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Ricoh Imaging, the owner of the Pentax brand, has announced significant changes to its SLR camera lineup. According to an official announcement, the production and sales of existing K-series SLR camera models will be discontinued.
A new stage for K-mount
Pentax has a rich history of producing K-mount SLR cameras, starting with the release of the model PENTAX *ist D in 2003. Since then, the brand has continuously improved its technology, introducing innovations such as built-in image stabilization in PENTAX K100D (2006) and the first full-frame camera PENTAX K-1 (2016). The company emphasizes that it is currently rethinking the very value of photography and seeks to make the shooting process even more exciting for users.
Despite the discontinuation of current models, Pentax confirms that future DSLRs will be developed using the accumulated experience and technologies of the K-mount, but based on a completely new concept. More details on the development of new products will be announced later when information becomes available.
“We sincerely thank all users for their continued support and love for K-mount SLR cameras. In connection with the transition to a new stage, we are discontinuing the production and sale of existing K-series SLR camera models. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our fans,” the message to users reads.
Discontinuation of sales in Japan
As reported by Asobinet, the latest Pentax K-1 Mark II model, released in 2018, is already marked as discontinued or sold out at all major Japanese retailers, including Camera Kitamura, Map Camera Bic, and Yodobashi. This means that there are currently no Pentax SLR cameras in production in Japan.
Earlier this year, the Pentax KF model was discontinued, making the K-1 Mark II the brand's last remaining SLR camera on sale. These developments confirm the company's strategic decision to refresh its product line.
The future of Pentax SLR cameras
Foreign publications such as PetaPixel note that there are good reasons to believe that Pentax is working on a new SLR camera. Last year, the company confirmed its interest in this direction.
Ricoh President Yasuhiro Mori expressed his vision for the brand's development: "When looking at the Pentax brand, it is impossible to maintain its integrity by focusing only on existing customers. Our engineers are working to determine the characteristics that SLR cameras should have to attract the younger generation. This is something we are discussing internally."
Ricoh Imaging will continue to explore new approaches to SLR photography, striving to offer products that allow users to experience the unique advantages of SLR cameras and the beauty of photography. The company encourages fans of the brand to look forward to the next stage of development of Pentax SLR cameras.
