| Photo: Dale Baskin |
The release of the Pentax 17 was exciting for film enthusiasts, as it was the first new Pentax film camera in nearly twenty years. Continued excitement may have hit a bit of a roadblock, though. Takeo “TKO” Suzuki, the lead designer behind the Pentax 17, announced on his Instagram today (March 25) that he is leaving Ricoh Imaging. Following that, Kosmo Foto shared a statement from Ricoh Imaging Europe that raises questions about the future of the Pentax Film Project.
In his post, TKO explains that he has been involved in the design process for many digital cameras and, in the past few years, analog cameras. He goes on to say that it “has been an irreplaceable asset and happiness,” but that he needs a break and will be taking some time off. “I would like to make time to read books, draw pictures, of course take photos, meet many people and gain a lot of knowledge.”
“While TKO played a significant role in the Pentax Film Project, his departure does not affect the possibility of future film models.”
TKO was an integral part of the Pentax 17 design, so his leaving the company will certainly have an impact. Ricoh Imaging Europe’s statement to Kosmo Foto starts by explaining that “TKO contributed significantly to Pentax design and development throughout his career, most recently playing a key role in the launch of the Pentax 17.” It goes on to say that “while TKO played a significant role in the Pentax Film Project, his departure does not affect the possibility of future film models.”
While that is certainly good news, Ricoh Imaging Europe added that it is evaluating the Pentax 17’s reception and how that should impact the long-term plan for film photography at the company. It explained that it needs time to gather feedback before doing anything else. While this is far from shutting the door on new Pentax film cameras, or even suggesting a total pause, it does temper anticipation, at least in the near term.
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| Photo: Dale Baskin |
When the Pentax 17 came out, there was a general expectation that film cameras from other manufacturers could be on the horizon because of the excitement of the Pentax offering. Indeed, in an interview with DPReview, TKO revealed he was hopeful that would be the case. “Yes, we don’t know the situations of our competitors, but we expect that some will enter the film market,” TKO said. “We even hope that what we are doing will stimulate the market overall.” Tomoki Tanaka, General Manager, Pentax Division, added, “We want to be a pioneer, but we don’t want to be alone.”
As of yet, we haven’t seen any major new film cameras come into play from Ricoh’s competitors. That doesn’t mean they aren’t in the works, but they are kept well under wraps if they are. TKO’s post provides some additional hope, though, by adding, “I hope to continue to create opportunities to spread the knowledge I have gained there and the ideas I have. I hope that photography culture will continue to grow and I would like to continue to cooperate.”
We have contacted Ricoh USA for comment, but haven’t heard back at the time of writing.
