----- Original Message ----- From: "Ryan Lee" Subject: Re: New Pentax SMC-DA 3.5-4.5/15-26
> I was just wondering if anyone else agrees with me that the new DA lenses > seem like a bit of a backward move. Shouldn't they be working toward > incorporating full frame CCDs and reducing the cost of that technology > first? Doesn't this new DA lens reduce the optical sweet spot (and isn't > that bad?)? I always thought size alteration was more of a final phase of > product evolution- like when they run out of things to do, they'll go "I > wonder if it'll fit into a matchbox" or "let's make this the biggest flat > screen ever!" (thus this seems a bit like jumping the gun). I wonder how > much resources this direction takes away from moving towards full frame > (maybe Pentax isn't even considering it!). Whole thing kinda reminds me of > APS.. Could it be this is another Pentax nail in the pro coffin? I doubt very much if Pentax is considering a 24x36mm sized sensor. From what I have seen so far, the cost is pretty prohibitive, which pretty much rules out Pentax's market. Think of digital as a new format, albeit one that can use some of your old lenses seamlessly. The comparison to APS isn't especially valid, as APS was never meant to be more than a point and shoot format (note there were only a couple of APS SLRs, and they didn't last long), and APS was, until the advent of digital P&S, doing very well. Are you talking about the pro coffin in terms of Pentax as a pro 35mm outfitter? If so, you should rethink things. Pentax has never been a pro outfitter. They have never gone after that market, and it is just blind luck on their part that some (discerning) pros use their equipment. For Pentax, pro means larger than 35mm, and in this arena they make some fine equipment, and do very well. William Robb
