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Another one down: Ricoh-Pentax cutting camera business
  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

    Ricoh is shrinking its money-losing camera business to concentrate resources on commercial applications as smartphones continue to crowd out long-established names in photography.

    Asian Review.

    Ricoh response is mixed

    "Although we will pursue high value-added products by focusing on product lineups, we are not planning on withdrawing from products made for individuals, and we plan to expand high value-added models for individuals in the future"

    So it'll be some cut, but not complete ala Samsung. Focus will be on FF things.

  • 2 Replies sorted by
  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

    Official English version of response

    Today there was an article saying that RICOH considers to shrink the camera business and withdraw from consumer products. This article is not based on RICOH's official announcement.

    RICOH is focusing its resource on the high added value products such as PENTAX and GR that are appreciated by the existing users and photo hobbyists. RICOH is also a market leader of input deviceｓ in the VR or AR market with its "RICOH THETA" where we can see rapid growth, and will keep on expanding the business even more in this field. In addition, RICOH will develop and expand the imaging business in the solution business field for corporate, by creating new market utilizing its own camera technology.

    Not really optimistic stuff. High value added cameras, one or two, Theta that has subpar performance and finally starts suffer from competition. And some corporate stuff.

  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

    Hoya is the owner of the PENTAX trademark, but there are no restrictions or limitations attached for RICOH to use the PENTAX brand in the camera business.

    We will continue to offer the PENTAX brand products including new items.’

    It is strong rumors around industry and dealers that Pentax cameras production can end as soon as 2019 already.

    Lenses stock will sell for another pair of years.

    New cameras development teams are barely existing. So it is not clear how they plan to exist.

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