Will Ricoh-Pentax ever create k-mount mirrorless camera?

ChristianRock · 08-05-2016, 10:17 AM

I don't know if this has been said yet... but I think a mirrorless version of the K-S1's thin compact body (which is not brick-like like the K-01) with the whole pantaprism/mirror area taken out (flat top like in the K-01) and with a slim, round K-mount similar to what Sigma is doing, would work well. No weather seals. I think EVs are not expensive these days from third-party suppliers, and they have gotten to an acceptable level of quality - for those who want to go super-light. I think this would be a very light camera, it would look like other mirrorless cameras, just with a permanent K-mount "adapter" included

.

TheOneAndOnlyJH · 08-05-2016, 02:22 PM

Originally posted by ChristianRock

I don't know if this has been said yet... but I think a mirrorless version of the K-S1's thin compact body (which is not brick-like like the K-01) with the whole pantaprism/mirror area taken out (flat top like in the K-01) and with a slim, round K-mount similar to what Sigma is doing, would work well. No weather seals. I think EVs are not expensive these days from third-party suppliers, and they have gotten to an acceptable level of quality - for those who want to go super-light. I think this would be a very light camera, it would look like other mirrorless cameras, just with a permanent K-mount "adapter" included

.

I was too busy drooling over the K-3 when the K-S1 came out, and I never saw a K-S1 in person so I didn't think much of it, but I think you're right!
I know the looks don't make a camera, but one of the biggest complaints about the K-01 is how strange it looked. If they make one more like a mirrorless K-S1 I think it would be more successful.

Built in flash would be nice, but I understand some people are most concerned with weight. I wouldn't want them to ditch the hot shoe, but it would be neat if Pentax made a hot shoe / digital connection like Olympus µ4/3 AP2 port that would allow you to plug in an external flash or an EVF or mini flash similar to the Olympus VF-4 EVF and FL-LM2 flash. Of course, drawing from the camera battery would use more power, and I don't know if they could shoehorn the D-Li90 battery in without making the grip bump bigger... The K-S1 would make a great starting point for external aesthetics though!

Nicolas06 · 08-06-2016, 04:33 AM

And let's not forget that K70 is out. while from preview of pentax forum the PDAF not that much used there, I guess this allow Pentax to work on it and improve their algorithms in the field. That K70 can be a test bed for a mirrorless body.

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08-05-2016, 10:17 AM	#61
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910	I don't know if this has been said yet... but I think a mirrorless version of the K-S1's thin compact body (which is not brick-like like the K-01) with the whole pantaprism/mirror area taken out (flat top like in the K-01) and with a slim, round K-mount similar to what Sigma is doing, would work well. No weather seals. I think EVs are not expensive these days from third-party suppliers, and they have gotten to an acceptable level of quality - for those who want to go super-light. I think this would be a very light camera, it would look like other mirrorless cameras, just with a permanent K-mount "adapter" included .

08-05-2016, 02:22 PM	#62
TheOneAndOnlyJH Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 351	Originally posted by ChristianRock I don't know if this has been said yet... but I think a mirrorless version of the K-S1's thin compact body (which is not brick-like like the K-01) with the whole pantaprism/mirror area taken out (flat top like in the K-01) and with a slim, round K-mount similar to what Sigma is doing, would work well. No weather seals. I think EVs are not expensive these days from third-party suppliers, and they have gotten to an acceptable level of quality - for those who want to go super-light. I think this would be a very light camera, it would look like other mirrorless cameras, just with a permanent K-mount "adapter" included . I was too busy drooling over the K-3 when the K-S1 came out, and I never saw a K-S1 in person so I didn't think much of it, but I think you're right! I know the looks don't make a camera, but one of the biggest complaints about the K-01 is how strange it looked. If they make one more like a mirrorless K-S1 I think it would be more successful. Built in flash would be nice, but I understand some people are most concerned with weight. I wouldn't want them to ditch the hot shoe, but it would be neat if Pentax made a hot shoe / digital connection like Olympus µ4/3 AP2 port that would allow you to plug in an external flash or an EVF or mini flash similar to the Olympus VF-4 EVF and FL-LM2 flash. Of course, drawing from the camera battery would use more power, and I don't know if they could shoehorn the D-Li90 battery in without making the grip bump bigger... The K-S1 would make a great starting point for external aesthetics though!

08-06-2016, 04:33 AM	#63
Nicolas06 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 4,854	And let's not forget that K70 is out. while from preview of pentax forum the PDAF not that much used there, I guess this allow Pentax to work on it and improve their algorithms in the field. That K70 can be a test bed for a mirrorless body.