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shaolen · 08-14-2013, 12:45 PM

I've seen a few limited lenses advertise that they have early serial numbers. What does this mean? Is this good? If so why?

**boriscleto** · 08-14-2013, 12:53 PM

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/160609-aiv-rea...-than-mij.html

**Deimos** · 08-14-2013, 12:54 PM

The first versions had slightly different coatings, silver bodies only (I think), different coloured leather bags (not black)

Some say that there is marginally better IQ with the early versions but it isnt really proven. Nice to have Im sure but I have an later serial FA Limited (MIJ) set and cant see how they could be that much better

Zav · 08-14-2013, 12:54 PM

The FA43 is supposed to have had 2 versions. One with glass containing heavy metals replaced with one without. Some says the former is better. That's what I have heard.

**Kerrowdown** · 08-14-2013, 01:43 PM

Originally posted by Zav

with glass containing heavy metals

My lenses are heavy enough without this.

panoguy · 08-14-2013, 02:01 PM

Originally posted by kerrowdown

My lenses are heavy enough without this.

Go for the "radioactive" Takumars, then. They get lighter as time goes by...

(Kidding, of course. Armchair physicists keep your danders down!)

**Kerrowdown** · 08-14-2013, 02:12 PM

Originally posted by panoguy

Go for the "radioactive" Takumars, then. They get lighter as time goes by... (Kidding, of course. Armchair physicists keep your danders down!)

Boy, you do like to poke the beast with the pointy stick.

Last edited by Kerrowdown; 08-14-2013 at 02:18 PM.

panoguy · 08-14-2013, 02:18 PM

Originally posted by kerrowdown

Boy, do you like to poke the beast with the pointy stick.

Uh... let me guess; that's a Scottish euphemism for something!

BTW, to the OP, I have an early serial FA 43 Ltd. (0004514) and it renders wonderfully. I personally think it's the best of the "three amigos." No idea how it compares to other 43's, since all I wanted was a silver one to go with my helmet. :P

**Kerrowdown** · 08-14-2013, 02:22 PM

Originally posted by panoguy

Uh... let me guess; that's a Scottish euphemism for something!

Oh dear, you know me too well.

08-14-2013, 12:45 PM	#1
shaolen Veteran Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Phoenix AZ Posts: 1,047	early serial number I've seen a few limited lenses advertise that they have early serial numbers. What does this mean? Is this good? If so why?

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08-14-2013, 12:53 PM	#2
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,477	https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/160609-aiv-rea...-than-mij.html

08-14-2013, 12:54 PM	#3
Deimos Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Kingdom of Wonder Posts: 1,777	The first versions had slightly different coatings, silver bodies only (I think), different coloured leather bags (not black) Some say that there is marginally better IQ with the early versions but it isnt really proven. Nice to have Im sure but I have an later serial FA Limited (MIJ) set and cant see how they could be that much better

08-14-2013, 12:54 PM	#4
Zav Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,371	The FA43 is supposed to have had 2 versions. One with glass containing heavy metals replaced with one without. Some says the former is better. That's what I have heard.

08-14-2013, 01:43 PM	#5
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,867	Originally posted by Zav with glass containing heavy metals My lenses are heavy enough without this.

08-14-2013, 02:01 PM	#6
panoguy Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Washington, D.C. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,327	Originally posted by kerrowdown My lenses are heavy enough without this. Go for the "radioactive" Takumars, then. They get lighter as time goes by... (Kidding, of course. Armchair physicists keep your danders down!)

08-14-2013, 02:12 PM	#7
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,867	Originally posted by panoguy Go for the "radioactive" Takumars, then. They get lighter as time goes by... (Kidding, of course. Armchair physicists keep your danders down!) Boy, you do like to poke the beast with the pointy stick. Last edited by Kerrowdown; 08-14-2013 at 02:18 PM.

08-14-2013, 02:18 PM	#8
panoguy Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Washington, D.C. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,327	Originally posted by kerrowdown Boy, do you like to poke the beast with the pointy stick. Uh... let me guess; that's a Scottish euphemism for something! BTW, to the OP, I have an early serial FA 43 Ltd. (0004514) and it renders wonderfully. I personally think it's the best of the "three amigos." No idea how it compares to other 43's, since all I wanted was a silver one to go with my helmet. :P

08-14-2013, 02:22 PM	#9
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,867	Originally posted by panoguy Uh... let me guess; that's a Scottish euphemism for something! Oh dear, you know me too well.