As a repair professional myself, every vintage camera that come across my desk requires at least some degree of service. Many of them are completely unserviceable. My hat is off to Pentax. They can’t compete with the big dogs in the mirrorless field, but perhaps the riches could be in the Niche’s for Pentax. This is actually exciting news. I was wondering if we would see anyone capitalizing on the analog trend with young and upcoming photographers. I’ll probably be in to purchase a few myself.

Firstly, I think Pentax should be given great kudos for making such a bold move. The more models they make the better. What would I love to see? A quality point and shoot in 120 format. I doesn't need myriad features, just a reasonably fast lens at 75mm and a shutter speed up to 1000th sec would be incredible. Forget autofocus, shooting modes etc, simplicity with quality and they'll sell, because quality never goes out of fashion.

A new medium format camera with or without AF would be a dream.

Lightweight 6x6 rangefinder, fully manual is my dream😄

I love how my 645NII cameras print data along the edge of the film. Imagine a reinvented version that prints QR codes at the end of the roll with all the data, to be read by your phone. Lots of amazing things that could happen with today's technology.

Having two SLRs is great for the community. Not only will it show that people are interested in new film cameras but it might interest other camera companies to make film cameras again. Sure not everyone needs an SLR and the used market is still health (price wise) but making new cameras won't hurt the community at all. Very excited about these new cameras but it'll take a while for us to see an official product.

I really hope they are successful. What would excite me is if they came out with an affordable 6x7 MF camera even an updated version of the old 6x7. My personal preference would be a rangefinder with leaf shutters but I would be willing to make some concessions to modernity if it had a mirror lock up and especially if it had the ability to operate sans battery in a pinch.

I'm glad they're starting with P&S I'd be really hyped for a new film GR. Watching that video it seems as though they are making SLRs not only for the market but as a way to preserve institutional knowledge. I know there are a ton of old SLRs on the market now but what about in 10-15 more years? For me I don't personally like shooting with SLRs so I'm much more interested in the point and shoots but overall this is super exciting news.

I can't speak for anyone else but I'm actually excited about the possibility of buying a brand new 35mm SLR or range finder that doesn't cost $5000.

Fully manual cameras, for the artistic control, might be the key to market success. Why would I buy a film camera that does exactly what my latest Sony does, but with the limited shot capacity and loads of additional cost to see what developed? If they build an affordable, manual 35mm or 120 that takes my classic lenses with a bright viewfinder I'm buying it.

I live in a country that makes everything difficult for us that shoot on film so, to evaluate things as market and possibilites for a new SRL camera is impossible. But I must confess I´m a litte bit optmistic with the fact that these releases can shake all the chain of production related to the subject. I guess, as far I saw the PENTAX videos, everything is almost embrionary and I´m waiting to see more. Wish you a Merry Xmas and a wonderful new year! Peace!

While I agree that a compact full auto camera is likely smartest to start with, "I" am prepared to hock a kidney if they were to come out with a 35mm Xpan type panoramic aspect ratio camera.....manual focus, FULLY MECHANICAL!! I want to emphasize mechanical....something that will last. They could combine this with some sort of medium format cameras and use the same lenses to cover the Xpan type as well as the MF film.... Anyway, if they would do this my motto would be "PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE come take my money!!" Hey, good to see you again Ribsy....Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!! CC

I think they raise an important point in the video with regards to the timing: it's kind of a now or never. Without the skills and the knowledge of the engineers who used to work on film cameras, I think the process of bringing a new camera to market would be incredibly costly and time consuming, to the point where I doubt it would make sense from a business standpoint to even attempt it. So in that sense, investing in it now is huge. As you say, we have lots of SLRs around now, but what will the market look like in thirty-fifty years? I'm hoping this move will mean that there will be film cameras around long term. It's a little like with film. I forget who said it... maybe Mirko Böddecker from Adox... about how one of the most serious problems film manufacturers are facing right now is retiring film technicians. So much knowledge is lost when they retire, and training new technicians is both time consuming and expensive. Film prices are rapidly going up, and while some of that is of course down to supply issues, I suspect and hope that some of it is also down to investments in training new technicians and maintenance of ageing machinery, so that we will have film for many years to come. As for what I'm most excited about, I think that would be the possibility of a fully mechanical SLR, and hopefully medium format cameras down the line. I never enjoyed shooting with point and shoot cameras personally, but I understand many do and that the cameras are getting really expensive and unreliable these days. So, for that reason, I think they made a good decision to start at that end. Thanks for another fun video!

I would like to see a new rangefinder that is not ludicrously priced with full manual control and has a few interchangeable lenses.

I watched one of your previous videos when your pentax 67 wasn’t focusing correctly were did you bring it to get fixed was it in Manhattan

I agree with you that compact cameras are what the community needs. I used to shoot with an Olympus Stylus Epic (Mju II) for a while, and it was one of my favorite cameras, period, but after having 3 die on me, and them being non-repairable, and the prices getting ridiculous, I gave up on them, just not worth the risk at current prices. If there was a new equivalent for a reasonable price, that would be amazing. It's at the point now, where I wouldn't even consider a compact camera (with good specs anyway) just because you have no idea when it's going to die on you.

I think you are right, I’d be most excited for a nice (and not crazy expensive) medium format 6x7 or 6x9 with modern autofocus and great lenses. A really good compact with a great lens would be next. Last would be SLR type since I have a bunch of those already… Not a bad idea in the long run just to have some new options, but only if they can do the other ones first or as well.

I'd just want to mention an important point that people tend to forget in this discussion. It is not film that is the main income for companies like Fuji or Ilford, it's actually paper and chemicals for high quality prints as well as Instax film in the case of Fuji. Creating and buying all the required chemicals and related resources for film is only sustainable as long as the paper business is making a profit. So go out and print your work, either in your own darkroom or in a lab!

I love my Pentax 645J. I'm lucky to get a NOS BNIB set last year.

Preach! Another vid that’s made me happy to have come across your channel. Good/chill/to the point/unpretentious 👍

Love your channel. Big thumbs up. I hope that Pentax will offer a new medium-format camera. There are a lot of good 35mm options, but far fewer 120s.

I currently work with an old Pentax H3v, totally manual and I love it! It is paired up with some old Takumar glass. My first 35mm Camera when I was a kid was a Sears 35rf (Rebranded Ricoh 500g). I have had to replace the seals as a few decades has taken their toll. Personally, I would like to see a new rangefinder camera, as they really have a "classic" or "retro" look which some may find appealing. Functionality and repairability is of the utmost importance. If it is kept simple for those who want to p&s and with a full manual override for more creative control, that would be fantastic. Interchangeable lenses would be awesome, but that seems like that would push the price point up. We will see.

Pretty cool. I dont know if i would buy a new Pentax. Still shooting the old K1000 with a smile on my face, but i would really like to see film to get a bigger comeback and Pentax has always done it perfect.

I would like a SLR with a flash speed 125th of a second preferably a 250th. I would want it to be mechanical and have a K mount. But I don't know if there would be a market for such a camera.

A high quality compact like a contax t2/t3 would be incredible. As others have said an updated 6x7 would also be so awesome! Let’s go Pentax, run that shit!

For sure I would buy a compact camera with autofocus, that would be the dream. Been saving up for a contax g1 but it seems risky because of their electronics

medium format would excite me, but making new lenses would seem a must i have a nikon F 100 film camera, auto focus 1/8,000 shutter speed uses ALL my nikon glass, it's flawless i have and love a pentax 67 but worry the life span

"We don't need SLR cameras"... dude, ALL film based cameras with exception of some Leicas here and there and maybe some latest Nikons are OLD!!! Yes we need new film cameras, agreed. ALL of them!

More than anything, we need compact 35mm cameras like the excellent espio series to make a come back. I would buy that immediately as those are the cameras that are most prone to breaking and not being repairable.I also think a return of the later SLR models would be great. I love cameras like the Minolat A7 but i constantly worry about those breaking down due to all of the old/out-dated electronics in them.

My nikon fm2n and fe are BULLET PROOF. There were millions of 35 mm cameras made. I would love to see a medium format film camera made that has no worries about light leaks, worn out shutters and takes older lenses.

I'm thrilled to hear that Pentax is in the early stages of planning to manufacture, distribute and support new film cameras. I do agree with the comments that they might want to consider starting with putting efforts toward the design of a new point and shoot model as reliably working vintage models are hard to find and are steadily increasing in price. I own a Pentax Mini Sport 35 AF that I bought about a year ago for $100. I've shot a half dozen rolls with it and am amazed how well it works, but I'm always asking myself, as I shhot, if this is going to be the last time it will work for me. If Pentax released a new point and shoot with a sturdy build, and a fast lens I'd buy one in a heartbeat! At any rate, thanks for this video, and Like you I'm super excited about the bold announcennt from Pentax!

Something about the size of the Ricoh GR III or even smaller, with just a light meter, manual focusing, manual film advance, perhaps interchangeable lens, but preferably a 35 mm top quality fixed lens, tight weather-sealing, something one could carry everywhere.

I would love a new Pentax MX or similar with warranty and ability to be repaired etc. So I am excited about the possibility of a fully mechanical new SLR, especially in K mount

First of all, I don't know what you use to record and stuff but I want to say your video footage looks stunning. Pentax is an SLR company, and even in the digital world, they bet for DSLR when everybody is doing mirrorless, so it only makes sense that for analog they would do an SLR. And they want to pass down the film SLR knowledge from their elder engineers down to the younger generation before it gets lost forever, which makes a ton of sense. Better, brighter viewfinders, better ergonomics, lighter materials, I'm sure there's things, other than being new and repairable, that could make a new pentax better than many vintage SLRs. I don't know if they will be able to get me off my OM-2 and OM-4Ti pair onto something else, but I wish.

A fully mechanical slr like a Spotmatic with an improved metering system would be awesome with a shutter speed at least 1/2000.

I still have my EOS-1N but the majority of the film shots are taken with my Hasselblad 500c/m. Occasionally, I'll use my Zeiss Ikon Nettar 518/16 or my Wester NKK. That said, keeping them functional is a frustrating process. If a medium-format camera was offered, I would want to be at the head of the line.

I'm psyched to see a new manufacture 35mm SLR personally, and for all the reasons the repair guy posted below. I would love to see it support autofocus, specifically support modern AF lenses I already own through an adaptive bayonet mount. If Sigma and Tamron can figure out how to make lenses work for my Nikon bodies why not make those lenses work with the Pentax body? Pentax lenses were OK but I'm getting kinda tired of having multiple lens systems (I have three right now). Hell, even just an adaptive bayonet to use my AF lenses in manual mode would be quite welcome.

As long as there's some audience willing to pay for a new SLR camera that returns a profitable margin to Ricoh/Pentax and its dealers, why not? Buying old, used, inexpensive equipment is always an option, of course, but there is not insignificant joy in buying something new that is serviceable and has a warranty. I dont want or need innovation, i dont need a compact... i want a simple, solid, well made, preferably all mechanical film camera at a good size for my hands that works well. I dont need a meter in it, thats a convenience only, and AF ... not at all. The only current options are a Leica M-A, MP, or M6 .. but those are both expensive and not really useful for longer lenses or macro work without expensive accessories. A compact Pentax SLR, like an MX returned into production, would make excellent sense.

The SLR is the bread and butter of the camera world. The prices of those classic SLRs have gone up quite a bit and are being sold under the shadiest conditions at times. Pentax making new SLRs wouldn’t just be about supplying photographers with new cameras that have warranty but also about the future. Old SLRs won’t get better with time. Pentax needs to make a pipeline for making new cameras now. So that in the future when more people pay more for more broken cameras we have good reliable options. Yes there are good stores but even those have varying standers. I just bought a 5 star serviced M5 from one of the most reputable stores in Europe and it had a very old low contrast range finder, weird feeling shutter speed dials and no battery check. For 2000€! The name of the game is endurance. And Pentax making the most basic camera most people will want to shoot is the most important step. Point and Shoots and rangefinders come after.

I think something to consider is what an investment developing a new medium format camera would be. Pentax already has lenses for their full frame DSLRs, so that would be easy enough. As I understand it, a point and shoot would be the first thing they attempt, so if that goes well ( and there are no promises that it'll even happen, as Pentax points out ), I expect an SLR will follow. Maybe years down the road, we'll see a medium format camera. Personally, medium format is my favorite, but I understand the business decision to start with 35mm.

On my wishlist: Please let the compact camera be a wideangle 6x7 or 6x9 folding camera like FujiFilm (aka Voigtländer Bessa III) did a couple of years ago. And if they go for 35mm SLR then please sth. like the Nikon FM3A. Or a wide angel Texas Leica?

A new GR film camera would be sweet! Or anything medium format.

There certainly does seem to be a large market for high end compacts and a low supply of working/serviceable cameras, so that's probably a good place to start. From there, I'm not sure what the next step is. Like you say, there are plenty of old 35mm film SLRs and lenses that still work. Personally I'd like to see a medium format camera, but the market will determine what if anything will come to fruit.

Leica keeps reinventing the wheel for a while now, with their rangefinder cameras. The market for a high end mechanical film SLR might not be big, but there certainly are people that lust over things like Nikon FM3a, Contax S2, or Pentax' own LX - and those things only got pricier over time, despite their limited repairability. As for what can be genuinely new in such an SLR - Pentax have recently developed new technology for the prism viewfinder, for their latest crop sensor DSLR. A bright viewfinder with big magnification, full frame coverage and also decent eye relief, is not something common in the film SLR world.

I would buy one. Going to look up one now.

I don’t see anything wrong with a redo of the slr. But as to what should be the first thing out of the gate. I agree with you that some kind of compact should be it. I also would like to get your thoughts on coming out with a M42 mount rangefinder that could use Leica and Voitlander and all Chinese M42 glass. Then if they are making money then do a 645 body.

I believe that we need more new technology in developing film, scanning, and film. New SLRs are the last. New chemicals, new ways to develop (maybe directly to scan), films with different textures, different characteristics... that's the way

I think they should a a slr, if only for the warranty. But they should also do others as well such as a rangefinder, and/or some medium format. A slr to get started and get the cash flowing and ball rolling and others as the ultimate goal.

A simple , fixed lens 6x6 wide angle MECHANICAL,manual rangefinder camera with a 50mm wide f4 lens would be perfect. Made as simply, light and sturdy as possible. A knock around , go everywhere, everyday companion camera.

I would love Pentax to create a new product for every line up start from point and shoot, rangefinder, Slr and medium format for normal work to professional.

Nice... I think it's a good idea... Especially for young people getting into film photography... I will feel a bit like old times, when there was only film... And film cameras were the norm...

I’d definitely be all in on medium format

SLR makes sense for Pentax if it is built like a tank, much like a Spotmatic, Pentax LX or Nikon F1. Fixed lens compact would be great and of course Medium Format is always welcome. Someone mentioned a 35mm panoramic camera with the 645 or 67 lenses as a "I would like to own".

First of all, I love your interviews with people- it's not just all about your opinion! I'm just dipping my toes into film- what would I buy is I think one question to ask. I have working SLRs, even a very nice one which my father used as a studio camera for making slides- however, in 20 or 30 more years, I'm not sure if there will be so many of them. But, right now, there's no need for my to buy one- ebay is still full of working cheap ones. That said- if you're doing something like offering people a film option for wedding photography- would be really nice to have something new you could count on. I might buy a compact, point and shoot style camera with fully manual exposure control but decent modern auto-focus. I would be very tempted by one with just a fixed prime, 28 to 50mm, f/2.8... I'm not sure about auto film advance with the price of film right now though.

I’d love to see a new 6x9 medium format SLR.

I would love to see them when it comes to the mechanical version, to be an updated LX, that takes all the same accessories

As a business owner I can tell you I would prefer to buy something new. If I have the benefit of getting equipment I can warranty I’m happy. I also prefer to buy from a company if I can. I’d love a higher end range of 35mm cameras around 1k or 2k. Give me some modern tech. I can make money selling this as an upgrade to my media customers. Great video

This is excellent. Don't think for a second that you know more about what is needed in the market. Do you think they would do this without a doing lot of research first?

Totally agree with you! I pickup a plastic Nikon AF SLR - for less than 20$ - it dies and I get another one - there’s hundreds of them eBay - no point to repair - pair it on a nice lens and you are good to go! Go make a new Nikon 35ti or contax T2 - lux compact Pentax!

Agreed with you here, as much as I like the idea of a new 35mm camera, millions were made and many are available for sums that Pentax will never be able to match: e.g near mint Nikon FEs are available for 200USD. A compact with an actual quality 28mm lens would probably be a good start, and a medium format camera the desired end goal,for me at least.

I think Pentax needs to secure the future of medium format. New or re-release 67 and 645

I wouldn't mind a new film SLR from Pentax, regardless if it's fully mechanical or has some electronics in there. I like fully mechanical cameras because they easy to repair, but a semi-auto SLR with modern electronics would be great because it would probably last a lot longer and could probably use a rechargeable battery. So long as it continues to use the K-mount, that's all I'd want. A new 645 camera would also be nice, as would a new edition of the Ricoh GR. If they want to be extra special though, in my opinion, they would release a fixed lens rangefinder, like a Caononet QL17 or Olympus 35 SP, that has modern metering and lets you set push/pull in-camera.

I feel you about the 35mm SLR. It’s not that exciting. But a new P&S? That would be dope. Also, perhaps a new 6x4.5? Something compact. That could be exciting.

Would love to see a Pentax 66 along the lines of the Pentax 67ii.

A point and shoot medium format makes my mouth water! But only if the quality is there. I don’t want a Pentax Diana!😂

There's a huge gap in the new film camera market between entry level toy-like plastic camera and high end luxury rangefinders. The gap that usually filled with used film cameras of varying reliability. I suggest Pentax could explore the following: 1. Entry compact -fast fixed lens, AF (something like Konica Big mini). 2. M mount rangefinder body - (something like Cosina Voigtlander Bessa). 3. Basic mechanical SLR body (something like Nikon FM10, Pentax K1000)

I find that approach quite interesting and believe there is a market for a new slr. Nikon FM3a‘s are selling for about 1000 bucks right now. A camera hard to get and with no service anymore. Imagine if Nikon kept producing this model.

Pentax 67 iii + new lens 😍

Yes for medium format. But let's see.

They should bring back TLRs for medium format.

I hope its a modern take on the Pentax LX.

I have five vintage Ricoh and Pentax cameras, and I loved them. . . when they were working. Not a single one of them remains fully functional now. I'd could buy replacements for peanuts on eBay, but there's no point if they're going to fail mechanically within a short time. Give me a new one, Pentax! Give me a new, reliable 35mm SLR that I can put my FA43 lens on, and load up with Ektar 100, and I'll be happy.

We do need 35mm SLRs and a big part is that they will offer warranties and train staff to do repairs! This is the beginning and if it turns out to be profitable they might take it to the next step and do medium format!

I would like to see a totally mechanical 6x7 SLR with between lens shutters. How actually needs auto focus in medium format. Medium format isn't really any use at following moving sports so there is not any point in having auto focus. Film photography is about the journey and focusing and using a separate meter add to the journey. I have a Pentax 67 an awesome camera, but I also have a Rollei SL66, a mechanical masterpiece, and to be honest, there is something nice about that camera. The Lenses on the Pentax are actually better than the Zeiss lenses, totally amazing. Mechanical is the way to go for longevity.

You said that no one else is doing this. What about Leica???

I'm extremely excited about this announcement. I think one reason a new SLR would be great is that for newer photographers, finding a used SLR that's in great working condition can be sometimes be daunting. I've bought a couple of duds, which I was luckily able to easily return, but it was still very disappointing. Situations like that could potentially turn off newer film users from continuing down the film photography road. It's much easier to just buy a new digital camera. Imagine buying a brand new film SLR that's still in warranty and you know will be 100% right out of the box. No more sketchy ebay or second-hand sellers, just a brand new camera, fresh out of the box. For me, it's less about reinventing the wheel and more about making a reliable SLR camera that new users know will work without the headache of navigating the used market.

I'll honestly take anything they offer. So many of my older cameras are so unreliable for any number of reasons that I would certainly be in the market for everything from point and shoots to medium format. I do agree that a nice fully auto point and shoot would be great. Practically every one that I buy has some sort of small electronics issues. Either way, I'm looking forward to seeing what they come out with.

A new & improved Pentax 67 III would be a great product. Possibly too expensive to build and sell, though.

Id love to see them make several film cameras... it could be their thing.. I think it will probably be a premium point and shoot akin to the Ricoh GR1. whatever they do, I think they should also release the LX again for the real film enthusiasts... greatest manual focus SLR ever made.

Bring back the LX and system stuff.

Ironically it is the younger photographers who are most enthusiastic about new film cameras and I will not be surprised if other camera makers follow Leica and Pentax.

I would like to see a totally mechanical rangefinder 645 camera with a 55 mm f/4 lens.

They did say they were going to start with the compact point and shoot which makes lots of sense. The ones out there right now are pretty much unrepairable, which was I think was the point to begin with, and IMO the market is there and bigger than you’d think. The next step is a simpler SLR with most of the electronics that people want. The last step if they get there is a fully mechanical SLR. The thing with that is while there are lots of used SLRs out there not all are repairable because of parts and unfortunately the lack of good techs to repair them even if they had the parts. Film will just be a novelty as long as there is only a used camera to shoot it in. So kudos to Pentax and Leica for stepping up and making something new that is repairable and affordable and yes I think the new M6 is affordable. So I hope Pentax makes it at least to the electronic SLR stage at least but I’d buy a new K1000 if they made it. Hell my Nikon F is almost as old as I am

I would love to see a mechanical 6x7 rangefinder that is a better build than the Mamiya 7, there aren’t really any great options and it feels incredibly cheap (for 3-4k pounds and compared to many others). I don’t think they’ll do it, maybe Leica? 😅

What we need is a new medium format camera. Maybe a Pentax 67 III. I think the cameras should be mechanical so repairability is possible in the future. As it stands, Hasselblad, Kiev, Rolleiflex and Mamiya RB67 and TLR’s are about the only mechanical medium format cameras left. Bronica SQ are nice but they are electronic and when it fails it’s pretty much gone.

Leica released a New M6 this year... A Pentax rangefinder would be cool...

Need a new Pentax 67! -modern, ergonomic, lightweight, magnesium alloy body (with modern control dials) -smooth shutter with 1/125 x-sync(it's very fast, 1/60 is more realistic) and HSS support -super high quality viewfinder (e.g. precision matte screen, interchangeable, multicoated waist level viewfinder and 100% coverage pentaprism) -some extra features (e.g. exif data) -standard battery (e.g. 18650 or AA) Another idea: 675 multi-format camera (6x7, 6x6, 645), with electric film winder. The electric winder is cheaper, lighter, less complicated, and easy to control to any format. I don't think, the fully mechanical camera is better, the electric camera is difficult to repair, but maybe more reliable. (My Canon 1V is fully electric, but extreme reliable.) Five new modern lenses are required for landscape and portrait photographers: 40 or 45mm/f4 tilt-shift, 75mm/f2.8, 105mm/f2.4 LS, 210/2.8 LS (or 180/2.8), 400mm/f4 ED and new teleconverters. AF? Maybe. The viewfinder quality is more important. This is the basis of the user experience. Price? A little more expensive than the 67II.

They’re going to do a p&s, a high end p&s, a SLR, and mechanical SLR. Does 120 have a lot of market share now? Would love a lighter 120 SLR, but I think they have to stick with what will be more popular. No idea how they got 4 film cameras approved. Love to see it tho!

Basically... just rebuild that 2nd version of the 6x7 and I'll be lining up for it

I think a medium format rangefinder would sell. Look at the prices for the Mamiya 6 rangefinder, crazy! The prices prove there's a real demand for this kind of camera that exceeds the supply. And these cameras rely on electronic components that haven't been available for decades, eventually they will all die. For innovation, I there's an opportunity for a better viewfinder on this kind of camera. When you fit the longer 150mm lens, the view doesn't get magnified, all that happens is the frame lines get smaller. So either a hybrid viewfinder like the Fuji X-Pro series, or one with optical magnification that slides into place automatically when you fit a longer lens. I would buy that, and maybe it could even offer auto-focus too.

I want a PentaXpan

I would actually like to something comparable to a QL17. And all metal, fixed lens rangefinder with a modern center weighted metering system powered by 1x 3v CR123 batter, none of this proprietary battery bs. Manual focusing. A full advance lever. Fast lens. 1/4000 shutter. Something truly classic in design, but modern. Doesn't need to compete with Leica. Just something all its own. I'm not asking for much......I think. 😂

If Pentax succeeds, I see great potential in a new line of film cameras. If they really are able to create film cameras using the best of the old knowledge combined with new tech, I'd expect a compact camera with a rechargeable battery, improved light meter, flash and auto focus and a quality prime lens. Perhaps a fully programmable data back - imagine being able to have your own logo, that you can upload to the data back and imprint on every negative, and if you want a date stamp, a calendar, that doesn't ever run out. Especially the battery situation would be a good thing to improve on - no more "1 use" lithium batteries - that would be a huge step in the right direction for the environment and be a practical improvement for the photographers as well. As far as electronic SLR cameras go, I'd love to see all of the above + adjustable ISO settings from say ISO 6 to ISO 12800 to cover both very expired film and pushing high ISO film to pretty much the limit. The dream lens mount would be like the one on some of their DSLR cameras like the K200D, that can take K, KA, KAF and KAF2 lenses, perhaps with focus assist for vintage K-mount lenses in the viewfinder, and maybe the viewfinder should be an EVF of sorts. We don't need a film camera capable of burning through a roll of film in one second flat, like some of the pro level SLR cameras from the film era have, but shutter speeds up to at least 1/8000 would be nice. Oh, and a modern, less noisy automatic film advance would be nice too. So yeah, I guess I see a lot of opportunities to improve on 35mm cameras.

I think a capable point and shoot makes sense for the first release. I disagree that a new SLR shouldn't be pursued. The cheap and cheerful plastic fantastic 90's SLR's are dying daily and cannot be repaired. It is only a matter of time before they get more rare and expensive and are always a gamble purchase. A new SLR with warranty and parts available for repairs changes that conversation.

A medium format from Pentax will sell, but imagine if you made it switch-back, with film, digital and Polaroid backs!

Most important. If interchangeable lenses, the housing must accept all types of bayonets

i also think they should concentrate on a simple camera and a medium format slr maybe, but not reinvent a 35mm slr

I agree with the repair guy. It’s a headache to get old cameras repaired. From the surprise expense to the possible lack of parts, I’d rather have something new with a warranty.

Having the words "Try Harder" flashing in the viewfinder could help a lot.

With the film coming back from the dead, I hope Kodak doesn't make mistakes like with APS films, 126 films, Disc films, and 110 films. I get really into film photography with my first 35mm film camera Pentax K1000.