Originally posted by vw_michael I have not seen mis-machined parts in the Nikkors yet (most problems with the lens "barrels" was due to abuse - dropping or rough handling) ... is that what you're hinting at?
I am not sure about Nikkors which I have never worked with, but for the FA31 specifically, it's a manufacturing issue. The parts weren't precisely made enough imho. The diameter difference can be detected with a pair of calipers. I am certain those parts could be screened if Pentax wanted to.
Originally posted by mikeSF I do not believe that is a true statement. Perhaps the pouch material is designated by the lens model? My DA15 is the only one i've had with a faux leather pouch.
the rest of my AIV and MIJ lenses have had the leather pouch with the words "made in japan" stamped into the bottom.
The Limited pouches were switched to shiny black (feel thinner and kind of cheap) already toward the end of MIJ era. Originally, they were light brown for the FA43, green for the FA77 and burgundy for the FA31. I don't think they are genuine leather but I could be wrong. The left one in your pic looks different so maybe they are switching the source again.