Christopher Nolan is famous for his commitment to large-format film, especially 15-perf 65mm/70mm IMAX. What is less widely known is one of the practical tools that has helped him previsualize those towering frames: a modified Pentax 6×7 medium-format still camera used as a director’s viewfinder.

Christopher Nolan’s teams have long used a modified Pentax 6×7 as a director’s viewfinder on IMAX productions, including The Odyssey. The camera was fitted with an IMAX mount so that actual IMAX lenses could be attached, giving a nearly exact match to the large 15-perf frame. The 6×7 negative size (roughly 56 × 70 mm) is remarkably close to the IMAX camera aperture, making the old medium-format SLR an effective and practical tool for framing shots.

Why a Pentax 6×7?

A director’s viewfinder lets a filmmaker (or cinematographer) quickly check framing, lens choice, and composition without hauling the full production camera. Traditional optical finders approximate various formats and focal lengths. For IMAX work, something more precise was needed.

The Pentax 6×7 (and later 67) produces a negative measuring approximately 56 × 70 mm. That is remarkably close in size and proportions to the IMAX camera aperture (roughly 52.6 × 70.4 mm). Mount an actual IMAX lens on a body that covers nearly the same image area, and the view through the finder closely matches what the giant IMAX camera will capture.

James Neihouse, ASC – a veteran IMAX cinematographer — explained the solution on The Wandering DP Podcast:

We modified a Pentax 6×7 still camera with an IMAX mount and that was our director’s viewfinder. … you could shoot a nice still image with it at the same time.

The modification is straightforward in concept: the original Pentax lens mount is replaced (or adapted) with an IMAX mount so genuine IMAX lenses can be attached. The camera retains its large, bright focusing screen and interchangeable finders (prism or waist-level/chimney). Because it is still a fully functional 120/220 film camera, the operator can also expose a still frame for reference or documentation if desired.

 

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I received information that the Ricoh Pentax WG-90 waterproof shock-resistant camera (see previous coverage) is now discontinued and that a new model will be announced at the end of the year. Ricoh already sent this information to authorized dealers, informing them of the discontinuation.

In the US, the Ricoh Pentax WG-90 is currently $30 off.

The Pentax WG-90 was announced in November 2023 as a rebranded version of the Ricoh WG-80 with nearly identical specs and different colors.

In June 2024, Ricoh expanded the WG lineup with the industrial model Pentax WG-1000 and higher-end Pentax WG-8. The WG-90 sits in the middle of the range (5x zoom, freezeproof/crushproof features, ring light/macro LEDs, etc.), and it is still available today.

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Kimio Tanaka recently doubled down on his previous reports about a new Pentax DSLR camera by commenting that production has already started:

It is still not clear what exact model the new Pentax camera is – see previous coverage:

Kimio Tanaka confirms again that Pentax is developing a new DSLR camera

Kimio Tanaka: “I feel like it’s about time for Pentax to announce something, some new SLR camera”

Pentax is preparing to announce a new “serious and interesting” DSLR camera to replace the K-3 III

Source

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Ricoh released its FY2026 Q1 financial report. Here is a quote that refers to the camera division (part of the “other” reporting):

Other

Other segment sales were ¥12.2 billion and increased by 39.5% as compared to the previous corresponding period.
The camera business continued to perform strongly, driven mainly by the RICOH GR series, resulting in higher sales and profit.
As a result, Other segment operating profit was ¥0.3 billion and increased by ¥1.8 billion as compared to the previous corresponding period.

Ricoh Imaging’s FY2025 net profit exceeds 5.34 billion yen: finally eliminates accumulated deficits

Source

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The Pentax 17 and Pentax Spotmatic SP film 1:1 wooden replica cameras are now $40:

• Pentax 17 35mm half-frame film camera (available also on eBay)
• Asahi Pentax Spotmatic SP SLR film camera (available also on eBay)

Additional pictures:

Pentax 17 35mm half-frame film camera

Asahi Pentax Spotmatic SP SLR film camera

Please note that each wooden Pentax camera model will be unique, with various patterns that may differ from those shown in the pictures above.

The post The Pentax 17 & Pentax Spotmatic SP film 1:1 wooden replica cameras are now $40 appeared first on Pentax & Ricoh Rumors.

The rights to the Pentax trademark now belong to Ricoh Imaging:

From 1 October 2011, the date on which Hoya sold Pentax’s imaging business to Ricoh, until recently, searches of various trademark databases (WIPO for the world, EUIPO for the European Union, USPTO for the United States, etc.) showed that Hoya held the rights to the Pentax trademark in both the medical and photographic sectors, even though the latter business had been sold to Ricoh.

Therefore, Ricoh Imaging was using the Pentax trademark with Hoya’s permission, i.e. under a brand licence agreement.

However, the same search of the same databases now returns a different result: Ricoh Imaging now holds the rights to the Pentax trademark in the photographic sector. In other words, Hoya has transferred these rights to Ricoh Imaging.

This transfer is recent. For example, the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (Deutsches Patent- und Markenamt, DPMA) received two notifications of transfer on 23 September 2025: one for the original registration from the 1950s, and one for a supplementary registration from 1990.

DPMAregister | Marken – Registerauskunft

DPMAregister | Marken – Registerauskunft

Source: Mistral75

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Aftershoot sale: up to 40% off annual plans

Here are the top 10 best-selling compact digital cameras for the first half of 2026 in Japan

New Godox Lux Junior II retro camera flash launched for Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, OM System, and Panasonic cameras

Stow: a free tool to verify your camera memory card backups before you format

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The Pentax KF DSLR camera is now listed as discontinued in the US:

The KF was listed as discontinued in Japan a few months ago:

Pentax KF camera marked as discontinued in Japanese retailers

The Pentax KF model was announced in November 9, 2022:

Ricoh Imaging announces a new Pentax KF DSLR camera for under $1,000

The post The Pentax KF DSLR camera listed as discontinued in the US appeared first on Pentax & Ricoh Rumors.

New on Kickstarter: WANDRD magnetic camera straps, Nomatic bag travel system, real-time POV live camera headset

Here is what’s coming next in Aftershoot

SanDisk’s first 8TB SDUC memory cards confirmed: massive storage, but new readers required

FieldMade introduced new custom lens hood & Pelican case indicator labels

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Ricoh will release a special-edition GR IV camera to mark the 30th anniversary of the GR1:

October 2026 will mark the 30th anniversary of the Ricoh GR camera line

Here are the details:

The post Ricoh will release a special edition GR IV camera for the 30th anniversary of the GR1 appeared first on Pentax & Ricoh Rumors.

DxO started a new summer sale where you can get 20% off any DxO software with the discount code SummerRumors2026 (valid for new customers only). This offer is valid until July 10th, 2026. See the latest DxO releases here. DxO recently introduced 965 new modules – see this page for details.

You can use the exclusive Luminar coupon code RUMORS20NEO for an additional 20% off on top of the ongoing Summer sale. The code is valid until June 30. Additional information on the Skylum Luminar Neo Summer Sale can be found here

ON1 Photo RAW 2026.4 21st Anniversary Sale: up to 60% off this month. See the latest ON1 releases here.

Use the coupon code RUMORS for a 15% discount at Aftershoot. See the details on their latest major release here.

Topaz Labs is offering 20% off a new plan.

Travel Photography Cheat Sheets summer sale: up to 88% off until June 30th.

Via PhotoRumors

The post Ending soon: DxO, Luminar, Aftershoot, and ON1 discounts appeared first on Pentax & Ricoh Rumors.

You can use the exclusive Luminar coupon code RUMORS20NEO for an additional 20% off on top of the ongoing Summer sale. The code is valid until June 30. Additional information on the Skylum Luminar Neo Summer Sale can be found here:

Skylum Luminar Neo Summer Sale: up to 70% off

Information on the latest Luminar Neo Spring release is available here:

Skylum Luminar Neo Spring release v1.27 is out

Via PhotoRumors

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I am curious whether there is interest in a potential Ricoh GR IVx monochrome camera with a 40mm lens. Here is a poll: “Are you interested in a Ricoh GR IVx monochrome camera with a 40mm lens?”

All current Ricoh GR camera models are listed here.

Will there be a Leica Q3 43 Monochrom camera?

The post Are you interested in a Ricoh GR IVx monochrome camera with a 40mm lens? (poll) appeared first on Pentax & Ricoh Rumors.

Ricoh Imaging has posted very strong financial results for its 15th fiscal period (April 2025 – March 2026). According to the official announcement published in Japan’s government gazette (Kanpo), the company recorded a net profit of 5.354 billion yen. This profit was large enough to completely wipe out the company’s long-standing accumulated deficits. Retained earnings turned from -2.026 billion yen (end of FY2024) to a positive +3.328 billion yen.

Ricoh FY2025 financial results (for the year ending May 12, 2026)

Source: Official Gazette / Kanpo financial announcement via dclife

The post Ricoh Imaging’s FY2025 net profit exceeds 5.34 billion yen: finally eliminates accumulated deficits appeared first on Pentax & Ricoh Rumors.

   
The HD PENTAX-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited lens (black version) is now discontinued. The lens is still in stock at B&H Photo (currently $50 off):

The silver version was discontinued back in 2023 (more discontinued Pentax products can be found here):

Two additional Pentax lenses have been discontinued

Via Pentax Forum

The post The HD PENTAX-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited lens is now discontinued appeared first on Pentax & Ricoh Rumors.

Those are the top 100 best-selling products at B&H Photo

Adobe to acquire Topaz Labs

Evoto AI: The AI Retouching Powerhouse

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Here are some notable Amazon Prime Day photo deals:

By brand:

• Viltrox
• TTartisan
• 7artisans
• Brightin Star
• Rokinon
• SmallRig
• Meike
• AstrHori
• Pergear
• Sirui
• Nextorage
• Lexar
• SanDisk
• GoPro
• DJI
• Insta360
• WANDRD
• Neewer
• Ulanzi
• Apple

By country:

• Amazon US
• Amazon CA
• Amazon DE
• Amazon UK
• Amazon FR
• Amazon IT
• Amazon ES

By category

• Photography
• Cameras
• Lenses
• Accessories
• Camera bags
• Tripods
• Lighting
• Memory cards
• Drones
• Filters
• Amazon Resale Prime Deal Deals

See all Amazon Prime Day deals here. You can get a free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime on this page.

B&H Photo has its own version of Prime Day deals – see this page for details:

By category:

• Photography
• Cameras
• Lenses
• Camcorders
• Lighting
• Drones
• Computers
• Pro video
• Pro audio
• Camera bags
• Tripods
• Memory cards
• Optics
• Used gear

By brand:

• Pentax
• Ricoh
• OM System
• Panasonic
• Nikon
• Tamron
• Viltrox
• Voigtlander
• Leica
• TTartisan
• 7artisans
• Brightin Star
• Rokinon
• SmallRig
• Meike
• AstrHori
• Pergear
• Sirui
• Zeiss
• Nextorage
• Lexar
• SanDisk
• GoPro
• DJI
• Insta360
• WANDRD
• Neewer
• Ulanzi
• Apple

Via PhotoRmors, NikonRumors

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NiSi released several new accessories for Ricoh GR cameras:

• NiSi 49mm filter adapter MKII for GR III & GR IIIx
• NiSi wide conversion lens for the Ricoh GR cameras
• NiSi JetMag lens hood kit for Ricoh GR IV

You can find the new NiSi products at B&H Photo, Amazon, and the official NiSi website.

Additional information:

NiSi 49mm Filter Adapter MKII for Ricoh GRIII

GR photographers asked for even greater stability when using filters and heavier accessories, such as wide-angle conversion lenses. The redesigned NiSi 49mm Filter Adapter for Ricoh GRIII delivers a secure auto-lock mechanism that holds everything securely in place, so you can shoot with total confidence. Whether you’re mounting a Black Mist diffusion filter, CPL, ND, UV protection glass, or a wide-angle conversion lens, the new locking system holds firm. No tools needed. No wobble. No accidental detachment. In this video, we take a closer look at the upgraded adapter, show how the locking mechanism works, and demonstrate it in use with various filters and accessories. Key Features:

• Secure auto-lock mechanism prevents rotation and loosening
• Gap-free, precision-machined fit
• Replaces Ricoh GN-1 and GN-2 ring
• Full 49mm filter thread compatibility
• Works with wide-angle conversion lenses and other accessories
• Tool-free installation with alignment guide
• Compatible with NiSi PR-5 Lens cap

NiSi Wide Conversion Lens for Ricoh GR Series (GR III, GR IIIx, GR IV)

Introducing the NiSi Wide Conversion Lens for Ricoh GR Series (GR III, GR IIIx, GR IV), a 0.78x wide-angle conversion lens built for street photography, travel, architecture, and everyday carry when you want a wider frame without giving up the GR’s speed and simplicity. On Ricoh GR III / GR IV, it widens your view to a 21mm equivalent. On the Ricoh GR IIIx, it delivers a 31mm equivalent focal length for a natural wide street look, with more context in every frame. And because it retains Macro Mode and doesn’t interfere with autofocus, metering, or shooting modes, you can keep your normal GR workflow and shoot without compromises. To keep your images clean in harsh light, it features a multi-layer anti-reflective nano coating to reduce flare and ghosting, and it’s built with a durable aluminum alloy frame plus front and rear metal caps for protection in the bag. Adapter Required (Important): To mount this lens, you’ll need the NiSi 49mm Filter Adapter for your specific GR model (sold separately). NiSi Wide Conversion Lens key features:

• 0.78x wide conversion: 28mm→21mm equiv (GR III/IV), 40mm→31mm equiv (GR IIIx)
• Macro Mode compatible + full camera functionality retained (AF, metering, modes)
• Nano coating reduces flare/ghosting for cleaner contrast in tough light
• Aluminum alloy build + metal caps for daily carry protection

NiSi JetMag lens hood kit for Ricoh GR IV

The NiSi JetMag Lens Hood Kit for the Ricoh GR IV is a purpose-built hood-and-adaptor system designed to keep your GR IV setup clean, compact, and ready for everyday carry. Built for street and travel shooters, this kit adds practical protection and better control in harsh light without turning your GR IV into a bulky setup. The result is a more refined, premium look with real functionality you’ll actually use. The included 49mm adaptor lets you use standard 49mm filters (CPL, ND, effects), and its auto-lock keeps everything secure while you shoot. The hood fits right over your filter, allowing you to control flare in harsh light without compromising your creative vision, and the magnetic lens cap snaps on fast for quick protection between shots. NiSi JetMag Lens Hood Kit key features:

• Dedicated 49mm adaptor for using standard 49mm filters (CPL, ND, effects)
• Auto-lock design helps prevent rotation or loosening while shooting
• Hood fits over 49mm filters, so you can keep your filter on and still control flare
• Magnetic hood + magnetic lens cap for fast on/off and everyday protection
• Designed specifically for Ricoh GR IV

What’s included:

• 49mm adaptor
• Magnetic square hood
• Magnetic lens cap

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Used compact camera prices quadruple in Japan as CCD models make a comeback

Best selling camera at MAP Camera for May 2026

New Nextorage memory card sale started at B&H

The post What else is new? appeared first on Pentax & Ricoh Rumors.

Today, Ricoh released a new version of the GR WORLD smartphone app (iOS download | Android download). Here is what’s new:

• The camera power-on/off control has been enabled on the Home screen
• Bug fixed

Additional information is available here.

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