Rob, See comments interspersed below:
RS> Hi Bruce, RS> Some comments re your post to Brad: RS> I agree with your summation above, however as Pentax users we have a more RS> fundamental problem; should we continue building/upgrading a Pentax 35mm system RS> with a view to obtaining a DSLR that is compatible with our Pentax glass in the RS> future or just consider it as it is as a film only system? Although I didn't come right out and say it, I hinted at the idea that one should probably look at what is available (including announced and about ready to ship) and go that direction. Pentax has over many years shown that it's high end equipment is Medium Format, not 35mm. Look how long it took to get the MZ-S after the PZ-1p. Their track record for higher end 35mm is pretty poor. I wouldn't expect a change overnight. Even if one starting switching away from Pentax, and later Pentax actually came out with a DSLR, would you be any worse off? My guess is that you would end up being further ahead as other makers continue to change and innovate at a much faster pace. Pentax is very satisfying for people who enjoy the older, manual focus bodies (LX, MX, SuperProgram, etc) or film based Medium Format. If you are looking for RoboCameras and/or new innovations fairly often, then Pentax is probably not the right brand. So by switching to Canon or Nikon, you will end up addressing your needs better even if Pentax actually released a DSLR. After they did, then Canon and Nikon would release 2 or 3 generations of bodies and everyone would have the same basic complaint - if Pentax doesn't release another updated DSLR then I'm going to switch. Just do the deed and get on with it. Build out your kit as you see fit and slowly change over from the film based stuff. RS> The frustrating thing about being a Pentax user is that whilst we are debating RS> the merits, viability and cost of "a" potential future digital body any Nikon RS> user has been able to choose a number of DSLR options produced by Kodak, RS> Fujifilm and themselves for the last few years. See my note above. I believe you have hit the nail on the head. In the digital revolution, Pentax will not be a big player. So if you are not happy and satisfied now, I believe you will not be any happier later by waiting for a single, light weight release by Pentax. RS> Pentax users have had a DSLR "carrot" dangled in front of them and then had it RS> whipped away without further comment. Whether the lack of communication is to RS> prevent a loss of face by the Japanese parent company of whatever is anyone's RS> guess however I bet its hurting their future 35mm system sales. I think that rather than "hurting" future system sales, it is further entrenching them into entry level SLR systems. Some reasonable consumer zooms and ZX style bodies. You aren't going to see any F100 or similar bodies in film or digital. Don't forget that Medium Format is where Pentax makes the effort to go for the "Pro". RS> My experience with MF differs somewhat, since my MF system is not RS> an SLR it really can't replace my 35mm equipment in all but fairly RS> specific subject areas hence my 35mm equipment remains quite an RS> important complement to my MF system. I moved to MF expecting it to become my main system. It has become that. I only use 35mm when MF won't do the job reasonably - usually quick snaps (Birthdays, parties, etc) or fast action (soccer, basketball, etc) where I really need/use Auto Focus and high speed flash. I believe that my 35mm will continue to move to a point where a digital will basically replace my film stuff. I suspect that I will continue with film on Medium Format for some time. I am in no hurry on the digital 35mm so I'll wait awhile for prices and choices and then decide when the time is right for me. >snip< RS> I appreciate that your comments were more generic however this is RS> a Pentax forum and I bet you're glad that you have a smaller RS> clutch of Pentax 35mm glass these days :-) I hope that I was more specific this time and spelled things out clearly. Bruce Dayton
