Originally posted by jsherman999 Even if Ricoh made those standalone, retrofocus and for K-mount, I wouldn't want them. 18mm f/2.5? 15mm f/4 ltd is wider, and generally not used for any subject isolation anyway. 33 2.5? What's wrong with the DA 35 f/2.4 or DA 35 2.8ltd?
If your point is that they're pancakes, that's because they weren't made for k-mount.
So, no. Those focal lengths and apertures wouldn't interest me, I guess.
Good point on the macros. Actually the DA35 to me is a much better macro lens (and arguably better all around lens) than the Ricoh 33 mm from what I've seen. The Ricoh does have super creamy bokeh, though, and is no slouch optically. The DA35 is just that good.
In contrast, I think the 18 mm Ricoh is a lot different than the 15 mm, or at least more than you'd think from just a 3 mm difference. I'd rate the 15 mm as much better on things like distortion and flare resistance, it's the perfect walk around outside lens, while the 18 mm Ricoh has much better bokeh, is sharp at f/2.5 and can indeed be used for subject isolation -- a good indoors wide. I'd see the 18 mm as more of a threat to the 21 mm limited than the 15 mm limited.
It's a moot point, though, since as others pointed out there's technical and practical reasons it won't happen. It is a good thought experiment though.
The nice thing is that since we're even having this conversation it shows that the two companies have a history of making nice primes. I'd be most interested to see what they can come up with together that's new rather than recycling old stuff. Say a new, portable 135 mm lens might be nice
Do it RICOHTAX!