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MPrince · 01-01-2013, 04:57 PM

Originally posted by snake

The FA35 and FA50 1.4 are discontinued lenses.

They are both currently available at B&H Photo, and have been for some time.

Blue · 01-01-2013, 05:19 PM

Originally posted by MPrince

They are both currently available at B&H Photo, and have been for some time.

+1. They have been available in Japan as well.

**rbefly** · 01-01-2013, 05:42 PM

+ 2
Adorama lists both FA's and Amazon has multiple sites listed for both lenses, new.
Ron

fuent104 · 01-01-2013, 08:11 PM

Originally posted by B Grace

The question for me still goes back to the reasons some of us have used Pentax gear over the years. Is there really a need for Pentax to offer a pro-grade 35/1.4 or 24/1.8 prime lens? Isn't there a point where a person moves so far away from the strengths of Pentax as to have the logical choice be to buy into the Nikon or Canon camp?

I have trouble with this line of thought. In my opinion, a photographic system "should" give you the opportunity to expand your gear to match your photographic desires. Note that I said "desires," rather than "needs." My interests and tastes in photography have changed over the years. I'm at the point where I want to use fast, high quality prime lenses for my professional (video) work. Pentax has chosen not to provide me with decent options, so I have purchased some Samyang and Tokina lenses instead. However, I don't think I should have to sell all of my gear and stop using Pentax in favor of Canon, just because I want to do something different from what I wanted to do when I began in photography.

snake · 01-02-2013, 01:52 AM

Originally posted by MPrince

They are both currently available at B&H Photo, and have been for some time.

They are available, but not in production. The remainder stock is what is out there. Most places in Europe don't even have the FA35 and when they do, the prices are often between 600-800 Euros, with used sellers jacking up the prices to around 500, but about 400 Euros used is the going price for the FA35. About a year ago, the FA50 1.4 started becoming scarce, with many places removing listings here and likewise, the prices shot up. Both are scarce on the new market in Europe.

For instance, Zeiss ZK lenses are also out of production since 2010 and still in stock all over.

godwinaustin · 01-02-2013, 01:59 AM

again, just to be clear (as I wasnt in my OP) I was referring to fast wide angle primes, since anything above 35 on aps-c is pretty close in.

Blue · 01-02-2013, 08:20 AM

Originally posted by snake

They are available, but not in production. The remainder stock is what is out there. Most places in Europe don't even have the FA35 and when they do, the prices are often between 600-800 Euros, with used sellers jacking up the prices to around 500, but about 400 Euros used is the going price for the FA35. About a year ago, the FA50 1.4 started becoming scarce, with many places removing listings here and likewise, the prices shot up. Both are scarce on the new market in Europe.

For instance, Zeiss ZK lenses are also out of production since 2010 and still in stock all over.

Every time they sell them out, they get more stock from Japan. With Pentax, current catalog items is relative regarding production. That don't run lenses down the assembly line constantly. They run them in batches.

Edit: The FA 50/1.4 and FA 35/2 is listed as available in Japan.

http://www.pentax.jp/english/products/lens/

Last edited by Blue; 01-02-2013 at 08:27 AM.

**Rondec** · 01-02-2013, 08:49 AM

Originally posted by snake

They are available, but not in production. The remainder stock is what is out there. Most places in Europe don't even have the FA35 and when they do, the prices are often between 600-800 Euros, with used sellers jacking up the prices to around 500, but about 400 Euros used is the going price for the FA35. About a year ago, the FA50 1.4 started becoming scarce, with many places removing listings here and likewise, the prices shot up. Both are scarce on the new market in Europe.

For instance, Zeiss ZK lenses are also out of production since 2010 and still in stock all over.

there have been rumors for a long time about the FA limiteds being discontinued, as the FA 50, but I don't see any indication of these rumors being true. As far as the FA 35, I doubt there is any new stock, because the DAL 35 f2.4 has probably replaced it.

Blue · 01-02-2013, 08:59 AM

Originally posted by Rondec

there have been rumors for a long time about the FA limiteds being discontinued, as the FA 50, but I don't see any indication of these rumors being true. As far as the FA 35, I doubt there is any new stock, because the DAL 35 f2.4 has probably replaced it.

I am surprised everytime ador or BH gets in new stock for the FA 35/2 but they do and Japan still lists it and it is available there as well. The above list linked above is fairly accurate as to what is available in Japan. It won't surprise me when BH/Ador sell out for the last time. However, that could happen for any lens on that list.

godwinaustin · 01-02-2013, 10:59 AM

the 35 is on my list. But it is in short supply, and the price reflects that. I would love to see a modern update of the 35 f/2, with prices that reflect a better supply.

Blue · 01-02-2013, 11:05 AM

Originally posted by godwinaustin

the 35 is on my list. But it is in short supply, and the price reflects that. I would love to see a modern update of the 35 f/2, with prices that reflect a better supply.

The 35/2 was $299 shipped at BH in 2008 and currently is $399 shipped which relative to other lenses that were around then, i.e. the DA and FA Ltd lenses and some of the DA* as well as DA 14, that isn't bad. The 50/1.4 about doubled.

godwinaustin · 01-02-2013, 11:17 AM

Originally posted by Blue

The 35/2 was $299 shipped at BH in 2008 and currently is $399 shipped which relative to other lenses that were around then, i.e. the DA and FA Ltd lenses and some of the DA* as well as DA 14, that isn't bad. The 50/1.4 about doubled.

Blue, this is just what I'm talking about. Bring back some modern revisions of FA glass....28/2, 35/2.

godwinaustin · 01-03-2013, 10:29 AM

and obviously make that new 28/2 and 35/2 weather resistant.

and try not to charge a $400 premium for that damn rubber gasket

snake · 01-03-2013, 12:20 PM

Here's an example of what the FA35 runs in Germany, when they are supposedly available (sites list them then cancel orders when they realize they can't get them).

Pentax smc FA 35mm F/2,0 AL

The actual price is 19% higher, as the prices quoted there are without VAT. So add just under 150 EUR to the price listed there. So we're looking at almost 900 EUR for the FA35.

lytrytyr · 01-03-2013, 12:31 PM

Originally posted by snake

Here's an example of what the FA35 runs in Germany, when they are supposedly available (sites list them then cancel orders when they realize they can't get them).

Pentax smc FA 35mm F/2,0 AL

The actual price is 19% higher, as the prices quoted there are without VAT. So add just under 150 EUR to the price listed there. So we're looking at almost 900 EUR for the FA35.

My browser shows EUE 739 Inkl. MwSt.,
so about USD 965 including the VAT.

01-01-2013, 05:42 PM	#93
rbefly Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Denver, Colorado Photos: Albums Posts: 2,030	More New Fast FA's + 2 Adorama lists both FA's and Amazon has multiple sites listed for both lenses, new. Ron

01-02-2013, 01:52 AM	#95
snake Banned Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: NY/Germany Posts: 1,183	Originally posted by MPrince They are both currently available at B&H Photo, and have been for some time. They are available, but not in production. The remainder stock is what is out there. Most places in Europe don't even have the FA35 and when they do, the prices are often between 600-800 Euros, with used sellers jacking up the prices to around 500, but about 400 Euros used is the going price for the FA35. About a year ago, the FA50 1.4 started becoming scarce, with many places removing listings here and likewise, the prices shot up. Both are scarce on the new market in Europe. For instance, Zeiss ZK lenses are also out of production since 2010 and still in stock all over. Last edited by snake; 01-02-2013 at 02:31 AM.

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01-01-2013, 04:57 PM	#91
MPrince Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: WV Posts: 1,495	Originally posted by snake The FA35 and FA50 1.4 are discontinued lenses. They are both currently available at B&H Photo, and have been for some time.

01-01-2013, 05:19 PM	#92
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by MPrince They are both currently available at B&H Photo, and have been for some time. +1. They have been available in Japan as well.

01-01-2013, 08:11 PM	#94
fuent104 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: California Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,356	Originally posted by B Grace The question for me still goes back to the reasons some of us have used Pentax gear over the years. Is there really a need for Pentax to offer a pro-grade 35/1.4 or 24/1.8 prime lens? Isn't there a point where a person moves so far away from the strengths of Pentax as to have the logical choice be to buy into the Nikon or Canon camp? I have trouble with this line of thought. In my opinion, a photographic system "should" give you the opportunity to expand your gear to match your photographic desires. Note that I said "desires," rather than "needs." My interests and tastes in photography have changed over the years. I'm at the point where I want to use fast, high quality prime lenses for my professional (video) work. Pentax has chosen not to provide me with decent options, so I have purchased some Samyang and Tokina lenses instead. However, I don't think I should have to sell all of my gear and stop using Pentax in favor of Canon, just because I want to do something different from what I wanted to do when I began in photography.

01-02-2013, 01:59 AM	#96
godwinaustin Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Jackson, Wyoming Posts: 89 Original Poster	again, just to be clear (as I wasnt in my OP) I was referring to fast wide angle primes, since anything above 35 on aps-c is pretty close in.

01-02-2013, 08:20 AM	#97
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by snake They are available, but not in production. The remainder stock is what is out there. Most places in Europe don't even have the FA35 and when they do, the prices are often between 600-800 Euros, with used sellers jacking up the prices to around 500, but about 400 Euros used is the going price for the FA35. About a year ago, the FA50 1.4 started becoming scarce, with many places removing listings here and likewise, the prices shot up. Both are scarce on the new market in Europe. For instance, Zeiss ZK lenses are also out of production since 2010 and still in stock all over. Every time they sell them out, they get more stock from Japan. With Pentax, current catalog items is relative regarding production. That don't run lenses down the assembly line constantly. They run them in batches. Edit: The FA 50/1.4 and FA 35/2 is listed as available in Japan. http://www.pentax.jp/english/products/lens/ Last edited by Blue; 01-02-2013 at 08:27 AM.

01-02-2013, 08:49 AM	#98
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,663	Originally posted by snake They are available, but not in production. The remainder stock is what is out there. Most places in Europe don't even have the FA35 and when they do, the prices are often between 600-800 Euros, with used sellers jacking up the prices to around 500, but about 400 Euros used is the going price for the FA35. About a year ago, the FA50 1.4 started becoming scarce, with many places removing listings here and likewise, the prices shot up. Both are scarce on the new market in Europe. For instance, Zeiss ZK lenses are also out of production since 2010 and still in stock all over. there have been rumors for a long time about the FA limiteds being discontinued, as the FA 50, but I don't see any indication of these rumors being true. As far as the FA 35, I doubt there is any new stock, because the DAL 35 f2.4 has probably replaced it.

01-02-2013, 08:59 AM	#99
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by Rondec there have been rumors for a long time about the FA limiteds being discontinued, as the FA 50, but I don't see any indication of these rumors being true. As far as the FA 35, I doubt there is any new stock, because the DAL 35 f2.4 has probably replaced it. I am surprised everytime ador or BH gets in new stock for the FA 35/2 but they do and Japan still lists it and it is available there as well. The above list linked above is fairly accurate as to what is available in Japan. It won't surprise me when BH/Ador sell out for the last time. However, that could happen for any lens on that list.

01-02-2013, 10:59 AM	#100
godwinaustin Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Jackson, Wyoming Posts: 89 Original Poster	the 35 is on my list. But it is in short supply, and the price reflects that. I would love to see a modern update of the 35 f/2, with prices that reflect a better supply.

01-02-2013, 11:05 AM	#101
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by godwinaustin the 35 is on my list. But it is in short supply, and the price reflects that. I would love to see a modern update of the 35 f/2, with prices that reflect a better supply. The 35/2 was $299 shipped at BH in 2008 and currently is $399 shipped which relative to other lenses that were around then, i.e. the DA and FA Ltd lenses and some of the DA* as well as DA 14, that isn't bad. The 50/1.4 about doubled.

01-02-2013, 11:17 AM	#102
godwinaustin Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Jackson, Wyoming Posts: 89 Original Poster	Originally posted by Blue The 35/2 was $299 shipped at BH in 2008 and currently is $399 shipped which relative to other lenses that were around then, i.e. the DA and FA Ltd lenses and some of the DA* as well as DA 14, that isn't bad. The 50/1.4 about doubled. Blue, this is just what I'm talking about. Bring back some modern revisions of FA glass....28/2, 35/2.

01-03-2013, 10:29 AM	#103
godwinaustin Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Jackson, Wyoming Posts: 89 Original Poster	and obviously make that new 28/2 and 35/2 weather resistant. and try not to charge a $400 premium for that damn rubber gasket

01-03-2013, 12:20 PM	#104
snake Banned Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: NY/Germany Posts: 1,183	Here's an example of what the FA35 runs in Germany, when they are supposedly available (sites list them then cancel orders when they realize they can't get them). Pentax smc FA 35mm F/2,0 AL The actual price is 19% higher, as the prices quoted there are without VAT. So add just under 150 EUR to the price listed there. So we're looking at almost 900 EUR for the FA35.

01-03-2013, 12:31 PM	#105
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by snake Here's an example of what the FA35 runs in Germany, when they are supposedly available (sites list them then cancel orders when they realize they can't get them). Pentax smc FA 35mm F/2,0 AL The actual price is 19% higher, as the prices quoted there are without VAT. So add just under 150 EUR to the price listed there. So we're looking at almost 900 EUR for the FA35. My browser shows EUE 739 Inkl. MwSt., so about USD 965 including the VAT.

Pentax: Lack of fast primes

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