FA43mm Ltd Question

5shot · 01-03-2011, 09:41 AM

Does B&H carry any Made in Japan versions of the FA43 or are they all made in Vietnam?

Thanks

Chuck-B&H · 01-04-2011, 08:20 AM

Hello,

Since components are often manufactured in one facility, sub-assemblies then manufactured in a second and final assembly conducted in a third, no matter what country of origin is labeled on the box, the REAL origin is often obscure or is actually a combination of two or three locales. A true " Global Economy ".

When B&H enters into an agreement with, for example, Canon USA to purchase from them (for example) a quantity of 580EX flash units we do not (and could not) specify to Canon USA the country of origin of the merchandise we will eventually receive. There are two reasons for this. First, Canon USA may not be able to dictate this to their parent company, and second there may only be one final assembly facility for a particular product.

In other words, our Canon USA rep doesn't know which facility the item will come from, if there's more than one and our Canon USA rep doesn't even know if there's more than one in the first place.

Finally, we here at B&H agree with PopPhoto's esteemed senior editor, the late Herbert Keppler. In the February, 2000 issue, Popular Photography's Herbert Keppler wrote, "...the Japanese have maintained near-fanatical tight control over their 'off shore' production facilities and it's worked."

He further wrote, "Having visited many Japanese factories ...as well as off-shore plants, I can report that quality is uniform no matter where the products are made." I have no reason to dispute a single word of this.

C h u c k C a p r i o l a
Live Chat and E-Mail Sales Manager B&H Photo-Video

Thank you, we appreciate your business.
*** Peace on Earth ***

Blue · 01-04-2011, 07:04 PM

This is actually a more simple question. These lenses are either Made in Japan or assembled in Vietnam. The elements should be MIJ, regardless.

Osef · 01-04-2011, 09:39 PM

I purchased an FA43 from B&H last week. It says Made In Japan on the box and on the lens.

Also, I recently purchased an FA31 that was Assembled in Vietnam. It's a superb performer. Pentax *may* have had some QC problems with the AIV lenses a year ago (I purchased an FA31 last year that could not produce a sharp image; I returned it). But I haven't read many complaints about the AIV lenses lately, so Pentax may have solved its QC issue (if it ever had one). My current FA31 (AIV) is a keeper. As is my FA43 (MIJ).

01-03-2011, 09:41 AM	#1
5shot Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Washington - the State Posts: 208	FA43mm Ltd Question Does B&H carry any Made in Japan versions of the FA43 or are they all made in Vietnam? Thanks

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
FA43mm too soft?	rparmar	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	33	05-22-2010 02:16 PM
To those who own the FA50mm 1.4 and the FA43mm 1.9	rustynail925	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	31	05-20-2010 05:16 AM
Replacement for FA43mm Ltd ?	Frogfish	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	11	04-22-2010 07:52 AM
DA*55mm vs. FA43mm	TKH	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	241	03-01-2009 11:43 PM

01-04-2011, 08:20 AM	#2
Chuck-B&H B&H Photo Specialist Join Date: May 2010 Location: New York Posts: 934	Hello, Since components are often manufactured in one facility, sub-assemblies then manufactured in a second and final assembly conducted in a third, no matter what country of origin is labeled on the box, the REAL origin is often obscure or is actually a combination of two or three locales. A true " Global Economy ". When B&H enters into an agreement with, for example, Canon USA to purchase from them (for example) a quantity of 580EX flash units we do not (and could not) specify to Canon USA the country of origin of the merchandise we will eventually receive. There are two reasons for this. First, Canon USA may not be able to dictate this to their parent company, and second there may only be one final assembly facility for a particular product. In other words, our Canon USA rep doesn't know which facility the item will come from, if there's more than one and our Canon USA rep doesn't even know if there's more than one in the first place. Finally, we here at B&H agree with PopPhoto's esteemed senior editor, the late Herbert Keppler. In the February, 2000 issue, Popular Photography's Herbert Keppler wrote, "...the Japanese have maintained near-fanatical tight control over their 'off shore' production facilities and it's worked." He further wrote, "Having visited many Japanese factories ...as well as off-shore plants, I can report that quality is uniform no matter where the products are made." I have no reason to dispute a single word of this. C h u c k C a p r i o l a Live Chat and E-Mail Sales Manager B&H Photo-Video Thank you, we appreciate your business. * Peace on Earth *

01-04-2011, 07:04 PM	#3
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	This is actually a more simple question. These lenses are either Made in Japan or assembled in Vietnam. The elements should be MIJ, regardless.

01-04-2011, 09:39 PM	#4
Osef New Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: United States Posts: 22	I purchased an FA43 from B&H last week. It says Made In Japan on the box and on the lens. Also, I recently purchased an FA31 that was Assembled in Vietnam. It's a superb performer. Pentax may have had some QC problems with the AIV lenses a year ago (I purchased an FA31 last year that could not produce a sharp image; I returned it). But I haven't read many complaints about the AIV lenses lately, so Pentax may have solved its QC issue (if it ever had one). My current FA31 (AIV) is a keeper. As is my FA43 (MIJ).

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search