A Pentax 67 iii would be an absolute dream but I agree a cheaper 35mm would be the smartest move. A Pentax 645n with modern autofocus would make a lot of people freak out especially wedding photographers but also likely a pipe dream
This got me thinking. Imagine they actually start making these and it becomes a commercial success. It might push companies like Nikon and Canon to start making an FM4A or AE-1 II. Can you imagine what it would be like to walk into a photography store and be able to pick your favorite new film camera from the shelves? This might sound ridiculous, but I have a feeling that film has found it’s place in the market again and that it’s here to stay.
@treyusher8849 current film prices are so high because of an increase in popularity of film. If it keeps up more companies will adapt and prices will balance back out.
Film has one other feature that people seem to be missing sight of - Long Term Documentation - Store film slides and cinema reels in the right manner, and they last much longer then SD Cards or SSD's or even harddrives. More demand for film, more products, more opportunity to ensure history is not lost.
I was thinking along the lines of how modern film photography differs from in the past. For example, many people still shoot it professionally (yourself included) but I would say for most it is a pleasure. That changes the type of camera you may make. Many people own multiple formats, and want to own a speciality format like a panoramic camera, just to shoot on occasion. That changes things a lot. I also think the compact camera is a great place for them to get into because those old cameras seem to break a little easier than their larger counterparts, so we may run out of good vintage premium compacts before SLRs, for example.
@Matt Bray dude fr. If there was a more mechanical (less electronic) panoramic style camera for a fraction of the xpan price, it'd be over for hasselblad
I'd love a new medium format camera, but the problem is lack of lenses. Nobody has made new lenses for true medium format for years so it would add a ton of R&D to create a new set for the 67iii. In contrast they are making plenty of full frame 35mm lenses. In fact I believe Pentax released some new manual focus lenses quite recently. At the time I thought it was a bit odd, but it makes total sense if they had plans to release a 35mm SLR.
@@NickyAztec xpan is over for hasselblad for ages now, but it'll tank the price of used ones. Shouldn't be very hard for them to mount a 645 or 67 lens on a 35mm body.
So exciting. My first film camera in the early 70s was a Pentax Spotmatic. I liked it because it had a built in light meter. Taking light measurements seemed intimidating to me at the time. What is interesting about this project is that the Japanese at Pentax don't want to loose the experience, skills, and knowledge of their elder engineers. Bring the young and elder professionals together. Good for them. That is so inspiring.
Wow. That gave me *goosebumps* ; so incredibly Japanese and a humbling thing to consider. A prime example of "not losing history" makes you consider what from it could still hold VALUE or become fascinating again today!!
Point and shoot (GR-ish), a 35mm SLR (k1000-ish) and eventually a Pentax 67 or medium format. I really hope this happens and is successful (which might make other camera companies release new film cameras). I hope that everyone supports this. I plan on supporting Ricoh by hopefully being able to buy Ricoh GR-x sometime in 2023. I know not everyone can support Ricoh/Pentax this way but even sharing this news on social media or just giving them a like would help.
It wouldn't surprise me if Ricoh was among the camera brand too, as their GR series have been really popular, both film and digital. That would be a good place for them to start.
A new Pentax LX would be the dream for me. I also would love for them to keep the k-mount which only makes sense and is probably what they'll end up doing. You should try the limited lenses Kyle, I don't see anyone ever talking about them in the film community and they are legendary.
LX is an absolute dream to use, there's no SLR like it, perfect in almost every way except the fact that electronics will eventually fail, so a new warranted LX-like SLR will be a dream come true.
I'd like an LX too, I did want to get one but ended up getting an MX instead because I didn't fancy a camera that relied too much on old electronics. A new one would be a different story though.
I've been the owner from new of a Nikon EM since the end of 1982 and cannot tell you how many rolls of film I have shot. The camera is in mint condition and has never been serviced and all parts are in perfect working order. The news from Ricoh to manufacture a new 35mm slr is really exciting and I for one would go out and buy one as soon they hit the shops. Although I also own a digital camera, I've never had any photographs printed as it's too much hassle going into a shop and trying to pick out what images to choose. Having a 35mm slr and shooting with film has always been and will be a pleasure and a feeling of accomplishment when the photos are eventually received back from the lab. Great news Ricoh/Pentax and can't wait to hear about a launch date
I was very excited to hear this news and am looking forward to seeing what Pentax comes up with. I hope this starts a trend with other camera manufacturers. Even if several companies do smaller production with a few models, at least we would be getting some new film cameras on the market beyond the plastic toy cameras. Vintage cameras are great, but there is always risk when buying used, and used camera prices and the cost of servicing them has gone up over the last several years. Fingers crossed Pentax pulls this off.
Honestly one of my personal favorite aspects of film is collecting the gear. I feel like a little kid on Christmas running around with a new SLR, and I love the interactions I have with older folks who used these beautiful tools when they came out. Therefore, I’m hoping this camera will either look/feel like the old school cameras (like you said), however at the very least I hope this might drive old camera prices down lol
I collected scores of cameras in the 60s/70s. Pentaxs, Canons, Olympass, Monoltas, Roxexs, others. Sold them all....yeah, I know... Now I'd like just one or two cameras that I used exclusively. One digital and a filmer or two. A couple of lenses...
I love my K-1, which I use with several vintage manual lenses. I think Pentax are the perfect manufacturer to release a new film camera. For me, an updated K1000 or a relatively basic 35mm SLR with a solid meter would be fantastic, at least to start. I will definitely be giving them my money if they follow through on this. Very exciting news!
I think a lot of people including my self would love a brand new 6x7. i have had mine for a year and i love it, but one thing i would love to see is brand new parts like new lenses and new prisims, but i feel like the best thing they could do, which you touched on, would be a budget 35mm. i think a remasterd spotmatic II would be perfect. or they could do all three, have the spotmatic, the lx and then the 6x7 series. but we can all dream. Thank you for aan amazing video as always Kyle! Hope you are well!
I think there is no need for a 35mm SLR! But a new medium format camera would be really desirable! Especially 6x7 one ( not necessary SLR, TLR or rangefinder would be fine)
Really like my ME Super. I hope there will be something like that, maybe with a better (more EV range) meter and a illuminated (switchable, just when needed) time scale because it's very hard to read during night time. They've had a great thought with the different colored LEDs so it is still usable but I would consider an illumination a nice upgrade.
Thanks for this video. Truly good news!!! Being a 35mm shooter, I think their road map is wise. Now obviously a fully mechanical SLR in the veins of the K1000 or such would be just gobstopping! But even a fully featured, fixed focal length point and shoot would be excellent! Great image quality from a fixed focal length, easy to use, repairable and under warrantee, and appealing to younger people than myself would be so healthy for the film community as a whole. Then if that’s successful, maybe an appealing camera for us older shooters who love these classic cameras!
Thanks for the great update Kyle. If Pentax re-released the 67ii I'd be all over it too! A new 35mm camera is a bit less interesting to me though. I'm pretty much done with 35mm film, it's fiddly to scan, and for me at least, I don't get enough from it to justify the extra effort. I was a Pentax collector and fanboy for over 20 years and only recently sold off most of my 35mm gear. I've shot extensively with ME Super, MX, LX and MZ-S bodies (along with other models). If Pentax were to bring back one of their old 35mm products I'd love to see a remake of the MX. It was perfection for me. Super small, fully mechanical, bulletproof and had a great internal meter, I loved mine.
Give us a DOPE point and shoot. Weather sealed, compact, great autofocus, high max shutter speed, and great glass like a 35mm f2. Built-in flash and a good viewfinder. Maybe a 645 rangefinder style with swappable lenses, great autofocus, weather sealed. Take my money!
Just a basic k1000 update is the way to go. Solid build, great lenses, no frills. No autofocus. No motor drive. All manual. People want the real thing, and that’s what’s going to lure others to analog photography. Keep it pure.
This announcement makes sense. Having young teenage children myself starting with film, I’m amazed with the number of their friends getting into film photography also. It’s getting very popular here in Australia, especially with the young girls. They are mainly starting with disposables and point and shoots, and a few have been asking about recommendations for their first interchangeable lens SLR camera to go and hit their parents up for. So much so that almost all the shops have sold out of disposables here for Xmas. When I ask them what interests them with film they all say they want a tangible photo in their hand, not just an image on a screen. Timing could be good for Pentax as I’m sure there are still a few older film camera engineers about for them to draw on the knowledge base and teach the new generation of camera engineers / developers. A point and shoot, and cost effective SLR would make sense as a starting point for them. Hopefully for us seasoned photographers they do a modern, lighter version of 6x7 with a robust film advance and better flash sync 😊
As companies do not want to miss the boat on new opportunities I hope this will have the effect of a snow ball rolling down a hill, with other manufacturers following along, afraid to miss the chance on new markets. It would be great to see Nikon, Canon and others return to manufacturing film cameras. I am with you Kyle in the hope they keep them simple and basic. I would love to see Rolleiflex TLRs made again.
Ever since Costco cut our digital throats I have yearned to return to film. I bought an old Pentax ME Super, which was one of my faves in days of yore. Now I am waiting for the new Pentax film machine. Sold my home two years ago. My wife said, "Why don't you sell off all of those old cameras? So I did.....Big mistake.
Massive news - and I had no idea! Thanks for highlighting this. I think with the advance of smartphones and the sameish look of digital younger people want to get creative and have started to enjoy and appreciate film photography. So there’s a huge market ! Hats off to Pentax ! I’d like to see Konica Minolta and Kyocera (Contax) back again - and I’d like to see a hybrid camera - something innovative as well as the usual classic types
Part of the announcement is a statement that they are striving to eventually produce a fully mechanical SLR. I think it would be safe to assume that this camera would support all of the Pentax K-mount manual focus lenses. Please! PLEASE! Make this happen, Pentax!
Here’s the thing. Most mechanical 35mm SLRs work great still. I want to see something along the lines of a Fujifilm X-T camera. Something electronic (with autofocus) but with dedicated controls for shutter speed and aperture (a manual film advance too?) but with classic styling. Eventually, a fully mechanical 35mm SLR would make sense but I think that is where they should start out.
Would love to see different metering modes- I would also love to keep the cameras as mechanical as possible with very little electronics. That said.. an updated high quality point and shoot would be amazing
I agree with you on all points. Just hoping that they will keep the K-mount and not trying to profit from a new set of lenses with a new mounting system.
I think if they made a K1000-esque 35mm that could use some of the new Pentax glass (ie, it would need to have electronic aperture control) that would be killer, even without autofocus. There's even a fair amount of APS-C glass that works on full frame. Just having the ability to use some of the awesome new lenses on a new but relatively no-frills film camera would be great. Imagine a weathersealed K1000 that you can use with modern weathersealed lenses. That would be fun!
An affordable entry option like the K1000 would help bring new photographers into the fold of film. Personally, I'm with you regarding a new Pentax 67! Maybe they could make something that takes all those wonderful 67 lenses but doesn't have the weight of a cinderblock! ;) Also, I think having new camera options available might mitigate the astronomical rise in used prices we've witnessed over the last several years.
There are literally millions of the K1000 and similar starter cameras out there available for use, for low money. I don't see that as a market they can compete with.
@@alanhuntley55 Yes, but until every last one is gone, it's going to be hard to offer an alternate. That's why I think they need to make a rangefinder. It appeals to people at a much higher pricepoint and will be much more nostalgic in aesthetic. That is, if they do 35mm... I think they need to be doing a 120 film camera.
@@mjmdiver1137 I agreed that the offering(s) have to be something *different* or at least *refreshed* to be viable..... But do not forget that "SOME" people will never ever consider USED an option....and that for the most part it is a shot in the dark....not to mention REASEARCH and endless hours spent scouring eBay/esty/kijiji etc trying to find your "perfect model/camera".....? 🤪 #truestory
@@jdc327 True enough... The hassles of dealing with a 30-40-50 year old camera can be not worth it for many people. I recently bought a bunch of Hasselblad gear but I specifically searched out the most recent bodies and lenses mostly so that I could at least take 1/2 of the age off of them. I don't know whether that will help or not, but I specifically decided on Hasselblad gear becasue they are fully mechanical (other than the flash synch in a few of the bodies, but the shutter, etc. is fully mechanical). I would have purchased Bronica instead (a lot more mileage for the money in a 6x6 kit), but they use an electronically-controlled shutter... no chance for repairs these days. Similarly for the Mamiya 6 and Mamiya 7 bodies... I used to have and loved the Mamiya 6, but I can't bear the idea of the bodies and lenses being a game of Russian roulette these days. Worse (far worse, IMO) is the Hasselblad/Fuji X-Pan cameras... They also have electronically-controlled film advance. What great cameras they are, but I can't even think about buying into them with those limitations. So, I bought a Fuji GX617... So now, I'm fully 120 film based for my film shooting, which isn't a bad place to be.
I’m so stoked, I watched it last night and was excited. Id be curious if we can mount the old lenses to these new bodies. But I’m so pleased to hear that there is hope for them to make new cameras. And affordable
A quirky 35mm with waist level finder option would be fun. Something that looks like 60s or 70s era, but with some reliability and metering tech from newer eras.
Super exciting news! I saw in the press release that they talked about the old diagrams and original designs they have worked hard to keep, and it got me thinking. I bet every camera manufacturer has old camera designs that never made it to production so it would be cool for them to dive into the archives and see if there is something that never got made that they could reengineer for today. That way we still get classic design from the heyday of film and also, we get something we've never seen before.
Genius!! This same story can probably be told for countless transit/automobile/electronics/analogue *cough XEROX* over the years....but this is the first time it would actually make sense to consider!! : P
This is great news Kyle. I still love my K1000. The light meter improvement would be a plus but don't make it over complicated. Hoping for a quality product that is affordable for everyone. Lets get young folks interested in photography with a simple camera.
I very much agree with what you would like in a new film camera. Maaayyyyybe autofocus could be cool, but then again, that would pretty much mean using a current lens mount and expensive lenses. So probably not in line with the idea of offering an affordable option to young people interested in film photography. I think, a point-and-shoot would be a great start. Kids born in the late 2000’s seem to think that 90s tech is pretty cool (I’d say it was sorta ok - was old enough to witness it). So a late 90’s style point and shoot, but with really good autofocus and maybe a brighter max aperture than 2.8 could be nice.
Honestly, I would be overjoyed with a 67ii reissue. It would do a significant amount of work in ensuring that repair parts were hitting the market at set intervals and would knock down secondhand prices pretty swiftly, I think.
This is such a good move from pentax. This is a nieche market they can really succeed. I never liked pentax dslrs and they didn't had a huge success in that field. Even though they created some great tech that just wouldn't take of sadly. I wish pentax all the best. I hope this works out and I hope they listen to the camera users and bring out some great and affordable cameras
I was in a camera store in a medium sized town in Cornwall today and all the customers (including me) were after film based products. All right, it's a town that has a university that has a renowned photographic faculty, but even so. They had the latest Kentmere films at competitive prices and the man behind the counter was knowledgeable. I later shot with my Intrepid at a Neolithic monument (that will be out on my ChromagraphPhotoArt channel at some point) and the next guy who turned up was also touting an old film camera. What I would ask for, in addition to affordability would be as much backwards compatibility as possible. 👍
"Big bright viewfinder"--yes! I love the older (pre-1980s) cameras because the viewfinder is so large and it is so easy to focus. After upgrading to a 67II from the 6x7, I loved all the new modes and easy metering, but was disappointed with how small the image inside the viewfinder was. I'm sure this is probably due to the metering head, but if there is any way to keep the image large with metering, I would love it! Also I agree 100% about vintage styling. Ideally it would be solidly made, out of metal instead of plastic. But hopefully with a lighter metal than the 6x7's brass, maybe magnesium or something like that
I love my Pentax MX and while a lot of people hate the ZX line they are fantastically easy to carry by being so light. The ZX-M in particular is fun other than the infamous plastic gears. With Pentax sticking hard to DSLR and having (I hope) all the old film camera schematics they should have a very good head start on this project. I’d love to see something with the ethos of the ZX-M but with a mix of aluminum & CFRP. If you’ve ever looked closely at the chassis design of a BMW i3 you know how cool and strong CFRP material is. This is the most exciting thing Pentax has announced in years.
Oh interesting! Well a Ricoh GR, a Pentax version of the Contax T3, an SLR, and a 645N iii all seem plausible. A 645 point and shoot would also be nice. 645N III makes sense, since they have the 645Z and a lens lineup. Might be tempting for portrait and weddings.
I'd also LOVE to see a 67iii - would be an immediate buy. And PLEASE crank out a ton of 75/2.8 lenses to go with it.. Updated 645N would also be amazing. All they need to do with it is make it compatible with their existing D-FA lenses with electronic aperture control
I hope they come out with an new PC35AF titanium version that will be on par or better than Contax T2, T3. 🤗 Even a pentax version of the Yashica T4!! would sell like hotcakes. And finally yes….we need a new 67iii !!!!
I would love to see a camera along the size of the KM, KX series. A touch thicker though with a ergonomic grip. Big viewfinder of course, and an internal light meter. Top mounted controls for aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. For sure keep the K mount goes without saying.
I think a successful 35mm slr from Pentax would be the gateway to a new medium format range. Which would hopefully mean a lighter weight 6x7 system with modern electronics. However, what I would love to see the most would be third party lenses for these new systems. Similar to how Cosina makes rangefinders lenses (Voigtlander and Zeiss) for both film and digital Leica bodies. Brand new Zeiss lenses on a brand new 6x7 would make me sell my Hasselblad in an instant
I always was dreaming that Cosina would bring an exact copy of Linhof APO-Lanthar as an interchangeable lens for any medium format SLR ( Pentax-67 or 645 for example)! They actually made an exlellent Heliar lens ( 50 mm/3.5 for Leica M). A medium format interchangeable Linhof APO-Lanthar would be a killer lens...
I shoot on Mamiya 645, Minolta 7000, Canon AE 1 and Pentax Espio 738g. While I use them all frequently and love them all for different reasons, there is really something special about the Pentax Espio. The lens is just okay and can only be used at 38mm but its tiny fit in your pocket form factor means it's ALWAYS with me. Literally every day, every place I go. And so, it is my most used camera and has captured so many magical personal moments with family and friends. Even having the on camera flash is nice for candid moments (and I say this a working pro of 15 years). I think the smart move, especially for growing the userbase is a camera like the Espio. Something small, fits in your pocket, a good meter and sharp, fast 28mm lens. Pair that with cheap Kodak Gold and the movement will take on steam. From there, they can make a proper SLR camera with K mount and the move on to a 67 successor. I would purchase each camera on that roadmap if spaced out by a couple of years. Whatever they do, I am just so pumped that development has started. Let's hope for the best! Love your channel by the way, Kyle!
I think that Pentax would have to put out a 35mm model first. I would like to see a basic SLR with a good view finder, meter and standard modes, but nothing overly complicated. They may choose to go the point-and-shoot route too, which is more popular with the younger generation. Myself, I would be interested in a 645 or 67 model, in an "affordable" price range...read sub-$2k body. It would be nice if they could make the mount adaptable and be able to use their older lenses. This would make Pentax afficianados able to jump right in with a new body and their current lenses. I don't think auto-focus is a need. I am glad to see a big company actually acknowledge us film shooters for the first time in years.
Personally what I would like to see is a re-worked all mechanical, manual focus Spotmatic. This time with an actual spot meter and if they can put matrix metering behind manual glass they would have a real winner I’d buy. And perhaps somewhere tucked away a small SD card slot which records rudimentary exif data for each shot. But, time will tell Kyle.
Two cameras would get my attention. A small well built point and shoot with some manual controls. Like iso and aperture and flash off. A small well build SLR with big bright VF and small fast primes. Both all new bodies with modern metering etc.
What is good about Pentax’ decision to make a line of new film cameras is that it forces Canon/Nikon/Fujifilm to also start considering it. When Pentax releases them they will all see how fast these will sell and then they will have to be ready to produce a new series of cameras themselves.
Dream on....these are unrealistic daydreams. Hardly anyone would buy the stuff and it would be immensely expensive to manufacture because the film camera industry in Japan is gone. Reviving it would be simply unaffordable. No one is that stupid. Furthermore, film material is getting more and more expensive with less choice. Look what prices are now coming from Kodak. That has no future.
For me I would love to see a histogram on a film camera. I have an F5 and have often wondered if the information coming of the 3D matrix meter could be used tp produce a live 'histogram' For a camera aimed at newbies obviously reliable metering is paramount, but the addition of a histogram would be huge.
This is something that I was thinking about the other day. I was daydreaming about some camera manufacturer putting a new film camera out, even if it was just a limited edition camera.
I think what Ricoh/Pentax needs to figure out what genre of photography do these new film shooters shoot - street photography, landscape, etc. I’m sure that data is also available as far as the film stocks, and film formats that new users are drawn to. This will give them a picture of what camera(s) designs will be attractive. From what I have seen on social media, I suspect that street photography and landscape photography are the prime movers in film resurgence. So it would not surprise me to see something similar to the original film GRs or a film version of a Fugifilm X100 series.
A Pentax 67III would be a dream. With a classic looking body and compatible with the existing lenses. A new compact or high-end compact could be interesting, given the crazy prices for the Yashica T3, but also for the T4/T5. Ricoh should definitely be able to create a new GR or something like a Yashica T5 with an equal good lens, much better AF and all the bells and whistles of the 21st century. Sold for an reasonable price with warranty and spare parts available, this should be a much more reasonable choice than spending hundreds of € on a not repairable 20 - 30 years old compact which can die any moment. But I don’t see any need for a 35mm SLR, not for a modern one with AF nor for a fully mechanical. The AF-SLRs of the last film camera generation of the 1990ies and 2000s only play a minimal role in the film photography revival, because most shooters want the “old analog” feel. And there are still hundreds of thousands of fully mechanical SLRs out there, most of them very cheap, many of them still working and most of them repairable by a skilled repairman. Who should want a new one ? Ricoh is not Leitz who can sell the old M6 for an insane price in 2022.
The MX and LX class cameras are peak Pentax and who wouldn't want to see them updated? The later plastic bodies are offensive. If Pentax offered updated the 6x7 or 6x4.5 they would be able to sell them for big money to working pros and flush amateurs, and is important that this be a positive experience for Ricoh. The video does mention compact cameras, a motor drive autofocus electronic shutter camera might be a nice transition piece for developers. Remember 15 years ago when Voightlander made a run of Leica screwmount bodies? I do miss the H1a that got stolen in Pusan back in 1972...
I’d like them to bring a rugged 35mm slr akin to the Pentax LX able to accept the old manual focus Pentax lenses ….or a Pentax rang finder camera like the Canon P. I’d scoop either one up . I’d buy two lol
Agree with everyone about the advanced 35mm SLR taking advantage of modern metering, Electronics, their later lenses and the 67 of course. They could also enter those markets with huge demand but very few now very hard to afford cameras like a modern medium format rangefinder, sell out very quickly and still demand high enough prices to cover the development costs because the Mamiya’s are so expensive. And I’d rather pay a premium for something new with a warranty than something 30 years old. Potentially as a later release. I don’t know, let me dream :D
Hopefully Pentax takes some some styling cues from Fuji like from the X-T3. That's a modern digital camera that owes it's success to styling. Keep it simple, manual focusing, manual film advance.
I would like to see two 35mm models: (1) A simple, cost-effective but high quality entry-level "snappy" model with a quality fixed lens in the 35mm range and an automatic light-meter controlled aperture. Focusing should be zone-based, which means you don't need fancy auto-focus. This could be the ideal gateway-drug to get people successfully back into recreational film photography, especially if this camera is stylish, affordable and reliable. (2) A good quality K-1000-style manual SLR that won't break the bank, with ideally the ability to use Pentax bayonet as well as M42 lenses. A modern light meter would be a great addition. Basically the same as you said, but with the additional possibility to use my old M42 lenses (if at all possible).
It's definitely great news that Pentax are going to develop a new film camera. It'll give some life to the brand, and depending upon what they make, I will happily buy it. After-all, my old Pentax Spotmatic SPII is a lovely shooting camera for its age! As for what I would like to see. I would like to see something like the Spotmatics, or K1000, but with mount with a short flange distance so adapters could be made to adapt loads of old glass from various brands, i.e, Canon FD, Olympus, M42 etc. Wouldn't mind seeing them re-released some old lenses like the Takumar 55mm f1.8 or f1.4 too.
This is SUCH an incredible news and story! Production of new film cameras will surely bring in many new kids into the game, which in turn, might make film producers of today (and of "yore") bring back some other film stocks... and bring the new life into this art we all love so much 🥲❤
Definitely a P&S please Pentax. That’s what the young entry level photographers would benefit from most and everyone would enjoy. Plus an interchangeable back compact medium format with amazing autofocus tech would be cool if you don’t mind 😉. An amalgamation of the mamiya rz and contax 645 but affordable and with a digi back option 😂
I'd love to see an advanced SLR very much in the vibe of the K1 that accepts modern autofocus lenses as well as all the huge selection of amazing k-mount manual lenses. Essentially, I want something that doesn't already exist on the pre-owned market. I hope Pentax doesn't just follow in Leica's footsteps by re-releasing something that already exists. Instead, they should produce a camera with new features that can't be found in their historic library of equipment.
The question might be whether Pentax wants to serve the existing film photography community first, or first appeal to photography enthusiasts that want to get into film, but don't want to risk spending their money on second hand equipment. For the first group of course an MF camera would be very nice, but as a starter, I think a compact and reliable 35mm SLR with manual and automatic exposure modes, maybe even AF, would be great to see and hopefully sells well to the second group. Then the proceeds of this could be used to develop a new 6x4.5 to serve the interests of the first group... Anyway, one more newly produced film camera is better than none, so, this is good news and I am very excited!
Oh man... This sounds very exiting! I'd love a new medium format Pentax 645 (645F?) based on their 645D/Z bodies or a Pentax 67III, I'd buy either (or both) in a heartbeat. I would however think that they would start with a new 35mm camera as the appeal of it most likely would be greater. Having just seen their announcement video Pentax sees today's youth/young adults as their main target audience. They plan on releasing a range of cameras, not just a single model. It is currently planned to start work on a compact camera first, followed by a high end compact. These will be followed by an SLR and high-end SLR.
I'm really happy with this news as someone whos all in Pentax 35mm system and realistically speaking I think they will make a K Mount/Point and Shoot half frame camera, considering the availability and prices of film stocks. But my dream cameras would be a full mechanical compact slr just like the MX but with a more modern light meter with a wider ISO range and faster shutter speeds or a new 6x6 system.
I agree with the Pentax 67iii and hope they can reduce the weight drastically. Not that I don’t appreciate having a self defense bludgeoning weapon though lol.
Before they launch into the project, they need to think about their target market. It looks like they are aiming it at landscape photographers who benefit from a time-consuming, more considered process. But surely the market for such is going to be fairly limited?. Exciting news nonetheless.
This caught me off guard as well. Pentax was the last company i thought would do something like this. It also seems like this isn't a one time thing but also a long term investment I'd love to see a Pentax 6x7 III as well. I think they're going to look more entry level first so something like the K1000. i'd honestly settle for reliable warranty and fixing for camera issues because the pentax 35mm cameras shutter stick a lot and have issues with the older ones.
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a new film ricoh GR would be one of the fastest selling releases in history, especially if it had some of the GR3's auto focus features
Yes. I agree. And if Kyocera decided to re-enter the camera market…
A Pentax 67 iii would be an absolute dream but I agree a cheaper 35mm would be the smartest move. A Pentax 645n with modern autofocus would make a lot of people freak out especially wedding photographers but also likely a pipe dream
I love the idea of modernizing the 645 line. I hope they bring us something new that might also encourage film shooters to expand their horizons.
I would buy a 645N. Who knows, maybe this will awaken some of the last bronica techs working at tokina.
Don't do that, don't give me hope.... (a proper rival to Contax 645)
Lost me @ autofocus
A Pentax 645 camera with an even faster lens would make them good money with the wedding photographer market for sure
This got me thinking. Imagine they actually start making these and it becomes a commercial success. It might push companies like Nikon and Canon to start making an FM4A or AE-1 II. Can you imagine what it would be like to walk into a photography store and be able to pick your favorite new film camera from the shelves? This might sound ridiculous, but I have a feeling that film has found it’s place in the market again and that it’s here to stay.
I hope thats the case soon. But with the current film prices its hard to say unfortunately
@treyusher8849 current film prices are so high because of an increase in popularity of film. If it keeps up more companies will adapt and prices will balance back out.
@27 sixes looking forward to it! Maybe fuji will even bring back some of their stocks
Film has one other feature that people seem to be missing sight of - Long Term Documentation - Store film slides and cinema reels in the right manner, and they last much longer then SD Cards or SSD's or even harddrives. More demand for film, more products, more opportunity to ensure history is not lost.
When Costco shot us in the head my digital pics went away....gone! Need film. I never trusted digital anyway.
I was thinking along the lines of how modern film photography differs from in the past. For example, many people still shoot it professionally (yourself included) but I would say for most it is a pleasure. That changes the type of camera you may make. Many people own multiple formats, and want to own a speciality format like a panoramic camera, just to shoot on occasion. That changes things a lot. I also think the compact camera is a great place for them to get into because those old cameras seem to break a little easier than their larger counterparts, so we may run out of good vintage premium compacts before SLRs, for example.
oh man, if they made an x-pan style camera that was affordable that would be a dream
@Matt Bray dude fr. If there was a more mechanical (less electronic) panoramic style camera for a fraction of the xpan price, it'd be over for hasselblad
I'd love a new medium format camera, but the problem is lack of lenses.
Nobody has made new lenses for true medium format for years so it would add a ton of R&D to create a new set for the 67iii.
In contrast they are making plenty of full frame 35mm lenses. In fact I believe Pentax released some new manual focus lenses quite recently. At the time I thought it was a bit odd, but it makes total sense if they had plans to release a 35mm SLR.
@@NickyAztec xpan is over for hasselblad for ages now, but it'll tank the price of used ones. Shouldn't be very hard for them to mount a 645 or 67 lens on a 35mm body.
Ricoh has a a line of good looking and well made P&S, let's hope that they keep this direction.
So exciting. My first film camera in the early 70s was a Pentax Spotmatic. I liked it because it had a built in light meter. Taking light measurements seemed intimidating to me at the time. What is interesting about this project is that the Japanese at Pentax don't want to loose the experience, skills, and knowledge of their elder engineers. Bring the young and elder professionals together. Good for them. That is so inspiring.
Wow. That gave me *goosebumps* ; so incredibly Japanese and a humbling thing to consider.
A prime example of "not losing history" makes you consider what from it could still hold VALUE or become fascinating again today!!
Point and shoot (GR-ish), a 35mm SLR (k1000-ish) and eventually a Pentax 67 or medium format.
I really hope this happens and is successful (which might make other camera companies release new film cameras). I hope that everyone supports this. I plan on supporting Ricoh by hopefully being able to buy Ricoh GR-x sometime in 2023. I know not everyone can support Ricoh/Pentax this way but even sharing this news on social media or just giving them a like would help.
It wouldn't surprise me if Ricoh was among the camera brand too, as their GR series have been really popular, both film and digital. That would be a good place for them to start.
A new Pentax LX would be the dream for me. I also would love for them to keep the k-mount which only makes sense and is probably what they'll end up doing. You should try the limited lenses Kyle, I don't see anyone ever talking about them in the film community and they are legendary.
I would also buy a new LX.
LX is an absolute dream to use, there's no SLR like it, perfect in almost every way except the fact that electronics will eventually fail, so a new warranted LX-like SLR will be a dream come true.
@renatoleduc274 What Limited lenses work on the film cameras? Does the HD Pentax-FA 43mm f/1.9 Limited Lens work on something like the Pentax MX?
@@StuartWeir all of them - when a Pentax lens is designated FA it means full frame
I'd like an LX too, I did want to get one but ended up getting an MX instead because I didn't fancy a camera that relied too much on old electronics. A new one would be a different story though.
I've been the owner from new of a Nikon EM since the end of 1982 and cannot tell you how many rolls of film I have shot. The camera is in mint condition and has never been serviced and all parts are in perfect working order. The news from Ricoh to manufacture a new 35mm slr is really exciting and I for one would go out and buy one as soon they hit the shops. Although I also own a digital camera, I've never had any photographs printed as it's too much hassle going into a shop and trying to pick out what images to choose. Having a 35mm slr and shooting with film has always been and will be a pleasure and a feeling of accomplishment when the photos are eventually received back from the lab. Great news Ricoh/Pentax and can't wait to hear about a launch date
I was very excited to hear this news and am looking forward to seeing what Pentax comes up with. I hope this starts a trend with other camera manufacturers. Even if several companies do smaller production with a few models, at least we would be getting some new film cameras on the market beyond the plastic toy cameras. Vintage cameras are great, but there is always risk when buying used, and used camera prices and the cost of servicing them has gone up over the last several years. Fingers crossed Pentax pulls this off.
Honestly one of my personal favorite aspects of film is collecting the gear. I feel like a little kid on Christmas running around with a new SLR, and I love the interactions I have with older folks who used these beautiful tools when they came out. Therefore, I’m hoping this camera will either look/feel like the old school cameras (like you said), however at the very least I hope this might drive old camera prices down lol
I collected scores of cameras in the 60s/70s. Pentaxs, Canons, Olympass, Monoltas, Roxexs, others. Sold them all....yeah, I know... Now I'd like just one or two cameras that I used exclusively. One digital and a filmer or two. A couple of lenses...
I love my K-1, which I use with several vintage manual lenses. I think Pentax are the perfect manufacturer to release a new film camera. For me, an updated K1000 or a relatively basic 35mm SLR with a solid meter would be fantastic, at least to start. I will definitely be giving them my money if they follow through on this. Very exciting news!
Even if they never produce a new camera I would love to see them bring back maintenance and repair support for their older film cameras.
I think a lot of people including my self would love a brand new 6x7. i have had mine for a year and i love it, but one thing i would love to see is brand new parts like new lenses and new prisims, but i feel like the best thing they could do, which you touched on, would be a budget 35mm. i think a remasterd spotmatic II would be perfect. or they could do all three, have the spotmatic, the lx and then the 6x7 series. but we can all dream. Thank you for aan amazing video as always Kyle! Hope you are well!
I think there is no need for a 35mm SLR! But a new medium format camera would be really desirable! Especially 6x7 one ( not necessary SLR, TLR or rangefinder would be fine)
Really like my ME Super. I hope there will be something like that, maybe with a better (more EV range) meter and a illuminated (switchable, just when needed) time scale because it's very hard to read during night time. They've had a great thought with the different colored LEDs so it is still usable but I would consider an illumination a nice upgrade.
Thanks for this video. Truly good news!!! Being a 35mm shooter, I think their road map is wise. Now obviously a fully mechanical SLR in the veins of the K1000 or such would be just gobstopping! But even a fully featured, fixed focal length point and shoot would be excellent! Great image quality from a fixed focal length, easy to use, repairable and under warrantee, and appealing to younger people than myself would be so healthy for the film community as a whole. Then if that’s successful, maybe an appealing camera for us older shooters who love these classic cameras!
My older sister is a huge Pentax fan and has been using an ME super that's seen better days. I'll definitely be bringing this up at Christmas!!
Thanks for the great update Kyle. If Pentax re-released the 67ii I'd be all over it too! A new 35mm camera is a bit less interesting to me though. I'm pretty much done with 35mm film, it's fiddly to scan, and for me at least, I don't get enough from it to justify the extra effort. I was a Pentax collector and fanboy for over 20 years and only recently sold off most of my 35mm gear. I've shot extensively with ME Super, MX, LX and MZ-S bodies (along with other models). If Pentax were to bring back one of their old 35mm products I'd love to see a remake of the MX. It was perfection for me. Super small, fully mechanical, bulletproof and had a great internal meter, I loved mine.
agree, I don't see a need for a new 35mm camera! . a new 6x7 one with a really great lens and modern electronic - this is a dream!
Give us a DOPE point and shoot. Weather sealed, compact, great autofocus, high max shutter speed, and great glass like a 35mm f2. Built-in flash and a good viewfinder.
Maybe a 645 rangefinder style with swappable lenses, great autofocus, weather sealed.
Take my money!
Just a basic k1000 update is the way to go. Solid build, great lenses, no frills. No autofocus. No motor drive. All manual. People want the real thing, and that’s what’s going to lure others to analog photography. Keep it pure.
This announcement makes sense. Having young teenage children myself starting with film, I’m amazed with the number of their friends getting into film photography also. It’s getting very popular here in Australia, especially with the young girls. They are mainly starting with disposables and point and shoots, and a few have been asking about recommendations for their first interchangeable lens SLR camera to go and hit their parents up for. So much so that almost all the shops have sold out of disposables here for Xmas.
When I ask them what interests them with film they all say they want a tangible photo in their hand, not just an image on a screen.
Timing could be good for Pentax as I’m sure there are still a few older film camera engineers about for them to draw on the knowledge base and teach the new generation of camera engineers / developers.
A point and shoot, and cost effective SLR would make sense as a starting point for them. Hopefully for us seasoned photographers they do a modern, lighter version of 6x7 with a robust film advance and better flash sync 😊
I really hope more companies doing this pushes Fuji to start doing the "film" part of their name again. What I would do for a TX-1 in 2023...
Nah... A TX-2 !!!
they would better start Bessa-III 6x7 again! Or something similar!
A TX-3! With some faster lenses
Your Pentax 67 is so excited that it's levitating off the table!
As companies do not want to miss the boat on new opportunities I hope this will have the effect of a snow ball rolling down a hill, with other manufacturers following along, afraid to miss the chance on new markets. It would be great to see Nikon, Canon and others return to manufacturing film cameras. I am with you Kyle in the hope they keep them simple and basic. I would love to see Rolleiflex TLRs made again.
Ever since Costco cut our digital throats I have yearned to return to film. I bought an old Pentax ME Super, which was one of my faves in days of yore. Now I am waiting for the new Pentax film machine. Sold my home two years ago. My wife said, "Why don't you sell off all of those old cameras? So I did.....Big mistake.
Time for Pentax to release the update to the Pentax 67II. I'm in!
Massive news - and I had no idea! Thanks for highlighting this. I think with the advance of smartphones and the sameish look of digital younger people want to get creative and have started to enjoy and appreciate film photography. So there’s a huge market ! Hats off to Pentax ! I’d like to see Konica Minolta and Kyocera (Contax) back again - and I’d like to see a hybrid camera - something innovative as well as the usual classic types
Part of the announcement is a statement that they are striving to eventually produce a fully mechanical SLR. I think it would be safe to assume that this camera would support all of the Pentax K-mount manual focus lenses.
Please! PLEASE! Make this happen, Pentax!
Here’s the thing. Most mechanical 35mm SLRs work great still. I want to see something along the lines of a Fujifilm X-T camera. Something electronic (with autofocus) but with dedicated controls for shutter speed and aperture (a manual film advance too?) but with classic styling. Eventually, a fully mechanical 35mm SLR would make sense but I think that is where they should start out.
Would love to see different metering modes- I would also love to keep the cameras as mechanical as possible with very little electronics. That said.. an updated high quality point and shoot would be amazing
I agree with you on all points. Just hoping that they will keep the K-mount and not trying to profit from a new set of lenses with a new mounting system.
I think if they made a K1000-esque 35mm that could use some of the new Pentax glass (ie, it would need to have electronic aperture control) that would be killer, even without autofocus. There's even a fair amount of APS-C glass that works on full frame. Just having the ability to use some of the awesome new lenses on a new but relatively no-frills film camera would be great. Imagine a weathersealed K1000 that you can use with modern weathersealed lenses. That would be fun!
An affordable entry option like the K1000 would help bring new photographers into the fold of film. Personally, I'm with you regarding a new Pentax 67! Maybe they could make something that takes all those wonderful 67 lenses but doesn't have the weight of a cinderblock! ;) Also, I think having new camera options available might mitigate the astronomical rise in used prices we've witnessed over the last several years.
There are literally millions of the K1000 and similar starter cameras out there available for use, for low money. I don't see that as a market they can compete with.
@@mjmdiver1137 True, but these are all old cameras now.
@@alanhuntley55 Yes, but until every last one is gone, it's going to be hard to offer an alternate. That's why I think they need to make a rangefinder. It appeals to people at a much higher pricepoint and will be much more nostalgic in aesthetic.
That is, if they do 35mm... I think they need to be doing a 120 film camera.
@@mjmdiver1137 I agreed that the offering(s) have to be something *different* or at least *refreshed* to be viable.....
But do not forget that "SOME" people will never ever consider USED an option....and that for the most part it is a shot in the dark....not to mention REASEARCH and endless hours spent scouring eBay/esty/kijiji etc trying to find your "perfect model/camera".....? 🤪 #truestory
@@jdc327 True enough... The hassles of dealing with a 30-40-50 year old camera can be not worth it for many people.
I recently bought a bunch of Hasselblad gear but I specifically searched out the most recent bodies and lenses mostly so that I could at least take 1/2 of the age off of them. I don't know whether that will help or not, but I specifically decided on Hasselblad gear becasue they are fully mechanical (other than the flash synch in a few of the bodies, but the shutter, etc. is fully mechanical).
I would have purchased Bronica instead (a lot more mileage for the money in a 6x6 kit), but they use an electronically-controlled shutter... no chance for repairs these days.
Similarly for the Mamiya 6 and Mamiya 7 bodies... I used to have and loved the Mamiya 6, but I can't bear the idea of the bodies and lenses being a game of Russian roulette these days.
Worse (far worse, IMO) is the Hasselblad/Fuji X-Pan cameras... They also have electronically-controlled film advance. What great cameras they are, but I can't even think about buying into them with those limitations. So, I bought a Fuji GX617...
So now, I'm fully 120 film based for my film shooting, which isn't a bad place to be.
i would love a small form factor 67 camera. I've always wanted a smaller 67 package compared to my current RB setup.
I’m so stoked, I watched it last night and was excited. Id be curious if we can mount the old lenses to these new bodies. But I’m so pleased to hear that there is hope for them to make new cameras. And affordable
67iii with some weight saving over the ii and lens compatibility, would be a dream
A quirky 35mm with waist level finder option would be fun. Something that looks like 60s or 70s era, but with some reliability and metering tech from newer eras.
Super exciting news! I saw in the press release that they talked about the old diagrams and original designs they have worked hard to keep, and it got me thinking. I bet every camera manufacturer has old camera designs that never made it to production so it would be cool for them to dive into the archives and see if there is something that never got made that they could reengineer for today. That way we still get classic design from the heyday of film and also, we get something we've never seen before.
Genius!!
This same story can probably be told for countless transit/automobile/electronics/analogue *cough XEROX* over the years....but this is the first time it would actually make sense to consider!! : P
This is great news Kyle. I still love my K1000. The light meter improvement would be a plus but don't make it over complicated.
Hoping for a quality product that is affordable for everyone. Lets get young folks interested in photography with a simple camera.
I very much agree with what you would like in a new film camera. Maaayyyyybe autofocus could be cool, but then again, that would pretty much mean using a current lens mount and expensive lenses. So probably not in line with the idea of offering an affordable option to young people interested in film photography.
I think, a point-and-shoot would be a great start. Kids born in the late 2000’s seem to think that 90s tech is pretty cool (I’d say it was sorta ok - was old enough to witness it). So a late 90’s style point and shoot, but with really good autofocus and maybe a brighter max aperture than 2.8 could be nice.
Honestly, I would be overjoyed with a 67ii reissue. It would do a significant amount of work in ensuring that repair parts were hitting the market at set intervals and would knock down secondhand prices pretty swiftly, I think.
This is such a good move from pentax. This is a nieche market they can really succeed. I never liked pentax dslrs and they didn't had a huge success in that field. Even though they created some great tech that just wouldn't take of sadly. I wish pentax all the best. I hope this works out and I hope they listen to the camera users and bring out some great and affordable cameras
A full mechanical metered Spotmatic in K mount would get my support.
Excited to see what they come up with!
I was in a camera store in a medium sized town in Cornwall today and all the customers (including me) were after film based products. All right, it's a town that has a university that has a renowned photographic faculty, but even so. They had the latest Kentmere films at competitive prices and the man behind the counter was knowledgeable. I later shot with my Intrepid at a Neolithic monument (that will be out on my ChromagraphPhotoArt channel at some point) and the next guy who turned up was also touting an old film camera. What I would ask for, in addition to affordability would be as much backwards compatibility as possible. 👍
"Big bright viewfinder"--yes! I love the older (pre-1980s) cameras because the viewfinder is so large and it is so easy to focus. After upgrading to a 67II from the 6x7, I loved all the new modes and easy metering, but was disappointed with how small the image inside the viewfinder was. I'm sure this is probably due to the metering head, but if there is any way to keep the image large with metering, I would love it!
Also I agree 100% about vintage styling. Ideally it would be solidly made, out of metal instead of plastic. But hopefully with a lighter metal than the 6x7's brass, maybe magnesium or something like that
I love my Pentax MX and while a lot of people hate the ZX line they are fantastically easy to carry by being so light. The ZX-M in particular is fun other than the infamous plastic gears. With Pentax sticking hard to DSLR and having (I hope) all the old film camera schematics they should have a very good head start on this project. I’d love to see something with the ethos of the ZX-M but with a mix of aluminum & CFRP. If you’ve ever looked closely at the chassis design of a BMW i3 you know how cool and strong CFRP material is. This is the most exciting thing Pentax has announced in years.
Oh interesting! Well a Ricoh GR, a Pentax version of the Contax T3, an SLR, and a 645N iii all seem plausible. A 645 point and shoot would also be nice.
645N III makes sense, since they have the 645Z and a lens lineup. Might be tempting for portrait and weddings.
I'd also LOVE to see a 67iii - would be an immediate buy. And PLEASE crank out a ton of 75/2.8 lenses to go with it..
Updated 645N would also be amazing. All they need to do with it is make it compatible with their existing D-FA lenses with electronic aperture control
I hope they come out with an new PC35AF titanium version that will be on par or better than Contax T2, T3. 🤗 Even a pentax version of the Yashica T4!! would sell like hotcakes. And finally yes….we need a new 67iii !!!!
I would love to see a camera along the size of the KM, KX series. A touch thicker though with a ergonomic grip. Big viewfinder of course, and an internal light meter. Top mounted controls for aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. For sure keep the K mount goes without saying.
I would really like it if they made some slightly improved versions of the pentax LX and ME, or some other manual SLR, not an automatic camera.
A redeveloped LX would be great but Ricoh GR style is a winner with a slightly larger body , interchangeable lenses and bigger viewfinder.
I think a successful 35mm slr from Pentax would be the gateway to a new medium format range. Which would hopefully mean a lighter weight 6x7 system with modern electronics.
However, what I would love to see the most would be third party lenses for these new systems. Similar to how Cosina makes rangefinders lenses (Voigtlander and Zeiss) for both film and digital Leica bodies.
Brand new Zeiss lenses on a brand new 6x7 would make me sell my Hasselblad in an instant
I always was dreaming that Cosina would bring an exact copy of Linhof APO-Lanthar as an interchangeable lens for any medium format SLR ( Pentax-67 or 645 for example)! They actually made an exlellent Heliar lens ( 50 mm/3.5 for Leica M). A medium format interchangeable Linhof APO-Lanthar would be a killer lens...
I shoot on Mamiya 645, Minolta 7000, Canon AE 1 and Pentax Espio 738g. While I use them all frequently and love them all for different reasons, there is really something special about the Pentax Espio. The lens is just okay and can only be used at 38mm but its tiny fit in your pocket form factor means it's ALWAYS with me. Literally every day, every place I go. And so, it is my most used camera and has captured so many magical personal moments with family and friends. Even having the on camera flash is nice for candid moments (and I say this a working pro of 15 years). I think the smart move, especially for growing the userbase is a camera like the Espio. Something small, fits in your pocket, a good meter and sharp, fast 28mm lens. Pair that with cheap Kodak Gold and the movement will take on steam. From there, they can make a proper SLR camera with K mount and the move on to a 67 successor. I would purchase each camera on that roadmap if spaced out by a couple of years. Whatever they do, I am just so pumped that development has started. Let's hope for the best! Love your channel by the way, Kyle!
I think that Pentax would have to put out a 35mm model first. I would like to see a basic SLR with a good view finder, meter and standard modes, but nothing overly complicated. They may choose to go the point-and-shoot route too, which is more popular with the younger generation. Myself, I would be interested in a 645 or 67 model, in an "affordable" price range...read sub-$2k body. It would be nice if they could make the mount adaptable and be able to use their older lenses. This would make Pentax afficianados able to jump right in with a new body and their current lenses. I don't think auto-focus is a need. I am glad to see a big company actually acknowledge us film shooters for the first time in years.
A 67 with modern glass, that’s the dream camera
Personally what I would like to see is a re-worked all mechanical, manual focus Spotmatic. This time with an actual spot meter and if they can put matrix metering behind manual glass they would have a real winner I’d buy. And perhaps somewhere tucked away a small SD card slot which records rudimentary exif data for each shot. But, time will tell Kyle.
A new 6x7 camera would be super cool!
Two cameras would get my attention. A small well built point and shoot with some manual controls. Like iso and aperture and flash off. A small well build SLR with big bright VF and small fast primes. Both all new bodies with modern metering etc.
What is good about Pentax’ decision to make a line of new film cameras is that it forces Canon/Nikon/Fujifilm to also start considering it. When Pentax releases them they will all see how fast these will sell and then they will have to be ready to produce a new series of cameras themselves.
Dream on....these are unrealistic daydreams. Hardly anyone would buy the stuff and it would be immensely expensive to manufacture because the film camera industry in Japan is gone. Reviving it would be simply unaffordable. No one is that stupid. Furthermore, film material is getting more and more expensive with less choice. Look what prices are now coming from Kodak. That has no future.
I'd love to see a 6x6 model similar to the 67 with the same lens mount so I could still use my 105mm f2.4.
For me I would love to see a histogram on a film camera. I have an F5 and have often wondered if the information coming of the 3D matrix meter could be used tp produce a live 'histogram' For a camera aimed at newbies obviously reliable metering is paramount, but the addition of a histogram would be huge.
Great news, please Large Format!!!!
This is something that I was thinking about the other day. I was daydreaming about some camera manufacturer putting a new film camera out, even if it was just a limited edition camera.
I WOULD love autofocus but in a 70’s styled Pentax body. And as you said a modern lightmeter with a big bright viewfinder
I think what Ricoh/Pentax needs to figure out what genre of photography do these new film shooters shoot - street photography, landscape, etc. I’m sure that data is also available as far as the film stocks, and film formats that new users are drawn to. This will give them a picture of what camera(s) designs will be attractive.
From what I have seen on social media, I suspect that street photography and landscape photography are the prime movers in film resurgence. So it would not surprise me to see something similar to the original film GRs or a film version of a Fugifilm X100 series.
I'd love a new Pentax MX. My favorite of the small Pentaxes.
A Pentax 67III would be a dream. With a classic looking body and compatible with the existing lenses.
A new compact or high-end compact could be interesting, given the crazy prices for the Yashica T3, but also for the T4/T5. Ricoh should definitely be able to create a new GR or something like a Yashica T5 with an equal good lens, much better AF and all the bells and whistles of the 21st century. Sold for an reasonable price with warranty and spare parts available, this should be a much more reasonable choice than spending hundreds of € on a not repairable 20 - 30 years old compact which can die any moment.
But I don’t see any need for a 35mm SLR, not for a modern one with AF nor for a fully mechanical. The AF-SLRs of the last film camera generation of the 1990ies and 2000s only play a minimal role in the film photography revival, because most shooters want the “old analog” feel. And there are still hundreds of thousands of fully mechanical SLRs out there, most of them very cheap, many of them still working and most of them repairable by a skilled repairman. Who should want a new one ? Ricoh is not Leitz who can sell the old M6 for an insane price in 2022.
Ricoh GR made new! Id buy that instantly!
It's a good move, the possibilities here are endless. This is a nice place for Pentax to retire comfortably, they've come home, full circle 🥰
A half frame camera with metering to help ease the cost of film for new film users. Pentax had a 110 slr that was interesting
If they make a new-generation mechanical Spotmatic they can have all of my money.
It would be cool if they came out with a new 35mm based panoramic camera
The MX and LX class cameras are peak Pentax and who wouldn't want to see them updated? The later plastic bodies are offensive. If Pentax offered updated the 6x7 or 6x4.5 they would be able to sell them for big money to working pros and flush amateurs, and is important that this be a positive experience for Ricoh. The video does mention compact cameras, a motor drive autofocus electronic shutter camera might be a nice transition piece for developers. Remember 15 years ago when Voightlander made a run of Leica screwmount bodies? I do miss the H1a that got stolen in Pusan back in 1972...
I’d like them to bring a rugged 35mm slr akin to the Pentax LX able to accept the old manual focus Pentax lenses ….or a Pentax rang finder camera like the Canon P. I’d scoop either one up . I’d buy two lol
Would definitely buy one. Smaller 67iii with quick autofocus
Agree with everyone about the advanced 35mm SLR taking advantage of modern metering, Electronics, their later lenses and the 67 of course. They could also enter those markets with huge demand but very few now very hard to afford cameras like a modern medium format rangefinder, sell out very quickly and still demand high enough prices to cover the development costs because the Mamiya’s are so expensive. And I’d rather pay a premium for something new with a warranty than something 30 years old. Potentially as a later release. I don’t know, let me dream :D
Hopefully Pentax takes some some styling cues from Fuji like from the X-T3. That's a modern digital camera that owes it's success to styling. Keep it simple, manual focusing, manual film advance.
A new LX or GR would be awesome. If it’s even close to what I really want I will buy it just to support Pentax.
I’d like to see a 35mm or medium format with a panoramic option… even if it will require a special lens for the extra coverage.
i would love to see an affordable (and portable) medium format pentax camera
because of their current lens lineup a 35mm pr 645 camera is what I think will happen... a 645n with film backs would be a perfect camera...
I would like to see two 35mm models:
(1) A simple, cost-effective but high quality entry-level "snappy" model with a quality fixed lens in the 35mm range and an automatic light-meter controlled aperture. Focusing should be zone-based, which means you don't need fancy auto-focus. This could be the ideal gateway-drug to get people successfully back into recreational film photography, especially if this camera is stylish, affordable and reliable.
(2) A good quality K-1000-style manual SLR that won't break the bank, with ideally the ability to use Pentax bayonet as well as M42 lenses. A modern light meter would be a great addition. Basically the same as you said, but with the additional possibility to use my old M42 lenses (if at all possible).
It's definitely great news that Pentax are going to develop a new film camera. It'll give some life to the brand, and depending upon what they make, I will happily buy it. After-all, my old Pentax Spotmatic SPII is a lovely shooting camera for its age!
As for what I would like to see. I would like to see something like the Spotmatics, or K1000, but with mount with a short flange distance so adapters could be made to adapt loads of old glass from various brands, i.e, Canon FD, Olympus, M42 etc. Wouldn't mind seeing them re-released some old lenses like the Takumar 55mm f1.8 or f1.4 too.
This is SUCH an incredible news and story! Production of new film cameras will surely bring in many new kids into the game, which in turn, might make film producers of today (and of "yore") bring back some other film stocks... and bring the new life into this art we all love so much 🥲❤
Definitely a P&S please Pentax. That’s what the young entry level photographers would benefit from most and everyone would enjoy. Plus an interchangeable back compact medium format with amazing autofocus tech would be cool if you don’t mind 😉. An amalgamation of the mamiya rz and contax 645 but affordable and with a digi back option 😂
I'd love to see an advanced SLR very much in the vibe of the K1 that accepts modern autofocus lenses as well as all the huge selection of amazing k-mount manual lenses. Essentially, I want something that doesn't already exist on the pre-owned market. I hope Pentax doesn't just follow in Leica's footsteps by re-releasing something that already exists. Instead, they should produce a camera with new features that can't be found in their historic library of equipment.
OMG - finally going back to film
Yeah Pentax, this is the right move! Ricoh gr I please 🥺
The question might be whether Pentax wants to serve the existing film photography community first, or first appeal to photography enthusiasts that want to get into film, but don't want to risk spending their money on second hand equipment. For the first group of course an MF camera would be very nice, but as a starter, I think a compact and reliable 35mm SLR with manual and automatic exposure modes, maybe even AF, would be great to see and hopefully sells well to the second group. Then the proceeds of this could be used to develop a new 6x4.5 to serve the interests of the first group... Anyway, one more newly produced film camera is better than none, so, this is good news and I am very excited!
Oh man... This sounds very exiting! I'd love a new medium format Pentax 645 (645F?) based on their 645D/Z bodies or a Pentax 67III, I'd buy either (or both) in a heartbeat. I would however think that they would start with a new 35mm camera as the appeal of it most likely would be greater.
Having just seen their announcement video Pentax sees today's youth/young adults as their main target audience. They plan on releasing a range of cameras, not just a single model. It is currently planned to start work on a compact camera first, followed by a high end compact. These will be followed by an SLR and high-end SLR.
I'm really happy with this news as someone whos all in Pentax 35mm system and realistically speaking I think they will make a K Mount/Point and Shoot half frame camera, considering the availability and prices of film stocks.
But my dream cameras would be a full mechanical compact slr just like the MX but with a more modern light meter with a wider ISO range and faster shutter speeds or a new 6x6 system.
I agree with the Pentax 67iii and hope they can reduce the weight drastically. Not that I don’t appreciate having a self defense bludgeoning weapon though lol.
I’d love a 35mm camera w and interchangeable film back and half frame to Xpan style panorama.
For M42, Pentax ES2.
For K mount, Pentax LX.
67 also.
I'll buy compact to support further development, but of course hopes are hard to grant.
Before they launch into the project, they need to think about their target market. It looks like they are aiming it at landscape photographers who benefit from a time-consuming, more considered process. But surely the market for such is going to be fairly limited?. Exciting news nonetheless.
This caught me off guard as well. Pentax was the last company i thought would do something like this. It also seems like this isn't a one time thing but also a long term investment I'd love to see a Pentax 6x7 III as well. I think they're going to look more entry level first so something like the K1000. i'd honestly settle for reliable warranty and fixing for camera issues because the pentax 35mm cameras shutter stick a lot and have issues with the older ones.
What features would you like to see in a Pentax 67 III?
I WOULD LITERALLY DO ANYTHING FOR A PENTAX 67iii
A modern analog highly versatile medium format. Not shy of taking modern tech onboard. Highly modular, highly … everything.