Ricoh officially announced that it is developing a new series of Pentax DSLR K-mount cameras based on an entirely new concept. Here is a recap of the announcement:

• Discontinuation of Current K Series: Ricoh Imaging is officially ending the production of all current K-series digital SLR cameras as the brand transitions to a “new stage.”
• A New SLR Concept: The company is currently developing a new series of digital SLR cameras based on an entirely new concept.
• Continued K-Mount Support: The upcoming cameras will continue to leverage the K-mount legacy that Pentax has built over the last half-century.
• Focus on the Experience: The new products aim to reexamine the value of photography, focusing on the enjoyment and process of taking photos rather than just treating the camera as an image-capturing tool.
• Development Timeline: The company notes that these new products will “take time” to come to fruition, but promises to provide progress updates as information becomes available.
• Appreciation of History: The statement expressed deep gratitude to K-series users and briefly highlighted milestones in Pentax’s digital SLR history, from the *ist D in 2003 to the full-frame K-1 in 2016.

The full press release is next:

PENTAX Digital SLR Cameras Aim for a New Stage

Our company sincerely appreciates your support and continued use of our K-mount digital SLR cameras. PENTAX interchangeable-lens digital SLR cameras began with the PENTAX *ist D, released in 2003, and have continued to evolve with the times through models such as the PENTAX K100D, released in 2006 with PENTAX-original sensor-shift-type shake reduction mechanism, and the PENTAX K-1, released in 2016 as our first model equipped with a full-frame sensor.

Now, as we reexamine the value of taking photographs, we are developing products that allow more people to enjoy the process of photography itself.

While it will take time for these products to come into being, we will leverage the K-mount legacy we have accumulated over more than half a century to develop a new series of digital SLR cameras based on an entirely new concept. We will provide updates on the progress of new product development at appropriate times as information becomes available.

As part of our transition to a new stage, we will discontinue production of the current K series digital SLR cameras. We would like to express our deep gratitude to everyone who has supported the K series for so long.

RICOH IMAGING will continue to pursue the shooting style unique to SLR cameras, and will endeavor to provide products that allow everyone with an interest in photography, and everyone who wants to try using a camera, to experience the distinctive enjoyment of SLR photography and discover the wonder of photography itself.

Cameras are more than just tools for capturing images; they will be a presence that enriches the very experience of taking photographs. We look forward to bringing you the next stage of PENTAX digital SLR cameras.