PENTAX PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENTS AT PHOTOKINA OPENING TODAY
PENTAX to Exhibit Upcoming Digital SLR Camera Products at Photokina 2006 in Germany


(September 26, 2006)...PENTAX Corporation will be displaying three new interchangeable digital SLR camera lenses and a medium-format digital SLR camera, all currently under development, at Photokina 2006. One of the world's largest photo and imaging merchandise trade shows, Photokina begins today and runs until October 1 in Cologne, Germany. Final specifications and availability will be announced at a later date.

PENTAX is also announcing a new magnifying eyepiece for the DSLR cameras and three focusing screens for the K10D. The O-ME53 magnifying eyecup will work with all PENTAX DSLR bodies and offers 1.2 times magnification over the entire image field. This is ideal for critical focusing and when using manual focus lenses. The three focusing screens for the K10D will include the LF-80 Standard Matte screen (included with the K10D body), LL-80 AF Divided Matte screen, and the LI-80 AF Scaled Matte screen. The eyepiece and magnifying screens are expected to be available in November, 2006.

Overview of Upcoming Products Shown at Photokina


Three interchangeable lenses designed for exclusive use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras
Product type: Wide-angle zoom lens

Model name (tentative): smc PENTAX-DA* 16-50mm F2.8ED AL[IF]
Launch date: March 2007
Product type: Telephoto zoom lens

Model name (tentative): smc PENTAX-DA* 50-135mm F2.8ED [IF]
Launch date: March 2007
Product type: Super-telephoto zoom lens

Model name (tentative): smc PENTAX-DA* 60-250mm F4ED [IF]
Launch date: March 2007

Other product information:

These products are designed for exclusive use with PENTAX K- and *istD-series digital SLR cameras and are being developed as the top-of-the-line star (*) lens to deliver exceptional performance and optimal image quality.

These products will feature the PENTAX KAF2 mount, which incorporates additional electrical contacts to drive a built-in supersonic motor used in autofocusing operation.

Product type: Lens-interchangeable medium-format SLR camera
Model name (tentative): PENTAX 645 Digital
Product information & marketing schedule:
  • 18 effective megapixels
  • PENTAX 645AF mount
  • Compatibility with existing smc PENTAX 645-series lenses
  • Marketing schedule to be announced later

Other information:
This product will be continuously upgraded by incorporating newly developed image sensors, with its final effective megapixels expected to reach a 30-megapixel level.

Notes:
Model names, designs, specifications and market launch schedules of these products are all tentative and subject to change without notice. Pricing will be announced at a later date.