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11-24-2009, 08:10 AM   #1
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Have lens prices gone up lately?

Just getting back into the Pentax/digital photography world after a hiatus. Interested in picking up an FA43. Could have sworn I they were selling for around $550 new a couple of years ago. Looking at the lens review database that's pretty close to what most people paid for it. Now they're $740+ new and $650+ used. Did something change, or am I just not remembering correctly?

11-24-2009, 08:25 AM   #2
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That's a big rock you've been living under
11-24-2009, 08:25 AM   #3
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he he he... it is the Pentax Revolution...

It's great for people that stocked up on a nice collection before the price updates and will sell now... but terrible for the ones that bought in the Pentax system because of low cost..

My intern here in the company is one of them... he had the XTi and I "convinced" him the Pentax system was a much better value and he got a K20D... but hes having problems getting glasses now...
11-24-2009, 08:29 AM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by switters Quote
Just getting back into the Pentax/digital photography world after a hiatus. Interested in picking up an FA43. Could have sworn I they were selling for around $550 new a couple of years ago. Looking at the lens review database that's pretty close to what most people paid for it. Now they're $740+ new and $650+ used. Did something change, or am I just not remembering correctly?
I know, I can't believe I bought one new or ~$450 and sold it for ~$300 (!) a few years ago. Live and learn, right?

11-24-2009, 09:12 AM   #5
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Wow, that is seriously depressing. I was ready to dive back in with a Pentax K-x, which is very reasonably priced, but all of the lenses I'd want to pair it with have gone up significantly in price. I may need to consider another system. I could get a D5000 + 35/1.8 for about $800 brand new. For a similar combo with the K-x (paired with 35/2 if I can find one, or DA40), I'm looking at $1100.
11-24-2009, 09:15 AM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by switters Quote
Wow, that is seriously depressing. I was ready to dive back in with a Pentax K-x, which is very reasonably priced, but all of the lenses I'd want to pair it with have gone up significantly in price. I may need to consider another system. I could get a D5000 + 35/1.8 for about $800 brand new. For a similar combo with the K-x (paired with 35/2 if I can find one, or DA40), I'm looking at $1100.
My solution was to spend $100 or so on a katz eye screen and go manual to save $$$. It's been awesome actually.
11-24-2009, 09:18 AM   #7
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Good idea! Problem for me is that I'm getting a camera again to take pictures of my kid and my dog. They both move a lot! I know MF is possible in that scenario, just more difficult than I'm up for. My wife will also use the camera and I can't see her being interested in MF.

11-24-2009, 09:41 AM   #8
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The Pentax system could really use something like that Nikon 35/1.8. And alas, they had one, but they discontinued it. I'd buy a 35/2 myself if I could find one at a reasonable price.

Switters, are you in the US? I have seen the K-x for under $600 and the DA40 for under $400, so your price may end up closer to $950 than to $1100.

There's a thread somewhere in this forum about K-x bargain hunting.

EDIT: Oh, that's YOUR thread. Never mind!
11-24-2009, 09:45 AM   #9
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Yeah, I started that thread about bargain hunting . It's true, I did just find the K-x body-only for around $600. But the lowest price (even with cash back) I can find for the DA40 is $475. I am in the US. Other problem is the DA40 is f/2.8, whereas the Nikkor 35 is f/1.8. That's more than a full stop difference.

My ideal combo would be a K-x with FA43, but that's going to cost me something like $1,300 now.
11-24-2009, 09:54 AM   #10
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I see the DA40 here:

Pentax DA 40mm f/2.8 Limited Lens - 21550 - In Pentax Digital SLR Lenses - Best Price Audio Video, a Top-Rated Electronics Dealer

. . . for $368, in stock, and they look decent on resellerratings.com too.

But yeah, I hear you on the lens speed. Can't help ya there. Some patience on eBay with the 35/2 might be fruitful, or maybe not.
11-24-2009, 10:10 AM   #11
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Lens prices have been going up quite a bit in the past year. It is not only Pentax lenses but pretty much across the board on all lenses from every manufacturer. There are lots of articles around explaining the reasons from fluctuating currency exchanges to cutbacks in production due to the global recession. I had plans for some new glass around this time last year and was saving for the purchases. I bought two lenses, both used because of the price increases.
11-24-2009, 10:33 AM   #12
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Not even in the past year. About three weeks ago I was looking for an FA43 and found one on Amazon for $580. That same lens is now $750. That's a nearly 25% increase in a few weeks. What happened?

One more question: any chance that Pentax will do rebates again like they used to?
11-24-2009, 10:36 AM   #13
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$400+ for the 35/2 is just criminal, i got the lens used for $250 about a year ago, it's a nice lens but $450 worth ... no.
11-24-2009, 10:38 AM   #14
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I agree, but what are the options with Pentax if you want a fast, normal lens?

That's why I'm starting to consider Nikon. As I said, I use a normal prime about 80-90% of the time. Nikon has the 35/1.8 for $200, and it gets excellent reviews. Pentax has nothing remotely comparable. Even the Pentax third-party offerings (Sigma 30/1.4) are close to $500.
11-24-2009, 10:42 AM   #15
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Put it this way, i nabbed my 77 and 12-24 for a little over $600 each, the 35/2 for $250.

If i was starting a new system now, at the current prices, I can't see how anyone in their right mond goes Pentax unless you are happy with basic slow zooms.
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