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First real-world photos of new RICOH GR III Street Edition Special Limited Kit
First real-world photos of new RICOH GR III Street Edition Special Limited Kit published by Yaotomi Camera!
RICOH GR III Street Edition Special Limited Kit announced!
A limited-quantity package featuring a high-end digital compact camera with a stylish metallic gray body and exclusive accessories
RICOH COMPANY, LTD. and RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. are pleased to announce the launch of the RICOH GR III Street Edition Special Limited Kit. Available in a limited quantity of 3,500 units worldwide, this package combines the RICOH GR III camera body, finished in an original metallic gray color, with a compact, detachable viewfinder and a genuine-leather hand strap, both designed exclusively for this package.
The RICOH GR III Street Edition, a high-grade digital compact camera that doesn’t include the viewfinder and the strap, is also scheduled to be launched in the autumn of 2020.
Main features of the RICOH GR III Street Edition Special Limited Kit
The camera body has been treated with an attractive metallic gray finish that symbolizes the personality of a street photographer actively engaged in photography on the asphalt pavement in the city. It’s also accentuated with an orange-yellow ring encircling the lens barrel. The exterior finish features an elegantly grained texture created by repeatedly spraying droplets of a coating material onto the camera body. Although smooth in appearance, this special paint also helps improve camera hold.
The camera comes with a pair of exclusive accessories: a compact, detachable viewfinder featuring the identical metallic gray finish, and a genuine-leather hand strap. The viewfinder has the number 28 imprinted on its top panel to highlight the camera’s angle of view, while the strap’s stopper is finished in orange-yellow identical to the camera’s lens barrel ring, to enhance the product image.
This camera allows the photographer to instantly activate the Full Press Snap feature* with a single touch on the LCD panel positioned on the camera’s back panel. This feature shifts the lens to a preselected focal point the moment the shutter release button is fully depressed. It can also be assigned to the LCD screen positioned on the camera’s back panel, assuring the photographer of flawless point-and-shoot photography to capture once-in-a-lifetime shutter opportunities. One of the strong points of the GR series, this feature comes in handy when taking snapshots on the street.
* This feature can be added to the standard GR III model by installing function expansion firmware, which is scheduled to be released after the time of the camera’s launch.
When the camera’s power is turned off, the camera displays an original termination screen consisting of the specially designed product logo and a street-view image that symbolizes the camera’s “street snapshot” concept.
Notes:
• The camera’s other specifications are identical with those of the standard GR III model.
• The design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
HD PENTAX-D FA★ 85mm F1.4 ED SDM AW – Hands-on photos
Hands-on photos of new HD PENTAX-D FA★ 85mm F1.4 ED SDM AW lens published on dc.watch.impress.co.jp.
HD PENTAX-D FA★ 85mm F1.4 ED SDM AW – Preview videos
Some test videos with a pre-production model of the newly developed HD PENTAX-D FA★ 85mm F1.4 ED SDM AW lens published by Yaotomi Camera!
AF (to inifinity)
AF (LV)
AF (OVF)
Electromagnetic diaphragm
HD PENTAX-D FA★ 85mm F1.4 ED SDM AW has officially been released!
Second fixed focal-length model added to next-generation, high-performance Star lens series
Ricoh Imaging today announced the HD PENTAX-D FA★85mm F1.4ED SDM AW lens, the second fixed focal-length lens in the new-generation PENTAX Star (★) lens series. Designed for use with PENTAX K-mount digital SLR cameras, Star-series lenses boast the highest imaging performance of all PENTAX lens lineups.
PENTAX developed a new, ring-type SDM (Supersonic Direct-drive Motor) exclusively for this new lens to enable flawless, high-speed autofocus operation, with an exterior design that assures a firm grip for manual-focus operation. The HD PENTAX-D FA★85mm F1.4ED SDM AW lens is designed not only to assure the highest imaging power currently possible, but also to optimize the joy of picture-taking.
The new lens incorporates three Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass optical elements to effectively minimize chromatic aberration, and a glass-molded aspherical optical element to effectively compensate for spherical and chromatic aberrations and field curvature to deliver extra-clear, high-contrast images with edge-to-edge sharpness, even at open aperture. This design also reduces distortion to nearly zero at a focusing distance of four meters to deliver well-defined, distortion-free images over the entire focusing range, from the minimum focusing distance to infinity.
The HD PENTAX-D FA★85mm F1.4ED SDM AW lens boasts an F1.4 maximum aperture, useful with many different subjects in a range of applications, including portraiture with an effectively defocused background, handheld shooting of indoor scenes and scenic photography. The extra-large aperture produces a bright, clear viewfinder image that will surely inspire photographic creativity and imagination.
Developed as an AW (All Weather) model, the new lens features dustproof, weather-resistant construction with eight special seals to prevent the intrusion of water into the lens barrel. When paired with a dustproof, weather-resistant PENTAX digital SLR camera body, it assures a durable, reliable digital imaging system that performs superbly in demanding shooting settings — even in rain or mist, or at locations prone to water splashes or spray.
Main Features of the new HD PENTAX-D FA★85mm F1.4ED SDM AW
1. New-generation, high-performance Star-series lens to deliver ideal image quality
Anticipating the further advancement of SLR camera bodies in the future, PENTAX has designed this lens to deliver extra-clear, high-contrast images with edge-to-edge sharpness by compensating various aberrations to a minimum, while greatly enhancing resolving power — two factors absolutely essential in the next-generation Star series. It provides exceptionally high imaging performance even at open aperture, a beautiful bokeh (defocus) effect and outstanding image rendition at close ranges — all reasons why it produces high-quality, well-defined images. It also boasts an extra-large F1.4 maximum aperture, useful with many different subjects in a range of applications, including portraiture with an effectively defocused background, handheld shooting of indoor scenes and scenic photography. It helps the camera to produce a bright, clear viewfinder image that will inspire the photographer’s creativity and imagination.
2. State-of-the-art optical technology
This lens incorporates three Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass optical elements to effectively minimize chromatic aberration, and a glass-molded aspherical optical element to effectively compensate for spherical and chromatic aberrations and field curvature to deliver extra-clear, high-contrast images with edge-to-edge sharpness, even at open aperture. It also reduces distortion to nearly zero at a focusing distance of four meters to deliver well-defined, distortion-free images over the entire focusing range, from the minimum focusing distance to infinity. This lens is also treated with high-grade, multi-layer High-Definition (HD) Coating, which reduces average reflectance in the visible ray spectrum to less than 50% of conventional multi-layer coatings, effectively reducing flare and ghost images to a minimum even in demanding lighting conditions such as backlighting.
3. Newly designed, large ring-type SDM
To deliver the highest image quality possible over the entire focusing range — from the minimum focusing distance to infinity — this lens features a newly designed, large ring-type SDM to efficiently drive the focusing mechanism, which consists of a larger number of optical elements than ordinary lenses, and is required to shift heavy rear-optical-element groups in unison. Generating a torque approximately 1.3 times that of the unit installed in the HD PENTAX-D FA★50mm f1.4 SDM AW, this new SDM assures flawless, high-speed autofocus operation.
4. Dustproof, weather-resistant construction
Developed as an AW (All Weather) model, this lens features a dependable dustproof, weather-resistant construction with eight special seals to prevent the intrusion of water into the lens barrel. When paired with a dustproof, weather-resistant PENTAX digital SLR camera body, it assures a durable, reliable digital imaging system that performs superbly in demanding shooting conditions — even in rain or mist, or at locations prone to water splashes or spray.
5. Other features
・ Nine-blade, round-shaped diaphragm to produce a natural, beautiful bokeh (defocus) effect up to the F2.8 aperture setting, while minimizing the streaking effect of point light sources
・ Exterior design that facilitates focus-ring operation in manual-focus shooting and provides a firm hold
・ Electromagnetic diaphragm-control mechanism** for flawless, high-precision exposure control during video recording
・ SP (Super Protect) coating to keep the front surface free of dust and spots
** This mechanism is available when the lens is mounted on a K-1 Mark II, K-1, K-3 II, K-3, KP, K-70, K-50, K-S2 or K-S1 camera body.
HD Pentax-D FA* 85mm F1.4 ED SDM AW specifications
| Principal specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens type | Prime lens |
| Max Format size | 35mm FF |
| Focal length | 85 mm |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Lens mount | Pentax KAF4 |
| Aperture | |
| Maximum aperture | F1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | F16 |
| Aperture ring | No |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 9 |
| Optics | |
| Elements | 12 |
| Groups | 10 |
| Special elements / coatings | 1 aspherical + 3 Super ED elements, HD coating |
| Focus | |
| Minimum focus | 0.85 m (33.46″) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.12× |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Motor type | Ring-type ultrasonic |
| Full time manual | Yes |
| Focus method | Internal |
| Distance scale | Yes |
| DoF scale | No |
| Physical | |
| Weight | 1255 g (2.77 lb) |
| Diameter | 95 mm (3.74″) |
| Length | 124 mm (4.88″) |
| Sealing | Yes |
| Colour | Black |
| Filter thread | 82 mm |
| Hood supplied | Yes |
HD PENTAX-D FA★ 85mm F1.4 ED SDM AW “full-sized” sample images!
Here we have official “full-sized” sample images of new upcoming HD PENTAX-D FA★ 85mm F1.4 ED SDM AW lens!
Download/view full-sized (7360x4912px) photos (on Google Drive)
PENTAX Product Updates for CP+ 2020
Video broadcast introducing PENTAX products currently in development
PENTAX has broadcast a video to introduce a selection of the new products currently in development, which were originally scheduled to be showcased at the RICOH IMAGING booth at the now-cancelled CP+ 2020.
In this video, members of PENTAX’s Product Planning Department described a range of models now in development, including the next flagship model of the PENTAX APS-C-format digital SLR series and new interchangeable lenses. A great chance to witness the future of PENTAX!
Please note that, due to the coronavirus outbreak, PENTAX has decided to broadcast a pre-recorded web conference.
New Products
1. Flagship APS-C DSLR + New Battery Grip
PENTAX, in the video above, talked about the camera’s optical viewfinder, which is designed to be as good as a full-frame DSLR viewfinder, with a magnification of 1.05x giving a view as good as the K-1, and K-1 II. There is also an improved focus system, said to be as good as the K-1/K-1 II. There is an eye-sensor underneath the optical viewfinder, which will automatically dim the rear screen when the camera is held up to your eye. The viewfinder also protrudes further from the rear of the camera to help keep your nose away from the screen.
Speaking of technology, although Wakashiro did not elaborate on the exact specifications, he did state the the camera would bring enhanced burst shooting and tracking performance, and that users should have “high expectations”.
Features:
- Large 1.05x magnification optical viewfinder
- The camera design is said to follow the K-1 design style
- Improved AF performance, with improved AF tracking
- Improved drive control
- New battery grip shown
- Still planned for release by the end of 2020
The new camera will have an available battery grip, with the corresponding new control layout and a custom-tailored ergonomic design.
The camera is still scheduled for a 2020 launch, although Pentax admits that there are some coronavirus-related risk factors in the supply chain that could affect the timeline. However, all efforts will be made to stick to the 2020 launch.
2. HD PENTAX-D FA 21mm ED Limited (tentative name)
The new HD PENTAX-D FA 21mm Limited (tentative name) has a completely different design compared to the previous PENTAX-DA 21mm Limited lens, and the new lens is designed for use with both APS-C and Full-Frame cameras. Features a built-in DC motor and weather resistant (WR).
This will be the first Limited prime lens to include weather sealing as well as a silent DC motor. To see both of these features in a compact lens is no small feat!
The new 21mm Limited is slated for launch in 2021. We expect to see it late in the year, after the HD PENTAX-DA★ 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW.
3. HD PENTAX-DA★ 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW (tentative name)
HD PENTAX-DA★ 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW lens is designed for APS-C cameras, and is weather sealed (AW), and features a “pulse motor” (PLM) and a redesigned optical construction, to give quiet operation. The lens is due to be launched in the first half of 2021. The lens updates the current smc PENTAX-DA★ 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM lens, and is said to give improved image quality.
PENTAX also said that whilst their focus currently is on FF, high-quality lenses, which are quite large, they plan on working on lower cost, more compact lenses in the future.
4. HD PENTAX-D FA★ 85mm F1.4 ED SDM AW
An updated full-frame 85mm has been roadmapped ever since the launch of the PENTAX K-1. Pentax finally officially announced most of the specifications of this lens back in March 2020.
During today’s video, Iwasaki talked about just how much effort went into making sure that this lens delivered the absolute highest level of image quality so that it would enable consistent results not only with today’s DSLRs, but also with cameras of tomorrow. This design goal is similar to that of the HD PENTAX-D FA★ 50mm F1.4 SDM AW and HD PENTAX-D FA★ 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW new-generation star lenses.
Three super extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements are used to reduce purple fringing similar to what would be possible with fluorite. When combined with the rest of the new optical design, which makes the lens quite a bit larger than it film-era counterparts, the lens promises to deliver incredible sharpness, but without compromising on bokeh.
As the prototype appears to have been finalized, the coronavirus will not delay the launch of this lens, which remains scheduled for summer 2020. We were told to expect an official announcement very soon.
HD PENTAX-D FA 70-210mm F4 ED SDM WR – PENTAXForums.com in-depth review
An in-depth review of the HD PENTAX-D FA 70-210mm F4 ED SDM WR published by PENTAXForums.com!
“This lens has been present on the K-mount full-frame roadmap for some time, and was eagerly awaited by many Pentax users. Officially launched in February 2020, the lens was quickly picked up by many users looking for a more compact alternative to the heavier and more expensive D FA* 70-200mm F2.8.
With a useful zoom range, reasonably fast F4 maximum aperture, weather sealing, internal zooming and silent focusing, this new lens has a lot going on for it. Despite not being a star lens, the 70-210mm comes with high expectations. Can it reach the level of quality expected by users in 2020?”
HD PENTAX-D FA 70-210mm F4 ED SDM WR vs smc PENTAX DA Star 60-250mm F4 ED (IF) SDM
Product Photos
Sample Photos
