Will pentax ever make a full frame 35mm digital camera body so I can use my old Kmount lenses properly?

Question

I want to use my old 24mm and 85mm and 135 lenses to their full potential, but if I put them on a K10 etc, where the image sensor is smaller than 35mm then I only get the middle bit of the lens...

Answer 1

I wouldn't rule this out, Pentax got to pre-production stage with a medium format style DSLR in the mould of their 645AF camera, so the R&D is probably quite far on.

Pentax have launched a specification offensive and a price offensive with their K10d to universal plaudits, they may be keen to keep up with Canon and now Nikons professional models with a full sized sensor.

One thing to be aware of however is that the pentax film lenses were designed for film (which can absorb light and render it correctly from a wide range on angles) where as digital sensors really need the light to hit them straight on (via telecentric lenses) so even if your film lenses were to mechanically fit and and meter etc you may experience pretty bad vigneting and fringing.

It's all what if's a maybes. If you can't wait then look at Sigma or Tamrons superwide zooms.

Answer 2

"Ever" is a long, long time.

But probably not. The cost of a 35mm-sized sensor would probably double the cost of the camera. Ultimately, it would be cheaper to get new lenses than pay more for the camera. Pentax has not been focusing on the high-end of the SLR market, unlike Canon and Nikon, and Pentax's focus seems to be on making affordable cameras. They seem to have killed their digital 645 project (truly a mistake, IMHO) and are apparently ignoring the high-end. So, unless the APS-sized format suddenly dies (which it's not), don't expect a 35mm sized sensor camera from Pentax any time soon.

Moreover, you're using the center of your current lenses. That's the "sweet spot" of these lenses, increasing the quality of your results and minimizing vignetting. You get more telephoto too. If you need something wider, just bite the bullet and get some new lenses.

Answer 3

Sony is bringing out a full frame 35mm DSLR next year and Nikon have already done so with the D3. This will be a growing trend and my feeling is Pentax will have one eventually. Possibly within about 2 years.

Economies of scale means the cost of manufacture will come down and Pentax will outsource to a company like Sony for the full frame sensor.

So the possibility is about 80% in favour of a Pentax full frame dslr within 2 years.

Answer 4

A digital sensor the size of a 35mm film frame is an expensive thing.

That is a good thing - only using the center area of the lens. As "anthony h" said, that's the "sweet spot" so your images should be very good.

I bet this is covered somewhere in the Owner's Manual for your camera.

Answer 5

Wouldn't that be wonderful?!!?!!!!

I have been hoping they would do that since the digital camera revolution began, but, alas, no joy from Pentax yet.