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Forum: Pentax Full Frame
02-04-2013, 04:24 AM
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I finally had hoped for a clear "yes" to this question.
Obviously, the interview has not been fully translated yet.
However, at least the questions should already be available.
Maybe this would be a good starting point.
Could you also indicate the reactions to the petition to de-cripple the Pentax K-mount?
CP+ 2013: Interview with Canon's Masaya Maeda
 Quote: There will be a Canon EOS 70D, but the future of semi-pro DSLRs is probably full-frame, says Masaya Maeda, Managing Director and Chief Executive, Image Communication Products Operations at Canon.
[...]
Now that full frame is appearing in cameras the size and price of the 6D, the future of APS-C at the semi-pro level is in doubt, he says: 'That's something we're considering at the moment. From our semi-pro users there's still demand for APS-C but in the future, I think we will see an increase in the number of full-frame models.' |
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Forum: Pentax Full Frame
02-03-2013, 06:18 PM
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we did not have specific plans of development, we were following and analyzing the possibilities to use full-frame....
DROP THE CURTAIN.
I feel Pentax Ricoh is in deep embarrassment now....The other brands are in greater progress.
No any motions in Ricoh's products (GRD, CX. GXR) at all for last year. Alas.
The progress is in deep sleep in the camp of Pentax Ricoh.
New P&S cameras from Pentax are just upgrade of old products. Top APS-C camera is just minor upgrade of 2 year old K-5.
MX-1 is too big for such small sensor and rather out-of-date for specs (XZ-1's copy inside)
K-01 = they don't know if to continue or not...645D is rather old too. DA limiteds = no any plans. XS lenses = no interests.
I don't feel solid plans and reliability of company. Very weak.
Solid plans are K-02, 645DII, KF-1, K-3, GXR A16 lensors, GXR Leica M-FF module, GRD V, CX7, new limited lenses, new XS lenses, new DA primes lenses like DA50/1.8 and DA35/2.4....New AF system.
Fujifilm is more aggressive now and they have bigger advancement.
No any sense to say about the monsters - Canon, Nikon and Sony....
P.S. Pentax FF will be....Someday.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
12-22-2012, 07:06 PM
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Hi all,
I just came here from the "other" Pentax forum, and joined.
I had to find out what the missing page of the article said, so I purchased the magazine and translated the Pentax interview page for the other forum. Figured I'd share it with as many people since I spent the time to translate.
No nit picking on translation please - I don't do this for a living :) I'll be more than happy to clarify if something doesn't make sense though - I admit I didn't proof read.
I'll keep my comments to myself for now so I don't spoil anything ;)
Happy holidays!
Has the development of a full-frame camera started?
The development of a full-frame camera has been going on, however whether it becomes a product is up to marketing. The important thing is what Pentax can do in the full-frame market. Pentax has to clearly be able to differentiate from what Nikon, Canon and Sony are doing. We also have to take into consideration what the consumers are expecting, and see how that manifests itself into a product. Development takes time. Development is moving including interchangeable lenses.
In our previous interview, you implied perhaps that for a full-frame camera, mirror-less is better to avoid mirror-shock. What are you thinking about this topic now?
Currently Pentax has both SLR and mirror-less type APS-C cameras. Comparing those two and the opinions of our customers, mirror-less cameras are used more as "light-weight" cameras. SLRs on the other hand, are more often used by hobby photographers - the people who want to create imagery. I think perhaps our current customers fall into these two categories. We can create cameras with cutting-edge design with mirror-less cameras, and of course smaller with the omission of a mirror. We can also produce them cheaper. Up until last year, there was a possibility to create a mirror-less full-frame camera. Looking at all the tradeoffs now, I personally think "with mirror" is the priority we are thinking of for full-frame cameras. It is important to create products with new value propositions, however it perhaps won't be accepted in the market if that doesn't meet usability and needs of the customer. I think mirror-less is more appropriate for medium format cameras than full-frame from a mirror-shock reduction standpoint.
Both SLR and mirror-less have pros and cons. One of those things is the variety and usability of the lenses. SLRs have the benefit of using existing lenses and is easier to use with long-range lenses.
That is true. If we do a mirror-less, we have to debate whether to go with a new mount or use the current K-mount. If we go mirror-less, we mind as well use a new mount and make the flange back shorter as well as make the mount a little larger for brighter lenses. Otherwise there is no reason to go mirror-less.
Aside from the debate between SLR or mirror-less, even for example for an SLR, it is still a difficult decision whether to go with a new mount or continue with the K-mount.
That is the big debate. Pentax is known for its "mad" legacy compatibility since we haven't changed mounts in a long time. This has been one of the reasons Pentax customers trust and choose us. It would require quite the determination to cut the tie and go with a new mount.
But to go with a new mount will also allow new possibilities - things that weren't possible before.
If we were to go with a new mount, we have to think not only few years ahead, but 10, 15 years ahead and decide what we want to do with a new mount. It will be difficult to drop the K-mount but we will have that discussion and make the decision carefully.
There are very strong competitors already in the full-frame market. You would have to do something significant to jump into the competition. As for built in sensor-shift stabilization, is it achievable with full-frame sensors?
There is very good potential.
You removed the low-pass filter from the K-5lls. Do you think future cameras will have no low-pass filters?
That maybe difficult. Even with the K-5lls, it is a specific model without the low-pass filter. We have to be able to explain to the consumers to use it with the understanding the filter is not there.
Removing the low-pass filter creates potential issue with moiré. It should be possible to resolve this in the future with in-camera post processing filtering.
That is true. Resolution is definitely higher without the low-pass filter. We currently have no way to solve the moiré issue, but we are researching in-camera post processing.
In general, what do you think is attractive about mirror-less cameras?
We have 2 mirror-less cameras in the market - K-01 and Q10. I think the obvious benefits are the flexibility in design and lower cost. I think the best part of it is the ability to casually photograph compared to a SLR. I think it's great for lightweight everyday snapshots.
But if that's the case, do you need the ability to change lenses? Can't you just use a compact camera?
Both mirror-less and compacts are great for an everyday snippet, but the ability to change lenses allows for a wider range of shots and as a better tool to create everyday snippets.
So you are saying one of the things that is attractive about mirror-less cameras is the ability to change lenses?
By changing lenses, you can use a prime lens to get exceptional image quality or you can use a zoom lens for all around flexibility. It allows for a wider range use.
Then what do you think is attractive about SLRs?
I'm one of the people who personally don't like EVFs. I think the biggest benefit of an SLR is the fact that you can see exactly what is in front of you in a 100% viewfinder and focus on how you want to capture the scene. The user can focus on the excitement of deciding the best lens to use, shutter speed, f-stop, and exposure compensation to get the exact image the user has in mind to capture.
So you prefer a more orthodox SLR with an optical viewfinder over a new kind of SLR with a translucent mirror or EVF?
Yes. There is merit to translucent mirrors, for example continuous shooting speed. However, there is a thin film in front of the light that goes to the sensor, and of course it's going to bounce some of the light. There is no way it doesn't affect image quality. So, if I had to choose between continuous shooting speed and image quality, I personally want to choose the image quality.
Before when we were talking about full-frame SLRs, I thought maybe a translucent mirror plus EVF. That won't happen from your perspective?
For an SLR, while I'm around that probably won't happen. We do have that technology from the 6x7 days and even have mock-ups. As I just mentioned translucent mirrors will affect image quality. We can correct the light-loss from the translucent mirror post-process within the camera, but we prefer not to alter the image.
So you are saying, as long as you are at Pentax, that won't happen? (laughter)
No, I'm not making that big of a statement, but I think the possibility is zero.
Changing subjects, how was 2012 for Pentax?
This year we released 2 compact cameras, 4 lens interchangeable cameras, and 5 to 6 lenses. I think we had a very productive year from an SLR type camera standpoint - both from number of products and sales.
As for Ricoh branded cameras, you haven't released a new model since the company merger. Are you also overseeing the development of the Ricoh branded cameras?
Corporate structure-wise they are part of the same development group. The development team for Ricoh branded cameras is located in Shinyokohama. Of course the development of new products are in progress. There are a lot of great engineers in Shinyokohama and they are working with strong motivation to keep the Ricoh brand going. We will release a new camera in 2013. I believe it is a very Ricoh camera that our core Ricoh users will appreciate.
So you are saying the new camera is a different line of products from the existing GR Digital and GXR lineup?
No comment (laughter)
But we can expect the possibility a new camera Ricoh core users will love?
It's not a possibility. It will launch.
So we can have high expectation with that camera?
Yes, we are giving it our all on this one.
There was a little absence from Ricoh branded cameras, but we can expect a come back?
Yes, we will come back strong. For our customers who have been waiting for a Ricoh branded camera, please stay tuned.
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Flickr: swagbag's Photostream |
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
09-27-2012, 04:12 AM
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To summarize:
Statements from the interview at Photokina:- Feedback from enthusiast users will not be ignored in the Ricoh system.
- A de-crippled K-mount would be realized (i.e. the aperture ring coupler would be restored), if such "user feelings" are expressed and the corresponding "voices will be increased".
Why this petition:- De-crippling the K-mount will lead to an increased and/or more reliable functionality with all lenses possessing an aperture ring.
- Such an implementation would be straightforward (present in nearly all Pentax film SLRs) and at low cost (mechanical sensor + software implementation). Considering the price of a current DSLR, the additional charge should be marginal.
- Thus, it is an ideal test case to check the promise of Pentax/Ricoh. Do they really care about the wishes of the enthusiast user base? Nikon, in comparison, cared and realized such a feature.
You did suggest some kind of "voting system or counting system" or "a poll". I asked for a counter or an "I'm in" button. This is the response I got from PentaxForums.com Staff:
I like being liked ;) . So, do so, if you wish (-> https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/200075-pentax-rico...-petition.html). However, this thread is rather meant to support the idea or the petition (and not me :) ).
Just a reply here also would not be sufficient, as some members post several times and not all members agree with this campaign.
So, as in a typical petition, I have collected only the supporters up to now in the following way:
Supporter number xxx
Corresponding post #xxxx
Member name xxx (followed by a short comment in brackets)
xxx #xxxx xxx
------------------------------------------
001 #---1 froeschle
002 #like Alfie (+ --24: Count my vote!)
003 #like tibi
004 #---4 Aegon (old lenses more useful)
005 #---8 Docrwm (would be nice ... improvement)
006 #---9 Lowell Goudge (not just the crippled K mount ... flash system)
007 #--13 NaHoruk (great little feature)
008 #--14 paulh (cites 9 -> +1 to this)
009 #--17 kcobain1992 (I'm in)
010 #--18 Not a Number (I'm for this)
011 #--22 JoostW (I endorse a petition)
012 #--23 Tanzer (I'm all for it)
013 #--25 kaiserz (Awesome! I would love that on my next DSLR!)
014 #--27 kenyee (doesn't seem like a hard thing to add)
015 #--30 architorture (Please yes!continuing to develop full frame technologies)
016 #--31 geojazz (DE CRIPPLE THE K MOUNT!!!! )
017 #--32 LFLee (I'm in.)
018 #--33 Mattco26 (I'm all for this, #--85: Nikon does it for their "hobbyists" so why not Pentax?)
019 #--34 GabrielFFontes (Of course! De-cripple it, please)
020 #--35 jeffshaddix (+1 de-cripple it!)
021 #--36 wcchamp18 (+2 de-cripple it!)
022 #--37 Carloz (+1 for de-cripple - Nikon cares enough to maintain an uncrippled mount)
023 #--38 foto guy (+1 for de-crippling.)
024 #--41 Designosophy (This would make life with K and M type lenses so much easier. Why did they remove this capability in the first place)
025 #--43 TomTextura (great it would be to use any of the current FA lenses with aperture rings)
026 #--45 Canada_Rockies (Count me in for the de-crippled mount, and even more so for TTL)
027 #--48 Compur (Count me in.)
028 #--49 Grigoris (I'm also in)
029 #--50 DimitryMD (+1 from me)
030 #--51 aurele (Pentax could do the same : uncripple the mount)
031 #--52 french_mike (+1)
032 #--53 Warpig (I'm in too)
033 #--54 wisent (count me in)
034 #--55 Macario (De-crippeling the K-mount)
035 #--62 ossy59 (Please Pentax, uncripple the K-mount. It´s only a few Cent or Dollars, and will help us (old) Pentaxians a lot. For me the uncrippled K-mount is more interesting than a FF-DSLR!)
036 #--63 mattiag (Please Pentax-Ricoh de-cripple the K-mount! This can be one of the most important new features in the upcoming cameras, more than FF.)
037 #--64 GibbyTheMole (Yep... I'm for de-crippling the mount.)
038 #--65 Mace (I am also pro a de-crippled K-mount.)
039 #--67 Designosophy (Sounds good to me.)
040 #--68 paulusje (And to me.)
041 #--70 drougge (Yes please, uncrippled mount!)
042 #--72 theperception2008 (I would like to have a non-crippled k-mount!)
043 #--76 Echo Eric (There should be no reason why a new top of the line SLR cant preform as my 30 year old K1000 can.)
044 #--78 geofferiah (I will only buy a Pentax FF if it comes with an un-crippled K mount.)
045 #--86 Quicksand (An uncrippled mount would be pretty good)
046 #--95 TaoMaas (I see uncrippling the k-mount as simply a way to make one of Pentax's biggest selling points even better.)
047 #-107 iht (It'd be nice to take pictures with a de-crippled mount)
048 #-115 BigDave (+1 for de-cripling the K mount)
Please correct the collected data and add your positive vote to the list if you wish.
Regards,
froeschle
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
06-05-2012, 01:19 PM
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During this special presentation of the Q to Japanese bloggers, Pentax showed a whole bunch of cameras:
- Pentax Q
- Pentax K-5
- Pentax K-1
- Pentax 645D
- Pentax 645 Japan
- Pentax 67
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
04-22-2012, 07:38 AM
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I think this line of new lenses will be a great start:
14-24mm F2.8
24-70mm F2.8
700-200mm F2.8
135-400mm F3.5
35mm F1.4
55mm F1.4 II
85mm F1.4
135mm F2
300mm F2.8
500mm F5.6
24mm F3.5 tilt/shift lens
and some new accessories:
flash GN60, zoom 18-200 (comparable to Nikon SB910)
flash GN45, zoom 18-135
radio flash trigger
light and sound triggered shutter release
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
04-21-2012, 11:51 PM
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That's my big fear. If they price the new K-5 replacement at $2000, for me that's to close to a D800 ($3000) and I might as well make the jump to full frame on another brand. I'm doing my best til September, but that is a long way off. The recent price increases has also put a hold on my summer lens purchases. I'm really hoping to see something special at Photokina. Something representative and worthy of the Pentax/Ricoh partnership.
September is so far away......:(
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
04-20-2012, 01:01 AM
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Correction: All European languages that belong to the Indo-European language family. But those that don't (notably Sami, Finnish, Estonian, Hungarian) also mostly originating in the territory of modern Russia :) - they belong to the Uralic family! In fact, I can't think of any other exception than Basque, which may even descend from the languages that the first Cro Magnon settlers of Europe spoke.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
04-19-2012, 12:24 AM
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If previous statements by Pentax are to be believed it will also have 100% viewfinder.
It's moves like this by Nikon that make it very hard for Pentax to compete in the low-mid end DSLR market where margins are already thin. Pentax has more of a challenge to shift the volume of units it needs to at a profitable price to make models in this segment worthwhile.
This is one of the reasons I personally think that Pentax should shift to higher end, more niche, models where they can still slightly undercut Nikon/Canon but still make a profit. The K-r is not really a low end model as such but it's successor will be perceived as such versus the 3200 because of the (probable) 8mp difference in resolution.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
04-18-2012, 05:02 AM
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It turned into a FF thread about FF lenses? Quelle suprise!
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
04-17-2012, 08:49 AM
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At CES the Product Manager announced they are absolutely committed to dSLR.
My take: (But I get flack for this now, whereas a month ago people were happy)
K5 - until December
K-r successor (unclear features - K-01 tech with a VF/EVF, not OVF) - May/June
K-5n - K-5 with articulating LCD, better video and Prime M image processor - June/July/August
K-3 - New Body - 24Mp sensor. Photokina.
LX-D (FF) announced Photokina - released 2q 2013 - maybe mirrorless, maybe interchangeable viewfinders - (in honor of the 2012 anniversary of the Asahifles, the first* Reflex camera)
That doesn't include Ricoh and lenses, Q, K-Zero platform or 645D.
This is an incredibly rich product menu. |
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Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals
04-06-2012, 03:59 AM
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No more dear Pentax threads I think.
Dear Ricoh,
As you can see, your price increases are really unpopular.
Frankly, the 50-135mm is really not worth that much,
Frankly, your the 60-250 is not worth that much.
and the 16-50mmm, thats a joke, the optical performance of that lens is a joke compared to similar offerings, especially at the new price.
Before Hoya, the price was really the key selling point. A bunch of good lenses for a low price,
During Hoya, the prices rose beyond the simple Yen strength,
Now, you must be kidding yourselves,
I am not leaving, I can not afford to buy a new system at the moment, but I will not be buying anything new and Pentax branded. for a while I think.
I think Pentax really had a shot at the number 3 slot, if they stayed with their pre Hoya pricing.
Pre hoya pricing, + K-5, + FF upgrade path, would really have made an impact on the scene.
Now Pentax is behind Nikon, Canon, Sony, FUJI, Olympus, Panasonic, and probably soon Samsung.
You wanna price yourselves out.
It just means that we will stick to our old equipment until we give up, move on, forget.
There are no lenses in your roster that live up to the Super Takumars and FA* lens systems of the day, priced well, performed great. Whenever I use my 50-135mm, I am always afraid it will break. really speaks of star quality, But at least it did not cost an arm and a leg.
I hope you are either planning to price these lenses out and update them, or that its simply a bad joke.
Either way, get over yourselves, your just a company trying to get my money, and now your overpriced.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
03-21-2012, 12:20 PM
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I'd like mine in black, black, black, black, black, black and with a black battery door. Thanks.
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