If you go to the view menu in CS3 and later there is a menu item called pixel aspect ratio. If you click on this it opens an options dialogue. Select the ratio that you want and the image will be displayed accordingly.

Now save the image to a new file name and the display information is I believe save with the file. Close the file and then reopen and the file is displayed with the previously saved aspect ratio.

Photoshop will then suggest that you turn off pixel aspect correction. If you go to the view menu you will see a menu item pixel aspect correction with a checkmark next to it. If you unclick the checkmark the file returns to its original aspect ratio. If you then close the file without saving and then reopen the file the image is again displayed with the previously saved aspect ratio.

I tried viewing the files on a Wide Screen Smart TV and both images displayed with the original aspect ratio. The same occurred when I previewed both files in Window Explorer. So the basic file is not changed and the pixels remain as shot, Photoshop is merely adding information, which allows the image to be displayed with a different aspect ratio in Photoshop and possibly other Adobe CS products.

In effect Photoshop is providing a preview of what the image would look like if it was stretched or shrunk to a different ratio by your display screen.

If you decided that you can live with the stretched rectangular pixels , then to effect a permanent change you would need to go to Image menu , Image Size and untick the constrain proportions box and input pixel numbers in the ratio that you want.


Regards - Steve

A very good set of images, Number 2 is my favourite, I find something quite haunting and sad in her eyes.

Regards - Steve

I had a 70-210 F4 available in the classifieds. It is still available.

Here is the link, https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/fs-pentax-smc-a-70---210mm-f4-zoom-lens-4... .

Send me a PM if you are interested

Regards - Steve

I totally understand the point John, its fine if your interest is served by the purchase of a camera and kit lens, but I suggest for most forum members its goes beyond that. We are not talking about the purchase of individual discrete items like a cd player, but the commitment to a system.

Digital imaging technology continues to advance, which is why I for one way up, what is on the horizon, before making any major purchase. It is also why I would like to see an area of the forum dedicated to competitor technology, where members of this forum can discuss its merits and perhaps express a wish for its inclusion into future Pentax products. If Ricoh monitor the forum, it would also provide useful market research, from a loyal group of users.

I think we have a membership here that is very passionate about Pentax and want it to succeed (myself included).

I also think for the development of the forum that we need to find a way to allow constructive criticism of Ricoh/Pentax, that does not result into a series of rants and mud slinging threads. If we can do this I feel that information generated could be most useful to Ricoh/Pentax.

I would hope that members realise that posts made by myself criticising Ricoh/Pentax have always been made with that thought in mind.

This post is now totally off topic of the original thread, maybe if others think this is worth pursuing, an appropriately titled new thread can be created.

Regards - Steve

Consideration of other manufacturers products becomes extremely relevant, when an individual decides it is time to upgrade. A factor for me personally when considering any major purchase is, whether I wish to invest further in my current system, or whether it is time to move to another. When speaking specifically about photographic equipment, there are many factors which will have influence on the decision, some of which have been raised in this thread and in many others, which are often deemed to be 'off limits'.

I think that we should also remember that whilst a forum member may ask for advice regarding equipment. The final decision lies with the individual and does not require justifying to anyone but him/herself.

I wish to state that the final comment is not aimed at any one individual or that it is specifically related to posts contained within this thread.

Regards - Steve

A fine collection Gary. Rudimental and Simple Minds are my favourites.

Regards Steve

I also agree that product lines should not be sold at a loss, but I think MattyH used the figures of 50% and 20 years to emphasise his point, which in terms of building a new user base and brand loyalty are quite valid.

Digital cameras are nothing more than consumer electronics. At entry level even DSLRs can be considered disposable items to be replaced on a regular basis by the next feature laden whizz bang model.

Manufacturers need to develop designs and processes that enable them to make profits on the number that their market research indicates that they are likely to sell over the lifetime of the camera/system. This is quite different to making a profit on every camera sold. Clever designs incorporate cost savings across a range of products through the use of common components and assembly processes, which in turn allow supply chains to be optimised and increased productivity. Canon and to a lesser extent Nikon enjoy benefits of scale that are currently out of reach of Pentax. Putting the MX-1 sensor into the Q7 maybe an afterthought, but it is a welcome one and it maybe an indicator that maybe someone over at Ricoh is capable of holistic joined up thinking. It also clearly highlights the recent folly of cutting back on sales and marketing.

I think most would agree that the launch price for the original Q was way out of touch with what the market would accept. Yes I know that the street price was lower and that the price settled to a level, whereby the system was considered reasonable if not great value.

Nearly every review I read, has a value for money rating as part of the summary. The point is that by setting an out of touch launch price the system scored badly and got off to a bad start. It really does not matter what the street price settled at, the ratings are rarely reviewed and the damage is done. You could argue a similar case for the launch price of the K3. Every review compares it to the D7100, which launched in the UK for a similar price. The point is that Pentax are playing catch up and the D7100 in the UK can now be purchased with cashback for from currys/pcworld for £769 (link). We can argue all day long as to which is the better camera, but how many new users would be prepared to pay 25% more for the Pentax over the Nikon?
Being first to the party has its advantages, being late does not. If nothing else I hope someone at Ricoh is alive to this basic fact and future launch prices reflect it.

Regards - Steve

Why not, their exploits albeit very much scaled back are more inline with what Joe Public aspires to, than sitting in a crowded pen for hours to catch a shot of Usain Bolt crossing the line, or as a Paparazzo camping out with a super telephoto in the hope of catching a 'Royal' doing something they should not be. Looking back to the heyday of Pentax in the early/mid sixties, who influenced the buying decision the most Bailey or The Beatles?

Modern DSLRS have enabled a generation to capture and generate very high quality images. The mystery and dark arts of the darkroom are no longer a factor. Software and printers have enabled the same generation to produce superb prints to display proudly on their walls.

Putting the cameras into the hands the hands of a group of enthusiastic film/pop stars would probably do more than equipping an army of professional photographers.

Take this as an example, a couple of years ago Nikon used Robbie Williams to promote the Nikon S8000. The ad was designed to strike a cord with the younger generation.

Now flash forward, at this moment there is no musical group more popular with female teenagers then One Direction. They are absolutely huge in the USA. So what if they came on stage with 'Qs' in their hands and started taking pictures of the audience? What if those pictures were displayed on big monitors and online? What if you could download a picture of yourself taken by one of the band? What if there were a couple of pages of advertising of the Q system in the concert programme and what if there was an opportunity to win a Pentax Q system with the purchase of a programme. Pentax do multi coloured bodies nowadays, so why not a One Direction themed Q?

I could go on with Q themed tee shirts and band members and a whole raft of other merchandise that would appeal to the young generation.

Lots of What Ifs I know, but this is not rocket science, the key point is getting the message out there and nowadays it is celebrities more than professional photographers that have the most influence.

I see the Q system as a fun entry into more serious photography. In other words an ideal entry point for youngsters stepping up from camera phones. Pentax would probably have to revisit their pricing, but done well it could be an item on many a youngsters Christmas or birthday list.

Of course different approaches would be needed for different segments of the market, but again this is just basic marketing 101.

Regards - Steve

Clearly Pentax would struggle to gain traction with professional sports/action photographers. The lack of fast long glass and perceived issues with tracking AF would weigh heavily against the company.

There are however many areas, where the Pentax system excels and where also the issues mentioned above are not a primary consideration in the choice of equipment. Supporting a small group of respected photographers from around the world and promoting their work should not be such a big challenge to a company the size of Ricoh.

Product placement via popular TV series is also a very effective way of getting products into the public consciousness. Take for example the popular and long running CSI franchise. Now as far as I know, no one on the show has ever gone out their way to mention the cameras they use, but Nikon has become synonymous with them. The inference is clear that if the cameras are good enough to pick up dirty degraded fingerprints then they must be great for regular enthusiast use.

In recent years Pentax have pushed weather resistance and with the WG series ruggedness. The UK has always had a reputation for exploration. Men and women (great British eccentrics) undertaking challenging journeys and programme makers documenting their exploits. This would seem therefore a great fit with the Pentax ethos and a fantastic opportunity for product placement.

These strategies would undoubtedly improve brand recognition, but they do not address the desire of consumers, to see, touch and try out the kit before buying. The Pro Centres in the UK are good if you happen to live close to one, but I suggest that most new customers are unlikely to want to travel further than their nearest city.
As I write this post according to the Ricoh website, there are 4 pro centres listed for the Midlands, namely SKEARS PHOTOGRAPHIC in Northampton, MELGRAY HI-TECH LTD in Hereford, PETER ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHIC in Stafford and LONDON CAMERA EXCHANGE in Worcester.
Or put it another way, there are no Pentax Pro Centres in Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Nottingham, Leicester or Derby.

If I were a new potential customer and decided to travel to Leicester today to buy a camera, my store options would be Currys/PCWorld or John Lewis. We used to have Jessops, Jacobs and Youngs.
In Currys I will find one Pentax DSLR (that is all they keep in stock) When they sell one they get another one in. As for lenses they usually have the 18-55mm /50-200mm lenses and sometimes the 35 or 50mm. As a new customer I compare this to the multiple camera offerings from Canon and Nikon as well as the OEM and third party lenses in stock available for them. Given this scenario, if I was new to SLR photography and had no previous knowledge, it is highly unlikely that I would choose Pentax.

So summing up:

FF I believe would improve brand perception amongst experienced SLR users, which can only be good. It may even turn out to be necessary if APSC is further squeezed by smaller formats.

Professional photographers signed up as Pentax Staff Professionals similar to the Golf Equipment Manufacturers model, would again improve brand perception and awareness.

Product placement on TV and film arguably reaches the biggest audience.

High street presence, lots of innovative ways to do this, but those ideas I will keep on hold for now. Ricoh could always send me a PM, but I will not be holding my breath.

Regards - Steve

Neil before you send it off, is there no one on the forum, with a AF film body, that lives close by ? I have brought a couple of lenses back to life by working the screw drive for a couple of minutes.

If you do send it to Johnsons , call them in advance and let them know that it is on the way. Ask for your quote via email to avoid delays in the post and them give them a call a few days later. I have found them to be very helpful , but not very proactive with their communications.

Regards - Steve