Pentax announces that they're working on new film cameras!

[WhereSs]

could only happen if they do a half frame camera, the DA21 doesn't have enough image circle to cover a full 24x36 35mm frame. The DA40 and DA70, OTOH do, and I've used them on my SuperProgram and MZ-S.

Oh no, no, I'm thinking of the "Pentax HD D FA 21mm F2.4 ED Limited" which is quite a mouthful, and a full framer... with nice image samples and a hefty price tag for there being all two full frame cameras that support it.

 

[Helge]

For me, given the big jump in size and weight of a 645 SLR compared to 35mm, the 645 negative isn't big enough to justify the downsides. I instead use either a Pentax 67 when I need an SLR, or a Fuji 6x9 if I want a light carrying around MF camera. It's lighter than a Nikon SLR with a zoom lens, and the Fuji lens gives amazing negatives.

I figure 35mm - 6x9 - 4x5" is a nice progression of increasing quality/neg size, 645 doesn't fit well for me.

I used to think like that until I tried it.
It’s absolutely superb, and with more resolution than you’re going to need 95% of the time.
There is so many non-obvious advantages to the format that cumulatively makes it ideal for most peoples shooting, even if they don’t realize it.

 

[Craig]

I used to think like that until I tried it.

I use to think it was a good size until I bought a 645 Mamiya. Then I knew it wasn't the right size. Sold it and bought a Pentax 67, then a Fuji 69. Much better!

 

[Helge]

I use to think it was a good size until I bought a 645 Mamiya. Then I knew it wasn't the right size. Sold it and bought a Pentax 67, then a Fuji 69. Much better!

Well if you can live with ten or eight exposures before change, the significant weight and space it takes up, the slowness of the lenses, film that tends to buckle more and no real use for the resolution, then sure.

 

[KerrKid]

They should invent an invisible camera and force people to buy special film for it.

 

[Helge]

They should invent an invisible camera and force people to buy special film for it.

That would be great for people who are mainly in it for “the process”. That way they could have some conspicuous consumption on top.

 

[redbandit]

actually Nikon did this concept,,, FM10 or even F6


However they still own the patents to the K1000 if i recall.... and should have the big book of fixture designs for their old equipment.

 

[Agulliver]

This tickles!



Richo/Pentax has shown they're willing to go out on a limb in the past. I hope they make something like a Mju mk1. Simple with a fast high quality lens.

Yes, I note that they still make DSLRs so potentially there is at least some expertise and perhaps even a few parts that could be common to a DSLR and film SLR, depending on whether they make something new or intend to relaunch the K1000.

Spoke with my partner yesterday who grew up in Japan and speaks near fluent Japanese. She had a few quibbles with the subtitles on the video but overall it's accurate. Her opinion, knowing Japanese culture, is that they're totally serious about this. They wouldn't make any announcement if they were not. This isn't Kodak going off half-cock with the super 8 camera. Pentax 100% intend to follow this through.

My best guess from what the man said is that they may intend to produce a more simple P&S type camera and then later a SLR. Makes sense, as those seem to both be in demand. I'd hazard a guess, though it's not mentioned, that a medium format camera might come later if it looks like it will sell. At this point in time they could ask pretty much whatever they want for a medium format film camera of good quality.

 

[KerrKid]

That would be great for people who are mainly in it for “the process”. That way they could have some conspicuous consumption on top.

Indeed. As much conspicuous consumption as they can muster.

Of course, every couple of years they could release a new invisible camera model that has gained a few functions over the previous model along with more special film to go with it.

 

[alanrockwood]

actually Nikon did this concept,,, FM10 or even F6


However they still own the patents to the K1000 if i recall.... and should have the big book of fixture designs for their old equipment.

The K1000 was last manufactured in 1997. Any patents used in the manufacturing of that camera would have expired years ago, so as far as protecting intellectual property is concerned there is nothing to protect, at least not with respect to the k1000.

The information in any k1000-related patents could still be useful, at least to some extent, since according to patent law a patent is supposed to disclose enough information so that someone skilled in the art can make whatever is described in the patent. However, in real life this may be easier said than done.

 

[lxdude]

Pentax is Ricoh. Ricoh has been making superb film cameras since forever.

And then there's the TLS 401...

 

[lxdude]

Worked for a small camera shop, we only carried Pentax because profit margins were higher and we didn't have to pay for the items until they were sold. At the end of a cycle, we'd end up sending back 90% of cameras we were sent or would sell them at cost to employees.

I never understood why they didn't just do some advertising.

 

[KerrKid]

On a serious note….

1. The various auction and shopping sites are awash with good film cameras, many of them undervalued. Who needs a new camera when there are a bazillion P&S’s, Rangefinders, and SLR’s available for a song?

2. We need parts and techs to fix the old cameras more than we need new cameras. I’m tired of reading ads for, and buying, cameras with nonfunctional light meters.

3. We can’t even get film for the cameras we have. Don’t we need to resolve that issue before making more cameras? And what about being able to get our film developed and prints made at the local drug or grocery store?

4. How about making 1.35v silver oxide or lithium batteries in at least 625 and 675 sizes?

 

[koraks]

1. The various auction and shopping sites are awash with good film cameras, many of them undervalued. Who needs a new camera when there are a bazillion P&S’s, Rangefinders, and SLR’s available for a song?

2. We need parts and techs to fix the old cameras more than we need new cameras. I’m tired of reading ads for, and buying, cameras with nonfunctional light meters.

I think the combination of these two issues is exactly why a firm would consider launching a new product. AS you said, there's no shortage (yet) of second hand cameras, but the good ones are getting scarcer. As to how they're valued, that's of course a bit of a subjective matter, but I think the consensus is quite clearly that prices of film-based photo equipment have risen quite sharply in the 2nd hand market over the past few years.

3. We can’t even get film for the cameras we have.

Ok, so imagine the film producers coming through and deliver the volumes needed, which at some point no doubt will happen, and then we'll have the camera bottleneck to deal with anyway. Nothing wrong with anticipating that issue a bit, especially if one (as Pentax/Ricoh apparently does) sees the chances of making a buck in doing so.

4. How about making 1.35v silver oxide or lithium batteries in at least 625 and 675 sizes?

Interesting, but again, how does that do away with the market opportunity for a new film camera?

So in all I think you have a point, but I don't see how it would do away with the gap in the market that Pentax apparently sees.

 

[Helge]

Indeed. As much conspicuous consumption as they can muster.

Of course, every couple of years they could release a new invisible camera model that has gained a few functions over the previous model along with more special film to go with it.

Miming photography could become the rage next year. Just let Midjourney supply the results.
All process.
But it’s gonna cost ya.

 

[faberryman]

This sounds a lot like the Film Ferrania thread back in 2014, so I'll check back in eight or ten years to see how things are coming along. As with Film Ferrania, I wish Pentax the best of luck should they decide to go forward with manufacturing new film cameras. While you are waiting for a fully mechanical Pentax SLR to arrive, you might want to consider picking up a new 35mm compact film camera from Harman for $26.99. It comes with two free rolls of B&W film, so they are giving them away. What, shooting film is only cool if you use a vintage camera?

 

[JParker]

It's also worth mentioning that the later incarnations of the P30 were built in China or Taiwan (can't remember). Most likely they will use the same factory.

Most likely that old former factory will not be used again, as during the last decade Ricoh/Pentax has built new modern factories, one in Vietnam, the other on the Phillipines. Modern state-of-the-art manufacturing, lower workforce cost than in China, and none of the general China related problems.

 

[JParker]

However they still own the patents to the K1000 if i recall.... and should have the big book of fixture designs for their old equipment.

The K1000 was an extremely simple featured basic SLR. No innovation and no new technology at all in it. I bet none patents at all were used with this camera. And even if, then they would be long expired by now.

 

[JParker]

This sounds a lot like the Film Ferrania thread back in 2014, so I'll check back in eight or ten years to see how things are coming along.

O.k. I bet against it :
I say the first new Pentax film camera - the more basic P+S model they are talking about in the video - will be introduced in first half of 2024.

 

[Helge]

One thing that should make you wonder, is why they don’t just launch the camera and tell us about the further plans at the same time.
Why this teasing?
Are they trying to gauge interest?
Are they planning some kind of crowdfunding?

 

[jtk]

Most likely that old former factory will not be used again, as during the last decade Ricoh/Pentax has built new modern factories, one in Vietnam, the other on the Phillipines. Modern state-of-the-art manufacturing, lower workforce cost than in China, and none of the general China related problems.

I first noticed "Made in Vietnam" stickers on Pentax K20D, a seriously waterproof and rugged DSLR (much tougher than Pentax film cameras were). Many generations of Pentax later, my K-70 also credits Vietnam. Worth remembering, US paid heavy dues there after French fled, and VN war vets are honored today and welcomed back regularly by that country.

 

[jtk]

One thing that should make you wonder, is why they don’t just launch the camera and tell us about the further plans at the same time.
Why this teasing?
Are they trying to gauge interest?
Are they planning some kind of crowdfunding?

I think the success of the superb and wildly expensive Ricoh GR cameras, film and digital, tells enough of a story. My personal guess is that Pentax will continue to be happy with niche status.

Pentax is, after all, a Ricoh company.

 

[Film-Niko]

One thing that should make you wonder, is why they don’t just launch the camera and tell us about the further plans at the same time.
Why this teasing?
Are they trying to gauge interest?
Are they planning some kind of crowdfunding?

I think it is part of their new marketing strategy, which is focussed on getting in closer direct contact to their target audience and their (potential) customers. Their digital customers have so far reacted positive to that.
In Japan they are also regularly doing events (physical and online) for interested photographers.
In the video and press release they are also saying that they are very interested in the assessment of potential customers and potentially participating other companies (potential suppliers and commercial customers).
Or to say it shortly: They are looking for additional feedback.
I think it is a very good strategy.
And of course it is creating generally more brand awareness: All photo media is reporting about it, it is the hot-topic in many photo forums, on youtube, instagram and so on.
All are talking about Pentax now. And I think for quite a few so far non-Pentax digital+film shooters a digital Pentax could be interesting when Pentax is also offering a new film SLR again.
Pentax could broaden its customer base significantly.

 

[Paul Howell]

I think we tend to see the world from own little patch of it. Pentax may be looking at the Market in terms of Asia, South America, not just North America and Europe. Last I checked, years ago, Pentax sells a lot of digital 645 in Asia, India and China where large wedding photos are still in fashion. Keeping up with 645 production slowed the introduction of the K1. A compact camera followed by a point and shoot makes sense as demand and sales will allow them to gage how well a full frame SLR will sell. I hope it goes well, I have both M42 and K mount lens, a new K1000 would be nice.

I have had around 30 point and shoots from all the players, the Pentax IQ zoom I think were the best of the consumer grade cameras. I sold many and made a fair amount of money, kept the WR 90, one of 3 point and shoots I kept.

 

[Mike Lopez]

Pentax has a history of releasing gimmicky cameras.

Gimmicky in what way(s)? I haven't kept up with their 21st century offerings.