Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
03-28-2011, 01:26 AM
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Here's a group hug during the K5/Kr launch in Manila last year:
(Image from Pentaxian Mark Dimo's blog) - Unfortunately I wasn't there, as I was out of town. So I missed out on the free Pentax shirt, hehe.
Though a CaNikon launch would've easily gotten 10x more people, but hey, this is a sign of progress. :) You know what we say, we're the lucky few who are fortunate enough and smart enough to know what we want in the face of the CaNikon bias in forums, reviews and the media.
Incidentally, I was out drinking with a few friends a couple nights ago, and when one of my lady friends (who is a non-photographer) saw my K7, her eyes lit up and she told me about how she wanted one of the pink or white Kr's.
Now, I know we all like to talk about how Pentax should focus more on their lens line-up blah blah blah instead of bringing out cutesy colored cameras, but the fact is, these multi-colored DSLRs have done quite a bit to bring the Pentax name out in the main stream. Where, if this was two years ago, my Pentax would've most likely brought out a quizzical look, and questions as to what its advantages over a CaNikon are.
Of course despite telling her how awesome Pentax is, that may not necessarily translate to a sale, but like I say, increased awareness is a start, and it's a good sign for Pentax and for us all.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
03-10-2011, 05:33 PM
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Yep, they're made in Cebu. But it is still a big surprise, because Pentax is still pretty small here, even Olympus had a bigger presence for awhile, though I think we're gaining ground.
I don't know much on how the economics works, but I *think* they're basically 'made for export'. So any Pentax gear that we buy here is actually 'imported' by the official local distributor.
So unlike other electronic stuff that's made here, it's unfortunately not that cheap. (e.g. Wharfedale speakers, which are relatively dirt cheap here vs the UK or US). I believe Pentax (like other photo gear) is actually significantly cheaper in Singapore and Hong Kong vs Manila.
Even CaNikon stuff is actually much more expensive vs US prices.
Here are some local prices in USD $ equivalent, using google's built in conversion:
Kx + 18-55 Kit = ~ $712
K5 Body Only = ~ $1587
Kr Body Only = ~ $805
And some lens prices (though lenses are not made here):
DA15 = ~ $805
DA40 = ~ $552
FA31 = ~ $1265
DA18-135 = ~$713
Cheers.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
03-10-2011, 04:27 PM
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Well, when looking at the For Sale sections of my local Photo Gear Forums, or our local versions of Craigslist, I kind of wish we weren't really that rare.
But I do admit, that there are quite a few occasions, when I become a bit 'smug' about almost always being the lone Pentaxian - like when I bring out my pancake lenses next to all those big and heavy NiKanon gear. Or when the guy shooting next to me asks me if I'm actually shooting, because he can't hear the shutter sound of my K7. Or when I'm the only shooter not worried about getting my gear splashed.
In local online forums, I'm probably one of very few people who try to promote Pentax gear to new buyers. Though I've only been shooting Pentax for about a year, I've been accused of being a fanboy already, haha. Though like I always say, I shot with Nikon for half a decade, so I do actually have some perspective.
Incidentally, I was in Boracay Beach just a few days ago, and in the sea of Canikon's, I saw exactly two other Pentax shooters - a red Kx and a pink Kr. Both carried by female tourists. In fact, I saw more Sony Nexxies than Pentax.
But there is a fairly healthy (and growing!) Pentax community here in the Philippines. Bought about (mostly), by the Kx. (Same with me, my entry into Pentax was with the Kx). And the local Pentax distributor is starting to try to be more visible as well.
Here's a Pentax billboard at one of Metro Manila's major streets: (image not mine) |