[Smolk]

I hope the KP remains in the line-up in follow-up models, it's the nicest Pentax to behold.
And it makes sense as a second or entry-body.

[reh321]

Continuing this thread, it seems like a lot of the menu system of the K-3 III has been adapted from the Ricoh GR series which has a touch friendly, and this video friendly interface. Hopefully that keeps hope alive in a video centric K-70 replacement body.

The Pentax method makes menus basically irrelevant.
Dive into the system and make the right adjustments, then you can make shot-to-shot changes using external controls.

[sdhute]

I hope the KP remains in the line-up in follow-up models, it's the nicest Pentax to behold.
And it makes sense as a second or entry-body.

I agree a new model should also bring sales to some of the previous models. Not everyone wants to buy in at the top. Some want to see the upgrade path.

[reh321]

I agree a new model should also bring sales to some of the previous models. Not everyone wants to buy in at the top. Some want to see the upgrade path.

I believe they have to get rid of solenoid-operated aperture control in any case.
Some time users will figure out how to sue them for having not not fixed this problem.

[sdhute]

Maybe to the new k80 or whatever it's going to be called will be more videos focused. Especially since on the KP they removed the HDMI and flippy screen

[reh321]

Maybe to the new k80 or whatever it's going to be called will be more videos focused. Especially since on the KP they removed the HDMI and flippy screen

Not exactly true.

I have used the flippy screen on my KP, and

Video output USB terminal
* SlimPort-HDMI adapter required

[Smolk]

Some time users will figure out how to sue them for having not not fixed this problem.

I don't like this tendency of suing companies unless people die or get sick.

[reh321]

I don't like this tendency of suing companies unless people die or get sick.

I don't like the tendency of companies ignoring problems until they get sued.
Pentax has tried to fix this design and it is still happening - less often, but still happening.
It is time for them to give up on the design.

[Smolk]

I don't like the tendency of companies ignoring problems until they get sued.
Pentax has tried to fix this design and it is still happening - less often, but still happening.
It is time for them to give up on the design.

Yes, perhaps you're right. I was not familiar with these aperture issues.

[angerdan]

With the new flagship coming, I get why the KP might be discontinued, so I wonder if there has been mention of a refresh to the ‘double digit‘ model line?

I also see the DA 18-135 lens listed as discontinued in places. Maybe a new PLM version in the offing?Or is that just hopeful thinking?

The KP has been inbetween K-70 and K-5 II(s). So the K-3 III will replace the missing successor of the K-3 II.
Template:Pentax digital interchangeable lens cameras - Wikipedia

[reh321]

The KP has been inbetween K-70 and K-5 II(s). So the K-3 III will replace the missing successor of the K-3 II.
Template:Pentax digital interchangeable lens cameras - Wikipedia

But this does not address introduction to the line., which I believe is the issue for this thread.
I believe it is possible that as KAF4 lenses - especially as replacements for the less expensive 'normal' lenses - are introduced, it may be reasonable for Pentax to introduce a replacement for the K-70, knowing that a K-90 could operate older K-mount lenses in the beginning, but still be usable with M42, true K-mount and KAF4 lenses if the solenoid fails.

added: only aperture control for KA - KAF3 lenses would ever be affected

[ThorSanchez]

But this does not address introduction to the line., which I believe is the issue for this thread.
I believe it is possible that as KAF4 lenses - especially as replacements for the less expensive 'normal' lenses - are introduced, it may be reasonable for Pentax to introduce a replacement for the K-70, knowing that a K-90 could operate older K-mount lenses in the beginning, but still be usable with M42, true K-mount and KAF4 lenses if the solenoid fails.

added: only aperture control for KA - KAF3 lenses would ever be affected

The chances of Pentax releasing a K-90 with the same aperture solenoid that's frequently failed in the past, even with the existence of a small handful of KAF4 lenses, is zero. Zero point zero. Essentially no one thinks it's reasonable to offer up a feature that is likely to fail, even with some not-horrific work-arounds available.

[cartesio]

The Pentax method makes menus basically irrelevant.
Dive into the system and make the right adjustments, then you can make shot-to-shot changes using external controls.

That's wonderful to me. I hate menus, but at the restaurant.

[JPT]

It's interesting that the K-70 is still in production but the KP is now reportedly out of production. That is according to what Ricoh reps have said to Japanese stores. The silver version stopped production late last year and the black one last week. Silver is still available in limited numbers at some retailers, black is still available everywhere for now. That doesn't mean to say the KP is officially discontinued yet on the Ricoh website. If you specifically want a KP, I wouldn't recommend waiting too long.

It makes me wonder whether they will keep producing two models or just produce one model which merges some of the characteristics of both the K-70 and the KP to eventually replace both. The KP seems to have been successful over here. I'm not so sure about the K-70, but that has had a long run. Certainly there is a huge gap between the current price of the K-70 and what the K-3 III is expected to sell for.

[OoKU]

KP has been discontinued.