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Ricoh selected to not exhibit at CP+ earlier this yr, so I took benefit of my prolonged keep in Japan to go to their company headquarters in Ota-ku, Tokyo. (Ota is southwest of central Tokyo, a few 50-minute practice journey from the place I used to be staying in Asakusa, on the northeast aspect of town.) These are the individuals I met with, their particular person feedback are indicated by their initials within the dialogue beneath. (I’m “DE”.) Noboru Akahane, Consultant Director and President of Ricoh Imaging Firm, Ltd. Takeo Suzuki (“TKO”), Product Planning Improvement, Improvement Headquarters, Pentax Division, Ricoh Imaging Firm, Ltd. Ryutaro Aratama, Group Chief, Oversales Part, Enterprise Administration Division, Ricoh Imaging Firm, Ltd. Hiroku Kawaguchi, Product Spokesperson, Enterprise Administration Division, Pentax Division, Ricoh Imaging Firm, Ltd. Kazuhiko Shibuya, Enterprise Administration Improvement, Abroad Gross sales Part, Pentax Division, Ricoh Imaging Firm, Ltd. Within the following, I’ve loosely paraphrased the dialog to make it simpler to learn for English audio system. The feedback from Ricoh, due to this fact, aren’t in their very own phrases as spoken, so please attribute any inaccuracies to my interpretation of the dialog. Noboru Akahane is the Consultant Director and President of Ricoh Imaging Firm, Ltd. That is Akahane-san’s second stint heading up the imaging group; he oversaw among the firm’s most profitable merchandise, together with the Okay-1 and Okay-3 cameras when he was final in cost. Akahane-san has general accountability for the Ricoh Imaging Group, which manages each the Ricoh- and Pentax-branded cameras and lenses. He informed me that his return to main Ricoh Imaging got here as a shock, as he’d been working at reviving a Ricoh subsidiary in India after a large accounting fraud there. I did a bit Googling and located that this was a giant story in India in 2015 and 2016: Insiders apparently cooked the books to the tune of greater than $160 million on the then-current alternate fee. He mentioned there had been “false conveyance” and what amounted to a small gang working inside the corporate that was behind the fraud. It appears like a wild journey; he struck me as very pleasant and personable however will need to have a spine of metal to tackle company corruption of that magnitude.
It seems that Akahane-san has truly had loads of expertise checking out and revitalizing struggling corporations: Earlier than becoming a member of Ricoh, he’d labored in funding banking, the place he was typically the one that’d be despatched in to type out corporations needing restructuring and redirection. Like most Japanese, he’s very modest when speaking about his personal talents, however there’s no query about his turnaround abilities. That is truly his second stint as head of the Imaging Division; he oversaw the event and launch of among the firm’s most succesful and profitable merchandise, such because the Okay-1 and Okay-3 when he was final in cost. The photograph market may be very completely different now, however I personally have loads of confidence in Akahane-san’s instincts and talents. I believe his return to the Imaging Division is superb information for Pentaxians in every single place. With out additional ado, let’s dive into the interview: The Movie Challenge: Not Simply About Design, however Provide Chain as Nicely David Etchells: I believe Ricoh’s announcement of the Movie Digicam Challenge final December is likely one of the most intriguing developments within the business. After studying the feedback on the video that includes Pentax digital camera designer TKO (Mr. Takeo Suzuki), evidently many individuals share my enthusiasm. Some experiences counsel that step one is to find out the feasibility of a brand new movie digital camera, however from the video, it appears like you could have already made a conclusive choice to develop one. Are you able to make clear whether or not you could have certainly made a agency choice to develop a brand new movie digital camera? Noboru Akahane: We haven’t made a ultimate choice but relating to promoting or not promoting a digital camera. That facet continues to be undecided. Nevertheless, we’ve got already made the choice to embrace the problem. This problem pertains as to if we are able to collect the mandatory components to fabricate a movie digital camera. It’s been a very long time since we final developed a movie digital camera, and plenty of different digital camera corporations are in the identical state of affairs—they haven’t ventured into movie cameras both. DE: Ahh, so the movie digital camera provide chain… NA: Sure, there’s a important distinction. It’s not only a minor distinction, however a considerable one. Moreover, we have to examine the steadiness of the movie provide, determine the primary movie suppliers, and perceive the market itself, together with the preferences of younger individuals, males, and ladies. On our aspect, we have to discover the suitable one that can design an appropriate plan for creating a movie digital camera. We have to collect skilled people to provoke the engineering course of.
DE: So, you emphasize the significance of discovering the suitable individuals. The older engineers who possess the mandatory experience and the youthful engineers… NA: Completely. It’s essential that the expertise is handed all the way down to the youthful era. Even when it turned out that we weren’t capable of develop a movie digital camera proper now, it’s important that the expertise continues to evolve. This hadn’t occurred to me however makes loads of sense. Whereas they’re much less complicated than digital cameras in some ways, movie cameras have a singular set of elements, a few of which haven’t been manufactured for years now, or solely in very restricted portions. Provided that it had a sweeping title of “The Movie Challenge”, I had assumed that Ricoh already had a well-developed plan in place. Because it seems, they’re nonetheless very a lot nonetheless learning the feasibility of producing trendy movie cameras. A part of this course of includes figuring out the suitable individuals internally to work on it and recapturing the data of their engineers who’ve expertise with movie digital camera design and manufacturing. We’ll hear extra about their causes for asserting the undertaking so early within the additional dialog beneath. Ricoh posted a number of YouTube movies in regards to the Movie Challenge below their company account. They generated loads of curiosity, given the slender viewers (mainly current Pentaxians who had been thinking about movie taking pictures.) The 4 movies garnered over 1,600 feedback between them, basically all of them optimistic. Pentax wants to seek out potential clients exterior the prevailing Pentaxian group for the undertaking to be successful, however the overwhelmingly optimistic response from the Pentaxians is actually a superb signal. Is Movie Nonetheless Related, within the Digital Period? NA: However earlier than that, that is perhaps my private mind-set, however I believe movie cameras is likely one of the areas that we have to give attention to. We’re referred to as a DSLR firm and in addition make waterproof cameras, that are in style now, however we’re encountering challenges with the shrinking DSLR market. Personally, I really like images and taking footage, and the DSLR is the one sort of digital camera that I actually love. To elucidate exactly, I can not stand having any barrier between the topic and my eye; solely mild and air ought to come between them. With mirrorless cameras, the viewfinder adjusts the picture electronically, which detracts from the scene I noticed that impressed me to take the image within the first place. It might appear to be a small element, however it’s an vital level for me. Provided that we live on this earth with pure air and light-weight, it makes me really feel that movie cameras are the best way to go. That is simply my private feeling, however I don’t assume I’m the one one who feels this fashion, an exception. I believe there’s a vary of individuals worldwide who really feel the identical manner I do. DE: Sure, as you say, some individuals will desire the direct visible expertise. NA: Completely, capturing the scene precisely as seen by my eye.
DE: I believe one of many points of interest of movie is that it’s a singular medium. It’s onerous to place into phrases, however taking footage with movie feels completely different, maybe as a result of you’ll be able to’t simply rattle off 100 photographs after which choose one. There’s additionally a sure sense of thriller and anticipation in regards to the final result. After I was younger I had a darkroom in my dad or mum’s basement (it was solely black & white), and the method of constructing prints was at all times very interesting to me. NA: Do you encounter any limitations in capturing photographs throughout your travels at present? In my youthful days, once I traveled all over the world, I needed to rigorously think about the variety of photographs I might absorb a day because of the movie’s restricted capability, simply 24 or 36 exposures. Though I’d see many stunning locations or scenes, I had to decide on the place I’d use these restricted frames. DE: Yeah, in some way it includes you with the picture extra, since you’re pausing to consider , I solely have 36, so what am I going to take? NA: Sure, you have to determine whether or not to take footage within the morning or daytime or in the event you ought to avoid wasting for later within the day. DE: Perhaps you could possibly make a digital SLR that has a counter, so you’ll be able to solely take 36 photographs in a day. . NA: However the issue is after taking the image, how you can choose the suitable one. DE: Yeah, it’s fascinating, there actually appears to be a resurgence of movie with younger individuals, I believe much more so than with individuals our age. There’s an attraction to it, perhaps as a result of it’s simply *completely different*, it’s type of retro, … I can’t fairly put it into phrases, however then, I’m not precisely a teen myself.
NA: Even my youthful feminine relations in Japan are excited to listen to a few new movie digital camera. DE: As I discussed, the response to your YouTube video was overwhelmingly optimistic, there have been simply a whole bunch and a whole bunch of very optimistic feedback. NA: Sure, I used to be stunned, truthfully. There’s quite a bit to unpack right here. What’s it about taking pictures with movie that makes it distinctive and interesting, relative to digital? For Akahane-san, loads of it has to do with the sense that there’s nothing between him and his topic, no complicated imaging system rendering a model of the scene to show on an EVF or LCD, however simply his eye wanting via a viewfinder. For him, the direct reference to the topic is essential. He additionally mentions the affect of coping with movie’s restricted capability. Until you could have an infinite finances, you have to take into consideration the way you’re going to make use of your allotted variety of photographs for the day. Do you burn extra of them within the scenic place you might be within the morning, after which not have as many left when one thing much more scenic or enjoyable comes alongside within the afternoon? That form of exterior limitation on the variety of photographs you’ll be able to take leads you to assume much more about every one you’re taking. With digital, I’m inclined to simply rattle off a dozen photographs at a time, figuring I’ll simply choose the most effective one in a while the pc, and perhaps do some Photoshopping or re-cropping. Movie forces me to decelerate and really take into consideration the image and the way I need to take it. However I can see Akahane’s level as properly; trendy EVFs are phenomenal, typically displaying element you’ll be able to’t see together with your bare eye, particularly in low-light situations. However there’s a stage of actuality and reference to the topic that I see when wanting via an optical viewfinder vs an EVF. It’s doable it’s simply nostalgia, and blissful recollections of many hours of taking pictures with my movie SLRs once I was youthful, however there’s a je ne sais quoi in regards to the movie expertise that’s simply completely different from digital.
How Did the Movie Challenge Come About? DE: I’m thinking about how this undertaking took place. TKO-san is the face of the undertaking and is in command of product planning and design for it, however did the concept originate with him? How did it come about inside the corporate? What earlier designs was TKO concerned with? Kazuhiko Shibuya: This undertaking was initiated by TKO-san. When he first proposed the concept internally, it took everybody unexpectedly, inflicting a momentary freeze. Nevertheless, as he defined the movie digital camera market’s background and our place in it, the belief dawned that this was one thing we must always pursue. Regularly, individuals started to agree, and help for the undertaking began to develop. Ultimately, there was an optimistic feeling that the undertaking might go properly. At that time, we concerned high administration for it to go ahead. DE: TKO-san, what earlier designs had been you concerned with, what tasks had you labored on earlier than this? Takeo Suzuki (by way of KS): There have been varied designs, together with the Pentax K30, Pentax MX1—the compact digital camera with brass on the floor— the WG sequence, the waterproof cameras like WG 90, WG1, and WG2. I additionally labored on the Pentax J restricted sequence, which consists of particular version fashions ranging from KP. DE: The J sequence had been type of restricted version fashions? KS: Sure. DE: I’m not truly accustomed to the J restricted sequence, however I’ve been within the business so lengthy that I instantly keep in mind “Oh sure, the WG1”…
The way in which the Movie Challenge took place is directly each uncommon and typical for Japanese corporations. For probably the most half, Japanese enterprise tends to proceed extra via group consensus fairly than particular person motion than is typical within the US. It’s uncommon for people to face out, particularly to push a brand new or doubtlessly unpopular thought. However, important advances can normally be traced to the passions of key people, fairly than committee deliberations. This was the case with the Movie Challenge; engineer Takeo Suzuki (“TKO”) had what was initially a startling and radical thought: Why not a movie digital camera once more? It apparently took some explaining and convincing, however step by step others got here on board, and my impression is that enthusiasm for the undertaking is now widespread. DE: Do you could have any numbers for what number of photographers are presently taking pictures movie? What’s their demographic make-up, by way of age, gender, and many others? Are there any geographic variations? (That’s, are there extra movie shooters in a single space of the world vs one other?) Do you could have a way of what share of the film-photography market is presently utilizing Pentax gear? KS: Really, we don’t have exact data on the dimensions of the movie digital camera market as a result of most digital camera producers transitioned to digital a very long time in the past. Consequently, present market knowledge isn’t available. Nevertheless, we performed market analysis in Japan involving roughly 3,000 customers. From this analysis, we found that about 20% of all digital camera house owners right here have a movie digital camera (excluding disposable cameras). DE: So, roughly 20% of photographers who presently use digital cameras additionally personal a movie digital camera? KS: Sure, that’s right. Nevertheless, we don’t have particular data relating to the share of movie photographers who use Pentax gear. However, we’d like to supply the primary movie digital camera expertise to youthful people who’ve not too long ago develop into thinking about movie images, along with serving current movie digital camera customers. An fascinating level: How do you get market knowledge for a product that hasn’t been offered for a few many years? Not solely that, however the market was totally completely different again within the early 2000s. Think about that the primary iPhone solely went on sale in June of 2007; individuals’s relationship with photographs and cameras is totally completely different now. It’s protected to say that nobody has any thought simply how in style (or not) a contemporary movie digital camera can be.
Do You Have Any Market Info From Movie Producers? DE: That is skipping forward in my questions a bit, however you talked about that you just’re collaborating with movie producers. Have they been capable of present any insights into the quantity of movie being offered and the demographics of movie customers? Hiroku Kawaguchi: We don’t have direct data from the movie producers, however there are sellers and distributors who promote movie, and we’ve got been making an attempt to assemble data via them. DE: I’d assume that the movie producers themselves would have some understanding of their market via their very own market research. However then I haven’t seen a lot movie advertising myself, so I don’t know the place they’re reaching out to seek out potential clients. HK: Sure, we’re working to acquire such data from the movie producers. DE: It appears that you’re nonetheless within the strategy of understanding the market panorama. Certainly one of my questions was in regards to the typical Pentax film-camera purchaser, however it sounds such as you’re simply now working to find that. KS: Sure, you’re right. We don’t have clear data on that facet in the mean time. Will Having New Cameras Obtainable Improve the Attraction of Movie? DE: As TKO mentioned, it’s changing into an increasing number of of a problem to maintain film-era cameras functioning correctly. Do you assume having a contemporary digital camera system accessible with a full guarantee and components availability would considerably improve the variety of movie shooters? (I’ve to confess that the concept of holding and utilizing a brand-new movie digital camera is sufficient to make me consider dusting off my outdated darkroom gear! 🙂
KS: Sure. HK: For positive. KS: We expect that new fashions will contribute to a rise out there. Our focus is on how youthful people can take pleasure in taking pictures with movie, with a way of safety. The reliability of movie cameras has develop into more difficult, particularly as movie costs rise and older merchandise have a tendency to interrupt down. By providing a sturdy and repairable digital camera with a guaranty, we purpose to supply customers with a way of safety. We imagine this may be a major benefit for each customers and ourselves. DE: It’s fascinating as a result of it is a market the place there’s just about no competitors, aside from used fashions accessible on platforms like eBay. The Pentax *ist SLR was the final interchangeable-lens movie digital camera the corporate manufactured. It was first launched in February of 2003 and was touted because the world’s smallest SLR, at simply 122 x 84 x 64 mm (4.8 x 3.3 x 2.5 in) and 335 g (11.8 oz) What’s going to a contemporary movie digital camera seem like? DE: Past simply having a newly-manufactured physique, photograph expertise has come a great distance because the days of the final Pentax or Ricoh movie digital camera. (I believe the final Pentax movie physique was the *ist, right? right?) What kinds of latest options or improved efficiency may we see in new movie cameras from Ricoh? What’s your imaginative and prescient of a contemporary movie digital camera?
KS: Sadly, we’re unable to supply particular details about the product’s specs. Nevertheless, what we are able to say is that we purpose to develop cameras that folks can take pleasure in utilizing casually and carry with them anyplace. It is going to be a digital camera that permits them to expertise the pleasure of utilizing it each time they choose it up. However I apologize that we don’t have detailed solutions in regards to the specs. DE: It happens to me that with developments in expertise, the brand new movie cameras might be a lot simpler to make use of. Autofocus might be extra correct and quicker, and publicity management might be extra clever. That final was at all times a problem with movie. Certainly one of my private frustrations was making an attempt to take very low-light exposures with movie; I had no thought what the publicity was going to be like, so I’d need to bracket and use half a roll simply to ensure I had one good shot. Trendy expertise ought to make it a lot simpler to get good photographs in difficult situations. NA: Deciding on that facet is kind of tough. What I want to specific is that some stage of uncertainty after taking an image is critical to seize the essence of movie images. DE: So, if there’s a little bit of of venture concerned, if there’s some uncertainty, that’s a part of the movie expertise? NA: That’s proper. That’s how I keep in mind it from the previous. It’s why an awesome image feels good. Though too many blackout frames is usually a downside, in fact. To me, the query of what a contemporary movie digital camera may seem like is intriguing to think about and thrilling to ponder. Customers as of late have *very* excessive expectations for what a digital camera ought to be capable to do, so a easy field with a lens on the entrance and a shutter button on high received’t minimize it. Customers received’t settle for poor-quality photographs simply because they’re utilizing movie; they’ll anticipate perfectly-exposed and -focused photographs with a “movie look” to them. Whereas filters that create an “old-timey” picture with vignetting and tender corners are in style, I don’t assume individuals will need to shell out their hard-earned money for a digital camera that may solely ship that. It’ll be fascinating to see what Ricoh comes up with and the way they go about reaching it. Will old style AF techniques be adequate, or will individuals be disenchanted if the digital camera can’t discover and give attention to a topic that will not be dead-center? In all probability not.
The engineer in me is curious to see what Ricoh comes up with to fulfill these expectations. A profitable answer goes to require some out-of-the-box pondering. In movie’s heyday, Pentax produced a variety of compact cameras. One in style line was the IQ-Zooms (Espios exterior the US), nicely-featured zoom-lens fashions with inexpensive costs. The picture above reveals the EZR, with a zoom vary of 38-70mm, and the 130M, overlaying the vary from 38-130mm and in addition that includes a “real-image” viewfinder (the viewfinder optics zoomed together with the lens) and date-imprinting so that you’d know when every photograph was taken. Good-condition fashions fetch upwards of $180 and $200 respectively on the present market. (Curiously, a superb bit greater than an excellent-condition Okay-1000 SLR package talked about beneath.) It’s possible that the primary outcome from the Movie Challenge might be a compact digital camera of some sort, vs an SLR. What Are Your Plans in Phrases of Kinds of Digicam Fashions? (SLR, Compact, and many others.) DE: TKO talked about that there might be a spread of latest movie cameras. From what I perceive, the primary mannequin we’ll see might be a compact digital camera, with SLRs doubtlessly coming later. Are you able to present extra particulars about your plan for our readers? Which fashions may come first, second, and so forth? KS: Presently, our fundamental focus is on growing and releasing the primary compact digital camera. That’s our major purpose—bringing that product to the market efficiently. As soon as we obtain that, we are able to think about the subsequent steps. We’re growing the present compact digital camera so we are able to use the know-how and capabilities in future merchandise. DE: Sure, there’s a saying that you need to stroll earlier than you’ll be able to run. So, it’s vital to focus on getting the primary digital camera proper earlier than you go off exploring different doable fashions and instructions. NA: This strategy represents a brand new technique for coming into the market. Normally, most digital camera producers announce a brand new product just some months earlier than its precise launch on the market. Nevertheless, on this case, we haven’t selected the gross sales date. It’s extra about speaking with potential customers. The market dialogue can affect how we develop the product. So, let me ask you: Have you ever ever skilled this type of advertising strategy? DE: No, I don’t assume I’ve ever seen this earlier than, actually not so early in a product’s evolution.
NA: We haven’t made a ultimate choice but, however we needed to problem ourselves with this product growth. DE: I believe your early publicizing of your plans may be very optimistic as a result of it creates a dialogue between you and potential customers. It offers individuals a way of collaboration and possession, the place they really feel concerned within the course of. NA: That’s one of many modifications from the outdated Pentax to the brand new. Co-creation with the customers is likely one of the key features. I’ve blended emotions in regards to the choice to start with a compact movie digital camera, fairly than reviving a film-based SLR design. On the one hand, I perceive the necessity for Ricoh to stroll earlier than they run, and an easier compact-body design might be simpler to fabricate. However, it appears to me that the individuals who’d be more than likely to be severely into movie can be fanatics, who’d like to make use of interchangeable lenses. The extra I’ve considered it although, the extra I believe Ricoh is heading in the right direction with the compact-first technique. Fanatic shooters can simply (and cheaply) scratch their movie itch by shopping for used gear on eBay. There are tons of movie our bodies accessible at low price, many nonetheless in high-quality form. Had been Ricoh to easily come out with a newly-manufactured *ist physique, likelihood is loads of the individuals most thinking about it will have already got happy that urge by shopping for a used Ricoh or Pentax movie physique for below $100. However, a brand new compact movie digital camera would attraction to everybody from Gen-Z on up, photograph fanatics included. Sensible name, I believe. Can US Customers Contribute Concepts and Suggestions for the New Idea? DE: Sure, I can see that. Alongside these traces although, I’ve heard quite a bit from U.S. customers who need to really feel included in some way. NA: Sure, certainly. I be apologetic about that. Though we obtain many feedback from U.S. customers and movie fanatics, we haven’t been capable of set up a direct channel to speak with all of them over there. That is my headache, we’re making an attempt to consider how we are able to deal with this.
DE: Maybe even when it was only one individual or a bunch that would have a presence on platforms like Fb… I’m simply pondering out loud right here. What in the event you might announce that you just’ll have a web-based dialogue or one thing related? I perceive that it is likely to be difficult… NA: Even when we obtain quite a few feedback from customers, we would not be capable to reply to all of them simply. We don’t need to create any frustrations for the end-users, however there is likely to be some if we ask for enter, however then can’t reply all the pieces. Communication is so vital, and we have to incorporate as many feedback as doable into the event of our merchandise. A few of them simply received’t be doable although. How Are You Reaching Potential Customers, to Research the Market? DE: So inside Japan you’re having this dialog, what kind does that take? How do you work together with customers? Is there one thing like focus teams? KS: TKO and the product planning staff typically go to movie digital camera shops to listen to what individuals are pondering. We additionally obtain contacts from photographers via Instagram. Moreover, we’ve got a showroom in Tokyo the place clients can go to and have interaction in discussions. Typically we additionally attend photograph artwork faculty exhibitions, and these days we’ve been energetic on social media. Customers typically depart feedback and requests on social media, not nearly specs but in addition asking for successors to outdated fashions. DE: Ah, so some individuals are wanting on the *ist for instance, and asking for a 2023 or 2024 model of it? KS: Additionally, we examine the feedback on social media very regularly. And certainly there are extra feedback from abroad markets for the primary video we posted on YouTube about our movie undertaking. So truly we do learn all of the feedback on social media. NA: We incorporate each on-line and offline occasions right here in Japan. We collect Pentax GR customers and create satisfying occasions, not simply targeted on instructing individuals how you can take footage with their cameras however for them to easily have a superb time collectively. As for our showroom, the idea has modified dramatically from the earlier one. Till final yr, our showrooms in Tokyo and Osaka largely had house for photograph galleries. Nevertheless, the brand new showroom that opened in July final yr has a clubhouse idea. It’s a spot the place individuals who love Pentax and Ricoh cameras can collect and have conversations. The event workers and engineers are current there, so if there’s one thing somebody desires to share with us, they will. It’s like an informal chatting house although, not like a conventional showroom idea.
DE: The place in Tokyo is it situated? NA: It’s in Yotsuya, close to Shinjuku. We determined to shut the earlier showroom in Shinjuku and relocated to this new house with the brand new idea. DE: I perceive that language limitations could make informal interactions difficult, and it’s additionally a matter of practicality. As a lot as you may need to do one thing related for the US shoppers, it simply wouldn’t be sensible to create a clubhouse in a spot like New York for instance. Even in the event you made one, there’d be no manner for product planners and engineers to simply drop in on it, and there’d be a language barrier on high of it. It’s a troublesome downside, I ponder if there’s any manner I’d be capable to assist facilitate it? I’ll give it some thought… NA: TKO says that he typically visits universities with images applications and interacts with college students there. It is a grievance I’ve seen from loads of US customers on-line. Plenty of US Pentaxians want to take part within the suggestions course of however don’t have a discussion board to do it via. For Ricoh’s half, I perceive their dilemma, as a result of their location in Japan makes it straightforward to work together one on one with customers there, and the language barrier makes dialog with US customers all of the harder. Right here’s a query I’d just like the group to provide me some suggestions on: May I presumably play a task in facilitating suggestions and communications? I clearly have loads of background in images and interacting with English-speaking photographers on-line, and have had loads of publicity (no pun supposed) to manufacturing processes from my years of interacting with engineers within the business, manufacturing facility excursions, and my unique engineering background. Maybe I might act as a type of a proxy or interface between Ricoh/Pentax and the English-speaking photograph group. I don’t know precisely what it’d seem like, however might think about speaking with the Pentax engineers and product planners, to know the suggestions they’ve acquired up to now and their ideas on it, summarize and current that to the US consumer base, dialog with you-all to get your suggestions, then summarize and convey it again to the engineers in Japan. This might occur in an open discussion board, or there is likely to be a non-public house by which extra proprietary concepts might be mentioned. – Or perhaps a mixture of each.
What do you assume? Would you be thinking about being a part of a bunch the place that your enter and feedback can be taken on to the Pentax engineers, and their responses communicated again? Ricoh/Pentax clearly desires to listen to from US and different English-speaking customers however doesn’t presently have any technique to make that occur, and US customers need to contribute however really feel annoyed and shut out. Are there any dedicated Pentaxians studying this? Please let me know what you consider setting one thing like this up, and whether or not you’d be thinking about contributing. The Pentax model had an extended and storied historical past within the movie period. The K1000 was one of many all-time classics of the movie world. Launched in 1976, it was a hands-down favourite as a “starter” digital camera for brand new photographers, with fundamental options, stable efficiency, and a rock-bottom value. It offered for $299 with a bundled 50mm f/2 package lens when it was launched, however the value decreased with rising manufacturing to a low of simply $220 for a similar package in 1983. From there, inflation took a toll, with the value rising to $315 in 1994, the place it stayed till it was discontinued. Observe, although that these had been the official “listing” costs; again then SLRs normally offered for 30 to 40 p.c of official listing. So the road value of the 50mm package in 1983 was as little as ~$132. That was an awesome discount on the time for a fundamental SLR, however word that the 40 years of inflation since then translate to a 2023 value of $375, and the K1000 was certainly a bare-bones entry-level mannequin with guide publicity management. Even so, a value of $375 for an entire fundamental digital camera/lens package would rely as a discount even at present. Picture by Martin Taylor and licensed below CC BY-SA 2.5. What Kind of Particular Talent or Data is Wanted to Design Movie Cameras? DE: TKO talked about that the talents and data wanted to make a movie digital camera are a lot completely different than these required to make digital fashions. I really feel it’s so vital to protect prior-generation data and expertise earlier than it fades away. What kinds of particular data do Ricoh’s senior engineers have that’s important for producing movie cameras? (Additionally, I used to be to listen to TKO describe among the meetingsbetween the younger and outdated engineers as “heated” – what had been the factors the place the older and youthful engineers disagreed?) KS: Constructing a single unit of a movie digital camera could also be achievable, making a number of particular mechanical components, however in the case of mass manufacturing, every unit should meet a sure stage of high quality. It’s onerous to seek out the most effective fine-tuning technique simply based mostly on design paperwork. For example, there was a part that we didn’t perceive why it was there. So we had been about to take away it, however then we realized from the recommendation of considered one of our retiring engineers that it’s truly an integral part. So it’s not a lot a battle between younger and outdated engineers, however fairly variations in interpretation of drawings or meeting strategies. Each younger and outdated engineers actively talk about how you can obtain optimistic outcomes. DE: So in different phrases, when you can design one thing mechanically, figuring out what the manufacturing facility is able to producing reliably comes from expertise in working with the manufacturing course of. I hadn’t considered this, however it’s no shock; there are loads of mechanics in a movie digital camera that both don’t exist or are completely different from what’s in digital cameras. It’s fascinating to me {that a} succesful mechanical engineer however one missing particular expertise with movie cameras might take a look at a set of drawings and assume {that a} half was superfluous that was truly vital.
Is There Pressure Between Youthful and Older Engineers? DE: I used to be too, that TKO mentioned that among the conferences between younger and outdated engineers had been heated. “Heated” appears like there have been knocking heads (gestures, laughter) and disagreement. What kinds of, the place had been the factors that there was that stress? TKO (by way of HK): It’s not a lot a battle of various opinions. The youthful era of engineers doesn’t have a data of movie, so that they merely don’t understand how the mechanics needs to be. So it’s extra nearly much less expertise vs extra expertise. DE: Ah – so it’s not a lot arguing about issues however simply speaking data that the youthful engineers don’t have. KS: Precisely, it’s not about arguing, however fairly the youthful engineers studying from the older engineers. It’s not a battle, however a matter of data switch. NA: It’s additionally a matter of various approaches and methods of pondering. When beginning to develop digital cameras, the youthful engineers are likely to give attention to one space after which develop from there. However the older engineers say no, no, you have to begin from this space. This may be onerous to elucidate. The mind-set and the steps of growth are mainly completely different. DE: So it’s about understanding the place to begin and the underlying ideas. NA: Sure, precisely.
Are You Working With Movie Producers? DE: We touched on the movie producers earlier, however I need to hear a bit extra on that subject. You talked about in passing at one level, I believe in one other interview, that movie is step by step disappearing and the processing for them as properly. You talked about that you just may work with movie producers to develop the choices accessible for finish customers. Are you able to say something about discussions you may need had with movie producers, or is that also sooner or later? KS: Sadly, we can not present particular particulars at the moment. Nevertheless, our intention is to determine connections with all the businesses concerned in movie manufacturing and distribution. It’s essential for the movie market to develop and thrive. DE: It appears logical that movie producers can be thinking about collaborating with you, as it will profit each events by rising the variety of movie customers… Some present Pentax customers have expressed concern that the Movie Challenge might draw engineering assets away from the digital product line. Ricoh assured me that this wasn’t the case: The Movie Challenge has been making very modest calls for on their engineering capability. (The photograph above reveals the newest iteration of Pentax’s flagship DSLR, the Okay-1 Mark II.) Is the Movie Challenge “Stealing” Assets From Your Digital Designs? DE: In fact, with all this speak of movie, a lot of your digital customers are involved that it’d detract from developments on the digital aspect. Whilst you’ve mentioned that you don’t have any intention in any respect of shifting away from digital, what are you able to say to customers involved that the Movie Challenge will drain vital assets out of your digital product line? KS: Really, the affect on digital cameras from the movie undertaking isn’t so large. We don’t have to tug loads of assets from digital to work on movie. Movie cameras don’t have issues like sensors, LCD screens, or firmware in them, so we are able to develop them with minimal engineering assets. It’s not a significant burden, actually. DE: So, the engineers engaged on sensors, processors, firmware, and all that stuff, they’re not being closely concerned within the movie undertaking.
NA: That’s the purpose of distinction between the youthful and older engineers, and their mind-set. When the youthful era begins growing a digital digital camera, they first give attention to the sensor—what number of pixels, what sort, and so forth. Then they transfer on to different elements. However beginning a movie digital camera follows a distinct course of. It’s not a battle, only a completely different strategy. DE: I see. So, the movie undertaking isn’t drawing from the identical assets wanted for digital. Proper now, it’s extra about understanding the necessities and priorities for the movie digital camera undertaking. NA: Precisely. It’s about deciding what comes first, what comes subsequent, that form of factor It is a concern I’ve seen on-line and one I’ve had myself. The Ricoh/Pentax digital camera division is a extremely small producer in comparison with the business giants, so that they need to be frugal with their engineering assets. Akahane-san’s reply is smart, although, particularly given the stage of the method they’re at. Proper now, they’re very a lot within the definition and feasibility part, and the analysis wanted to supply elements is unlikely to be greater than a really part-time job for an engineer or procurement specialist. Once they’re prepared to maneuver on to the precise design of a product, it nonetheless received’t be practically as labor-intensive as designing a brand new digital digital camera physique: There’s no sensor, EVF, reminiscence card interface, picture processor, and many others. to design, structure, and write firmware for. Certain, there’ll be some form of microprocessor inside, however the electronics of a movie digital camera are orders of magnitude simpler than these of a digital digital camera, and the event effort for a movie digital camera might be small as a share of Ricoh/Pentax’s general product engineering. What About Updates to Your Digital Lineup? DE: Let’s speak about your digital line. When the Okay-1 was launched in early 2016, it impressed us with its construct high quality and options like multi-shot high-res mode, built-in GPS, Dynamic Pixel Shift Decision, Astro-Tracer, and the distinctive digital low-pass filter utilizing the image-stabilization actuators. It was extremely aggressive in its value vary. Since then although, competing merchandise have considerably superior their capabilities. Are you able to present any insights into the plans for the Okay-1 going ahead? I perceive you’ll be able to’t share particular particulars, however can Pentaxians anticipate an up to date mannequin within the close to future? (There are a lot of feedback on-line from Pentaxians expressing their anticipation for a brand new full-frame physique. KS: Sure, we’re conscious that customers are eagerly the subsequent superior mannequin. We purpose to create a digital camera that meets their excessive expectations and reveals a excessive stage of perfection. We’re constantly engaged on technological growth. Nevertheless, I’m sorry to say that we can not disclose when the brand new mannequin might be accessible. Within the meantime, we are going to proceed to enhance the satisfaction of present house owners by offering companies that improve the efficiency of the cameras they presently personal.
DE: Ah, equivalent to firmware updates for the prevailing cameras? NA: Sure, that’s right. It will not be the perfect reply, however it’s the proper reply at this second, I imagine. DE: So it’s protected to say that you’re engaged on updates for the Okay-3 Mark III and the Okay-1? NA: Sure, certainly. Because the market continues to shrink and we face competitors from different main digital camera producers, we have to give attention to our benefits and technological strengths. We’re at all times contemplating what units us aside at this stage. DE: That’s reassuring. I believe present Okay-1 house owners will admire that. It’s an vital level. NA: The one problem is that we are able to’t present a selected timeline. DE: In fact, however at the least they perceive the strategic strategy you’re taking.
Because it seems, Ricoh has greater than stored their phrase on this entrance: Within the time since my assembly with them, they’ve launched at least 4 firmware updates throughout a number of our bodies and three updates to desktop/digital camera connection software program. Simply this yr, Ricoh launched the Pentax Okay-3 Mark III Monochrome physique. Reviewer Jeremy Grey discovered it fairly compelling, with wonderful ergonomics, and real advantages for black and white images, together with greater efficient decision and diminished picture noise when in comparison with standard RGB cameras taking pictures in monochrome mode. It’s an admittedly area of interest product, however in the event you’re critical about digital black-and-white images, it’s distinctive out there, at the least at its value level. (As Jeremy identified, different choices embody the Leica M11 Monochrom, at a body-only value of $9,195, or the Section One IQ4 150MP Achromatic digital again paired with an XF or XT digital camera physique, which is able to set you again about $60,000. Provided that, the $2,199 value of the Okay-3 Mark III Monochrome physique counts as a discount. Can Ricoh/Pentax Preserve Tempo With the Newest Know-how? DE: Trendy digital camera growth is a really complicated and expensive course of, and within the mirrorless world, issues like AI-based topic recognition and monitoring have develop into vital options. Ricoh/Pentax’s small market share means you don’t have the R&D finances to match your bigger rivals. Provided that, what’s your technique to stay related out there? What’s Pentax’s area of interest that can guarantee its long-term survival? The Movie Challenge looks like an vital (and distinctive!) path, however how will you preserve tempo within the digital world? KS: The Okay-3 Mark III additionally has AI-based recognition and monitoring capabilities. Even when utilizing the optical viewfinder, the digital camera can detect topics like individuals’s eyes or birds in flight utilizing data from the autoexposure sensor. DE: Ah, so the autoexposure sensor has sufficient decision to do eye detection. Acquired it, fascinating… KS: And in addition, the Okay-1 is provided with capabilities that use deep studying to acknowledge topics with excessive accuracy and mechanically choose the customized picture setting. We at all times give attention to the usability to make the taking pictures expertise extra comfy. So mechanics is vital for us in growth, even within the digital period. Pentax has additionally developed distinctive capabilities like astro-tracer, due to our distinctive electronics expertise. Our purpose is to proceed being a producer that gives distinctive and progressive options. DE: So that you imagine you’ll be able to introduce distinctive capabilities that others might not have thought of or included.
In my thoughts, that is the important thing query in the case of their future viability. I used to be pleasantly stunned to listen to that they’re truly already utilizing machine studying for topic identification, working from the autoexposure sensor. (If I’d refreshed my reminiscence by taking a look at my former firm’s personal evaluate of the Okay-1, I’d have seen that it sported an enhanced Actual Time Scene Evaluation system.) I don’t know the decision of the AE sensor within the Okay-1 or different fashions, however it’s possible rather a lot lower than that of their fundamental picture sensors. Which means they’ll be restricted in how small topics could be throughout the body and nonetheless be correctly recognized, however the fundamental functionality of AI-based topic recognition is there nonetheless. (There are different trade-offs between DSLRs and mirrorless cameras in the case of autofocus, however a full remedy of execs, cons, and sure advances that might be delivered to DSLRs can be so long as this whole article, so I received’t try to handle any of that right here.) Ricoh not too long ago launched three new “Particular Version” customized picture modes. What’s uncommon about them is that every of them solely works with a selected set of Particular Version lenses. The linkage to particular lenses has disenchanted some customers, who’d prefer to see them accessible no matter what lenses they personal. Ricoh’s place is that they view them as “items” to customers of the lenses concerned. I can see each side, however am not stunned that some customers are sad. What’s the Story With the New “special-edition” Customized Picture Modes? DE: You launched the KF as an improve to the Okay-70 final yr, and its new Customized Picture modes caught my consideration. Along with the big selection of general-use Picture Modes, I discovered the Particular Version FUYUNO, KYUSHU, and KATEN modes intriguing. These modes are completely accessible with particular Restricted-series lenses. Every mode is designed to work with a singular set of lenses, with none overlap between them. The KF physique helps the FUYUNO mode (the KYUSHU and KATEN modes are pre-installed), whereas the Okay-1, Okay-1 II, and Okay-3 III help all three modes. Why are these modes solely accessible with particular lenses? Are they merely meant to encourage individuals to purchase completely different lenses, or is there another excuse behind it? KS: We wish customers to see these customized picture specializations as a present for many who buy the particular version lenses, fairly than a further perform of the digital camera physique. By making use of picture tuning to maximise the distinctive rendering traits of every lens, you’ll be able to obtain expressions that can’t be obtained with normal customized picture modes. Now we have restricted the mixtures as a way to enable customers to totally benefit from the synergistic impact of mixing the lens and customized picture. By combining the lens’s distinct rendering with the customized picture perform, we wish customers to know that altering the lens isn’t just about altering focal size, but in addition an vital think about enhancing the enjoyment of taking pictures and stimulating the photographer’s creativeness. DE: Hmm, that’s an fascinating reply. I used to be simply pondering “Nicely, perhaps it’s only a technique to get individuals to purchase lenses”, however it can be seen, as you say, as a lens characteristic that’s within the digital camera now, or as you say that it’s a present to individuals who purchase these lenses. KS: Once you connect the 43mm lens, KYUSHU seems within the customized picture menu. When you change to the 31mm lens…
That is an instance of a customized picture choice menu display, this one for the FUYUNO mode. (A 77mm f/1.8 lens is hooked up). You possibly can see the default settings for the mode for seven picture parameters alongside on the backside left of the display. Whilst you can match these settings manually in different picture modes, the brand new Customized Picture modes additionally map colours in another way than the digital camera’s default, so it’s not doable to realize the identical results other than the particular lenses the modes are tied to. DE: So KYUSHU reveals up with this lens, however while you use a distinct lens, you see a distinct choice. HK: With the 35mm macro lens, you see a distinct customized picture choice. [Further Japanese conversation, swapping lenses] HK: In the present day is March seventh, proper? In two days, we are going to announce one other customized mode.: That is the brand new mode we are going to announce in two days for spring, enhancing the pink coloration when photographing Sakura (cherry blossoms). [This mode is called “HARUBENI”, it boosts pink tones and lightens blue hues, to make Japan’s famous cherry blossoms stand out in photos.] DE: I can look forward to the announcement, however does it work with the 77mm lens and another lenses as properly? HK: Sure, there are two lenses which can be appropriate with the Spring model. The entire Customized Picture modes work with the Okay-1 and Okay-1 Mark II, the Okay-3 Mark II, and the KF our bodies. Right here’s a breakdown of which modes can be found with which lenses:
HARUBENI:HD PENTAX-FA 77mｍF1.8 LimitedHD PENTAX-DA 20-40mm F2.8 ED Restricted DC WR FUYUNO:HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 LimitedHD PENTAX-DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Restricted KYUSHU:HD PENTAX-FA 43mmF1.9 LimitedHD PENTAX-DA 21mmF3.2AL LimitedHD PENTAX-DA 40mmF2.8 LimitedHD PENTAX-DA 70mmF2.4 Restricted KATEN:HD PENTAX-D FA 21mmF2.4ED Restricted DC WRHD PENTAX-DA 15mmF4ED AL Restricted In fact, something an organization does is meant to generate profits, so in fact Ricoh is hoping that their Particular Version customized picture modes will result in extra lens gross sales. I believe loads of Westerners like me will take a look at the Particular Version picture modes and simply see a gimmick to promote extra lenses. They aren’t bodily objects, simply firmware working within the digital camera. There’s nothing about them that requires the lens to make them work, so the choice to tie the modes to sure lenses appears synthetic. If Ricoh selected to bundle a polarizer or some color-effects filter with the lens, we’d most likely really feel in another way. In that case, the freebie can be a bodily object, so we’d be much less more likely to view it as a man-made tactic.
I’ll admit that I got here to the dialog pondering of the Particular Version customized picture modes with simply that mindset, however the extra I’ve considered it, the extra comfy I’m with the framing Akahane-san proposed – items to customers of the lenses concerned. I wouldn’t purchase a Restricted lens simply because it unlocks a Particular Version customized picture mode, however I’d admire the particular mode if it was there. On the similar time, I don’t see myself out taking pictures with a Okay-1 and feeling cheated in some way as a result of I can’t use KYUSHU mode with my 24-70mm. Would I chafe over time at not with the ability to use KYUSHU with different lenses, if I actually favored it? Perhaps, however I don’t really feel as strongly as I initially did about this “digital bundling”. However I’m nearly actually not a typical Pentax shooter, and I’m interested in how Pentaxians really feel about this. What do you consider having particular picture modes tied to sure lenses? Depart your feedback beneath; I’d actually like to listen to your ideas, and if there’s sufficient suggestions to warrant doing so, I’ll move it alongside to my contacts at Ricoh. You’ve Carried out Nicely With Updating Lenses, What’s Subsequent There? DE: I discover it encouraging that Ricoh has continued to launch new lenses yearly (a complete of 10 new fashions within the final 4 years) and a few customers agree with me, however others are clamoring for extra up to date fashions. Do you could have a roadmap for deliberate lens introductions that you could possibly share with our readers? What new or up to date lenses are most requested amongst your customers? KS: We are able to’t disclose the whole roadmap for interchangeable lenses; sadly, we are able to’t share it at the moment. Nevertheless, it’s value mentioning that most of the lenses customers request are already best-selling lenses for different corporations. We imagine that our lens lineup must also have a singular identification. We’re contemplating reaching out to customers to share our concepts and collect their opinions, particularly if there are high-priority requests from many customers. DE: So, it appears like there might be alternatives for customers to supply enter in some unspecified time in the future. As we talked about with the Movie Challenge, it will be nice if there’s a technique to embody suggestions from US customers as properly… [Here again, I’m wondering if there might be some way I could facilitate such a dialog.] DE: When you’ve had these discussions and gathered consumer enter, will you then launch a roadmap displaying the upcoming lenses and their launch dates, or will it’s extra of a case-by-case foundation as every lens is prepared for launch? NA: We’re in fact at all times eager about the lens roadmap and future plans. There might be one thing within the close to time period [ed. Note: Probably the 50/1.4 released in mid-May], however mainly we’re reshuffling our lens technique fully proper now, we’re aiming to create a singular and distinct lens lineup for the long run. That’s why we’re not sharing a lens roadmap at the moment. Though it will not be till someday sooner or later that we’ve got our full technique, it’s doable that there could also be some data launched before that.
DE: Nearer to the discharge date. NA: Sure, that’s our place for the second. DE: Your general strategy is fascinating to me. Whereas customers are requesting updates for generally used lenses, you have already got lenses that cowl these focal size ranges, even when they may focus a bit slower, for instance. You need to give individuals distinctive causes to personal a Pentax and shoot Pentax. NA: Precisely. Why are you selecting Pentax? That needs to be an increasing number of clear, that’s our technique now. We aren’t an enormous producer, so that’s the reason we need to do one thing that makes that clear. DE: That makes loads of sense. Pentax has at all times been identified for having nice glass; they had been an early innovator with anti-reflection coatings (their Tremendous Multi Coating or SMC anti-reflection expertise was an actual breakthrough when it was launched in 1971), and have at all times provided a broad vary of lenses together with a wealthy assortment of primes. For years, they’ve maintained a gradual move of 2-3 new lens designs per yr, with at least 5 new fashions in 2021. The tempo slowed in 2022 although, after we noticed only a single new mannequin, a 100mm f/2.8 macro, and up to now this yr we’ve seen a recasting of their 50mm f/1.4 design in two variations, one with trendy coatings and the opposite with the traditional SMC tech for a nostalgic look.
Per Akahane-san’s feedback, they’re presently rethinking their whole product line. Quite than updating a kind of customary lens with the newest and biggest expertise, what might they bring about to their customers that may be distinctive to Pentax? I believe it is a good technique. Would somebody choose one producer over one other simply because they’d a very spectacular 15-30mm f/2.8? – I believe not. However, somebody who was actually into macros may see an impressive wide-angle macro zoom as a purpose to get on board. I don’t know what kinds of lenses this strategy may flip up, however I believe Ricoh is wise for asking the query. Whereas they have already got a sizeable lens lineup, Pentax has continued to launch new fashions over time, though the tempo has slowed considerably within the final two years. The pleasant 77mm f/1.8 proven above on the KF physique was introduced alongside two different wide-aperture primes (the 35/1.8 and 43/1.9) in February of 2021. Since then, we noticed a brand new 100mm f/2.8 macro in 2022 and two barely completely different variations of a 50mm f/1.4 up to now this yr. How About Lens Updates With Sooner Focus Motors? DE: On the lens entrance, I don’t need to get too far into specifics, however there’s a robust normal curiosity in up to date designs with quicker focus motors, and plenty of, many customers are searching for an replace to your DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 mannequin specifically. Are you able to supply them any encouragement that such a lens is likely to be coming? Do you propose to introduce new variations of older lenses with quicker PLM focus motors? KS: I’m sorry, I can’t. At this second we don’t have a concrete plan for a brand new lens with a PLM motor. Really, a PLM-equipped lens can’t be realized with out designing a brand new optical system. DE: Ah, I perceive, you’ll be able to’t simply drop it into an current design, you have to prepare the optics, and the main focus group must be smaller or no matter. Acquired it. DE: I believe that’s all my questions, thanks very a lot to your time! All: Thanks!
Abstract This ended up being a really prolonged interview, because it’s the primary alternative I’ve had in a very long time to talk to high Ricoh administration, and the Movie Challenge might have made an article all by itself. It was an fascinating dialogue, significantly given Akahane’s return to move up the imaging division once more. Listed here are some bullet factors on what we’ve realized: The Movie Challenge to develop a contemporary film-based digital camera continues to be at a really early stage. The Movie Challenge started within the thoughts and coronary heart of considered one of their engineers, Takeo Suzuki (“TKO”). It took some promoting on his half, however administration all the best way to the highest stage is now onboard and enthusiastic. They’re soliciting suggestions from photographers, to know what individuals need and anticipate from a movie digital camera. They’re making an attempt to know the extent of potential demand, however it’s very tough as a result of it’s been nearly twenty years since mainstream movie cameras had been final offered. (Apart from disposable cameras, that are a completely completely different market section.) They’re evaluating whether or not provide chains nonetheless exist or could be recreated for film-camera elements. They’re working to switch data about movie digital camera design from the older era (together with some engineers who’re already retired) to the youthful era to hold it ahead. The data wanted for movie digital camera design primarily includes non-obvious mechanical components. The primary mannequin might be a compact digital camera, not an ILC/SLR. I requested Akahane-san what the attraction of movie images was. For him, it’s about having nothing between him and the topic however air and glass. Even a wonderful EVF show nonetheless includes a pc decoding a scene, fairly than him connecting with it immediately. (I believe it is a feeling loads of movie fanatics can determine with.) Ricoh has been accumulating suggestions on the Movie Challenge from photographers in Japan, the place engineers and product planners can simply work together with them. They’d very very similar to to have related suggestions from the English-speaking world, however the language barrier and bodily distance stored them from doing so so far. Ricoh desires to work with movie producers however declined to say whether or not or to what extent they may have already got executed so. Some customers have nervous the Movie Challenge may draw assets away from Ricoh’s digital merchandise. They assured me that this wasn’t a problem; the hassle required to design a movie digital camera is drastically lower than that concerned in digital designs. There’s no sensor, processor, reminiscence interface, LCD and EVF shows, and many others, and no complicated firmware, so the Movie Challenge is barely occupying a small fraction of their general engineering finances. With reference to digital merchandise, Ricoh is certainly investing effort and assets there. In the case of new digital camera our bodies, Akahane-san mentioned that they should give attention to what units them other than their bigger competitors. He clearly couldn’t touch upon new fashions however mentioned that within the close to time period, they’ll proceed engaged on firmware updates to their current fashions, to reward their current customers. I had some issues about Ricoh having the assets to compete in an age the place AI and deep studying expertise have develop into so vital to the digital camera market. Shibuya-san identified that Pentax’s current Actual Time Scene Evaluation system truly already employs deep studying algorithms, working with knowledge from the autoexposure sensor. Ricoh not too long ago introduced a number of “Particular Version” customized picture modes which can be tied to particular Restricted-series lenses. Whereas they’re in fact targeted on promoting extra lenses, Akahane-san positioned these new Particular Version modes as “items” to these buying the related lenses, fairly than merely a gross sales approach. Plenty of customers have been requesting updates to earlier lens fashions, making the most of new expertise. They’ll actually do that as demand signifies, however they’re presently re-evaluating their whole lens lineup. Right here once more, their key technique is to search for methods to ship distinctive worth, fairly than simply “me too” variations of ordinary focal size/aperture mixtures. Phew, that was loads of materials. This is likely one of the longest interviews I’ve executed in current reminiscence, however it’s been some time since there’s been any deeper protection of Ricoh for English-language readers. Hopefully, it’ll be definitely worth the effort for all of the Pentaxians on the market. As I discussed in a few locations above, seeing the frustration of each US customers and Ricoh themselves, I’m questioning if there is likely to be a manner I might facilitate communications between the 2. That is one other space I’d like to listen to suggestions on; do you assume I might serve a helpful perform, gathering enter from US photographers to convey to Ricoh in Japan, and speaking responses again? Please depart your ideas within the feedback. As typical, I’ll monitor the remark thread right here for every week or so after posting this, so I can reply to any questions anybody may need.
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