Well, it was just a matter of time since when a company that has no core experience whatsoever in cameras buys another one, it is guaranteed to fail. And so, HOYA has announced that it is selling PENTAX Imaging Systems Business (“the business of developing, manufacturing and selling optical instruments such as digital cameras and replacement lenses, digital camera accessories, security camera-related products, and binoculars”) to Ricoh, effective as of October 1, 2011.
Apparently, Ricoh’s aim is to strengthen its camera business and wants to do so around “the small and lightweight interchangeable lens camera technology, lens technology and sales channels held by the Pentax Imaging Systems Division.”
Can Ricoh succeed where Pentax itself and then Hoya could not? We wish them the best, and recommend they look back to the Spotmatic (since it seems every other company is going retro, the digital way). Pentax makes great cameras and deserves to continue as a brand.
Read the press release [pdf].