The lastest PENTAX news

PENTAX 645D Medium Format Digital SLR Camera Wins EISA ...
645D IS EISA European Professional Camera 2011-2012 GOLDEN, CO. (August 15, 2011)…PENTAX Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce that the PENTAX 645D medium-format digital SLR camera, first launched in June 2010, was selected as the EISA European Professional Camera 2011-2012 by the prestigious European Imaging and Sound Association. The award was presented in recognition of the camera’s super-fine image quality assured by approximately 40 effective megapixels, exceptional reliability and superb operability.      The European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) is an organization comprised of 50 leading Photo, Video, Audio & Home Theater, In-car Electronics and Mobile Devices magazines from 19 European countries. Each year, EISA selects the outstanding representatives from all of the products introduced to the European market in the previous year, and awards a prize to the winners of the different categories.      “With the introduction of the PENTAX 645D, the medium-format market has gained a much anticipated and highly competitive member that offers exceptional image-quality and handling,” the EISA jury noted in its award citation. “The 645D is a joy to use in the field, and although it is big and somewhat heavy, its ergonomic grip, large viewfinder, fast and accurate autofocus, and well-made controls make it perfectly usable without a tripod. With its 33x44mm, 40-million-pixel, Kodak CCD-sensor it is a landscape photographer’s dream, ...

PENTAX IMAGING ANNOUNCES RELOCATION TO DOWNTOWN DENVER ...
GOLDEN, Colorado (August 2, 2011)…PENTAX Imaging Company, a leader in the worldwide photographic industry, is pleased to announce plans to relocate its national headquarters to Downtown Denver on October 1, 2011.  The headquarters will be located in the Colorado Plaza Towers building at 633 17th Street (corner of 17th and California Streets). PENTAX is leasing space on the 26th floor of Tower One of Colorado Plaza Towers.  The lease was signed for a 68 month term.   Colorado Plaza Towers is owned and managed by Toma West Management Corp.  Len McBroom and Heidi Martinez of McBroom Company represented PENTAX. “We are excited to be a part of the vibrant, growing Denver metropolitan hub, which will mean more exposure for PENTAX and a culturally exciting environment for our employees,” said Ned Bunnell, president, PENTAX Imaging Company. “In addition to the office space, Toma West has offered PENTAX the opportunity to explore leasing a high traffic retail space in the property’s Galleria Area, which was a significant factor in PENTAX choosing this space,” added Bunnell. The history of PENTAX as a Colorado business dates back to 1958 when Honeywell first sold photography products under the PENTAX brand name in the United States.   In 1977, PENTAX Corporation was established in Englewood’s Inverness Business Park.   In 2003, PENTAX relocated to the City of Golden.  Effective October 1, 2011, all correspondence for PENTAX Imaging Company may be directed ...

PENTAX ANNOUNCES SPORT OPTICS FALL RIFLE SCOPE REBATE ...
SAVINGS ARRIVE JUST IN TIME FOR HUNTING ADVENTURES GOLDEN, CO.  (AUGUST 1, 2011)…PENTAX Imaging Company has announced a FALL RIFLE SCOPE REBATE on ten assorted products from now until October 31, 2011.  The mail-in rebate amounts vary and are fulfilled in the form of a Visa® Gift card.     PENTAX riflescopes feature legendary optical coatings, elements and prisms that are the perfect companion for hunting adventures. Each scope features PentaBright technology to give you the brightest view possible.    The rebate is simple to use:1) Visit the nearest PENTAX retailer and purchase any of the items listed below.  2) Pick up a rebate form or download one from:  www.pentaxsportoptics.com 3) Complete the form (front and back) and include the UPC of the product(s) purchased.4) Mail in the form and receive your Visa Prepaid Card in 6-8 weeks. 2011 FALL RIFLE SCOPE REBATE INFO:August 1, 2011 – October 31, 2011 Product                                                Rebate Amount  3X-15X 50mm Gameseeker 5X Matte (P)   $20.00 3X-15X 50mm Gameseeker 5X Matte (PP) $20.00 Gameseeker II 3X-9X 40mm Matte (PP)    $20.00 Gameseeker II 4X-12X 40mm Matte (PP)    $20.00 Gameseeker II 3X-9X 50mm Matte (PP)    $20.00 Gameseeker II 2.5X-10X 56mm Matte (PP)    $20.00 Gameseeker II 4X-16X 50mm Matte (PP)    $20.00 Gameseeker II 3X-9X 40mm Matte (P)    $20.00 Gameseeker II 4X-12X 40mm Matte (P)    ...

PENTAX ANNOUNCES LIMITED EDITION 645D ...
Model Honors 645D Camera Grand Prix Japan 2011 “Camera of the Year” Award GOLDEN, CO.  (July 13, 2011)…PENTAX Imaging Company has announced it will offer a limited edition 645D camera kit produced to celebrate the PENTAX 645D being named Camera Grand Prix Japan 2011 “Camera of the Year.” This limited edition camera features an elegant, lacquer-finished body. The components of this unique kit that will be available on a very limited basis include:   • PENTAX 645D Japan camera body  • Leather Strap 645D Japan O-ST123  • Body Mount Cap 645D Japan  • Center-Spot-Matte Focusing Screen DS-80  • Specially designed paulownia-wood packaging     PENTAX is planning built-to-order production of this model with a minimum four month delivery period from the date each order is placed.        First announced in June 2010, the PENTAX 645D is a high-performance medium-format digital SLR camera combining super-high-resolution digital images with approximately 40 effective megapixels that offers exceptional reliability and superb operability. The camera was selected Camera GP Japan 2011 “Camera of the Year” for its array of original, outstanding features including a large CCD sensor, and a dependable, dust-proof, weather-resistant body that operates in temperatures as low as –10°C.      Information about the camera, features, awards and product images is available here: www.pentaximaging.com/news        The new model kit will be available ...

NOTICE OF SALE OF THE PENTAX IMAGING SYSTEMS BUSINESS ...
HOYA Corporation (“HOYA”) and Ricoh Company, Ltd. (“Ricoh”) hereby announce that pursuantto decisions by the President and CEO of HOYA and Representative Director of Ricoh, respectively,HOYA and Ricoh have executed an agreement as of today to transfer HOYA’s PENTAX ImagingSystems Business (the business of developing, manufacturing and selling optical instruments such asdigital cameras and replacement lenses, digital camera accessories, security camera-related products,and binoculars) (the “PENTAX Imaging Systems Business”) to Ricoh. HOYA will effectuate thistransfer by incorporating a new corporation (“NewCo”), cause NewCo to succeed the PENTAXImaging Systems Business by way of a corporate split (kyushu bunkatsu) (the “Corporate Split”),and transfer all shares of NewCo to Ricoh (such split and transfer shall be referred to as the“Split/Transfer”) as of October 1, 2011 (Estimated). Prior to the Split/Transfer, HOYA intends to transfer its interests in PENTAX VN CO., Ltd., anoverseas subsidiary of HOYA in relation to the PENTAX Imaging Systems Business, to NewCo. Please note, that since the Corporate Split is a simplified corporate split (kan-i kyushu bunkatsu),disclosure items/content have been partially abbreviated. Further, HOYA will continue to develop its businesses assigned from PENTAX Corporation whichwas merged (kyushu gappei) into HOYA on March 31, 2008 other than the PENTAX ImagingSystems Business, such as its businesses regarding digital ...

OPEN LETTER FROM HOYA TO VALUED PENTAX CUSTOMERS AND PARTNERS ...
July 1, 2011 Dear Valued PENTAX Customers and Partners, We would like to hereby inform you that we, HOYA Corporation, have made an agreement regarding the business transfer of our PENTAX Imaging System Business to RICOH Corporation today, July 1, 2011. The effective date of the business transfer is set for October 1, 2011. The business areas to be transferred as PENTAX Imaging System Business are digital cameras, interchangeable lenses, digital camera accessories, binoculars and security-related products, including R&D, design, manufacturing and sales for those product categories. PENTAX Imaging system business will be succeeded by a newly established company scheduled on October 1, 2011, and then RICOH Corporation will acquire 100% of its stock right after the establishment. No operational changes of PENTAX Imaging System Business are anticipated for the time being by making this agreement. All employees will be transferred to the new company accordingly. Also, all current products will continue to be sold with the PENTAX brand name under current operations. PENTAX, under the guidance of RICOH, will continue with our best effort to grow and evolve our business and partnerships and deliver quality products and services designed for a high level of customer satisfaction. Again, we appreciate your continued support of PENTAX. Thank you very much. Best regards, Toshiaki Iue, President PENTAX Imaging Systems Division ...

POPULAR PENTAX Optio WG-1 GPS NOW AVAILABLE IN ORANGE ...
GOLDEN, CO (June 26, 2011)…PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the PENTAX Optio WG-1 GPS* version will be available soon in a third color choice.  As early as next month, the twelfth generation PENTAX Optio adventure camera will be available in orange, in addition to yellow green and gray.        Every one of the five PENTAX Optio WG-1 models offers enhanced waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, coldproof and crushproof performance and features an inventive Digital Microscope mode with LED lighting to capture small but intriguing subjects.  Designed with the look of mountaineering equipment, each Optio WG-1 series kit includes a woven web fabric strap complete with a carabiner to attach the camera to a backpack and other outdoor gear.  These rugged models offer photographic performance, innovative features and style that surpass other outdoor compact digital cameras now available on the market.    As with other GPS models, the orange WG-1 GPS functionality* tracks and records positional data recording with images for geo-tagging applications making it easy for users to check the shooting locations of captured images and link the data with PC-based maps. *Measured under PENTAX-original testing standards.The orange WG-1 will ship in July 2011 for $399.95.  More information is available here: www.pentaximaging.com/news  and product images are available here: www.pentaximaging.com/press/pressfiles.html   Complete information about the camera is available here:  ...

PENTAX UNVEILS THE PENTAX Q ...
The World’s Smallest, Lightest Interchangeable Lens Camera GOLDEN, CO.  (June 23, 2011)…PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the PENTAX Q – the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens camera (ILC).*  The Q offers the versatility and precision of an advanced DSLR in a body that  is significantly smaller  than every other digital ILC body available on the market today.      * The world’s smallest and lightest digital interchangeable lens system camera, as of June 15, 2011 (based on PENTAX research).   The camera’s tiny size, lightweight design, and superior image quality are made possible by an innovative PENTAX-developed imaging system.   With a high-resolution 12.4 megapixel, 1/2.3 inch CMOS image sensor, the Q carves out an entirely new camera category that extends beyond traditional digital compact, APS-C or 4/3 digital cameras.   The backlit sensor is a highly efficient light-gathering instrument that produces very little noise at high sensitivity levels particularly in low light settings.   Further, the new Q lens mount is a perfect match with the new sensor and every interchangeable Q lens is designed for more advanced image quality than may be found on traditional compact digital cameras. This innovative PENTAX design is the foundation of the Q’s position as the world’s smallest, lightest ILC system with superior image quality.   Several important features of the PENTAX Q include:• A newly designed PENTAX Q-mount lens ...

PENTAX ADDS FOUR LENSES TO Q SYSTEM ...
Zoom, Fish-Eye, Toy Telephoto Among Selection GOLDEN, CO. (June 23, 2011)…In addition to the standard lens announced today, PENTAX Imaging Company has announced four accessory Q-mount lenses designed for exclusive use with the PENTAX Q – the world’s smallest, lightest interchangeable lens system camera (ILC).*   Each new lens is highly compact and lightweight with an optimized image circle to match the size of the Q’s CMOS image sensor.  This new Q-mount lens series offers PENTAX Q users a comprehensive lens selection.     * The world’s smallest and lightest digital interchangeable lens system camera, as of June 15, 2011 (based on PENTAX research). PENTAX 02 Standard ZoomWith a focal length equivalent to a 27.5-83.0mm zoom lens in the 35mm format, this standard zoom lens is ideal for wide angle to medium telephoto range.  With four extra-low-dispersion and low-refractive aspherical optical elements, the lens offers exceptional image rendition while effectively reducing chromatic aberration to a minimum over the entire zoom range.  The Standard Zoom features a minimum focusing distance of 11.8 inches (30 centimeters) at all focal lengths for close-up photography.  Featuring a high-grade finish, this lens incorporates the special optical glass elements and PENTAX exclusive lens coating technology for beautifully defined, high quality images that are sharp and high contrast even to the edges. The AF motor installed in the lens assures smooth, quiet focusing ...

PENTAX ANNOUNCES O-GPS1 UNIT FOR DIGITAL SLR CAMERAS ...
NEW SLR ACCESSORY HELPS PENTAX PHOTOGRAPHERS  TRACK EVERY STEP OF THE WAY GOLDEN, CO.  (June 1, 2011)…PENTAX Imaging Company announced the PENTAX O-GPS1 unit designed for recent PENTAX digital SLR cameras.  This new, versatile, weather-resistant GPS unit tracks both basic geographical and celestial body location data for earthbound and astrophotography purposes. Mounted on the hot shoe of select PENTAX digital SLR cameras,* the O-GPS1 unit records latitude, longitude, altitude, and universal time coordinated (UTC) of shooting locations with captured images. Image files with this GPS data may be used to track shooting locations and review location data on a personal computing device.  The GPS location data also helps sort and file recorded images. * Compatible models are the K-5, K-r and 645D (as of May, 2011). Some of the O-GPS1’s functions may not be available when used with the 645D. Compatible PENTAX digital SLR camera bodies must be updated with the latest firmware version for proper O-GPS1 functionality. In addition to location data, the GPS unit works with the PENTAX Shake Reduction (SR) system to offer unique, advanced applications, including Astrotracer, Simple Navigation and Electronic Compass.  Together, the PENTAX O-GPS and associated applications offer several key functions: • Geotags images for location information on popular photo sharing websites.• Charts progress of a hike, bike, boat or other adventure trip with interval position ...