as the basis for any of these limited series bodies is that it is a current, modern product with (hopefully) a lot of life in it.

I can't imagine they wouldn't consider this with a full frame body as well, but the one they have is in need of a refresh...
I expect we'll hear about things like this around whatever the full frame update looks like in a year or two (or three...)

-Eric

**robbiec** · 01-12-2022, 04:04 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by biz-engineer

I never understood why a small brand like Ricoh/Pentax doesn't do more limited series products / on order products. Such as make a special product, open a pre-order window of two to three months, advertise it, take the orders, make the batch and deliver it. Advantage is zero inventory left. If the demand is higher than expected, open a second pre-order window, make another batch , deliver. Make a K1 Astro limited production model gun metal finish, take the orders on Ricoh Imaging webshops worldwide, make it to demand, unique product, would keep customers happy, with zero left-over for Ricoh.

It would be a support nightmare.

BarneyL · 01-12-2022, 04:27 AM

Originally posted by TwoUptons

There have been a number of threads about that recently...

One big issue I've identified is that Ricoh doesn't make very many lenses that would work properly on a mechanical camera.
Certainly not any of the fancy new glass.

-Eric

This hypothetical film SLR wouldn't be there to sell new lenses, but to cash in on the analog resurgence. A simplest body possible, simple shutter, simple finder, manual wind. I think even a meterless one would gather noticeable interest. Maybe throw in an old style 50mm kit manual focus lens with HD coating (also compatible with digital bodies). That's all.

Maybe I don't know something, but camera companies totally ignoring film shooters nowadays, when Kodak keeps rising film prices by 20% each year, and still having trouble keeping with the demand... I think they are just wasting an opportunity.

reh321 · 01-12-2022, 05:28 AM

Originally posted by BarneyL

This hypothetical film SLR wouldn't be there to sell new lenses, but to cash in on the analog resurgence. A simplest body possible, simple shutter, simple finder, manual wind. I think even a meterless one would gather noticeable interest. Maybe throw in an old style 50mm kit manual focus lens with HD coating (also compatible with digital bodies). That's all.

Maybe I don't know something, but camera companies totally ignoring film shooters nowadays, when Kodak keeps rising film prices by 20% each year, and still having trouble keeping with the demand... I think they are just wasting an opportunity.

I don't believe Ricoh is musing about a new film camera, but a version of a modern digital camera.

I don't believe camera companies are ignoring us - they just realize there are so many film cameras available that there is no market for more.

If you don't want a component {like a meter}, just don't us it.
I use both my "Super Program" and my recently acquired "Spotmatic" that way {in fact, I haven't even bothered to purchase a battery for it}.

Kunzite · 01-12-2022, 05:41 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by reh321

I don't believe camera companies are ignoring us - they just realize there are so many film cameras available that there is no market for more.

They also realize that people are expecting second hand prices for the specially developed, brand new film camera they're requesting.
I mean, how many would actually pay K-1ii/K-3iii prices for a barebone film SLR?

BarneyL · 01-12-2022, 05:49 AM

Well, there are certainly many old, used cameras available today... Which tend to have pretty insane prices nowadays, spare parts are scarce and not many people know how to repair them (and those that do know charge a lot). This especially applies to medium format stuff that sells for more than modern digital full frame.

I think this is a room worth exploring... at least compared to manual focus only, digital SLR.

Also, why would a barebone film SLR cost as much as K-3iii?

**Pål Jensen** · 01-12-2022, 06:15 AM

Originally posted by BarneyL

Well, there are certainly many old, used cameras available today... Which tend to have pretty insane prices nowadays, spare parts are scarce and not many people know how to repair them (and those that do know charge a lot). This especially applies to medium format stuff that sells for more than modern digital full frame.

Certainly not Pentax medium format. It is dirt cheap; both cameras and lenses.Just check ebay...

BarneyL · 01-12-2022, 06:31 AM

Originally posted by Pål Jensen

Certainly not Pentax medium format. It is dirt cheap; both cameras and lenses.Just check ebay...

Pentax 67ii
? Excellent+4 ?Pentax 67II Body & AE Finder Medium Format Film Camera from JAPAN | eBay

Cheapest one, worn without a lens - almost 2 grand.

This is far from dirt cheap in my book...

**Pål Jensen** · 01-12-2022, 06:57 AM

There's always exceptions. Plenty of excellent to mint 67 and 645 from around $300. Lenses can be had from $100. This from 5s study of search results.

BarneyL · 01-12-2022, 07:23 AM

There's no such thing as "mint 67 or 645". Especially in Europe, and for that price. That's from mine 5s study of search results.

In general, my point is, that quality analog gear is expensive, and it's getting more and more expensive to both buy and repair. Demand is on the rise, supply is getting lower.

I don't know how much money will a barebones film SLR require to make, but one can always make a limited run to gauge interest.

**Pål Jensen** · 01-12-2022, 07:33 AM

I get 759 hits on ebay for Pentax 645. 883 hits for Pentax 67. Prices starts very low. It may be that prices are on the increase but it is certainly still a buyers marked out there. Entry into MF film photography is dirt cheap and you don't have to buy junk to get there....

BarneyL · 01-12-2022, 07:41 AM

On eBay.de I get less than 80 hits for 67 from European Union. The cheapest one is 850$ and has Polaroid back, which means it probably was a studio workhorse. Most examples are over 1000 EUR, some with a lens, some not.

However, I can agree that you can have decent medium format camera for reasonable price. Mostly Bronicas and Mamiyas (the SLR ones, rangefinders are another example of insane prices), but both of these usually had their prime time long ago, and could use a thorough CLA.

In any case, this is just an idea. Whether Pentax (or any other company) will try to do something with it, remains to be seen.

**Pål Jensen** · 01-12-2022, 07:51 AM

A new film camera won't be cheap; too small volume. The best one could hope for was that Pentax put their MZ-1 into production (after 20 years!). It certainly was retro enough. It won't be cheap....

**Rondec** · 01-12-2022, 08:03 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Eric Auer

I was done already, bless your heart.

Originally posted by Wheatfield

And bless your heart as well.

"God bless us all, every one!" --Tiny Tim

(Just warms my heart when everyone tries to get along).

thibs · 01-12-2022, 08:11 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Pål Jensen

A new film camera won't be cheap; too small volume. The best one could hope for was that Pentax put their MZ-1 into production (after 20 years!). It certainly was retro enough. It won't be cheap....

I still hate them for not releasing that one.

01-12-2022, 07:23 AM	#115
BarneyL Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2017 Posts: 899	There's no such thing as "mint 67 or 645". Especially in Europe, and for that price. That's from mine 5s study of search results. In general, my point is, that quality analog gear is expensive, and it's getting more and more expensive to both buy and repair. Demand is on the rise, supply is getting lower. I don't know how much money will a barebones film SLR require to make, but one can always make a limited run to gauge interest. Last edited by BarneyL; 01-12-2022 at 07:34 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Does the K1 Mark II still make sense to buy today? Is there an Mark III in the works?	davidphoto	Pentax Full Frame	161	07-18-2023 03:32 PM
K-70 upgrade - K-1 Mark II or K-3 mark III?	Emirena	Pentax DSLR Discussion	35	11-28-2021 09:40 PM
K3 mark III (not mark II !)& Sigma 50-500 (later version) - any experience or issues?	jeallen01	Pentax K-3 III	7	08-14-2021 01:51 AM
K-3 Mark III and GR III topping one Japanese sales chart	JPT	Photographic Industry and Professionals	27	07-31-2021 07:22 AM
Different Spotmatics with different battery covers require different batteries?	MuffinWood	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	13	06-20-2021 11:16 PM

01-12-2022, 03:39 AM - 1 Like	#106
TwoUptons Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,215	Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Originally posted by BarneyL IMO an analog camera (a basic SLR like K1000) would make much more sense to make these days then manual focus only digital SLR (especially crop sensor). All the other options seem quite reasonable to explore. There have been a number of threads about that recently... One big issue I've identified is that Ricoh doesn't make very many lenses that would work properly on a mechanical camera. Certainly not any of the fancy new glass. DFA50? 85? 21 Limited? nope. Puts a huge dent in your market space, so I don't think they would go that way. And if they make a new "MZ-Sii", compatible with all the new lenses, they now have a film camera that costs more than $1,000... The advantage of using the K3iii as the basis for any of these limited series bodies is that it is a current, modern product with (hopefully) a lot of life in it. I can't imagine they wouldn't consider this with a full frame body as well, but the one they have is in need of a refresh... I expect we'll hear about things like this around whatever the full frame update looks like in a year or two (or three...) -Eric

01-12-2022, 04:04 AM - 1 Like	#107
robbiec Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cork Photos: Albums Posts: 1,882	Originally posted by biz-engineer I never understood why a small brand like Ricoh/Pentax doesn't do more limited series products / on order products. Such as make a special product, open a pre-order window of two to three months, advertise it, take the orders, make the batch and deliver it. Advantage is zero inventory left. If the demand is higher than expected, open a second pre-order window, make another batch , deliver. Make a K1 Astro limited production model gun metal finish, take the orders on Ricoh Imaging webshops worldwide, make it to demand, unique product, would keep customers happy, with zero left-over for Ricoh. It would be a support nightmare.

01-12-2022, 04:27 AM	#108
BarneyL Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2017 Posts: 899	Originally posted by TwoUptons There have been a number of threads about that recently... One big issue I've identified is that Ricoh doesn't make very many lenses that would work properly on a mechanical camera. Certainly not any of the fancy new glass. -Eric This hypothetical film SLR wouldn't be there to sell new lenses, but to cash in on the analog resurgence. A simplest body possible, simple shutter, simple finder, manual wind. I think even a meterless one would gather noticeable interest. Maybe throw in an old style 50mm kit manual focus lens with HD coating (also compatible with digital bodies). That's all. Maybe I don't know something, but camera companies totally ignoring film shooters nowadays, when Kodak keeps rising film prices by 20% each year, and still having trouble keeping with the demand... I think they are just wasting an opportunity.

01-12-2022, 05:28 AM	#109
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,180	Originally posted by BarneyL This hypothetical film SLR wouldn't be there to sell new lenses, but to cash in on the analog resurgence. A simplest body possible, simple shutter, simple finder, manual wind. I think even a meterless one would gather noticeable interest. Maybe throw in an old style 50mm kit manual focus lens with HD coating (also compatible with digital bodies). That's all. Maybe I don't know something, but camera companies totally ignoring film shooters nowadays, when Kodak keeps rising film prices by 20% each year, and still having trouble keeping with the demand... I think they are just wasting an opportunity. I don't believe Ricoh is musing about a new film camera, but a version of a modern digital camera. I don't believe camera companies are ignoring us - they just realize there are so many film cameras available that there is no market for more. If you don't want a component {like a meter}, just don't us it. I use both my "Super Program" and my recently acquired "Spotmatic" that way {in fact, I haven't even bothered to purchase a battery for it}.

01-12-2022, 05:41 AM - 2 Likes	#110
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Originally posted by reh321 I don't believe camera companies are ignoring us - they just realize there are so many film cameras available that there is no market for more. They also realize that people are expecting second hand prices for the specially developed, brand new film camera they're requesting. I mean, how many would actually pay K-1ii/K-3iii prices for a barebone film SLR?

01-12-2022, 05:49 AM	#111
BarneyL Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2017 Posts: 899	Well, there are certainly many old, used cameras available today... Which tend to have pretty insane prices nowadays, spare parts are scarce and not many people know how to repair them (and those that do know charge a lot). This especially applies to medium format stuff that sells for more than modern digital full frame. I think this is a room worth exploring... at least compared to manual focus only, digital SLR. Also, why would a barebone film SLR cost as much as K-3iii?

01-12-2022, 06:15 AM	#112
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	Originally posted by BarneyL Well, there are certainly many old, used cameras available today... Which tend to have pretty insane prices nowadays, spare parts are scarce and not many people know how to repair them (and those that do know charge a lot). This especially applies to medium format stuff that sells for more than modern digital full frame. Certainly not Pentax medium format. It is dirt cheap; both cameras and lenses.Just check ebay...

01-12-2022, 06:31 AM	#113
BarneyL Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2017 Posts: 899	Originally posted by Pål Jensen Certainly not Pentax medium format. It is dirt cheap; both cameras and lenses.Just check ebay... Pentax 67ii ? Excellent+4 ?Pentax 67II Body & AE Finder Medium Format Film Camera from JAPAN \| eBay Cheapest one, worn without a lens - almost 2 grand. This is far from dirt cheap in my book...

01-12-2022, 06:57 AM	#114
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	There's always exceptions. Plenty of excellent to mint 67 and 645 from around $300. Lenses can be had from $100. This from 5s study of search results.

01-12-2022, 07:33 AM	#116
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	I get 759 hits on ebay for Pentax 645. 883 hits for Pentax 67. Prices starts very low. It may be that prices are on the increase but it is certainly still a buyers marked out there. Entry into MF film photography is dirt cheap and you don't have to buy junk to get there....

01-12-2022, 07:41 AM	#117
BarneyL Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2017 Posts: 899	On eBay.de I get less than 80 hits for 67 from European Union. The cheapest one is 850$ and has Polaroid back, which means it probably was a studio workhorse. Most examples are over 1000 EUR, some with a lens, some not. However, I can agree that you can have decent medium format camera for reasonable price. Mostly Bronicas and Mamiyas (the SLR ones, rangefinders are another example of insane prices), but both of these usually had their prime time long ago, and could use a thorough CLA. In any case, this is just an idea. Whether Pentax (or any other company) will try to do something with it, remains to be seen.

01-12-2022, 07:51 AM	#118
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	A new film camera won't be cheap; too small volume. The best one could hope for was that Pentax put their MZ-1 into production (after 20 years!). It certainly was retro enough. It won't be cheap....

01-12-2022, 08:03 AM - 1 Like	#119
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	Originally posted by Eric Auer I was done already, bless your heart. Originally posted by Wheatfield And bless your heart as well. "God bless us all, every one!" --Tiny Tim (Just warms my heart when everyone tries to get along).

01-12-2022, 08:11 AM - 1 Like	#120
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	Originally posted by Pål Jensen A new film camera won't be cheap; too small volume. The best one could hope for was that Pentax put their MZ-1 into production (after 20 years!). It certainly was retro enough. It won't be cheap.... I still hate them for not releasing that one.