Bruce,
With all respect, I understand what you are saying, I just don't agree. I
may be adept at creating self-fulfilling prophecies regarding myself :-( ,
but not for the DSLR-buying public.
There are literally thousands, if not tens of thousands of shoppers out
there that are going to buy a DSLR, and they're looking at this very moment,
using whatever criteria they choose to make their decisions. Even though
this list has some reach, I doubt anything I or anyone else writes is going
to make a measurable impact on the sales of Pentax cameras, negative or
positive.
Many people will use their own criteria and decide by simply walking into
the store or browsing online. Others will go with the advice of the
salesperson (want to bet on whether most are going to try and sell the
Pentax?). Others will read reviews in whatever camera magazine or review
sites they prefer, which are far more exhaustive than the tidbits and deluge
of OT discussions we have here. Some will ask their friend's advice. My
point is, there's far more information floating around out there, outside of
the PDML, regarding any given camera, to sway a purchasing decision one way
or another, than exists here, not least of which is the image Pentax
creates/fails to create, all on it's own.
I wouldn't necessarially rely on the word of published photographers working
in the industry. Have they actually used the wide spectrum of cameras
available? How many of them are using Pentax DSLR's as their tools (not
that it should make any difference in a purchasing decision for the
consumer)?
I don't think I'm glooming and dooming. The list is one of largely Pentax
afficionados, if not at least Pentax users, and a kind of mob mentality
*seems to* exist that doesn't *seem to* want to countenance negative
expressions regarding their brand. I'm sure I could face the same kind of
reaction on a Minolta, Nikon, Canon, Land Rover, Toyota, you name it list.
I have no desire to see Pentax cease from being a camera manufacturer. I am
not bashing their products. I am simply voicing my opinion and it happens to
be at odds with others that do not like to hear it.
My intent by starting the thread, well I don't know what my intent was,
other than that this is the only photography list I belong to, was possibly
to say 'Look I'm not just whining and moaning anymore. This is real money
being spent on real goods. I would have liked to buy Pentax, but I didn't'.
I'm attempting to not be argumentative. I hope that shows, at least a
little.
Tom C.
From: Bruce Dayton <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Reply-To: [email protected]
To: Tom C <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Skills - was Re: Sent My Brother to the Dark Side
Date: Wed, 26 Oct 2005 15:38:29 -0700
Hello Tom,
Arrogance was not my intent and no I don't think of myself as well
know and respected. I was thinking more of photographers who are
working in the industry who are selling their wares and published,
etc. As such, it makes most of us on the list falling into the
category of not well known, myself included.
What you are doing, Tom, is making a self-fulfilling prophecy. By not
ever recommending Pentax, in any situation, because the company might
not be around in some future, you are helping that to occur. When I
am recommending cameras, I look at the likelihood of that person
needing the capabilities that a company might bring to the table. If
they are most likely going to pick up a lens or two and just try to
take better snapshots, then I don't see where Canon vs. Pentax really
matters, concerning the future. If they are wanting to go into
professional sports photography or wildlife photography, then I might
recommend something else instead of Pentax because they are better
suited for the genre.
Frankly, all the companies besides Canon look a bit shakey these days.
But I don't see Pentax rolling over and dying. They are trying to put
out good, new products and compete where they can. You are directly
recommending against them even where they are competitive.
--
Best regards,
Bruce
Wednesday, October 26, 2005, 3:24:22 PM, you wrote:
TC> I haven't read you're entire post Bruce, but you are coming across as
pretty
TC> arrogant. Not sure if that's your intent.
TC> I suppose you're inferring you're a "well known and respected
photographer"?
TC> You've seen plenty of my photographs over the last 7 years. If some
weren't
TC> to your liking that's OK, it's all subjective.
TC> I personally don't think I made any 'doom and gloom' statements. I
have
TC> raised the spectre, asked the questions, brought written word to my
private
TC> thoughts. I have not made pronouncements or declarations regarding the
TC> future of Pentax. How the HELL would I know, I'm not on the inside
track!
TC> Tom C.
>>From: Bruce Dayton <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>>Reply-To: [email protected]
>>To: Tom C <[email protected]>
>>Subject: Re: Skills - was Re: Sent My Brother to the Dark Side
>>Date: Wed, 26 Oct 2005 15:05:59 -0700
>>
>>Hello Tom,
>>
>>When we get a whiner on the list, who basically spells doom and gloom
>>(what you did) it would be nice to see your credentials. For
>>photographers, part of the credentials are your photos (skills). If
>>you were a well known and respected photographer who made those
>>statements, maybe some would listen more. Since you aren't, showing us
>>your wares would help your credibility.
TC> -
>>Best regards,
>>Bruce
>>
