Hello Everybody...

I spent four and one half hours with the heads of Pentax today. Now before I share the news I can share with you at this time, there are a couple of issues I wish to address. Anyone wishing to purchase a K100 or K10D, do so. These models will be with us till at least next year. I would not make this announcement if I felt that it would affect negatively the sales of Pentax in any way, therefore this proviso. The two above cameras will be part of the line.

Here is what will be added and this does not include the 645D.

There will be two (2) you heard it, at least two new DSLR's coming out in the Fall, that will not conflict with the K100 or the K10D!

There will be a slew of new lenses.

Pentax is NOT going out of business. They have just opened factories in China and Vietnam and are investing heavily in R&D.

There is a new marketing approach that is being implemented that will orient the retailers towards Pentax, which will be very innovative to say the least. This approach will commence in the European territories.

Pentax France is the most robust of all of the other European companies and are doing extremely well.

I will also add that Pentax are working overtime to alleviate some of the growing pains that some of you have encountered and will find solutions asap.

And finally, Pentax needs all of our support and as a family Pentax will continue to respond on a more personal level than any other company I have ever had an affiliation with.

The PMA in Paris is going to be an incredible event. We will be doing something that no other company has ever done and I must say that I spearheaded this project with the delight of all those at Pentax France. I will share more at the appropriate time.

Let's just say that it will be interactive and not virtual.

None the less, it felt great to be at Pentax today. The people I met were affable human and had a great sense of humor.

It was a Great Day!

Ben

Ben

This is all good news and I am delighted for Pentax. It doesn't bother me at all whether or not the K10D will eventually be superceded - it is (imo) a magnificent beast and will do me well for a few years yet!

I have heard rumours that Pentax, without ignoring the entry level market, sees it's niche as being more toward the higher end - would that be true, do you think?

Mike

Ben

This is all good news and I am delighted for Pentax. It doesn't bother me at all whether or not the K10D will eventually be superceded - it is (imo) a magnificent beast and will do me well for a few years yet!

I have heard rumours that Pentax, without ignoring the entry level market, sees it's niche as being more toward the higher end - would that be true, do you think?

Mike

Hello Mike;

All I can say for now is what I stated in my original post. There will be at least two new DSLR's in the fall and these do NOT include the 645D. That is a separate entity.

Best Wishes
Ben

Thanx Ben, I am very glad to hear about all the good news. I am very happy with my Pentax and am ecstatic to hear of their commitment to growth. Keep up the great work on keeping us well informed. I hope someday to see Pentax back near the top of the camera giants where they so deservedly belong.

"The Salon de la Photo" will be from the 3-7 of October 2007 between 10:00 and 19:00. So if anyone will be in Paris then come on by to visit.

Here is the link from the PENTAX France site:

http://www.pentax.fr/_fr/photo/news/index.php?photo&news&gruppe=news&news_id=233

Thanks, Ben! The Pentax people in the US are also very nice. They feel distinctly less corporate than the other manufacturers. I almost feel like I'm seeing family when I visit with them. I'm glad to hear that the company is in good health. At the PMA show in Las Vegas, Pentax had a new booth and an obvious new confidence. I think they are poised for new success. Of course, the competition is pretty fierce right now. But that's good for the photographers :)