Pentax cameras...are they history?

ywooi · 26th October 2004

Seems like Pentax cameras ain't very famous in Singapore. I don't even see it listed as one of the forum folders here. It used to be one of the top camera brands in the past. Appears that Jebsen & Jessen has failed miserably at marketing Pentax cameras.

I guess only the loyal few still hold on to the old Pentax SLRs, am I right?

Shotgun · 26th October 2004

Nope, they aint history yet

But sad to say here in SG the user base is very small - almost non-existent

I for one has been a 'quite' Pentax user for a good 7 years... and I found the system highly capable in the right hands. Been using MZ-50, MZ-3, MZ-S and *ist-D and a small collection of SMC glass. All these systems served my needs very well, from macros, landscapes, stills, people, weddings and events

and their compact design philosophy makes them easier to carry around, with less attention-grabbing qualities.

Seemingly, in other places (Europe, UK and the US) the Petax user base there is alive, healthy and breathing

IMO, it's the marketing of Pentax that failed.

ywooi · 26th October 2004

So how does Pentax compare against other big brands in terms of image quality and pricing, e.g. Canon and Nikon? Or does it now share the same latitude as Olympus and Minolta now?

Shotgun · 26th October 2004

I haven't used the Big ones that much yet... so can't really tell at this moment. I did tried using big C's 10D, 20D (I own one now), 300D.. and N's D100. In terms of handling, all I can say is that Pentax gear is a breeze to use given their compact and lighter designs IMO. The Canon 10D/20D bodies in comparisson are much more rigid and more durable in design such that they can take some level of punishment in the hands of a demanding Pro.

Image-quality wise, the good SMC glasses (especially the primes... and oh, the LE glasses) are respectable and can equal other brands'. It is the pricing that makes the Pentax uncompetetive IMO. They tend to sell their gear at considerably high price tags.

fengwei · 26th October 2004

I for one certainly dont' wish they are history

Just got my hands back on Pentax again, and thanks to a fellow CSer here (thanks again btw)

. Quite like Pentax stuff. Have to agree that it's quite hard to get Pentax lenses here in SG. But I've got all what I need, so I guess I'd be okay with Pentax.

Canon L/USM lenses are not cheap either I guess

whoelse · 26th October 2004

J&J is never good in anything haha. Yeah, freedom of speech

Actually in Europe Pentax is doing quite well. I'm not "brand minded", I have use Canon system for many years (still do and enjoy it's advance technology). When I use Russian optics and wanted a mechanical camera, I do my research initially wanting a Zenit to look wierdo but ended up Pentax. The features for mechanical prime era 70s-80's is unmatchable. The technology and len design is amoung the very best and alot of people use to compare them with Contax and Leica performance. Because of many user moving into AF and auto-everything (which is good ofcos), price for manual focus gear has been cheap. So, I ended up with a manual focus KX and it's little brother MX and a few other prime SMCs, other OEM zoom lens. But if AF and modern camera is concern, it is a different game. These modern cameras are already pack with so many features that any entry model from any brand is good enough so it really quite ok whether which one you choose. It matter of brand, budget, what unique features u want and ofcos to many people -- Pride. But then camera nowaday is not that expensive, if one can afford a better model, why not?

Base on research and survey, modern matrix metering system can produce 80% correctly exposed picture. So, most modern cameras are good enough. You can produce same result with a Vivitar brand like wise Nikon, Canon, Pentax. But ofcos like Car, it make us look and feel good driving a Porche but not necessary you are a hell racer.

Quote from Jack Dykinga: "Cameras and lenses are simply tools to place our unique vision on film. Concentrate on equipment and you'll take technically good photographs. Concentrate on seeing the light's magic colors and your images will stir the soul."

Actually I do seeing people with a Spotmatic or Pentax Manual gear here and there. Quite surprise myself.

Dennis · 26th October 2004

IMO Pentax are as good as Nikon and Canon. Don't look down on SMC lens. They are sharp and contrasty and reliable. I have personally tested all 3 system in past years and finally a proud Pentax LX owner. Dared to compare side by side with a Nikon F3 and Canon F1 (functionality, full system accessories and lens) at that time and still can have an edge over the 2 big boys. However I must say that they have slip a little and not caught up with the Pros in recent years.

choen · 26th October 2004

I think Pentax concentrated on their medium format cameras when it came to accomodating the professional market, and somewhat neglected the smaller formats. I guess they never moved much away from their philosophy of smaller cameras for more pleasurable photography (When photography hobbyists in the world now seem to prefer them gears big and bigger).

Comparing both Nikon and Pentax glass, I would say Nikons produce harsher images (where the higher contrast is mistaken for higher sharpness) compared to Pentax. Have not used Canon, cannot say.

Coming to the topic of discussion here: with seriously clueless marketing, Pentax may have driven itself into a tight niche corner, like Contax and Leica did. How healthy are these markets?

whoelse · 26th October 2004

Pentax LX, the king of manual camera

-

Spyer2 · 26th October 2004

If the distributer is not J&J, I think Pentax's market in SG may not be that weak...

ileaf · 26th October 2004

Originally Posted by whoelse

Quote from Jack Dykinga: "Cameras and lenses are simply tools to place our unique vision on film. Concentrate on equipment and you'll take technically good photographs. Concentrate on seeing the light's magic colors and your images will stir the soul."

wow! very well said indeed!
the phrase above is at least another level above "it's not the camera, but the man behind the camera that makes a great picture"

3 cheers for the wise words!

hongsien · 28th October 2004

Originally Posted by choen

......... I guess they never moved much away from their philosophy of smaller cameras for more pleasurable photography ......

I own the Pentax 6x7 and I will personally talk off the person who designed this camera at this weight! It is just a pain to carry it around........he!he!

paksiew · 28th October 2004

Old pentax Tak lenses have alive on my digital C's brand and my faithful M'nolta camera ...

They are sharp, sharp and sharp... not too contrastsy ...
towards cold color ... but for it has their own taste ...

ericp · 28th October 2004

I'd like to ask, why do you say that ? Not trying to start an argument or debate, far from it, but just would like to know the merits of the LX. Even though I'm using mostly AF & digital, I still have a soft spot for "manual" cameras, and things like Nikon FM series, Canon AE series, etc, still hold interest. The only Pentax all-mechanical that I know of (and I could even be wrong), is the K1000.

Originally Posted by whoelse

Pentax LX, the king of manual camera
-

whoelse · 28th October 2004

Originally Posted by ericp

I'd like to ask, why do you say that ? Not trying to start an argument or debate, far from it, but just would like to know the merits of the LX. Even I'm doing mostly AF & digital, I still have a soft spot for "manual" cameras, and things like Nikon FM series, Canon AE series, etc, still hold interest. The only Pentax all-mechanical that I know of (and I could even be wrong), is the K1000.

Nah, read about it, click here

whoelse · 28th October 2004

Originally Posted by ericp

I'd like to ask, why do you say that ? Not trying to start an argument or debate, far from it, but just would like to know the merits of the LX. Even I'm doing mostly AF & digital, I still have a soft spot for "manual" cameras, and things like Nikon FM series, Canon AE series, etc, still hold interest. The only Pentax all-mechanical that I know of (and I could even be wrong), is the K1000.

There are so many mech. cameras. For modern one which to me, battery must be easily available, uses modern metering cell and not CdS (at lease GPD or better, the SPD cell use in yr modern cameras) are:

Pentax KX:
Self-Timer,DOF-preview, *mirror lock-up,*SPD cell, Meter Range 1 ~ 18 EV, Manual Film ISO Speed 8 ~ 6400 ASA, mechanical shutter (rubberised silk), Shutter Speeds 1 ~ 1/1000, B, Mechanical Speeds all, Batteries 2 x 1.5 Volt silver-oxide (A76, SR44) or alkaline (LR44).
Click to see how it look like

Pentax MX:
Self-Timer, Meter Material GPD, Meter Range 1 ~ 19 EV, Manual Film ISO Speed, 25 ~ 1600 ASA, Mechanical Shutter (cloth), Shutter Speeds 1 ~ 1/1000, B, Mechanical Speeds all, Batteries 2 x 1.5 Volt silver-oxide (A76, SR44) or alkaline (LR44).

Pentax LX:
Self-Timer, DOF-preview, mirror lock-up, multiple exposures, Exposure Modes Av, M
Metering Modes off-the-film, Meter Material *SPD,Exposure Compensation (Step) 1/-2 (1/3 EV steps), Meter Range *-6.5 ~ 20 EV, Manual Film ISO Speed 6 ~ 3200 ASA, *Shutter Construction hybrid electronic-mechanical (horizontal-run), Material titanium Shutter Speeds 125 ~ 1/2000, B electronically controlled under 1/125. Batteries 2 x 1.5 Volt silver-oxide (A76, SR44) or alkaline (LR44).

Fujica ST801:
Self-Timer, DOF-preview, Meter Material *SBC (sort of SPD), Meter Range 1 ~ 19 EV, Manual Film ISO Speed 25 ~ 3200 ASA, Mechanical Shutter (cloth), Shutter Speeds 1 ~ 1/2000, B, Batteries 2 x 1.5 Volt silver-oxide (A76, SR44) or alkaline (LR44).

Ofcos there are FM2x, FM3 and many more. The above are what I am familar and *I mean mechanical camera not only manual plus uses modern battery and metering cell. Unlike collector purposes, most of CdS cell may be degraded/need adjust and hard to use where battery is mercury and no longer about to find. Use once a while not much issue but if want to use them as a good user cam no need to restrict ourselves, so many choices.

I have both KX and MX. I like them all, both has it advantages and disadvantages so I use them alternatively.

Lotsa Pentax bodies info here

ericp · 28th October 2004

Wah, you really passionate about this ! Thanks for the writeup and link, always good to know more.

Sniperess · 28th October 2004

For those who are interested, Pentax Users' Gallery at:

http://pug.komkon.org/

Top Gun · 29th October 2004

Pentax Lens is tooo expensive. For example, the 80-200/2.8, which is designed almost ten years before. But the price is similiar to the IS/VR 2.8 lens from Canon or Nikon.
You also cannot find a 2.8 wide angle zoom lens. You even cannot find an alternative from third party lens.

Anyway, I am a die hard Pentax lover, I just hope Pentax and J.J can do better in the future.

whoelse · 29th October 2004

J&J din keep stock izit?

26th October 2004	#1
ywooi New Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 8	Pentax cameras...are they history? Seems like Pentax cameras ain't very famous in Singapore. I don't even see it listed as one of the forum folders here. It used to be one of the top camera brands in the past. Appears that Jebsen & Jessen has failed miserably at marketing Pentax cameras. I guess only the loyal few still hold on to the old Pentax SLRs, am I right?

26th October 2004	#2
Shotgun New Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 30	They're still alive :) Nope, they aint history yet But sad to say here in SG the user base is very small - almost non-existent I for one has been a 'quite' Pentax user for a good 7 years... and I found the system highly capable in the right hands. Been using MZ-50, MZ-3, MZ-S and *ist-D and a small collection of SMC glass. All these systems served my needs very well, from macros, landscapes, stills, people, weddings and events and their compact design philosophy makes them easier to carry around, with less attention-grabbing qualities. Seemingly, in other places (Europe, UK and the US) the Petax user base there is alive, healthy and breathing IMO, it's the marketing of Pentax that failed.

26th October 2004	#3
ywooi New Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 8	Comparison of Pentax with other big brands So how does Pentax compare against other big brands in terms of image quality and pricing, e.g. Canon and Nikon? Or does it now share the same latitude as Olympus and Minolta now?

26th October 2004	#6
whoelse Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,227	J&J is never good in anything haha. Yeah, freedom of speech Actually in Europe Pentax is doing quite well. I'm not "brand minded", I have use Canon system for many years (still do and enjoy it's advance technology). When I use Russian optics and wanted a mechanical camera, I do my research initially wanting a Zenit to look wierdo but ended up Pentax. The features for mechanical prime era 70s-80's is unmatchable. The technology and len design is amoung the very best and alot of people use to compare them with Contax and Leica performance. Because of many user moving into AF and auto-everything (which is good ofcos), price for manual focus gear has been cheap. So, I ended up with a manual focus KX and it's little brother MX and a few other prime SMCs, other OEM zoom lens. But if AF and modern camera is concern, it is a different game. These modern cameras are already pack with so many features that any entry model from any brand is good enough so it really quite ok whether which one you choose. It matter of brand, budget, what unique features u want and ofcos to many people -- Pride. But then camera nowaday is not that expensive, if one can afford a better model, why not? Base on research and survey, modern matrix metering system can produce 80% correctly exposed picture. So, most modern cameras are good enough. You can produce same result with a Vivitar brand like wise Nikon, Canon, Pentax. But ofcos like Car, it make us look and feel good driving a Porche but not necessary you are a hell racer. Quote from Jack Dykinga: "Cameras and lenses are simply tools to place our unique vision on film. Concentrate on equipment and you'll take technically good photographs. Concentrate on seeing the light's magic colors and your images will stir the soul." Actually I do seeing people with a Spotmatic or Pentax Manual gear here and there. Quite surprise myself. Last edited by whoelse; 26th October 2004 at 05:36 PM.

28th October 2004	#18
Sniperess New Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 14	Pentax users gallery For those who are interested, Pentax Users' Gallery at: http://pug.komkon.org/

26th October 2004	#5
fengwei Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Bukit Gombak Posts: 9,090	I for one certainly dont' wish they are history Just got my hands back on Pentax again, and thanks to a fellow CSer here (thanks again btw) . Quite like Pentax stuff. Have to agree that it's quite hard to get Pentax lenses here in SG. But I've got all what I need, so I guess I'd be okay with Pentax. Canon L/USM lenses are not cheap either I guess

26th October 2004	#7
Dennis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Singapore Posts: 3,862	IMO Pentax are as good as Nikon and Canon. Don't look down on SMC lens. They are sharp and contrasty and reliable. I have personally tested all 3 system in past years and finally a proud Pentax LX owner. Dared to compare side by side with a Nikon F3 and Canon F1 (functionality, full system accessories and lens) at that time and still can have an edge over the 2 big boys. However I must say that they have slip a little and not caught up with the Pros in recent years.

26th October 2004	#8
choen Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: the mind Posts: 101	I think Pentax concentrated on their medium format cameras when it came to accomodating the professional market, and somewhat neglected the smaller formats. I guess they never moved much away from their philosophy of smaller cameras for more pleasurable photography (When photography hobbyists in the world now seem to prefer them gears big and bigger). Comparing both Nikon and Pentax glass, I would say Nikons produce harsher images (where the higher contrast is mistaken for higher sharpness) compared to Pentax. Have not used Canon, cannot say. Coming to the topic of discussion here: with seriously clueless marketing, Pentax may have driven itself into a tight niche corner, like Contax and Leica did. How healthy are these markets?

26th October 2004	#9
whoelse Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,227	Pentax LX, the king of manual camera -

26th October 2004	#10
Spyer2 Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Payar Lebar Posts: 314	If the distributer is not J&J, I think Pentax's market in SG may not be that weak...

28th October 2004	#13
paksiew Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 73	Old pentax Tak lenses have alive on my digital C's brand and my faithful M'nolta camera ... They are sharp, sharp and sharp... not too contrastsy ... towards cold color ... but for it has their own taste ...

28th October 2004	#17
ericp Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 577	Wah, you really passionate about this ! Thanks for the writeup and link, always good to know more.

29th October 2004	#19
Top Gun Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 529	Pentax Lens is tooo expensive. For example, the 80-200/2.8, which is designed almost ten years before. But the price is similiar to the IS/VR 2.8 lens from Canon or Nikon. You also cannot find a 2.8 wide angle zoom lens. You even cannot find an alternative from third party lens. Anyway, I am a die hard Pentax lover, I just hope Pentax and J.J can do better in the future.