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Hi Pentaxian friends.
For the records, I am not letting any information out about the future Pentax DSLRs, I am merely posting what has already been posted elsewhere. This article was spotted on Pentax Forums and Photo-net. (Lindy Stone - Why Hoya Pentax release press releases only in Japanese?) Mr. Taku Kawauchi, was interviewed by PENTAX.DC. Mr. Taku Kawauchi is with HOYA / PENTAX imaging system company. He was apparently appointed manager in March of 2009. This could bwe considered as rumors, as no confirmation of this interview has been issued by Pentax Imaging USA. The translation from Japanese to English is a little rough, but understandable.
"DC Watch, IMPRESS
PENTAX will introduce a new DSLR in the summer 2009, the concept changes from K20D. PENTAX has no relation to Samsung mirror-less camera. In Photokina, PENTAX insisted in introducing the successors of the K20D and the K200D by the summer. What has been developed by PENTAX? Many PENTAX users anticipated no DSLR introduction in PMA 2009 but they want to know the move of PENTAX.DC. Watch interviewed Mr. Taku Kawauchi, a planning group manager, PENTAX imaging system company, HOYA. He got the manager post in March 2009.
We honor reciprocal links.
Hi Pentaxian friends.
For the records, I am not letting any information out about the future Pentax DSLRs, I am merely posting what has already been posted elsewhere. This article was spotted on Pentax Forums and Photo-net. (Lindy Stone - Why Hoya Pentax release press releases only in Japanese?) Mr. Taku Kawauchi, was interviewed by PENTAX.DC. Mr. Taku Kawauchi is with HOYA / PENTAX imaging system company. He was apparently appointed manager in March of 2009. This could bwe considered as rumors, as no confirmation of this interview has been issued by Pentax Imaging USA. The translation from Japanese to English is a little rough, but understandable.
"DC Watch, IMPRESS
PENTAX will introduce a new DSLR in the summer 2009, the concept changes from K20D. PENTAX has no relation to Samsung mirror-less camera. In Photokina, PENTAX insisted in introducing the successors of the K20D and the K200D by the summer. What has been developed by PENTAX? Many PENTAX users anticipated no DSLR introduction in PMA 2009 but they want to know the move of PENTAX.DC. Watch interviewed Mr. Taku Kawauchi, a planning group manager, PENTAX imaging system company, HOYA. He got the manager post in March 2009.
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K20D class model will not be a direct successor of K20D? Mr. Kawauchi had been publicity management before PMA, so he knew very well the past published information by PENTAX. Before DC Watch asked questions, he mentioned 2 models of DSLR PENTAX developed 2 DSLR models in September 2008, Photokina season, but PENTAX revised development roadmap after Photokina; K20D class model will hit the market by the summer 2009, K200D class model will hit the market in the New Year season 2010."This in not because the world-wide recession. PENTAX revised the plan to introduce K20D class DSLR after the hard discussion. Although now PENTAX cut some lenses and T/C on the lens- developing roadmap, PENTAX plans to reintroduce the lenses afterward." Mr. Kawauchi said.PENTAX plans to revise standard DA lenses that will to be fit to new K20D class model (this is not a direct successor of K20D).Mr. Kawauchi said "When new camera will appear, you must know the whole thing about the reason of revising. Enjoy waiting."The lenses revising include no optical layout change, but refinement to fit to the new body."What functions will new body have? He did not mention specific things about it. "New body should have full functions in trend of DSLR world. If the functions are not enough, PENTAX users will get disappointed apparently. "PENTAX does not only seem to develop the new body with full latest function, but also the attitude of the K20D class model will be a competing thing. 'K20D class' means the model is not a direct successor of K20D.Although many users like K20D body, Mr. Kawauchi think "K20D body maybe lack a certain attitude that PENTAX had for a long time."" For instance, Limited lenses have many attractive features: precise design, easy to use and high performance. We can't evaluate the body that can not compete with rivals a few months after the release. What is the competence of PENTAX? This is the question for you. "Mr. Kawauchi hinted some things. For instance, DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited has the following features; a built-in hood is capable for handling and the design of the gauge area is very precise. It seems to be a precision product. The lenses cap with embossed PENTAX logotype is well made because the logotypes correctly horizontal at the secure position.These features are not high technology things, but from the PENTAX attitude that makes good things. The new camera should have such an attitude and the users will always love it. "Mr. Kawauchi said PENTAX evaluates size-factor because K20D is big to handle and PENTAX users want to have smaller bodies.He said new DSLR will be so smaller than K20D that it should be match to DA Limited lenses. He said K20D and K200D have a similar design scheme, but new K20D class DSLR will have a different design taste to 2010 new year season camera (K200D class DSLR). He said "development staffs are very pleased to join the new DSLR projects. They think they could show the ability as PENTAX. The new model might be suitable for PENTAX users' expectation. In addition, PENTAX mentioned the priority of 645D was higher than FF DSLR and the development of 645D resumed. In this interview, Mr. Kawauchi said the development of 645D is going on. DC Watch thinks PENTAX might make a presentation about 645D as a real product in PIE 2009 or later.-----PENTAX has no relation to NX system Mr. Kawauchi said they have completely no relation to NX system of Samsung. But in other category, PENTAX have a partnership still with Samsung. Mr. Kawauchi said "We did not know more than the information about mirror-less camera of Samsung from international news media after Photokina. In fact, there is no joint venture about NX system. Right now, we have no conversation about NX system and Lenses for NX. "The rumor that PENTAX and Samsung have a partnership about NX system is not correct according to Mr. Kawauchi. Actually the partnership of PENTAX and Samsung deals the development of camera bodies, not lenses. (Samsung DSLR lenses are OEM of PENTAX.) Also the rumor that Sigma and Samsung has a partnership about NX lenses was denied by Kazuto Yamamoto, Sigma president. ”Many people ask me about joint venture to Samsung, in fact Sigma has no business in the NX.”DC Watch has no information about NX lenses manufacturer.
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PENTAX gives priority to K mount system more than a mirror-less system. "We want to make the product with the proud of a manufacture company."(Mr. Kawauchi) Mr. Kawauchi said "We are interesting in the system change by the mirror-less method, however our priority is to complete our lens-system. Mirror-less system is worth to think about, but we have no plan right now." He mentioned that the focal point of PENTAX will be to develop DSLR as an optical maker, not mirror-less. “We also have to develop 645D system. It needs power. Creating new lenses mount like NX system needs as huge power as a Full-frame DSLR system. If we can not comprehend that the new system is superior to K mount system in all aspects, we never enter the mirror-less category.” At the end of the interview, Mr. Kawauchi said to PENTAX fans. "Obviously there is world wide recession. We think recession mainly affects entry-level DSLRs. In high-amateur level category, customers will pay to the products that they love and want seriously". "We, PENTAX want to make the product with the proud of a manufacture company. We will make severe cost-management, but pour money to the necessary parts and functions. We do not only want get the share of products. We want the users to buy PENTAX unique goods with their pleasure". "In 2009, PENTAX will offer the cameras (compacts and DSLRs) that are not only good products, but also bring pleasure to users' hearts." >>>>>>>
Translation Link found here>>>>>>>>>>>
Rumors or truth? Maybe a little of both?
2009 might be a very good year for Pentax.
10 comments:
Looks to me like Highschool F__k-aound. " I have a secret but can't tell you!"
Could this be the first Pro Pentax?
Stop the Rumors! All Your Pentax Questions Answered.
by Robin Parmar
Speculating on the future of our favourite photographic company is a popular activity on the various fora that litter the internet. "Will Pentax fail this year?" "Why have they not released a new camera... it's been months!" "Where is the full-frame model?" "Why have previously announced lenses disappeared off the road map?"
So the rumours and fantasies swell, especially when a photo show is upcoming (like the recent PMA 2009). The cycle goes like this:
1. A big show is announced.
2. Wild speculations about revolutionary products abound.
3. The big show happens.
4. No such products are announced or released.
5. Massive disappointment follows.
I am sure I'm not the only one tired of this ritual, which largely occurs because:
a) people just can't believe what Pentax continuously tells them
b) people can't read
c) people love a good game involving wild fantasy
Finally we can put the rumours to rest. Some definitive words have escaped from the tight lips in Tokyo, though one still has to read between the lines (in Japanese, even!) to get the full scoop. Here follows my interpretation of an interview with Taku Kawauchi, the brand new Pentax planning group manager. Any direct quotes below are from him.
When can we expect the successor to the current mid-range K200D?
Early in 2010.
When can we expect the successor to the current top of the line K20D?
This summer we will get a new camera in the same range as the K20D, but it will not be a direct successor. It is a "concept change". (I will call this the KD Limited in anticipation.)
Will this have reduced functionality?
No. "If the functions are not enough, PENTAX users will get disappointed" says Kawauchi. Why do I get the feeling he reads the fora? Poor guy!
So what is different about the new camera, given it is not an advancement over the K20D?
"K20D body maybe lacks a certain PENTAX attitude we've had for a long time... For instance, Limited lenses have many attractive features: precise design, ease of use and high performance." The new camera will also be smaller than the K20D, to match the DA Limited lenses. Perhaps now it begins to come clear why I call this the KD Limited! It seems to be the camera I have often called for: a precision instrument for photographers.
Any unexpected lens news?
Yes, indeed. Pentax plans to revise the DA lens series to fit the style of the KD Limited. "The lenses revising include no optical layout change, but refinement to fit to the new body."
Does this mean some fantastic new features? Will the new models be weather sealed?
Unlikely. Any new features will not be technological improvements but rather attributes of styling and precision workmanship. Some examples given in the interview include the built-in hood of the DA 15mm Limited and the fact that the PENTAX logo on the lens cap aligns perfectly horizontally when secured.
Is that all?
Well, it always worked for Leica.
Perhaps the body and new lenses will be silver?
That's pure speculation. ;-) But it fits the description of a style change that speaks of refinement. And it's something Pentax has a history of doing.
Will there be a full-frame DSLR from Pentax?
No. And please stop asking. Pentax have always said no.
Will there be a medium-frame DSLR from Pentax?
Yes. No. Yes. No. Actually... yes! The 645D project, first announced exactly four years ago at Tokyo's Photo Imaging Expo, is back on! Aren't you glad you didn't stop asking?
Will the 645D be available in the USA?
No, since market research showed only 200 people wanted it. The 645D will be a project for the Japanese market only. (Of course this won't stop the resourceful from obtaining it.)
Do Pentax have anything to do with the new Samsung NX, a mirror-less camera?
No. And the Samsung will not be K-mount for technical reasons. This despite the fact that the two firms still have an agreement to share body technology.
Do Pentax have any plans for their own mirror-less camera?
No.
Why have several lenses been dropped from the recent lens development road map?
Pentax have delayed plans to introduce the teleconverter and other items, so rather than get hopes up they are off the chart. However, they will reappear again when the time draws near.
Why are Pentax planning all of this new development in the middle of a recession?
"We think the recession mainly affects entry-level DSLRs. In the high-amateur level category, customers will pay for the products that they love and want seriously".
What is the Pentax philosophy?
"We do not want the largest share of products. We want users to buy PENTAX's unique goods with pleasure. In 2009, PENTAX will offer cameras that are not only good products, but which also bring pleasure to users' hearts."
There you have it! I could not imagine better news for lovers of photography, though the gadget-chasing majority might be disappointed.
Information here was taken from the interview with DC Watch and the translation to English kindly provided by
Pentax Forums member "kimpira". Amateur Photographer's coverage of the PMA provided news on the 645D and somewhat contradictory information about the DSLR product line.
More thoughtful changes will be good for us, the consumers. I think Pentax is heading in the right direction, so I am quite pleased.
To release a new model every other day soon gets tiresome.
the summary is:
prepare for new smaller camera body with weather seal and full modern features = nice!
Hopefully Pentax can claw back the market share from Olympus which compete in compactness (but Oly does not have weather seal in their smaller body cameras and Oly does not have many limited pancake lenses).
Great to see that Pentax is probably preparing a digital version of the LX! Can't wait to see it ;) It will be a real jewel along with limited lenses.
Sure it won't be similar to a Nikon D700/3x. But if we really need/want a Nikon... we can just buy Nikon. For the moment I really prefer Pentax products. :)
So my curren lenses will be useless on the new camera ???
@Aleks: this is very unlikely. Lens backward compatibility has always be very important to Pentax. I assume our DA lenses will be fully usable with the next DSLRs.
Nevertheless, the reason Pentax gave us to put the lens roadmap in standby is really unclear... I can't see why they have done this, or what they are preparing.
hi def video like the D90, without the hot pixels?
I try to buy Pentax locally, (Dallas/Fort Worth TX) and they have all stopped carrying Pentax. Their reason? Because Pentax stopped sending reps to the stores. I am not at all please with the outlook I see. Seeing this as a nail in the coffin, I cannot buy Pentax unless I see my local camera stores pick Pentax back up.
Pentax, please fix this. I enjoy your cameras a lot and hate having to take this tact.
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