I think the plan is obvious. Let's suppose that Pentax stops producing FA lenses today and only continues with FAJ and DA lenses. The current stock of FA lenses will last a few years and then there will be the used market. The MZ-S will not be Pentax's main film SLR much longer, whether or not they produce something better than the *istD. They can just charge ahead with "high end" DSLR's and low-/mid-range film SLR's and be a very successful camera company because the alternative market is so small. Hell, even Nikon is hinting at doing this.
Please note I'm not promoting this. I just think that there is no good business reason to prevent Pentax from doing this. The intriguing part (from my POV) is where the MF line is going to go. Steven Desjardins Department of Chemistry Washington and Lee University Lexington, VA 24450 (540) 458-8873 FAX: (540) 458-8878 [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 12/10/03 05:23AM >>> Another pertinant question: Will Pentax ever release another body without aperture control? Wouldn't surprise me if they did this - it would be typical. Those that say they wouldn't do this because it doesn't make sense should ask why then they brought out the MZ-S (and planned the MZ-D/MR52) without it. I have heard of a number of people deciding against the MZ-S and buying old Z1Ps instead on the basis that the MZ-S is not a sensible future path. And despite my love of the camera and dislike of the Z1, I have to admit they are right. However, the Z1 does not support the new flash system properly, and has outdated AF. So there is no sensible film body for the enthusiast to invest in right now other than the budget models. Pentax are now starting to completely kill sales of their current (film) flagship(s). They need to do something to redress this pretty damn quick - either replace it with a new or improved model or give VERY clear and well publicised assurances that the aperture rings on the lens will be supported on full frame lenses of the future. We can perhaps excuse 1 or 2 budget FAJs from this assurance, and Reduced coverage lenses, but we need to know what the long term plan is. > -----Original Message----- > From: Arnold Stark [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Shall we never again see a new Pentax lens with aperture ring? > > Arnold > >
