PENTAX FF - Spring 2016

[Hulyss Bowman]

It will be a nice camera, for sure. I'm very curious about the giant OVF, rear screen and the SENSOR, ofc ... exciting times. I can post more pics than other sites because I'm digging into their severs

Full Frame by PENTAX | RICOH IMAGING

[Hulyss Bowman]

I tortured one of the sample pictures and discovered a typical EVF plug. So maybe there is EVF in option ? Only time will tell



On a more serious note, this camera will use a "RGB high resolution mode". If it is real and true (probably), Sigma will have hard time to cope with that. This might be the end of Sigma DSLR and the end of foveon dream

[Vivek]

The EVF possibility looks interesting (something Canon and Nikon could have done, a while ago). Another curiosity for me is the type of Sony sensor that is going to be used.

Sigma SD1 made history for perhpas the least number of DSLRs ever sold. they did themselves in.

I think the new Pentax DSLR would be excellent like the nikon D810 astro cam. Limited sales for the connoisseur and those with special applications needs.

[ptomsu]

I absolutely do not understand why Nikon and Canon have not added such an EVF possibility already years ago! Even Leica who are known for being rather slow introduced that to their M240 back in 2012! This is a real shame on C/N

Anyway the FF Pentax looks promising and while I might not jump on one as I most probably will stay in Nikon FF land, I welcome very much the competition by another big vendor who can help to mix up the market - and through Ricoh Pentax can really do that!

[Hulyss Bowman]

For now we can't say it will be a Sony sensor, at all. And we can't say it will have tremendous amount of pixels. What we can say is that it will be at a very good price, build like a tank, very weather sealed. This camera will shake Nikon and Canon. Not Sony with the A7. Here we have a big company who land on Canikon kindergarten, FF dslr, but at today sauce. For the lenses there is some already but more will come. I can't wait to see some pics with the 43 mm...

Seriously, this might be my next camera.

Do not forget that Pentax also use Samsung sensors and Samsung sensors was/are pretty cool, especially in colour response (the k7, for example).

Some read about limited lenses

Lessons from a Legendary Lens Designer | Photographic Ideals, Basic Principles | The Northcoast Photographer

[Vivek]

Do not forget that Pentax also use Samsung sensors and Samsung sensors was/are pretty cool, especially in colour response (the k7, for example).

Samsung use Sony sensors (NX mini). Pentax/Ricoh dumped Samsung a long time ago. You have to be a bit realistic. If you want serious non Sony cameras, your only current option is Canon. Not Nikon and definitely not Ricoh.

[Knorp]

Really too bad I've 'lost' all of mine fine full frame (FA) lenses; 17/4.0 fish-eye, 20/2.8, 28/3.5 shift, 35/2.0, 50/1.2, 77/1.8, 135/2.8
Otherwise I would be very tempted indeed.
Alas ...

[ptomsu]

It will be especially interesting to see how Canon / Nikon will react to this competition.

If Ricoh / Pentax play it wisely, they also launch some great new FF lenses (fixed and zoom) to supplement the rather limited FF lens lineup.

And FF IBIS which is almost a given to come in the Pentax will be quite a unique feature. If they combine this with the A7RII 42MP BSI sensor and the EVF option and 4k video, this should add up to a pretty competitive offering

[Hulyss Bowman]

Yes, new lenses are coming too. Some limited lenses have been reworked. This camera get me more excited than any actual Sony A7. Got the same excitement when Sony announced the A900 just because of the OVF. This OVF will be very cool

It will be just a new system so I do not expect to adapt other lenses on it. Thing is that it is possible that this camera will be good at video too. A real combo with some superb legacy lenses and good DNG out of the box. With DNG, no need other raw converter than PS.

Can't wait to know more about it

[ptomsu]

Yes, new lenses are coming too. Some limited lenses have been reworked. This camera get me more excited than any actual Sony A7. Got the same excitement when Sony announced the A900 just because of the OVF. This OVF will be very cool

It will be just a new system so I do not expect to adapt other lenses on it. Thing is that it is possible that this camera will be good at video too. A real combo with some superb legacy lenses and good DNG out of the box. With DNG, no need other raw converter than PS.

Can't wait to know more about it

DNG - yes of course! Have completely forgotten about that! One of the very cool features I liked about my K5s

[Hulyss Bowman]

DNG - yes of course! Have completely forgotten about that! One of the very cool features I liked about my K5s

Yes a lot of ppl forget about that. I'm probably ignorant but I think only Leica is DNG too. Of course Pentax have his PEF format.

Here are the 9 actual FF Pentax lenses who will work with this camera :

FA 31mm f1.8 Limited
FA 35mm f2.0
FA 43mm f1.9 Limited
DFA 50mm f2.8 macro
FA 50mm f1.4
DA 50mm f1.8
FA 77mm f1.8 Limited
DFA 100mm f/2.8 macro
DA* 300mm f4

The bold ones are the one I value the most. I worked a lot with the 77 and it is a true gem. The 300f4 is a true gem too, especially in concert. I know the 43f1.9 is a very special lens and I really want it. Hopefully, Pentax prices are good prices. You can expect them to launch at least a wide angle lens to start.

[ptomsu]

Yes a lot of ppl forget about that. I'm probably ignorant but I think only Leica is DNG too. Of course Pentax have his PEF format.

Here are the 9 actual FF Pentax lenses who will work with this camera :

FA 31mm f1.8 Limited
FA 35mm f2.0
FA 43mm f1.9 Limited
DFA 50mm f2.8 macro
FA 50mm f1.4
DA 50mm f1.8
FA 77mm f1.8 Limited
DFA 100mm f/2.8 macro
DA* 300mm f4

The bold ones are the one I value the most. I worked a lot with the 77 and it is a true gem. The 300f4 is a true gem too, especially in concert. I know the 43f1.9 is a very special lens and I really want it. Hopefully, Pentax prices are good prices. You can expect them to launch at least a wide angle lens to start.

Thanks for this list! Makes life easier

I never shot the 77 or the 43 but have heard a lot of positive feedback from people who used it. Great that you confirm that too!

But obviously also the new 2.8/70-200 and the 4.5-5.6/150-450 are covering 35mm FF. Both would be fix starters for me, especially the 150-450 as I would need this for wildlife!

[Hulyss Bowman]

Ho yea, I forgot about the zooms. But I'm not that much into zooms

[Hulyss Bowman]

Ok guys, I come with a little more infos. I was roaming the web, seeking servers breaches and infos everywhere. Then I ran into a "rumour" who got me excited even more. On Pentax forum I seen the speech between two guys. One I do not know but the other one, I know him. It is a very solid/reliable source of informations on French forums, someone who can be trusted since at least a decade.

The rumour is about RICOH speaking with RED, yea, just that. My little finger tell me that it is probably true. Now, thinking it have something to do with the upcoming FF would be pretty bold statement... but who know ?

If true, and if RICOH team with RED at some levels... then SONY and CANON will have some serious competition and cold sweat. It is normal for RICOH to make money, as a big company.

Only future will tell Meanwhile I continue to dig the net to find a source.

[ptomsu]

Ok guys, I come with a little more infos. I was roaming the web, seeking servers breaches and infos everywhere. Then I ran into a "rumour" who got me excited even more. On Pentax forum I seen the speech between two guys. One I do not know but the other one, I know him. It is a very solid/reliable source of informations on French forums, someone who can be trusted since at least a decade.

The rumour is about RICOH speaking with RED, yea, just that. My little finger tell me that it is probably true. Now, thinking it have something to do with the upcoming FF would be pretty bold statement... but who know ?

If true, and if RICOH team with RED at some levels... then SONY and CANON will have some serious competition and cold sweat. It is normal for RICOH to make money, as a big company.

Only future will tell Meanwhile I continue to dig the net to find a source.

Would indeed be really cool! Please keep digging .... and posting

[Jorgen Udvang]

I tortured one of the sample pictures and discovered a typical EVF plug. So maybe there is EVF in option ? Only time will tell



On a more serious note, this camera will use a "RGB high resolution mode". If it is real and true (probably), Sigma will have hard time to cope with that. This might be the end of Sigma DSLR and the end of foveon dream

If this is what you think it is, it's a very interesting development indeed. This is a camera that I will follow very closely in any case. Although there's a limited selection available, Pentax makes some of the best. It would be nice too if Zeiss went back to making the Milvus series in K-mount. If not, there are still used copies of the ZK lenses available.

[Lars]

Interesting stuff, and I really hope Pentax pulls this off with commercial success. Seriously doubt that any of the large manufacturers would tremble with fear over this though - Pentax needs to strengthen its brand visibility a lot for that to happen.

[Tim]

Great... Here is me recently ranting about the advantages of EVFs on the Sony forum and now I see this Pentax DSLR and now may do a backflip from EVF to OVF.

Size, specs, price and of course IQ will be what we will be looking to see first.

If they do a unique IQ like the Foveon but at useful ISOs beyond say a 5D or D800 type machine they may find a niche.
No pop-up flash please on a professional body. I know Pentax are great at weathersealing so I'll be expecting that.

[Jorgen Udvang]

Looking at the prism housing from all available angles, there doesn't seem to be a pop-up flash. If Pentax is true to their traditions, the camera will be as small as practically possible. Still, I doubt that it will be much smaller/lighter than the D750. If it is, and it does have an EVF option, it's a challenge for Sony as well as for Canikon. If it shoots 4K video too, it'll be a runaway success.

All of this is technically possible to do, and Pentax already knows how to do IBIS. While I doubt Pentax will make the management at any of the large camera brands nervous overnight, they are able to make a stir, and Ricoh is a sizable corporation with net sales last year of USD 18.6 billion.

[Tim]

Its something I've never bothered to think about before, but if you want both EVF and OVF in a DSLR you have to make it a DSLR in the first place and add a EVF.
/obvious statement.

You can't of course add a flappy mirror to a Sony A7 after the fact.

You could ask (argue?) that it would be nice to have the EVF as an overlay to the DSLR OVF rather than a plugin module like the X100 has, but now I am getting greedy.

[Lars]

You can't of course add a flappy mirror to a Sony A7 after the fact.

Well you could, but it would look really weird.

[Lars]

Looking at the prism housing from all available angles, there doesn't seem to be a pop-up flash. If Pentax is true to their traditions, the camera will be as small as practically possible. Still, I doubt that it will be much smaller/lighter than the D750. If it is, and it does have an EVF option, it's a challenge for Sony as well as for Canikon. If it shoots 4K video too, it'll be a runaway success.

All of this is technically possible to do, and Pentax already knows how to do IBIS. While I doubt Pentax will make the management at any of the large camera brands nervous overnight, they are able to make a stir, and Ricoh is a sizable corporation with net sales last year of USD 18.6 billion.

Let's hope for a stir then. Just not expecting to see a row of Pentax lenses at the next Olympics track & field.

[Hulyss Bowman]

If this is what you think it is, it's a very interesting development indeed. This is a camera that I will follow very closely in any case. Although there's a limited selection available, Pentax makes some of the best. It would be nice too if Zeiss went back to making the Milvus series in K-mount. If not, there are still used copies of the ZK lenses available.

Hello Jorgen,

Yes I think really hard it is an EVF plug. I don't see why Pentax would go NOW into an another flash system, or just a flash system who use this kind of plug. So for me it is an EVF plug, probably because RICOH thought it would be wise to to it. Also, if this DSLR have video (I think it will have VERY good video) the EVF will be somehow useful. See the future Pentax EVF as the VF of the new XF from PhaseOne. It will ve very good for video.

Interesting stuff, and I really hope Pentax pulls this off with commercial success. Seriously doubt that any of the large manufacturers would tremble with fear over this though - Pentax needs to strengthen its brand visibility a lot for that to happen.

My latest unofficial infos tell me that the contact between RICOH and RED cinema is real. RICOH do not care about Nikon, who is a little company compared to. RICOH is roughly the equivalent of XEROX and CANON, far bigger company. From what I gathered, RICOH will put as much money as possible into Pentax as much as it fulfil their objectives. So it would be a mistake to see Pentax as a Sigma equivalent. Pentax is more a Canikon equivalent, as the date of today, if it is necessary. RICOH is developing one thing with Pentax : Digital imaging Still and Cinema market share and revenue. They lack their own sensor and own video specificity/department. It is why they want to have kind of unique sensor and/or video expertise.

To return to your phrase, if RICOH team with RED, let say ONLY for a video codec or compression, it will shake Canon and Sony big time because RED isn't slouch. If in + they use a RED sensor... sony will be forgotten and here is why:

This camera is the first Pentax digital Full frame DSLR. Pentax ain't SIGMA so we can expect a very bug free well rounded DSLR with superb IQ/ruggedness/ergonomy, to start with. This FF DSLR will be one of the most modern ever. RICOH/PENTAX had a very large time to see what work and what do not work in the other brands

Great... Here is me recently ranting about the advantages of EVFs on the Sony forum and now I see this Pentax DSLR and now may do a backflip from EVF to OVF.
Size, specs, price and of course IQ will be what we will be looking to see first.
If they do a unique IQ like the Foveon but at useful ISOs beyond say a 5D or D800 type machine they may find a niche.
No pop-up flash please on a professional body. I know Pentax are great at weathersealing so I'll be expecting that.

OVF is unique for composing. This OVF will be one hell of OVF in 35mm digital world. If there is an EVF option, it is win win for every body. For the IQ... I can only speculate It will not be Foveon equivalent, that is sure. I think it will not be a Sony sensor either. Again, it's only speculation from my side but I always liked Pentax IQ, whatever sensor they used. So I would not worry that much about IQ


All in one, this OVF look that big because it is a Full Frame OVF instead of an APS-C OVF. For now, it do not seem to have a popup flash but sometimes edges can be tricky to spot if well integrated. I think there is no popup flash

Also, the camera is just a little bit bigger than a K3/K5. Even if bigger than a K3/K5, it will be SMALLER than any 35mm DSLR to date. If none of you ever touched a K3, I would advise you to go in your local store to touch one

Stay tuned ! More new @ October 6th.

EDIT: If an EVF is possible, it will be used only with electronic shutter mode (so completely silent and vibration free) and video.

[Hulyss Bowman]

I also want to had that the future isn't into STILL images. To be more precise, future is in compression algorithm and very high definition video, in which you will be able to extract decent stills (thus the compression algorithm) or only shoot a still.

The future is also into social sharing or high speed sharing (no computer between your camera and internet, if necessary).

I do not know if any of you ever played with a .R3D video file ? If you look hard on the net you'll find some pieces of video to play with. Also, you can download for free the RED software here : https://www.red.com/downloads?catego...&release=final

You can see there is a photoshop plugin to open .R3D

But I'm going too wild with this, just test and forget. No way it will happen in this FF pentax DSLR. No ??

[Lars]

Hulyss,
I'm not doubting Pentax' competence or Ricoh's financial resources. But it takes both, and more, to build a truly competitive brand. I think we all remember the LX - best camera/system on the market at the time but never got the recognition it deserved. I still have mine in a closet somewhere.

[ptomsu]

While I am eagerly waiting for this Pentax FF DSLR and have absolutely no doubt it will be very good or even excellent, I still do have some fear WRT the AF system and its speed. Their latest SAFOX incarnation (forgot the number) only had far AF points compared to Nikon as well as Canon top end DSLRs. My fear is it will take Pentax lot of effort and expertise (not only money) to develop AF systems at least on par with what Canikon already sell since years. And if rumors are true, the new AF system in the D5 which will be introduces in early 2016 is rumored to have something like 171 AF points. Plus a big number of AF points capable to focus down to EV-3 is pretty sure to be on board of these new DSLRs. Will Pentax be able to close this gap? I am not so sure.

I know AF is for sure not everything, but it is for many (including myself) a very important pice of the whole DSLR game. So I hope Pentax can really surprise here!

[Hulyss Bowman]

I think the AF will be a new SAFOX and that a new contrast AF will be implemented. It will not compete with top notch AF from Nikon but it will be good.

Thing is, you need auto tracking AF only for action scenes. Do you see a lot of action scenes on this forum, or other forum ? I see that photographers take time to shoot and compose.

Anyway, with the K5, the last pentax I used, I had no problem to track furious guys on stage during concert, so in low low light. I do not think the actual K3 SAFOX is that disastrous with moving subjects such as birds. It is not as smooth as a Nikon AF,even an old nikon AF (D700) but it is very ok.

[ptomsu]

I think the AF will be a new SAFOX and that a new contrast AF will be implemented. It will not compete with top notch AF from Nikon but it will be good.

Thing is, you need auto tracking AF only for action scenes. Do you see a lot of action scenes on this forum, or other forum ? I see that photographers take time to shoot and compose.

Anyway, with the K5, the last pentax I used, I had no problem to track furious guys on stage during concert, so in low low light. I do not think the actual K3 SAFOX is that disastrous with moving subjects such as birds. It is not as smooth as a Nikon AF,even an old nikon AF (D700) but it is very ok.

There is hope

[Tim]

Here are the 9 actual FF Pentax lenses who will work with this camera :

FA 31mm f1.8 Limited
FA 35mm f2.0
FA 43mm f1.9 Limited
DFA 50mm f2.8 macro
FA 50mm f1.4
DA 50mm f1.8
FA 77mm f1.8 Limited
DFA 100mm f/2.8 macro
DA* 300mm f4

The bold ones are the one I value the most. I worked a lot with the 77 and it is a true gem. The 300f4 is a true gem too, especially in concert. I know the 43f1.9 is a very special lens and I really want it. Hopefully, Pentax prices are good prices. You can expect them to launch at least a wide angle lens to start.

these lenses are an interesting bunch.

The 43mm not that big and if the FF is close to the K3 then size will be compact.
Have a comparison here - http://camerasize.com/compact/#619.82,624.395,ha,t

[Hulyss Bowman]

these lenses are an interesting bunch.

The 43mm not that big and if the FF is close to the K3 then size will be compact.
Have a comparison here - http://camerasize.com/compact/#619.82,624.395,ha,t

Yes some pentax lenses are "Leica" sized. The 43mm is legendary because of his own rendering. Back in the days, a range finder version of it was made for leica shooters, just because this lens is kinda unique. Per say, the RF version is larger than the SLR version.
The FF will be a little bit bigger than the K3. With some limited lenses such as the 43mm, it will be the smallest FF dslr ever, smaller than the Df or D750.

Here is the RF version (bigger than the SLR version).

[ptomsu]

Actually the size factor is one of the appealing features I am looking for this new FF Pentax DSLR!

I am using (want to use) a FF camera as I am using my m43 EM1 - just FF! I need it for wildlife (the 150-450 should do perfect for that), for action, sports portrait (2.8/70-200 and 1.8/77 Limited) as well as some street and WA (the other Limited's should do that magic). I only ask for decent AF and I do hope that it will deliver!

I might add a K3II to this setup to get even more reach for wildlife and still be able to have nice 24MP ...

Sounds exciting!

[Hulyss Bowman]

Yea that "sound" exciting It would be good if it taste exciting too

I do not think you'll have the same compact and tactile experience than with your M43. I do not use M43 but I had some in hands and it is well made (the Oly ones). It will be compact, yes, but not as compact and without "retro style". I do not think pentax is in the retro style marketing road, more into the actual/futuristic design road, even if they keep traditional DSLR form factor.

I'm with you on the AF. This is not my priority personally, the one in the K5 is reliable, but if it is a very good one, I'll take

The 150-450 is already out and in stock in some European digital stores but we won't have "FF" review till next year,I fear. The 70-200 is not out yet.

The latest rumor say that the delay with this DSLR is due because they are implementing the Sony BSI sensor. Take that as a rumour. I think specs will be leaked start of October if stars and planets align correctly

[Knorp]

Ricoh is pretty serious about their new Pentax FF lens line-up.
How about this corker: HD PENTAX-D FA 24-70mmF2.8ED SDM WR

[Hulyss Bowman]

It is a good zoom.

It will be the FF kit zoom, a Tamron re-badged lens. So yes, it is weather sealed, have Pentax marking but it is a Tamron lens.

The 70-200 is a full Pentax lens so you can expect a 24-70 * (star) lens later, as expensive as the 70-200 also

[Knorp]

More info: Pentax Full Frame DSLR camera details 'leaked'

source: photorumors.com

[ptomsu]

Sounds very appealing!

Still not sure if this will be enough to attract many photographers to this camera/system and jumping ships.

[algrove]

The 645 adapter could attract 645 owners wanting some sort of backup being able to use their 645 lenses.

[Hulyss Bowman]

The last rumour is a gross photo-montage so I would not endorse it. I think, now, that we need to wait real Ricoh announcement.

[algrove]

I tortured one of the sample pictures and discovered a typical EVF plug. So maybe there is EVF in option ? Only time will tell



On a more serious note, this camera will use a "RGB high resolution mode". If it is real and true (probably), Sigma will have hard time to cope with that. This might be the end of Sigma DSLR and the end of foveon dream

Wonder if that might be a GPS plug similar to the one for the 645Z?

[ceh]

http://photorumors.com/2015/10/22/th...e-dslr-camera/

[Knorp]

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/960...ull-frame-dslr

[JohnBrew]

Some read about limited lenses
Lessons from a Legendary Lens Designer | Photographic Ideals, Basic Principles | The Northcoast Photographer

Hulyss, you might be interested in my Pentax experience. I bought an istDS from Mike Johnston, the very one he used for testing. I used it with the zoom Mike had on it (not the kit zoom). Then I bought a 77 Limited. It was a dynamite portrait lens and good for general shooting even if on the crop-frame sensor. The lens handled and was of a similar size to a Leica 50 Cron. I believe (not sure on this) I ditched it for the Nikon D200.
Incidentally the LCD got broken in my luggage on a trip. The camera continued to perform well and I got my vacation shots, I just couldn't review them. Pentax service (I think they were in Colorado at the time) fixed it quickly and I remember the charge was $167 - not too bad considering.
I think the new FF Pentax has loads of possibilities if the 645z is anything to go by.

[Hulyss Bowman]

Hey John,

I have some experience with pentax as well. The k7 and then the k5. I shot with the 300mm, 55mm, 77mm and 21mm zeiss... I broke the IS in the K5 because of vibration in a concert and then I got multiple electrical problems (I think the MB soldering inside the K5 was a bit weak). I do not say that the K5 is fragile but I say it is more fragile than a D700, for example. So, this Pentax FF need to be a solid piece of gear. I just wait the specifications. Meanwhile, Nikon is probably baking something too so I think we are good to wait till at least summer 2017 to be properly fixed.

[Jorgen Udvang]

There's an "Is the SL the sexiest Leica" or something thread over at the Leica forum. I don't know what to say about this one, but I'm already looking for a place to hide my credit card to be on the safe side. I'll probably have to drop it in a bucket of concrete and sink it at the Mariana Trench.

[Hulyss Bowman]

There's an "Is the SL the sexiest Leica" or something thread over at the Leica forum. I don't know what to say about this one, but I'm already looking for a place to hide my credit card to be on the safe side. I'll probably have to drop it in a bucket of concrete and sink it at the Mariana Trench.

Yea, it will be a highly functional dslr, for sure. The prism does look huge.

[algrove]

Large prism possibly due to GPS built into it now.

[Jorgen Udvang]

If this camera has a great sensor and Zeiss starts making the Milvus lenses in K-mount, I might have a problem

[ptomsu]

If this camera has a great sensor and Zeiss starts making the Milvus lenses in K-mount, I might have a problem

Jorgen,

why a problem, you have the D810 and great glass for it, why in all the world switch?

Since I have my D810 I am soon HAPPY - have not been for long time. Hardly can imagine that the upcoming Pentax FF would top it. But you actually should know better

Just my 5c

Peter

[Hulyss Bowman]

Jorgen,

why a problem, you have the D810 and great glass for it, why in all the world switch?

Since I have my D810 I am soon HAPPY - have not been for long time. Hardly can imagine that the upcoming Pentax FF would top it. But you actually should know better

Just my 5c

Peter

I completely agree with you. Whatever Pentax will do, the Nikon will always be more solid. All this GPS/Wifi/swivelscreen things are just utter gadgets for me, a waste of time and money producing bad radiations. I do not want to be tracked by a GPS. The only things I might like are "few" Pentax lenses on a 24x36 sensor. If this 24x36 sensor is a conventional boring Sony sensor... I'll pass.

So yea, it wont top the D810 or very hardly.

Some might think I change my mind but I don't. The more I get infos the less I'm excited.

[algrove]

Sensors aren't boring. It's the image maker who makes boring images.