Ricoh: “We will not abandon SLRs”
Photolary had a very interesting discussion with Ricoh/Pentax executives, during which they discussed the future of their camera business:
Here is a recap of the video:
- Strong commitment to SLRs: Ricoh/Pentax executives explicitly state they will not abandon DSLRs (SLRs). They will continue developing them as long as there are customers who want improvements, new technology, and better SLR cameras. “We will never give up if there are customers.”
- Pentax as the last active SLR maker: The company positions itself as the only manufacturer still actively producing and developing SLRs, viewing this as a strategic “gamble” that differentiates them in the market.
- Focus on niche and existing customers: Ricoh emphasizes that they are not trying to compete with giants like Canon, Nikon, or Sony. Instead, they specialize in a smaller niche and prioritize loyalty to current Pentax users, offering them meaningful upgrades rather than chasing mass-market volume.
- New SLR project in development: There is an active internal project for a new Pentax DSLR. Format (APS-C or full-frame) is not specified in detail, but the discussion strongly hints at a next-generation full-frame SLR, often referred to in context as a successor to the K-1 (sometimes called “K-1 III” or slipped as “K-1 Martes” in translation).
- Modern features expected: The new camera is expected to be a modern DSLR that addresses current user needs, including improved autofocus (AF), while staying true to the SLR optical viewfinder experience. No plans for mirrorless cameras, ultra-high-speed burst (e.g., 20fps), or hyper-fast AF systems.
- Possible future film projects: Executives leave the door open for additional film cameras, including potential compact film models or even a film SLR, building on the success of recent film efforts like the Pentax 17.
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