Will Ricoh buy out influence your Pentax purchase?

lammie200 · 07-01-2011, 12:14 PM

Given the recent news I am wondering how prospective and new Pentax owners feel about purchasing or returning items.

I just recently bought a K-5 that was delivered today. I can't wait to get home and open it up and play with it. Of course I have 30 days to return it for any reason whatsoever.

I am also considering selling my Nikon current model P & S while I can still get decent coin for it. Present day I may only lose about $90 USD on the $300 purchase price.

I am not sure how much the Ricoh buy out news will affect my decision for keeping the K-5 if it seems like a sturdy flawless unit. But I was also considering moving from the Nikon P & S to a K-r. I could even make sure the K-r gets it's minor bugs worked out as best is possible by sending it in for warranty work if necessary.

Which brings me to my next question. B & H sells affordable extended warranties for the K-5 and K-r but are "Out of Stock." Does anyone suspect that Ricoh may have something to do with the availability of those warranties?

RonHendriks1966 · 07-01-2011, 12:18 PM

No influence on me at the time. I'm waiting for future announcements, so that would mean waiting till october.

Ole · 07-01-2011, 12:19 PM

I don't think the Ricoh purchase has influenced anything yet. Japanese companies move slowly and the acquisition cannot possibly have influenced the extended warranty policy at this point.

Enjoy your K-5, it is a great camera!

mattdm · 07-01-2011, 12:26 PM

I'm going to wait and see, but I'm cautiously optimistic. Pentax went in a great direction under Hoya (despite the doom and gloom predictions that time around).

I notice the Ricoh's hotshoe flash offerings are pretty lame, which is a disappointment.

Biro · 07-01-2011, 12:39 PM

I came close to buying a K-5 this week - completely unaware that the sale of Pentax's camera unit was about to be announced. In the end, I picked up a DA 21mm Limited and held off on the K-5, as I had been waiting for the price to come down further. I found out about the sale after I made that decision.

I would have very likely waited until October anyway to pull the trigger on the K-5 and this news just reinforces that. I am hoping that Ricoh will make some sort of statement to reassure Pentaxians worldwide once they close on the deal. And - I'll say this again - a serious lens roadmap by the end of the year would be really great. As of right now, I am cautiously optimistic... and I still plan to buy a K-5.

wasser · 07-01-2011, 12:53 PM

Originally posted by lammie200

Which brings me to my next question. B & H sells affordable extended warranties for the K-5 and K-r but are "Out of Stock." Does anyone suspect that Ricoh may have something to do with the availability of those warranties?

I don't see the SageMax warranties as out of stock. I just put a K-5 and a 3 year warranty in my cart.

NEW 3-Year SAGEMAX Protection Plan SCC3-1250 B&H Photo Video

But I don't see why third party warranties would be impacted by the status of the original manufacturer. These warranty sellers bet your stuff won't break and profit, probably handsomely from it. I don't know the specifics of SageMax warranties, but if parts become unavailable for repair then they'll have to compensate you.

lammie200 · 07-01-2011, 12:59 PM

Originally posted by wasser

I don't see the SageMax warranties as out of stock. I just put a K-5 and a 3 year warranty in my cart.

NEW 3-Year SAGEMAX Protection Plan SCC3-1250 B&H Photo Video

But I don't see why third party warranties would be impacted by the status of the original manufacturer. These warranty sellers bet your stuff won't break and profit, probably handsomely from it. I don't know the specifics of SageMax warranties, but if parts become unavailable for repair then they'll have to compensate you.

Here is the link. I think that the Pentax K-7 warranty might still be available. Strange. And as someone mentioned in another section - It is just a piece of paper, how could it be "Out of Stock?"

Pentax Two-Year Extended Warranty for the K5 and KR 80227 B&H

glanglois · 07-01-2011, 01:16 PM

Originally posted by lammie200

Here is the link. I think that the Pentax K-7 warranty might still be available. Strange. And as someone mentioned in another section - It is just a piece of paper, how could it be "Out of Stock?"

Pentax Two-Year Extended Warranty for the K5 and KR 80227 B&H

B&H send a special warranty card when you purchase. That card may be out of stock. I've two or three of them.

RioRico · 07-01-2011, 01:24 PM

Originally posted by lammie200

Strange. And as someone mentioned in another section - It is just a piece of paper, how could it be "Out of Stock?"

It's a lie. The underwriter (that's who issues warranties) doesn't want to be encumbered with any further claims. So they tell the producers (that's who sells warranties) to say that the product (that's the warranty) is no longer available. The underwriter can't just cancel coverage on a whim -- regulatory agencies are involved. But they can suspend sales of existing products. So the dealer says, "Sorry, don't got none" and the customer (that's us) feels the screw turn a bit further...

DogLover · 07-01-2011, 01:31 PM

Originally posted by RioRico

It's a lie. The underwriter (that's who issues warranties) doesn't want to be encumbered with any further claims. So they tell the producers (that's who sells warranties) to say that the product (that's the warranty) is no longer available. The underwriter can't just cancel coverage on a whim -- regulatory agencies are involved. But they can suspend sales of existing products. So the dealer says, "Sorry, don't got none" and the customer (that's us) feels the screw turn a bit further...

No, no, no. Those warranties have occasionally been out of stock since the time that they were first offered. It is indeed an issue of having the correct cards/paperwork. The underwriter only sends the retailer a certain amount at a time. No reason to panic.

wasser · 07-01-2011, 03:55 PM

Originally posted by lammie200

Here is the link. I think that the Pentax K-7 warranty might still be available. Strange. And as someone mentioned in another section - It is just a piece of paper, how could it be "Out of Stock?"

Pentax Two-Year Extended Warranty for the K5 and KR 80227 B&H

Ahh, that's an actual Pentax warranty. In that case, just pick it up from someone who actually has it in stock.

Amazon.com: Pentax DSLR K Series 2-Year Extended Warranty: Electronics
80227 Pentax 2 Year Extended Warranty for K5, KX and KR Digital SLR Camera (Total Warranty 3 years - 1 Year Standard + 2 Years Additional)

You just need to do it within 30 days I believe.

Jodokast96 · 07-01-2011, 04:31 PM

It probably means I will upgrade from a K10D to a K-5, just in case it's the last good body Pentax makes.

stormtech · 07-01-2011, 04:50 PM

Originally posted by Jodokast96

It probably means I will upgrade from a K10D to a K-5, just in case it's the last good body Pentax makes.

My thinking as well.......

DeadJohn · 07-01-2011, 05:59 PM

I don't think it will have much influence on me until I see additional official announcements.

The buyout should have no effect on my next planned purchase: the upcoming O-GPS1 module due for mid-July release. I hope Pentax is on time with that for summertime astrophotography.

Longer term, a 500mm lens or a wide zoom are on my shopping list. Or, more accurately, my wife's shopping list when my birthday rolls around

Ricoh will hopefully announce a lens roadmap before then so I know whether to go with Sigma, Pentax, or wait for new Pentax/Ricoh glass.

1shot · 07-01-2011, 06:42 PM

The Q has a bigger influence on my decision. I had been waiting on a pentax mirrorless and had high hopes, but the thought that Pentax thought the Q was somehow a good idea makes me think they are too out of touch. It would make sense however to announce such a high risk product before announcing the sale. It gives you the chance to judge consumer reaction to the product and kill it if its bad, then blame Hoya to save face. So, if Ricoh kills the Q then I may still go with Pentax when a good mirrorless is released. If they keep the Q however, I have grave fear for the future of the brand and cannot risk buying into the system.

07-01-2011, 12:14 PM	#1
lammie200 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: San Francisco Photos: Albums Posts: 1,033	Will Ricoh buy out influence your Pentax purchase? Given the recent news I am wondering how prospective and new Pentax owners feel about purchasing or returning items. I just recently bought a K-5 that was delivered today. I can't wait to get home and open it up and play with it. Of course I have 30 days to return it for any reason whatsoever. I am also considering selling my Nikon current model P & S while I can still get decent coin for it. Present day I may only lose about $90 USD on the $300 purchase price. I am not sure how much the Ricoh buy out news will affect my decision for keeping the K-5 if it seems like a sturdy flawless unit. But I was also considering moving from the Nikon P & S to a K-r. I could even make sure the K-r gets it's minor bugs worked out as best is possible by sending it in for warranty work if necessary. Which brings me to my next question. B & H sells affordable extended warranties for the K-5 and K-r but are "Out of Stock." Does anyone suspect that Ricoh may have something to do with the availability of those warranties?

07-01-2011, 12:59 PM	#7
lammie200 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: San Francisco Photos: Albums Posts: 1,033 Original Poster	It was a Pentax warranty not SageMax Originally posted by wasser I don't see the SageMax warranties as out of stock. I just put a K-5 and a 3 year warranty in my cart. NEW 3-Year SAGEMAX Protection Plan SCC3-1250 B&H Photo Video But I don't see why third party warranties would be impacted by the status of the original manufacturer. These warranty sellers bet your stuff won't break and profit, probably handsomely from it. I don't know the specifics of SageMax warranties, but if parts become unavailable for repair then they'll have to compensate you. Here is the link. I think that the Pentax K-7 warranty might still be available. Strange. And as someone mentioned in another section - It is just a piece of paper, how could it be "Out of Stock?" Pentax Two-Year Extended Warranty for the K5 and KR 80227 B&H

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Ricoh to buy Pentax camera business from Hoya	ChrisN	Pentax News and Rumors	738	07-24-2011 11:24 AM
Should I be a good Pentax choirboy and buy a DA 15 Limited or buy the Sigma 10-20mm?	tokyoso	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	42	03-14-2010 04:54 PM
SIGMA 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM Lens for PENTAX:To buy or not to buy?	thelittlecar	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	21	12-31-2009 06:01 AM
DA 35mm LTD - BUI (bought under the influence)	keith.s	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	6	05-23-2009 12:33 PM

07-01-2011, 12:18 PM	#2
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	No influence on me at the time. I'm waiting for future announcements, so that would mean waiting till october.

07-01-2011, 12:19 PM	#3
Ole Administrator Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Copenhagen, Denmark Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,408	I don't think the Ricoh purchase has influenced anything yet. Japanese companies move slowly and the acquisition cannot possibly have influenced the extended warranty policy at this point. Enjoy your K-5, it is a great camera!

07-01-2011, 12:26 PM	#4
mattdm Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Boston, MA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,948	I'm going to wait and see, but I'm cautiously optimistic. Pentax went in a great direction under Hoya (despite the doom and gloom predictions that time around). I notice the Ricoh's hotshoe flash offerings are pretty lame, which is a disappointment.

07-01-2011, 12:39 PM	#5
Biro Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,200	I came close to buying a K-5 this week - completely unaware that the sale of Pentax's camera unit was about to be announced. In the end, I picked up a DA 21mm Limited and held off on the K-5, as I had been waiting for the price to come down further. I found out about the sale after I made that decision. I would have very likely waited until October anyway to pull the trigger on the K-5 and this news just reinforces that. I am hoping that Ricoh will make some sort of statement to reassure Pentaxians worldwide once they close on the deal. And - I'll say this again - a serious lens roadmap by the end of the year would be really great. As of right now, I am cautiously optimistic... and I still plan to buy a K-5.

07-01-2011, 12:53 PM	#6
wasser Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: northern ca Photos: Gallery Posts: 427	Originally posted by lammie200 Which brings me to my next question. B & H sells affordable extended warranties for the K-5 and K-r but are "Out of Stock." Does anyone suspect that Ricoh may have something to do with the availability of those warranties? I don't see the SageMax warranties as out of stock. I just put a K-5 and a 3 year warranty in my cart. NEW 3-Year SAGEMAX Protection Plan SCC3-1250 B&H Photo Video But I don't see why third party warranties would be impacted by the status of the original manufacturer. These warranty sellers bet your stuff won't break and profit, probably handsomely from it. I don't know the specifics of SageMax warranties, but if parts become unavailable for repair then they'll have to compensate you.

07-01-2011, 01:16 PM	#8
glanglois Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Madison, Wis., USA Posts: 1,506	Originally posted by lammie200 Here is the link. I think that the Pentax K-7 warranty might still be available. Strange. And as someone mentioned in another section - It is just a piece of paper, how could it be "Out of Stock?" Pentax Two-Year Extended Warranty for the K5 and KR 80227 B&H B&H send a special warranty card when you purchase. That card may be out of stock. I've two or three of them.

07-01-2011, 01:24 PM	#9
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Originally posted by lammie200 Strange. And as someone mentioned in another section - It is just a piece of paper, how could it be "Out of Stock?" It's a lie. The underwriter (that's who issues warranties) doesn't want to be encumbered with any further claims. So they tell the producers (that's who sells warranties) to say that the product (that's the warranty) is no longer available. The underwriter can't just cancel coverage on a whim -- regulatory agencies are involved. But they can suspend sales of existing products. So the dealer says, "Sorry, don't got none" and the customer (that's us) feels the screw turn a bit further...

07-01-2011, 01:31 PM	#10
DogLover Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 2,054	Originally posted by RioRico It's a lie. The underwriter (that's who issues warranties) doesn't want to be encumbered with any further claims. So they tell the producers (that's who sells warranties) to say that the product (that's the warranty) is no longer available. The underwriter can't just cancel coverage on a whim -- regulatory agencies are involved. But they can suspend sales of existing products. So the dealer says, "Sorry, don't got none" and the customer (that's us) feels the screw turn a bit further... No, no, no. Those warranties have occasionally been out of stock since the time that they were first offered. It is indeed an issue of having the correct cards/paperwork. The underwriter only sends the retailer a certain amount at a time. No reason to panic.

07-01-2011, 03:55 PM	#11
wasser Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: northern ca Photos: Gallery Posts: 427	Originally posted by lammie200 Here is the link. I think that the Pentax K-7 warranty might still be available. Strange. And as someone mentioned in another section - It is just a piece of paper, how could it be "Out of Stock?" Pentax Two-Year Extended Warranty for the K5 and KR 80227 B&H Ahh, that's an actual Pentax warranty. In that case, just pick it up from someone who actually has it in stock. Amazon.com: Pentax DSLR K Series 2-Year Extended Warranty: Electronics 80227 Pentax 2 Year Extended Warranty for K5, KX and KR Digital SLR Camera (Total Warranty 3 years - 1 Year Standard + 2 Years Additional) You just need to do it within 30 days I believe.

07-01-2011, 04:31 PM	#12
Jodokast96 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Erial, NJ USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,134	It probably means I will upgrade from a K10D to a K-5, just in case it's the last good body Pentax makes.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

07-01-2011, 04:50 PM	#13
stormtech Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: In the boonies (NW Penna) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,744	Originally posted by Jodokast96 It probably means I will upgrade from a K10D to a K-5, just in case it's the last good body Pentax makes. My thinking as well.......

07-01-2011, 05:59 PM	#14
DeadJohn Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York Posts: 4,833	I don't think it will have much influence on me until I see additional official announcements. The buyout should have no effect on my next planned purchase: the upcoming O-GPS1 module due for mid-July release. I hope Pentax is on time with that for summertime astrophotography. Longer term, a 500mm lens or a wide zoom are on my shopping list. Or, more accurately, my wife's shopping list when my birthday rolls around Ricoh will hopefully announce a lens roadmap before then so I know whether to go with Sigma, Pentax, or wait for new Pentax/Ricoh glass.

07-01-2011, 06:42 PM	#15
1shot Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Utah Posts: 30	The Q has a bigger influence on my decision. I had been waiting on a pentax mirrorless and had high hopes, but the thought that Pentax thought the Q was somehow a good idea makes me think they are too out of touch. It would make sense however to announce such a high risk product before announcing the sale. It gives you the chance to judge consumer reaction to the product and kill it if its bad, then blame Hoya to save face. So, if Ricoh kills the Q then I may still go with Pentax when a good mirrorless is released. If they keep the Q however, I have grave fear for the future of the brand and cannot risk buying into the system.