Jessops dropped Pentax some time ago, and only restarted selling the brand quite recently.

A few years ago, Jessops had a management buy-out. Shortly afterwards, the economy went downhill, and Jessops has been losing money ever since (but read on). They sacked many of their knowledgeable staff and replaced them with people who knew less than nothing about anything.

It appears (from reading an abbreviated version of their accounts) that in the period ended January 2011 they sold some property worth in the region of £120 to £160 million. This gave them a profit for that year, but without it they would have continued to make losses, and, of course, they can't keep selling properties.

Jessops has two problems, apart from poor staff. First, the economy, which is a problem for everybody, and second the Internet. It just isn't easy to be a retailer any more when people can buy stuff more cheaply on-line.

At the moment Jessops are banking on an economic upturn. If it doesn't come soon, expect them to go the way of Woollies and Peacocks and Blacks.

As for why they won't stock Pentax, well here's a clue. Their trade creditors at January 2011 amounted to £49 million. Their stock amounted to £22 million (just under a month's sales). So Jessops are using their creditors to fund their business generally, not just the stock. They're not alone in doing that, of course, but who wants to fund a business that's losing money?

It's not inconceivable that they have demanded that smaller suppliers, like Pentax, offer three or even more months credit, and it's also not inconceivable that Pentax have refused. Obviously Jessops can't do the same with Canon and Nikon, but they can with the smaller players.

Personally, I would prefer to buy from people who know the product, and who bend over backwards to provide a good service.

G

Do you know this site?

link

There's some discussion there.

If you had loads of cash, I would suggest the 21mm Ltd, as being superbly discreet though still a bit wide. Are you going for old primes because they are not too expensive, or because you like them?

G

The last lines of Desiderata come to mind.

"And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful."

G

I am not sure that the word decent is what you had in mind.

However, be that as it may. I am a seasoned observer of riverine activity, and I can assure you that most of these oarswomen are very fit indeed - in terms of rowing.

But next time I'll use the 300mm, just for you.

G

Parts of Hounslow are certainly "multi-cultural", and in that sense the borough reflects the breadth and scope of the British Empire.

And if people from the former empire should decide to colonise the former coloniser, then that is surely a compliment.

Speaking as somebody whose family has strong connections with more than one colony, I am glad that nowadays I don't have to get on a plane to experience the colour, variety, exuberance, industry, and culinary delights of these exotic worlds that we briefly administered, and which I remember well.

But Goths! Ugh.

G

You may wish to look up the word irony.

MDC, I am sorry if I have been a little short with you, but you shouldn't go round spreading misinformation. Currently, there is nothing to suggest that Pentax is planning to bring out a 135-format camera body, and everything to suggest it won't.

As I pointed out above, even if Pentax did bring out a larger format body, it would have to continue to support APS-C, and all the signs are that the latter format would continue to take the lion's share of sales. So to suggest, as you did in another thread, that people should avoid APS-C lenses, is either ignorant or mischievous. IMHO of course.

G

I though you meant the sort of person that some people here travel to Whitby every year to see.

G

MDC, I'm not failing to recognise anything. Unlike you, I have no wish to see a 135-format Pentax, but neither do I care if Pentax DOES decide to bring one out. I am indifferent either way, and therefore impartial.

You, on the other hand, like some religious zealot, started from the standpoint that you wanted a 135-format body, and then tried to dream up reasons why Pentax might actually make one.

Unfortunately, it's all wishful thinking. Pentax has given no signs that it will bring out such a camera, and even if it does, it will have to continue to support the large existing user-base of APS-C owners.

So APS-C kit will continue to have value, despite your assertions to the contrary. And APS-C users will continue to comprise, as with Nikon and Canon, the large majority of owners.

G

Ah, 180. That well known hymn. In case you don't know the words:

Hymn 180. युवो रजांसि सुयमासो अश्वा रथो यद वां पर्यर्णांसिदियत | हिरण्यया वां पवयह परुषायन मध्वः ...

G

Yes, indeed. I do my best to avoid Hounslow High Street for that very reason.

G