Have I brought into a dead Eco System

**Digitalis** · 04-10-2017, 06:45 AM

Originally posted by FilmORbitz

Sigma's president made it clear that the legacy mechanical linkage was not the primary issue impacting K-mount lens production. Rather, it was the changeover production costs for a relatively low-demand item.

What changeover? physically speaking, Sigma SA mount has a lot in common with K mount, apart from the electronic lens communication protocols and the focus flange which are the same as Canon EF mount Lenses...I don't buy this excuse.

ppohja · 04-10-2017, 08:12 PM - **2 Likes**

I happen to have full frame cameras from Pentax and Nikon, and a crop sensor for Canon.

I can't think of any single lens that I'd really want for N or C that couldn't be covered by offering in the P land. Please prove me wrong.

FilmORbitz · 04-10-2017, 10:41 PM

Originally posted by Digitalis

What changeover? physically speaking, Sigma SA mount has a lot in common with K mount, apart from the electronic lens communication protocols and the focus flange which are the same as Canon EF mount Lenses...I don't buy this excuse.

He speaks with a very honest tone, and I'm certain he understands the lens business. Please read what was said, here, and don't miss the comment section:

Sigma Q&A Part I: CEO Kazuto Yamaki explains why so few Pentax-mount lenses, and much more

**Rondec** · 04-11-2017, 02:56 AM

Originally posted by Digitalis

What changeover? physically speaking, Sigma SA mount has a lot in common with K mount, apart from the electronic lens communication protocols and the focus flange which are the same as Canon EF mount Lenses...I don't buy this excuse.

I think it all came down to the simple fact that they weren't selling enough k mount Sigmas and so they decided not to release new lenses in that mount. If Pentax's market share gets up to five or even ten percent, they would probably reconsider. But I think that for them creating lenses to sit on shelves is probably not great.

The SA mount is their own mount and so of course they will support, regardless of the fact that it has a minuscule market share.

rawr · 04-11-2017, 04:36 AM

Originally posted by Rondec

regardless of the fact that it has a minuscule market share.

To muddy the waters further, the same applies to Sony Alpha mount too. Up until recently, many even considered A mount dead, as Sony showed much more interest in E mount. Yet Sigma still supported A mount, even as sales must have totally dwindled.

normhead · 04-11-2017, 04:54 AM

My guess is Sigma suffered for K mount for a long time before cutting the tow ropes. That will make them unlikely to want back in to the K-mount market. Pentax sales over a period of years would have to convince them that K mount cameras are back permanently. Not just a bump caused by a new product release.

I have two awesome Sigma (and two not so awesome ) lenses the 70 macro and Sigma 8-16, both top notch for what they do. But for my needs, I should have bought the Pentax 100 macro, not the Sigma ( but it was too close to my Tamron 90). These things happen with everything you buy. Not all Apple software runs on Windows computers. A lot of Windows software doesn't run on Mac computers. As my dad would say "You pays your money and you takes your pick." A few years from now no one will remember that Sigma ever supported Pentax, and no one will care.

**boriscleto** · 04-11-2017, 05:11 AM

Originally posted by normhead

MThese things happen with everything you buy. Not all Apple software runs on Windows computers. A lot of Windows software doesn't run on Mac computers. As my dad would say "You pays your money and you takes your pick." A few years from now no one will remember that Sigma ever supported Pentax, and no one will care.

Not a good analogy. Virtual machines make this largely moot.

normhead · 04-11-2017, 05:14 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by boriscleto

Not a good analogy. Virtual machines make this largely moot.

I'll put thinking of a better one on my list of things to do.

FilmORbitz · 04-11-2017, 07:10 PM

Originally posted by boriscleto

Not a good analogy. Virtual machines make this largely moot.

If Apple doesn't hire the next Jobs or Wozniak real soon, they could be virtually irrelevant. My nephew toils there, and the shape of the new headquarters may be prescient. Phones are headed in the same direction as "real" cameras...so there is that ironic satisfaction.

**pres589** · 04-11-2017, 09:16 PM

The Woz wouldn't be useful here now, he's too straight forward, and isn't mean enough.

biz-engineer · 04-11-2017, 10:22 PM

Originally posted by Sunburn

Have I brought into a dead Eco System

Maybe not. Let's wait for the news.

Sunburn · 04-12-2017, 04:19 AM

Looks like the news is in. Ricoh may close shutter on personal camera business- Nikkei Asian Review
Thanks for the very interesting debate guys. Lets hope the K Mount is kept supported somehow, but the news above does not filll me with confidence.

rawr · 04-12-2017, 04:51 AM

Originally posted by Sunburn

the news above does not filll me with confidence.

Newsflash: the media over-hyped the story. What a surprise. From Ricoh today:

Quote:

About some press coverage today

Today, there was a report on Ricoh shrinking their camera business and considering withdrawing from the consumer market but this article was not published by Ricoh.

Ricoh's Consumer Camera Business focuses resources on high value-added products such as PENTAX and GR that are enjoyed by many people enjoying photography as a hobby. In addition, the 360° camera "RICOH THETA" is the market leader of image acquisition devices in the new and rapidly growing VR and AR markets, and we plan to expand this business further. Furthermore, we intend to expand and develop the imaging business by creating a new market that would utilize our camera technology in the BtoB domain of business solutions."

tl;dr - K-mount lives.

[Covered in the news and rumours section:
Ricoh to get out of camera business? - Page 10 - PentaxForums.com ]

normhead · 04-12-2017, 05:31 AM

Originally posted by rawr

Newsflash: the media over-hyped the story. What a surprise. From Ricoh today:

tl;dr - K-mount lives.

[Covered in the news and rumours section:
Ricoh to get out of camera business? - Page 10 - PentaxForums.com ]

As expected, just another "Pentax is doomed" thread.

**boriscleto** · 04-12-2017, 06:34 AM

Originally posted by normhead

As expected, just another "Pentax is doomed" thread.

Oh come on Norm. You have a Mac, type it right...

Pentax is Doomed™!

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04-10-2017, 06:45 AM	#91
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by FilmORbitz Sigma's president made it clear that the legacy mechanical linkage was not the primary issue impacting K-mount lens production. Rather, it was the changeover production costs for a relatively low-demand item. What changeover? physically speaking, Sigma SA mount has a lot in common with K mount, apart from the electronic lens communication protocols and the focus flange which are the same as Canon EF mount Lenses...I don't buy this excuse.

04-10-2017, 08:12 PM - 2 Likes	#92
ppohja Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 194	I happen to have full frame cameras from Pentax and Nikon, and a crop sensor for Canon. I can't think of any single lens that I'd really want for N or C that couldn't be covered by offering in the P land. Please prove me wrong.

04-10-2017, 10:41 PM	#93
FilmORbitz Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Maryland Photos: Gallery Posts: 144	Originally posted by Digitalis What changeover? physically speaking, Sigma SA mount has a lot in common with K mount, apart from the electronic lens communication protocols and the focus flange which are the same as Canon EF mount Lenses...I don't buy this excuse. He speaks with a very honest tone, and I'm certain he understands the lens business. Please read what was said, here, and don't miss the comment section: Sigma Q&A Part I: CEO Kazuto Yamaki explains why so few Pentax-mount lenses, and much more

04-11-2017, 02:56 AM	#94
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	Originally posted by Digitalis What changeover? physically speaking, Sigma SA mount has a lot in common with K mount, apart from the electronic lens communication protocols and the focus flange which are the same as Canon EF mount Lenses...I don't buy this excuse. I think it all came down to the simple fact that they weren't selling enough k mount Sigmas and so they decided not to release new lenses in that mount. If Pentax's market share gets up to five or even ten percent, they would probably reconsider. But I think that for them creating lenses to sit on shelves is probably not great. The SA mount is their own mount and so of course they will support, regardless of the fact that it has a minuscule market share.

04-11-2017, 04:36 AM	#95
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by Rondec regardless of the fact that it has a minuscule market share. To muddy the waters further, the same applies to Sony Alpha mount too. Up until recently, many even considered A mount dead, as Sony showed much more interest in E mount. Yet Sigma still supported A mount, even as sales must have totally dwindled.

04-11-2017, 04:54 AM	#96
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	My guess is Sigma suffered for K mount for a long time before cutting the tow ropes. That will make them unlikely to want back in to the K-mount market. Pentax sales over a period of years would have to convince them that K mount cameras are back permanently. Not just a bump caused by a new product release. I have two awesome Sigma (and two not so awesome ) lenses the 70 macro and Sigma 8-16, both top notch for what they do. But for my needs, I should have bought the Pentax 100 macro, not the Sigma ( but it was too close to my Tamron 90). These things happen with everything you buy. Not all Apple software runs on Windows computers. A lot of Windows software doesn't run on Mac computers. As my dad would say "You pays your money and you takes your pick." A few years from now no one will remember that Sigma ever supported Pentax, and no one will care.

04-11-2017, 05:11 AM	#97
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by normhead MThese things happen with everything you buy. Not all Apple software runs on Windows computers. A lot of Windows software doesn't run on Mac computers. As my dad would say "You pays your money and you takes your pick." A few years from now no one will remember that Sigma ever supported Pentax, and no one will care. Not a good analogy. Virtual machines make this largely moot.

04-11-2017, 05:14 AM - 1 Like	#98
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by boriscleto Not a good analogy. Virtual machines make this largely moot. I'll put thinking of a better one on my list of things to do.

04-11-2017, 07:10 PM	#99
FilmORbitz Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Maryland Photos: Gallery Posts: 144	Originally posted by boriscleto Not a good analogy. Virtual machines make this largely moot. If Apple doesn't hire the next Jobs or Wozniak real soon, they could be virtually irrelevant. My nephew toils there, and the shape of the new headquarters may be prescient. Phones are headed in the same direction as "real" cameras...so there is that ironic satisfaction.

04-11-2017, 09:16 PM	#100
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	The Woz wouldn't be useful here now, he's too straight forward, and isn't mean enough.

04-11-2017, 10:22 PM	#101
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,232	Originally posted by Sunburn Have I brought into a dead Eco System Maybe not. Let's wait for the news.

04-12-2017, 04:19 AM	#102
Sunburn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: UK Posts: 233 Original Poster	Looks like the news is in. Ricoh may close shutter on personal camera business- Nikkei Asian Review Thanks for the very interesting debate guys. Lets hope the K Mount is kept supported somehow, but the news above does not filll me with confidence.

04-12-2017, 04:51 AM	#103
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by Sunburn the news above does not filll me with confidence. Newsflash: the media over-hyped the story. What a surprise. From Ricoh today: Quote: About some press coverage today Today, there was a report on Ricoh shrinking their camera business and considering withdrawing from the consumer market but this article was not published by Ricoh. Ricoh's Consumer Camera Business focuses resources on high value-added products such as PENTAX and GR that are enjoyed by many people enjoying photography as a hobby. In addition, the 360° camera "RICOH THETA" is the market leader of image acquisition devices in the new and rapidly growing VR and AR markets, and we plan to expand this business further. Furthermore, we intend to expand and develop the imaging business by creating a new market that would utilize our camera technology in the BtoB domain of business solutions." tl;dr - K-mount lives. [Covered in the news and rumours section: Ricoh to get out of camera business? - Page 10 - PentaxForums.com ]

04-12-2017, 05:31 AM	#104
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by rawr Newsflash: the media over-hyped the story. What a surprise. From Ricoh today: tl;dr - K-mount lives. [Covered in the news and rumours section: Ricoh to get out of camera business? - Page 10 - PentaxForums.com ] As expected, just another "Pentax is doomed" thread.

04-12-2017, 06:34 AM	#105
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by normhead As expected, just another "Pentax is doomed" thread. Oh come on Norm. You have a Mac, type it right... Pentax is Doomed™!