Originally Posted by VAV
I am curious about how Pentax came up with the focal lengths for the three FA limited lens - 31, 43 and 77 - How do they decide on these focal lengths ?- why not, for example, 30-50-75?
Thanks
The first Limited lens was a private(?
) project between Pentax chief lens designer, Harakawa(?
) and the famous Japanese photographer Shoji Ueda(I think it was but may be wrong
). The focal lenght is the true normal lens for the 35mm system; diagonal 43mm. They wanted to mimic the pleasant rendering qualities of the pre computer age lens designs. They used a lot of trial and error. Thats why the 43 Limted have quite large amounts of distortions as it contribute to its rendering qualities.
The 77 Limited was obviously to fill the need for a Limited short telephoto. The rumor has it that it was presented to Ueda(?
) on his 77th birthday. Thats why it is 77mm. In reality, rumor again has it, it is indeed a 79mm lens
.
The 31mm designed by another team
. Its focal lenght choice, except for being ideal focal lenght for landscapes - something I tend to agree with - is unknown (to me
). Its rendering philosophy likewise...
There were also a FA 118/2,4(or 2.8?
) Limited. And a 90/3.5 Macro Limited that went to 1:2 by itself. 1:1 with matching (Limited) close focus lens or small Limited extenstion tube (which one wasn't decided upon yet when got the information) included with the lens. Needless to say, neither saw the light of day....
My guess is that there was a Limited wide angle wider than the 31mm, but haven't heard anything about that one...