Originally posted by biz-engineer I think the idea of Ricoh Imaging (opposite to CaNikonSony model) is to sell more products to the same customers via offering a range of complementary products and customizable options (colors, accessories, and why not monochrome , astro etc.). That's why they have 360, GR, APSC, FF and MF, but one camera model of each type current at any point in time (one medium format, one full frame, one or two apsc model, one 360, one or two GR). If we look at Sony, they have no 360 and mostly FF, but a broad range of FF specs (how many, 10 FF cameras on sale with different specs?), that means as a Sony user you may only buy one camera and upgrade when the next model upgrade comes out, Sony need a lot of customers. With Ricoh Imaging, small number of customers, the same customer may own a GR for compact-travel-street, and a K3III with a 150-450 for wildlife at national parks, and a Pentax K1 with 24-70 and 70-200 for landscape and portraits. Ricoh Imaging business model is totally different from the big 3 camera makers, due to having a small market share they make money via diversification of related products. It's viable approach by the business books, but it requires a lot a agility of the staff, being able to switch from designing 360 fixed lens mirrorless system to designing FF DSLR ILC.
I think that Pentax offer of upgrading your K-1 to MK II was nice, even if it was not really a update. Better thanCanon doing R5, which failed in video(overheat), them made it again, with a FAN. Then sell it again for guys who wanted more from their original R5, which is now R5C and will cost more… never the less.(Sony did the same with FX3)
It might be that we will see more of innovative things from Ricoh. While it is true that some might have GR and K-3III and K-1(perhaps even theta), it could be that Ricoh want to give unique experience for their present and future customers. Sure one might be waiting newest updates but there are people who want to build their own kit looking good to them and their social media
This does not mean that there will not be development (R&D) but it does mean that we might have more of choices. Like you mentioned Sony. They have several different cameras and you’ll get a compromise unless you buy A1. A7 is okay, but lacking compared to. Only AF is almost the same.
So, Ricoh was playing around with the idea of the next K-1(speculation ) could be ordered without AF if one desired or with monochrome sensor, or with AF or…? Not so sure if this will be the case, but it does sound like there are some possible bumps unbuild. This could although mean that those parts could be changed too. But it is more likely that this will be more subtle than that. Like cosmetically and grip/handling vise enhanced experience for the customers.