On September 15, 2000, I posted this as beginning of a thread called "Pentax on the Sidelines." I believe it is still valid.
Quote Just some thoughts on a Pentax presence in the "pro" arena: It ain't gonna happen. When I say "pro" here, I'm talking about sport shooters, a miniscule percentage of professional photographers, but somehow the default experts on what a camera/lens combo should do. You know why it ain't gonna happen? Because the heads at Pentax don't feel the need to provide free (or greatly reduced price) support and repair for the guys lining the sidelines, who are out there shooting with whatever they are shooting with not because they think one or another is better, but because it's what their paper/wire service issues to them. It costs a ton of money-- in equipment and man-hours-- for those companies to convince the big newspaper photo departments to use their systems, and frankly, we should be glad Pentax doesn't offer that same level of service, because you can guess who pays for it. Now, if you're a freelancer with enough clout to get accredited by the folks at the Super Bowl or the Olympics or some other high profile event, you can call Canon or Nikon, whichever you shoot, and they will be more than happy to loan you a long fast piece of glass, so that Joe Sportwatcher can see you on the sideline and be able to feel good about himself because he has the same brand of camera you do. It's a great way to prey on the insecurities of the camera-buying public. ANYway... Should you happen to be watching or attending some sporting event and glance down into the pits or along the sidelines to see someone happily shooting away with Pentax equipment, you can be proud, because you know that photographer didn't have anyone to tell him what equipment to use, and had enough self-esteem to not worry about what the other photographers out there were using. END QUOTE At 11:11 AM +11003/27/02, John Coyle wrote, or at least typed: >I've stayed out of this one so far, but here are a few thoughts. > ><SNIP> -- Douglas Forrest Brewer Ashwood Lake Photography [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alphoto.com - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
