Poll: Will You Buy the K-1?

Will You Buy the K-1?

Yes, will rush to!

Yes, will get it later.

No, it's just not my cup of tea.

No, kind of complete disappointment, will switch!

Neutral, still undecided.

 

pollcode.com free polls

Pentax Won Best Cameras of the Year 2013 for Some Recent Elections

1. http://www.dpreview.com/news/2014/01/02/best-gear-of-2013-the-results-are-in/11

Pentax internet fanboys are in action again! But the poor K-50 and K-500 received nearly no votes at all! :-o But everytime when the fanboys played hard to win a poll but then those Pentax models still won't sell well, what is the real meaning??

2. http://www.neocamera.com/article/best_cameras

It is elected that the K-50 and K-5IIs are the best DSLRs in the entry level and advanced categories.

Worst Cameras of the Year 2013 - Pentax Q7

http://photorumors.com/2013/12/18/worst-camera-of-the-year-2013/

Poll: Will You Buy a K-3?

Will You Buy a K-3?
	Yes, I am currently a FF user.
	No, I am currently a FF user.
	Yes, I am currently an APS-C user.
	No, I am currently an APS-C user.
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Will There Be a K-02? (Poll)

Above is an imagined/PSed diagram by someone for a K-02, with the new short back focus 18-70 kit lens. The PS job was either done by someone who had nothing better to do or officially! ;-D To compare the original K-01 diagram, click here.

So, here is the poll:-

Do You Think That There Will Be a K-02?
	Yes!
	No.
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Related:-

K-01 is Discontinued

Is K-01 the End of the "Line"? (Pentax Interview @Photokina)

Are You Interested to Acquire the MX-1?

At the weight of nearly 400g (loaded and ready) and at the price of (US)$500, would you consider to get one?

Do you intend to get the MX-1?
	Yes.
	No.
	Unsure.
pollcode.com free polls

Shutter Life Survey Database of DSLRs

http://www.olegkikin.com/shutterlife/

Six models of Pentax DSLRs are included. The results can also be compared to other camera models of other makes as well.

Poll: Do You Intend to Buy the K-5II or the K-5IIs?

The K-5II and IIs will be on sales in Japan on October 19 and the official initial (Japanese) selling prices are published.

So, I would like to see what's your buying intention of these new models. Are you intended to buy?

Do you intend to buy the K-5II?
	Yes, I am an existing K-5 owner.
	Yes, I am an existing K-mount user but do not have a K-5.
	No, I am an existing K-5 owner.
	No, I am an existing K-mount user but do not have a K-5.
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Do you intend to buy the K-5IIs?
	Yes, I am an existing K-5 owner.
	Yes, I am an existing K-mount user but do not have a K-5.
	No, I am an existing K-5 owner.
	No, I am an existing K-mount user but do not have a K-5.
pollcode.com free polls

The "Pentax Ricoh" Online Survey

Thanks to Blog reader "flomatix" for his email alert, I have noticed this:-

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/pentaxowners

Which is supposed to be an online survey created and conducted by Pentax Ricoh, although it is not clearly stated anywhere in the survey, except the PR logo.

I have participated in the survey anyway and you are encouraged to do so as well. But since the identity of the survey creator cannot be verified, I suggest not to put in too much personal information especially those sensitive ones at the end of the survey as such. Also, I think they focused too much about "making money" with the Pentax gear, which I bet most of we Pentax users are just amateurs whom take photos as hobby and buy gear solely for hobby and so their thinking had been in the wrong direction right from the beginning! :-(

Btw, I conducted a brief poll around the Photokina which in principle was asking something similar to some of their questions, but in a more concise and direct way, of course. You can still make your vote in the following poll of mine if not yet:-

That's All What Pentax has Shown us at Photokina! What Will You Do Next?

And also you can view the results by yourself as there are already more than 700 votes received up till now.

Is K-01 the End of the "Line"? (Pentax Interview @Photokina)

See the latest interview by DPR with Pentax at Photokina:-

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/7927911437/photokina-2012-interview-john-carlson-of-pentax

Quoted:-

How are you planning on developing mirrorless in the future? Or is the K-01 a one-off?

I haven't seen any future roadmaps for that type of product.

Other Q&As that might worth a look:-

Is there room for a higher-end Pentax K-mount DSLR?

We have the 645D, and Pentax is dedicated to that system, but whether there's room between the K-5 cameras and the 645, I can't say.

What is Pentax doing to meet the demand for connectivity in its cameras?

Right now we don't have anything other than Eye-Fi compatibility. But we're researching the technology.

Canon has now released their EOS Remote software that can remote control the EOS 6D via Wi-Fi for accessing various camera functions as well as for Live View video streaming from the camera to mobile devices of which the EOS Remote supports both iOS and Android platforms.

Let's talk about the Pentax Q. What has the reaction to the Q been like in the market as a whole?

It's been interesting because a lot of Pentax's sales are online. And it's difficult in that kind of environment to really show the camera and the size of the camera, and the size of the system. 

If Pentax really knows that their sales are mostly online. They should not raise the now mandatory online selling prices again and again and hurt much of their sales! >:-[

And, we all knew that the Q is small even if it is not yet put in one's hands. But the more obvious is that most people knew that the sensor used in the Q/Q10 is even smaller! :-o

Preview on What's Next Up?

Pentax Forums is going to have an interview with PR's Japanese officials at the Photokina. The following is about their survey conducted amongst their forum members so far for their opinions and questions to be asked:-

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-news-rumors/199507-pentax-ricohs-reply-your-comments-our-interview.html

And some interesting interim response from the PR:-

Official reply to your comments:

1. Regarding Pentax's USA marketing/customer relations, and the distributor in New Zealand: noted
2. India is a tough market, but we (Pentax Ricoh) do plan to start selling products there in the very near future
3. We do plan on developing AF systems with a greater number of AF points
4. Regarding the full-frame: it typically takes at least 18 months to develop a new product, such as the Pentax Q, from scratch. It may take longer for larger formats. In the past, we told you that we were evaluating the market to see whether a FF body was in demand and feasible to make. Let's just say that we are looking at this particular product type more than ever right now...

A side note: Ricoh, unlike Pentax, finds individual customer feedback to be integral to its product development decisions. We will be listening to your suggestions and they will not go ignored!

Well, my side note to Adam/PF's side note above is: If Ricoh is really listening, they would not have only given us rubbish and craps like those in this Photokina. Btw, my last poll on "what to do next" after this Photokina for Pentaxians still continues. You are encouraged to take part in the vote and make your vote if not yet. I hope Ricoh could listen, but unfortunately I'm afraid NOT in Reality and at the end of the day!

That's All What Pentax has Shown us at Photokina! What Will You Do Next?

As a Pentaxian, What Will You Do Next?
	Buy the new Pentax stuff and continue to support the brand.
	Do nothing and wait.
	Keep my Pentax gear but will start to build / invest further into another system.
	Sell off all my Pentax gear and move to another system!
pollcode.com free polls

You can come back and review the Poll Results in 7 to 10 days!

First Pre-Photokina Pentax Leak - Pentax X-5

(Web Host: http://cdn.uploda.cc/)

It is verified to be a real product (but not a hoax) in the following page, although it has not yet shown the price yet:-



See: http://www.photoprice.ca/product/03986/Pentax-X-5-price.html

Does it look like a K-5 from the front btw?

The description on the front page of the above website tells that it is a "New Pentax X-5: 16 Megapixel, 26x Ultra-Zoom Point and Shoot". As the product photo this time shows a black camera, we now know that it will be available in two colours, for both Silver and Black.

Nonetheless, isn't that prosumers are dying these days? Still making a new one in that declining category? Is there really a market of it? :-o

On the other hand, the really good meaning of the X-5 is that Ricoh is yet marketing DCs in Pentax brand, against what was previously considered by their head. Good news anyway!

Btw, as there are still twenty days something to go, don't forget to participate in my previous poll about Pentax predictions for the Photokina. Have fun! :-D

Update: More Photos of the Black Version of the X-5 from yet another Japanese web host:-

Photokina for Less Than 30 Days to Come - Pentax Predictions

http://www.photokina.com/en/photokina/home/index.php

The Pentax/Ricoh booth is Here.

So, let's have some Pentax predictions and let me start a poll. What will Ricoh announce/disclose for new Pentax products at Photokina?

What Shall We See at Photokina for Pentax?
	K-5 Replacement at 24MP, APS-C
	K-01 Replacement
	Q Replacement
	645D Replacement
	A New Pentax 135 FF at 24MP
	Some New DA Lenses
	Some New FF Lenses
	Other New Stuff
	None of the Above!
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(Multiple Choices Allowed.)

K-01 Poll 2/2: How Do You Think about the Practicality of the K-01?

Okay, we've now known everything, what do you think and how is your view?

How Do You Think about the Practicality of the K-01?
	It is Extremely Useful and Feature Rich.
	Should be Useful.
	Nothing Special.
	Not Much Useful.
	Utter Rubbish, Kind of Nonsense.
pollcode.com free polls

Vote Also:-

K-01 Poll 1/2: Do You Like about the Design Appearance of the K-01?

K-01 Poll 1/2: Do You Like about the Design Appearance of the K-01?

How Do You Like/Dislike the Outlook of the K-01?
	A Sight to Behold! Spectacularly Beautiful!!
	Looks Smart!
	Nothing Special.
	Looks Somehow Ugly!
	A Sight to Behold! Incredibly Ugly and Revolting!!
pollcode.com free polls

Pentax is the Biggest Enemy of Herself! (When a Simple but Annoying Design/QC Problem Could Persist for 8 Years!)

See this user report, that is what I have been complaining about since my first *ist D! >:-(

http://forum.xitek.com/thread-960659-1-1-1.html

(in Chinese, Google-translated English page here)

Look at this obvious problem:-



Honestly telling you folks, back to May of the last year I pre-ordered my K-5, but shortly afterwards I went to the shop to get my new camera, I opened five boxes of brand news goods, all of them suffered from the same problem of the above! To the left, right, upward or downward! Damn it! I then tested the AF of those units, which was not that accurate under white fluorescent source with my DA35/2.4. So, I gave up and cancelled the order and got my deposited money back. :-(

Recently, I have looked at the K-5 again. Actually, I have just gone to yet another two different shops to purchase it (again) and checked *seven* different brand new units, but then all of which are also having the central red dot shifted in an unacceptably obvious way, to different positions, i.e., none of them is in the dead centre! So, I've given up again, with much disappointment! >:-|

I shall try to find another shop tomorrow and this is the last chance I would give Pentax and myself for a K-5. I shall first check those infamous Pentax issues like the red dot shift, AF inaccuracy, electronic level mis-alignment etc. If I am lucky enough to find one, just in case, I shall grab it, otherwise Pentax has lost the chance of earning a potential customer's money, once again!

Even if they have successfully earned the money for some others, will the suffered users be satisfied? The above looks awful and ugly afterall and this "small" thing and problem just show how loose and lousy the Pentax QC could be and they gained their bad reputation and bad impressions from the users once again. More importantly, the lack of their basic ability to review the designs of their cameras for the well-known and long-lasting problems is the main evil here!

At the end of the day, I must say that Pentax is actually the biggest enemy of herself. She has done a lot of things to harm their own benefits these years. Or I should say they have NOT taken any necessary action and done the improvement works they should had done, and long time ago! SAD!

As for my own statistics on this particular same problem, below are the gear I have had and whether the red dot was shifted or not:-
1. *ist D (1st copy): Yes
2. *ist D (2nd copy): No
3. *ist D (3rd copy): Slightly
4. *ist DS (1st copy, Silver): No
5. *ist DS (2nd copy, Black): Yes
6. K100D: Yes (Adjusted back to centre under Warranty but the service centre attempted for three times. They told me that the task was very *difficult*! :-o)
7. K-m: N/A (as there is no red dot illumination)
8. K-x: N/A
9. K-r: No
10. Next? Yes? No??

Okay, in order to collect more data, here is a poll to see if how far this problem exists and affects the users for the "current" Pentax DSLRs, namely, K-5 and the K-r (which has been discontinued anyway):-

Does your K-5/K-r have the AF red dot misalignment problem?
	No.
	Yes, leftward.
	Yes, rightward.
	Yes, upward.
	Yes, downward.
pollcode.com free polls

N.B. Multiple Selections are allowed If it is a Yes Case.

Poll: Will You Buy the K-5 Right Now?

The K-5 seems to have been discontinued and there have been various signs of Ricoh is planning to abort the DSLR lineup. E.g., both K-r and K-5 have been discontinued with low profile but no replacement model of any is given. Moreover, there has not even any plan or just a roadmap disclosed. Plus, the new Ricoh chief said in a recent interview that the mirror and all the mechanical parts are just evils which cause many problems and he does tend towards to make mirrorless instead of reflex, even for the FF and 645D, for what is being serious considered! :-o

Now, I understand why the new Pentax Ricoh head said that the PR planned to make every upcoming Pentax camera to be 100% coverage for the view-finding, even for entry level models. I have been really stupid enough for not being able to interpret the clear message that was contained and brought out. Well, if all the cameras will be mirrorless and they can only offer LiveView, will the viewfinding coverage be smaller than the full 100%?! :-o

Now for us old Pentax K-mount reflex users, at just the "low" price of $1000, would you opt to grab maybe the last Pentax DSLR body ("flagship" or not!) right now? And here is the poll. Of course, if you are already a K-5 owner, this poll may not be too meaningful to your true case. But still, you are welcome to opt! Okay, let's go! :-)

Facing the Current Situation, Will You Grab the K-5 Remaining Stock at About $1,000 Now?
	Yes, I shall hurry up!
	No, I shall continue to use my existing Pentax gear and speculate!
	No, I am planning to switch and jump ship without further waiting!!
pollcode.com free polls

Pentax Q Won in a Recent (Japanese) Poll in Popularity for Digital Cameras in 2011

http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/review/special/20111221_500474.html
(in Japanese, Google English Translation Here)

It beats the NEX-7 and the EOS 1DX and has got the Number One! Wonderful? :-D

Well, it seems that we Pentaxians and actually many fans are always keenest and be the most united when it comes to those cyber pollings. But then practically the sale results and figures of the Pentax products are not so good, just read those BCN results to compare if wanted! So? :-o

Fuji X10 is Around the Corner

via http://photorumors.com/2011/08/27/fuji-x10x50-detailed-specs-leaked/

The list of leaked specs are as follows:-

• Bright, high resolution, Fujinon f/2.0-2.8 lens
• Manual 4x optical zoom lens (7.1 - 28.4mm*)
  
• Optical zoom viewfinder
• 12 MP 2/3 inch EXR CMOS sensor
• EXR Processor
• Manual shooting modes
• RAW capabilities
• Up to 10fps
• Retro design with magnesium alloy body
• Full HD 1080p movies with stereo sound
• Manual pop-up flash
• Dedicated hotshoe
• High contrast 2.8″ 460k LCD monitor
• 1cm super macro mode
• Motion Panorama 360 degrees
• Auto Bracketing Functions

* The 135 film equivalent focal and angle-of-view is about 26 to 104mm according to my own calculation based on the sensor size.

The above highlighted features just blow the Pentax Q out of the water, as it has none of these and there is nothing comparable! :-(

Next, look also at the (just leaked) top and back views of the X10:-



via Photo Rumors

And two additions to the specs:-

High Speed Contrast Detection Auto-Focus

High Sensitivity – Up to 12,800 ISO Settings (Up to 3200 ISO in Max Resolution)

Oh well, the Q is in trouble water again, deeper and deeper! :-o

Don't believe it? It is rumoured that the X10 will be sold at about half of the price of the Q basic prime kit. So, what will you choose, if you just need such an advanced P&S? Okay, let's vote!

Advanced DC Selection: What Will You Choose?
	Pentax Q
	Fuji X10
	Canon G12
	Sony NEX-C3
	Panasonic GF3
	Olympus E-PL3
	None of the Above!
pollcode.com free polls

Update (8-31): Below is a size comparison of the X10 against his big brother X100:-


(Source: http://blog.livedoor.jp/e_p1/archives/51733468.html)

Seems not to be small anyway..

Pentax Q Wins in a Recent Poll..

.. for "Who Will Die First"! @ 1001 Noisy Cameras! Look at:-

Which mount will get cancelled first? (poll)

Oh well, most people believes that the Pentax Q-mount will get killed and eliminated first! I don't think so anyway as a majority of new comers who are buying a new ILDC knew nothing about the sensor size! The appearance of the Q could be appealing anyway, as it is just considerably smaller than what are being offered in the market. After all, I think time will tell!

For me, I might buy that Nikon "X810", to replace my old Fuji F810, which I bought in the old days to complement my *ist D. But for years, I seldom use the Fuji actually:-



Do note that the F810 has a 1/1.7" sensor which is equivalent to a 4.4X focal length multiplier and yet still better than that of the Q, which is in 5.5X.