[Fila]

I haven't seen a new Pentax camera or lens in a store here for many years...

I "never" saw them - which is since I am buying Pentax (2014)

[BarneyL]

I have seen 645Z available for rent in some places, but that was before Fuji GF and Hasselblad X systems arrived.

[Kunzite]

I "never" saw them - which is since I am buying Pentax (2014)

I haven't seen one in years, that is, last time I've visited the local Pentax store was in December thus last year

I'd hate to lose that. But, I'm not worried at this point...

[Hayashi]

Am I the only one thinking of this ?

Actually all those changes only apply on Japan mainland, anywhere else probably wouldn't got much change.

[Mistral75]

(...)

There is no equivalent document at their english pages, as far as I can see. So I guess this is for homemarked only.

Am I the only one thinking of this ?

Actually all those changes only apply on Japan mainland, anywhere else probably wouldn't got much change.

Indeed this announcement is targeted to their home market, Japan.

If the shift towards 'workshop-like' manufacturing only affects the 'variants' of models, like the six K-3 Mark III variants recently presented or the J Limited cameras that have shown the way, and each model in its standard version remains mass-manufactured, it will be of little concern to customers outside Japan.

Simply, non-Japanese customers will have no direct access to these variants. In addition, they could also be affected by the (already ongoing) shift towards more and more online sales and less and less presence in brick-and-mortar stores.

If, on the other hand, the entire production process switches to the 'workshop-like' manufacturing model (small batches, less automation, more hand manufacturing or hand assembly), then non-Japanese and Japanese customers will be affected alike.

[biz-engineer]

I haven't seen one in years, that is, last time I've visited the local Pentax store was in December thus last year

Where is the Pentax store in Romania?

[reh321]

Indeed this announcement is targeted to their home market, Japan.

If the shift towards 'workshop-like' manufacturing only affects the 'variants' of models, like the six K-3 Mark III variants recently presented or the J Limited cameras that have shown the way, and each model in its standard version remains mass-manufactured, it will be of little concern to customers outside Japan.

Simply, non-Japanese customers will have no direct access to these variants. In addition, they could also be affected by the (already ongoing) shift towards more and more online sales and less and less presence in brick-and-mortar stores.

If, on the other hand, the entire production process switches to the 'workshop-like' manufacturing model (small batches, less automation, more hand manufacturing or hand assembly), then non-Japanese and Japanese customers will be affected alike.

It will probably be like the Q-7 became - lots of options available to Japanese shoppers, while the rest of us choose amongst a few ‘standard’ choices.

[reh321]

Where is the Pentax store in Romania?

Is Romania a part of the “European Market”?
With mail service, they have Europe covered with sellers in the UK, “Europe”, and Russia.

[Kunzite]

Where is the Pentax store in Romania?

Here: 44.46069210478983, 26.09615866581205

It's not a Ricoh Imaging Pentax store, but our local distributor's.

[Jean Poitiers]

Hey guys,

calm down...easy...

Both of your are somehow right. I am a Pentaxian since 1982 and will stay here. For me DSLR is the right thing and as Mando says: THIS IS THE WAY
However, I can see Jean`s point ro leave ships... so yes: may he/she go in peace, it is a deliberate decision.

The transformation in a more boutique-like store is somehow intriguing... it is so LEICA like. But we'll have to see what future brings. Until now, their course was not to bad for me and I can take any desired photo.

Best from Germany
Georg

Thanks for your post.

I am not leaving Pentax. Just FYI, I still have ...

- my K-30, K-5, K110D (for film camera list, see below)

- my M series lenses : 20/4, 28/2.8, 35/2, 35/2.8, 40/2.8, 50/1.4, 50/1.7, 50/4, 80/2, 100/2.8, 100/4, 120/2.8, 135/3.5, 200/4 plus the M zooms
- my K lenses : 24/2.8, 28/3.5, 35/3.5, 50/1.2 (x2), 55/1.8, 85/1.8 plus K zooms
- my Taks, Super-Taks & SMC Taks : 17, 28, 35 (x2 different), 50 (7 & 8 version), 55, 58 (x2 versions), 85 (x2 versions), 105, 135(x2 versions) ...
- my 3 non-MLU 67 bodies of which only one works now + the 55 & the 105
- my old AF primes : F 50/1.7 & FA 50/1.4 on the PZ-1 and other AF bodies ... plus some odds & ends F zooms ...

I have just had enough with "modern" Pentax ... I will no longer support the course that is in place now, and I will not buy another new DSLR from any brand. That's my choice, period.

Again, if Pentax were to make a mirrorless, I would be first in line to get one. Until (and if) then, I use my Pentax lenses on the Fujifilm bodies and go on my happy way.

Gear pictures available upon request ;-)

Flickr site = "Jean Poitiers" ... and yes, I should go out and take more photos ... and definitely less time on this keyboard.

[biz-engineer]

Better thanCanon doing R5, which failed in video(overheat), them made it again, with a FAN

Not only it randomly overheats, but they charge more than 4500E for it here (I think it's almost 5000). It's more than two times the price of a Pentax K1II, but no shame.

[Elroy Jetson]

Didn't see this above, so I'll add that PetaPixel has reported the story too: Ricoh to Stop Mass Producing Cameras, Sell Direct to Consumer Only | PetaPixel

The questions of the moment seem to be: how accurate is the translation, how accurate is the interpretation, and what will actually happen. I'd say in the present political/economic climate, anything is possible My K-5s satisfied my needs until last year when I upgraded to the K-1 II and the K-3 iii, so I'm hoping my wallet will be spared for many more years to come. That's my hobbyist perspective. A pro may find customization worth the expense, particularly if the Pentax brand is already viewed upon favorably.

Whatever happens, I hope the best for Pentax as a user since 1969.

[Jean Poitiers]

Maybe already posted ... just received the email update from DPR.

Ricoh to cease mass production and sales in Japan, opting for a more direct-to-consumer and 'workshop-like' approach: Digital Photography Review

[repaap]

Not only it randomly overheats, but they charge more than 4500E for it here (I think it's almost 5000). It's more than two times the price of a Pentax K1II, but no shame.

It is around 5000€ in Finland. Not sure what that C version will be propably 5500? But it is not overheating and you can also take photos with it… ‘old R5’ is still at same price.(great camera still, not saying that/bashing)

Yeah

Looking forward what new thing will be like from Pentax..

[Mistral75]

Kimio Tanaka's take on this move:

https://twitter.com/thisistanaka/status/1483986964567437312

Translation:

'I think it's best for Pentax-branded cameras and lenses in particular to move in the direction of "workshop-like" manufacturing. I'm all for it. However, I hope they don't go in a "radical" direction like the "J Limited" [cameras].
I also enjoy the change in the sales format. I'm looking forward to it.'