Photo Rumors » Pentax

Hoya Corp. filed a patent for a water-resistant, interchangeable lens camera

PR admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 01:43:28 +0000

Hoya filed a patent back in 2007 of what appears to be a water-resistant interchangeable lens camera:

The full patent 7756405 can be found here:

“Field of the invention: The present invention relates to an interchangeable lens which is selectively mountable to a packing-compatible camera body and a packing-incompatible camera body, and also relates to a camera system which includes a packing-compatible camera body, this packing-incompatible camera body and a interchangeable lens.

Description of the related art: Conventionally, in order to provide a water-resistant camera system which is composed of at least one interchangeable lens and a camera body, the interchangeable lens is provided at the rear end thereof with an annular packing made of a resilient material. This annular packing comes into elastic contact with a body-side mount (body mount) of a camera body when the interchangeable lens is mounted to the camera body.

Camera manufacturers manufacture their own-brand camera bodies so that all these camera bodies have body-side mounts of the same shape and size to make all their own-brand interchangeable lenses compatible with all their own-brand camera bodies (note that the shape and size of the body-side mount differ according to camera manufacturers).”

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Interesting links from the past week

PR admin — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:28:35 +0000

What you may have missed this week:

Digital Holga prototype. Why not?

Did you notice this? The uneventful announcement of the Fujifilm FinePix F300EXR point and shoot camera brought us a new Hybrid Auto Focus System – first in the world:

“Enhanced with built-in phase detection pixels, Super CCD EXR is the first sensor in the world with both contrast and phase detection auto focus. F300EXR harnesses this power with an innovative hybrid AF system that intelligently selects between the two focus systems. In most scenes and especially dark scenes, conventional Contrast AF captures beautiful results, but struggles to find a focus when shooting high-contrast subjects or with a long zoom. Only F300EXR with Hybrid Auto Focus can instantly switch to the speed and accuracy of Phase Detection AF for these scenes. Even at maximum 15x zoom when subject is moving and the moment is fleeting, you won’t miss the shot!

Phase detection sensor pairs on the EXR sensor work like the sensors of a DSLR. Unlike slower Contrast AF which continually adjusts until maximum contrast is detected. Phase Detection AF divides incoming light into image pairs, performs a single calculation of the phase difference to determine the precise direction and amount of focus adjustment achieving an incredible auto focus detection speed of 0.158* seconds.”

Samsung will launch new unbreakable AMOLED plastic panels within 2 years. Mainly targeted for the cell phone industry, but could make its way into digital cameras.

CreativeMayhem talks about a new Canon G12 being scheduled for a September announcement (before Photokina). G11 as announced in August 2009, G10 was announced in September 2008… you see the pattern.

Olympus patent hints at optical viewfinder adapter for MicroFourThirds. What? I thought the whole idea of m4/3 was to remove the mirror, not to add it as an accessory.

4D Dynamics releases a $2000 pico-projector based 3D scanner – the idea is that you can take photos around an object and the additional software turns it into a 3D model:

Rumors that Pentax may join m4/3 with a new camera and 3 lenses are still spreading around. If this happens, there should be some kind of announcement at Photokina.

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Rumor: Pentax K-5, Super K-7 to be released for Photokina

PR admin — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:30:17 +0000

The latest rumors are that Pentax is preparing to announce two new DLSR bodies for Photokina.

The Pentax K-5 will fit between the current K-x and K-7 models and the “Super K-7″ model will be a higher version of the K-7 DSLR.

Via Quesabesde

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More on the “Pentax 645D coming to Europe” news

PR admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:35:42 +0000

Previous reports indicated that the price of the Pentax 645D in Europe will be 10,000 EUR. Yesterday Quesabesde attended a hands-on presentation in Spain and reported that the price may actually be lower: 8,000 EUR the body and a 10,000 EUR for a kit with the new Pentax FA 55mm f2.8 lens. Delivery is currently estimated for the end of 2010.

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Some Pentax rumors

PR admin — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:07:39 +0000

A rather controversial post (see the comments from Ricehigh), that was deleted for unknown reasons from the PentaxForum but thanks to Ricehigh, we have it online again:

“No FF plans until 2012 as 645D is filling this, Pentax may review this decision Mid – 2011.

Three new models will be announced at Photokina.

1. K7 Super – a. Upgraded AF sensor 2. manual video with 720p60. 3. Same 14mp sensor with major improvements for noise and banding.

2. K5 – Will be model between k-x & k-7. K-x with focus points, top lcd, will replace k-x next year. K-x was a “testing the waters” model it was rushed and suprised everyone for good reason!

3. Pro Model this has finally been pushed towards productions thankyou to early success of 645D. I am salivating at this model.

a. Pentax have really listened to feedback and made big changes, DFS can go bye bye for real. b. body is based on the K7 but slightly larger c. intended to compete with nikon d300s d. aimed at sports and action photographers, AF algorithms have been optimized for high speed and action (canon helped here alot). Pentax have had their 2 prototypes at the world cup this year. e. x-sync 1/250 but possibly up to 1/500 if electronic shutter is properly debugged. f. No AF motor for screwdrive g. pentax testing with 2 sensors one from canon the other from sony, both are 18mp decision is resting on final costs of production, if use canon sensor video performance same as EOS7D. g. no inbody stabilization (big shock!) but is it a coincidence sigma is releasing so many OIS lenses for pentax? h. new range of Pro* pentax zoom lenses basically DA* + OIS they will be black with red look very sexy and standout. h. single SDHC slot but optional battery grip will give second SDHC slow, pentax firmly against sdxc.”

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The first Pentax store in the US

PR admin — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:03:27 +0000

credit:Pentax Imaging Co.

Update: see the 645D hands-on from ThePhoblographer.

Shortly after my post yesterday, Imaging-Resource announced that the first Pentax store in the US opened inside Willoughby’s Camera in NY. PDNgearguide has all the details, including an a short interview with John Carlson (senior manager of Sales and Marketing for the Pentax Imaging Company) who said that the Pentax 645D will go on sale in the US before the end of the year. The US price will be $9,995.

Today Fotopolis showed pictures of the Pentax 645D camera with the menu system in Polish language. PR reported already that the 645D will be coming to Poland.

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Pentax 645D is coming to the US!

PR admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:10:18 +0000

Pentax will introduce the medium format 645D camera to the US market in July, 2010.

Willoughby’s will have a show next month and they will have the Pentax 645D on display.

Pentax 645D will be coming to Europe as well.

Update from a reader: Pentax 645D is coming also to Australia in August for around $12,000 Aus dollars according to the distributor.

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Bits and pieces

PR admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 02:03:39 +0000

Pentax 645D unboxing pictures are now online. For 645D sales outside Japan check this site.

The lens hood for SMC DA* 55mm f/1.4 SDM is discontinued (via RH). There were some previous rumors that the 50mm lens from Pentax will be discontinued in the fall of 2010.

RED Scarlet & EPIC launch hindered by bugs. At the same time RED’s founder Jim Jannard blasts DSLR cinematographers, saying that they should be “embarrassed”.

You better believe it – Sigma SD15 is now available according to Sigma Japan. According to Amazon US the SD15 will be shipping in 1-2 months. The Sigma SD15 was delayed multiple times after it was officially announced back in 2008.

Sensors news from the last two weeks:

Cellphones are now up to 14 MP and can shoot HD video.

Panasonic AG-AF100 Micro Four Thirds camcorder brochure is now available online.

Samyang is going to sell prime lenses+adapter for the NX mount.

Lensbaby to release MicroFourThirds version in December.

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Patents from Pentax and Canon

PR admin — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 00:33:45 +0000

First in line are some Pentax patents of what appears to be three lenses with a Micro-Four-Thirds mount:

Pentax-MFTS 17mm F2.8 AL
Pentax-MFTS 17mm F2.0 AL
Pentax-MFTS 14mm F2.8 AL

And the drawings:

The next patent is from Canon and is for a “Imaging-device cleaning apparatus” which has the shape of a lens and attaches to the DSLR (patent application 7697063):

“An imaging-device cleaning apparatus is attached to a camera by engaging with a lens mount of the camera typically used for attaching a camera lens. The imaging-device cleaning apparatus includes a nozzle for removing dust and dirt in the vicinity of an imaging section of the camera, and a motor and a fan for supplying air to the nozzle to remove the dust and dirt from the vicinity of an image sensor of the camera.”

The last patent is for a in-camera HDR from Canon (patent application 12/630,594):

“The present invention is directed to an image capturing apparatus and an image capturing method which are capable of appropriately expanding the dynamic range of an image sensor.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, preliminary image capturing is performed using the image capturing unit, and the exposure time is assigned to each pixel based on the result of the preliminary image capturing. Image capturing can thus be performed with a wide dynamic range without a loss of highlight detail and a loss of shadow detail”.

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Pentax 645D already on eBay

PR admin — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 17:52:07 +0000

The just released Pentax 645D is already available on eBay. The prices vary from $9,500 to $11,998:

For all Pentax 645D listings on eBay click here.

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Pentax 645D coming to Europe

PR admin — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 19:03:54 +0000

Focusnumerique reported on twitter that Pentax 645D will be coming to Europe with a price tag of 10,000 EUR. This is not really a surprise since the 645D was listed on Pentax UK website and showed up on a Polish online store few weeks ago. There are still no plans to introduce the medium format camera to the US.

Amazon Japan is already selling the Pentax 645D – shipping in 2-3 weeks.

Via 1001nc

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Pentax update

PR admin — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 01:58:16 +0000

Pentax 645D should be available for sale in Japan in 2 days (June 11th).

Credit: BJP

BJP got their hands on with the Pentax 645D today. Akihabaranews and Ephotozine also got their reviews out.

A new Pentax rumor came from PMA Australia:

“K20D replacement (not called the K30D) will be 21 megapixels and announced around Photokina.”

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Nobody likes Pentax

PR admin — Mon, 31 May 2010 16:14:29 +0000

Bloomberg reports that Yutaka Yamanaka, the grandson of the Hoya Corp. founders is not happy with the $1billion purchase of Pentax and describes it as “overpriced” and “failure”. This is not really surprising and all stories about Hoya trying to sell Pentax are probably more than just a rumor (via pentaxforums).

Another Pentax related rumor: there is a thread in the PentaxForums that the 50mm lens will be discontinued this Fall and Pentax will move forward with the 55mm model.

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Sony and Canon attempt to purchase Pentax?

PR admin — Fri, 28 May 2010 15:11:48 +0000

CanonRumors reported that Canon and Sony may have tried to purchase Pentax at some point. Hoya’s CEO has indicated in the past that Pentax is for sell. Then there were some statements about a “deeper relationship” with Samsung. It is possible that at some point JVC attempted to buy Pentax – both companies denied it a month later. I am not surprise that different companies are taking their chance at purchasing Pentax. Please note that at this point this is just a rumor.

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Rayqual to offer Sony E mount adapters for Nikon, Pentax, Canon and Leica

PR admin — Fri, 21 May 2010 17:01:29 +0000

Rayqual to offer Sony E mount adapters for Nikon, Pentax, Canon and Leica lenses. The adapters are expected to be available in July, 2010. For more details visit DC.watch (via fotoactualidad). This will make the Sony NEX cameras comparable to the m4/3 system cameras that already have all kinds of adapters available.

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Pentax 645D updates

PR admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:42:47 +0000

Update: Pentax 645D will be available in Australia (source).

Pentax 645D is already listed in the camera selection drop down on the Pentax UK website – there is a rumor that the 645D could be coming to Europe this Summer:

Check also the new Pentax 645D website (Japan) with some sample shots.

Here is a video overview of the 645D:

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Pentax price drop in Canada

PR admin — Sat, 15 May 2010 14:37:11 +0000

Price reduction for the Pentax K-x kits and several Optio models is expected in Canada on Monday, May 17th (source). This is probably just a regular exchange rate adjustment.

FYI: Nikon recently also reduced their prices in Canada.

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Pentax 645D delayed

PR admin — Wed, 12 May 2010 12:32:43 +0000

The new release date is June 11, 2010:

“HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Imaging Systems Division, the new medium-format digital SLR camera“PENTAX 645D” so now that we know you will be changed to June 11 release date.

This product announcement since March 10, with your interest in our big release before our very popular venue. We are we preparing for the release in order to meet the expectations of our customers has earned substantially more than the order expected, change the June 11 release date, sequential items will be shipped. Also scheduled for release We’ve been together “smc PENTAX-D FA645 55mmF2.8AL [IF] SDM AW”. For we also changed the release date and related accessories.

We have been booking clients, including existing, the official but everyone who put you through so much trouble, so thank you for your understanding.

Release Date revised: June 11, 2010 (originally scheduled for May 20, 2010).”

Source: Pentax Japan (in English)

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First Pentax 645D is out

PR admin — Fri, 07 May 2010 03:33:38 +0000

Akihabaranews (more pictures available) got one of the first first Pentax 645D units for testing. Expect detailed report from them in the next two weeks. Amazon Japan list the 645D to be available on May 30th, 2010.

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Pentax EVIL camera maybe this year?

PR admin — Thu, 06 May 2010 14:07:43 +0000

AmateurPhotographer seems to think that Pentax is working on EVIL camera:

“Pentax engineers are continuing to pursue the possibility of launching a mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera, as the firm points to an ‘exciting’ few months ahead.”

From AP’s recent interview with Pentax UK product co-ordinator Stephen Sanderson:

“It’s quite clear that we don’t want to be seen as the same as everyone else. We would go down a different route. We are looking to grow. We want to grow. It’s going to be an exciting year. I think everybody will see a change in Pentax.”

Update: there was another interview with a Pentax executive few days ago. The key point:

Professional Pentax camera (higher than the K-7 model) will be released.
Refresh of current model(s) is expected this year (2010).

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