The designers of K-S1

bobdobbs · 08-30-2014, 07:05 PM

Originally posted by boriscleto

I'd rather have a LX-D.

That works for me as well. Furthermore, stuff a full-frame sensor in it (with an APS-C crop mode for the DA lenses we all own) and charge $2K, body only. Is Ricoh so poor that we need to launch a Kickstarter for them to get this rolling?

---------- Post added 08-30-14 at 07:23 PM ----------

Originally posted by crewl1

I don't think a US division, especially in Portland, would have designed the look that is the K-s1.

You're right, and they would have made sure it was made local.

You Tube

noser · 08-30-2014, 10:45 PM

Originally posted by bobdobbs

Is Ricoh so poor that we need to launch a Kickstarter for them to get this rolling?

Well... the kickstarter half of that idea is pretty devious...

rawr · 08-31-2014, 12:28 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by noser

the kickstarter half of that idea is pretty devious

And then we could fund Shodan to complete his customisation and open-sourcing of the Pentax firmware. A Magic Lantern clone for Pentax here we come!

**Kerrowdown** · 08-31-2014, 01:55 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by DominicVII

design of the K-S1

I thought it was just something a Mother could love.

wowtip · 08-31-2014, 05:11 AM

I am a bit torn on the design of the camera, what bothers me more is they stepped away from having all dSLRs in their lineup weather protected.

But it looks to deliver great images, PENTAX K-S1 - RICOH IMAGING EUROPE S.A.S

Na Horuk · 08-31-2014, 06:23 AM

Originally posted by wowtip

But it looks to deliver great images, PENTAX K-S1 - RICOH IMAGING EUROPE S.A.S

Yeah. 20MP, no AA filter means lots of detail and sharp photos. I can imagine lots of people who didn't buy the K-3 would go for this, as it seems to deliver a lot for a good price. Too bad no WR.

pinholecam · 08-31-2014, 06:58 AM

I got to say that my first reaction to the K-S1 (black) was "Pentax is Doomed!"

But then the coloured ones were shown and they appear to be the best looking coloured DSLRs yet (from any brand) imo.

So who knows.... it might sell (it might stumble too, esp with not enough marketing/hype to drive this sort of thing)

Jean Poitiers · 08-31-2014, 07:12 AM

Originally posted by monochrome

I think a lot of people are going to very surprised.

Me, too ...

---------- Post added 08-31-14 at 16:13 ----------

Originally posted by boriscleto

I'd rather have a LX-D.

Me, too ... and please leave the green LED

disco lights off of it, SVP.

JPT · 08-31-2014, 07:32 AM - **4 Likes**

My only criticisms of the K-S1 so far are that the kit lens need updating and that I don't like the Flucard as a Wi-Fi solution, neither of which would be within the design company's control. I think Ziba did a great job of styling the camera. I think I'm one of the only forum members who's actually seen it in real life and it really doesn't look that gaudy with the lights switched off. The proportions are more conventional than some of the pictures make out and the colours are not so lurid. It's a pretty classy design.

I'm constantly surprised with the disrespect photographers have for another visual art. Should we not respect others who seek beauty in design, like we do with our photos? It doesn't mean that you have to like the camera or that you have keep quiet if you don't, but it seems that the idea of getting a design house to rethink camera design is an entirely valid approach.

Imagine you really did leave a group of photographers to design a camera. They'd add feature after feature, make it bigger and faster and you'd just end up with another K-3. Ricoh makes that camera already. Ricoh/Pentax have been trying to make a differentiated camera with the K-01 and the K-S1 and I respect them for doing that. I certainly feel the K-S1 is going to have more appeal because the styling is smart but not as disruptive as the K-01. It also has a viewfinder, which will help.

It's interesting to look at some other Pentax and Ricoh ideas that were laughed at and scorned at first, but worked out well in the end.
- Coloured DSLRs - Still laughed at but they seem to work
- Ricoh GRD - I remember how commenters scorned it for having a fixed lens and a small sensor, but it gathered a song following over the years
- Pentax Limited lenses - If you have a f2.8 zoom, why would you want
- Pentax 645D/Z - Looks like second time lucky
- Pentax Q - Adjusting the price and advertising worked wonders in Japan

Ricoh has obviously decided that a strikingly-designed, capable K-mount camera is worth a second try. I'm going to give this camera serious consideration.

ogl · 08-31-2014, 08:02 AM

Originally posted by Na Horuk

Yeah. 20MP, no AA filter means lots of detail and sharp photos.

In center part - yes.

Hamster · 08-31-2014, 01:33 PM - **1 Like**

Pentax got it's real start in the camera world by way of user interface innovation, the Asahi-Flex and Asahi-Pentax was a break from from what was accepted. In the same way Canon EOS system was born of T90 which was a radical departure from what was considered acceptable. While Asahi-Flex and Canon T90 were loved by their owners, neither succeed spectacularly on their first attempt, but their future iterations eventually sets the standard. I think K-01/K-S1 are bold innovative moves and I applaud PENTAX-ricoh for their willingness to innovate.

For those of you who have worked in a corporate environment, you'll know that innovation do not come easy and I think we should stop bashing Pentax-Ricoh.

stevebrot · 08-31-2014, 01:46 PM

Originally posted by monochrome

Maybe we're all just a bunch of arrogant prigs.

Nope, just me.

Steve

---------- Post added 08-31-14 at 01:54 PM ----------

Originally posted by monochrome

I think a lot of people are going to very surprised.

Surprise is highly overrated...

Steve

---------- Post added 08-31-14 at 01:55 PM ----------

Originally posted by bobdobbs

Can I get my retro-mirrorless K1000D then?

Just thought I'd ask...

No, you are going to get an SLR LX-D.

Originally posted by boriscleto

I'd rather have a LX-D.

Your wish is my command.

Steve

---------- Post added 08-31-14 at 01:57 PM ----------

Originally posted by bobdobbs

You're right, and they would have made sure it was made local.

...and more important than provenance is whether the camera has friends.

Steve

(...my favorite Portlandia skit...)

---------- Post added 08-31-14 at 02:00 PM ----------

Originally posted by pinholecam

But then the coloured ones were shown and they appear to be the best looking coloured DSLRs yet (from any brand) imo.

I like the Dusk Gold version. Truly! The ad really takes me back to the Ricoh ads of the 70s and 80s and that is not a bad thing.

Steve

(...matches my sunglasses...)

Jean Poitiers · 08-31-2014, 10:32 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Steve

(...matches my sunglasses...)

You have sunglasses with green LED's ... ?!

grispie · 09-01-2014, 01:07 AM

Originally posted by Hamster

For those of you who have worked in a corporate environment, you'll know that innovation do not come easy and I think we should stop bashing Pentax-Ricoh.

Neat camera!
this is a very nice stand-out camera & for those who don't want colours, it's available in traditional black as well.
I just hope they get the marketing right. Which means they need to be present in stores for a start.

Friends of mine are always pleasantly surprised when holding one of my pentax cameras. But they must get a hold of it. I recall visiting my uncle (a seasoned Nikon photographer..) with my brand new k100d back in 2006. He said: why on earth did you go with a brand like pentax. And then he started playing around with it. Hey, he said, this thing works nicely!

And a kit with the DA35 should be available to match the design. The 18-55 kitlens needs a serious update.

IchabodCrane · 09-01-2014, 05:18 AM

Originally posted by grispie

Neat camera!
this is a very nice stand-out camera & for those who don't want colours, it's available in traditional black as well.
I just hope they get the marketing right. Which means they need to be present in stores for a start.

Friends of mine are always pleasantly surprised when holding one of my pentax cameras. But they must get a hold of it. I recall visiting my uncle (a seasoned Nikon photographer..) with my brand new k100d back in 2006. He said: why on earth did you go with a brand like pentax. And then he started playing around with it. Hey, he said, this thing works nicely!

And a kit with the DA35 should be available to match the design. The 18-55 kitlens needs a serious update.

IMHO, the best design feature of the camera is moving the mode dial to the rear. Two reasons: camera interfaces have generally migrated to the back (many don't have a top LCD anymore) and it allows the size of the top real estate to shrink a bit. From a few comparison looks, it seems the K-S1 top view profile is the smallest in a Pentax DSLR at least in a long time.

Now about the price... still think it's too high even considering it will drift downward. Now is the time to make a splash with this new design but if it's priced out of it's intended market then it will generate a negative perception that will stick with it no matter where the price eventually heads. K-01 all over again.

08-31-2014, 01:46 PM	#57
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by monochrome Maybe we're all just a bunch of arrogant prigs. Nope, just me. Steve ---------- Post added 08-31-14 at 01:54 PM ---------- Originally posted by monochrome I think a lot of people are going to very surprised. Surprise is highly overrated... Steve ---------- Post added 08-31-14 at 01:55 PM ---------- Originally posted by bobdobbs Can I get my retro-mirrorless K1000D then? Just thought I'd ask... No, you are going to get an SLR LX-D. Originally posted by boriscleto I'd rather have a LX-D. Your wish is my command. Steve ---------- Post added 08-31-14 at 01:57 PM ---------- Originally posted by bobdobbs You're right, and they would have made sure it was made local. ...and more important than provenance is whether the camera has friends. Steve (...my favorite Portlandia skit...) ---------- Post added 08-31-14 at 02:00 PM ---------- Originally posted by pinholecam But then the coloured ones were shown and they appear to be the best looking coloured DSLRs yet (from any brand) imo. I like the Dusk Gold version. Truly! The ad really takes me back to the Ricoh ads of the 70s and 80s and that is not a bad thing. Steve (...matches my sunglasses...) Last edited by stevebrot; 08-31-2014 at 02:13 PM.

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08-30-2014, 10:45 PM	#47
noser Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Calgary, AB CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 292	Originally posted by bobdobbs Is Ricoh so poor that we need to launch a Kickstarter for them to get this rolling? Well... the kickstarter half of that idea is pretty devious...

08-31-2014, 12:28 AM - 1 Like	#48
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by noser the kickstarter half of that idea is pretty devious And then we could fund Shodan to complete his customisation and open-sourcing of the Pentax firmware. A Magic Lantern clone for Pentax here we come!

08-31-2014, 01:55 AM - 1 Like	#49
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,819	Originally posted by DominicVII design of the K-S1 I thought it was just something a Mother could love.

08-31-2014, 05:11 AM	#50
wowtip Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: West coast Photos: Gallery Posts: 261	I am a bit torn on the design of the camera, what bothers me more is they stepped away from having all dSLRs in their lineup weather protected. But it looks to deliver great images, PENTAX K-S1 - RICOH IMAGING EUROPE S.A.S

08-31-2014, 06:23 AM	#51
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Originally posted by wowtip But it looks to deliver great images, PENTAX K-S1 - RICOH IMAGING EUROPE S.A.S Yeah. 20MP, no AA filter means lots of detail and sharp photos. I can imagine lots of people who didn't buy the K-3 would go for this, as it seems to deliver a lot for a good price. Too bad no WR.

08-31-2014, 06:58 AM	#52
pinholecam Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,706	I got to say that my first reaction to the K-S1 (black) was "Pentax is Doomed!" But then the coloured ones were shown and they appear to be the best looking coloured DSLRs yet (from any brand) imo. So who knows.... it might sell (it might stumble too, esp with not enough marketing/hype to drive this sort of thing)

08-31-2014, 07:12 AM	#53
Jean Poitiers Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Lost in translation ... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18,076	Originally posted by monochrome I think a lot of people are going to very surprised. Me, too ... ---------- Post added 08-31-14 at 16:13 ---------- Originally posted by boriscleto I'd rather have a LX-D. Me, too ... and please leave the green LED disco lights off of it, *SVP*.

08-31-2014, 07:32 AM - 4 Likes	#54
JPT Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Tokyo Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,821	My only criticisms of the K-S1 so far are that the kit lens need updating and that I don't like the Flucard as a Wi-Fi solution, neither of which would be within the design company's control. I think Ziba did a great job of styling the camera. I think I'm one of the only forum members who's actually seen it in real life and it really doesn't look that gaudy with the lights switched off. The proportions are more conventional than some of the pictures make out and the colours are not so lurid. It's a pretty classy design. I'm constantly surprised with the disrespect photographers have for another visual art. Should we not respect others who seek beauty in design, like we do with our photos? It doesn't mean that you have to like the camera or that you have keep quiet if you don't, but it seems that the idea of getting a design house to rethink camera design is an entirely valid approach. Imagine you really did leave a group of photographers to design a camera. They'd add feature after feature, make it bigger and faster and you'd just end up with another K-3. Ricoh makes that camera already. Ricoh/Pentax have been trying to make a differentiated camera with the K-01 and the K-S1 and I respect them for doing that. I certainly feel the K-S1 is going to have more appeal because the styling is smart but not as disruptive as the K-01. It also has a viewfinder, which will help. It's interesting to look at some other Pentax and Ricoh ideas that were laughed at and scorned at first, but worked out well in the end. - Coloured DSLRs - Still laughed at but they seem to work - Ricoh GRD - I remember how commenters scorned it for having a fixed lens and a small sensor, but it gathered a song following over the years - Pentax Limited lenses - If you have a f2.8 zoom, why would you want - Pentax 645D/Z - Looks like second time lucky - Pentax Q - Adjusting the price and advertising worked wonders in Japan Ricoh has obviously decided that a strikingly-designed, capable K-mount camera is worth a second try. I'm going to give this camera serious consideration.

08-31-2014, 08:02 AM	#55
ogl Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sankt Peterburg Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,382	Originally posted by Na Horuk Yeah. 20MP, no AA filter means lots of detail and sharp photos. In center part - yes.

08-31-2014, 01:33 PM - 1 Like	#56
Hamster Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 44	Pentax got it's real start in the camera world by way of user interface innovation, the Asahi-Flex and Asahi-Pentax was a break from from what was accepted. In the same way Canon EOS system was born of T90 which was a radical departure from what was considered acceptable. While Asahi-Flex and Canon T90 were loved by their owners, neither succeed spectacularly on their first attempt, but their future iterations eventually sets the standard. I think K-01/K-S1 are bold innovative moves and I applaud PENTAX-ricoh for their willingness to innovate. For those of you who have worked in a corporate environment, you'll know that innovation do not come easy and I think we should stop bashing Pentax-Ricoh.

08-31-2014, 10:32 PM	#58
Jean Poitiers Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Lost in translation ... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18,076	Originally posted by stevebrot Steve (...matches my sunglasses...) You have sunglasses with green LED's ... ?!

09-01-2014, 01:07 AM	#59
grispie Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 1,199	Originally posted by Hamster For those of you who have worked in a corporate environment, you'll know that innovation do not come easy and I think we should stop bashing Pentax-Ricoh. Neat camera! this is a very nice stand-out camera & for those who don't want colours, it's available in traditional black as well. I just hope they get the marketing right. Which means they need to be present in stores for a start. Friends of mine are always pleasantly surprised when holding one of my pentax cameras. But they must get a hold of it. I recall visiting my uncle (a seasoned Nikon photographer..) with my brand new k100d back in 2006. He said: why on earth did you go with a brand like pentax. And then he started playing around with it. Hey, he said, this thing works nicely! And a kit with the DA35 should be available to match the design. The 18-55 kitlens needs a serious update.

09-01-2014, 05:18 AM	#60
IchabodCrane Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,728	Originally posted by grispie Neat camera! this is a very nice stand-out camera & for those who don't want colours, it's available in traditional black as well. I just hope they get the marketing right. Which means they need to be present in stores for a start. Friends of mine are always pleasantly surprised when holding one of my pentax cameras. But they must get a hold of it. I recall visiting my uncle (a seasoned Nikon photographer..) with my brand new k100d back in 2006. He said: why on earth did you go with a brand like pentax. And then he started playing around with it. Hey, he said, this thing works nicely! And a kit with the DA35 should be available to match the design. The 18-55 kitlens needs a serious update. IMHO, the best design feature of the camera is moving the mode dial to the rear. Two reasons: camera interfaces have generally migrated to the back (many don't have a top LCD anymore) and it allows the size of the top real estate to shrink a bit. From a few comparison looks, it seems the K-S1 top view profile is the smallest in a Pentax DSLR at least in a long time. Now about the price... still think it's too high even considering it will drift downward. Now is the time to make a splash with this new design but if it's priced out of it's intended market then it will generate a negative perception that will stick with it no matter where the price eventually heads. K-01 all over again.