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02-26-2009, 02:13 AM   #1
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55=85, ???=50?

So if the 55* is supposed to be the equivalent of the 85mm portrait lens (as per Pentax press releases, etc.) then where's the cheap 50mm equivalent now that the 35mm f/2 has been discontinued?

There were barely any rumors about the Nikon 35mm before it was released. Has Pentax got a cheap and updated 35mm f/1.8 to f/2 up their sleeve that we don't know about? I just think it seems odd that with Pentax pushing DA-only primes, why the only two 50mm equivalents widely available right now are the FA Limited at around $800 and the DA Limited Macro at $500.

I'm hoping we'll see a cheap (under $200) 50 equivalent at PMA. Who's with me?

02-26-2009, 02:17 AM   #2
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DA* 30 SDM (not cheap though) is on Pentax's lens roadmap already:

http://www.pentax.jp/english/imaging/digital/lens/roadmap.pdf
02-26-2009, 02:19 AM   #3
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True, but something tells me (looks over at the MSRP of the 55mm) that it's not going to be the cheap 50mm equivalent like the Nikon 35.

It would be a nice surprise if the 30* was around $300 though.
02-26-2009, 02:27 AM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by ewalk Quote
So if the 55* is supposed to be the equivalent of the 85mm portrait lens (as per Pentax press releases, etc.) then where's the cheap 50mm equivalent now that the 35mm f/2 has been discontinued?
The rumors of the FA35's death have been greatly exaggerated - it hasn't been discontinued yet.

02-26-2009, 02:37 AM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by gazonk Quote
The rumors of the FA35's death have been greatly exaggerated - it hasn't been discontinued yet.
Hmmm. Bhphoto has it in stock, but it's no longer listed on the offical Pentax USA site.

Are they getting rid of excess stock?
02-26-2009, 03:02 AM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by ewalk Quote
Hmmm. Bhphoto has it in stock, but it's no longer listed on the offical Pentax USA site.

Are they getting rid of excess stock?
Pentax lens availability is a mystery.

It's still listed on the japanese site: Interchangeable Lenses : Digital Cameras : Imaging Systems Division : PENTAX
And the german site: smc FA 35 / 2,0 AL - PENTAX Europe GmbH
02-26-2009, 04:27 AM   #7
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i would like simple, non-starred, non-limited DA30/1.4 or DA30/1.7 instead.

or why not make it limited/star in f/1.4 flavour (let's name it DA*30/1.4) and normal DA with f/2, or maybe f/1.7 (named something like DA30/1.7 or DA30/2). fast one with full body weather-sealing and SDM, and lower-spec one without all that stuff, but with sealed mount. that would be nice.

02-26-2009, 06:13 AM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by ewalk Quote
where's the cheap 50mm equivalent now that the 35mm f/2 has been discontinued?

One of the major mysteries of our time.
02-26-2009, 10:16 AM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by ewalk Quote
I'm hoping we'll see a cheap (under $200) 50 equivalent at PMA. Who's with me?
Just judging by the number of DA35/FA35 threads, a very large group. Before the DA, it was FA31/FA35 threads. There is clearly a purpose for lenses around 30mm. I don't know if we'll ever see anything at $200.
02-27-2009, 08:00 AM   #10
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My question is ???=135?

.
02-27-2009, 08:02 AM   #11
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F/a* 85 :d
02-27-2009, 08:07 AM   #12
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or, more FOV-equivalence related, Tamron 90 macro.
02-27-2009, 08:13 AM   #13
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I agree, the FA35/2 isn't discontinued...besides, there are many to be had out there if you want/need one.

To me, this is one lens every Pentax owner should have

Jason
02-27-2009, 09:42 AM   #14
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Regarding the status of the FA35, I have no inside info, but would note these same speculations were bouncing around several years ago regarding both this lens and the FA50. My guess is that Pentax has more of them already built than they expect to sell in the next 10 years, so they aren't manufacturing new ones.
02-27-2009, 09:50 AM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by Marc Sabatella Quote
Regarding the status of the FA35, I have no inside info, but would note these same speculations were bouncing around several years ago regarding both this lens and the FA50. My guess is that Pentax has more of them already built than they expect to sell in the next 10 years, so they aren't manufacturing new ones.
Marc, recently (2008) both FAs appeared as Assembled in Vietnam rather that the old Made in Japan flavor. My guess is that they may have in fact large numbers of blanks and maybe body parts but they assembled those constantly over time.

regards,
Radu
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