GOLDEN, CO. (October 26, 2010)…’Need to reward a trail bud for finishing that grueling ride last weekend, or just feel like giving your ex a mud makeover? Maybe, PENTAX can help.

PENTAX Imaging Company announced today the launch of the PENTAX Optio W90 MUDFIGHT CHALLENGE. Centered around the company’s award winning waterproof camera, the MUDFIGHT CHALLENGE APP dares Facebookers around the globe to test their skills at a brand new sport – virtual mud throwing.

Participants* may visit: http://apps.facebook.com/mudfight/ and muck it up with Facebook friends, family, or those pesky frenemies. Facebookers who play may become eligible to win a $400 American Express gift card. *Participation is limited to current Facebook members. Sign-up is free at www.facebook.com.

MUDFIGHT CHALLENGE is easy to play. Once loaded, the APP randomly helps players select five Facebook friends. Next, users access a computer mouse to target the crosshair aim as friends pop up randomly. Every hit drives up the score and helps players ascend to higher levels of play while top scores are recorded on a leaderboard. Facebookers are entered into the sweepstakes each time they play.* *(Up to 50 times per day.)

Covered in questionable substances from the start, the PENTAX Optio W90 mud obsession originated to communicate the adventure-proof features of the camera. The APP is one of several consumer marketing initiatives to promote the adventurous camera in the midst of a global media shift from traditional to digital and social. PENTAX Imaging launched www.facebook.com/pentax about one year ago. More than 20,000 (and growing) facebookers indicate they “like” the site on the home page.

“There is no longer one right way to engage consumers,” said Ned Bunnell, president, PENTAX Imaging Company. “This comprehensive campaign, designed by The1stMovement, our recently selected digital advertising agency of record, uses a combination of interactive and social media components to help us build stronger relationships with more customers.”

“Providing engagement with the PENTAX brand through a social media game is a natural extension of the Optio W90 initiative,” said Ann Van Orsdel, president of The1stMovement. “Reaching our audience where they spend their time, helps reinforce our product message and key benefits in a way that is both fun and relevant.”

Along with MUDFIGHT, PENTAX and The1stMovement recently unveiled “THE MOST ADVENTUROUS FRIEND YOU KNOW” campaign for the Optio W90 that encompasses:

• Home page animated flash enhancements to www.pentaximaging.com to communicate the features of the Optio W90 and all of the latest PENTAX digital cameras.

• Digital and traditional billboards and train wraps posted in downtown Minneapolis near the TWINS Stadium on the cusp of the holiday shopping season.

• Targeted online integrated, taunting rich media banner ads that feature the Optio W90 as “THE MOST ADVENTUROUS FRIEND YOU KNOW” encouraging viewers to create an adventure of their own and step outside their comfort zone.

• The leveraging of a variety of social media advertisements and a targeted pay-per-click campaign.

• Several fresh, new product videos on www.youtube.com/pentaxian1 that entertain while demonstrating product features and applications.

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About PENTAX Imaging Company
PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of a variety of digital cameras including weather resistant digital SLRs and stylish, compact, waterproof cameras, as well as lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes and eyepieces. For over 90 years, PENTAX has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc.

About The1stMovement
A full-service digital agency with offices in Pasadena, CA and Denver, CO, The1stMovement (T1M) uses emerging technology to push the boundaries of digital media. Founded in 2006, T1M has since gained recognition for its accomplishments within a wide range of well-established brands including Adobe, AT&T, Cisco, Comcast Entertainment Group and Xcel Energy. The firm thrives on its ongoing pursuit of innovation, taking clients on an interactive journey where they engage, learn, and play. For more information, visit www.the1stmovement.com

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