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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
01-12-2012, 07:49 AM
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Actually no. I'm not alarmist, and I don't care about people who are new to the brand. I'm glad there are new users to the brand, but my concern is more toward the folks like me who have been using Pentax for a few decades.
Over decades, I have paid for equipment that becomes part of my workflow. The equipment I use becomes familiar and becomes one less variable when I am out and about.
Since many of my photographic adventures revolve around being in another country than I live, I can't simply go to the local Pentax retailer and get any kind of replacement for anything that breaks or is stolen/lost.
The social contract or business contract that Pentax has implied to me over the years is as follows (and there are more than I mention here);
- We don't market much and have few retail options.
- Our products will fit your needs through a small product line that has been thought out thoroughly.
- Our Quality will never let you down
- Our prices will be competitive
- Pentax lenses are first rate
- System compatibility with all the bodies and lenses and legacy equipment
So for me, Pentax is not just another brand that sells cameras. Pentax has always delivered on the bullet points that I have listed.
Yearly, I budget a portion of my resources to new purchases when it comes to camera equipment, based upon enhancing to my workflow.
- Before the *IstD, I would take one of my 35mm film bodies and my 645.
- Post *IstD, I started buying DA lenses to offset the changed utility of my FF lenses. I still took my 645, but left my 35mm film bodies home.
- K10D introduced higher megapixels and some advanced features and SR.
- Post K10D, my K7 introduced video and the change in tripod heads and audio and made taking the 645 around limited to certain shoots/places.
- Post K7 and now K5, the 1080p video and better IQ along with higher Megapixels have taken my 645 out of the equation
So you see, my passion is based on buying more Pentax and taking my workflow to the next level. If I can't get there with Pentax, I will have to switch and loose a tremendous investment.
If Ricoh is not interested in maintaining the relationship with me, they need to be honest and forthcoming. My frustration is that I use my equipment in a way that is very much dependant on the "Pentax Way" and a committed tool set.
I have no need for the toys that seem to be popping up from Pentax, I want the optical tools that made me stay with Pentax in the first place!
Alarmist? Sure. Getting old? I am.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
01-11-2012, 09:45 PM
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I went out to the 2012 CES Pentax YouTube video.
Youtu.be
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src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VUuhoiAvkZ0?controls=1" allowfullscreen>
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1) The video is labeled as Pentax and all they talk about is the GXR
2) The guy in the video is wearing a Ricoh shirt and doesn't stop for a second and correct the woman doing the interview that it's a Ricoh and not a Pentax.
3) People don't know that Ricoh is the brain-trust behind the GXR and will think it was a Pentax idea, and further damage the Pentax name.
4) The last bit of Pentax credibility is being traded off over the GXR.
I can't believe no one is protecting the Pentax brand!
Go out to the YouTube video and SAY SOMETHING!
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
01-11-2012, 08:43 PM
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We all know who is wearing the Red Slippers here.
I wish I could get a hold of those slippers, because all I would be saying is...
"There's no place like home, there's no place like home".
:mad:
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
01-11-2012, 08:03 PM
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I downloaded the K5 "CES2012" firmware. I guess I got my bone. :(
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
01-11-2012, 04:24 PM
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A few months back I started a thread called a "Revolt is Brewing"
"I belong to several Pentax groups on Facebook in addition to being a member here. I want to say something to any Pentax overlords that are out there.
1) We "get it" that Ricoh bought Pentax.
2) If we wanted a Ricoh camera, we would have bought one.
3) Hoya didn't push/pimp their other (filters/glass/optical/etc) products on us.
4) Pentax didn't sell us their Binoculars or Medical equipment either.
5) Don't give in to anyone at Ricoh thinking that Pentaxians are just another group that can be marketed to.
6) Ricoh didn't buy a customer base that was fed up with Pentax products.
The Revolt is because I keep seeing Ricoh products showing up in Pentax press releases. If Ricoh thinks I'm going to switch that easy to their products, they are going to be mistaken."
Ok, now into Wednesday night, during the CES 2012, and all we have seen is the Ricoh GXR being pushed?
I suppose it might be time to make our voices heard a little LOUDER!
I've spoken up on Facebook. I've spoken up here. I've spoken up by being a 25+ year Pentaxian.
Can someone at Pentax please talk about DIGITAL SINGLE LENS REFLEX CAMERAS? You know, the market starting with the *istD that has kept Pentax around? What about LENSES!?! You know, the foundation for PENTAX QUALITY?!?!
Can someone over at Pentax please throw me a bone?!?!
:mad:
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