What should Pentax do next?

I completed the questionnaire last week, opting for an SLR but with a sensor built into the mirror assembly to provide a foldout screen on the back like digital cameras, I thought that might be quite an innovation. Second alternative would be a full frame compact like the Ricoh GR3.
 
I also completed it - my preference was for a compact medium format camera.
 
I saw little point in just making a new film camera. Instead I tried to think about what film cameras would be like now if digital cameras hadn't been invented.

I'd like to see some of the tech that's in the latest digital cameras incorporated - maybe you could, as @lindsay says, have a screen that gives some sort of indication of output.

Reads the codes, adjusts to the ASA and colour/B&W, has film profiles loaded in to give an on screen view of the photo before you click.
 
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A small TLR using 35mm film in square format.
 
garry71 said:
A small TLR using 35mm film in square format.
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That would be a slightly smaller version of the 127 format Rollei 4x4 TLR (the grey one - I love mine but have to use it sparingly due to the rarity of film availability).
 
interchangeable lens 35mm system or 120 which can take my AF Pentax lenses or M645 lenses with an adapter.

Would prefer a K1iii
 
StephenM said:
I also completed it - my preference was for a compact medium format camera.
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I would like a low cost 120 camera - I'm not willing to pay for something that is expensive as I just don't use film often enough - and it would need a decent lens and focusing system.

Pentax have kept their DSLR range and lenses - that leaves them in a position where they can still produce a 35mm SLR body and they have a current lens system that is compatible with the film SLR format without the need to produce a new set of lenses.

There is still some use of film SLRs in colleges and while that is a small market for the colleges for small batches - it also gains them access to students as a market.
 
It would be interesting to know what Japanese feedback on the questionnaire is - Ricoh/Pentax tend to be most focused on that market more than Europe/America. My suspicion is that Japanese consumers would be more likely to go for an SLR than a MF camera, but I'm guessing.
 
lindsay said:
It would be interesting to know what Japanese feedback on the questionnaire is - Ricoh/Pentax tend to be most focused on that market more than Europe/America. My suspicion is that Japanese consumers would be more likely to go for an SLR than a MF camera, but I'm guessing.
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depends, if an SLR would compete with their half frame offering? I suspect your right though
 
benc98 said:
depends, if an SLR would compete with their half frame offering? I suspect your right though
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An SLR provides a route to selling lenses.

But it would be more complex than the half frame compact. My view is that the Pentax 17 is over priced. So the problem with a reasonably priced SLR is that it potentially devalues the half frame camera as well.
 
I'd like to see a digital version of the 6x7. That was a great camera in it's day.
 
I don't even know if it is possible, but a full frame or close to it sensor in a body styled on the ME-Super would fit the bill. Especially if it was made with simple dials for the essentials.
 
Clive K said:
I don't even know if it is possible, but a full frame or close to it sensor in a body styled on the ME-Super would fit the bill. Especially if it was made with simple dials for the essentials.
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This is Pentax's film project - not digital - although I did suggest a hybrid above
 
lindsay said:
This is Pentax's film project - not digital - although I did suggest a hybrid above
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I am surprised that they are investing in film cameras given the uncertainty of future film production. My local supplier cannot get Fuji and struggles to find supplies of Kodak.
 
Clive K said:
I am surprised that they are investing in film cameras given the uncertainty of future film production. My local supplier cannot get Fuji and struggles to find supplies of Kodak.
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I don’t think Fujifilm are that bothered about film. I believe Kodak are still keen and are upping capacity - not sure if they can keep up with demand though.
 
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