If you follow the camera world, you know that Ricoh and Pentax don’t always follow the crowd. These two brands like to do their own thing—and that’s exactly what makes them so intriguing. In 2025, both are continuing to stir up excitement with their plans, particularly around film cameras and high-quality digital compacts. But what are the real rumors floating around? Let’s break down what we know (and what we don’t) about what’s next for Ricoh and Pentax.
Pentax 17: The Analog Revival
The Pentax 17 is already out, and let me tell you—it’s a big deal for analog photography lovers. Released in 2024, the Pentax 17 is a half-frame film camera, and it’s a nod to the past. If you’re wondering what half-frame means, it’s essentially a compact film camera that lets you take more photos on the same roll of film. This camera hit the market and quickly earned accolades like the iF DESIGN AWARD and the German Design Award for its design. It’s clear that Pentax is really onto something here.
But let’s get real: is this just a one-off or the beginning of something bigger? After all, this is the first new Pentax film camera in over 20 years! While Ricoh has been hush-hush about future film releases, the buzz says more are coming. Pentax is trying to revive the glory of analog, and this might just be the start. Could we see more film cameras from Pentax? It’s very possible, but we’ll have to wait and see.
The Big Question: More Film Cameras?
Ricoh has been talking about their Film Camera Project for a while, but the details have been frustratingly vague. Back in December 2022, Ricoh teased that they were working on new film cameras for Pentax. In fact, a European executive mentioned two new compact film cameras for 2024, but Ricoh quickly clarified that this wasn’t official. They didn’t confirm the compact cameras, but they did say they were exploring more film options. The real kicker? They didn’t rule out new SLRs—and that’s where the excitement lies.
If Pentax decides to release more film cameras, it would be a big move, especially considering how niche and specialized the market is. But Ricoh’s decision to pause and take a breath after the Pentax 17’s release makes sense—they want to make sure there’s enough demand before diving into more projects. It’s a smart move, but we’re all hoping for more. Time will tell.
The Possibility of a Medium Format Pentax?
Now, here’s where things get interesting. What if Pentax decided to take it up a notch and bring back a medium format camera? Pentax used to make some of the best medium format cameras, like the 645Z, which is still a favorite among photographers today. And while Ricoh has confirmed that there are no current plans for a 645 film camera, there has been some talk in the background about a medium format camera. It’s a long shot, but if there’s enough demand, you never know.
A 645 film camera could absolutely fill a gap in the market. Medium format offers superb image quality and incredible detail, and there’s a solid market of professional photographers who still want to shoot film at that size. If Pentax decided to go back to their roots, a new 645 film camera would make waves, for sure.
Pentax K-3 Mark IV: What’s in Store?
Let’s shift gears and talk about Pentax’s digital future. The Pentax K-3 Mark III was a hit, so is a Mark IV on the horizon? There have been rumors floating around that Pentax is getting ready to release an “interesting” DSLR in 2025. But what does “interesting” mean? Well, we’re still not sure. However, considering how great the K-3 Mark III was, there’s a lot of anticipation.
While no details are locked in, there’s a good chance the K-3 Mark IV will build off the success of the Mark III—but with some updates. The K-3 Mark III already blended classic DSLR handling with some mirrorless-style performance, so the next iteration could push that concept even further.
But here’s the kicker: Pentax just officially discontinued the K-3 Mark III. This leaves room for the new model, and it seems like the K-3 Mark IV might be the perfect successor.
Pentax K-1 Mark III: The Flagship Update
If you’re a fan of high-end DSLRs, you’ll be excited to hear that Pentax has confirmed the development of the K-1 Mark III. The K-1 series is their flagship, and the Mark III is expected to take things up a notch. The rumored specs include a 61MP back-side illuminated sensor, in-body stabilization, and even 4K video.
But what really stands out is the talk of dual CFexpress card slots and fast fps rates. For landscape photographers, astrophotographers, and pros who demand fast, reliable performance, the K-1 Mark III could be a game-changer. If Pentax delivers on these specs, it might just rival some of the best in the DSLR market.
Ricoh GR IV: The Compact King Returns
Moving away from Pentax, let’s talk about Ricoh’s beloved GR series. The GR III has been a fan favorite for street photographers due to its compact size and stunning image quality. So, what’s next? Rumors are swirling that the GR IV is on the way. While there’s not a ton of concrete info yet, it’s likely that Ricoh will keep the GR series true to its roots: simple, fast, and high-quality.
One thing that’s catching everyone’s attention is the possibility of a GR IV Monochrome model. Fans of the GR III have been asking for a black-and-white version, and 2025 could finally be the year that Ricoh delivers. A monochrome version of the GR IV would cater to photographers who love the classic, timeless look of black-and-white photos. If Ricoh takes this leap, it could be a big hit.
Special Editions for the Ricoh GR III
If you’ve followed Ricoh, you know they love releasing special editions of their cameras. The GR III already has multiple variants, like the GR IIIx Urban and GR IIIx HDF models. And guess what? There’s a good chance we’ll see more filter-based editions in 2025. Ricoh has hinted at releasing more models with unique filters—think soft focus filters or starlight filters—and these could add a fun new dimension to the GR III lineup.
These special editions would be a great way for Ricoh to tap into the creative side of photographers. It’s always exciting to see new filters or color options, and Ricoh has always been great at keeping their cameras fresh and interesting.
Pentax K-3 Mark III: The Special Editions You Need to Know About
Pentax isn’t just sticking to standard releases—they’ve got some exciting special editions up their sleeves. These models aren’t just about new features; they’re also designed to give you unique options. Here’s a breakdown of the Pentax K-3 Mark III variants that might be coming soon.
Pentax K-3 Mark III Astro: For Those Who Love the Stars
If you’re into shooting the night sky, the K-3 Mark III Astro might be just what you need. This version is specially built for astrophotography. It’s rumored to have a sensor that’s 10x more sensitive to Hα light, making it perfect for capturing nebulae and deep-space objects. If you’ve ever dreamed of snapping the stars in incredible detail, this camera could help make it happen.
Pentax K-3 Mark III Gunmetal: A Fresh New Look
For those who love a camera that stands out, the Pentax K-3 Mark III Gunmetal is bringing a fresh design. It’s the same K-3 Mark III we know and love, but now it comes in a stylish gunmetal finish. It’s not just a camera—it’s a statement piece. If you want something different from the usual black cameras, this special edition gives you that extra flair without compromising on quality.
Pentax K-3 Mark III Shutter Stroke Change: Faster Shooting
Looking to capture action faster? The K-3 Mark III Shutter Stroke Change is built for speed. It promises a shallower shutter stroke, meaning quicker shots with less delay. Perfect for action, sports, or wildlife photography, this version is all about helping you get that perfect shot in the blink of an eye.
Pentax K-3 Mark III MF: Pure Manual Focus Control
For those who prefer to do things the old-fashioned way, the K-3 Mark III MF is all about manual focus. No autofocus, just you and your lens, working together for precision. This model is great for photographers who love the hands-on approach and want total control over their shots. Whether you’re shooting portraits or landscapes, this camera lets you take the reins.
Conclusion: Big Things Ahead for Ricoh & Pentax
So, what’s next for Ricoh and Pentax in 2025? There’s a lot to look forward to. The Pentax 17 has already sparked excitement for film lovers, and Pentax could continue pushing the analog agenda with more cameras. On the digital front, the K-1 Mark III and K-3 Mark IV might be just around the corner, along with the highly anticipated GR IV. Whether it’s analog or digital, Ricoh and Pentax are keeping the camera world on its toes.
Stay tuned—2025 is shaping up to be a huge year for these brands. If you’re a fan of film, DSLRs, or compact cameras, there’s a lot to be excited about.
