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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
02-23-2018, 06:39 PM
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Ricoh / Pentax has released some excellent products recently (the K-3, the 645z, and the K-1), but you have been VERY quiet for the past 12 months, and rumors continue to swirl about Ricoh selling it’s camera business. Are you able to comment on this?
Why such a small amount of activity after such great successes?
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Forum: General Photography
02-26-2018, 11:47 PM
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So my current job is teaching English online to Chinese students. I live in Thailand these days so it keeps me in buttons and bows , as it were.
So I was having a discussion with a student about photography. Nothing unusual, it happens almost daily. Most are little unsure about Pentax (it has different name there anyway), but I had conversation yesterday and when I translated Pentax for him, he said ‘ooooooh....three princess. Very famous ‘.
It made my day for whatever reason.
I just thought i’d Share a nice story.
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Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals
02-19-2018, 08:32 PM
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But perhaps you are all correct, there just isn’t the revenue these days.
Pentax is...doome...
No I can’t bring myself to say it
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Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals
02-20-2018, 10:47 PM
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The market research is readily available. Weddings are the largest market for pro photographers.
I have said for the past four years, make a Pentax camera and lenses that satisfies the weddings market, and they will satisfy almost everyone.
Sorry if I’m ‘bleating’, but a shepherd that doesn’t listen to his sheep is gonna lose his flock.
---------- Post added 02-21-18 at 04:53 PM ----------
Poit
I can take photos clackers
---------- Post added 02-21-18 at 04:54 PM ----------
Poit
---------- Post added 02-21-18 at 04:57 PM ----------
Your photos are still life, largely, clackers.
I was employed to shoot about 10 bike races. All pre-focused. I lost both jobs
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Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals
02-20-2018, 10:16 PM
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Well, that’s just nasty.
And I’m a troll?
---------- Post added 02-21-18 at 04:29 PM ----------
Correct me if my recollection is wrong, but I think kenspo specifically mentioned ‘professionals beyond landscape and studio’.
So, to my thinking, that entails wildlife, sports, weddings, out life. All areas that require great AF.
---------- Post added 02-21-18 at 04:33 PM ----------
Thank you. A voice of reason in this madness
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Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals
02-19-2018, 08:26 PM
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I would like Pentax to be on a (semi) level playing field with others.
Why? Because it will attract more customers. More customers = more revenue. More revenue = more R & D. More R & D = better cameras for us Pentaxians.
Simple
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Forum: Pentax Full Frame
07-10-2016, 10:07 PM
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Thanks Jonathan. A well written, informative and entertaining read, and a great overview of the Pentax story (so far...).
Like you, I would love to see Pentax reclaim some lost ground. Ricoh has certainly done a great deal of work to make that happen. Let's hope it continues in the same manner.
---------- Post added 07-11-16 at 03:10 PM ----------
Welcome to Pentax-land!!! You'll be a fully-fledged Pentaxian before you know it :p
It's always great to hear from someone new to Pentax, it means the message is slowly but surely getting around.
If you do get a K-1, be sure to team it up with the three Princesses (31mm ltd, 43mm ltd, and 77mm ltd)
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Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals
09-06-2016, 01:17 AM
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Mate, I've read all your comments up to this one, and finally had to reply despite the fact that you may have posted more in the last couple of days.
I disagree that Pentax/Ricoh will turn their back on APS-C. Someone once told me that big PC companies trial their newest tech on consumer products, because it's easier to deal with complaints at that level, and iron out any issues, before introducing the tech to the business laptop/PC market.
I can see, quite clearly, that Ricoh is taking this approach. Introduce new tech at the lower end first, make sure it works and is reliable, then introduce it to the top-end. Look at pixel-shift, and the new KAF-4 mount.....
Someone else told me that Ricoh was going about their plan very sensibly. Play to your strengths and build those markets first (APS-C and 645) then move into new areas. They've delivered to that plan perfectly. They built the APS-C range to it's maximum, then turned their eye to the 645z, then attacked FF. It makes sense that, having built the largest APS-C lense range in the industry, it's time to look FF which will also be useful on APS-C.
This is the opposite approach to Canikon. Maybe Ricoh's ability in the commercial printing industry has taught them a thing or two about introducing new tech.
Either way, Ricoh are approaching this from a different angle, and I don't see them letting the APS-C market slip one little bit!
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
08-04-2016, 05:00 PM
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The new tech in this lens is great news. Yet another indication that the Pentax line is making progress.
I'm a K-3 owner, but the introduction of KAF4 doesn't bother me in the slightest. If I could afford to upgrade my lenses every time a new one was released, then I could also afford a new body capable of using KAF4. I think by the time there are a significant number of KAF4 lenses, the camera bodies available will also have significant upgrades in AF capability. I'll upgrade my lenses AND camera body when I think the increased capability is worth the investment.
There's a hell-of-a-lot of crying going on over a relatively small issue. Progress in Pentaxland should be embraced and cheered for.
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
06-23-2016, 08:55 PM
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I disagree, he compares the 645z to the Nikon D810 in image quality and says (for the price) the D810 is better value.
There's a reason Granger used to call himself "That Nikon Guy" on his videos. He is to Nikon what Tony Northrup is to Canon.
We need a Pentax-centric 'independent' Youtube camera reviewer....:lol:
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
05-26-2016, 09:09 PM
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Just come back to Pentax. You know you want to :D
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
05-09-2016, 03:58 PM
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
05-01-2016, 04:04 PM
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Thanks for posting your first impressions Jon, and the wonderful shots. It's very interesting to hear the thoughts / feelings of someone stepping up from asp-c (as I'll be in the same boat).
By the sound of things our incessant lusting over a Pentax FF was entirely justified, and the team at Ricoh/Pentax have delivered yet another wonderful photographer's tool.
I'm interested in hearing more from you regarding your 'step up' from the K-3. Although, my bank account is counseling against reading any more!!!
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
10-28-2015, 03:14 PM
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Wow....the Pentax FF finally breaks cover (for a short while, anyway).
It looks like a pretty serious machine. Certainly more than a K-3 with FF sensor: some serious engineering has been going on behind the scenes.
I just hope they've put as many hours into the AF logarithms....they really need to close the gap to Canikon with AF if this is to be a world beater.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
10-10-2015, 04:40 PM
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Would someone be so kind as to explain, in layman's terms, what these graphs actually mean?
I'm not being cheeky, just curious what they actually tell us about the Pentax lens, in comparison to the others....
Forgive my ignorance, I'm not quite the boffin that some of you are :o
Thanks in advance.
P.S. I agree with those who think this lens is a good move from Ricoh/Pentax. Someone at Ricoh has their head screwed on! I was a little surprised to see it wasn't a D FA *, but on reflection it makes perfect sense to offer a (relatively) affordable general walk-around lens from the outset (they're right, I was wrong). It saves them development time and resources in a product segment that is already quite saturated, brings down the 'cost of admission' to those who might still be on the fence (ie makes the FF system more sellable), and from all accounts will be a perfectly reasonable performer. Mayhaps they'll design their own D FA* version if/when the FF system takes off, but it makes sense not to over-invest this early in proceedings. Bravo on another good move Ricoh.
---------- Post added 10-11-15 at 10:47 AM ----------
So chuffed you took the time to learn 'strayan mate! :lol:
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Forum: Pentax Full Frame
10-12-2015, 04:04 PM
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Heie, you're an amazing ambassador for Pentax. I've watched your youtube video quite a few times, and I always think 'this guy is doing Pentaxians proud', and I love you for it (in a plutonic sort of way).
In this case, however, I think you've let your emotions run riot. Having read the girl's posts, she was concerned about the noise and usability of photos from crop sensors, rather than 'weather sealing'.
As a wedding shooter myself, I agree with her. I use Pentax gear, but I am DESPERATE for a FF option for the better high-iso and noise quality in murky conditions.
Thankfully I live in Australia so outdoors is never too murky and I can (just) get by with crop. Dark church and reception venues is another story though...
If/when Pentax gets the FF out, and if I ever need a second shooter, I'll be asking for the same as she did (actually more.....just a 50mm?)
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Forum: Pentax Full Frame
05-09-2014, 01:58 PM
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The more I think about it, the more the idea of a fully interchangeable camera system strikes me as being a (potentially) industry shaking idea.
Engineering challenges aside, imagine a system with which you could change sensors at will. 12MP full-frame for your high-ISO low light scenario, 36MP where detail is important, or even a crop sensor if your lens of choice for a particular situation is DA. You could carry multiple sensors, just like lenses.
No more updating your whole camera body when new sensor tech arrives, just buy the latest Pentax sensor accessory to pop into your system.
The same could apply to all sorts of elements in the system. Viewfinders being the one that has already been identified and discussed extensively here.
I'm not saying I think Pentax is going to do this (certainly not to the extent I have suggested above), as I'm sure the engineering challenges and cost of development are prohibitive, if not impossible. BUT, the idea would certainly take the industry by storm if it could be done, and Pentax would be well and truly back on the radar...
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
06-08-2015, 08:26 PM
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So is this unique to Ricoh/Pentax, or can it be used with any make? It doesn't really give Pentax a 'unique selling point' if it's available to all makes.
Either way, I think it's positive that one of the draw-backs of the Pentax system (and particularly the MF system) has been addressed by this system. Even if it's priced for the pro market, anything the generates more sales for Pentax benefits all of us in the long-run (i.e. more money in the coffers to develop new toys :)).
I think it was a bit melodramatic to say everything changes with this announcement, though....
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Forum: Pentax Full Frame
04-11-2014, 07:21 PM
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Pentax/Ricoh interviews over the past 12 months, when discussing the prospect of FF, have consistently alluded to it being something 'different' to the rest of the market.
A more recent interview suggested it would be a 'straight-ball' (or traditional DSLR, as opposed to mirrorless), but still maintained the 'different' line.
In my idle musings over what would constitute 'different', I've struggled to come up with many ideas that no other manufacturer has done or is doing. Could it be the compactness of the system that Pentax seems to be peddling on a monotonous basis nowadays (ie a smaller FF than any others...a hard arguement to push against the mirrorless systems)? The shake-reduction system (that I believe Sony has already done)? Retro styling (already done...)? Sensor size (hard to image something truly 'different' given current technology)?
Or have they come up with some truly revolutionary, secret technology that's not yet perfected? Highly unlikely methinks.
I'm curious what others think could be so 'different' about a FF DSLR that it gets such regular and confident mention from Ricoh execs?
Less a discussion about "I wish it was..." than a discussion about "what it realistically might be...that would also make it different"...
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Forum: Pentax Full Frame
04-15-2014, 02:30 AM
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An extremely versatile system with interchangeable elements would certainly be different, novel, and most likely very attractive to many (myself included). That's the sort of 'different' I had in mind (but couldn't come up with for myself). Of course whether it eventuates is another question, but certainly food for thought.
In terms of 'boldly challenging the FF market', I think the price-point of the 645Z has already done that! Well done to Pentax.
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Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
12-27-2014, 01:55 AM
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Welcome to Pentax-land! Wonderful to hear of new people joining the ranks.
In terms of lenses, you couldn't go far wrong with a DA* 16-50 as a general walk-around (followed shortly after by the DA* 50-135) . The DA* lenses are Pentax' premium range, and therefore not cheap, but very good quality and weather resistant. You would pretty much have an awesome cover-all kit with the K-3 and those two lenses, but your budget might not stretch that far...
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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
12-16-2014, 01:29 AM
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Please do tell us your own experiences when it's unboxed and used in anger. For some reason, perhaps it's a self-affirmation thing, I enjoy reading other people's new experience. Particularly those upgrading from a K20 like I did.
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Forum: Pentax Full Frame
09-26-2014, 01:47 PM
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You omit the part-time professional photographers, who actually need a 24x36 sensor, and for whom cost vs quality is an even bigger consideration than the full timers.
You omit all the future professionals. The teens who have got a taste for it through their smart phone and are considering exploring the profession.
And you omit the fact that 'most of us aren't full time professionals' because, well, the brand doesn't attract most full time (or even part time) professionals. You have actually confirmed the major deficiency in the brand's offering yourself....professionals don't use Pentax (the 645z has hopefully started to change that).
I can understand why, as an enthusiast, you are more than happy and just want the whingers to 'go away and leave us alone'.
As a part-time professional, I post my thoughts here in the (probably misguided) hope that someone from Ricoh/Pentax will see and understand what the professional segment of the market needs. And more importantly, that they don't currently serve that need very well.
I think the market response to the 645z demonstrates very well that the professional market is not to be sneezed at or dismissed, that there is good money to be made in a well-produced FF, that professionals will buy Pentax if they get it right, and I believe that Ricoh may be coming to the same realisation (finally)...
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Forum: Pentax Full Frame
09-30-2014, 02:04 PM
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I also shoot with APS-C (K-3) and it is perfectly fine in many situations. In others, it is not.
I shot a wedding last year that was supposed to be outdoors, but the gods interjected an hour before the bride's arrival, and the heavens opened. The ceremony was hurriedly rearranged for the reception venue, a converted woolshed (The Driftwood Shed, south coast wedding venue). The inside was poorly lit with tungsten lights, and had angular ceilings that made bouncing flash very difficult (and I don't like using artificial lighting anyway). Reasonable hand-held exposures were possible at ISO 3200 (with some pp required), and perfect exposures possible at 6400. Unfortunately, whilst much better than the K-20 (which I have also previously used, and would have been a disaster on that particular day!) the K-3 struggled in these conditions, and I was ultimately more than a tad disappointed with end result. In the circumstances, I would have been far more comfortable (and would have ended up with a few less grey hairs) had I had the benefits of a FF.
Similarly, I have read of some photographers (Wedding Photography by Dror Eyal - Johannesburg Wedding Photographer, Cape Town Wedding Photography, South Africa and Johannesburg Wedding Photography.) shooting receptions exclusively at ISO 6400, in some cases overexposing shots and recovering in post to preserve the shadows, whilst capturing the ambient light and retaining the mood of the occasion. It's a technique I'd like to employ, as I prefer natural / ambient light to artificial (not least because it also enables me travel lighter), but experiments with the K-3 have shown it's just not up to the job.
I don't really consider myself a gear-head either. But I keep coming back to the same conclusion, to do what I want to do I need a FF body. Not every wedding photographer wants to shoot the way I prefer to, and I accept that without question. But many people do... :)
And I'll say it again. Considering the size of the wedding & event photography market, I wonder how many working pros have given Pentax a wide berth for the exact reasons I outline above...
And before someone who hasn't seen my previous remarks says "move to another brand you idiot"...I'm invested in K-mount and can't afford to move right now. |
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Forum: Pentax Full Frame
09-26-2014, 01:23 PM
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Here's a question or two for you:
Have you ever been paid for your photography?
Have you ever had a young couple pay you $1000's of their hard earned money to shoot their wedding, and had the pressure of knowing you'd better do a good job?
Have you ever had to look at what your competitors are doing, and realised your equipment isn't capable of producing the same results?
Your points are valid from an enthusiast's perspective, but they are certainly not from a professional one. If you have ever been in a position that you are making money from your equipment, you will know what I'm talking about. Your comments suggest you have not.
To professionals, small differences in performance make a big difference in the final product they can produce. They need every ounce of performance they can get, and will pay as much as they can afford to get it, in order to compete in the marketplace. For some (myself included) the 645z is beyond what is affordable.
That is why Pentax needs a FF. Because there are countless wedding and other professional photographers out there who have passed the brand over because APS-C is not good enough, and just as many who may buy into the brand if/when the FF comes along.
Professional photography, my friend, is the real 'big picture' consideration in all the FF debate...
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