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Posts Tagged ‘Pentax’

The Pentax K-3 Mark III Will Not Launch Next Week

20 Feb

The post The Pentax K-3 Mark III Will Not Launch Next Week appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Pentax K-3 Mark III delay

The Pentax K-3 Mark III will not launch at next week’s CP+ imaging show as was initially promised, but will instead be delayed for the foreseeable future.

Back in October 2020, Pentax officially announced its long-awaited APS-C DSLR, the K-3 Mark III. The company released a camera spec list, and stated that “the launch target is around the period of the CP+ camera exhibition, which will be held from February 25 to 28 in 2021.”

But now, just days before the CP+ exhibition, Pentax released a statement acknowledging a hold-up; specifically, “some of the product parts are delayed, and [Pentax has] determined that development will require a greater amount of time for [the company] to achieve the exceptional performance and finest quality that is the hallmark of next [sic] APS-C flagship model.”

Pentax did not offer a new expected launch date, but promised to “inform [consumers] again in the near future.”

According to the original announcement, the K-3 Mark III will pack 26 MP of resolution, a sensor that can shoot up to an astonishing ISO 1,600,000, plus in-body image stabilization, 12 frames per second continuous shooting, dual card slots, and more.

Fans who have waited for the K-3 Mark III will no doubt be aggravated by this delay, especially because Pentax had originally teased a K-3 Mark III launch for the end of 2020. And the announcement comes at an unfortunate time; the mirrorless market seems to solidify further with every passing day, and the relative success of mirrorless threatens to leave Pentax, a DSLR-focused brand, in the dust. 

In other words:

Pentax needs a win, and this delay suggests they won’t get it.

So if you were anticipating the release of the K-3 Mark III, you’ll have to hunker down yet again. While the camera will likely debut eventually, there’s no telling when that day will come.

Now over to you:

What do you think of this Pentax delay? Are you interested in the K-3 Mark III? Do you think the camera will ever come out? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The post The Pentax K-3 Mark III Will Not Launch Next Week appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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MonsterAdapter’s new LA-KE1 adapter brings autofocus, aperture control to Pentax K-mount lenses on Sony E-mount cameras

25 Nov

MonsterAdapter, a relatively new player in the lens adapter game, has revealed the details of the LA-KE1, a new adapter that will make it possible to mount Pentax K-mount glass to Sony E-mount mirrorless camera systems.

There isn’t much information available about MonsterAdapter. The company’s Facebook page, which appears to be its only online presence, was created on May 20, 2020, when the company announced the development of the LA-EA4r, a modified version of Sony’s LA-EA4 adapter that expanded functionality and support. MonsterAdapters has since released another adapter, the LA-VE1, which makes it possible to adapt Minolta Vectis V-mount lenses to Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras.

Now, the company is promoting its forthcoming LA-KE1, which it claims is the ‘first of its kind in the world.’ The adapter offers full autofocus, aperture control and EXIF data transfer for Pentax K-mount lenses (KAF, KAF2, KAF3 and KAF4) to Sony E-mount cameras. The adapter uses a pair of motors for turning the screw-drive autofocus in older K-mount lenses.

This not only brings the ability to shoot with Pentax lenses to Sony E-mount cameras, but also enables many of Sony’s AI-assisted focusing modes to be used with the Pentax lenses, new and old. MonsterAdapter says the exact functionality will vary depending on what camera you’re using — noting a more powerful camera likely means more features — but both Human and Animal Eye-AF focus modes should be able to work on adapted glass.

MonsterAdapter also notes that due to the limits of screw-drive lenses, this adapter is best suited for still photographs—not video. In addition to the images of the prototype adapter in this article, SonyAlphaRumors has also shared a hands-on video demonstration of it in action:

No price is given for the LA-KE1 adapter, but it is set to ‘hit the market within this year,’ according to the company’s announcement post. You can keep up with the latest news on MonsterAdapter’s Facebook page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Venus Optics’ 100mm F2.8 Ultra Macro lens is now available with Pentax K mount, new stepless EF mount version also available

14 Nov

Venus Optics has announced its popular Laowa 100mm F2.8 Ultra Macro APO lens is now available for Pentax K mount cameras and is also available in a stepless aperture version for Canon EF mount.

When the Laowa 100mm F2.8 Ultra Macro APO lens was announced back in 2018, it was supposed to be available for Pentax K mount systems alongside Canon EF, Nikon F and Sony FE mounts. However, the K mount version never came to fruition, with Venus Optics even announcing RF and Z mount versions back in April of this year before any news of the K mount version came out.

A macro shot of the aperture coupling on the new Pentax K mount version of the Laowa 100mm F2.8 Ultra Macro APO.

Now, the wait is over. As with the previous versions of the lens, the Pentax K mount version is constructed of 12 elements in 10 groups, features an aperture range of F2.8-F22, uses a seven-blade aperture diaphragm and has a maximum 2x magnification ratio. The lens features an automatic aperture coupling lever, which allows the lens’ aperture to be controlled through the camera, but if you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can adjust the aperture using the manual aperture ring as well.

In addition to the Pentax K mount model, Venus Optics has also released a variation of its EF mount model that features manual stepless aperture control. This video-oriented version of the lens makes it easier to get just the right exposure and the inclusion of a 13 aperture-blade diaphragm over the seven-blade aperture diaphragm in the automatic aperture EF mount version should make for even smoother bokeh.

Below is a sample gallery of images taken with the Laowa 100mm F2.8 Ultra Macro APO lens by photographer Thomas Shahan, provided by Venus Optics:

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Both the Pentax K mount and Canon EF mount stepless manual focus versions of the Laowa 100mm F2.8 Ultra Macro APO are available on the Venus Optics online shop and through authorized retailers for $ 449.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Ricoh shares the name and specifications of its forthcoming Pentax APS-C DSLR

27 Oct

Ricoh Imaging has officially given its forthcoming flagship APS-C DSLR a name and confirmed a few specifications we can expect from the camera.

In both the above video and on a development update on its website, Ricoh Imaging says its new DSLR will be called the Pentax K-3 Mark III. The camera will feature an entirely redesigned 26-megapixel CMOS sensor, 5-axis in-body image stabilization (CIPA rated for 5.5 stops of compensation), dual SD card slots (no details on whether both or just one is UHS-II), an ISO range of 100–1,600,000 and a maximum burst rate of 12 frames per second.

The viewfinder will have approximately 100% coverage, the rear of the camera will have a 3.2” 1.62M-dot LCD live view display and the autofocus will be powered by the SAFOX 13 sensor with 101 points (25 cross-type points).

Ricoh Imaging says the Pentax K-3 Mark III is scheduled to launch ‘around the period of the CP+ camera exhibition,’ which is set to take place from February 25 to 28 in 2021. No pricing has been decided at this point in time, but the video does note it will retail in the ‘upper 200,000 yen (approximately $ 1,900) range.’

You can find more detailed specifications on the Ricoh Imaging progress report page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Film Fridays: Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F Review – a class act

02 Oct

About 10 years ago, Bob Janes decided it was high time to track down some of the dream cameras of his youth. One of the cameras in particular, the Pentax Spotmatic F, had left an important impression on him, early in his photographic journey.

So when one popped up locally on Ebay for a mere £16, he grabbed it, no questions asked. It turned to be in pristine mechanical condition. Now, 41 years after first laying eyes, Bob has finally had the chance to put the Spotmatic F properly through its paces. Read his long waited review (courtesy of our friends at 35mmc):

Read: Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F Review –
a class act

About Film Fridays: We recently launched an analog forum and in a continuing effort to promote the fun of the medium, we’ll be sharing film-related content on Fridays, including articles from our friends at KosmoFoto and 35mmc.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Ricoh releases Silver Edition version of its Pentax K-1 Mark II DSLR, three D FA* lenses

27 Aug

Ricoh has announced the limited release of a Silver edition of its Pentax K-1 Mark II DSLR as well as, for the first time ever, silver versions of its D FA* lenses.

The limited-edition camera is identical to its black counterpart, complete with a 36MP full-frame CMOS sensor, Safox 12 autofocus system with 33 AF points and a maximum ISO of 819,200. The only difference is the paint scheme, which is silver with contrasting parts, including a black shutter release and hot shoe.

In addition to the camera, Ricoh is also releasing Silver edition versions of three lenses: the HD Pentax-D FA* 70–200mm F2.8, 50mm F1.4 and 85mm F1.4. Like the camera, these lenses are identical to their black counterparts, but unlike the camera, just 600 units for each model will be produced.

This isn’t the first time Ricoh has released Silver editions of their gear. In March 2010, the Pentax K-7 Limited Silver camera was released and, more recently, the Pentax K-1 Limited Silver was released in September 2017.

The Pentax K-1 Mark II Silver Edition camera body will be available in September for $ 2100. The lenses will also be released in September with prices ranging from $ 1200–2100. All Silver Edition cameras and lenses will come with specially designed product boxes.

Press release:

Ricoh announces Silver Edition of PENTAX K-1 Mark II, plus three HD PENTAX-D FA? Silver Edition lenses

PARSIPPANY, NJ, August 26, 2020 – Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the PENTAX K-1 Mark II Silver Edition, a special silver-colored version of its digital single-lens reflex (SLR) flagship model. Ricoh is also releasing for the first time silver versions of its D FA? series lenses, with high-grade silver coating that is especially well suited to the top-of-the-line PENTAX optics.

The camera will be available in a limited quantity of 1,000 units worldwide, and the three lenses— HD PENTAX-D FA? 70-200mm f/2.8, 50mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.4—will be available worldwide in limited quantities of 600 units for each model. These lenses join the silver-edition PENTAX full-frame lenses currently available: SMC PENTAX FA 31mm F1.8 LTD, SMC PENTAX FA 43mm F1.9 LTD and SMC PENTAX FA 77mm F1.8 LTD.

The limited-edition silver models of the camera and lenses are coveted by PENTAX photographers worldwide. The PENTAX K-1 Mark II Silver Edition camera sports contrasting black parts–a shutter release button and hot shoe—to provide a handsome complementary color and enable it to be color coordinated whether used with traditional black or the special silver-colored lenses.

Previously issued limited-edition cameras include the PENTAX K-7 Limited Silver (March 2010) and the PENTAX K-1 Limited Silver (September 2017).

Pricing and Availability

The PENTAX K-1 Mark II Silver Edition camera body will be available in September for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $ 2099.95. The HD PENTAX-D FA? Silver Edition lenses will be available in September with prices ranging from $ 1199.95 – $ 2099.95. Both the camera and lenses can be purchased at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com and at select Ricoh Imaging-authorized retail outlets.

Main features of the PENTAX K-1 Mark II Silver Edition

  • ? The camera body and detachable battery grip feature a high-grade, fine-textured silver coating, with an exclusive silver SR badge placed on the front of the body.

  • ? The camera’s shutter release button and hot shoe, as well as the battery grip’s shutter release button, feature black parts, so the camera is coordinated with either black or silver lenses.

  • ? Each camera has been given a unique serial number, from 0000001 to 0001000, to further support its exclusivity.

  • ? Two exclusive batteries are included in a product package to simultaneously power both the camera body and the battery grip.

  • This special camera and its accessories come in a specially-designed product box.

  • The camera body comes with the latest firmware version pre-installed.

Main features of the HD PENTAX-D FA? Silver Edition lenses

  • The lenses’ high-grade silver coating complements their use with silver-edition camera bodies.
  • Each lens has been given a unique serial number, from 0000001 to 0000600, to further support its exclusivity.
  • The lenses come in a specially-designed product box.

NOTE: The features and specifications of this camera body and lenses are identical to those of standard models, except for the camera firmware

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Ricoh video details the next flagship Pentax APS-C DSLR

15 May

In a video published on YouTube, Ricoh has announced details of its upcoming flagship Pentax APS-C DSLR. The company was originally going to make tshe announcement at CP+ 2020, but the show was cancelled due to the coronavirus. A prototype of the camera was shown at an event in the Netherlands last fall.

According to Ricoh, the most notable feature on this as-yet-unnamed camera is its entirely new optical viewfinder, which uses a special glass that ‘excels in refraction’. The company is targeting a magnification of 1.05x (0.7x 35mm-equivalent), which is the same as on the full-frame K-1. An eye sensor below the viewfinder automatically dims the LCD panel, and the eye cup protrudes further away from the back of the camera than previous models. The shape of the pentaprism is a bit different, as well.

Ricoh claims that autofocus subject tracking has been improved, without providing further detail.

A battery grip will be available for the camera, which will share the same dials and AF joystick as the body.

Ricoh says that despite the coronavirus delaying the introduction of the camera, the company hopes that it will still ship on schedule by the end of the year.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Pentax announces forthcoming 85mm F1.4 lens for its premium FA* full-frame lens lineup

24 Mar

Ricoh has announced it will release a new wide-aperture portrait lens for its full-frame cameras late this year, and that it will use the company’s Supersonic Direct-drive Motor to power the focusing system. The HD Pentax -D FA* 85mm F1.4 SDM AW with join the existing HD Pentax-D FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW and HD PENTAX-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8ED DC AW in a line-up of three models in the FA* range. Like the DA* lenses designed for APS-C cameras, these FA* models are intended to be premium quality and to represent a step-up from the standard lens series.

Pentax says that the new portrait lens uses three Super ED lenses to suppress chromatic errors while boosting contrast, and a single aspherical element to retain high resolution and focus across the frame. The aperture will be made from nine blades and the closest focusing distance will be 2.8ft. Although designed for the full-frame K-1 cameras, the KAF4 lens will also work on the company’s APS-C sensor cameras – due to the smaller sensor area it will offer the view that a 130mm focal length would on a full-frame model.

Pentax has yet to release the pricing of this new lens, but to give you an idea, the 50mm F1.4 FA* lens costs $ 1100/£1050 compared to $ 350/£400 for the standard SMC FA version.
For more information see the Pentax website.

Press release

Development of the new-generation D FA* high-performance single focus lens for digital SLR cameras

HD PENTAX-D FA* 85mmF1.4 SDM AW

RICOH COMPANY, LTD. and RICOH IMAGING EUROPE, SAS. are pleased to announce the development of the new-generation high-performance Star-series lens, the HD PENTAX-D FA* 85mmF1.4 SDM AW.

This product is the second “new generation D FA*” single focus lens following the “HD PENTAX-D FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW” which we presented as the first lens with a fixed focal length of the “New Generation D FA*”. This series is known for the perfect image quality and the lenses are characterized by the following parameters:

  • Best possible image quality with uniform sharpness from the center to the edges of the image.
  • Large aperture with a particularly expressive image effect.
  • High quality workmanship and materials with high robustness and easy handling

The D FA* 50mm quickly became one of the most popular lenses for the PENTAX 35mm system. Therefore many PENTAX photographers have demanded for an extension of this range of prime lenses. We are therefore pleased to announce the development of another lens in this series of high-performance lenses. With the HD PENTAX-D FA* 85mmF1.4 SDM AW, we follow the conquest of particularly high image quality without compromise.

Overview of the product under development

Model name: HD PENTAX-D FA* 85mmF1.4 SDM AW
Launch date: Scheduled to be launched in late, 2020

  • By incorporating three Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass optical elements, it effectively compensates chromatic aberrations and produces brilliant, high-contrast images even from open aperture.
  • Adopts one aspherical lens and achieves high delineation performance with good correction of spherical aberration, coma and field curvature.
  • High speed and smooth operation with newly developed SDM (Supersonic Direct-drive Motor) equipped with high torque ring type ultrasonic motor
  • Developing as an AW (All Weather model) this lens features a dependable dustproof, weather-resistant structure to prevent the intrusion of water and dust into the lens interior.

Major Specifications

HD PENTAX-D FA* 85mm F1.4ED SDM AW

Focal Length 85mm
Max Aperture F1.4
Min Aperture F16
Angle of View 28.5 degrees
Mount KAF4
Min Focus Distance 0.85m (2.8ft)
Max Magnification 0.12x
Diaphragm Blades 9
Filter Diameter 82mm
Diameter/Length 95×123.5mm (3.7×4.9in)

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Film Fridays: Pentax MX – a nuts and bolts review

20 Mar
Photo: 35mmc.com

The Pentax MX is a gem of a film SLR: super compact, well-built and fully-mechanical in operation – batteries are only required to power the light meter. Better yet, they’re easy to find in working order, without breaking the bank. Our pals over at 35mmc.com dive deep into the nuts and bolts of this classic camera.

Read: Pentax MX nuts and bolts review

About Film Fridays: We recently launched an analog forum and in a continuing effort to promote the fun of the medium, we’ll be sharing film-related content on Fridays, including articles from our friends at 35mmc.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Irix announces its long-awaited 45mm F1.4 still lens for Canon EF, Nikon F and Pentax K mounts

09 Mar

Irix has announced the details of its new 45mm F1.4 manual lens for full-frame camera systems.

The lens was originally teased as a prototype way back in 2017 at The Photography Show. Last year, a cine version of the lens was released, but the still photography version remained to be seen, until today.

The 45mm F1.4 lens is based around Irix’s Dragonfly design technology, which uses an aluminum-magnesium alloy and composite elements to create a lightweight, but sturdy design that’s weather-resistant thanks to multiple gaskets throughout the lens. The focus ring has a 140-degree throw, a focus-lock feature and offers laser-engraved markings with luminescent paint for easier viewing in low-light environments.

No launch date or pricing information is available at this time. When the 45mmm F1.4 lens does launch, it will be available for Canon EF, Nikon F and Pentax K camera systems. We have contacted Irix to request more information and will update this article accordingly if and when we receive a response.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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