Happy New Year 2013!

Wish you folks all the best and a prosperous new year! Still, a new Pentax FF is wished! Will there be one within 2013?

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Nikon V2's DxOMark is Close to That of Pentax Q!

Look at:-

http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/en%E7%B0%BF%E8%81%B6%E7%BF%BB/Cameras/Compare-Camera-Sensors/Compare-cameras-side-by-side/%28appareil1%29/849|0/%28brand%29/Nikon/%28appareil2%29/745|0/%28brand2%29/Nikon/%28appareil3%29/722|0/%28brand3%29/Pentax

Btw, I wonder why it is yet worse to its predecessor, i.e., the V1? More pixels but worse image quality?! :-o

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Shutter Life Survey Database of DSLRs

http://www.olegkikin.com/shutterlife/

Six models of Pentax DSLRs are included. The results can also be compared to other camera models of other makes as well.

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Hack the Firmware and Deactivate the SDM

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/maintenance-repair-articles/208353-how-deactivate-sdm-autofocus-allow-screw-drive-autofocus-da-16-50mm-f-2-8-a.html

I think the above is of high risk. Do only when you clearly know what you are doing and try it at your OWN RISK!

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New 645D Firmware and an Unknown Award for K-30

http://www.pentax.jp/english/support/digital/645d_s.html

Now, the new SR lens is fully supported.

http://www.pentax.jp/english/news/2012/20121226.html

So, what is that btw? "IF"? :-o

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The Unbalanced Q - Part 1 (with an External Flash)

(Above: Pentax AF200S put onto the Q - Click to Enlarge.)

Everything has got so unbalanced when the something is attached on the Q. But in order to get rid of the annoying P-TTL of the Q, an external auto flash unit with built-in flash exposure meter and control is required! ;-D

Now, there is no more annoying pre-flash and picture taking is just instantaneous, i.e., without any delay just

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Updated: Full Transcript of Kitazawa's Interview in English (Machine and Human Translated)

PENTAX Ricoh imaging incorporated company

Is a full size tinged with a touch of reality? The new product of the Ricoh brand is also due to be put on the market.


PENTAX Ricoh imaging incorporated company development generalization division manager Toshiyuki Kitazawa 72 1978, Asahi Optical Co., Ltd. (that time) entrance into a company.
A camera designing department is assigned.
In charge of

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Official! Full Frame Pentax System is Coming!! (Latest Interview with Pentax Ricoh Head)

First of all, see this latest interview report by the Japanese Impress magazine online:-

https://www.impressjapan.jp/pr/monitor/1113_dcm/271301_free.pdf

Via Digicame Info (in Japanese) Via Pentax Fan Club Forum (Taiwan, in Chinese).

The Head of Product Development of Pentax Ricoh, who was first employed by the Asahi Optical Company back to 1978, is interviewed. It is told that a new set of

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Bits and Pieces 12-19 (Pentax Related or Not)

1. First of all, here comes the new patent of Nikon's "silicon film", i.e., a digital back for old analogue film cameras, but which is yet a vapourised ware that has never come true, since it was first announced back to 1999.




(Above: An imagined diagram by Xjrumo - A Chinese Camera Gear Blog.)

2. Instagram's New Terms of Service - Five Things that You Need to Know!

http://

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SDM DIY Repair II - Go Further to Succeed!

Here is a new guide with additional tips for an enhanced method, on top of the original one:-

http://www.soomal.com/doc/20100003594.htm

The article is in Traditional Chinese, but the pictures are self-explanatory. Each picture of the series represents each step of the whole repair procedures. The new trick is to turn further from the underneath of the motor module, which should be further

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K-01 Elected as the Japanese Historical Camera of the Year 2012

http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20121214_578860.html

Article in Japanese, Google English translation can be found here.

11 cameras are elected. These cameras will be put into the Japanese (JCII) Camera Museum for display forever~


Related:-

Bad News: The Pentax Muesum is to be Closed Down by July 31! :-|

Pentax SLR Cameras 1952-2011

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645D IR

The 645D IR is released today:-

http://www.ricoh.co.jp/release/2012/1212_1.html

(in Japanese, Excite English Translation Here.)

After all, it is essentially a 645D with the IR-cut filter removed. The production volume is targeted to be in 100 units per year, btw. It is further stated that when an IR-cut filter is added back by mounting onto the front thread of the lens, the 645D can be used

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The Large Air Blower Model K-5IIs! :-o

A K-5IIs user complained about his new K-5IIs body had an air leakage problem which is demonstrated in the following YouTube video that he uploaded:-



(http://youtu.be/1WFT5sQinlo)

He hence requested for a replacement unit. After the replacement unit arrived, he did the following comparison test:-



(http://youtu.be/6qt4FmiP8vI)

Via: Post @ Pentax Fans Club (Taiwan)

Wow, what a difference

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DC Watch K-5IIs Hands-on (Part 1)

http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/review/longterm/20121211_578073.html
(in Japanese)

Original full samples of the test pictures are available for downloading. EXIF is preserved.

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DxOMark of K-5IIs (Same Score as K-5 and K-5II)

The DxOMark of the K-5IIs has been out.

http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Publications/DxOMark-Reviews/Pentax-K-5-IIs-maintains-the-excellence-of-its-sister-model-the-K-5-II/Measurement

A quick comparison of the K-5IIs against the K-5II against the K-5 is as follows:-

http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Compare-Camera-Sensors/Compare-cameras-side-by-side/%28appareil1%29/829|0/%28brand%29/

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My Pentax Q Vs NEX-3 Measurbation: ISO 125-3200 (My Standard "Bird" Shot Test)

Test Conditions:-

1. Pentax Q with 01 8.5mm prime lens, effective 135 focal ~47mm; NEX-3 with E 30mm Macro lens, effective 135 focal ~46mm.

2. Both cameras set in Av mode for best performing f-stop so as to avoid diffraction while stopped down for just more than 1 stop, namely, Pentax Q at f/2.8 and the NEX at f/5.6. Multi-point single autofocus set for both cameras.

3. 2 second timer was

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My Q is Here! :-D

Finally, I've got it! At (US)$350, these four things are bundled!



So far, at this price, I love my Q. It is just a lovely little DC, with very good image quality for a compact and is really very easy to carry anywhere and is surely very easy and a fun to use! And, the build quality is really impressive, it feels far more solid than my K-5 when put in my hands! :-o



Here are some quick

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Pentax Launches the Next Generation of HD+ and i10 Series Products!

For details, see the latest news reports by Reuters, PR-Inside.com and Business Wire and etc.

The following official web-page shows a summary of all the new products, at the Pentax Europe website, for instance:-

http://www.pentax.de/en/hi_line.php
(in English)

Btw, it seems that those guys at Pentax are loving the name of i10 and HD very much, so that they have to use it over and over again

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K-5 is Officially Discontinued, Finally!

http://www.pentax.jp/japan/products/others.html
(in Japanese)

The above is the official list of all the discontinued Pentax camera models at the Japanese Pentax homepage. The K-01 and Q aren't been there yet but this does not necessary mean that so they are still in production. And, in the list we can see the VS20, which is a product that has never really appeared in the streets before it is

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DA18-270 is to be Marketed on December 13

http://www.pentax.jp/japan/products/lens/index35_morezoom.html
(in Japanese)

Btw, the file name of the high resolution product image which is linked in the above page is "t-da18-270mm_F35-63ed_sdm.jpg". So, what does the "t" letter mean and represent? Tamron?!


After all, RP is just so honest! Do they really need to tell this again even though all people already knew! >:-o

As for the price,

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The Ricoh Pentax Japanese Calendar 2013

It is now available at the official Japanese Pentax Ricoh online shop:-

http://shop.pentax.jp/g/gS0097904/

I've linked the Pentax pictures as follows:-



They are all made with the Q and the K-01, but not anything Pentax else, nevertheless.

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Q10 Watch!

Pentax Ricoh is entering the market of watches! Look!



http://www.pentax.jp/japan/news/2012/20121130.html (Japanese)

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DC Watch Q10 Quick Samples (Side-by-side Against the Q for Two Sets)

http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/review/longterm/20121130_576137.html
(in Japanese)

The pictures speak for themselves, just read the EXIF to check.

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The Mirrorless Party

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO7rxitFLZg

The K-01 wasn't at the party, but he was passing by the house and "collected" the EOS M. The Pentax Q/Q10 had never appeared, though!

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Twelve Years of 135 Full Frame Digital Cameras (Timeline 2012->2000)

Reference Source: Dpreview Digital Camera Timeline and individual camera pages.


TimeCameraResolution (in MP)Sensor MakeScreen Size (in Inch)
Sep-2012Canon EOS 6D20.2Canon3
Sep-12Leica M Typ 24024.0Cmosis3
Sep-12Leica M-E Typ 22018.0Truesense2.5
Sep-12Nikon D60024.3Sony3.2
Sep-12Sony RX1 (Fixed Lens)24.3Sony3
Sep-12Sony A9924.3Sony3
Sep-12Sony NEX-VG90024.3Sony3
May-12Leica

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Death of My Second Pentax SLR

(Above: My MZ-30 with my FA 43 Limited)

The week before, when I tried to use my MZ-30 for shooting film, the light meter first went nuts and then the mirror locked up after pressing the shutter and it did never come down again anymore no matter how!

I used nearly new Panasonic CR2 lithium batteries and its expiry date is in 2020, which worked completely flawlessly when they were put into my

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Extreme Low Temperature Test: Shooting at -30 Deg.C with K-5IIs and DA* Lens

with an industrial grade Apacer SD Card:-



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX15rE7a7SM
(Official test and promotional video carried out by Apacer.)

Really impressive! Finally, I can see some marketing effort by Pentax Ricoh and their collaboration with others! :-o :-)

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Taipei Photo Expo 2012 (A Flickr Set)

(Above: I think this is a Cannon, but not a Pentax!)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/digital_trance/sets/72157631812376442/

The poster took a lot of photos of the showgirls, here are some:-

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6th Anniversary of My Blog

One more year has elapsed and today is the 6th anniversary of my Blog!

I have been a Pentax user since 1988 and up till now I have been using the Pentax K-mount system for over twenty-four years (before that I was using a Canon). And the amount of time which I have contributed to the Pentax community via my this Blog is only a quarter of my whole time with Pentax.

During these six years, I have

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Prime M Cameras Have Only Electronic SR for Video Recording

Two weeks ago, Blog reader "daedbird" first reported that the video recording quality of his K-01 was greatly degraded when the SR was turned on against off. When the SR was activated, obvious rolling shutter effect was seen.

Yesterday, another Blog reader "kadajawi" has responded and writes that it is all about the electronic SR that is actually adopted for all those Prime M Pentax cameras for

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K-5IIs Full Samples by (Japanese) CAPA

All photos were taken with the two DA* zoom lenses of 16-50 and 60-250:-

http://capacamera.cocolog-nifty.com/washicamera/2012/11/k-5-iis-e06b.html
(in Japanese)

Via:  http://dslcamera.ptzn.com/2012/21419 (Japanese)

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A Japanese Pentax User Site with Much Samples

http://pentax-memo.brassworks.jp/
(in Japanese)

This Pentax user/fan has many of the latest Pentax bodies and more importantly many excellent K-mount lenses including the original Pentax ones and those Carl Zeiss ZK lenses built by Cosina. Have a look on those samples that are grouped by lens or camera model and you will not be disappointed. Full samples are available for some.

In addition, he

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DxOMark for K-5II is Out

http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Publications/DxOMark-Reviews/Pentax-K5-II-Showing-the-competition-how-it-s-done/Comparisons

Same overall score as the K-5, but with slightly better sub-scores. All in all, no big differences.

Still, I am quite sceptical to those DxOMark results. As it is stated, the K-5 and K-5II is one mark ahead of the Canon 5D MkIII, which I also have. I have been using both

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New K-5II Review at ePhotozine

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/pentax-k-5-ii-dslr-review-20717

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New K-5II Review at PB

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/pentax_k5_ii_review/

I blog, you decide.


Last Related:- 

First Q10 Full Review, and its Image Quality

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Real-world K-5IIs Samples from End-users

http://pentax.photoble.net/?page=1&camera=PENTAX+K-5+II+s

They are full-sized and were taken in real-world by the end-users, with most of the essential shooting information posted. Go pixel-peep yourself if you like for what I've blogged! ;-)

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The Three Original FA Limited Lenses (First Batches)

Credit: http://forum.xitek.com/thread-1030323-1-1-1.html (in Simplified Chinese)

These are all the original first batches of the Japanese made FA Limited lenses, note the different coloured genuine leather pouches and a different lens cap printing of the Pentax logo for the 43 Limited.

Btw, that Pentax guy has quite some exotic Pentax film glass, like FA*300/2.8 and FA*400/5.6 as well as the

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First Q10 Full Review, and its Image Quality

Read here, for the most interesting part of it:-

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/pentax_q10_review/image_quality/

I think it would have been great if they compared the IQ against the Q side-by-side, but they didn't, nonetheless.

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Pentax Q Won the Japanese BCN Sales Chart Last Week!

http://bcnranking.jp/category/subcategory_0008.html
(For the Interchangeable Lens Cameras, in Japanese)

Yes, it has got the Number One! Wow, what an achievement of Pentax ever! I am now considering to get one myself, also for the Q prime kit of the white body! :-) Well, for that price, I've almost forgot about the super small sensor size of the Q, and that "non-sense"! ;-D Lol..

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DC Watch K-5IIs First Samples (Checked Against K-5II Also)

http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/review/newproduct/20121113_572503.html
(in Japanese)

There are some quick full samples which were generated directly out of the camera available.

The K-5II is also compared for some samples. It appears that the K-5IIs is obviously sharper this time.

Besides, the occurrence of false colours and moire patterns with high spatial frequency texture is also checked

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K-5IIs Sharpness Vs Fine Sharpness Vs Extra Sharpness

See the comparison below, from -4 to +4, for the Sharpness, Fine Sharpness and Extra Sharpness, total 27 different settings:-

http://www.neocamera.com/camera/pentax/k5iis/samples/sharpness



Of course, if you're interested, you can read also the rest of the review and inspect the posted ISO shootout crops series against K-5 as well as those real-world samples.

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New Ricoh Flagship P&S, or Yet Another GXR Module?

 

From: http://egami.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2012-11-02 (Japanese)

The new patent is a 24-100mm 135 equivalent zoom lens on a 1/1.7" sensor.

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DPR Studio Shot Comparison for K-5II and IIs is Out

Click here for the DPR comparison tool page.



Just feel free to drag on the crop selection window and measurbate endlessly by yourself, for different parts of the sample pictures of different cameras which you want to compare with.

Obviously, false colours and moires are major issues of the IIs' sample. Btw, the per pixel sharpness of the IIs is better than the II but it doesn't hold true for

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K-5II Vs K-5IIs Official Side-by-Side Comparison

http://www.pentax.jp/japan/products/k-5-2/ex/#anc_ex03
(in Japanese.)



(Above: Left K-5II, Right K-5IIs - Click to Download the Original Image.)

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Method to Force DFS Off for Pentax DSLRs

A working method with full instructions can be found here:-

http://pentaxda.deviantart.com/journal/Turning-DFS-Off-224124268

For the files that are mentioned and needed, they can be downloaded here directly, if you just don't know how to compile them yourself:-

http://darky.is-a-geek.net/debug_mode/disable_dfs.zip

This may be useful for those who need to do astro-photography in a continuous

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Incredible Macro Shots with Pentax K200D and K-x!

Look at these pictures:-

http://www.thomasshahan.com/photos/

And a YouTube video to explain the setup, procedures and techniques to take these wonderful shots:-


URL: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqRn3at0H60

The lens was reversed with adaptor and with extension tube plus flash.

Via DPR Forum Post Here.

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Yet Another K-5IIs Vs K-5 Image Comparisons

A Pentaxian at Taiwan received his new K-5IIs and has unboxed it and done some quick side-by-side image comparisons against his old K-5:-

http://forum.pentaxfans.net/thread-131884-1-1.html
(Traditional Chinese)

Well, whilst the K-5IIs images are sharper, they are cooler in tone, which was the thing I found last time. Also, a "sharper" image doesn't necessary mean that it is smoother and looks

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K-5 Vs K-5IIs Image Measurbation and Low Light AF Shootouts

http://www.pentaxist.ru/2012/10/pentax-k-5iis-fa77-RAW.html
(in Russian, Google English Translation Here.)

http://www.pentaxist.ru/2012/10/pentaxk-5iis-af-test.html
(in Russian, Google English Translation Here.) 

I think both tests are well carried out. As for the test results, it is shown that the K-5IIs does work better, for both the details contained in the images and the low light AF

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Bits and Pieces Today (11-6)

1. Supports Only Original Pentax Lenses!

I always suggest Pentax users buy only original Pentax lenses. It is because if you want to use Sigma or Tamron or even Tokina, there is no reason to stay with Pentax, as those 3rd party lenses are rather limited in K-mount in both models and availability. So, why to do so, to get the worst of both worlds?!

Now, more and more compatibility issues have

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K-01 is German Design Gold Awarded

http://www.pentax.jp/japan/news/2012/20121105.html
(in Japanese)

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Japanese Mirrorless Market Share 2012 (Up to October, BCN Data)

http://bcnranking.jp/news/1210/121029_24049.html
(in Japanese)

The cyan blue coloured line is for the share of the Pentax mirrorless cameras, which is a steady of above 5% throughout the year with the best results in October. However, with the introduction of the EOS-M, Pentax is yet once again the player who comes last as the EOS-M sales has quickly surpassed all the Pentax mirrorless sales

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A K-30 Died Within Seconds Upon a Small Water Splash! :-o

See this post and story: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3292877

I really feel for that K-30 user, how reliable his WR camera is! :-o

Btw, it seems that the sealing of the rear LCD is weak and the QC of that part is not really that good, see the previous similar problem reports below:-

Dust Accumulates Inside the LCD of K-5 Silver

K10D Dust Proof?

Well, I now know why Pentax has

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A PF Comparison Quick Review: 650D/T4i Vs D5100 Vs K-30

I don't think this review is detailed enough, nor it it is professionally compiled with a higher standard that most readers nowadays would expect.There is yet no sample picture of any for any of these cameras under review. So, it is not much better than a casual textural review on those public review online sites after all. But as there are not much Pentax reviews out these days, I think I

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Latest K-30 and K-5II/s Reviews

Full K-30 review at the DPR:-

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentax-k-30/

Rough K-5II and IIs review at the PF:-

http://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/pentax-k-5-ii-iis/introduction.html

Now the "stop gap" models suddenly has become "new flagships"! That's really funny! :-D

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100 Colours Q10 - Real Dummy Units!

Photos at "Pentax Briefing Paper" (Japanese).

Wow! I really want to buy one this time and couldn't help myself, regardless of the super small sensor of this TOY! :-D


Previous Stories:-

100 Colours of Q10 are Available for Ordering Now

100 Colours of the Q10

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Another K-5 Vs K-5IIs Sample Comparison (w/ FA*28-70)

Same site, same author, who has done many shootout tests between the two cameras recently and shared his results:-

http://pentax.briefing-paper.com/2027
(in Japanese)

The lens was put at f/5.6 at 50mm which could one of the possible sharpest settings of the lens.

This time, IMHO, the difference between the K-5 and K-5IIs is almost non-existent. In fact, with the extra-sharpness setting +1, the

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Pentax Forums K-5 Vs K-5IIs Sample Shots and Comparisons (Two Pics)

http://www.pentaxforums.com/news/pentax-k-5-iis-vs-k-5-sample-photos.html

Btw, do you see and like the moires? :-o

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SLRGear (IR) DA18-135 Full Test

See: http://slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/1384/cat/46

The measurbation results seem to be in line with what PhotoZone found long time ago. I now understand why Pentax Germany replied Klaus that the lens under test was "within factory specs"! :-o

If we compare further of the above against those of the original Canon EF-S 18-135 IS, the new Canon 18-135 IS STM and the Nikon 18-135

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EOS M First Hands-on Impressions

First played with a M with the 18-55 STM kit zoom for about 15 minutes and here are what I found:-

- The body is really nicely built and it feels very solid in hands. Unlike all other mirrorless bodies, the M is actually made in Japan.

- The body is thicker than the NEX but is obviously thinner than the K-01. It feels a bit heavier than my NEX-3, which is yet the lightest and most compact APS-C

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News: E-PL5 Has No AA FIlter! (And Amazon Top Sales Charts Pentax Update)

See what 43 Rumors report:-

http://www.43rumors.com/surprise-the-olympus-e-pl5-has-no-low-pass-filter-no-aa-filter/

So, this is a camera with a 16MP Sony sensor without an AA filter in front of the sensor, resulting in a "higher image quality" as people say.

This must be the cheapest AA-filterless body in the market then. Similar to the K-5IIs, it is in 16MP and uses a Sony sensor.

Speaking

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Disassemble (and Repair) the FA 80-320 Zoom Lens

Thanks to Blog reader MattMatic for his alert, here is the series of lens disassembling photos of his:-

http://www.photon.me.uk/pu/pentax_fa80_320/index.html

Full shared story here: http://www.pentaxuser.co.uk/forum/topic/fa80-320-37602

Btw, the MIJ label reminds me of those high quality days of those Pentax products, even a consumer zoom like this was made in Japan, where and when the

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Focus Peaking Trick on E-M5 (Which has NOT the Feature! Trick NOT works for Pentax Bodies!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpOqo6gA92Y

Via 43 Rumors.

Wow, this OM-D user is really clever and brilliant!

However, this tricks does NOT with any existing Pentax bodies which do not have the focus peaking feature built-in, i.e., those models without a PRIME M processor, including the K-5, K-5II/IIs and the Q. It is because the in-camera digital filters of the Pentax cameras are applied in

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New K-30 and Q Firmwares Released

1. Firmware Version 1.01 for K-30:-

http://www.pentax.jp/english/support/digital/k-30_s.html

Changes to V1.01

Improved performance of contrast AF
Improved stability for general performance.


2. Firmware Version 1.10 for Q:-

http://www.pentax.jp/english/support/digital/q_s.html

Changes to V1.10

Correspond to [Adapter Q for K-mount Lenses]. How to input focal length Click here
Correspond to

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More K-5 Vs K-5II Comparisons (Moon Shots and Outdoor LCD Views)

(Left: K-5; Right: K-5IIs, 100% Crops.)

Via Post @ the Chinese Xitek Forum

Well, the poster commented that the difference in sharpness is negligible in his opinion. Besides, I found that the colour rendition of the K-5 is better, once again! The K-5IIs shot is somehow greyish for the blue.


(Left: "Air-gapless" LCD Mon. of K-5II; Right: K-5.)

Via Post @ the Chinese Xitek Forum

I like the

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K-5 Vs K-5IIs High ISO Shootout (800-12800)

http://pentax.briefing-paper.com/1925
(in Japanese)

Test Conditions:-
Manual white balance, Natural custom image, NR Off, FA77 Limited lens used at f/5.6, LV AF, Direct JPEG.

Below is a snapshot of the ISO 3200 comparison pair:-


(Left: K-5, Right: K-5IIs, @ ISO 3200 - Click to Enlarge.)

It is obvious that the colour response of the K-5 is more favourable. The colours produced by the K-5IIs

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A K-5 Vs K-5IIs Head-to-head Measurebation

Test shots were made with the same FA31 Limited lens under the same lighting and test condition from f/1.8 to f/11 with an addition test shot at f/5.6 with the "extra sharpness" setting:-

K-5: http://pentax.briefing-paper.com/1121 (in Japanese)

K-5IIs: http://pentax.briefing-paper.com/1864 (in Japanese)

In particular, the following is the side-by-side f/5.6 pair of the comparison shots:-


(

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More K-5IIs User Samples (Downsized)

See this Flickr page:-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sansuu3dan/

All the photos in "original" (i.e., maximum) size are downsized/edited to about 3MP and all EXIF data is deleted, nonetheless.

Read More

K-5 is Sharp Enough! (Portraitures w/ DA70 Limited)

Portrait Gallery! (Include Guys and Gals, Slide-show)

100% Crops (No Sharpening, Slide-show)

The K-5 plus Pentax glass is really sharp enough! Besides, we can see nice Pentax colours and skin tone! ;-p So, what's the point of a "new" K-5II which has reset the price to 50% dearer?! :-o


View Also:- 

Some Recent Random Snapshots of Mine

Who Said K-5 Cannot be Used as a JPEG Camera?

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K-5II/IIs: Central Cross AF Sensor Will be Disabled with Most DA Zoom Lenses, and even Some DA Limited Primes!

(Source: Pentax Japan K-5II/s page, Credit: Blog reader "jaad75".)

Look at the above official diagram and illustration. For the "new" K-5II and K-5IIs, the first thing is that only the central AF point is equipped with the f/2.8 sensor, for the horizontal one. That f/2.8 sensor is unique for being the one and only one f/2.8 AF sensor that the camera has. However, this sensor will NOT work with

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"PENTAX Demonstrates Host of New Products At PhotoPlus Expo 2012"?!

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/10/prweb10021997.htm

What's the "Host of New Products" actually? They are all the same old and unexciting stuff that were shown to the world at Photokina last month!

Btw, the K-01 and the previous disclosed new lenses are not mentioned anywhere and will not be displayed of course. It seems that Pentax Ricoh has firmly decided to abort the "line" and will

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Two Really Good Things of the K-01!

Read this lengthy incompatibility EF lens list with the EOS M (when the EF adaptor is added) and I am shocked!

http://support-cn.canon-asia.com/contents/CN/ZH/8201705900.html
(in Chinese)

Even the lens is compatible, the AF speed of the new Canon mirrorless is just terribly sloooow, even when it is worked with the latest Canon EF-M STM lenses, which are specifically designed for the EOS M! :-o

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WiFize "Any" Camera of Yours!

Well, here is the PQI Air Card in SD format, it should be compatible with all the latest Pentax DSLRs and the Q inclusive, as officially tested and listed.

With this card and the App (in both iOS and Android versions), instantaneous WiFi transfer of image files to mobile device is easy and effortless.

A YouTube demonstration can also be found here:-


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

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K-5II User Manual is Put Online

http://www.pentax.jp/english/support/man-pdf/k-5-2.pdf

Last time I have searched for the whole document, there is no information of any for mentioning about the f/2.8 AF sensor for this "new" camera. So, the mystery about its layout and compatibility / usability with different lenses are yet unknown!

Speaking of the K-5II, IR has put their measurbation RAW(DNG) and JPEG files onto their

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First K-5IIs Hands-on Review with Complete ISO Samples (100-51200)

http://www.yaotomi.co.jp/blog/walk/2012/10/pentax-k-5iis-1st-review.html
(in Japanese)

All samples are available in full size and full EXIF is preserved even for thumbnails. ISO samples from ISO 100 to 51200 are posted, with a few other picture samples, all of which are also night scenes. Lenses used for the test are FA77/1.8, DA14/2.8 and DA*16-50/2.8.

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Sensor Size Talk with Aptina at DPR (Interview)

Read: http://www.dpreview.com/news/2012/10/16/Sandor-Barna-explains-how-1-inch-sensors-will-save-the-compact-camera

Via 1001 Noisy Cameras.

So, how is the Pentax Q? Your thought?

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Another K-5 Vs K-5II Vs K-5IIs Side-by-side Comparison

By Wesley Wong again:-

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/post/50086545

The Setup:-



One of the Crops:-



The Test Conditions as mentioned:-

"1. Lens used is Pentax-M 100mm f/4.0, shot at f/11, 1/125, ISO100 mounted on tripod. 

2. Subjects are lighting with two Lastolite RayD8 5500K continuous lights.

3. Focusing was done manually with focus lock confirmation.

4. Each image was

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A K-5II Vs K-5IIs Image Shootout

(Click to Enlarge.)

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/post/50081949

P.S. My thanks to Wesley for his email alert for his above test.

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K-01 Firmware V1.00 Vs V1.01 Round 2: w/ DA*300, DFA100WR and FA28-105

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1gmeEzOuKk

Via http://forum.pentaxfans.net/thread-131047-1-1.html (in Traditional Chinese)

AF tests with the new firmware is starting from 04:55 and before that is with fw version 1.00. It is once confirmed that the new firmware provides obviously better performance with faster AF speed. The improvement is particularly obvious with the longer (focal) lens, i.e

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K-01 AF Performance Firmware V1.00 Vs V1.01

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSW4yOs48RE

By What Blog is This?

Via 1001 Noisy Cameras.

Assuming the battery power levels were the same, the new firmware does significant improve the AF speed of the K-01. However, the CDAF still need to turn the lens to-and-fro so as to search for the focus but did never know which direction to turn first at the beginning. I believe that if Pentax will be

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100 Colours of Q10 are Available for Ordering Now

http://www.pentax.jp/japan/products/q10/color/
(in Japanese)


Last Report:- 

100 Colours of the Q10

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Shutter Shake Problem is More Significant with Mirrorlesses than DSLRs!

See this article:-

http://cameraergonomics.blogspot.com/2012/09/micro-43-shutter-shock-revisited-omd-em.html

(Newly discovered website introduced by the 1001 Noisy Cameras.)

Well, we all know, DSLRs have mirror slap as well as the shutter movement that cause camera shakes right before the exposure and hence image blur. But then mirrorlesses have yet another shutter movement in lieu of the

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New K-01 Firmware! (V1.01)

The K-01 is not completely dead, Pentax has provided a new firmware for it today!

http://www.pentax.jp/japan/support/download/digital/k01_s.html
(In Japanese)

It is said that the AF performance and compatibility with SD cards are improved as well as the new firmware is generally debugged. If you are a K-01 user, just follow the download link in the above page to get and install the new firmware.

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Gun Cameras, Camera Gun! (And Please Continue the K-0x Line, Pentax Ricoh!)

Well, this is a gun camera:-



Source: http://www.photoblog.hk/wordpress/24662/

It was modified from a real gun by the Japanese traffic police back to 1954, the purpose of it was to shoot with one hand and steadily! Clever design, I have to say.

But then there was a real gun which looked like a camera by the CIA in 1966. Well, it was modified from an Asahi Pentax Reflex! Oh yes, it was the big

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Big Pentax Q Cake for Ned Bunnell! :-o

Read the story here: http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2012/10/08/giant-pentax-camera-cake-marks-retirement-of-pentax-u.s.-president

Btw, my all the best wishes to Ned! Happy retirement! :-)

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Latest Pentax Interview with Pentax Ricoh HQs' Senior Official by DC Watch

Thanks to Blog reader "qwe" for his alert, we have the latest Pentax Ricoh interview by the Japanese DC Watch, as follows:-

http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/interview/20121010_564928.html

The above is in Japanese, you can read also the machine-translated English pages by Excite here and Google here.

The interview has just been published today, it seems that the tone of Pentax Ricoh has

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First K-5IIs User Sample

(Click to Enlarge.)

This should be the first K-5IIs sample that posted online, via a forum post at Photo Malaysia here.

In the same thread, we can see a pair of comparison pictures on the K-5II and K-5IIs sensors and their different appearances:-



Via this post here, in the same discussion thread.

Well, I like the appearance of the K-5II sensor better, it looks clearer and more transparent

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Yet Another Pentax Full Frame Rumour

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-news-rumors/201457-ff-under-development.html

Everything has no proof of any and rumour is rumour. So, just believe it or not! Btw, these Pentax FF rumours have been with us for years, which seems to be a dream that never vanishes amongst we Pentaxians, maybe until one day a FF Pentax body really comes! ;-)

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Ephotozine DA50/1.8 Test, with Full Samples

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/pentax-smc-da-50mm-f-1-8-lens-review-20006

This time the samples seem to be look better than those of the last review at Optyczne.pl. The measurbation results seem to be better than what SLRGear measured and found also.

However, I discovered an obvious quality issue (minor or not) from the outside appearance of the lens under test at my first glance. That is

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Updated: Some Recent Random Snapshots of Mine

I think the Lafayette ceiling shot of the official Q10 samples is just not wide enough, so I would like to post mine:-


(Above: Canon EF17-40L @17mm on 5DIII; Click to Enlarge in New Tab.)

Does it look better now? ;-D

Besides, I would like to share some "crappy" photos of mine which are taken with my DA18-135 on K-5 today, which shows that that combo should be still usable for a longer time as

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Poll: Do You Intend to Buy the K-5II or the K-5IIs?

The K-5II and IIs will be on sales in Japan on October 19 and the official initial (Japanese) selling prices are published.

So, I would like to see what's your buying intention of these new models. Are you intended to buy?


Do you intend to buy the K-5II?
Yes, I am an existing K-5 owner.
Yes, I am an existing K-mount user but do not have a K-5.
No, I am an existing K-5 owner.
No, I am an

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The "Pentax Ricoh" Online Survey

Thanks to Blog reader "flomatix" for his email alert, I have noticed this:-

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/pentaxowners

Which is supposed to be an online survey created and conducted by Pentax Ricoh, although it is not clearly stated anywhere in the survey, except the PR logo.

I have participated in the survey anyway and you are encouraged to do so as well. But since the identity of the

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DA40XS Vs EF40STM on 5D3 (Full Frame Shootout Test)

Let's measurebate again! It's actually what I promised months ago and here we go! :-D

Testing conditions: All test shots were made in Manual exposure mode at f/6.7, 1/500s, ISO 100, Standard Picture Style with tuned down Sharpness, Contrast and Saturation by 1 step each, optimal focus as measured and indicated by the body's PMAF system. Pictures were all taken at almost the same time for the

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K-5II/K-5IIs are to be On Sales on October 19

In Japan:-

http://www.pentax.jp/japan/products/k-5-2/index.html

According to the prices at the official Japanese Pentax Online Shop, the K-5II and K-5IIs will be sold at 109,800 and 124,800 Japanese Yens respectively, which are roughly equal to US$1370 and $1560 then.

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Updated: New Pentax Lens Patent Published: 70-200mm F2.8 Full Frame Lens!

http://egami.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2012-10-05
(in Japanese, Excite English Translation Here.)

Via Photo Rumors.

This new patent has just been published yesterday. Do note that it is specified that the "Image Height Y = 21.64mm", which simply tells that it is not a 135 Full Frame lens for the image circle, despite that the focal range is really common for many of those Full Frame F2.8 tele-zoom

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Live View AF Speed Comparison: D600 Vs K-5 Vs NEX-7 (YouTube Videos)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuj7GnQjhWA


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYg_OY-V6Jk


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGYHC9biqUM

And the following are posted by the same person, which are Pentax and K-30 related:-


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDRuzvcR310


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RB8DQUSFPk


Related:- 

The Pentax Sex Party Continues..

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DA50/1.8 Full Samples (on K-5)

http://www.optyczne.pl/5268-nowo%C5%9B%C4%87-Pentax_smc_DA_50_mm_f_1.8_-_zdj%C4%99cia_przyk%C5%82adowe.html
(in Polish)

They look rather soft and lack of contrast throughout the frame, which is even not much improved when stopped down. I am almost sure that my K-5 with an old budget A50 could do better, but I don't know why these samples suck nonetheless!

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K-5II/s Official FAQs

http://www.pentax.jp/japan/support/faq/k-5-2/index.html

Available only in Japanese, but you can read the machine English translation via Google here.

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Q10 Official Full Samples

http://www.pentax.jp/japan/products/q10/ex/

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SLRGear DA50/1.8 Full Test (on K-5)

http://slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/1519/cat/45

I think it performs quite close to the old A50/1.7 and A50/2 and the behaviours are quite similar for what are tested and found. However, the DA50/1.8 is really selling too pricey, and its construction is too cheap to justify its high price, on the other hand.

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Official K-5II/IIs Full Samples

http://www.pentax.jp/japan/products/k-5-2/ex/

Measurebate yourself but I don't think they are obviously better than the original K-5's. In particular, the IIs samples are not that "sharp" against what was expected.

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The Last Wave of Pentax Interviews at Photokina

First, the PF's interview with the Pentax officials in transcript has finally arrived:-

http://www.pentaxforums.com/news/photokina-pentax-interview-transcript.html

Next, Quesabesde also interviewed the Ricoh seniors (Google translation here), via 1001 Noisy Cameras.

Just read and digest yourself for what are being told and judge if those are pure marketing talks or not and feel for yourself

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New D600 DxOMark has been Out

DxO says that it sets the high bar for image sensor quality. Let's see how it is compared against the current line of the Pentax DSLRs! Don't see a K-5II and IIs? I'm afraid Pentax has not yet given a test sample to them earlier. And even though they have already done that, *miracle* for big advancement in the results is NOT expected, by considering that the II and the original I are with the

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What is the Exact Layout of the f/2.8 AF Sensor(s) in the K-5II/s?

Pentax has talked and disclosed nothing about it at all so far. So, there is no information of any. But we can guess, there are several possibilities of the layout. Btw, I guess only the central AF sensor is modified so as to save cost, especially considering that the K-5II is just a "stop gap measure", as what it is just meant to be!

Before going on, still, we should have a look on the general

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Updated Lens Roadmaps for K, Q and 645 Mounts

From Ephotozine here and here, via Photo Rumors. A high resolution K-mount roadmap can be downloaded here.

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False Rumour - Jun Hirakawa is NOT Back!

See: http://forum.pentaxfans.net/thread-130327-1-1.html (Traditional Chinese)

Via: http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-news-rumors/199899-hirakawa-jun-back-pentax-ricoh.html

What the crop picture in the original opening post is just about the names of two inventors of something, Takayuki Ito (伊藤 孝之) and Jun Hirakawa (平川 纯), with their (same) correspondence address under their names.

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Special K-5II Exhibits at Photokina

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1036&thread=42558367





Note that the weather sealings that are red dyed. In addition to the transparent unit, there is also a cut-out exhibit of a standard K-5II, too.

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IR's Interview with Pentax at Photokina

http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2012/09/22/qa-with-pentax-usa-europe-is-full-frame-coming-and-whats-next-for-medium-fo

Almost useless, I'm afraid. But then what could those Pentax sales reps actually say and talk about? Sometimes, I really feel for them!

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K3 in 24S - Real Photo!

Well, I am not "lying", it clearly shows that it is a 24-seater K3 van, not a bus nor a train of course, as the FF train has already been missed by Pentax these days! Lol..

Credit: Forum Post @ Chinese DC Home (Google English Translation Here.)

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The Death of Online Sales of Pentax Lenses!

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/198534-how-save-around-50-pentax-lenses-us.html

This is what Adam, site master of PF, has declared recently:-

"Apparently, the Pentax pricing restrictions are for online sales only. I've confirmed this personally with B&H, and they've also told me that they are working to stop this madness, as it's virtually halting online lens sales

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100 Colours of the Q10

Via: http://news.mynavi.jp/news/2012/09/11/020/index.html (Japanese)

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LIVE: More DA560 Display Model Images

(Above: Click to Enlarge.)

German Blog reader Moritz Schwertner has visited the Pentax booth at Photokina and he has kindly emailed me some of the DA560 images for sharing with us and for a closer look of the lens in display. Thanks, Moritz! :-)

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Is K-01 the End of the "Line"? (Pentax Interview @Photokina)

See the latest interview by DPR with Pentax at Photokina:-

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/7927911437/photokina-2012-interview-john-carlson-of-pentax

Quoted:-

How are you planning on developing mirrorless in the future? Or is the K-01 a one-off?

I haven't seen any future roadmaps for that type of product.

Other Q&As that might worth a look:-

Is there room for a higher-end Pentax K-mount

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K-30 DxOMark has been Out

At a total score of 79, now ranked at  25:-

http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Camera-Sensor-Database/Pentax/K-30

Or compare it against the K-01 and K-5, here.

In fact, all the major IQ performance aspects are more or less the same as the K-01, which is not well expected as the K-30 and K-01 share the same sensor and image processor and with the same specifications on those parts.


Read

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DC Watch Photokina Pentax Booth Report

http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20120920_560918.html
(in Japanese)

As we all knew, there is nothing to be excited about and all the "new" Pentax products are indeed mediocre so that all the "live reports" at the Pentax booth by everyone are more or less the same and they are "concise" enough!

There is one new stuff there is uncommon, though, but it has no practical meaning at all for

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Photokina Pentax Trade Show Live Update

At 1001 Noisy Cameras.As usual, the "noisy guys" have compiled a very good summary, which is up to the minute and includes most of the useful information. Go read yourself, although there is nothing that is really to be excited about, for the products themselves! :-(

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New DA* Lenses' US/Online Prices

It seems that I have been quoting the PF more often recently, but FWIW:-http://www.pentaxforums.com/news/new-pentax-rebates-now-in-effect-mostly.htmlIn short, the DA*16-50 is now for $1424, the DA*50-135 is $1524, the DA*60-250 is $1899, for instance! Well, these prices are utter non-sense after all! I now know why PF seems to be angry with Pentax these days! If this trend continues, who will buy

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Pentax has Modified the Design of the SDM Used in DA*16-50 and 50-135??

See the latest quick interview by the PF with a Pentax repair technician at Photokina:-http://www.pentaxforums.com/news/jens-petersen-on-pentax-sdm-failure.htmlWhilst I am rather sceptical to what are told, even if all of them true, the following questions have quickly come to my mind:-1. Why it takes so long, i.e., for more than five years, for Pentax to cure this problem? It is worth noting

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That's All What Pentax has Shown us at Photokina! What Will You Do Next?

As a Pentaxian, What Will You Do Next?Buy the new Pentax stuff and continue to support the brand.Do nothing and wait.Keep my Pentax gear but will start to build / invest further into another system.Sell off all my Pentax gear and move to another system! pollcode.com free polls You can come back and review the Poll Results in 7 to 10 days!

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First Photokina Live Report

At the Pentax Forums:-http://www.pentaxforums.com/news/photokina-2012-in-pictures-a-tour.htmlThey followed the press tour and have reported quickly in this order: Sony, Fuji, Olympus, Nikon and then Pentax Ricoh and finally for two shots of the Canon and Sandisk booths.The following are quoted for what are reported about Pentax:-"Within the press kit we found hardcopies of all of Pentax's recent

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Canon 6D is Now Official - One More "Cheap" FF Suddenly Arrives!

See the official specs as published at the DPR:-http://www.dpreview.com/products/canon/slrs/canon_eos6dIs that 11-point AF with central f/2.8 sensor borrowed from our Pentax flagship K-5II? ;-DBtw, if the 6D is compared to the specs of the K-5II, the weight difference is only by 10g, but don't forget the 6D is a Full Frame camera and that it has the GPS and WiFi functions built-in. Unlike the

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Sony Likely to Buy Olympus in 50 Billion Yens

See what Reuters reports:-http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/14/sony-olympus-idUSL3E8KE33C20120914They would possibly spend 50 Billion Japanese Yens, i.e., 646 Million US Dollars, to buy for a stake.Via 1001 Noisy Cameras.By the way, it seems that Sony is more than ambitious to control the whole digital camera industry. If this acquisition comes true, Sony has almost controlled most of the

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Let's Photoshop Together!

As Pentax could PS the new K-5II and K-5IIs' front faces with just an old K-5 image, Pentaxians have learnt to do the same to satisfy their FF dream!Here we go!Wow, a new Pentax digital FF with a Nikon D7000 vertical grip (MB-D11)! And then there is a super slow Pentax standard prime with a maximum speed of F4 only! Well, my hats off to the author(s) for these creations! :-D

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The Most Wanted K-5 Upgrade Path - More New Info!

During these few days I have noticed at various Pentax forums and blogs worldwide that Pentaxians are thinking of "moving on" especially for many of those existing K-5 users. Most of them are thinking about acquiring the new Nikon D600 "cheap FF" and to jump boat and should wait No Longer! >:-oNo problem! Unlike Ricoh Pentax, I am always giving my audience for what they want and interested, here

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"D600 Weights 90g More Than K-5II"

Nikon D600 is 8% (10 mm) wider and 16% (16 mm) taller than Pentax K-5 II.Nikon D600 is 13% (9.5 mm) thicker than Pentax K-5 II.Nikon D600 [850 g] weights 12% (90 grams) more than Pentax K-5 II [760 g] (*inc. batteries and memory card).Nikon D600 dimensions: 141x113x82 mm (camera body only, excluding protrusion)Pentax K-5 II dimensions: 131x97x72.5 mm (camera body only, excluding protrusion)

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"Private" Message from Adam Oest of the Pentax Forums (Pentax Full Frame News!)

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-news-rumors/198732-dont-lose-hope-pentax-full-frame-awaits-us.html

"Don't lose hope in Pentax - the Full-Frame awaits us!


I've been told that the products announced a couple of days ago, as well as all the products announced so far this year by Pentax, have all been part of the Hoya product roadmap for Pentax, rather than Ricoh's doing. Ricoh's

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Latest Ricoh Imaging Financial Results (Q1 of 2011 to Q1 of 2013) - RED

See:-

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=42476415

Quoted, "According to some sources Ricoh paid Hoya US $128 million for Pentax. However, according to Ricoh, it's cost was JPY 15 Billion (US $193,844,410) expressed as net sales loss with no income.

From this March 2012 Consolidated Results Statement PDF:
http://www.ricoh.com/IR/data/pre/pdf/h23q4_con.pdf#page=4"

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Ned Bunnell is (Forced) to Retire so Suddenly and Urgently!

(Picture Credit: Chasing Light)First of all, see this official press release that published a few hours ago at the Pentax Imaging webiste:-http://www.pentaximaging.com/about/press/289Other news websites have reported about this also, for example, this is from the Yahoo News:-Ned Bunnell to Retire as President of PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION; James Malcolm Assumes Responsibilities as

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Could a Company Survive with Mediocre Products and be "Supported" by Fanboys Alone?

There is no upgrade path in the Pentax K system, it is crystal clear!For any K-5 user, I don't see any compelling reason to "upgrade" to the K-5II. Frankly, the K-5II simply doesn't deserve its name for being the second generation of the original K-5 after two years (but with little and insignificant improvements)!There is simply no higher ranked and better body. There is no new serious lens

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A Dark Day for Pentax and Users

Two years have been passed since the last Photokina and the launch of the original K-5. But it seems that Pentax has never been able to get through some numbers, as if there are some kinds of devil's curses applied! >:-(1. The "flagship" DSLR model is not able to get through the model number of "5", there is no K-3 nor K-1 (an imagination of these can be found here), not even to mention!2. After

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The New Pentax Q10s and 06 Tele Zoom Lens

(Click to Enlarge)

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Pentax Spain Reveals New Product Photos at FaceBook (Shortly Removed Afterwards)

http://www.facebook.com/pentaxspain(in Spanish)(Click to Enlarge for the above Screen Capture; The page and related albums with images have now been all removed.)I admit that I have been wrong since the above is official! (Update: seems to be early released than allowed!) There is really a K-5II and then a K-5IIs (I said K-5N, K-3 and K-3S). And then there is really a completely re-badged and 90%

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Why People Still Believe in FAKE Pictures?

I don't post the originated links and endless repeated posts for all those fake pictures. But I am sure you know that what I am referring to.First of all, this is the original real source for all those photo-shopped "new K-5II" cameras. I have told that they are fake, but it seems that most people still don't believe it but believe that those fake pictures are real instead! So, I feel much

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K-5II & K-5IIs? (FAKE!)

Via Digicame Info (Japanese, from the same "leak" source as the Q10 "leak").UPDATE: FAKE! Compare the K-5 images at DPR and you will know!http://www.dpreview.com/products/pentax/slrs/pentax_k5Do It Yourself!!Hints: Compare the texture of the rubber at the same particular positions and I also spot this obvious, as below! >:-oDPR's reviewed K-5: So called K-5II/IIs: This makes the last Q10 leak's

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Pentax Q10 (Possibly FAKE!)

I must have missed something :-(, there is a Pentax Q10! Well, maybe it is just too small! :-D It will arrive in October and to be sold at 35,000 Japanese Yens (roughly equal to US$440) and have the options of Black, Silver and Red. The sensor is in the same size as the original Q, i.e., in 1/2.3", as we can see from the above.Via Digicame Info (Japanese)UPDATE: This could *also* be a HOAX! See

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What is the Actual SAFOX X Layout?

- - - | + + + | | + + + | | + + + | - - - OR:- - -- + + + -- | + + + |-- + + + - -- OR:- - + + + ---- | + + + |---- + + + - ???N.B. The newly added AF points may not be shown in the viewfinder!

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The 9 Things That Are To Be Announced (Updated!)

The New ItemCharacteristicsRH's Certainty Level1. K-30016MP old CMOS sensor used in K-01 and K-30, re-using the K-r body, i.e., penta-mirror at 0.85X and 96% coverage.Close to 100%!2. K-5N16MP new CMOS sensor technology, new image processor, APS-C of course, 100% penta-prism finder at 0.92X, articulated screen, new 21-point (9-crossed, 12 linear) SAFOX X AF system, improved continuous tracking

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Pentax/Ricoh Announcement by the Next Week (for 9 New Products)

Posted by Pentax Russia at TwitterVia Photo Rumors"Next week will be so rich on releases (9 pieces) that the Pentaxians will proudly raise their heads. Be careful of information after the weekend icon smile Nine new press releases from Pentax next week!"

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Possibly Upcoming New Cameras and Pre-Photokina Leaks: K-3, GRD5, A85, X-Pro2, 3DX, 6D..!

The great Chinese online camera-gear shopping database (somehow shared) has shown all those possibly upcoming new cameras! I've chosen the very popular Chinese gadget website of PCHome.net to show them, which has an Alexa ranking of 359 as at today! For instance, the following are sorted by brand and then sorted by the "latest":-BrandLink (Click to Show in a New Tab)What's Coming!PentaxViewK-3,

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K-01 Will be Replaced Next, but Not by Photokina

(Click to Enlarge)I've heard that the K-01 successor is in development but it is not yet ready. It should be announced later together with new lenses with reduced back focus distances, like this and this.Btw, have you ever seen the above CAD diagram before? ;-> (I do like it!~)

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Sony Sensors Used in Different Pentax Cameras (and the Future?)

Pentax Camera Model(s)Sony Sensor NumberTOTAL Pixels (MP)SizePrevious Blog ArticleUsed by Others (Examples)K-xIMX02113.05APS-CReadD90, D300K-rIMX03812.94APS-C-D300SK-5IMX071 Original16.93APS-CReadD7000K-01 & K-30IMX071 Variant16.49APS-C-NEX-C3/5NQIMX07812.751/2.3ReadCasio EX-TR100K-3IMX09624.??APS-C-D3200, A77, NEX-7Not UsedIMX09436.??135-D800Not UsedIMX02824.??135-A900Not UsedIMX???24.??135-A99

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DA560/5.6: New Type Built-in Motor, Astro-tracking, US$3800

Via Post @ Pentax ForumsLet me add in more rumoured specs (from another source):-1. Dividable type in 3 pieces;2. Simplified weather resistant design;3. Built-in lens motor (neither SDM nor DC), full-time manual override;4. To be sold at a suggested price of US$3800;5. Not a Star lens;6. Built-in astro-tracer! (Oh, really? :-o)7. Manufactured upon special ordering.

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Once Verified: Pentax K-3 is 24MP APS-C, Not FF

http://detail.zol.com.cn/ProductComp_param_300739-322486-332160-333580.html(in Chinese, Google English Translation Here)This is a prestigious Chinese camera gear site which has a good past track record in accurately disclosing many early information. They have even maintained updated full lists on Chinese merchants who accept pre-ordering of the latest but not-yet-announced bodies like Nikon D600

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Pentax K-z/K-s/K-300 - What Should It Be?

Click to Enlarge.The K-z has a maximum of 120 millions of colour combinations whilst the K-s has 480. But then the K-s has 20 body colours while the K-z has only 12. The K-z, if it is true, is obviously re-using the K-r body, as what can be seen.On the other hand, some people from Europe told me that this camera would be called K-300 instead of K-z, which is no good for German, AFAIK.Unless this

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Price Cuts of 645D, Q, K-01 and K-30 in US

See the official announcement that has just been issued by Pentax Imaging:-http://www.pentaximaging.com/about/press/283Via: Post @ Pentax ForumsThe price cuts for the 645D, K-01 and the Q are quite significant.On the other hand, I can only see similar major price cut for the 645D only at Japan, in 100,000 Japanese Yens, which is yet very close to the US1,200 rebate in the US. See:-It seems that

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Improved DIY SDM Repair Method!

Read: http://forum.xitek.com/thread-1055994-1-1-1.html(in Chinese, with diagrams)Actually, the method is more or less the same as the original DIY method but now the "CRC" Contact Cleaner is applied in addition (and then doing the massage) which does help even more, as it is told and confirmed.After all, the OP has saved $250 (1500 RMB) repair fee as officially quoted and now his DA*16-50's SDM

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DA35/2.8 Macro Limited Special Version

(Above: The Special Version Vs the Standard Version Side-by-Side; Click to Enlarge.)Full Story: http://history.hatenablog.com/touch/entry/20101107/1289135202(in Japanese, Google English Translation Here.)Well, sometimes small and compact lenses are not welcomed and the design had to be changed! :-o ;->

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The Last Published Lens Roadmap Had Only New DA Lenses, Why Expected Full Frame?!

Re-read: http://www.pentaximaging.com/files/pdf/lens_roadmap.pdfVia: http://ricehigh.blogspot.com/2012/02/new-pentax-da-lens-roadmap-2012-to-13.htmlSo, dear Pentaxians, please wake up and don't dream and imagine anymore! :-o I now realise one fact, finally, asking for a 135 full frame body and system from Pentax is just like asking FF from Pana and Oly, frankly! :-\ At the end of the day, Pana

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Pentax Body SR Would Have More Degree of Freedom?

Read this recently Pentax patent, the Pentax SR system is adding axes!http://www.google.com/patents/US8208032Btw, there is a body diagram for illustration purpose, but don't imagine too much for an upcoming "new" body. Look:-Well, actually it is an *ist D, just! Just compare yourself!(Credit: http://www.bdimitrov.de/kmp/bodies/ist_D/ist_d.html)

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What is This Smaller Camera?

(Click to Enlarge)This picture has just been uploaded at an old thread at the Russian Pentax forum back to May, in an updated/edited post today.So, what is that smaller camera? Is it just a blurred K-x/K-m? Or, the K-300?! :-o

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Monday Dreaming: Pentax Strikes at Photokina!

Having thought too much about those upcoming new Pentax stuff these days, so have just made a dream early this morning, call it ridiculous or plain stupid if you like! :-o Yet to share anyway..1. K-300 - 16MP basic (cheap) model, old sensor, no WR, no remote switch socket, no microphone input for video. Treat it as a K-01 with the addition of the old Penta-mirror finder found in the K-x/K-r but

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Fujitsu Milbeaut Image Processor MB91696AM

It is generally believed that this is the native Prime M processor which is originally designed and manufactured by Fujitsu for Pentax:-http://jp.fujitsu.com/group/fsl/en/release/20110208.htmlThe MB91696 has a dual-ARM core and has built-in H.264 codec that supports Full HD video. In fact, it has an all-round/all-in-one system architecture for what a modern digital camera needs:-(Credit: Fujitsu

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Sony's New BSI CMOS Architecture, Further Improving Light Receiving Efficiency

Source press release with more information:-http://www.sony.co.jp/SonyInfo/News/Press/201201/12-009/index.html(in Japanese)

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New Sony 1/1.7" BSI CMOS Sesnor (12MP, 4K Video)

The IMX144CQJ:-http://www.sony.co.jp/Products/SC-HP/cxpal/vol93/imx144/index.html(in Japanese)Note the various significant performance and IQ improvements over the IMX078 sensor that was adopted in the Pentax Q as it is compared.IIRC, the IMX144 is actually the first Sony *CMOS* sensor in 1/1.7" size. For all previous 1/1.7" imagers they created, they were all in CCD type.Actually, it is possible

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First Pre-Photokina Pentax Leak - Pentax X-5

(Web Host: http://cdn.uploda.cc/)It is verified to be a real product (but not a hoax) in the following page, although it has not yet shown the price yet:-See: http://www.photoprice.ca/product/03986/Pentax-X-5-price.htmlDoes it look like a K-5 from the front btw?The description on the front page of the above website tells that it is a "New Pentax X-5: 16 Megapixel, 26x Ultra-Zoom Point and Shoot".

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Korean SLR Club K-30 Full Review

http://www.slrclub.com/bbs/vx2.php?id=slr_review&page=1&divpage=1&select_arrange=headnum&desc=asc&no=290(in Korean, no need to Google translate, the pictures and videos speak for themselves!)Warning: VERY Large Page - As usual, they put the whole review into a Single page with all the modelling photos, illustration diagrams, measurbation results, sample photos and videos! If you are trying to

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Photokina for Less Than 30 Days to Come - Pentax Predictions

http://www.photokina.com/en/photokina/home/index.phpThe Pentax/Ricoh booth is Here.So, let's have some Pentax predictions and let me start a poll. What will Ricoh announce/disclose for new Pentax products at Photokina?What Shall We See at Photokina for Pentax?K-5 Replacement at 24MP, APS-CK-01 ReplacementQ Replacement645D ReplacementA New Pentax 135 FF at 24MPSome New DA LensesSome New FF

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Sony is to Roll Out FF NEX

See: http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sr5-sony-nex-goes-full-frame/But considering the really limited lens lineup of the original E-mount lenses, not even to mention FF, what's the point?The most ridiculous thing, on the other hand in the Pentaxland, is that there are so many old original K-mount lenses out there but there is not a FF Pentax body!So, if old Pentaxians are to get the new NEX, must

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Pentax Q Live View Time Lag

(URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYByS_1IJiQ)By: What Blog is This?Via: 1001 Noisy Cameras.Btw, is this common for most ILDCs or just DCs? :-o

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EISA Photo Awards 2012-13

http://www.eisa.eu/awards/3/photo.htmlEveryone has an award but only Pentax nor Ricoh! Well, even Sigma and Tamron are there! :-(Btw, the K-30 is not selling well even at the Japanese home market (where Pentax used to do it best over there), just see the latest BCN chart, the K-30 + DA18-135 kit struggles to stay in the chart, at position #58 at best.If we look at the results of the whole July,

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New Sony APS-C Sensor (16MP, PMAF Elements Built-in)

Via Sony Alpha Rumors (SR5)So, with this new sensor, I am almost sure that new Pentax APS-C camera models will come, say, K-02, K-40 and whatever! :-DLast Story:-Phase Matching / Contrast Detection AF Accuracy Measurbation and Comparison

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Phase Matching / Contrast Detection AF Accuracy Measurbation and Comparison

By Lens Rentals: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.Via Post @DPR Pentax Forum.Quick Conclusions:-1. Live View CDAF is more accurate than conventional SLR PMAF for still objects;2. New body is improved over old one for better PMAF accuracy with *any* lenses - the 5D3 was tested against the 5D2 head-to-head, with the same set of lenses, old and new;3. New lenses are improved over old models for better PMAF

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Blog Notice: Country Specific Blog Page URLs are Disabled

After working for a few days, I have successfully completed and fully tested the required scripts to disable the country specific Blog page links and now wherever and whenever you view my pages, they are reverted to blogspot.com instead of blogspot.country for where you live and get online.I hope from now on every incompatibility problem that was caused by this different domain per page evil

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New Measurbating Review: K-30 Vs K-5 Vs CNS

Digital Camera Info.com has compiled a full measurbation review/test on the K-30. The test consists of 24 sections and some sections are further divided into several sub-sections for even more measurbations! :-oYou can begin with the first "samples" section here, where the shootout against K-5, Nikon D5100, Canon Rebel T3i and Sony A55 begins! At the first glance, I am impressed with the noise

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If the D600 Can Only Come This Fall, When Will the Pentax FF Come?

Ken Rockwell "forecasts" that the D600 would appear only by late 2012. But if the previous rumour of that the Pentax FF could only come as fast as 6 months later than the Nikon is true, when shall we see a Pentax FF camera? Late 2013?! (Taking into account that things like that often subject to delay, especially for the Pentax!) >:-(

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DA50/1.8 Proven to be a Full Frame Lens (as Expected)

Although Pentax did not admit that it is a FF lens, a new DA50 owner and Pentax user has tested it on film with a MZ-3:-http://forum.xitek.com/thread-1043959-1-1-1.html(in Chinese)See the posted samples, I think no one will disagree that it is not a Full Frame lens. The IQ, sharpness, colour rendition and bokeh etc. can also be inspected.Now, we have one more FF compatible lens in the current

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My Practical Review on the DA18-135

As we all know, this lens received rather poor rating and adverse comments at the PhotoZone and then the official early samples posted by Ned Bunnell did look bad either.But then stupid fanboys of Pentax like me are actually irrational ;->, I went bought this lens regardless of the poor reputation of this lens all over the Internet! :-oThis time, I am going to write a practical review on the lens

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Recent Survey and Review Articles by the Pentax Forums

First of all, the following survey results once again verified that SDM is indeed rather unreliable and vulnerable to break, although some fanboys would still argue that the sample size returned in that survey is yet "not enough to prove anything"!http://www.pentaxforums.com/news/pentax-sdm-failure-survey-results.htmlQuoted:-"What is a little bit more alarming is the fact that three of Pentax's

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Canon EOS-M is Around the Corner, How Pentax Could Compete with the K-0x?

Yet another APS-C mirrorless system!Credit: Canon Price WatchThe EOS-M seems to be making more sense with a new mount for a much shorter back focus register distance (which I guess to be around 20mm something) than the K-01 such that the body can be made thinner and overall body size and weight can be saved, whilst the sensor could be the same. But then compatibility is not maintained anyway.In

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Panasonic Tested that K-5's AF is Better than Canon and Nikon's

See this:-Via Photo RumorsOf course their latest G is the best, in term of speed and accuracy! :-)I am sure that P fans must be happy this time, no matter P for Pen or Pana! ;-p

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This is the *True* Flagship! :-o

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgGZtS1RFqc; Credit: Japanese DC WatchAnd look at the high ISO samples in the hands-on review below:-http://www.mobile01.com/topicdetail.php?f=244&t=2850227&last=37244655(Article in Traditional Chinese; Original samples are available for download.)Wow, the ISO 12800 sample is actually less noisy and contains far more details than the ISO 1600 pictures of the

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The Pentax Sex Party Continues..

At Taiwan:-Credit: http://forum.pentaxfans.net/thread-128292-1-1.html (in Traditional Chinese)Last Related:-Recent Pentax Product Show at Taipei (K-01 Focused)

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New Pentax Lithium Rechargeable Format - What's New?

Source: http://tsun2.bbs.coocan.jp/?m=listtop&p=2(in Japanese)Remarks: The new design is used for the K-01, K-30 and the new Silver Edition of the K-5. All older K-5 used the old design. It is also told that the newer 645D units are modified to adopt the new battery as well (and shipped with the new batteries with the new chargers).The difference is the additional "D" contact, which appears in

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A Not-so-common K-30/K-5/K-01 Comparison of Mine

I am not comparing every parameter of the official published specs, but am doing a concise summary and comparison on what are really different, official or not, and for those more important things that are obvious or not! :-D K-30 K-5 K-01 Body MaterialPlasticMetal Alloy CoverAluminium CoverColoursThree (Nine in Japan, two different finishing, glossy or matte)Two (Black and Silver)Three

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New Pentax Circular Lens Aperture Patent

http://egami.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2012-07-18(in Japanese, Google English Translation Here)Actually, this is a dual 7-blade aperture mechanism, instead of one that is composed of 14, so as to save manufacturing cost. The problem of a traditional 7/8-blade "circular" diaphragm design is that the aperture opening is not always in form of a circle, i.e., at different f-stops the shape may be deformed a

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DA50/1.8 is to be On Sales on July 20th

http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20120706_545396.htmlExpected selling price is at 20,000 Japanese Yens, which is roughly equal to US$250 and is far more expensive than those similar offers from Canon and Nikon or even Sony. Whilst it is just not as cheap and competitive undoubtedly, I think Least is yet better than None!~

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Pentax Q Prime Kit Sells for $375 at Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005BG0IWS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=87342-20This is for the prime kit but not dual lens kit, i.e., the heading contains a typo. Just looks at the optional items below and we can see the zoom lens is there.Btw, the Q has been selling cheap recently and so did the K-01. And, the K-5 has been discontinued and thus what is left in the Pentaxland as being current

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Pentax Ricoh Digital Camera Products Shuffle

"Noboru Akabane, President of Pentax Imaging Ricoh, announced plans to abolish future Pentax compact digital cameras and focus on DSLRs. All future compact cameras will be under the Ricoh brand while DSLR and mirrorless camera will be under the Pentax name."Japanese Asahi News reports (log-in required to read article).Via Photo Rumors via Digicame Info (Japanese).So, this will soon marks an end

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How a DSLR is Made? (Video)

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lkv0Sc2MxP8This is for the Canon 7D btw.Related:-Videos: Nikon AF-SLR Manufacturing Process (for F70)Leica Lenses Manufacturing ProcessA Virtual Lens Plant!

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K-01 AF Inconsistency (Video Demonstration)

URL: http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNDI1MzA4NTQ0.htmlVia Chinese Xitek ForumWhy the focus had to be different every time? >:-o

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Pentax Weapon Used by an US Soldier at Afghanistan

See: http://www.diyphotography.net/are-pentax-cameras-that-weather-proofFull links of the galleries of the soldier posted at Pentax Forums, via Photoblog.hk.

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New Ricoh Lens Patents (4/3 and APS-C)

http://egami.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2012-07-06(in Japanese)The 14mm lens is for 4/3" sized sensors, whilst the 19mm lens is for APS-C. Both are equivalent to roughly about 28mm in field of view of 135 full frame.So, what is Ricoh planning? Are these lenses for GXR or just as the lenses for fixed focal GR new models? Who knows? Nonetheless, there is still no new 135 Full Frame lens patent of any, no

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K-30 YouTubes (CDAF Performance and Expanded AF Operation)

1. K-30 CDAF Test:-URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1GwD1XMtnUThe noisy and vigorous double shutter sounds and actions plus the prolonged shutter lag till exposure under the Live View mode are actually exact the same as what we got with the K-r. Much disappointed after all! >:-(2. K-30 Expanded AF Points Operation:-URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWTc7kNlp94The numbers of selectable AF

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My Canon EF40mm Pancake Brick Wall Test (on 5DIII FF)

See: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v313/RiceHigh/5Ds/40mm_Pancake/EF40STM/Do note that there is heavy asymmetric vignetting at the right side of my pictures which can be seen even when stopped down, although the effect is not as dominant.A quick comparison to another previous brick wall test by another user of the same pancake lens found that the asymmetricity can be found on his samples, but

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K-01 Limited Kit Set

http://www.pentax.jp/japan/news/2012/20120705_01.htmlThis is the most non-sense and valueless Pentax limited offer ever, I am afraid. What the buyers will get is an ordinary body with an ordinary lens but just also an additional fit-size bag, which is so ordinary in look anyway! Who would eager to be one of those 300 "limited" owners at the end of the day? :-o

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K-5 is Discontinued and K-01 Price is Dropped

Here is what is shown at the Japanese Yaotomi camera shop's K-5 page, it is described that the K-5 is discontinued and there is only limited stock of it.However, it is checked that this is not told at the official Pentax Japan page.On the other hand, the K-01 price has been dropped below 40,000 Japanese Yens (which is rougly equal to US$500).So, what are all these about? Simple! That is K-5 has

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True Pentaxian - a Way to Prevent Us from Switching and Jumping Ship Forever! ;-)

Via DC Home (in Chinese)

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K-30 Promotions (and a New K-3 Rumour)

1. Sarah Harding, an UK young singer, did PR for Pentax on the K-30:-http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2164448/Sarah-Harding-flies-flag-Britain-sexy-new-photo-campaign.html2. In Japan, Pentax employed a young male popstar to do the job instead. Watch these YouTube videos:-30-second long version15-second short versionVia DSLR Maniac (Japanese)3. Besides, there is a wild new K-3 APS-C

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K-30 User Manual and Official Samples Uploaded

http://c758710.r10.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/support/manual/1340052607_Manual_K-30_EN.pdfhttp://www.pentax.jp/japan/products/k-30/ex/index.htmlIt seems that the Pentax photographers like to take backlit photos btw!

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Various K-30 First Tests

1. First of all, the Chinese Engadget the PhotoBlographer have reviewed the K30 hands on:-http://chinese.engadget.com/photos/pentax-k-30-dslr-hands-on-0/5110205/(in Chinese)http://www.thephoblographer.com/2012/06/21/sample-images-from-the-pentax-k-30/(with resized samples)2. Next, here is the IR who always gave you the ISO measurbations:-http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/pentax-k30/

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Yet Another New Pentax Lens Patent (for APS-C Mirrorless)

A new 16-55mm F3.5-5.6:-Source: http://egami.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2012-06-22 (in Japanese)Note that the back focus of this lens is in 4.181mm this time. It seems that a new line of Pentax APS-C lenses is coming, which is possibly for the K-0x series of mirrorless. It is because for that short back focus distance, it is impossible to use these lenses for a traditional DSLR(eflex) that has a mirror.By

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K-5D Mark III: DA 18-55 II Converted to a 24-80 FULL FRAME Lens!

As we all knew, the DA18-55 lens (whatever version) does not cover 135 full frame image circle (and actually so do all other DA zoom lenses). Here is what we see when the lens is attached on a FF DSLR at 18mm:-


(See original post here)

Those DA zoom lenses, in 11 nos, are actually NOT compatible with 135 FF. Well, is there any technical solution and work around? Note that these days after I

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K-30 Test Videos (Spot AF Speed and Continuous Shooting)

Seems to be snappy and decisive enough.It is just a K-r, I am almost sure! Be prepared for the super vibration accompanied with the super loud sound! :-o

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First Original Canon EF 40mm STM Samples (Wide Opened, on Full Frame and Full Sized)

These are the first large-sized original samples of the lens that can be seen on and download from the web, via DC Fever (in Chinese). Click the following to download the full samples:- The above pictures were taken with a 5D Mark II, i.e., on a Full Frame body. We can see the bokeh quality and the resolution of the lens for where it is in focus. Seems not bad to me for the first impression. I

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What If When a Pentax FF Body Really Comes (My Own Case Study)

Actually, I have been planning to get ready for a Pentax FF system for years and every time I bought a new Pentax lens I had that in mind. Well, below is the case for my current lens setup:-1. Currently, I have 10 original Pentax primes, amongst which only the DA21 is not FF compatible, so the complete FF range is ranged from 28 to 300mm. The old "film" primes of mine include A, FA, FA Limited

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New Pentax FF Rumour

It is not from any trusted source with any past track record and hence nothing can be verified. But from the details it has provided, this grain of salt is yet somehow specific and interesting!http://www.dchome.net/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=1149840(in Chinese)What are mentioned:-1. Pentax will make the world's most compact Full Frame body which is to be marketed by March 2013;2. Two body

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D600 is Really Coming, Pentax?

http://forum.xitek.com/thread-1022917-1-1-2.html(in Chinese)It is said that the pictures were leaked from Nikon's Thailand factory but most importantly they look real! Btw, the D600 seems to be more compact than all other existing Full Frame bodies and all people have been saying that it will be sold cheap. So, I think Pentax is really doom this time, or at least I would say the 135 K-mount will

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One More Super Short Back Focus New Pentax Lens Patent (Super Slow Too!)

Last time I was surprised with the very short back focus distance of the new Pentax lens patent, but it is disclosed lately that it can be even shorter!See: http://egami.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2012-06-13(in Japanese)For this optical design, it can work out a 18-70/3.5-7.1 lens or a 19-75/3.5-7.1 lens with some variations and for example. The shortest back focus distance at the wide side is now 2.17mm

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US Pentax Lens Price Update under Unilateral Pricing Policy

Many are moderately lowered now but some are raised. Still, the original old prices are gone and those were the days!See the latest price summary on the B&H prices at the Pentax Forums:-http://www.pentaxforums.com/news/pentax-lens-price-drop.html"Few will refute that Pentax's new policy raised the prices of some lenses beyond their value, especially considering that most of them were

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Yet Another Pentax APS-C Mirrorless System?

(Above: Optical design of a new Pentax 18-55mm F3.5-6.7 lens)See this new Pentax patent, via Mirrorless Rumors.The most mysterious thing is that 3.0mm back focus distance (of which the Pentax Q's is 9.2mm), especially consider that it is an APS-C lens, which at the first glance I believe that it is just a typo, but which is actually NOT! :-oAfter all, could it be still using the K-mount with

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K-30 Official FAQs

http://www.pentax.jp/japan/support/faq/k-30/index.htmlAvailable in Japanese only.

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Canon Follows Pentax in Making Their 1st Pancake Lens

Via Canon RumorsAnd here is also a nice summary article on existing pancake lenses on the market by B&H. Btw, Pentax seems to be yet the leader here, see this modelling:-Related:-The "Canon" 40mm FF Pancake is Here! :-D

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SLRGear Tested the 40XS Lens

http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/1490/cat/45Seems to be fairly good enough on APS-C for those things that are measured. And their results resemble my practical experiences.But still, there are many things that they cannot check with their tests, one thing is about the colour rendition. IMO, the image colours produced by the 40XS lens are somehow lowly-saturated. And, the

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The Pentax June 1st "Gift" is Here

Last time there was a teaser..Today, it has been disclosed!It is a 80 Euro cash rebate for buying a K-5 from now till July 15, just! Damn it! >:-(At the end of the day, this is NOT a Gift, but just an Offer! A gift is something that is given free of charge, for its prime definition!

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K-01 IQ against K-5 etc.

http://www.techradar.com/reviews/cameras-and-camcorders/cameras/digital-slrs-hybrids/pentax-k-01-1081032/review/page:5#articleContenthttp://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentax-k-01/14So, how is the new Prime M engine compared to the old Prime II? Should it be better or could it actually be just worse? I blog, you decide!

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DPR K-01 Full Review is Out

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentax-k-01/Some of their conclusions are well expected. Who needed to run through a full lab test procedures to know that it is the biggest mirrorless body on Earth? Btw, do we still need more reviews to explain the K-01 sales downunder?

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DC Watch K-30 1st Hands-on

http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/review/impression/20120531_536510.html(in Japanese)Btw, it seems that Pentax has been undecided on the final appearance of the K-30 model name logo, as at least there are two versions of it seen already for different review units. Here is yet another version:-Source: http://www.quesabesde.com/noticias/pentax-k-30-analisis,1_8786

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K 30 Vimeos (and Now the 18 Colours are Official)

1. The K.30 Mirror Action and Shutter Sound:-URL: http://vimeo.com/42817500Well, it is actually what I can see with my K-r! No difference! :-o2. Same typical "water proof" test and demonstration video for a *weather sealed* camera:-URL: http://vimeo.com/42691920Who said the camera should be water proof btw? And, no operation of any is carried out during?Besides, speaking of the K.30, the 9 x 2

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Optio LS 465

http://www.pentax.jp/english/news/2012/201207.htmlThe Pentax camera naming becomes funnier and funnier! Well, it is not a 645 but a 465, just because the height of the new camera is measured to be 46.5mm! Those Pentax guys must have been too lazy these days! :-oAnd, what does LS stand for? Leaf Shutter?

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More K 30 Colours

The images below are linked directly from Pentax Japan online shop. So, the K 30 will have more colours, at least in Japan.

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What is This Gift from Pentax?

Coming soon on June 1st.At http://sensacionespentax.blogspot.com/2012/05/blog-post.htmlVia 1001 Noisy Cameras

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Ricoh Introduced FA Line of Lenses and Camera Bodies!

(Source URL @Ricoh Here)(Source URL @Ricoh Here)Well, we people must have been thinking too much about Pentax FF to an extent of insanity! :-( Just ask yourself what is your first reaction when you read this and especially they are absolutely official! :-o

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K 30 Continuous Shutter Sound at DPR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0y-0XxnixAAt about from 1:34 to 1:36, we can hear the shutter sound when the camera is fired continuously.For the ease of direct hearing, I capture the sound track using the AudioThief and then crop that part and then save and upload the sound file here:-http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4624062/K30_Shutter_Sound.mp3So, this sound is familiar and actually it is K-r's alike,

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The "Canon" 40mm FF Pancake is Here! :-D

Don't wait for a Pentax FF and don't wait for a Canon pancake anymore, I just opted to Do It Myself and Immediately! :-D

Here is what I've done. Read thoroughly if you want to follow! And do anything at *your own* risk just in case!

Well, first of all, you need to have a FF pancake, like this, actually the thinnest and lightest one in the world and ever!



And of course you need a

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No Pentax FF This Year if This Rumour is True!

See what this PF post has quoted and summarised for what is told by a (Pentax) "sales rep." for what new Pentax bodies will still come this year, for what he has posted at a Japanese forum.So, in short, there are yet two models to come, one lower model than the K 30, which will be more colourful (18 colours) and compact and there is also a new K-5 replacement, which is said to be stronger than

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First K 30 (Very) Brief Hands-on

http://www.facebook.com/PentaxSingaporeThe AA battery holder:Focus Peaking:AF Adjustment with Individual Lenses (Just like the K-5):

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Fully Disassembling the Fuji X100

This is not Pentax camera related. But for the sake of those camera hackers who read this Blog, I feel it is yet good to share:-http://www.jamesmaherphotography.com/photoblog_view_post/767-taking-apart-the-fuji-x100

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Transformer Cameras!

I don't know who is the original author of the above second-tier creation. But surely it is interesting!And finally, I can see something that proves the existence of Pentax marketing. The first modelling photo is cool:-

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Why One Would Want Plastic and Rubber for a Camera?

This K-5 was cracked after a crush:-Source: http://forum.xitek.com/thread-1000353-1-1-1.html (in Chinese)The new K 30 looks like shockproof, with its plastic/rubber outer shell construction. So, it seems that sometimes plastic and rubber is better than metal, especially consider that the K-5 metal shell seems to be flimsy and not thick enough. This can be seen in the above photo for the wound.

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K 30 Full Specs and Product Images Leaked!

New Products' Images with Detailed Specs!See: http://www.pentaxturk.com/forum/index.php?topic=1309.msg15245;topicseen#newThis is the Google translation of the specs:-Open SLR Weather resistant stainless steel chassis and(Splashing water, snow, dust and sand, protecting electronic circuits against)* Excellent Image Quality 16MP APS-C CMOS sensor High-speed image data signals to read and full

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K-01 is a Piece of Furniture!? :-o

Via Ned Bunnell's Blog, Here and Here.Oh, really? :-o I guess next Pentax can put the K-01 in an architectural exhibition or even a construction industry one, as the K-01 is now well known and recognised as a piece of BRICK! ;-p

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DA 50/1.8 Will be Marketed Soon

See this latest announcement at the PF.And here are the disclosed specs:-Large maximum aperture for shallow depth of field: F1.86 lens elements in 5 groupsDiagonal field of view: 32 degrees7 aperture blades, rounded for a smooth bokehSP coated front element repels dirt and grease and is easy to cleanImage format: APS-CScrewdrive autofocusPlastic bayonetNot a pancake, but still quite compact with

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Pentax K-r Mirrorless Edition! ;-D

So, the dream of many Pentaxians have come true, for a K-mount mirrorless with a finder! ;-D

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Do You Still Want 24MP in APS-C? (D3200 Vs K-5 ISO Shootout)

http://www.neocamera.com/camera/nikon/d3200/samples/indoorRelated:-When the Sensor Outresolves the Lens.. (How Meaningful is a 24MP APS-C Sensor?)

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Truly the Thinnest DC on Earth

http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20120518_533774.html(in Japanese)Well, unlike the K-01, it has a viewfinder!The lens is also thinnest!So, this camera takes all the crowns from Pentax! ;-)Sample photos are available for measurbation, too. Go figure yourself!

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Latest Interview with the CEO of Pentax Ricoh

(Noboru Akabane, President/CEO of Pentax Ricoh Imaging; Photo Credit: Fuji Sankei Business Eye) http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20120516-00000008-fsi-bus_all(in Japanese)The Key Points:-1. Company is studying on how to explore new emerging markets like Russia and India;2. The brand of "Pentax" and "Ricoh" will co-exist and the "GR" series will continue (So, AP's "insider source" was wrong);3.

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Pentax K 30 is Coming

Via: Photo RumorsThe K 30 information was first leaked via French forum Pentax One and also Amazon UK has shown the price and three colours of it at about the same time as discovered by some Pentaxians. Update: The K 30 items have already been removed at Amazon UK but I captured the screen before and here it is:-It is clearly stated that the product is to be released on June 25.After all, that's

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Ricoh Cameras are to Disappear in 2013, Ricoh Denies

See what AP has reported lately:-http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/photo-news/538731/ricoh-issues-camera-brand-statement

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iPhone in the Q

Via Instagram

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10,000 IntenseDebate Comments at This Blog

Since the launch of the new "intelligent" and advanced commenting system of IntenseDebate on August 1st, 2009 at my Blog, the total number of IntenseDebate comments has reached 10,000 earlier today and more than three thousands of readers have posted their comments.So, thank you for visiting and posting and I hope we can continue to share information and learn from each others and hopefully find

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Pentax Q T-shirt

Available at Uniqlo HK (a Japanese Clothing Company)Source: Facebook

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My 5D3 Vs K-5 Realworld Shootout

Test Conditions:-5D3 with EF35/2, K-5 with DA21/3.2; Shoot at f/8 at nearly the same time (just note the positions of the moving objects like the clouds); ISO 100; Evaluative metering for both and exposure results are really close; Auto white balance; Colour profiles: 5D3: Standard 2, 0, 0, 0, K-5: Natural +1, 0, 0, +1, +1(FS) - both are my own preferred defaults chosen for the most accurate

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Pathetic Canon's External Auto Saves the Pathetic TTL of Pentax!

Put my 580EXII Canon Speedlite onto the hotshoe of my K-5, the Pathetic TTL issue of the Pentax and K-5 has been resolved immediately and forever!The trick is to set the Canon flash to External Auto mode (Custom Function No. 5 Selection 3) and the flash will remember every setting including this and the Av and ISO as well as the manual zoom angle for the flash coverage, even after it is powered

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Pentax Q-10!

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAUO6pQGBKQWhat a hacking! Funny that the serial numbers of these two new units were assigned to be Q-01 and Q-02!N.B. It is just an I-10 modded to add a Q-mount.

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K-5 DR Re-visited (Vs 5D3 and D800 @ DPR)

DPR's DR results for both 5D3 and D800 have been out. So, now we can compare against the K-5:-http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxk5/14(Select the cameras and the settings in the second comparison tool boxes)Note that the DPR DR measurement is a real-life approach to shoot a greyscale target in EV steps and check what the cameras can deliver all by themselves, with different in-camera

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DC Resource K-01 Review: Pentax QC Disaster!

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/pentax/k01-reviewQuoted:-"I want to expand on my experiences with Pentax quality control (or lack of it). The weeks I spent with the K-01 were frustrating. My original K-01 would produce out-of-focus photos about 50% of the time, with multiple lenses. I exchanged it for a second body, which did not have that issue."And five out of seven individual lenses (same or

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MZ-5D Imagination

Via: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=41431540Brilliant idea, good imagination and nice PS work! :-D Unfortunately, it seems that Pentax/Ricoh do not have the same mentality! >:-(Related:-My Idea of the K1000D Finally Adopted by Someone!My Idea of a K1000DTen Things that I Want Ricoh to Do for Pentax

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K-01 Bug/Improvement List and Lousy Image Engine

See what this careful K-01 user found and reported:-http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=41429633Most of his findings are confirmed or agreed by yet another K-01 user in reply:-http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=41430530Amongst all the above, I think the lack of focus peaking under video recording/movie mode is a real issue and would cause much

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It's Time to Back to Measurbations (645D Vs D800 Vs D800E and K-01 Vs Others)

Chinese ZOL has done many crop comparisons amongst D800E, D800 and 645D based on IR's comparometer's studio test scene shots.Via DSLR Maniac (Japanese)Quick links for different comparisons as follows:-D800E vs D800D800E vs D800 (ISO)D800E vs 645DD800E vs 645D (ISO)D800E vs D800 (Moire)D800 JPEG vs RAW It seems that the once IQ and resolution king (at low ISO) of the 645D now wins little over

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Non Light-leaked Version of the 5D3 Has Arrived!

Just seen in the street of Hong Kong for a brand new batch of 5D3 bodies (kit sets) which are with a serial number of 3 for the 6th digit.So, it seems that the non light-leaked version of the 5D3 has arrived and Canon has actually located the problem and updated the design. But then why they still requested their customers to wait for mid-May for only body inspection and checking? Why they did

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5D3 Hands-on Impressions and Quick Review

This quick review is purely textural. So, please don't ask me for any picture or further proof on what I say, as I will not provide these. Do bear in mind that things are being subjective as they are my own impressions mostly based on real-world experiences and no extensive measurement was carried.Pre-requisite: The operation of the 5D3 maybe a bit complicated and it maybe especially difficult

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DA40/2.8 Limited Disassembly

http://info.xitek.com/product/201204/28-86915.html(in Simplified Chinese)Read Also:-Disassemble the DA21 Limited (and the Secret of the QSF Mechanism)

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Loewe x Pentax Q Black and White

Via DC Home (Chinese)Whilst the original source of these is not mentioned, the photos look real and not PSed. Simply note the different angles and positions of the stuff in the two photos. Moreover, the shadows of the bags are different too.Last Related:-Loewe x Pentax: Pentax Q Magenta Pink

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Pentax Q Discontinued?

It is said that B&H rep told this. See this thread:-http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-news-rumors/183972-pentax-q-discontinued.htmlAnd, Adorama is selling the Q prime kit at $499. On the other hand, UPP is in action for the 02 zoom lens, of which the street price is now raised to $399 from $252 at B&H. That is insane after all for such a kit zoom in asking for such high price, no matter

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5D3 Vs K-5 ISO Shootout (100 to 25600)

Shooting conditions:-1. 5D3+EF50/1.8 II, Latest Firmware (1.1.2), All Factory Default Settings (Picture Style Standard 3, 0, 0, 0), Auto White Balance, Av Exposure Mode at f/8, Evaluative Metering with No Exp. Comp., One-shot AF / Central AF point, 2 sec. Timer on Tripod, Large Fine JPEG;2. K-5+DA35/2.4, Latest Firmware (1.13), All Factory Default Settings (Picture Style Bright 0, 0, 0, 1, 1 (

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5D3 Vs NEX-3 ISO Shootout (200 to 3200, Outdoor Scene)

Here is my latest measurbation! :-DShooting conditions:-1. 5D3+EF24/1.4L II, Latest Firmware (1.1.2), All Factory Default Settings (Picture Style Standard 3, 0, 0, 0), Auto White Balance, Av Exposure Mode at f/8, Evaluative Metering with No Exp. Comp., One-shot AF / Central AF point, Large Fine JPEG;2. NEX-3+E16/2.8, Firmware Ver. 04, Landscape Creative Style 0, 0, 0 (Standard mode is too pale,

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Ricoh Suffered Big Loss in the Last Fiscal Year

http://www.fukeiki.com/2012/04/ricoh-loss2.html(in Japanese, Google Translation Here)They have had a Net Loss is in 44.56 Billion (44,560 Million) Japanese Yens, which equals to 542.72 Million US Dollars!In contrast, in the previous fiscal year before the last one, Ricoh still had a Net Profit of 18.63 Billion Japanese Yens.

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Chinese K-r (K-x?) TV Ad

http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/WxieGqK9350/?resourceId=0_06_11_02I like this Ad, maybe mainly because of the girl? ;-D Btw, the K-r replacement will be announced very soon and so K-r is just a history of the past. And wait, aren't all the cameras appeared in the video just the K-x, but not the K-r, against what is mentioned at the end? :-o So, I just wonder if this Ad is really official or

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Film is Not Dead, but Will Become More Expensive

Good and bad news. The good news is that Fuji will still produce their slide films. The bad news is it will become more expensive:-http://www.fujirumors.com/fuji-about-to-increase-the-price-of-film-in-may/Related:-No Kodak Slide Films Anymore! :-(

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Loewe x Pentax: Pentax Q Magenta Pink

http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20120423_528673.html(in Japanese)Targeted for ladies, 69,800 Japanese Yens for the 01 Standard Prime kit, accept for pre-orders from April 28 to May 6, goods are to be delivered in June. The total number of units to be produced is not specified.

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Download Old Firmware Files of Pentax DSLRs from the Pentax.jp Server (and Do the Downgrade)

I can see occasionally some Pentax DSLR users want to download the older firmware and program it back into their bodies for whatever reason(s) of their own. But the first thing they have been asking is where to get and download the older version(s) of the firmware?Actually, most of those are still kept at the Pentax.jp server, just do it this way:-1. The current and latest firmware is linked in

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Opposing Voices to the UPP of Pentax Imaging

This open letter is well said and I think it worths to report it here:-http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1036&thread=41272015The poster has said the very true indeed, since the beginning of 2010, I have only purchased my K-x kit and my K-5 body at local shops whilst all my other Pentax purchases during these two years and more were made online, these include the purchases of my

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Visualising the Change of Ownership in the History of Pentax from the Product Labels

In reversing time order..4. 2012: Pentax Ricoh Imaging Company:-A Ricoh K-5:-Source: A DPR Forum Post3.5. 2011-12: Transitional Period from Hoya to PRIC:-Label and documentation are showing Hoya but there is a notice of change of ownership included in the box.Source: Changing the Focusing Screen of K-5 - Tips and Techniques3. 2007-2011: Hoya Corporation:-A Hoya K-5's bottom:-K-5 is a Pentax DSLR

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K-01 Must Feel More Solid than the D3200!

It is because it is smaller, but 11% heavier! OMG! >:-(

http://camerasize.com/compare/#285,317

I always wonder what Pentax has put into the K-01 such that it is so heavy? And why's that? :-o


Related:-

Inside the K-01

Cheaper Pentax Body Next Year, Mirrorless or Not

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New Sigma Lens for Pentax

http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/news/120420_18-50_28-45_dc_hsm.htm

I think the important meaning of this lens is that Pentax is not yet dead in the eyes of other manufacturers. It has been quite a long time that there is no new 3rd party lenses released for Pentax and in the K-mount. Now, Sigma is there! And yes, now Pentax needs the support from 3rd parties! It is really true..

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Full K-01 Samples Posted at Focus Numerique

http://www.focus-numerique.com/test-1379/compact-pentax-k-01-exemples-photos-15.html

Original and in Full Size.

There is also an ISO measurbation carried out, but I don't think it is really useful anyway.

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"Exploded View Diagram" of the Spotmatic F!

Source page: http://gmunk.tumblr.com/post/14672948043What a hack job!

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Still Four New Pentax Bodies in this Financial Year?

Our famous Pentax "rumouriser", OGL, has made a post about upcoming new Pentax product until March 2013 after the Russian CEP Photo Expo:-

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-news-rumors/183023-photo-forum-russia-pentax-stand-info-about-new-digital-slr-camera.html

I suppose that he has talked to some local dealers of Pentax over there. However, I really doubt that if Pentax Ricoh will

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Some Pentax Tidbits

Pentax gear is on the cover of the last issue of PopPhoto. An image of the cover is circulated around the net. Well, from the EXIF and GPS tags it can be seen that it was originally taken by someone at Melbourne using the iPad.Btw, is the body a K-7 or K-5? As for the lens, it is just the original DA 18-55 (the first *ist DS/DL/K100D kit lens, non-WR). So, probably this lens can be thrown away

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