When Were Pentax A Lenses Mantufactured?

wanderer2 · 12-23-2019, 05:09 AM

I have two Pentax A lenses, 20mm and 200mm, for use on my K-1 and am surprised how good their IQ is, especially considering their age. But I'm curious as to when they were manufactured and even though I've searched on this forum (including the lens review section) and on the internet generally I can't find the dates. Does anyone know? Thanks.

ilan · 12-23-2019, 05:21 AM

SMC Pentax-A 20mm F2.8
Production Years: 1985 to 2001 according to SMC Pentax-A 20mm F2.8 Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

There are several A 200mm lenses. See SMC Pentax A* 200mm F2.8 ED Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database , SMC Pentax-A* 200mm F4 Macro ED Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database , SMC Pentax-A 200mm F4 Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

Ronald Oakes · 12-23-2019, 05:29 AM

Basically 1984-2000 depending on which version of the 200mm lens you have.

Wasp · 12-23-2019, 07:02 AM

Pentax A series lenses seem to be more rare in the marketplace than their M or even K counterparts. I have a few theories about this:

they were not in production as long, so that fewer were sold in the first place
they used more plastic in construction and did not last as long
except for focus all other automated features work on modern digital bodies, so that those who have them keep them
there are not always exact equivalents in the A range
by the time the A series appeared, Pentax sales were in decline
more competition from third parties in this era

**Madaboutpix** · 12-23-2019, 07:50 AM

Sometimes wish I had started my photographic journey with Pentax rather than Minolta when I did back in 1983. If I had, I would likely have a number of nice A series lenses in my kit now that I could still use. But you can't turn back time, of course.

**microlight** · 12-23-2019, 07:53 AM

Originally posted by Wasp

those who have them keep them

I think this is the most likely.

---------- Post added 12-23-19 at 08:01 AM ----------

Originally posted by Madaboutpix

Sometimes wish I had started my photographic journey with Pentax rather than Minolta when I did back in 1983. If I had, I would likely have a number of nice A series lenses in my kit now that I could still use. But you can't turn back time, of course.

Yes indeed. I'm fortunate to still have my A series 50/f1.4, 28/f2.8 and 70-210/f4 which I still use.

**DWS1** · 12-23-2019, 08:08 AM

Originally posted by Madaboutpix

Sometimes wish I had started my photographic journey with Pentax rather than Minolta when I did back in 1983. If I had, I would likely have a number of nice A series lenses in my kit now that I could still use. But you can't turn back time, of course.

You and me both, except I started with Minolta in 1971. Still have it all. I do have a Pentax A-28mm which I like very much.

**aslyfox** · 12-23-2019, 08:22 AM

Originally posted by DWS1

You and me both, except I started with Minolta in 1971. Still have it all. I do have a Pentax A-28mm which I like very much.

I've snagged two

A 50mm f 1.4

A 135mm f2.8

**luftfluss** · 12-23-2019, 08:35 AM

Originally posted by DWS1

You and me both, except I started with Minolta in 1971. Still have it all. I do have a Pentax A-28mm which I like very much.

Originally posted by Madaboutpix

Sometimes wish I had started my photographic journey with Pentax rather than Minolta when I did back in 1983. If I had, I would likely have a number of nice A series lenses in my kit now that I could still use. But you can't turn back time, of course.

I've never used any Minolta glass, but in general Minolta lenses have an excellent reputation among the manual-focus crowd. I wish we could adapt them to Pentax K.

stevebrot · 12-23-2019, 09:47 AM

Originally posted by wanderer2

Does anyone know? Thanks.

From 1983, to support the Super Program body and well into the 2000s to support the LX and residual manual focus lens demand.* BTW...there is no reason to be surprised by the optical quality; age, after all, being a poor indicator of potential excellence.

Steve

* Then, as with now, even owners of AF cameras were still buying manual focus lenses. Of course, there were still plenty of K1000 and MZ-M/ZX-M users too.

ChristianRock · 12-23-2019, 10:11 AM

As pointed out, some lenses were produced from the mid-80s to the early 2000s. My SMC-A 24mm f/2.8 on the other hand was produced from 1984 to 1989, so mid to late 80s. My SMC-A 70-210mm f4 was discontinued even earlier, 1988 - but it seems like quite a lot of them were made. So it will vary from lens to lens.

**gofour3** · 12-23-2019, 10:25 AM

The Pentax Super A was released in March 1983, so that's the start of the Pentax "A" Series lenses and bodies.

The Super A won the 1983 European Camera of the Year award..

Phil.

**aslyfox** · 12-23-2019, 10:40 AM

as far as where made

wiki reports that the Japanese factory was closed around 2007-8

Quote:

On August 6, 2007, Hoya completed a friendly public tender offer for Pentax and acquired 90.59% of the company.[9] On August 14, 2007, the company became a consolidated subsidiary of Hoya. On October 29, 2007, Hoya and Pentax announced that Pentax would merge with and into Hoya effective on March 31, 2008.[10] Hoya closed the Pentax-owned factory in Tokyo, and moved most of their operations to Southeast Asia. All professional (DA*) and consumer (DA, D-FA) lenses are produced in Vietnam, whereas DSLR cameras are produced in Philippines

Pentax - Wikipedia

I know that some FA limiteds are marked " made in Japan " and some are marked " assembled in Vietnam "

12-23-2019, 05:09 AM	#1
wanderer2 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 301	When Were Pentax A Lenses Mantufactured? I have two Pentax A lenses, 20mm and 200mm, for use on my K-1 and am surprised how good their IQ is, especially considering their age. But I'm curious as to when they were manufactured and even though I've searched on this forum (including the lens review section) and on the internet generally I can't find the dates. Does anyone know? Thanks.

12-23-2019, 07:02 AM	#4
Wasp Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Pretoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,660	Pentax A series lenses seem to be more rare in the marketplace than their M or even K counterparts. I have a few theories about this: they were not in production as long, so that fewer were sold in the first place they used more plastic in construction and did not last as long except for focus all other automated features work on modern digital bodies, so that those who have them keep them there are not always exact equivalents in the A range by the time the A series appeared, Pentax sales were in decline more competition from third parties in this era

12-23-2019, 08:22 AM	#8
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by DWS1 You and me both, except I started with Minolta in 1971. Still have it all. I do have a Pentax A-28mm which I like very much. I've snagged two A 50mm f 1.4 A 135mm f2.8 Last edited by aslyfox; 12-23-2019 at 09:54 AM.

12-23-2019, 09:47 AM	#10
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by wanderer2 Does anyone know? Thanks. From 1983, to support the Super Program body and well into the 2000s to support the LX and residual manual focus lens demand.* BTW...there is no reason to be surprised by the optical quality; age, after all, being a poor indicator of potential excellence. Steve * Then, as with now, even owners of AF cameras were still buying manual focus lenses. Of course, there were still plenty of K1000 and MZ-M/ZX-M users too. Last edited by stevebrot; 12-23-2019 at 09:56 AM.

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12-23-2019, 05:21 AM	#2
ilan Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 59	SMC Pentax-A 20mm F2.8 Production Years: 1985 to 2001 according to SMC Pentax-A 20mm F2.8 Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database There are several A 200mm lenses. See SMC Pentax A* 200mm F2.8 ED Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database , SMC Pentax-A* 200mm F4 Macro ED Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database , SMC Pentax-A 200mm F4 Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

12-23-2019, 05:29 AM	#3
Ronald Oakes Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,582	Basically 1984-2000 depending on which version of the 200mm lens you have.

12-23-2019, 07:50 AM	#5
Madaboutpix Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: North Rhine-Westphalia Posts: 1,440	Sometimes wish I had started my photographic journey with Pentax rather than Minolta when I did back in 1983. If I had, I would likely have a number of nice A series lenses in my kit now that I could still use. But you can't turn back time, of course.

12-23-2019, 07:53 AM	#6
microlight Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 2,129	Originally posted by Wasp those who have them keep them I think this is the most likely. ---------- Post added 12-23-19 at 08:01 AM ---------- Originally posted by Madaboutpix Sometimes wish I had started my photographic journey with Pentax rather than Minolta when I did back in 1983. If I had, I would likely have a number of nice A series lenses in my kit now that I could still use. But you can't turn back time, of course. Yes indeed. I'm fortunate to still have my A series 50/f1.4, 28/f2.8 and 70-210/f4 which I still use.

12-23-2019, 08:08 AM	#7
DWS1 Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Arkansas, USA Posts: 1,169	Originally posted by Madaboutpix Sometimes wish I had started my photographic journey with Pentax rather than Minolta when I did back in 1983. If I had, I would likely have a number of nice A series lenses in my kit now that I could still use. But you can't turn back time, of course. You and me both, except I started with Minolta in 1971. Still have it all. I do have a Pentax A-28mm which I like very much.

12-23-2019, 08:35 AM	#9
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,619	Originally posted by DWS1 You and me both, except I started with Minolta in 1971. Still have it all. I do have a Pentax A-28mm which I like very much. Originally posted by Madaboutpix Sometimes wish I had started my photographic journey with Pentax rather than Minolta when I did back in 1983. If I had, I would likely have a number of nice A series lenses in my kit now that I could still use. But you can't turn back time, of course. I've never used any Minolta glass, but in general Minolta lenses have an excellent reputation among the manual-focus crowd. I wish we could adapt them to Pentax K.

12-23-2019, 10:11 AM	#11
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910	As pointed out, some lenses were produced from the mid-80s to the early 2000s. My SMC-A 24mm f/2.8 on the other hand was produced from 1984 to 1989, so mid to late 80s. My SMC-A 70-210mm f4 was discontinued even earlier, 1988 - but it seems like quite a lot of them were made. So it will vary from lens to lens.

12-23-2019, 10:25 AM	#12
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,090	The Pentax Super A was released in March 1983, so that's the start of the Pentax "A" Series lenses and bodies. The Super A won the 1983 European Camera of the Year award.. Phil.

12-23-2019, 10:40 AM	#13
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	as far as where made wiki reports that the Japanese factory was closed around 2007-8 Quote: On August 6, 2007, Hoya completed a friendly public tender offer for Pentax and acquired 90.59% of the company.[9] On August 14, 2007, the company became a consolidated subsidiary of Hoya. On October 29, 2007, Hoya and Pentax announced that Pentax would merge with and into Hoya effective on March 31, 2008.[10] Hoya closed the Pentax-owned factory in Tokyo, and moved most of their operations to Southeast Asia. All professional (DA*) and consumer (DA, D-FA) lenses are produced in Vietnam, whereas DSLR cameras are produced in Philippines Pentax - Wikipedia I know that some FA limiteds are marked " made in Japan " and some are marked " assembled in Vietnam "