Hi Brad, on 27 Oct 02 you wrote in pentax.list:
>Of course we all are speculating, but I can see 2 of your points makes >sense to me, but the description of a new MZ flagship or whatever one >may call it, seems to be looking like a Nikon or Canon clone. Correct >me here if I am wrong, but that would be breaking a long-standing >tradition? I can't see it because of that and the cost to make it >happen, especially since the MZ-S was a sales flop. I love it though, >it's professional enough for me, and really, Pentax isn't in the >professional business concerning 35mm, right? You're right - why should Pentax build a pro body? I was assuming that they will build a pro body as flagship. If this assumtion was right, then an MZ-XXL would make sense IMO. If a Pentax pro body would make sense is another question. I agree, that it wouldn't make sense to compete wih Canon and Nikon in their pro segments. I don't think that Pentax would be successfull to earn sufficient market shares. OTO I am not sure if the MZ-S is really such a flop as generally assumed. In my eyes the MZ-S is a niche product for a small number of photo enthusiastst. And it is really unique in this niche - there is no competitive product. I don't know the actual figures, but I could imagine that this niche strategy is more successful as generally assumed. Compare it to Leica - they don't sell large numbers but are very successful in a small, expensive niche. AFAIR Pentax never tried to offer quite expensive and exclusive products, but maybe they try to identify or build new niche markets for a pro body. The MZ-S was the first ans - maybe successful - attempt for a new semi- pro niche. Would be interesting to know its profit contribution. BTW - I'm owning a MZ-5n and a 28-105 as you do. And I'm considering to buy a MZ-S (regardless of our DSLR/flagship speculations). Is it really a big step forward from the MZ-5n regarding AF speed and accuracy? Do you like the viewfinder? As I'm wearing glasses, the I don't like the viewfinder of my MZ-5n (as most other actual viewfinders)... Regards, Heiko
