One More Official Interview: No 135 FF in Near Future, Not Before 645D is Replaced! :-o

In a very recent interview with the same Ricoh senior official in my last blog article by a local Hong Kong photo magazine (current issue, owing to the copyright, I do not upload any image copy of the interview page here), Mr. Murano told the following:

1. The K-3 is a very strong APS-C DSLR as a result of extensive and special R&D;

2. APS-C is the mainstream of DSLR cameras;

3. The market share of 135 FF is only from 10 to 20%, versus the 80 to 90% of the APS-C market;

4. For that 10 to 20% small market segment, there are already a number of choices in the market. While they are able to make such a similar 135 FF body, it will not be of anything special. As such, they opted not to make one! :-[

5. The new 645D replacement project is now undergoing. It must happen before any RP 135 FF comes! (But isn't it that he has just said a RP 135 FF is not viable marketing wise?!)

6. They will not get rid of the name "Pentax", as "Ricoh" is a far larger company with far more businesses than Pentax and that they have no interest to make Ricoh becoming a sole camera brand! >:-o

Yet Another Inteview with Ricoh Official Published Today! (by DC Watch)

http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/interview/20131225_628900.html
(in Japanese, Excite English Translation Here.)

The machine-translated English article is quite readable, although the content of the interview itself is not so meaningful and it is most consisted of pure sales talks for what we already knew or things that are trivial, e.g, the SR system is still improving (as it always should!).

Almost Official: 645D Replacement Model is Coming!

In a recent interview by the Japanese Impress photo magazine (Issue No. 1 of 2014) with the Chief Sales and Marketing Manager of the Japanese Ricoh Imaging, it is hinted that the 3.5 years old 645D will possibly be replaced in 2014 in due course:

http://www.impressjapan.jp/pdf/271401/1113110212free.pdf
(in Japanese, Warning: Very Large File in 30MB!)

It is asked by the editor that if something more concrete would be disclosed as early as CP+, the Ricoh official refused to respond and didn't tell anything (but just laughed). Btw, it is guessed by the magazine editorial that the 645D replacement should have a change in sensor format and they even predict that it could use a Full Size 645 sensor! Oh really?! :-o

New Rumour: The Three FA Limiteds Will be Ricohized Very Soon! :-o

http://forum.xitek.com/thread-1248533-1-1-1.html
(in Simplified Chinese, Google English Translation Here.)

A Pentax user who has attended a recent official product briefing session at China, it is said that a Ricoh official told publicly about the "revamping" of the three FA Limited lenses, with details as follows:

- The "update" will happen soon,
- The Japanese style green "pearl" of the lens-changing mark on the existing Pentax 31 and 77 Limited lenses will be removed,
- The new lens will still be screw-driven for the AF, i.e., no SDM nor DC nor whatsoever in-lens AF motor,
- New HD lens coating will replace the old SMC one for better performance,
- A Ricoh red ring will be added (and of course)!

There are some photos posted for the event. Just click the above thread to view more if interested.


Related:

Some "Lost Stories" About the Three FA Limited Lenses

Ricoh Continues to Dump SMC and Ricohizes the Outlook of Existing DA Lenses!

The FA20-35 is Discontinued Finally! :-(

http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/products/lens/index_list_others.html

Pentax has kept this Full Frame FA lens in production for years , why Ricoh discontinues it now? To reserve room for the sales of that mediocre DA20-40 cropped lens? Or the FF K-mount is to be aborted and a new mount of Ricoh is to be made?? >:-(

Update (12-22):

Since a few brand (Pentax or Ricoh??) fanboys who have been hanged around here insisted that the old FA20-35 was discontinued decade ago and have not been in production for long, I feel obliged to provide some evidence to prove they are yet wrong once again! Here it is:

http://web.archive.org/web/20121013094413/http://www.pentax.jp/english/products/lens/

So, just about one year ago, the FA20-35/4 was still alive. In fact, after the official web domain name was changed to Ricoh.co, the lens was still listed there for months. The FA20-35 has only been discontinued quite recently, that is the fact! However, owing to the low hit rate of the new Ricoh web domain, it was not archived by the "WayBack Machine" robot anyway. Possibly, the fanboys will change their poor argument (as always) to "recent months" instead, which is really pathetic afterall! So, please don't make such even more silly noise if they still wish to do so! >:-o

Canon is a Working Horse, Sony Junk, Said Ken Rockwell..

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comparisons/2013-12-leica-sony-canon/index.htm

Worst Cameras of the Year 2013 - Pentax Q7

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

New K-3 Firmware Debug V1.01

http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/support/digital/k3_s.html

Changes to V1.01

- Shorten processing time of combining time for HDR Capture.

- Improved performance of continuous shooting when using phase-matching autofocus.

- Extended enlarged display time for live view.

- Improved stability for general performance.

K-3 Too Aggressive Noise Reduction for a Higher Noise Sensor?

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3588043

This K-3 user has found out that the default or auto NR of the K-3 is too strong and rather destructive. He would rather turn it off or choose a weak setting in order to retain details. But why such a strong-handed NR algorithm? The answer is simple, there must be some noise that Ricoh wanted to hide! Any other reason? 

Super Deluxe A7R Unboxed @ Las Vegas

http://www.mobile01.com/topicdetail.php?f=254&t=3682934&p=1
(in Traditional Chinese)

The pictures are really astonishing! :-o

All the Canon EF lenses were adapted with full AF/AE/IS functions via a Metabones EF to E adaptor. Now Canon users can enjoy a 36MP FF body, finally! ;-p

Btw, once there is a Metabones K to E adaptor which supports full AE and AF functions some day later, than I can safely declare that Pentax is really dead! Who old Pentaxians still need to wait for a Pentax FF body forever then?!

Sony A7 Water Test - Water is My Friend! :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7hvJTGW4BA


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lT0iDwiPNhs

My A7/7R and A3000 First Hands-on Tests (with Full ISO Shootouts for the A7 and 7R)

Tested the three cameras at the Sony showroom today (the A7 and 7R are undoubtedly the most wanted-buy bodies of the year for many those old Pentaxians with film glass!), and found the following:

- A7 shutter action is smoother and faster than that of the A7R, which is terrible, i.e., loud sound, stronger vibration and longer shutter lag;

- The build quality of both cameras whilst is acceptable, but not outstanding;

- I am not convinced with the clumsy user interface and troublesome operation menu of the A7 cameras, which is really a nightmare to use! I comment this as an existing NEX user, of which the operation should be simpler, I believe! >:-(

- The slow speed 28-70 FE kit lens is cheaply built, the IQ of it is not that bad, though. Still, this lens just feels a bit large when it is mounted and thus unbalanced;

- The EVF and LCD displays have some yellow tint to my eyes. The refresh rate of those are not that good;

- AF speed is not fast, but could be acceptable to most people;

- Continuous shooting (speed) of both cameras is just a joke, I don't know what is/are the real problem(s) there. I used a Class 6 Transcend 8GB card to test;

- Exposure accuracy and metering intelligence of the cameras are good enough;

- AWB seems to do a better job than those NEX cameras;

- The IQ is the most important thing of these two bodies, two full ISO speed tests from ISO100 up to 25600 for each of the bodies are posted as follows:

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/RiceHigh/library/NEX/A7A7RA3000Tests/A7

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/RiceHigh/library/NEX/A7A7RA3000Tests/A7R

All camera settings were reset to factory defaults. Lens used for both tests was a FE 35/2.8 ZA "Zeiss" prime. Full size original sample for the same (close) test scene can be downloaded per picture page (by clicking the magnifying glass symbol twice).

Nevertheless, I have not brought any of my Pentax lenses to test further for the adoption of those lovely Pentax glass of mine on the A7 and 7R. I have no doubt about the IQ of these cameras after my above first test anyway. However, I have big reservations on quite many of the issues that I have mentioned above!

As for the A3000, whilst it is cheap enough, I think it is also close to a piece of junk in many ways, including the build and the ridiculously tiny/low resolution EVF of it. It is even stupid enough to switch between the EVF and the back LCD manually, just like what was done four years ago with the first generation added-on EVF for Pana GF1 of mine! :-o The LCD looks bad, also..



As for the IQ of the A3000, it is just so so. Noise starts to appear and could be easily seen from ISO400 and up, just see the following few full samples:

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/RiceHigh/library/NEX/A7A7RA3000Tests/A3000

New Q Body Firmwares Released

http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/support/digital/q_s.html

http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/support/digital/q10_s.html

http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/support/digital/q7_s.html

Well, will there be a new firmware upgrade, whenever a new lens is released and marketed? :-o

PF Comparison on the "New" HD DA Limiteds Against the Original SMC Versions

http://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/hd-pentax-limited-primes/introduction.html

This shootout must be great for the PF guys! They should be able to sell *either* more of the old SMC stocks or the new HD ones! Brilliant! ;-p

Two New Unboxings: Ricoh AF540FGZ II and HD DA15/4 Limited

1. http://blog.xuite.net/falconkimo/blog/167284100
(in Traditional Chinese, but pictures are all self-explanatory.)



Damn now the user manual marks it is a Ricoh flashgun, but not a Pentax! >:-(



2. http://blog.xuite.net/falconkimo/blog/167298828



Frankly, the added phone-out jack under the K-3 logo looks like a Tumour! :-o



And, the used-to-have lovely 14-stroke star-burst (of the original DA15 Ltd.) exists no more with the new "improved" Ricoh HD version of the "same" lens! :-((

Excellent Pentax Film Glass Revived Finally!

The link sources of the above gear images with various photo samples are listed below. In particular, the potential of the three excellent FA Limited lenses are fully released and they are now revived for makng photos as what they were original designed and why they were born! Both A7 and A7R are used for making those photos, of which the long-awaited hungry and eager old Pentaxians have rushed to buy, at all costs and at the first time!! >:-o

FA31 Ltd on A7:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyalex/sets/72157637701189436/with/11013313154/

The three FA Limited on A7:
http://forum.xitek.com/thread-564571-1-1-1.html

http://www.dchome.net/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=1233635

FA20 and FA31 Ltd on A7R:
http://www.dchome.net/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=1233936

FA18-35 on A7:
http://www.pentaxfans.net/thread-141628-1-1.html

Indeed, the most valuable thing for the A7/R for adapting those old K-mount film glass is that it is just so easy and direct. There is no modification of any to the lens is required! And with Sony's original MF focus peaking function, MF operation is actually quick, easy and accurate!

Update (11-30): Wow, even the old cheapo SMC-M 50mm F1.7 glass can produce images with IQ like that! See:

http://www.dchome.net/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=1235516

This is really the FF Magic! AoV is absolutely correct and no resolution is lost (owing to cropping)! All old lenses are performing as what they were designed, even for a lens that was produced half a century ago!!


Related - My K-mount Lens FF Adapts:

This is What the Limited Lenses Should be Put Onto!

DIY: Adapting the Pentax FA*85/1.4 onto the Cantax K-5D Mark III

Sample Photos of Full Frame Fisheye and 43 Limited on 5D

Some Sample Photos with FAJ 18-35 on 5D (Full Frame)

Compatibility List of Some Pentax Full Frame Lenses on Canon 5D Body

DxOMark of K-3 is Out

http://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare/Side-by-side/Pentax-K-3-versus-Pentax-K-5-IIs-versus-Pentax-K5___914_830_676

Despite the high pixel count multiplying factor, the K-3 still loses the game against the old K-5, and the other K-5II variants as well.

Update (11-30): Shouldn't we compare the K-3 to the recent hottest FF like A7R and D610, and see what happens?! :-o

http://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare/Side-by-side/Sony-A7R-versus-Pentax-K-3-versus-Nikon-D610___917_914_915

Japanese Photoble Ricoh K-3 User Samples

The big pool of samples is here, but I am really not impressed with the IQ of those real-life user samples. In particular, the colour rendition is completely terrible, I have to say, after inspected 10 pages and more! >:-(

http://pentax.photoble.net/?page=1&camera=PENTAX+K-3

7th Anniversary of My Blog

Seven years ago, I created my this Blog. Today is the birthday of my Blog. Time flies and just recently, it was recorded that there had been more than 5 million unique visiting sessions to my this "useless" and "brand bashing" Blog, already! ;-p

Thank you for your reading and continuous support (if it is the case). This year, I have a heavy heart to "celebrate" the birthday of my Blog actually as I have a strong feel that the brand name Pentax would exist no longer and that even the K-mount would be aborted shortly all together. We, as an old Pentaxians, have nothing to do to change anything that we really don't want them to happen, but unfortunately one by one! So, what can we do?! >:-(

P.S. This is the 1,998th post at my Blog, which is close to another milestone of mine that will come very soon, i.e., the 2,000th post, after the 1,000th post back to 2011 two years and something ago~ :-D

Check Shutter Count & Manufacturing Date of Your Pentax Body Online

You may find this online tool by the PF useful:

http://www.pentaxforums.com/pages/check-shutter-count-exif.html

I haven't tried myself but I believe that it should work~ Alternatively, you can check the SC offline with some other EXIF tools. For instance, PhotoME is the most popular choice, which can be downloaded here. Just open an original JPEG image produced by any Pentax (now Ricoh) camera and search for the EXIF tag with the string of "shutter count" or something like that. That's it! :-)

Two New Mini Reviews for the HD DA 20-40mm

http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=5454&news=pentax+ricoh+20-40mm+f2.8-4+variable+aperture+zoom+K-5+IIs

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2427404,00.asp

My Conclusions: Ugly Lens Outlook, Mediocre Image Quality, Ridiculous High Price, Poor Investment for Future (of APS-C Image Circle Only)!

Pentax -> Pentax Ricoh -> Ricoh Pentax -> What's Next?

A Taiwan Pentaxian unboxed his new Ricoh K-3 has taken a shot together with his old K-5 and K-5IIs for the boxes and bodies, as follows:

http://www.pentaxfans.net/thread-141437-1-1.html
(in Traditional Chinese)



So, as clearly seen in the above, the path of brand naming goes down like that: Pentax -> Pentax Ricoh -> Ricoh Pentax -> What's NEXT?? :-o

I bet most primary pupils will guess the answer should be RICOH Only, which is much sensible enough. Yes, that's my bet too! The trend is really too obvious but again, it is SO SAD! Not even to mention it is rather disgusting afterall! >:-[


Last Related:

That's Really Disgusting! New RICOH>>Pentax Branded Stuff! >:-(

DPR K-3 Studio Test Shot Comparison has been Out

For instance, this is K-3 Vs D7100 Vs K-500 Vs A7 at ISO 1600 in RAW for the centre of the test shot image:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/image-comparison?attr18=daylight&attr13_0=pentax_k3&attr13_1=nikon_d7100&attr13_2=pentax_k500&attr13_3=sony_a7&attr15_0=raw&attr15_1=raw&attr15_2=raw&attr15_3=raw&attr16_0=1600&attr16_1=1600&attr16_2=1600&attr16_3=1600&normalization=full&widget=1&x=0&y=0

So, measurebate endlessly yourself to go figure all the differences for all other combinations of different camera models and at different ISO and etc. I blog, you decide!

New Ricoh in-lens SR Lens Patents

http://egami.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2013-11-16 (in Jaoanese)

Well, there is a 135 Full Frame lens, for that 60mm Macro! The sad thing is that there is no Pentax anymore, the name "Pentax" seems to have disappeared from now on and forever! :-/

Recent Pentax Tests with Full Samples (HD Limiteds and K-3)

After years of inactivity, Photodo has lately done more lens tests and here are some recent tests with the "new" HD Limited lenses of 70/2.4, 35/2.8 and 15/4:

http://www.photodo.com/topic_1126.html?page_num=0

http://www.photodo.com/topic_1127.html?page_num=0

http://www.photodo.com/topic_1128.html?page_num=0

Some high resolution full samples are also posted per test, the body used was a K-5IIs.

Btw, the new colour scheme and look of the lenses are really ugly! All the marks and scales are now in white "colour" only and the markings and fonts look cheap indeed, reflecting completely bad taste of the Ricoh guys!

Besides, DPR have published their first sample gallery for photos taken with the K-3 and mostly with a much better looking DA18-135 of the ex-Pentax. Just go figure yourself if you like the samples or not. Of course, for the sake of measurbation, full samples are always available at DPR. :-)

http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/reviewsamples/albums/pentax-k-3-samples-gallery

If you are impressed, just go buy the green ring Pentax lenses as far as they are still available of which a red ring variant with all white printings will replace them sooner or later, nonetheless! >:-(

Off Brand Rumour: New Canon Body Yet to Come!

In November:

5 Million Visits to My Blog Today! :-D

As counted by the StatCounter, this milestone has been reached today for the total number of unique visits to my this Blog with their algorithms. Well, Google has counted even more hits which the 5M number was achieved quite some time ago, owing to the fact that Google has less ability to filter out repeated visits by the same visitor within a certain short period of time.

Thank you for your continuous reading and support (for those who really support me from time to time)! :-) Happy or unhappy reading forever! ;-D

"New" RP K-mount Lens Roadmap for 2014

Now, those previous 2013 or Later new APS-C DA lenses and the ever vapour/paper-ware 1.4X DA SDM TC would come 2014 or Later!

Btw, I have zero interest in those new lenses, very frankly, even though they would come eventually, maybe in 2015 or later, provided that the Ricoh APS-C K-mount sytsem is not yet death and be aborted by the market!

Luxury Lens Prices!

http://www.pentaxwebstore.com/category/lenses

Good Luck, Ricoh.Imagine.Pentax!! >:-o

A7R IQ Shootout with Other FF Bodies and 645D

http://www.imaging-resource.com/camera-reviews/sony/a7r/#IQC

Well, I blog, you decide. You could read the comments and remarks by IR but I think the posted picture samples and crops are self-explanatory by themselves.

The Spotmatic Digital Concept is Adopted by Nikon! >:-(

First read again this concept as previously proposed by a Pentaxian:

http://ricehigh.blogspot.com/2013/07/pentax-spotmatic-digital-concept.html

In fact, Sony has made it close with the A7/R and Nikon now has achieved that exactly with their new Df but unfortunately it is not a Pentax! >:-(



Like all the Pentax APS-C flagship, the FF Nikon Df is also weatherproof:



And, how much is that new Nikon retro-look 50/1.8G lens sold? It is about $250 for comparing the list prices at B&H (here and here). This lens does have a distance scale. For the same listed price, we can also get our DA50/1.8, which is just a pure "plastic wonder", however! :-o

That's Called Persistency!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHOagAADH_M

Wow, what a high performance camera!

That's Really Disgusting! New RICOH>>Pentax Branded Stuff! >:-(

(Source: DC Home)


(Source: PF)

Well, I didn't mind support either Pentax or Ricoh branded product, which I bought both actually for years, see below:


(Source: My Blog)

However, raping Pentax the brand and mixing both into a bastard with a BIG RICOH leading head and a small Pentax tail is really rather disgusting. The RICOH heads at Japan have really no clue for what they have been doing marketing wise but just knew to declare their Sovereignty once and once again with an intention to diminish Pentax the name step by step which in turn actually has caused much damages to both brands! >:-[

Btw, I will not buy any of those RICOH Pentax bastard products anymore, unless some days later they correct this very wrong act of theirs and respect Pentax the valuable brand again, at least! (But which is unlike to happen!)


Related:

A Ricoh K-3 Could Look Better! :-o

New Product Images of the "Ricoh" K-3 and A "New" Red Ring DA HD 55-300 WR Lens

Ricoh has Changed the Serial Numbering of the New FA Limited Lenses

Do They Know What They Are Talking About?! >:-[

K-3 + HD DA15 and 35 Full Samples

http://www.yaotomi.co.jp/blog/walk/2013/11/pentax-k-3-review-vol1.html
(in Japanese)

I am not impressed with neither the colour rendition nor the image resolution btw.

Official: Details of New Q System 08 Wide Zoom Lens

Via: http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/q7/lenses/index.html

In short,  the following are the specs:

- 3.8-5.9mm, 35mm equivalent on Q7 is 17.5-27mm
- Maximum apertures from F3.7 to F4
- 3 glass-molded aspherical elements
- 38mm in length and 75g in weight

New HD Limited Zoom DA 20-40/2.8-4 Comes Very Soon

Via Photo Rumors and Digicame Info (in Japanese)

I have zero interest in this lens by the way, I would rather choose the old FA20-35 F4 Full Frame lens which is still in production, which has a more preferable constant aperture option and is yet future proof, if and only if there will be a Pentax FF body to come! :-o

At the end of the day, for what I have to say, the red rings of those new HD Limiteds make me vomit, which make the "new" lenses felt and look like bastards! :-x

IR's K-3 Lab Test Samples Has been Out

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/pentax-k3/pentax-k3A7.HTM

Ricoh to Pay Kodak $76M to Settle Patent Fight

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/money/business/2013/10/24/ricoh-to-pay-kodak-76m-to-settle-patent-fight/3180749/

"Japanese electronics giant Ricoh Co. Ltd. has agreed to pay Eastman Kodak Co. nearly $76 million to settle a legal dispute over patent licenses and royalties.

Rochester-based Kodak sued Ricoh in April 2012, claiming that Ricoh was stiffing it on royalty payments due from its use of Kodak patents.

Among its claims were that once Ricoh bought camera maker Pentax Imaging Systems in 2011, it owed back royalties since Pentax had never signed any digital imaging licensing agreement with Kodak.

In the suit, Kodak sought unspecified dollar damages.Ricoh, for its part, argued that that it had paid Kodak everything owed by the patent license agreement for its own products, and that there's no proof Pentax ever infringed on Kodak's patents.

The case went to trial this week in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, with a jury ruling for Kodak, said company spokesman Christopher Veronda.But in a stipulation signed by the companies this week before the start of the trial, Ricoh and Kodak both agreed that regardless of the trial's outcome, Ricoh would pay Kodak $75.8 million — roughly $69 million to settle various claims, as well as $6.9 million in interest.

Kodak sold its portfolio of roughly 1,100 digital imaging patents in 2012 as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy.However, the Ricoh settlement money will go to to it and not the new owners of the patents since Kodak owned them during the nine years between Ricoh first signing a licensing agreement and its Pentax takeover, Veronda said."

New Pentax Rumours: FF and 645DII Coming

The Pentax "rumourizer" OGL has made a post about an alleged interview with Pentax Ricoh Russia as cited from another Russia forum post:

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-news-rumors/240639-pentax-ricoh-russia-answers-ff-ricoh-future.html

So, the following are rumoured:

1. FF will be next year. Not later than Photokina 2014. Maybe, on spring or summer, 2014.
2. New DFA lenses will be offered. New 2.8 zooms will be made.
3. New Limited Zoom will be real.
4. New WR lenses will be launched.
5. K-01 is failed because of design. Mirrorless cameras - Ricoh will offer something new.
6. New 645D will be later. It will be different from 645D. It was plans to launch 645DII this year, but the situation is changed.
7. SMC DA LIMITED are discontinued.

If the first rumour is true, then there is just no reason to buy a K-3 now, which is really a true stop-gap product. So, I believe in that rumour and will keep using my K-5 and wait just for a few months longer! ;-p

A7R AF and Continuous Shooting Demo Videos

1. AF Demo:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZORc67c--M

2. Continuous Shooting and Shutter Sound/Response:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcJg6Dh-5rE

K-3 User Manual is Online

http://www.ricoh-imaging.eu/media/b8320cbe10de8415d32b5e0d641b6d19/K3-OPM-EN.pdf

For those who concern.. (me exclusive~)

Nikon Retro-Style Full Frame DSLR is Coming

See what Nikon Rumors have disclosed:

http://nikonrumors.com/2013/10/20/breaking-new-nikon-full-frame-hybrid-mirrorless-camera-coming-soon.aspx/

With brief rumoured specs as follows:

- Nikon FM2 like design

- Pentaxprism viewfinder

- 16.2MP 36x23,9 full frame sensor (same sensor as the D4's)

- SD memory card

- 2016-pixel RGB image sensor

- 9-cell framing grid display

- 3D color matrix metering II

- Native ISO range: 100-12,800 (incl. ISO 50 and ISO 108,200)

- 5.5 fps for up to 100 shots

- 3.2" LCD screen

- Battery:EN-EL14

- Dimensions: 143.5 x 110 x 66.5mm

- Weight: 765g

- It will come with a new AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G lens

Well, while this must be a really good camera I have to say, I am rather disappointed this idea was not first adopted by Pentax instead, which I made such a proposition back to 2008, for a retro-type DSLR of K1000D.

Size Comparison: Pana GM1 Vs Pentax Q7

http://camerasize.com/compare/#491,464

Let's Not Forget the Prominent History of Asahi Pentax (Re: Pentax 67 and 645)

While Ricoh continues to ricohize the Pentax camera and lenses (recent examples here, here and here) and dwarf the name of "Pentax" (instead of strengthening it further!), I am glad to see someone still remember Pentax the brand and is yet making a product with the old genuine brand name of Asahi "Pentax" and here it is!

http://www.dodgeandburn.com/collections/shop/products/six-by-seven

I have got one and found that the textile quality is good and it looks cool. Below are two snapshots with my 645N SLR camera (taken with my *Pentax* K-5 + DA35):



Btw, the original Pentax 6x7, together with the original Pentax 645, are recognised as one of the milestone cameras of Pentax by AOHC whilst my 645N is recognised as a masterpiece. So, why not a 645 T-shirt also? Besides, I would want more colours of the T-shirt instead of only that light cyan colour for the background to "select" from, nonetheless.


Related:

True Fanboyism!

20 Millions of Pentax Cameras in 2013

The 645D Kit (Lens) Got Delivered to an End-User, Finally!

The Pentax L43 Special (L39-mount) Put onto the A7

Via: http://www.mirrorlessrumors.com/the-rumor-counterattack-from-fuji-full-frame-x200-coming-in-2014/

Wow!


Related: 

This is What the Limited Lenses Should be Put Onto!

A7R Vs A7 Complete ISO Crop Comparisons

http://dcdv.zol.com.cn/404/4049905.html
(in Chinese)

Test pictures were made with the same FE35/2.8 Zeiss lens and then pictures from both cameras were resized to 4,000 pixels in width and then cropped.

It seems the A7R really shines here, for both image details and noise, i.e., both are better than the A7!

In addition, it is highlighted that the A7R has some special new features including special designed micro lens per pixel to tackle diffraction and 4k video output for still image display. Well, on paper, it is shown to be quite attractive, also.

Another HD Limited Lens Review with Samples (K-5IIs and HD DA21)

http://news.mapcamera.com/KASYAPA.php?itemid=22519
(in Japanese)

Samples are downsized but yet not too small. Sharpness is good as seen but I am not fond of that cool and purplish colour rendition and tone. It maybe just a K-5IIs issue that is well known and thus nothing can be concluded about the new HD coating and glass regarding this! ;-D


Related:

My Best Optimal Custom Image (Colour) Setting Combination for the Later Pentax Digital Bodies

First Full Samples of the A7 and A7R Betas (with ISO Test Samples)

I follow what Adam of PF is doing and would like to post more A7/R first tests and news! ;-p

The following article is really worth a look, it is unique as there are various full samples posted including a complete ISO series:

http://www.eprice.com.hk/dc/talk/1433/3951/1/
(for A7, in Chinese)

Well, while noise is really low at high ISO speeds, I am afraid that the noise reduction applied is too strong, causing too much detail loss as a result. As for the A7R, ISO test crops are posted in the following:

http://www.dcfever.com/sony/readnews.php?f=1&id=9212
(for A7R, in Chinese)

It can be seen that the loss of details is even worse! It seems that the strong NR kicks in from ISO 1600 and upward. So, 36MP might still be too many the pixels for a 135 Full Frame sensor!  

Besides, I am not quite impressed with the skin tone and the colour rendition in general. It's surely a Sony that can be easily seen, of which the style and taste are well known to me, whom is also a Sony user! :-)

FF Mirrorless to Adopt All K-mount FF Lenses to Come in Less Than 3 Hours!

And the official countdown:



Via: SAR.


Related:

World's First 135 Full Frame Mirrorless is Coming!

The A Mount Seems to be Aborted, Will K Mount (Ricoh) Follow?

K-3 is NOT Using the Same Sensor as Nikon D7100/D5200's

K-3's:

Source: What Digital Camera

D7100's:

Source: Imaging Resource

D5100's:

Source: Nikon Rumors

The K-3's looks different from the D7100 and D5200's. They do NOT look the same, do they?

K-3 Unofficial Samples (Down-sized, from Japanese Bloggers, with Beta Units)

1. http://flickriver.com/photos/n00bs/sets/72157636383971445/

This guy (poster) is familiar. I think he is just a Pentax insider, or very close to even if not.

2. http://www.flickr.com/photos/mawari/sets/72157636369323634/

An ISO 3200 is included in the second link, click here to see.

Ricoh Goes Further APS-C - Three New Lens Patents! >:-o

http://egami.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2013-10-10
(in Japanese)

So, possibly we would have another three new APS-C lenses and designs, namely, a 18-70mm F4-6, a 16-70mm F4 and a 25-350mm F3.5-6. Good luck, Ricoh Pentax! Hope you will not Rest in Peace too soon! :-x

A Quick SMC Vs HD Flare Control Comparison Test

http://ganref.jp/m/f-47gallery/reviews_and_diaries/review/5552
(in Japanese)

Well, the Sigma zoom performs the worst, which is indeed well expected. It shows that the HD lens of the "same" DA35 Macro lens yet performs better than the old SMC version, despite the stupid name of it.


Speaking of the "new" HD limited primes, DC Watch has posted some new full samples that were made with the new version, in particular, the HD DA21 lens was tested:

http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/review/lens_review/20131010_618866.html
(in Japanese - just click and download the full samples, everything is self-explanatory.)

Worth Re-posting: How Meaningful is a 24MP APS-C Sensor?

http://ricehigh.blogspot.com/2011/08/when-sensor-outresolves-lens-how.html

Official K-3 Promotional Videos at YouTube

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.
pollcode.com free polls

K-3 Official Full Samples and an Early Hands-on Video (Unofficial)

http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/k-3/ex/
(in Japanese)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiHYIumICH0
(in Spainish)

K-3 Full Specs

Product
K-3

Type
Digital SLR

Sensor
Type: CMOS w primary color filter and integrated Shake/Dust Reduction sensor movement system
Size: 23.5 x 15.6mm
Color depth: 8 bits/channel JPG, 14 bits/channel RAW
Effective pixels: 23.35 MP
Total pixels: 24.71 MP

Recorded resolutions
Still: Jpeg –
L (24M：6016x4000),
M (14M: 4608x3072),
S (6M: 3072x2048),
XS (2M: 1920x1280)
RAW – L (24M：6016x4000)

Movie (resolution/FPS):
Full HD (1920x1080, 60i/50i/30p/25p/24p)
HD (1280x720, 60p/50p/30p/25p/24p)
Quality levels: ★★★ Best, ★★ Better, ★ Good, RAW (14-bit)

Dust Removal: DR II (ultrasonic vibration to low pass filter) with Dust Alert function

Lens
Type/construction: PENTAX KAF2 bayonet stainless steel mount
Usable lenses: PENTAX KAF3, KAF2, KAF, and KA (K mount, 35mm screwmount, 645/67 med format lenses useable w adapter and/or restrictions)
SDM function: Yes
Power zoom function: Yes (power zoom only)

Focus System
Type: SAFOX 11 TTL phase-matching - 27 point (25 cross type focus points in the center)
Focus modes: AF Single (w focus lock, focus/shutter priority selectable), AF Continuous (w focus/FPS priority selectable), Manual
Focus point adjustment: Spot, Select, Expanded Area (S, M, L), Zone select, Auto (27 AF points)

Viewfinder
Type: Pentaprism
Coverage (field of view): 100%
Magnification: 0.95X (w 50mm F1.4 at infinity)
Standard focusing screen: Natural-Bright-Matte III (interchangeable)
Diopter adjustment: -2.5m to 1.5m
Depth of field preview: Optical (diaphragm stop-down), Digital

LCD Monitor
Type: 3.2” TFT color LCD with brightness/saturation/color adjustment AR coating and air-gapless glass.
Resolution: 1037K dots
Wide angle viewable: Yes

Flash
Type: Retractable P-TTL popup flash
Guide number: 13m (ISO 100)
Coverage: 28mm wide angle (equiv 35mm)
Flash modes: Auto, On, Redeye, Slow Sync, Slow Sync + Redeye, Trailing Curtain Sync, High-speed sync, Wireless, Manual
Flash exposure compensation: -2 to 1 EV (1/2 steps)

External Flash
Type: Hotshoe (P-TTL), high speed sync and wireless w PENTAX dedicated flash, X-Sync Socket
Synchronization speed: 1/180 sec

Storage Media
Internal memory: n/a
Removable memory: SD, SDHC, SDXC, EyeFi, FLU

Interfaces
Ports: USB 3.0 hi-speed, AV out, HDMI out, DC in, cable switch, 3.5mm stereo microphone, X-sync socket
Video out: HD (via HDMI), NTSC, PAL
Printer interfaces: n/a

Power Supply
Power source: Rechargeable Li-Ion battery D-LI90, D-BG5 Battery Grip (optional) with trays for 2nd D-Li90 battery or 6x AA batteries

Recordable images: Approx 720 (approx 560 w 50% flash, CIPA)
Playback time: Approx 370 min
Movie recording time: Approx 25 min (automatic overheat shutdown protection)
AC adapter available: Yes - (optional) K-AC132

Physical Specs
Body dimensions (W x H x D): 5.17in x 3.94in x 3.05in
Body weight
Without battery or removable memory: 25.2 oz
Loaded and ready: 28.2 oz

Construction material(s): Magnesium alloy shell over metal chassis
Weather resistant: Yes (92 special sealing parts)
Operating temperature: 14-104°F (-10 to 40°C)

Language Support
English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Finnish,
Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek, Russian, Korean, Chinese
(Simplified/Traditional), Japanese

Image Stabilization
Type: Sensor-Shift Shake Reduction with rotational compensation (3.5EV TBD)
Electronic level function: Yes, verification via viewfinder and LCD panel

Metering System
Type: TTL open aperture metering using 86K pixel RGB sensor
Sensitivity range: EV -3 to 20 (ISO 100, 50mm F1.4)
Multi-Segment: Yes
Center weighted: Yes
Spot: Yes
Exposure compensation: +/- 5 EV (1/3 and 1/2 steps)
Exposure lock: Yes
Exposure bracketing: Yes (2, 3, or 5 frames, up to +/- 2 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps)

ISO Sensitivity
Auto: ISO 100-51200 (1, 1/2, 1/3 steps), Auto ISO range selectable,
Bulb mode: Auto ISO n/a
Manual: 100-51200 (1, 1/2, 1/3 steps),

White Balance
AUTO WB, Multi Auto WB,
Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent Light (D: Daylight Color, N:Daylight White, W:Cool White, L:Warm White), Tungsten Light, Flash, CTE,
Manual mode(s): Yes, Manual WB (up to 3 settings), Color Temperature Configuration (up to 3 settings), Copying the white balance setting of a captured image* WB fine adjustment available in all modes

Shutter
Type: Electronically controlled, vertical-run, focal plane shutter
Shutter speed: 1/8000 to 30 sec (1/3 or 1/2 EV steps), Bulb

Capture Modes
Mode selection: Green, Hyper Program (P), Sensitivity Priority (Sv), Shutter Priority (Tv), Aperture Priority (Av), Shutter & Aperture Priority (TAv), Metered Manual, Bulb, X-Speed, USER (3 presets).
Custom Image Modes: Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Radiant, Muted, Bleach Bypass, Reversal Film, Monochrome, Cross Processing,

HDR: Auto, HDR1, HDR2, HDR3, Exposure Bracket Value adjustable, Automatic composition correction function
- All include gamut radar and fine adjustment of saturation, hue, high/low key, contrast, and sharpness (regular and fine adjustment scales). Monochrome mode includes adjustments for filter effects (green, yellow, orange, red, magenta, blue, cyan, infrared), toning (sepia, warm/cool), high/low key, contrast, and sharpness (regular, fine, and extra sharp adjustment scales).

Green simplified mode available: Yes
P/A/S/M/B: P, A, S, M, B (extended modes Sv, TAv)
Date stamp: n/a

Digital filters (capture): Extract Color, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Unicolor Bold, Bold Monochrome
Data record: Folder name (standard, date), file name (standard, customizable), embed copyright.

Drive Modes
Mode selection: Single, Continuous (H,M,L), Self-Timer (12s, 2s), Remote (0s, 3s, continuous), Exp. Bracketing (standard, timer, remote), Mirror up (standard, remote), HDR Capture (3 shots at 1EV, 2EV, or 3EV, 3 blend settings plus Auto, pixel alignment)
Multi-exposure: Composite Mode (Additive/Average/Bright) Number of Shots (2 to 2000 images), Interval 2000 shots, 2 sec to 24 hrs, time delay available)
Continuous FPS (JPG ★★★)
- Continuous H: Approx 8.3 FPS (60 JPG, 23 RAW)
- Continuous M: Approx 4.5 FPS (100 JPG, 32 RAW)
- Continuous L: Approx 3.0 FPS (200 JPG, 52 RAW)
Self-timer: Yes (12s, 2s)
Remote control: Yes, infrared (0s, 3s, continuous), cable switch

Playback Modes
Mode selection: Single frame, multi-image display (6,12, 20, 35, 80 segmentation), display magnification (up to 16, 100% display and quick magnification available), rotating, histogram (Y histogram, RGB histogram), bright area warning, Auto Image Rotation, detailed info, Copyright Information (Photographer, Copyright holder), Folder Display, Calendar Filmstrip Display, Slide Show Mode pallet: Image Rotation, Digital Filter, Resize, Cropping, Slideshow, Save as Manual WB, RAW Development, Index Print, Protect, Movie Edit, Extract JPG from Movie, Magnification: up to 16X, scrollable, quick magnification.
Digital filters (playback): Base Parameter Adj, Extract Color, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Unicolor Bold, Bold Monochrome, Tone Expansion, Sketch, Water Color, Pastel, Posterization, Miniature, Soft, Starburst, Fish-eye, Slim

File Formats
Still: RAW (PEF, DNG), JPG (EXIF 2.30), DCF 2.0 compliant
Movie: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264（MOV) - JPEG(AVI) for internal movie record

Custom Functions
Functions available: 27

Computer Requirements
*For device connectivity. Bundled software requirements may vary.
Windows: Windows 8 (32 bit/64 bit) / Windows 7 (32 bit/64 bit) / Windows Vista (32 bit/64 bit), Windows XP SP3 (32 bit)
Mac: Mac OS X 10.8 / 10.7 / 10.6

Battery Life
Power source: Rechargeable Li-Ion battery D-LI90, D-BG5 Battery Grip (optional) with trays for 2nd D-Li90 battery or 6x AA batteries

Recordable images: Approx 720 (approx 560 w 50% flash, CIPA)
Playback time: Approx 370 min
Movie recording time: Approx 25 min (automatic overheat shutdown protection)
AC adapter available: Yes - (optional) K-AC132

Dimensions
5.17in x 3.94in x 3.05in

New Official K-3 Component Pictures

Guess what is what by yourself! ;-)