That's a sad news.
But, I am afraid, you missed even a worth one:
"the Pentax and GR camera brands will undergo a dramatic restructuring
that will see mass production end".
At least, that's the interpretation of PetaPixel.
Curious about what exactly they plan, I've read the translation of the
original Ricoh announcement.
https://news-ricoh--imaging-co-jp.translate.goog/rim_info/2022/20220120_031454.html?_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp
Just two interesting excerpts from there:
"PENTAX ... We will expand the range of various customization to further
reflect the needs of our customers and provide workshop value. In
addition, we will build a system that enables manufacturing together with
customers from the product planning stage through communication through
online fan meetings."
"We will shift from a sales method centered on the distribution network
via retail stores to sales via the Internet to improve the efficiency of
business operations. In addition to our own EC direct sales site, we will
develop directly managed malls in major marketplaces to expand
opportunities and places where Ricoh Imaging and customers can directly
connect."
I am not sure what type of model they envision, but either it will be
weird and rejected (like K-01), or it will lay down some new path that
*might* have a chance to make Pentax great again. (no pun intended)
I hope these innovations will not affect availability and relative
affordability of the great lenses Pentax still offers. Although, it is
hard for me to imagine what they are going to do.
Cheers,
Igor
Larry Colen wrote on Fri, Jan 21, 2022 1:43 AM:
https://petapixel.com/2022/01/20/ricoh-to-stop-mass-producing-cameras-sell-direct-to-consumer-only/
As of April 1, 2022 (no fooling) Ricoh will stop selling Pentax and GR
branded cameras through the distribution network and will only sell
through their own website and branded stores.
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