Ricoh announces development of long-awaited full-frame Pentax DSLR

Both poor choices indeed. Good luck with the third!

Feb 14, 2015permalink

Mr Darma

a day late and a dollar short...but when it debuts (if it ever does), at least it won't be another of those mirrorless insects.

Jun 13, 2015permalink

JackM

I'll wait for the version that is the size of a film MX, so I can use my nice small K primes on something discrete.

I just hope there is some reason to own it alongside my Canon system. i.e., mega DR and no AA filter.

Feb 10, 2015*permalink

I have a feeling it will be a bit large, but wouldn't it be cool if it were the size of the MX. I might would get one to go along with my Nikon system. Well, maybe. Retirement stretches things a little.

Feb 11, 2015permalink

audijam

all this time i dread of FF pentax that would look just like the MZ-S but not anymore because this prototype looks so much better. this one doesn't look like any other current pentax cameras. the design is very simple and looks JUST right!

i will start buying back pentax lenses now. i miss my FA 85.

Feb 10, 2015permalink

Any peep out of Carl Zeiss about reviving the K mount versions of the Zeiss manual focus lenses?

Feb 9, 2015permalink

Racerdew

I am excited to see the new camera!

Feb 9, 2015permalink

I love Pentax coming out with a full frame model finally. I switched from Pentax to Nikon in 1968 because I wanted more of a systems camera, but have a soft spot for my first SLRs. When I went digital, I almost went back, but held off and as time went by and no FF, they went out of consideration. Retired now and I've got way too much invested in Nikon gear, but I love what Pentax is doing. I'm sure they will implement it very well. It's another great choice for up and coming enthusiasts and professionals. Kudos to Pentax.

Feb 9, 2015permalink

Go with the mainstream fullframe camera guys .. it will take ages, to fuji, to develop lenses for this new system.

Feb 8, 2015permalink

ragmanjin

Not including third-party lenses, there are 293 different K-mount lenses out there that will work on this camera without any adapters, 41 of them are still in production (with more to come); from what I can tell, only about 17 of these lenses need to be used in crop mode; a healthy number of them have full weather sealing. Again, this is not taking any third party K-mount lenses into account at all.
Sources:
http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/
http://www.us.ricoh-imaging.com/camera-lenses
http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/31629-da-lens-full-frame-test-shots-thread.html

Feb 9, 2015permalink

I'm not sure why Fuji will develop anything for a full frame Pentax, but as ragmanjin said, there are a plethora of choices out there now by Pentax and other optics makers. I just don't see lens availability as an obstacle for Pentax. They're been at it a long long time. The K Mount has a long history of supplying quality optics.

Feb 9, 2015permalink

sorry guys, my big time silly mistake .. i meant Pentax ...
i must be half asleep ...

so yes there will be multiple third party lenses and pentax own legacy or current apsc lenses available for this camera. but as you all know and should agree with me, there is nothing like native lenses, made for the exact body.

i had similar arguments from Sony new fullframe sensor camera owners, particularly the new mirrorless A7 series and am still not very convinced about the system as whole.

but certainly, if you enjoy working around with adapters and manual lenses then why not!!

Feb 9, 2015permalink

@Naveed, I agree with you about the use of APS-C glass in a crop mode and the use of adapters. I like neither, but I think Pentax still makes a good number of full frame lenses themselves which will work natively with a new Pentax full frame camera. Like others, they have maintained compatibility with older film cameras as well as the fact, often crop lenses really don't save that much size and weight.

As was also mentioned, many new third party optics are also native full frame in K-Mount. The availability of these Pentax and Pentax mount full fame lenses will be a real boon to users from the very start without needing adapters or used glass, though nothing wrong with used glass. ;-)

It's a lot different than the Sony situation where the backward compatibility was only extended to Minolta Maximm glass without adapters, some of dubious quality while some quite good.

Feb 9, 2015permalink

RichardBalonglong

@Naveed: There are several AF Pentax lenses (some are legacies but are still in production) that are made for full frame. But for this exact and latest full frame Pentax, there are. Pentax have already released two brand new full frame lenses in the market before the release of the full frame body, the HD Pentax D FA * 70-200mm F2.8 and HD Pentax D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 (both are weather sealed). And I'm pretty sure Pentax's R&D department have already developed more new lenses for this body just waiting for its final touches and its go signal for the release..

Feb 9, 2015*permalink

Well thanks RichardBalonglong and Guidenet, this clearly shows I am out of touch for too long from Pentax development.

@Richard how do you know 70-200 f/2.8 is fullframe?

Feb 9, 2015permalink

Well actually don't bother replying .. I just read the announcement and it's mentioned there .. quite impressive!!

Feb 9, 2015permalink

Tabaplar

I could be wrong, but it seems Pentax shooters are mostly hobbyists (like me), not professionals or typical consumers. So having a full range of native, contemporary lenses day one probably isn't critical to the relative success of a Pentax FF.

Feb 9, 2015permalink

RichardBalonglong

@Naveed : Well, first clue is that every 70-200mm zoom lens is built for full frame format, and the second clue is the lens is labeled D FA. D FA series lenses are lenses designed for full frame. Here's more D FA lenses of Pentax: SMC Pentax-D FA 50mm F2.8 Macro, SMC Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro, andSMC Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro WR.

Feb 9, 2015*permalink

Thanks mate!

Feb 9, 2015permalink

@Tabaplar, you might very well be wrong. I don't know, but maybe history will repeat. At one time, Pentax was a huge competitor in the professional SLR marketplace. It was more Pentax verses Nikon, not Canon. Pentax made the exquisite jewel-like small cameras with the superb Takumar lenses while Nikon made the larger, more robust systems camera with user interchangeable finders, motordrives, backs and focus screens. With Nikon, you could just grab these things off the shelf and they'd work, while you'd have to send the Pentax in if you wanted to fit a motordrive and 250 bulk film pack et al. Pentax finally released the LX model but it was really too late and they'd lost most of their professional dominance to Canon by then, in my opinion, but I think the LX was the better camera.

That's what I think has always been a Pentax issue, being just a little too late in recognizing the trend. Pentax was a serious joy to use though, and history could repeat where Pentax could be pro again.

Feb 9, 2015permalink

JackM

Awesome manual focus K-mount primes can be had for a song on ebay, etc.

Feb 10, 2015permalink

I suppose their are photographers who find old, manual lens' to be a handicap, but many other photographers do not. I certainly do not and in many situations find old, manual lens' with silky focus to be far more enjoyable than more modern AF lens'. There simply is no shortage of good glass for any Pentax camera made in the last 40 years.

Feb 11, 2015permalink

moji

This time, it seems that the news is real. As I have waited in years and have not realized my dream, I still say: If it is true, I will be truly thankful to Ricoh for that. I assume, it will cost, so I start saving right now. This alongside to a process of making the wife ready for the disaster! In fact, I searched for a rumor about Pentax today. No mention in the sites established for rumors, but here I found it. One word: Happy!

Feb 8, 2015permalink

Terry Breedlove

Pentax FF DSLR with IBIS, wifi , gps, high Rez mode like Olympus EM-5 mk 2 and all of the other stuff could be very competitive. Personally I would love to see a Mirrorless FF Pentax as well.

Feb 7, 2015permalink

With what mount and what viewfinder? Why?

Feb 9, 2015permalink

Terry Breedlove

Already plenty of lens options for Pentax K mount FF DSLR. So that would be an easy path. As far as Mirrorless I just like the EVF and that would give them an area the two big boys Canon and Nikon don't already dominate. Of course it would mean a new mount but that also means people would be buying new lenses for thst mount. They could start out with an adapter for K mount lenses plus a few limited primes and a kit lens for the new mount. That should start things off just fine.

Feb 9, 2015permalink

I like your idea for slimming down the camera and securing backwords compatibility with an adapter, but i also love OVF so i would be dissapointed if i couldent find one. Thats why i want the mirror house intact and a K mount without an adapter. But i wouldent mind to have both OVF and EVF in the same camera or in the same series of cameras.

Feb 9, 2015permalink

Sorry Terry, no mirrorless from Pentax. They wouldn't be Pentax anymore if they'd stop living in their past, keeping the K mount candle lit. But you can expect them to now release all the things they promised 10 years ago. Just in case, you know, anyone still gives a broken shutter about it.

Feb 14, 2015permalink

ZDAG

Should the camera come to fruition it will undoubtedly help RICOH/Pentax's marketability. I have appreciated their dedication to APSC as I think it provides a stable, marketable, affordable platform for a good number of users. I laud Pentax' continuous support for the 'K' mount. Same for Nikon. I use a Nikon D300 and a K5IIS. I use older lenses on both. I admit to enjoying the Pentax gear the most due to the advantage of shake reduction.

A point to consider is the increased cost of full frame lenses. Do a comparison of full frame vs. APSC lenses in the market (particularly for Nikon and Pentax). Obviously the full framers are more, and must be to adequately cover the larger sensor. Pentax isn't giving the current lenses away. How much will we pay for Full Frame? I admit to using manual focus 'A' lenses and some Tamron SP lenses with adapters. I will seriously consider a full frame body with internal shake reduction. Will I be able to afford the new stable of lenses?

Feb 7, 2015*permalink

jonby

This is great news not just for Pentax users, but for users of all systems. Another serious player in this area of the market will be an incentive for others to raise their games. This is something Pentax had to do in order to continue to be taken seriously in the DSLR market. Even if nobody buys this camera (though I think they will), its presence will increase sales in the Pentax system as people will feel greater confidence that it's a system worth investing in. When more FF lenses come along, that should give APS-C users some additional options with optics that perform well on the smaller sensor (especially for those who value edge performance).

Assuming this camera will have a high-res sensor, one of the main things RP will need to get right is the vibration characteristics of the shutter/mirror mechanism. I for one hope that they don't drop the ball on details like this because they're trying to support 4K video and the like. Truly solid HD video will be enough for this model.

Feb 7, 2015permalink

TBLF

Actually, while I would have loved to get my hands on a FF digital Pentax sooner, I think this is stunningly great news. You naysayers about timing need to give them a little break.

Think about it...Pentax had something so special in it's staff of engineers and accumulated knowledge and way of doing things, that it survived multiple botched re-acquisitions until juggernaut Ricoh finally bought them and have the will and the coin to do the Pentax badge justice.

This is a great time to be a Pentax user!

Feb 7, 2015permalink

Leok

I decided this wasn't going to happen 4 years ago (despite annual rumours to the contrary). Sold all my Pentax gear and went Nikon instead. I'm so glad I did, no FF for all this time is why Pentax hasn't been taken seriously in the digital era.

Feb 7, 2015permalink

phoenix15

Now you should watch closely what Pentax will bring into the market. Ricoh is very serious in photography business and we can expect something good is coming.

Feb 7, 2015permalink

Leok

Only another 14 years until the mark ii comes out!

Feb 8, 2015permalink

phoenix15

Mark II had been obsoleted long ago. Now it is time for 5Ds with 50 Mpix :p

Feb 8, 2015permalink

I just try to understand why people are trolling over a brand name, and why has Pentax bashing become accepted behaviour at DPR? Grow up!

Feb 9, 2015permalink

@Simen01 People don't bash or troll Pentax any more than any other brand out there. Don't be paranoid. If anyone, Sony probably gets the worst of it. For many, brand ownership is a religion. They will bash anything they don't personally own and claim being bashed by all the others. The old Chevy / Ford or Apple / Windows mentality.

Feb 9, 2015permalink

True, people bash all brands, but Pentax is especially easy to bash because they've been in decline since their M42 heyday. They somehow manage to bungle all they do. Even when they do something right, it is soon made irrelevant by other companies that leapfrog them. In particular, this announcement is so late that I laughed at it even though I'm convinced it is serious.

Feb 14, 2015permalink

Dennis

The real innovation here is that it's destined to be the first full frame digital camera to be offered in 17 different colors.

Feb 6, 2015permalink

How ironic. A _photography_ forum where personal expression and freedom of color style is considered odd and freaky. Do you behave like this in car forums too?

Feb 9, 2015permalink

@Simen01, it was a joke. It's not a religion. Get it? Don't take yourself too seriously. It was funny, too. :-)

Feb 9, 2015permalink

Dennis

I'm not knocking people who like colorful cameras; just taking a swipe at Pentax, because half of their press releases are to announce new color choices for cameras. And I'm not on car forums, but I imagine I'd behave the same there, too ;)

Feb 9, 2015permalink

turvyT

Serious or not, Simen01 has a point, and is sort of funny too. I can picture you guys complaining to Ferrari because it offers other colors besides racing red.

Feb 9, 2015*permalink

@TurvyT, again, it was a joke and I don't see anyone complaining about Pentax offering color choices. Who really cares? If Pentax marketing thinks pink and yellow cameras will help to sell them, more power to them. If Nikon made the type gear I buy in multiple colors, I might get one too just to be different, if it didn't cost more. They are just tools to get a job done, not something to cause religious fervor. I wouldn't pay a dime more for a yellow screwdriver over a black one. ;-)

One thing though, the camera color would absolutely be the last thing I'd consider in a purchase decision. As far as vehicles go, it's different. I always buy red pickup trucks. It's pragmatic because red just about always has a higher resale value later when it's time to get a new one.

Feb 9, 2015*permalink

Tabaplar

I really like the aesthetic of this. Simple, clean, purposeful. It's obviously a mock-up or render (?), and not showing the model number, Shake Reduction logo (if it has it), or amber remote window, so will look a lot less stark in reality, if it ends up looking anything like this or even comes into existence at all!

Even if there are no big surprise features, I'd be very happy with this as long as the image quality is there and it's fast: fast focus, fast interface, fast frame rate.

Feb 6, 2015permalink

Its a 3D print without any markings. Lens specs strongly suggests SR in camera. SR will as always be strong selling points with horizon correction, SR on any K-mount lens for free, AA filter simulation and probably a High res mode like Hasselblad H5D 200c MS. Speeds will probably be competitive.

Feb 9, 2015permalink

Tabaplar

Agreed. In camera SR was a reason I went with Pentax when I bought my first DSLR years ago (K10D).

Now I see the 3D print striping at the lower left.

Feb 9, 2015permalink

Alex Sarbu

There's something very wrong with you if you have to look in the calendar, on 6th of February, asking if it's not somehow April 1st ;)

Feb 6, 2015permalink

andy amos

Just had a thought! Its not April 1st again?? Those who have followed the Pentax FF holy grail will know where I'm coming from!!

Feb 6, 2015permalink

Alex Sarbu

There's something very wrong with you if you have to look in the calendar, on 6th of February, asking if it's not somehow April 1st ;)

Feb 6, 2015permalink

Yxa

No doubt the Petax FF will be a fine camera as are the K5 and K3.
I have Niko gear but it is good with competition
For now we only have the Sony FF point and shoot (A series) and the dated Canons

Feb 6, 2015permalink

Yxa

I have Nikon FF-gear , but it's good with competition
Now doubt this camera will be a good one like the K3/K5s
Not like Sony's FF point and shoot or Canons dated FF's

Feb 6, 2015permalink

andy amos

Indeed the Genisis and Mother of all forum blogs hath come true!! To all prodigal Pentax users who hath wondered off into the full frame wilderness of SonCaniKon, may you come back to the flock. And yea, to those who were struck down for uttering FF blasphemy, may you be resurrected and placed on the most high of forum podiums! LOL!!!

Feb 6, 2015permalink

kavolis

Ricoh/Pentax said, it will be something very different from anything in the market.

So... when I look at this square shaped prototype the only one possibility of something "very different" is maybe ... a square sensor? :)

Feb 6, 2015permalink

DavidOB

How about a hybrid OVF and EVF in a DSLR? That would be a first

Feb 6, 2015permalink

olegfyodorov

No. Just a square mount.

Feb 6, 2015permalink

brv888

can't wait a pentax full frame camera. hope, the wait is over. very interesting indeed. more power to PENTAX!

Feb 6, 2015permalink

xrokx

Wow, does this mean that there is a FF ricoh GR on the way?

Feb 6, 2015permalink

Gazeomon

This must be the ugliest camera I have ever seen and I shoot Pentax for 2 years now (K5IIs, K3). My K3 is ugly but a very good photographic tool, I can live with it. This hideous looking new FF thing must be a truly amazing camera then. Not that I am getting too serious about the looks of a camera but I had to swallow hard a couple of times.

Feb 6, 2015permalink

I find it cool, but then again I prefer same with cars. Like the old blocky cars more than the newer "round shaped" cars that don't seem to have good looks.

Feb 6, 2015permalink

phoenix15

You should compare it with Sony A900.

Feb 6, 2015permalink

Tan68

It do got a pointy head.
But the perspective is low.

Not the most flattering picture.

Swallowing hard... being a little overt in your protestations. I think it is a form of love. You are afraid your friends will think you a sissy. Be strong and take your new friend to the dance. They aren't true friends if they can't understand it is okay for you to love the one of your choice.

Feb 6, 2015permalink

Aesthetics are a very personal thing. I think most all Pentax cameras have been very attractive from a design perspective. Their are notable exceptions, like the A3000 and the K-S1.
The lines of that new body are clean, refined, purposeful. That is the look that says 'camera', not celebrity endorsed fashion statement.

Feb 6, 2015permalink

Its not the final style, its just a 3D print prototype mockup. The final camera will probably have refined looks with rubbery patches, leather like surface finish, metal details, markings and so on.

For now only the shape is revealing. Its revealing a small FF body with a large pentaprism. I like what i see because i think the competition are too bulky.

Feb 9, 2015permalink

Gazeomon

Tan 68
Mind reading is not Your strong point.

Feb 12, 2015permalink

LightBug

Long live my Super Takumar 50mm F1.4!

Feb 6, 2015permalink

pinoncito

I hope it will come in silver! It would look great next to my K1000, ME Super, K20D and Special Edition Silver K5!

Feb 6, 2015permalink

I hope for a silver + black edition. Or maby red + gold just to stand out from the herd. :p

Feb 9, 2015permalink

MLP120

Saw this on cameraegg and don't know if it is reliable or not but if so, it sure sounds good.

Pentax Full Frame rumored specs:
TYPE : Digital SLR Camera
SENSOR : 36 Megapixel CMOS Full frame without lowpass filter
FRAME: Pentax KAF3 with stainless steel bayonet
SYSTEM APPROACH : SAFOX XI with phase detection with 27 pts (25 in cross and 3 of f2.8 )
VISOR : pentaprism Coverage: 100 % LCD
DISPLAY: 3.2 “TFT swing
EMBEDDED FLASH : No
EXTERNAL FLASH : Zapada (P- TTL ) high-speed sync and wireless compatible with Pentax flashes – take X -sync
STORAGE : 2 SDXC
STABILIZATION : Sensor system with reduced movement and rotation compensation system ( 3.5EV TBD)
MEASURING SYSTEM LIGHT : TTL using a 86000 pixels RGB sensor
ISO Sensitivity : 100-102,400

Feb 6, 2015permalink

Digital Imaging Technician

36mp camera with swing LCD, and IBIS? Sounds like fun time with primes.

Feb 6, 2015permalink

MLP120

True. If it is at least what is above and comes in around $2500, I will be switching from Nikon over to Pentax. The last 2 Nikons I have bought, the D600 and D7100, have both had oil on the sensor issues and I just don't trust in buying another camera from them. I only have the D7100 right now and really want FF. My last Pentax was a K1000. :)

Feb 7, 2015permalink

Jonathan Lee

would it be full frame mirrorless and take k mount? i would hold on buying the other brand's FF mirrorless.

Feb 6, 2015permalink

Silvarum

And waste 40mm of space inside? Much better choice would be some-other mount mirrorless body with K-mount adapter.

Feb 6, 2015permalink

dyoon153

If it'd be mirrorless, it'd say so, and if it was, probably caused whole different reactions than what you see here. It is going to be DSLR.

Feb 6, 2015permalink

Mr Darma

Correct. For example, if it's mirrorless, I will be looking elsewhere.

Feb 6, 2015permalink

Richard Murdey

~Well, this announcement has iced any plans I entertained of getting a K-3...

If I bought this FF model though, it would only be because I could put my FA31 on it. I mean, its a no-brainer: if you have K/m42 FF lenses you are going to be interested in this. If you don't though .... I confess I don't see the "hook".

Feb 6, 2015permalink

The concept model looks like a simple 3D print (look at the striped pattern in the body). Is that all they're going to show?

Feb 5, 2015permalink

DDWD10

I see that too. I hope to see more refinement in the final design... the K-5 series and K-3 are both what I call "beautifully purposeful" designs. I hope this new body follows that trend.

Feb 6, 2015permalink

In hydraulis

They could withhold the WIP mockup altogether and just put out a sign saying: FULL FRAME CONFIRMED AND COMING SOON

When dealing with their "serious" products, Pentax have a reputation for making elegant, utilitarian designs. ("Serious" means the 645 and flagship APS-C bodies, not the K-01, K-S1, etc.) And this is a forte of Ricoh's as well: see the various iterations of the GR, including the early film models. They are not stunning cameras: they are understated, nuanced examples of industrial design. And they are beautiful.

The coming Pentax FF will follow suit. Like the K-7/5 and K-3 bodies, it will have edges to distinguish it from the amorphous blobs favoured by Canon. And I wouldn't be surprised at all if its design pays homage to the legacy of the venerable Pentax 67 system.

Feb 6, 2015permalink

Russell Dawkins

Well said about the understated nuanced design; that is exactly how I feel about my Ricoh GR. It withstands the closest scrutiny and is timeless and elegant - and beautifully functional.

Feb 6, 2015permalink

Just one week after the first image of the 3D printed prototype i guess they will just show the same 3D print at CP+. The camera will be launced later this year. They wont rush the design for CP+. It needs careful thought and practical testing before finalizing.

Feb 9, 2015permalink

RPulley

I may or may not feel the need to spend the money for this (or any) "FF" DSLR, but it is great to see that Ricoh is serious about this market.

Pentax offers a different perspective versus the mass-market driven approach of the big two, and spending the money to develop this product in the face of the declining camera market signals real commitment in my book.

If this body is anything like the K5/K3 (and actually many of the earlier Pentax bodies like the K10/K20), we should expect excellent IQ, some innovative features, great ergonomics, and a solid construction.

Feb 5, 2015permalink

Michel F

I applaud Pentax for announcing products that are in development even if they are months or a year away. Nikon on the other hand likes to keep everybody in the dark until the very last minute.

Feb 5, 2015permalink

Mr Darma

It says DSLR so hopefully it will not be mirrorless. I have a complete set of 1975-1976 issue K mount lenses (not counting zooms) which were introduced with the K series cameras (24 in all). It took me 12 years to get them all and yes, some were pretty expensive. Finally I will reap my reward if this is true! :-)

Feb 5, 2015permalink

starjedi

Congratulations!

Feb 5, 2015permalink

rtogog

Pentax name is derived from prism. Other camera brand that use from the same word was Pentacon. Unfortunately, this camera product has vanished. So, prism is the "signature" for pentax camera, but this technology has gradually change with the introduction of mirrorless camera. See objects through lens without the use of prism is getting better this day. Refering this trend and its advantages, the use of prism on camera will be superseded.

Feb 5, 2015permalink

post some image samples once you get your hands on this camera :D

Feb 6, 2015permalink

The irony is that all those K lenses work better on a mirrorless camera than on a Pentax DSLR with its crippled K mount. And the K mount will be crippled - this was confirmed by Pentax execs in their interview with PentaxForums. Tough luck reaping those rewards.

Feb 14, 2015permalink

dtphoto

Next question...will this full frame be mirrorless, too?
Any chance it'll be below $2K?

Feb 5, 2015permalink

teeb

pentaxeros.com predicts €2000. No idea where they got that from, but if it's correct the price will go below $2000 pretty quickly.

Feb 5, 2015permalink

Jorge Filipe

I'm betting that if it has a crop mod, it will probably have a EVF in order to avoid vignetting on OVF using DA glass.
So, I bet it will be mirorless.
As for the price, considering 70-200 f/2,8 release price as well as K-3 release price, I would bet more arround 2,5k.

I'm not expecting a new 50Mpx Sony sensor but a tunned 36Mpx that will offer 24Mpx images in crop mode.
i also expect same AF in K-3 and arround 6fps

Feb 5, 2015*permalink

http://www.photozone.de/pentax/130-pentax-smc-fa-100mm-f28-macro-review--lab-test-report

It will not be mirrorless. See that large pyramid at the top of the camera? That's the housing for the glass pentaprism. A mirrorless camera would not require that pentaprism.

Feb 5, 2015permalink

Jorge Filipe

I would also prefer OVP.... Lets wain and see.
They may use the extra space for wifi/gps module

Feb 5, 2015permalink

kristian2000

I like Pentax, but please we need to get over this myth that somehow there are these millions of excellent old K mount lenses out there that are available and cheap. Unless you're looking for a 50mm f/1.8 , most of the desirable stuff on eBay gets bid up to ridiculous amounts . And the announcement of a Pentax FF ain't gunna help.

Feb 5, 2015permalink

teeb

You can still find good deals with a bit of patience.

But yeah, owners of Canons and EVILs "help" driving up the prices.

Feb 5, 2015permalink

Radilo Breitlack

It's no myth that some of them ARE cheap. Yet the connaisseur willl surely know which ones are the real goodies. Ridiculous amounts on eBay? Well, that depends. You might compare e.g. the 3,5/24 mm SMC Takumar to (are there any?) other almost distortion free wideangles in the market. Or the M42 Schneider PA Curtagon 4/35 to its competitors from the Canon / Nikon range. Not ridiculously priced at all.....

Feb 5, 2015*permalink

In hydraulis

I bought a fantastic FA 100mm f/2.8 macro for something like US$240.

This one:
http://slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/310/cat/45

Feb 6, 2015*permalink

I got a Pentax FA 50mm f/2.8 macro for 25 $ yesterday. And a FA 28-200 f/3.8-5,6 for 90 $.

Feb 9, 2015permalink

Few K lenses perform well on digital cameras and those MF ones don't even work that well because of the crippled mount that digital SLRs use.

Feb 14, 2015permalink

RobertoDuran

This is such a great news for the all industry.. something that the industry was waiting since a long time ago. Thanks Ricoh for giving all pentaxians this news, looking forward to get one.

I just feel like its a shame that DPR point the 2001 failture, its like giving such a good news and then erase it with the other line saying "dont get to excited, it might not happen" .. thats not good. Perhaps you guys didnt do it with that intention but thats how it feels.

Pay attention the next time, many people read your news and you guys gotta take care of how you guys give the news.

Feb 5, 2015permalink

All the industry was waiting? I bet they weren't holding their breath though.

Feb 14, 2015permalink

pentax news??? on dpreview??

Feb 5, 2015permalink

dyoon153

and mostly cheerful reactions than scorns or mockeries?! This never happens...

Feb 6, 2015permalink

viking79

About f___ing time. :) Exciting news indeed.

Feb 5, 2015*permalink

andrewparkoo

Finally my investment in all those classic old FF lenses will pay off! - Well done to RICOH for investing in PENTAX and taking the brand back to where it should be. Just need to sell a kidney.

Feb 5, 2015permalink

Mac McCreery

Full frame with THAT mount. Lenses to come- millions in existence. What's not to like?

Feb 5, 2015permalink

Radilo Breitlack

thanks to reason! Ricoh have at last decided to reward faithful Pentaxians for not throwing away their cherished old M42 stuff.
There will be a lot of old glass awaiting new digital glory amongst all these Super Takumar and Zeiss lenses.

Feb 5, 2015permalink

probert500

A sony by any other name is just as sweet. I guess the question is, will they use the a7 or the a7r sensor?

Feb 5, 2015permalink

Sony is making a current full framed DSLR with a moving mirror?

Maybe Pentax will talk to Renesas about building a sensor.

Feb 5, 2015permalink

Anything but a Sony. And Pentax is anything but a Sony. Sony parts under the hood is not the same thing as a Sony badge on the top. No one would ever call a Cunningham a 'Chrysler', despite having a hemi under the hood.

Feb 5, 2015permalink

The 12MP sensor from the A7S would be cool, particularly if modified with some phase detect AF sensors, so video AF is really good.

Pentax already uses a 24MP Sony sensor in the K3, and uses it well--better than the same sensor in the Sony A6000.

Feb 5, 2015permalink

I guess Pentax will launch not one but two FF cameras this year:

- Sony 50 Mp sensor (rumored for a Nikon D810 replacement)
- Sony 20 Mp sensor (rumored for Nikon D5)

Feb 9, 2015permalink