Originally posted by ozzi-paul
Has this delay and others always been a trait of Pentax or is it only since Hoya
took over the reins. I read somewhere a while ago that Hoya was more interested in the
optical side of things (because thats what they do) and not into the imaging side
of things to much.
It was probably worse before Hoya. The original DA*60-250/4 announcement predates the Hoya take-over, so it's not *completely* in their hands.
Two quotes from Mr. Hamada, COO, from the published summary of Hoya's financial results meeting for the three months ended September 30, 2008 (Tokyo, November 10, 2008). (see:
http://www.hoya.co.jp/english/investor/2009_2Q_meeting_summary.pdf)
Quote: Sales of single-lens reflex cameras also trigger those of interchangeable lenses, so we will continue focusing on the former product.
and:
Quote: Essentially, the products we are now producing and selling were developed last summer or autumn, with a roadmap that lacked strategy in my view. As I said in the previous meeting, we remade a completely new roadmap for the next fiscal year in accordance with the "scrap & build" policy: creating unique cameras of a new and different field, and releasing and commencing the marketing of interchangeable lenses at the same time as new cameras. As for new products for this year, a new single-lens reflex camera K-m model (an entry level high-end model) was launched about two 8 weeks ago, while new compact digital cameras have also been released on a quarterly basis. Next year, we are planning to launch some three types, including minor design change versions, of single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras. With a desire to offer cameras which will demonstrate our advantages, as announced in the Photokina held in Germany, we will relaunch ourselves next year as a manufacturer of all-weather cameras which are strong outdoors, highly water-resistnat, splash-proof, and dustproof, small and light, easily portable and tough (durable).
This may shed some light on the reason why the DA*60-250/4 is getting delayed. Perhaps it just doesn't fit in with the other plans but they feel cannot cancel it since it has been announced. Adapting it to fit in with their plans for the future and fitting it into that schedule is probably what's taking time...
Wim