Next big Pentax project?

**RobA_Oz** · 12-12-2017, 11:54 PM

Most of the suggestions here have been around the buoy before, but of course that doesn't make any of them less valid or interesting. Before the K-1 was released, there was a lot of speculation about its possible special features, and I remarked at the time that a hybrid OVF-EVF would be a breakthrough, as photoptimist says above, too. The LCD overlay on the K-1, I think, is a pointer to a possible future hybrid version, which would be a big thing, even though, in a way, it would also be an evolutionary development. I would regard this as a better use of resources, for a small player like Pentax, than going hard at another non K-mount mirrorless project. There could, of course be both APS-C and 35FF versions. The alternative to using an overlay screen would be a replaceable viewfinder, as with the LX, but allowing OVF and EVF modules to be used separately.

In the same vein, a development of the 645D/Z to include a 645FF sensor makes a lot of sense, and while we're going there, a replaceable viewfinder module would be a further evolution.

I doubt we'll be seeing anything completely new under either the Pentax or Ricoh brands, especially now we have the Theta, which I expect to continue evolving, as well.

Last edited by RobA_Oz; 12-13-2017 at 12:12 PM.

**beachgardener** · 12-13-2017, 01:06 AM

Originally posted by mattb123

K-3 replacement is surely coming too but it may be a more incremental improvement

that is fine with me, a round up of the current newer features, incremental AF improvement, sounds great

ebk · 12-13-2017, 02:12 AM - **1 Like**

a brandnew Pentax Q and lenses are more then welcome !!!!!

Fogel70 · 12-13-2017, 02:25 AM

I don't think we going to see anything big new in the next coming years, and I don't think it is needed...

What is more important is to expand systems they already have.

What we may see the next coming years are:
K-3 II replacement (of course)
Lower specified FF DSLR styled more like KP (a little more compact than K1, with fixed LCD, 24MP, smaller grip)
Full frame 645 DSLR
New lenses

Next after K-3 II replacement. I believe to expand FF lens line is most important.

I hope this will include expansion/refresh of FF limited lenses. (maybe a new line of D FA Limited).
A UWA FF (equivalent of DA15 for APS-C) D FA Limited with focal length between 20-24 mm and max aperture between f/2.8-4.0 for small size.
A longer FF tele (equivalent of DA70 for APS-C) D FA Limited with focal length between 100-115 mm and max aperture between f/2.8-4.0 for small size.
A normal FF macro (equivalent of DA35 macro for APS-C) A refresh of the existing FA 50 macro may be good enough, but in more compact format in line with Limited design.
Refresh the design of the old FA limited. FA43 probably need new optical formula, but FA31 and FA77 may only need minor refinement.

If the new line of D FA limited include WR it would be nice.

Chris Mak · 12-13-2017, 03:16 AM

Originally posted by Gedeon

Big like a 400mm f2.8 ?

How about a 800mm f5.6?

blende8 · 12-13-2017, 03:56 AM

How about the release of a new manual focus lens line:
Small and well-built like the smc-M lenses.

Like the Voigtländer lenses released around 2007-2008.

Andrea K · 12-13-2017, 04:47 AM - **1 Like**

I would like to see:
1- DFA 24-105 (maybe 120) f4 PLM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2- DFA 80-160 f2,8 DC STF (zoom lens with optical apodization element and autofocus)
3- FA 20-35 f4 replacement
4- 645 in real 645 size format

Last edited by Andrea K; 12-13-2017 at 07:51 AM.

Fogel70 · 12-13-2017, 04:53 AM

Originally posted by blende8

How about the release of a new manual focus lens line:
Small and well-built like the smc-M lenses.

Like the Voigtländer lenses released around 2007-2008.

The Limited lenses are compact, of very high build quality, and include AF.
So I do not see any reason for limiting lenses for MF only.

Lenses do not get much smaller than DA40(XS in below picture) and DA70 (which both work on FF).
Totally loving K1 with HD Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 Limited - PentaxForums.com

**savoche** · 12-13-2017, 07:52 AM

Originally posted by Chris Mak

How about a 800mm f5.6?

Why not an update of the A*1200/8?

SMC Pentax-A* 1200mm F8 ED [IF] Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

normhead · 12-13-2017, 07:58 AM

Originally posted by savoche

Why not an update of the A*1200/8?

SMC Pentax-A* 1200mm F8 ED [IF] Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

Now that's big.

Doundounba · 12-13-2017, 08:40 AM

I expect we'll see a 645z Mark II within a year. Hopefully the promised 50mm, 85mm and DA* 11-18mm will materialize...

For me the important thing is the K-3 Mark III. Personally, I'm not one of those "D500 AF or die!" people - just give me a slight AF improvement and I'll take it. What would make a better impression on me is:
- K-1 style swiveling screen with increased size, resolution & touch capability,
- focus bracketing,
- 10fps bursts with mechanical shutter,
- live bulb mode,
- UHS-II card support,
- big video improvements.

Unlike others, I think improving video shouldn't be that hard given the advances in the underlying chip that Ricoh uses, which now supports 4K. (Also, with KAF4, it just might be possible to make lenses that can support *both* stepped and stepless aperture control with the flip of a button - and control that either with an electronic aperture ring on the lens, or by having one of the dials on the camera be toggable between notched and smooth rotation.)

BTW, unlike the OP, which stated that "lineup holes seem to be getting filled at a fast pace", the pace of development seems pretty slow from over here. It's taking them an awful long time just to make a fast standard for full frame. I guess 2017 is a prime number, so maybe that's what was meant when it was said 2017 would be the "year of the prime(s)"...

I'll join the chorus wishing for a 20mm F/4 for full frame. I don't own a K-1, but I think that would be a wonderfully distinctive lens to have in the FF line-up.

Chris Mak · 12-13-2017, 04:36 PM

Originally posted by savoche

Why not an update of the A*1200/8?

SMC Pentax-A* 1200mm F8 ED [IF] Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

8580 grams ......

lytrytyr · 12-13-2017, 06:27 PM

Originally posted by Doundounba

I'll join the chorus wishing for a 20mm F/4 for full frame. I don't own a K-1, but I think that would be a wonderfully distinctive lens to have in the FF line-up.

It's not the sharpest tool in the box, but my M20/4 fills that role just fine.

**bobbotron** · 12-13-2017, 07:38 PM

645Z mark II that can do pixel shift!

Doundounba · 12-13-2017, 07:53 PM

Originally posted by lytrytyr

It's not the sharpest tool in the box, but my M20/4 fills that role just fine.

Well, exactly. Imagine an equally light but super-sharp, WR, incredibly flare-resistant, warrantied, AF-enabled brand new version... Doesn't that sound appealing? Besides, it's not like Ricoh makes any revenue when someone purchases a used M 20mm F/4...

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12-12-2017, 11:54 PM	#46
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,191	Most of the suggestions here have been around the buoy before, but of course that doesn't make any of them less valid or interesting. Before the K-1 was released, there was a lot of speculation about its possible special features, and I remarked at the time that a hybrid OVF-EVF would be a breakthrough, as photoptimist says above, too. The LCD overlay on the K-1, I think, is a pointer to a possible future hybrid version, which would be a big thing, even though, in a way, it would also be an evolutionary development. I would regard this as a better use of resources, for a small player like Pentax, than going hard at another non K-mount mirrorless project. There could, of course be both APS-C and 35FF versions. The alternative to using an overlay screen would be a replaceable viewfinder, as with the LX, but allowing OVF and EVF modules to be used separately. In the same vein, a development of the 645D/Z to include a 645FF sensor makes a lot of sense, and while we're going there, a replaceable viewfinder module would be a further evolution. I doubt we'll be seeing anything completely new under either the Pentax or Ricoh brands, especially now we have the Theta, which I expect to continue evolving, as well. Last edited by RobA_Oz; 12-13-2017 at 12:12 PM.

12-13-2017, 01:06 AM	#47
beachgardener Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,842	Originally posted by mattb123 K-3 replacement is surely coming too but it may be a more incremental improvement that is fine with me, a round up of the current newer features, incremental AF improvement, sounds great

12-13-2017, 02:12 AM - 1 Like	#48
ebk Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Utrecht Posts: 148	a brandnew Pentax Q and lenses are more then welcome !!!!!

12-13-2017, 02:25 AM	#49
Fogel70 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Photos: Albums Posts: 3,062	I don't think we going to see anything big new in the next coming years, and I don't think it is needed... What is more important is to expand systems they already have. What we may see the next coming years are: K-3 II replacement (of course) Lower specified FF DSLR styled more like KP (a little more compact than K1, with fixed LCD, 24MP, smaller grip) Full frame 645 DSLR New lenses Next after K-3 II replacement. I believe to expand FF lens line is most important. I hope this will include expansion/refresh of FF limited lenses. (maybe a new line of D FA Limited). A UWA FF (equivalent of DA15 for APS-C) D FA Limited with focal length between 20-24 mm and max aperture between f/2.8-4.0 for small size. A longer FF tele (equivalent of DA70 for APS-C) D FA Limited with focal length between 100-115 mm and max aperture between f/2.8-4.0 for small size. A normal FF macro (equivalent of DA35 macro for APS-C) A refresh of the existing FA 50 macro may be good enough, but in more compact format in line with Limited design. Refresh the design of the old FA limited. FA43 probably need new optical formula, but FA31 and FA77 may only need minor refinement. If the new line of D FA limited include WR it would be nice.

12-13-2017, 03:16 AM	#50
Chris Mak Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 639	Originally posted by Gedeon Big like a 400mm f2.8 ? How about a 800mm f5.6?

12-13-2017, 03:56 AM	#51
blende8 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Bremen, Germany Photos: Albums Posts: 1,521	How about the release of a new manual focus lens line: Small and well-built like the smc-M lenses. Like the Voigtländer lenses released around 2007-2008.

12-13-2017, 04:47 AM - 1 Like	#52
Andrea K Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Rome, Italy Posts: 822	I would like to see: 1- DFA 24-105 (maybe 120) f4 PLM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2- DFA 80-160 f2,8 DC STF (zoom lens with optical apodization element and autofocus) 3- FA 20-35 f4 replacement 4- 645 in real 645 size format Last edited by Andrea K; 12-13-2017 at 07:51 AM.

12-13-2017, 04:53 AM	#53
Fogel70 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Photos: Albums Posts: 3,062	Originally posted by blende8 How about the release of a new manual focus lens line: Small and well-built like the smc-M lenses. Like the Voigtländer lenses released around 2007-2008. The Limited lenses are compact, of very high build quality, and include AF. So I do not see any reason for limiting lenses for MF only. Lenses do not get much smaller than DA40(XS in below picture) and DA70 (which both work on FF). Totally loving K1 with HD Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 Limited - PentaxForums.com

12-13-2017, 07:52 AM	#54
savoche Master of the obvious Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Lowlands of Norway Posts: 18,311	Originally posted by Chris Mak How about a 800mm f5.6? Why not an update of the A1200/8? SMC Pentax-A 1200mm F8 ED [IF] Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

12-13-2017, 07:58 AM	#55
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,450	Originally posted by savoche Why not an update of the A1200/8? SMC Pentax-A 1200mm F8 ED [IF] Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database Now that's big.

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12-13-2017, 08:40 AM	#56
Doundounba Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Montréal QC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,351	I expect we'll see a 645z Mark II within a year. Hopefully the promised 50mm, 85mm and DA* 11-18mm will materialize... For me the important thing is the K-3 Mark III. Personally, I'm not one of those "D500 AF or die!" people - just give me a slight AF improvement and I'll take it. What would make a better impression on me is: - K-1 style swiveling screen with increased size, resolution & touch capability, - focus bracketing, - 10fps bursts with mechanical shutter, - live bulb mode, - UHS-II card support, - big video improvements. Unlike others, I think improving video shouldn't be that hard given the advances in the underlying chip that Ricoh uses, which now supports 4K. (Also, with KAF4, it just might be possible to make lenses that can support both stepped and stepless aperture control with the flip of a button - and control that either with an electronic aperture ring on the lens, or by having one of the dials on the camera be toggable between notched and smooth rotation.) BTW, unlike the OP, which stated that "lineup holes seem to be getting filled at a fast pace", the pace of development seems pretty slow from over here. It's taking them an awful long time just to make a fast standard for full frame. I guess 2017 is a prime number, so maybe that's what was meant when it was said 2017 would be the "year of the prime(s)"... I'll join the chorus wishing for a 20mm F/4 for full frame. I don't own a K-1, but I think that would be a wonderfully distinctive lens to have in the FF line-up.

12-13-2017, 04:36 PM	#57
Chris Mak Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 639	Originally posted by savoche Why not an update of the A1200/8? SMC Pentax-A 1200mm F8 ED [IF] Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database 8580 grams ......

12-13-2017, 06:27 PM	#58
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by Doundounba I'll join the chorus wishing for a 20mm F/4 for full frame. I don't own a K-1, but I think that would be a wonderfully distinctive lens to have in the FF line-up. It's not the sharpest tool in the box, but my M20/4 fills that role just fine.

12-13-2017, 07:38 PM	#59
bobbotron Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Ottawa, ON Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,348	645Z mark II that can do pixel shift!

12-13-2017, 07:53 PM	#60
Doundounba Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Montréal QC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,351	Originally posted by lytrytyr It's not the sharpest tool in the box, but my M20/4 fills that role just fine. Well, exactly. Imagine an equally light but super-sharp, WR, incredibly flare-resistant, warrantied, AF-enabled brand new version... Doesn't that sound appealing? Besides, it's not like Ricoh makes any revenue when someone purchases a used M 20mm F/4...