Ed wrote:
> Just for the record, I didn't make this up or even speculate it myself. It
> is exactly and precisely what I was told by my Pentax rep, and what many of
> them were collectively told.
Well if they were told that then its cover up to prevent further speculations.
>Also, I'm sure my memory serves me well and I
> could find several posts in the archives where you stated there was a
> matching camera planned for them, perhaps the "flagship", but more likely
> there would be TWO new cameras (according to your secret inside sources).
> And that definitely, they were NOT made for the MZ Series.
They were not made for the MZ-series but their color matched the cameras they were
then selling which was the MZ-series; the MZ-5n and MZ-3. The lenses were put to the
market to test the interest for expensive and exclusive Pentax products which are not
the MZ-3 or MZ-5. These are products that don't by a superficial look give the
impression of value for money. Take a look at price of the MZ-S and you get an idea
what Pentax was testing out - is anyone going to buy it?
Apart from the fact that I've been told a very different story, the idea that the
silver Limited lenses was designed for a silver rangefinder don't make much sense.
Firstly, a K-mount rangefinder is a totally silly idea because this camera would have
been huge in rangefinder terms. If they weren't K-mount then Pentax had to redesign
them totally. Whats then is the point of having them match a shelved camera? When they
were redesigning them the first place, why not change their color?
> Also, Pop Photo
> quoted the rumor of a new matching camera for them in their PMA report when
> the 77 was released, and when I quoted that in a post, you in effect agreed
> with it and used it to support your claim of inside information about two
> new cameras. Later, we found the 43mm lens was released in a screwmount for
> rangefinder cameras. And then, we saw silver versions of the MZ-S shown at
> PMA. How can you bring all this information together with your statement
> above that the silver lenses were made for the MZ series?
I'm not sure there ever was a designated "Limited camera". This was just reasonable
speculation. Its equally likely that they were just testing the concept; price,
exclusivity, metal body, not much feature for the bucks. Pretty much the same market
segments as the MZ-S operates in. Also, according to rumors the MZ-S development
started after the Limited lenses proved sucessful so its fully possible that the
sucess of the Limited lenses gave to green light to the MZ-S (and possibly similar
products). Theres a chome (and black) MZ-S - pretty much a Limited camera in my view.
Of course, there might be things to come - but as far as I'm concerned theres no
reason to suspect that the Limited lenses has anything to do with rangefinders.
Anyway, pentax have promised more Limited lenses. Who knows how many there will be in
total.
Also, its clear that Pentax is exploiting customer wishes with the Limited lenses.
Many claimed that they were fed up with plastic lenses. Some even went as far as
saying that they also should get rid of the rubber on the focusing ring.
Also, Pentax obviously exploits the craze in Japan for some classic K-mount lenses
that enjoy very high prices. Examples are the 40/2.8, 30/2.8, and 85/1,8; all of them
close to the current Limited lenses.
The Limited lenses makes complete sense in the current 35mm slr regime and marketing
situation. Hence, I don't believe in the rangefinder connection.
Pål
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