Originally posted by vimlr007 Guys -- we are talking about mainstream cameras here -- Pentax put its head in the sand a long time ago -- however in my opinion they are making a good return -- and I am spending $$$$ on them -- but to hang your hat on a return to film might be a good side stream job -- but they have a chance to become relevant again -- astrotracing and other items make their current DSLR cameras compete with the best Nikon and Cannon - but a a much lower price point ... I am not a fan of mirror-less - and I agree that they have made it clear they see the DSLR route as theirs -- but to not bring out a new flagship DSLR full frame in years wastes all the effort and progress they have made with the K-1.
For years this forum was begging them to bring it out -- we have TWO models in as many years -- and now nothing ..... in my opinion they have 2023 to take SOME initiative or they will slide into irrelevance again ... there will be no second return.
This thread is about the film camera, and to comment on that first.
- The video makes the point that they retired engineers are needed specifically to train the younger engineers on making film cameras again. This is specifically because the younger engineers have been 100% focused on digital over the last 20 years.
- Another source close to Pentax explained that this is a side project that will probably be about 5% of Pentax's resources, so it won't have much of an impact on digital development. In the video, Suzuki-san also says that is doesn't mean they are moving away from digital.
As for the "K-1 III", Pentax would have liked to release it already, but the problem is parts cost and supply. I spoke to someone from Pentax Japan in August, and he said that they are keeping the K-1 II on the market because it is still such a good deal. If they had released a successor in 2022 it would have been too expensive. So they need to pick the right moment. I don't think the hold-up is lack of development.
When you look at other companies, they released some ILC cameras last year, but mostly APS-C (Pentax is up to date with APS-C) and only four were full frame and two of those were Canon. The others were the Leica M11 and the Sony A7R IV. There seems to be a problem with procuring full frame sensors from Sony at the moment. When this situation gets better, we will see a new camera.
The reason I feel confident a "K-1 III" will come is that the same Pentax employee told me that their full frame series is still their default recommendation for most photographers, despite the existence of the newer and more expensive K-3 III. They wouldn't take that attitude if thy didn't plan to continue the series.