http://nedbunnell.posterous.com/lens-prices-and-our-channel-strategy-in-the-u
In short, it is told that "We are not increasing the prices of the lenses, but we only require our dealers to stick to the MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price)."
No matter how, the real-world effect is, we can now only purchase new Pentax lenses in US (either locally or via web) at *higher* prices than before! What "misinformation" and "rumors"? Where are they?? >:-(
In fact, back to March, I did still have my plan in buying some new DA lenses and a new flash gun from the B&H and now all my plans are cancelled. It is just because that now the new prices are too high to be justified for me to buy them from overseas anymore. The decision is really simple as there is no longer any cost benefit or saving after this US price increase. Every thing is actually REAL, but which according to Ned is NOT TRUE, BUT all are just "mis-information", "mis-informed comments" and "rumors" that he had to clarify and "dispel"! :-o
The hard fact is when the *street* prices of their lenses are increased in that amount (regardless of what Ned says), they lose customers and potential buyers like me, as we'd always better to spend our money elsewhere! Simple Eco 101!
And, for one of the forums which spread the "misinformation" whom Ned is accusing of, does he refer to the PentaxForums actually?? (N.B. PF is one of the first Internet media who wrote an article about the breaking news with a clear summary on the price changes.) I'm afraid that this time I am with Adam here, Adam and his guys only reported the truth and everything is indeed factual!
After all, I am really very disappointed about the response and attitude of Ned in this case. Frankly, Ned has been one of the few senior Pentax officials whom I have been respecting for a long time for his personal ability/talent/charm, honesty and open-mindedness as well as his zeal in photography and camera gear. But this time he is really letting me down and I think I am not alone! :-(
Related:-
Ned Bunnell Has Made an Interim Response to the Recent Lens Prices Increase
Breaking Bad News! Crazy Price Increases of Pentax Lenses with Immediate Effect!
• News about Products and Latest Company Direction
• Summaries of Reported Problems and Potential Issues
• Technical Articles on Photographic Gear and Technologies
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Comments (29)

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Comments by IntenseDebate
See What Ned Bunnell Has Explained (Re: US Lens Price Increase since April 1st)
2012-04-18T17:38:00+08:00
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Peter · 673 weeks ago
Anyway I can't see how this will help stores stock more Pentax lenses and bodies. If people don't want to buy them because the price is too high, why would they bother? Someone said in a thread Pentax are on "death watch", sure this is only going to hurt their sales
Ying · 673 weeks ago
Also, instead of making all retailers sell at a high price, why not just LOWER the price for everyone - including small shops.
Whatever Ned says, this is Utter stupidity. and will hurt them in the arse.
I have cancelled all my lens buying plan - in fact I have decided to go to Sigma for my next purchase.
Jordy · 673 weeks ago
That being said, the whole thing is just plain stupid. They will certainly loose customers. I believe it's needless protection of brick and motar shops, why protect things that people simply loose interest in and apparently isn't needed anymore. We are not increasing the price of bread in supermarkets to protect the local bakkery are we? Besides, there are plenty of brick and mortar stores, who also have an online shop and offer very low/competitive prices and they still manage to survive.
What they do now is simply screwing over the pentax-customer/user. The real effect is that people still won't buy at the brick and mortar shops and will now also buy less at the other places that used to offer the products for lower prices. Everybody loses here. Pentax, Users, Resellers.
Ying · 673 weeks ago
He deleted my post.
Ying · 673 weeks ago
I lean towards Nikon but I hate the user interface.
Jeff · 673 weeks ago
Jeff · 673 weeks ago
Personally I don't buy any gear without handling it first and would hate to test online sellers 30 day return policies. Chicago has a few camera stores that have most gear and Wolf camera has a good selection also depending on location.
Corros · 673 weeks ago
Look at Apple. Most people think they make the best stuff, otherwise, nobody would pay that much for their products.
more: http://uwmktg301.blogspot.com/2010/03/pricing.htm...
justmy2cents · 673 weeks ago
barbarosa · 673 weeks ago
Rob · 673 weeks ago
Back before Apple was cool, Mac users suffered through this same crap. A lot of us fled online to places like MacMall and OWC just so we didnt have to put up with idiots telling us we should just give up buy a Windoze system. We supported retailers who supported us. What kind of message is Pentax sending when they are placing online retailers who have carried low margin low volume Pentax products for years in the position of charging the same price as someone who essentially had to be bribed into carrying Pentax?
Ying · 673 weeks ago
Richard · 673 weeks ago
The megapixel race is on again. What will its competitors do in response?
OGL · 673 weeks ago
Rob · 673 weeks ago