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Press release: Ricoh Announces Compact, Weather-Resistant PENTAX KF DSLR Ideal for first-time SLR users, new full-featured DSLR camera offers an array of creative functions for less than $1,000 PARSIPPANY, NJ, November 9, 2022 - Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the PENTAX KF digital SLR (DSLR) camera. This compact, dustproof and weather-resistant camera, optimized for all types of outdoor photography, provides a host of advanced, user- friendly features including a bright optical viewfinder, one of the benefits of DSLR shooting. The PENTAX KF is designed to provide outstanding imaging performance in a rugged, highly portable body. It provides dependable, cold-proof performance down to temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C), performing superbly in a wide range of weather conditions. While considered a mid-range model, the new camera incorporates an array of advanced functions and user-friendly features usually found only in higher-end models including a pentaprism-type optical viewfinder with a nearly 100% field of view and an in-body shake-reduction system with a 4.5-shutter-step compensation. It also provides the double e-dial system identical with top-of-the-line PENTAX models, as well as PENTAX-original shooting features, such as the Hyper Program system, which allows the user to instantly switch the exposure mode from Program to Aperture-priority or Shutter-priority without taking his or her eye off the viewfinder. “With the PENTAX KF, even first-time SLR users can easily and effortlessly enjoy the benefits of SLR photography and explore the entire process of making digital images,” said Ken Curry, president, Ricoh Imaging Americas. “The PENTAX KF is an extension of our PENTAX K-70, sharing many of the same features and proven performance even in extreme outdoor conditions. As the only major manufacturer still producing true SLR cameras and building on our legacy and roots in SLR, high-quality still photography, we’re proud to fill the gap in the market and offer a high-quality, full-featured DSLR for less than $1,000.” | Pricing and Availability | The PENTAX KF DSLR will be available starting in late November 2022 at www.us.ricoh- imaging.com as well as at Ricoh Imaging-authorized retail outlets. The PENTAX KF black camera body only has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $849.95; the PENTAX KF black camera body with smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL WR lens Kit has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $949.95. In addition to the standard black body camera, two special-edition color models — crystal blue and crystal white — will be available worldwide in a limited quantity of 700 units each. These will be available in late November only at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com for the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $899.95. | Main Featues of the PENTAX KF | Super-high-resolution with approximately 24.24 effective megapixels, even at ISO. 102400 A state-of-the-art CMOS image sensor with approximately 24.24 effective megapixels and high-speed 14-bit image data readout, combined with an AA-filter-free optical design, enables the PENTAX KF to deliver super-high-resolution images. The camera couples a high- performance accelerator unit with the high-speed PRIME MII imaging engine, effectively minimizing noise at all sensitivity levels and capturing richly gradated, fine-detailed images even at its top sensitivity of ISO 102400. Dustproof, weather-resistant body perfect for rugged outdoor photography. The PENTAX KF is a dependable performer even in such demanding settings as in the rain or at locations prone to dust and freezing temperatures. Its compact, easy-to-carry body features dustproof, weather-resistant construction with 100 seals throughout the body and outstanding cold-proof performance at temperatures down to 14°F (-10°C). To make it easy to ensure a firm hold on the camera body with a gloved hand, the grip, control buttons on the back panel and mode dials have all been designed and contoured for optimum operability, ideal for active outdoor shooting — such as when mountain climbing or hiking or capturing sporting events. The brightness level of the PENTAX KF’s outdoor-friendly LCD monitor can be quickly adjusted to the lighting level of a shooting location. The camera also features a red-lighted monitor display function, which facilitates viewing in dark locations for astrophotography. Clear-view optical viewfinder. Within its compact body, the PENTAX KF incorporates a glass prism finder featuring the same optics and coatings as those used in higher-level models. With its approximately 100% field of view and nearly 0.95-times magnification, the PENTAX KF’s viewfinder provides a large, clear view of the subject for quick, easy confirmation of focusing and framing. Vari-angle LCD monitor for easy viewing from all angles. The PENTAX KF’s vari-angle LCD monitor allows the monitor to be positioned at the desired angle, making it easier to compose images in a wide variety of situations: high-angle shooting using outstretched arms, low-angle shots taken from ground level or astrophotography with the camera pointed upwards toward a star-filled sky. It also features unique, air-gapless construction, in which the air space between the high-definition LCD panel (with approximately 1,037,000 dots) and the protective cover has been filled with a special resin material to effectively reduce the reflection and dispersion of light for improved visibility during outdoor shooting. PENTAX-original shake-reduction system with Pixel Shift Resolution System. (1) In-body SR mechanism. Using the built-in PENTAX-original SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, the PENTAX KF effectively minimizes camera shake and delivers sharp, blur-free images, even in challenging, shake-prone conditions such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting low-light scenes with ambient light only, or photographing sunset scenes. Using a high-accuracy gyro sensor, it provides a compensation effect of 4.5 shutter steps, similar to top-of-the-line PENTAX models. With a panning shot, the sensor mechanism automatically detects the direction of the camera’s movement and controls the SR unit to produce the best image possible. (2) Pixel Shift Resolution System with motion correction function. The PENTAX KF features the Pixel Shift Resolution System,* which captures four images of the same scene by shifting the image sensor by a single pixel for each image, and then synthesizes them into a single, composite image. Compared to the conventional Bayer system, in which each pixel has only a single color data unit, this innovative system obtains all color data in each pixel to deliver super-high-resolution images with greater color accuracy and much finer details than those produced by conventional APS-C-size image sensors. This system even provides a motion correction function,** which automatically detects a moving object during continuous shooting and minimizes negative effects during the synthesizing process in order to accommodate a wider range of scenes and subjects. (3) Innovative AA filter simulator to minimize moiré. By applying microscopic vibrations to the image sensor unit at the sub-pixel level during image exposure, the PENTAX KF's AA (anti-aliasing) filter simulator*** provides the same level of moiré reduction as an optical AA filter. Unlike an optical AA filter, which always creates the identical result, this innovative simulator lets the user switch the AA filter effect on and off, as well as to adjust the level of the effect. This means that the ideal effect can be set for a particular scene or subject based on the current photographic conditions. (4) Additional special shooting functions. Since the PENTAX KF’s image sensor unit is designed to tilt in all directions, it provides a host of additional, special shooting functions, including ASTROTRACER, which simplifies advanced astronomical photography in combination with the optional O-GPS2 GPS Unit; and Auto Horizon Correction and Extra Sharpness functions. Hybrid AF system for high-speed AF operation during Live View shooting. The PENTAX KF employs the Hybrid AF system during Live View autofocus operation. By positioning a contrast-detection AF sensor with superior focusing accuracy and a phase- matching AF sensor on the image sensor’s surface, this innovative hybrid system optimizes the benefits of both AF systems to assure high-speed, pinpoint AF focusing on the subject. High-precision autofocus system with the SAFOX X module. The PENTAX KF features the high-precision SAFOX X AF sensor module, which assures responsive, dependable autofocus operation. With its 11 sensors including nine cross-type sensors in the middle, this AF module assures pinpoint focus on the subject at a minimum brightness level as low as -3 EV. It also assures outstanding AF tracking performance with moving subjects, enabled by advanced features such as the Select-area Expansion function, which automatically refocuses on a moving subject after it moves away from the initial point, with the help of the neighboring points; and an AF Hold function that maintains the initial in-focus point even when the module loses sight of the subject. An array of image processing functions for diversified photographic expression. The PENTAX KF provides the PENTAX-developed Custom Image function, which lets the user process an image with the desired finishing touch to express the creative intention, or to suit the particular scene. This function provides 14 Custom Image modes, including: SATOBI, which reproduces the colors to resemble those of pictures in the 60s and 70s, with cyan- tinged blues, subdued yellows and faded reds; Bleach Bypass, which recreates the distinctive, high-contrast look of movie film; and Cross Processing, which adds fantastic, unusual colors to captured images. In combination with PENTAX Limited-series lenses, which are popular for their distinctive image renditions, the PENTAX KF also provides special-edition Custom Image modes KYUSHU and KATEN. A host of interval shooting functions. The PENTAX KF provides a host of advanced interval shooting functions, including: 4K- resolution Interval Movie, which allows recording a series of still images at a fixed interval and then linking them together into a single 4K-resolution movie file; Star Stream Movie, which enables recording the traces of stars or illuminations on a 4K-resolution movie file; and Interval Composite, which synthesizes a composite image with a choice of three synthesis modes (average, additive and comparative). Wireless LAN connection to support smartphone operation. The PENTAX KF provides a host of wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) functions to support operations using smartphones and tablet computers. By installing the dedicated Image Sync application on a smartphone or tablet, the user can remotely check the Live View image, capture still images, and adjust such camera settings as aperture, shutter speed and ISO sensitivity to the desired level through the mobile device. It is even possible to download captured images onto a mobile device for easy uploading onto social networking service websites. Other features 77-segment multi-pattern metering system for high-precision light metering. DR (Dust Removal) mechanism to remove dust from the surface of the CMOS image sensor. High-speed shutter unit with a top speed of 1/6000 second, and high-speed continuous shooting function at a top speed of approximately six images per second ・ Self-timer function, compatible with the continuous shooting function. Notes: * When using this system, the user is advised to stabilize the camera firmly on a tripod. When a moving subject is captured in the camera's image field, its image may not be reproduced clearly, either in part or as a whole. ** The movement may not be sufficiently corrected when the object is moving in a certain direction and/or pattern. This function does not guarantee that the movement is properly corrected with all subjects. *** This function works most effectively with a shutter speed of 1/1000 second or slower. This function may not be combined with some shooting modes, including the Pixel Shift Resolution system.

Press release: TAMRON Announces the Launch of the World’s First All-In-One Zoom with 16.6X Zoom Ratio for Sony E-mount 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Model B061) August 25, 2021, Commack, NY - Tamron USA, Inc. announces the launch date of the previously announced 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD. The Sony E-Mount model B061S will be on sale September 24, 2021, at $699 USD. Due to the current global health crisis, the release date or product supply schedule could change. The launch of the previously announced Fujifilm mount under development is expected this Fall. The 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 VC VXD covers a wide zoom range from approximately 27mm to 450mm in full-frame equivalent focal length. The first1 APS-C mirrorless camera zoom lens in the world with a 16.6x zoom ratio, the lens delivers the benefits of a versatile all-in-one zoom lens ideal for an extensive array of photographic scenarios. Its AF drive system uses TAMRON’s VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism for superior quietness and agile performance. The lens includes special lens elements arranged precisely to maintain high resolution performance from edge-to-edge and provide high image quality making it the best of all all-in-one zoom lenses. Moreover, with an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 0.15m (5.9 in) at the 18mm wide end and a remarkable maximum magnification ratio of 1:2, this lens performs astonishingly well when shooting up close. The lens is equipped with TAMRON's proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism, effectively reducing image blur caused by camera shake in low-light conditions or in the ultra-telephoto range at slower shutter speeds. Also, same as most other TAMRON lenses for mirrorless cameras, the lens features a unified 67mm filter size. With a wide variety of other features for comfortable shooting, this is a highly versatile lens that allows you to easily enjoy high image quality from wide-angle to ultra-telephoto. PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS 1. The world’s first 16.6x all-in-one zoom lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras The 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 VC VXD is the world's first lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras with a 16.6x zoom ratio, the greatest feature of this lens, covering wide angle to an ultra-telephoto range. The full-frame equivalent focal length range is from 27mm to 450mm. With this broad coverage, it empowers shooting in a wide variety of situations, including everyday life and travel snapshots, both wide-angle and dynamic ultra-telephoto landscape photography and macro photography. 2. Best-in-class, extremely fast and precise AF provided by VXD linear motor focus mechanism The 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 VC VXD utilizes TAMRON's proprietary VXD linear motor focus mechanism. It achieves AF speed and precision that stand among the best of all all-in-one zoom lenses. Throughout its range, from wide-angle to ultra-telephoto, it provides precise AF shooting. Excellent when tracking a moving subject in focus, it is ideal when photographing animals, aircraft, railways, and other moving subjects. It’s extremely quiet, and therefore perfectly suited for both still and video shooting in conditions that demand silent operation. 3. MOD of 5.9” and maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 at wide end With an MOD of 5.9” at the 18mm wide end and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2, the 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 VC VXD performs amazingly well when shooting up close compared to other all-in-one zoom lenses. It enables users to enjoy creative macro photography with highly blurred backgrounds, a feature unique to macro photography. As a pioneer in all-in-one zoom lenses, TAMRON demonstrates unmatched originality in close-up shots. 4. The best image quality in its class In terms of image quality, this new 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 VC VXD is one of the best-performing all-in-one zoom lenses for APS-C mirrorless cameras. To achieve a zoom ratio of 16.6x while ensuring high image quality, the lens features a well-balanced arrangement of three hybrid aspherical elements and four LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements to effectively suppress optical aberrations. Throughout the zoom range, it maintains high resolving power from the center to the corners. 5. Outstanding VC stabilization Despite its compact size, the lens is equipped with TAMRON's proprietary VC mechanism. With or without image stabilization in the camera body, the VC included in this lens effectively mitigates camera shake that is likely to occur in low-light conditions indoors and at night. Furthermore, using AI technologies, the lens will choose the compensation characteristic for videography at focal lengths of 70mm or less. 6. Comfortably compact 7. User-friendly features (Moisture-Resistant Construction, Fluorine Coating, Zoom Lock switch) 8. Compatible with many camera-specific features and functions, including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF