Pentax-no show.

Does anyone know why Pentax cannot be bothered to attend camera shows.

They didn't bother attending Castle Camera show in May 2015 or LCE Novatel last Sunday when all of the other camera manufactures did.

I thought it would have been an ideal opportunity to show the K1 and K70 plus the new lenses.

Maybe they don't want our cash.

A puzzled Kevin.

I guess like every other organisation, they select which shows they want to attend and make sure they have the resources in place to do so.

Other than that, we would have to ask them why they didn't attend any particular event.

I don't know either but could it be because they are based in France, not the UK? Their HQ is in Rungis, France (near Versailles) so maybe just not practical for them ship stock and staff to the UK for minor events.
Samyang, for instance, who I gather attended might seem a smaller company but they do have a UK sales presence based in Lancashire.
Given that Ricoh would have to hire and train staff in another land for a small local event maybe it isn't cost effective.

Maybe the fees for a space at these events cannot be justified. To be fair I have never heard of castle camera event.

These are events arranged and sponsored by retailers who will favour their most profitable brands. Maybe there is similar pressure as on the shop floor from the larger manufacturers to have dominant positioning and extent of display where this is limited. Ricoh are present at independently arranged national shows and at the NEC this year had a much better positioned stand than previously.

Having said that these two are listed as outlets for Pentax so a bit disappointing nevertheless, and reinforces the voiced opinion of an LCE salesman to someone interested in updating his Pentax that the brand was going nowhere and he would be better looking elsewhere.

They are down for the Photography Show at the Birmingham NEC next year and they attend last year.

http://www.photographyshow.com/2017-exhibitor-list?&azletter=R&categories=0700C985-5056-B759-7A2763A9BB2F3C8F&searchgroup=471D5E24-exhibitors

All the more reason to buy from SRS or the few other retailers who, like us, are confident in the future for Pentax (and Ricoh).

As I have said previously, I prefer that what I pay for Pentax gear goes into research, development, and production rather than marketing. Even with economies of scale, Pentax remain highly competitive, and as far as I can see are undercutting the competition. The outcome is good value and better quality photographic products for us photographers.

I had the same ignorant comment from an LCE 'salesman', when I asked him "that if they don't stock Pentax then how are people going be aware of the brand?" he just shrugged his shoulders and walked off. I went round the corner and bought a Sigma 150-500mm from Camera Solutions.
I won't be visiting LCE again

Camera shows and shops are a thing of the past and going nowhere...... Online sales and Youtube marketing are far more powerful reach far more people bring in far greater sales numbers... I'd be interested in knowing the current over the counter sales compared to online sales....

I visited LCE web site and didn't see many "Bargains" Pentax or otherwise. I can't see me going to any of the big camera shows either but that is age and health related. I do check on the classified on here to see what is for sale which to me is the equialent ti window shopping. Something I'd really like but can't justify I then look at the other forums to read what their opinions of it are and also the prices if they have one at FFordes and the like. Like my K-3 and K-70 and the assortment of lenses I've aquired, for anything else it will be a lottery win

I don't think anything beats handling a camera and lens to make your own mind up, and at the last camera show enjoyed comparing at first hand the different products available. This tends to throw up things that reviews don't cover, like how a Canon FF body feels compared to the Pentax (more cumbersome), or on an Olympus how the large lugs attaching the strap really get in the way of a comfortable grip. Feeling the weight of a 24-70 on the K-1 persuaded me to pick the 28-105 lens instead as a general purpose lens. I am quite prepared to make the trip to SRS Microsysrems or Clifton Cameras for a major purchase. The local LCE is now just for bits and pieces.