Pentax Lenses

Kilsimiv · 10-13-2010, 03:43 AM

Does Pentax make its glass in-house like Nikon, or does it contract out?

bhairavp · 10-13-2010, 06:31 AM

lenses branded Pentax, Asahi Pentax are all made in house!

Impartial · 10-13-2010, 07:55 AM

Even the 18-200 and the 18-250?

deadwolfbones · 10-13-2010, 08:39 AM

The 18-250 is no longer made, but I assume Pentax licensed the optical formula from Tamron and produced it in their own factories.

**Canada_Rockies** · 10-13-2010, 05:41 PM

Originally posted by deadwolfbones

The 18-250 is no longer made, but I assume Pentax licensed the optical formula from Tamron and produced it in their own factories.

I think that Tamron built it, but was licensed to use SMC on the Pentax versions only.

vsl3-e · 10-14-2010, 03:00 AM

Today all DA lenses are Pentax designs and made by Pentax, the DA18-250 seems to be the only exception. Otherwise historically all lenses were made by Pentax with the FA line being the most confusing. Some FA zooms like the 28-200 were made by Tamron, the cheapest 100mm macro was also made by Cosina(?).

wlachan · 10-14-2010, 03:18 AM

Originally posted by Kilsimiv

Does Pentax make its glass in-house like Nikon, or does it contract out?

Depends on your definition I guess. From sand to melted glass to ground glass to finish products? How far should one go b4 considering making their own glasses? I doubt a small company like Pentax would melt their own glasses. Most probably order the ready made glass rods from HOYA then ground them into their own specifications. I am just guessing. As a consumer though, I only care whether the assembled lens is optically misaligned.

10-13-2010, 03:43 AM	#1
Kilsimiv New Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: WA Posts: 8	Pentax Lenses Does Pentax make its glass in-house like Nikon, or does it contract out?

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10-13-2010, 06:31 AM	#2
bhairavp Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Mumbai, India Posts: 399	lenses branded Pentax, Asahi Pentax are all made in house!

10-13-2010, 07:55 AM	#3
Impartial Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 208	Even the 18-200 and the 18-250?

10-13-2010, 08:39 AM	#4
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450	The 18-250 is no longer made, but I assume Pentax licensed the optical formula from Tamron and produced it in their own factories.

10-13-2010, 05:41 PM	#5
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Originally posted by deadwolfbones The 18-250 is no longer made, but I assume Pentax licensed the optical formula from Tamron and produced it in their own factories. I think that Tamron built it, but was licensed to use SMC on the Pentax versions only.

10-14-2010, 03:00 AM	#6
vsl3-e Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bratislava, Slovakia Photos: Albums Posts: 116	Today all DA lenses are Pentax designs and made by Pentax, the DA18-250 seems to be the only exception. Otherwise historically all lenses were made by Pentax with the FA line being the most confusing. Some FA zooms like the 28-200 were made by Tamron, the cheapest 100mm macro was also made by Cosina(?).

10-14-2010, 03:18 AM	#7
wlachan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 2,625	Originally posted by Kilsimiv Does Pentax make its glass in-house like Nikon, or does it contract out? Depends on your definition I guess. From sand to melted glass to ground glass to finish products? How far should one go b4 considering making their own glasses? I doubt a small company like Pentax would melt their own glasses. Most probably order the ready made glass rods from HOYA then ground them into their own specifications. I am just guessing. As a consumer though, I only care whether the assembled lens is optically misaligned.