There's something with the K7 meter or prism or both.....

**Pål Jensen** · 05-02-2009, 02:18 PM

Teaser from Ned Bunnell; a picture of George Harrison fondling a Pentax SV with the optional meter placed on top of the prism. This is what Bunnell says:

"While it's not obvious at the present time, you might want to refer back to this photo for a particularly small detail after certain announcements are made in the near future. Call me what you will, but if this is considered a "tease", it's actually part of some thought I've had recently trying to determine if it's possible for high technology products to have an innate personality. In other words, I'm talking about the "soul of a camera" and is this something that can be felt and appreciated by the photographer who uses that tool? Happy postulating and if you have a well thought out view on this, I'd enjoy reading your reaction and comment to this notion. Cheers!"

I refuse to belive the soul of the camera is defined by the strap lugs. Not much of a teaser then!
So what is it? The prism? The meter? or both?...

Link: http://nedbunnell.blogspot.com/

**monochrome** · 05-02-2009, 02:41 PM

From the position of the dial Harrison is turning I'd say Ned is referring to Movie Mode

mattdm · 05-02-2009, 02:55 PM

Originally posted by monochrome

From the position of the dial Harrison is turning I'd say Ned is referring to Movie Mode

Why's that?

I'm not saying you're wrong, but I'd be surprised and disappointed if that's what Ned means by "I'm talking about the 'soul of a camera' and is this something that can be felt and appreciated by the photographer who uses that tool?"

**monochrome** · 05-02-2009, 03:15 PM

Originally posted by mattdm

Why's that?

I'm not saying you're wrong, but I'd be surprised and disappointed if that's what Ned means by "I'm talking about the 'soul of a camera' and is this something that can be felt and appreciated by the photographer who uses that tool?"

Actually, you're right to ask the question. I read the OP's post too quickly and thought he was referring to the meter/prism as the link to / object of Ned's post.

I had intended to contemplate whether a camera can have a uniqueness that sets it apart from the commonplace, if competent, tool - and then add a second reply.

I imagine a camera can inspire a photographer to believe it is special. I imagine there is something in some cameras that goes beyond just features and abilities - the camera just feels right - from the start - and the photographer intuitively understands it.

Many photographers have a relationship, unique to themselves, with one brand or model or another of camera, but few cameras universally inspire admiration and evoke this special feeling.

For me Pentax cameras have become familiar and comfortable, but that isn't quite deep enough, I imagine, to reflect Ned's question.

But in my hands a K2 has a soul. A KX is a wonderful tool; an MESuper is a delight; a clean F1 is a thrill to use.

But there is something about the experience of using a K2 - maybe the sound of the shutter, maybe CHOICE of match-needle or AE, maybe mine has split-image - I don't know - that is special and magical.

Will the K-7 really have the mystique of a Limited lens - do you remember the buzz about the 43 - or is Ned's blog part of the viral marketing campaign? I certainly hope it is the former.

Last edited by monochrome; 05-03-2009 at 06:06 AM.

**Pål Jensen** · 05-02-2009, 03:43 PM

Yes, I could be the video mode I guess, but then the teaser is pretty silly, as I can't fathom a DSLR's success as a tool to be defined by its video capabilities.

I for one will be very dissapointed with a DSLR whose "Innate personality" is defined by it's videocapabilities (or strap lugs!

)

KungPOW · 05-02-2009, 03:50 PM

maybe the key to this photo is the emergency procedure sign in the background.

Do you think Pentax is trying to stay afloat? Can we spin this into yet another Pentax is doomed thread?

I joke.

**Pål Jensen** · 05-02-2009, 04:02 PM

I was actually hoping for something substantial. Histograms in the finder perhaps?

That have some similarities with the Pentax SV finder/prism attachment...sort of...

...at least conceptually..somewhat

konraDarnok · 05-02-2009, 04:09 PM

So the little circular unit next to the right of the shutter release on the K7 is neither a white balance sensor nor a AF assist light. It's a light meter. Pentax has scrapped TTL metering to a previous purer form. snert
I have no idea what Ned's thinking.

While it's [something in the photo] not obvious at the present time, you might want to refer back to this photo for a particularly small detail after certain announcements are made in the near future.

Call me what you will [Ned?], but if this [post?] is considered a "tease", it's actually part of some thought I've had recently trying to determine if it's possible for high technology products to have an innate personality [I know everyone had their own special dance and magic words while blowing into Nintendo carts to make them work].

In other words, I'm talking about the "soul of a camera" [what makes a camera?] and is this something that can be felt and appreciated by the photographer who uses that tool [is the tool the camera or a part of the camera – or is the tool my brain?]? Happy postulating and if you have a well thought out view on this, I'd enjoy reading your reaction and comment to this notion.

I think this how Pentax gets themselves in trouble. I don't want a relationship with my camera. I want one whose basic functions are implemented extremely well. Focus, metering, and response. The reputation, user loyalty, and affinity for something done extremely well follows.

pcarfan · 05-02-2009, 04:11 PM

Originally posted by Pål Jensen

Yes, I could be the video mode I guess, but then the teaser is pretty silly, as I can't fathom a DSLR's success as a tool to be defined by its video capabilities.

I for one will be very dissapointed with a DSLR whose "Innate personality" is defined by it's videocapabilities (or strap lugs!

)

The only thing I see is the strap lugs, that is common with that camera and not in common with any other Pentax DSLR's.....

**Pål Jensen** · 05-02-2009, 04:40 PM

Originally posted by Pål Jensen

NED: "In other words, I'm talking about the "soul of a camera" and is this something that can be felt and appreciated by the photographer who uses that tool?"

I guess it could be that it is made out of metal. The Pentax SV (or is it an SL?) is. The metal of a metal camera can certainly be "felt and appreciated" by the photographer...

omega leader · 05-02-2009, 04:51 PM

Sadly it means to use all the new function of the K-7's "soul" we will have to cut our hair to look like the fab four.

(oh well, goes to get scissors).

pcarfan · 05-02-2009, 04:53 PM

Originally posted by Pål Jensen

I guess it could be that it is made out of metal. The Pentax SV (or is it an SL?) is. The metal of a metal camera can certainly be "felt and appreciated" by the photographer...

whoaaa...I think you got it, and that feeling is definitely something that can be felt......and now that you mention it, that and the compactness is what is so great about holding those old SLR's.....bravo!

gnaztee · 05-02-2009, 04:58 PM

I can't help wondering if we're missing something. With all of the unofficial leaked specs and pics, there have still been a few subtle, yet cryptic, messages from some about something "special" or "surprising" that we are yet to hear about. I can't even begin to guess, but it sounds like there will be something unconventional enough to evade our best guesses based on what we know about cameras.

On a side note (completely unrelated), why has nobody speculated about GPS in the new camera body? It was all the rage a few months ago. Just curious.

Todd

falconeye · 05-02-2009, 05:03 PM

Originally posted by pcarfan

the strap lugs

+1

It must be an industry's first that a company's boos invites the rumor mill to speculate about bits he throws towards the rumorista (us

).

He must have exchanged stock options for internet rumor game fun tickets.

falconeye · 05-02-2009, 05:05 PM

Originally posted by gnaztee

On a side note (completely unrelated), why has nobody speculated about GPS in the new camera body?

Maybe, because it makes no sense to speculate about yet another chip worth 50 cents?

05-02-2009, 02:18 PM	#1
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	There's something with the K7 meter or prism or both..... Teaser from Ned Bunnell; a picture of George Harrison fondling a Pentax SV with the optional meter placed on top of the prism. This is what Bunnell says: "While it's not obvious at the present time, you might want to refer back to this photo for a particularly small detail after certain announcements are made in the near future. Call me what you will, but if this is considered a "tease", it's actually part of some thought I've had recently trying to determine if it's possible for high technology products to have an innate personality. In other words, I'm talking about the "soul of a camera" and is this something that can be felt and appreciated by the photographer who uses that tool? Happy postulating and if you have a well thought out view on this, I'd enjoy reading your reaction and comment to this notion. Cheers!" I refuse to belive the soul of the camera is defined by the strap lugs. Not much of a teaser then! So what is it? The prism? The meter? or both?... Link: http://nedbunnell.blogspot.com/

05-02-2009, 03:43 PM	#5
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371 Original Poster	Yes, I could be the video mode I guess, but then the teaser is pretty silly, as I can't fathom a DSLR's success as a tool to be defined by its video capabilities. I for one will be very dissapointed with a DSLR whose "Innate personality" is defined by it's videocapabilities (or strap lugs!) Last edited by Pål Jensen; 05-02-2009 at 03:56 PM.

05-02-2009, 04:11 PM	#9
pcarfan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Dayton, Ohio Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,978	Originally posted by Pål Jensen Yes, I could be the video mode I guess, but then the teaser is pretty silly, as I can't fathom a DSLR's success as a tool to be defined by its video capabilities. I for one will be very dissapointed with a DSLR whose "Innate personality" is defined by it's videocapabilities (or strap lugs!) The only thing I see is the strap lugs, that is common with that camera and not in common with any other Pentax DSLR's.....

05-02-2009, 04:51 PM	#11
omega leader Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Niagara Region, Ontario Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 417	Its the hair. Sadly it means to use all the new function of the K-7's "soul" we will have to cut our hair to look like the fab four. (oh well, goes to get scissors).

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05-02-2009, 02:41 PM	#2
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	From the position of the dial Harrison is turning I'd say Ned is referring to Movie Mode

05-02-2009, 02:55 PM	#3
mattdm Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Boston, MA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,948	Originally posted by monochrome From the position of the dial Harrison is turning I'd say Ned is referring to Movie Mode Why's that? I'm not saying you're wrong, but I'd be surprised and disappointed if that's what Ned means by "I'm talking about the 'soul of a camera' and is this something that can be felt and appreciated by the photographer who uses that tool?"

05-02-2009, 03:15 PM	#4
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by mattdm Why's that? I'm not saying you're wrong, but I'd be surprised and disappointed if that's what Ned means by "I'm talking about the 'soul of a camera' and is this something that can be felt and appreciated by the photographer who uses that tool?" Actually, you're right to ask the question. I read the OP's post too quickly and thought he was referring to the meter/prism as the link to / object of Ned's post. I had intended to contemplate whether a camera can have a uniqueness that sets it apart from the commonplace, if competent, tool - and then add a second reply. I imagine a camera can inspire a photographer to believe it is special. I imagine there is something in some cameras that goes beyond just features and abilities - the camera just feels right - from the start - and the photographer intuitively understands it. Many photographers have a relationship, unique to themselves, with one brand or model or another of camera, but few cameras universally inspire admiration and evoke this special feeling. For me Pentax cameras have become familiar and comfortable, but that isn't quite deep enough, I imagine, to reflect Ned's question. But in my hands a K2 has a soul. A KX is a wonderful tool; an MESuper is a delight; a clean F1 is a thrill to use. But there is something about the experience of using a K2 - maybe the sound of the shutter, maybe CHOICE of match-needle or AE, maybe mine has split-image - I don't know - that is special and magical. Will the K-7 really have the mystique of a Limited lens - do you remember the buzz about the 43 - or is Ned's blog part of the viral marketing campaign? I certainly hope it is the former. Last edited by monochrome; 05-03-2009 at 06:06 AM.

05-02-2009, 03:50 PM	#6
KungPOW Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Vancouver, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,699	maybe the key to this photo is the emergency procedure sign in the background. Do you think Pentax is trying to stay afloat? Can we spin this into yet another Pentax is doomed thread? I joke.

05-02-2009, 04:02 PM	#7
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371 Original Poster	I was actually hoping for something substantial. Histograms in the finder perhaps? That have some similarities with the Pentax SV finder/prism attachment...sort of... ...at least conceptually..somewhat

05-02-2009, 04:09 PM	#8
konraDarnok Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Photos: Albums Posts: 969	So the little circular unit next to the right of the shutter release on the K7 is neither a white balance sensor nor a AF assist light. It's a light meter. Pentax has scrapped TTL metering to a previous purer form. snert I have no idea what Ned's thinking. While it's [something in the photo] not obvious at the present time, you might want to refer back to this photo for a particularly small detail after certain announcements are made in the near future. Call me what you will [Ned?], but if this [post?] is considered a "tease", it's actually part of some thought I've had recently trying to determine if it's possible for high technology products to have an innate personality [I know everyone had their own special dance and magic words while blowing into Nintendo carts to make them work]. In other words, I'm talking about the "soul of a camera" [what makes a camera?] and is this something that can be felt and appreciated by the photographer who uses that tool [is the tool the camera or a part of the camera – or is the tool my brain?]? Happy postulating and if you have a well thought out view on this, I'd enjoy reading your reaction and comment to this notion. I think this how Pentax gets themselves in trouble. I don't want a relationship with my camera. I want one whose basic functions are implemented extremely well. Focus, metering, and response. The reputation, user loyalty, and affinity for something done extremely well follows.

05-02-2009, 04:40 PM	#10
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371 Original Poster	Originally posted by Pål Jensen NED: "In other words, I'm talking about the "soul of a camera" and is this something that can be felt and appreciated by the photographer who uses that tool?" I guess it could be that it is made out of metal. The Pentax SV (or is it an SL?) is. The metal of a metal camera can certainly be "felt and appreciated" by the photographer...

05-02-2009, 04:53 PM	#12
pcarfan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Dayton, Ohio Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,978	Originally posted by Pål Jensen I guess it could be that it is made out of metal. The Pentax SV (or is it an SL?) is. The metal of a metal camera can certainly be "felt and appreciated" by the photographer... whoaaa...I think you got it, and that feeling is definitely something that can be felt......and now that you mention it, that and the compactness is what is so great about holding those old SLR's.....bravo!

05-02-2009, 04:58 PM	#13
gnaztee Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: West Palm Beach, FL Posts: 772	I can't help wondering if we're missing something. With all of the unofficial leaked specs and pics, there have still been a few subtle, yet cryptic, messages from some about something "special" or "surprising" that we are yet to hear about. I can't even begin to guess, but it sounds like there will be something unconventional enough to evade our best guesses based on what we know about cameras. On a side note (completely unrelated), why has nobody speculated about GPS in the new camera body? It was all the rage a few months ago. Just curious. Todd

05-02-2009, 05:03 PM	#14
falconeye Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Munich, Alps, Germany Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,871	Originally posted by pcarfan the strap lugs +1 It must be an industry's first that a company's boos invites the rumor mill to speculate about bits he throws towards the rumorista (us ). He must have exchanged stock options for internet rumor game fun tickets.

05-02-2009, 05:05 PM	#15
falconeye Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Munich, Alps, Germany Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,871	Originally posted by gnaztee On a side note (completely unrelated), why has nobody speculated about GPS in the new camera body? Maybe, because it makes no sense to speculate about yet another chip worth 50 cents?