Canadian Prices up already! Holy crap!

daacon · 04-01-2009, 01:15 PM

Well it's official most everywhere I have looked - Too bad Pentax Canada has lost my business - I always believed in buying local given the same relative prices or even a few dollars more - but I am was not born at night and especially last night. Is my DA* 50-135 worth $1800 + 5% GST and for those that live in a province with sales tax up to another 8% on that? Not in my books.

The Market Place on this forum or the US will now get my business - This will neither make or break the local camera shops - however I think most of us feel this way now.

ajuett · 04-01-2009, 01:44 PM

Lucky for me I suppose I don't need new equipment however, I completely agree with you daacon. Pentax pricing is ridiculous. If I was to ever go digital again Nikon will get my business just for the body specs alone.

FA50 went from 200 to 290
FA43 went from 470 to 900(!)
the list goes on...

How could something double in cost. Just like the oil companies blaming price hikes on hurricanes. I never heard that excuse until 3 years ago. Oh well, I'll just kept looking for a M 20mm f/4 locally :-)

vizjerei · 04-01-2009, 01:53 PM

Originally posted by daacon

I fortunatley have one - and I paid about $700 US when the Cdn Dollar was almost at par ....

I think any LBA I have will be limited to the Market Place or if I happen to in the US ... my DA*50-135 has appreciated more in 6 monhts than my entire retirement portfolio has in 10 years

(really that is not something I should be laughing at .....)

I got mine around the same price in the good old days too

Now with a price like this, I hope the new camera in summer won't be expensive...

ve2vfd · 04-01-2009, 03:24 PM

Prodigital has almost no Pentax lenses anymore...

At those prices I can see why... I won't be buying any Pentax glass at those prices, thats for sure. Looks like Pentax sales for 2009 will take a dive in Canada.

Talk about shooting yourself in the foot...

Pat

Peter Zack · 04-01-2009, 03:45 PM

I would agree, as long as prices remain stable in the US, we'll all be shopping south of the border. Even with the exchange rate, USA prices are much cheaper. My DA*16-50mm and DA12-24mm I just ordered for around $600 CAD each seem like great deals now. Henry's prices are now $999.99 and $1299.99 respectively.

Pentax Canada may as well close it's doors if this remains.

**ManuH** · 04-01-2009, 04:01 PM

There is no reason that these prices won't affect the US prices at some point. It cannot be just an exchange rate issue to explain these inflated prices. How to explain the crazy price surge of the DA* 50-135? It looks like some material used in the lenses are getting much more expensive and that may explain why some lenses are not getting the same price increase as others.

Prodigital2000 has almost stopped carrying Pentax. Maybe someone at Hoya realized that a lot of Pentax lenses were bought from Canada? And they decided to stop the good deals? Too bad, PD2000 has been one of the reasons I invested so much in Pentax.

Fortunately I have all the lenses I really need (except maybe for a very good telephoto, I only have the 55-300). My last buy is the FA35 from the marketplace. After that I'll wait for the summer body...

J.Scott · 04-01-2009, 04:21 PM

I just checked a couple of the bigger Canadian Pentax retailers - WOW!

This increase summarily ends my foray into the world of new Pentax brand lenses.
I'll go used, off brand and out of country for my future lens purchases.

Way to go Pentax Canada.

Last edited by J.Scott; 04-01-2009 at 04:31 PM.

frank · 04-01-2009, 09:41 PM

So far seems only Canada got affected? I don't see any price increase in the US, at least not that big jump.

ABCWinter · 04-01-2009, 10:17 PM

I believe the insane overpriced lense in Canada is because our economy is not as bad as our neighbours, let's face it look at all the forclosures in both of our back yards, look at the jobs being lost. Which of the 2 are in bad shape ? We are both in bad shape but holy grapple, what an insane way to make a quick buck.
Got most my glass and a few limited with 3 stars 100mm marco will do fine. Crosses hoofs that the 12 24mm will be honoured, since I bought 5 daysbefore the price surge. They taken the money put of my credit card, so they better honour it.

So yeah I feel the bite in my wallet too. But hey at least we have a roof over our head, food on the table, and we all prey we still have a job to support our family and that is truely what matters.

We can do wothout extra glass, and make do with what we have. But What I do not get is the basic need of food is going up In price, that is sick.

Abcwinter

J.Scott · 04-02-2009, 01:53 AM

Originally posted by ABCWinter

...We can do without extra glass, and make do with what we have.
Abcwinter

When I think of it I went for almost 20 years with an ME Super, 50mm f2.0 and a 28mm F2.8. And I took tons of slides and pictures. I don't need any of this when you get right down to it; it's supposed to be a fun hobby.

**rparmar** · 04-02-2009, 05:19 AM

Originally posted by J.Scott

When I think of it I went for almost 20 years with an ME Super, 50mm f2.0 and a 28mm F2.8. And I took tons of slides and pictures. I don't need any of this when you get right down to it; it's supposed to be a fun hobby.

Wow, yeah, some perspective.

I like all my lenses but recall that for years the triumvirate was: wide, normal, telephoto (actually quite short by today's standard). I am sure I could be very happy with something similar. So long as they are all blazing fast.

Gooshin · 04-02-2009, 05:24 AM

was at a Henry's yesterday, almost shit my pants, this is absurd!

farfisa · 04-02-2009, 06:28 AM

I'm actually surprised there hasn't been an increase in the States--these Canadian price jumps are so irregular that it doesn't look like a simple currency thing.

Some lenses went up a few bucks and others almost doubled!

I can see Pentax USA being a little more hesitant to boost pricing though.

But look at the DA*55, not involved in the CDN price jumps. It's $900 CDN (list), and $800 US (B&H), so cheaper to buy up here. Whereas the DA*50-135 is $1799 CDN (list) and $750 US (B&H)!

Is this the new math?!

Or are they just trying to get me to buy a DA*55?

**ManuH** · 04-02-2009, 06:43 AM

Originally posted by farfisa

But look at the DA*55, not involved in the CDN price jumps. It's $900 CDN (list), and $800 US (B&H), so cheaper to buy up here. Whereas the DA*50-135 is $1799 CDN (list) and $750 US (B&H)!

Is this the new math?!

Or are they just trying to get me to buy a DA*55?

In this perpective the DA*55 doesn't look like as overpriced as I thought. I think it's a matter of time for the US to get these new crazy pricing. Pentax is not alone, Tamron, Sigma, Nikon all have increased their prices. For example, the Bigma was around 1000$ cdn, it's now more like 1600-1700$ cdn ... Tamron 18-250 is at 850$ at Vistek, etc, etc. Hopefully it will only affect lenses. Otherwise the financial crisis could take a very bad turn.

IsaacSteiner · 04-02-2009, 07:06 AM

Henry's & Vistek's prices have gone up!

The Pentax FA 50mm F/1.4 was $199 at Vistek, now it's $299..unreal!

This sucks.

-Isaac

04-01-2009, 01:44 PM	#122
ajuett Inactive Account Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 1,100	Lucky for me I suppose I don't need new equipment however, I completely agree with you daacon. Pentax pricing is ridiculous. If I was to ever go digital again Nikon will get my business just for the body specs alone. FA50 went from 200 to 290 FA43 went from 470 to 900(!) the list goes on... How could something double in cost. Just like the oil companies blaming price hikes on hurricanes. I never heard that excuse until 3 years ago. Oh well, I'll just kept looking for a M 20mm f/4 locally :-) Last edited by ajuett; 04-01-2009 at 01:53 PM.

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04-01-2009, 01:15 PM	#121
daacon Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Alberta,Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 20,914	Well it's official most everywhere I have looked - Too bad Pentax Canada has lost my business - I always believed in buying local given the same relative prices or even a few dollars more - but I am was not born at night and especially last night. Is my DA* 50-135 worth $1800 + 5% GST and for those that live in a province with sales tax up to another 8% on that? Not in my books. The Market Place on this forum or the US will now get my business - This will neither make or break the local camera shops - however I think most of us feel this way now.

04-01-2009, 01:53 PM	#123
vizjerei Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,418	Originally posted by daacon I fortunatley have one - and I paid about $700 US when the Cdn Dollar was almost at par .... I think any LBA I have will be limited to the Market Place or if I happen to in the US ... my DA*50-135 has appreciated more in 6 monhts than my entire retirement portfolio has in 10 years (really that is not something I should be laughing at .....) I got mine around the same price in the good old days too Now with a price like this, I hope the new camera in summer won't be expensive...

04-01-2009, 03:24 PM	#124
ve2vfd Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Montreal, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,433	Prodigital has almost no Pentax lenses anymore... At those prices I can see why... I won't be buying any Pentax glass at those prices, thats for sure. Looks like Pentax sales for 2009 will take a dive in Canada. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot... Pat

04-01-2009, 03:45 PM	#125
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	I would agree, as long as prices remain stable in the US, we'll all be shopping south of the border. Even with the exchange rate, USA prices are much cheaper. My DA*16-50mm and DA12-24mm I just ordered for around $600 CAD each seem like great deals now. Henry's prices are now $999.99 and $1299.99 respectively. Pentax Canada may as well close it's doors if this remains.

04-01-2009, 04:01 PM	#126
ManuH Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Montreal Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,249	There is no reason that these prices won't affect the US prices at some point. It cannot be just an exchange rate issue to explain these inflated prices. How to explain the crazy price surge of the DA* 50-135? It looks like some material used in the lenses are getting much more expensive and that may explain why some lenses are not getting the same price increase as others. Prodigital2000 has almost stopped carrying Pentax. Maybe someone at Hoya realized that a lot of Pentax lenses were bought from Canada? And they decided to stop the good deals? Too bad, PD2000 has been one of the reasons I invested so much in Pentax. Fortunately I have all the lenses I really need (except maybe for a very good telephoto, I only have the 55-300). My last buy is the FA35 from the marketplace. After that I'll wait for the summer body...

04-01-2009, 04:21 PM	#127
J.Scott Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,675	I just checked a couple of the bigger Canadian Pentax retailers - WOW! This increase summarily ends my foray into the world of new Pentax brand lenses. I'll go used, off brand and out of country for my future lens purchases. Way to go Pentax Canada. Last edited by J.Scott; 04-01-2009 at 04:31 PM.

04-01-2009, 09:41 PM	#128
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	So far seems only Canada got affected? I don't see any price increase in the US, at least not that big jump.

04-01-2009, 10:17 PM	#129
ABCWinter Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 46	I believe the insane overpriced lense in Canada is because our economy is not as bad as our neighbours, let's face it look at all the forclosures in both of our back yards, look at the jobs being lost. Which of the 2 are in bad shape ? We are both in bad shape but holy grapple, what an insane way to make a quick buck. Got most my glass and a few limited with 3 stars 100mm marco will do fine. Crosses hoofs that the 12 24mm will be honoured, since I bought 5 daysbefore the price surge. They taken the money put of my credit card, so they better honour it. So yeah I feel the bite in my wallet too. But hey at least we have a roof over our head, food on the table, and we all prey we still have a job to support our family and that is truely what matters. We can do wothout extra glass, and make do with what we have. But What I do not get is the basic need of food is going up In price, that is sick. Abcwinter

04-02-2009, 01:53 AM	#130
J.Scott Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,675	Originally posted by ABCWinter ...We can do without extra glass, and make do with what we have. Abcwinter When I think of it I went for almost 20 years with an ME Super, 50mm f2.0 and a 28mm F2.8. And I took tons of slides and pictures. I don't need any of this when you get right down to it; it's supposed to be a fun hobby.

04-02-2009, 05:19 AM	#131
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,819	Originally posted by J.Scott When I think of it I went for almost 20 years with an ME Super, 50mm f2.0 and a 28mm F2.8. And I took tons of slides and pictures. I don't need any of this when you get right down to it; it's supposed to be a fun hobby. Wow, yeah, some perspective. I like all my lenses but recall that for years the triumvirate was: wide, normal, telephoto (actually quite short by today's standard). I am sure I could be very happy with something similar. So long as they are all blazing fast.

04-02-2009, 05:24 AM	#132
Gooshin Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Toronto, the one in Canada. Posts: 5,610	was at a Henry's yesterday, almost shit my pants, this is absurd!

04-02-2009, 06:28 AM	#133
farfisa Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Toronto, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,274 Original Poster	I'm actually surprised there hasn't been an increase in the States--these Canadian price jumps are so irregular that it doesn't look like a simple currency thing. Some lenses went up a few bucks and others almost doubled! I can see Pentax USA being a little more hesitant to boost pricing though. But look at the DA55, not involved in the CDN price jumps. It's $900 CDN (list), and $800 US (B&H), so cheaper to buy up here. Whereas the DA50-135 is $1799 CDN (list) and $750 US (B&H)! Is this the new math?! Or are they just trying to get me to buy a DA*55?

04-02-2009, 06:43 AM	#134
ManuH Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Montreal Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,249	Originally posted by farfisa But look at the DA55, not involved in the CDN price jumps. It's $900 CDN (list), and $800 US (B&H), so cheaper to buy up here. Whereas the DA50-135 is $1799 CDN (list) and $750 US (B&H)! Is this the new math?! Or are they just trying to get me to buy a DA55? In this perpective the DA55 doesn't look like as overpriced as I thought. I think it's a matter of time for the US to get these new crazy pricing. Pentax is not alone, Tamron, Sigma, Nikon all have increased their prices. For example, the Bigma was around 1000$ cdn, it's now more like 1600-1700$ cdn ... Tamron 18-250 is at 850$ at Vistek, etc, etc. Hopefully it will only affect lenses. Otherwise the financial crisis could take a very bad turn.

04-02-2009, 07:06 AM	#135
IsaacSteiner Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Stouffville, ON, Canada Posts: 181	Henry's & Vistek's prices have gone up! The Pentax FA 50mm F/1.4 was $199 at Vistek, now it's $299..unreal! This sucks. -Isaac