Hoya reveals more plans for Pentax

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Hoya-reveals-more-plans-for-Pentax

It seems to invlove big plans and lowering costs features highly.

The phrase that eventually only Hoya-Pentax would have any capability for developing new lens modules was interesting. Looks like the rest of the photographic industry is for the chop!

I think the competition might have ideas too, so life could get interesting.

The beginnings of an aggresive expansion strategy?
Pentax design and Hoya manufacturing provide a significant competitive advantage.
Consider this; Pentax as the leading lens supplier to the industry, Canikons supplied with Pentax kit lens!!!

If you take this across to the actual camera, a closer alliance with Samsung, could provide Pentax with access to Samsung manufacturing and distribution channels, the result of which, would be a Pentax camera at every price point and on the shelves up and down the high street.

I realise that what I am suggesting maybe be controversial, I do not intend to offend anyone, but I believe that volume sales are essential to fund future camera/lens development and the long term survival of the Pentax brand

I don't know if it is a sign of things to come or just the sheer number of people asking for it but I see that Dixons (no relation to the UK shop any more) now sell the K10D. Until a month ago they were strictly Canikon/Sony as far Dslrs went. Now suddenly they are heavily plugging the K10D as is my local photographic shop, and official Pentax dealer and the same one as told me when I was looking for a dslr a couple of years ago that Pentax were dead in the water, I should buy a Canon!

I hope that Dixons selling the K10D is a result of Hoya's firepower and a statement of intent by Pentax.

One slightly disturbing point in the document is the lack of the words "core business" in relation to cameras. The language is different to that used elsewhere in relation to medical imaging for example.

To quote:

"Imaging systems area (digital cameras and binoculars, etc.) In order to enhance the business’s value, the new company will differentiate its offerings by specializing in high-value added products with unique technology and will focus on areas where it has a competitive edge. This area will be positioned as a foundation for development of new optical-related equipment and is expected to diversify into the life care and security business areas".

I see a macro lens with built in led (white light and uv and ir) lighting powered by the supesonic motor contacts to create a lens that will be covetted by medical, forensics, AND macro photography users! of course they'll need a slr body to go with that!

Now you're talking : )