New Pentax film cameras are in the works! There’s no telling how far they’re going to jump in, but we do know some.

Earlier this year, I made a blog post dreaming about new film cameras for today’s market. In that post, I said that Pentax was at the top of my list for making new film cameras. That turned out to be a great inclination.

Announcing new Pentax film cameras in the works

In this video, a lot of revelations are made regarding Pentax and its feelings and thoughts toward film cameras. Perhaps most importantly, Takeo Suzuki says that the roadmap already has 4 potential models on it! They want to start with a compact camera, then a high-end compact, a modern SLR, and hopefully a fully mechanical SLR. I’d assume they’re primarily focusing on 35mm film with these initial models.

Another highlight of the video is that Mr. Suzuki frequently says that they want the cameras to be available affordably. It seems like they really want to encourage more younger photographers to pick up a film camera. Pentax is a company that really values the experience of photography. That principle really shines through in their existing cameras, and I look forward to seeing what they do.

Guessing what we might see

So we know what form factor four new Pentax film cameras may come in. What might these look like? I’m curious if the base compact model will be something like my IQzoom 160, or one of the nice and compact Espio cameras that we know and love. My guess is that they’ll go smaller than the IQZoom 160. I’d say it’ll be a simple, pocketable camera with either a f/2.8ish fixed lens or a modest zoom lens.

For the high-end compact, a lot of exciting possibilities come to mind. Could there be a new Ricoh GR film camera? Is it possible to build a 35mm compact with a fast zoom lens now? My money is on either a GR or GR-style camera with a fast fixed lens and either rangefinder focusing or some sort of autofocus.

A modern SLR could also go a lot of different ways. Pentax has done some beautifully simple cameras in the past, like the K1000 and Spotmatic. The Pentax MZ-S was a really forward-thinking design when it came about. Then they made all kinds of fun and unique digital cameras. I’m wondering if the modern-style SLR will have a lot in common with the K-1ii DSLR. Having a new Pentax film camera that works seamlessly with their D FA lenses would be awesome.

As for the fully mechanical camera, I’m sure we’re all thinking of a new K1000. This camera was so many people’s first. It continues to be popular among young photography students as well. Could we see new Pentax limited lenses to complement this camera? Now that would be a treat!

What new Pentax film cameras excite you most?

This announcement is the most exciting camera news I’ve heard this year. In a world where every new digital release seems really same-y, a new film camera is a breath of fresh air. While I didn’t guess that new Pentax film cameras would include compacts, I might be most excited about those!

Used compact film cameras can be a dicey proposition. Many weren’t built to the highest standard. The ones that were are selling for an arm and a leg. Even if you buy one of those in good condition, there’s no guarantee that the electronics won’t poop out a week after you get it. This is why I’m excited to see what Pentax does in this area.

However, I’m excited to see what every one of these camera ideas amounts to for Pentax. The modern SLR is enticing and could be anything. A new K1000 is just a no-brainer. I’m going to have a hard time not buying one of each if they all make the market!

Hope for the future of film

More than anything, this announcement from Pentax gives me hope for the future of film. New Pentax film cameras could be a huge boon. If they do well, it could see further demand for companies like Ilford and Kodak. Hopefully, it would justify them ramping up production and stabilizing film prices.

Furthermore, a lot of people would likely feel more comfortable exploring film with a camera that’s new. A warranty and being able to count on a company for parts and service are huge. Really, we’re all likely to benefit from these new cameras.

Though it wasn’t mentioned in any of the releases, I’m hopeful for medium format as well. Hopefully these initial cameras sell well and Pentax gets encouraged to do more. A new 645 film camera would be the best! The lenses are still there. It’s possible that even some of the modern 645 system lenses could work with a new Pentax film camera. Ah, the stuff of dreams.

Pentax, thanks for being you and giving us hope. I’ll always adore your commitment to making the experience and process of photography fun and engaging.