[phoebus]

There appears to be no aperture lever on the mount. Is that a crop of the image or a sign that this lens is fully electronic? @kenspo: can you illuminate us?? It would certainly make sense for a lens designed for the K1 and its sucessors.

Ricoh put a survey out in Europe last year with lots of question about lens. I commented on wanting some more primes built like the DA* 200 and 300; looks like my request has been answered

[Kunzite]

Will I dare to say that the lens mount seems a tad larger on the FA than the D FA★, thus implying that the latter could be even bigger in comparison with the former?

If anything, it's the other way around, I'd say.

[kenspo]

There appears to be no aperture lever on the mount. Is that a crop of the image or a sign that this lens is fully electronic?

Dont know until i have next meeting with Ricoh. Haven't updated me on the full specs yet.

It would certainly make sense for a lens designed for the K1 and its sucessors.

This is most logical yes!

[Adam]

Dont know until i have next meeting with Ricoh. Haven't updated me on the full specs yet.

Do they even know?

Anyway, IMO there's no reason for this lens not to be KAF4, since the K-1 is the only FF camera and it supports KAF4.

Adam
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[D1N0]

But D1N0 you have a wide choice if it comes to 50ties. Samyang 50/1.4, Pentax DA, FA, F, M, A, K, now DFA and Sigma.

Yeah there is a lot of legacy and you can use the DA*55 and the DA 50 1.8, but I am talking about a full frame line up that also takes the traveling or street shooting photographer into account. Legacy won't earn Ricoh anything. The DA lenses are sub-optimal because of vignetting and corner sharpness. I am not saying I don't think Ricoh should make this lens, I just don't think this is the only new 50 they should make. I can't deduct my photography acquisitions from my taxes and that goes for most of us. Three 50's should be possible. Now there is the FA 50 1.4 (and maybe the FA Ltd 43). Renew The FA 50 1.4 to D FA 50mm 1.4 PLM $500 and introduce a D FA 50 1.8 PLM for cheap (no more than $250). Keep the old lens formulas but make them a bit larger with a 52 or 55mm filter thread, so they perform better in the corners like the K-series which was predominantly 52mm.

[kenspo]

Do they even know?

Anyway, IMO there's no reason for this lens not to be KAF4, since the K-1 is the only FF camera and it supports KAF4.

I really hope they do

[Reed]

It should be KAF4. Its time to move on into new tech. I only hope it will have similar AF drive performance(speed&accuracy) as Tammy 85.

[konraDarnok]

That's a big boy! If it is going to be that big why not just go the whole hog and make a 1.2 to compete with Canon.

Like Nikon, Pentax put contacts inside their smaller flange. You'd probably have to machine the glass around the power zoom / digital contacts to achieve 1.2

[kenspo]

It should be KAF4. Its time to move on into new tech.

What I'm thinking too..For Pentax to compete better with the big boys, we'll need to get that one foot in the past back, and get both into the future.

[x4rd]

Renew The FA 50 1.4 to D FA 50mm 1.4 PLM $500 and introduce a D FA 50 1.8 PLM for cheap (no more than $250). Keep the old lens formulas but make them a bit larger with a 52 or 55mm filter thread, so they perform better in the corners like the K-series which was predominantly 52mm.

It is kind of strange that You are asking a company which has 5-7% of a global market to act like it would have 30% like Nikon. R/P does not have resources to address this kind of needs but in my opinion they are aware of that people tend to use their legacy lineup.

The second thing is that You ask the same (30 - 40 or more....) years formulas in a new package. I ask - why? You already have them in a very competitive price :P

[edmundrt]

The D FA★ 50mm f1.4 is Doomed!

I have my own opinions about the obsession with absolute sharpness and enormous lenses that is sweeping the market lately, but Pentax needs this lens in its lineup, that much is obvious. I hope it lives up to its star designation and size - I'd certainly enjoy seeing it kick a few butts come review time.

[RobA_Oz]

Like Nikon, Pentax put contacts inside their smaller flange. You'd probably have to machine the glass around the power zoom / digital contacts to achieve 1.2

I'm not sure I understand your reasoning here. What would make the rear element different from that of the old A50/1.2?

[ogl]

People who wanted the FA 50mm f/1.4 already bought one

What about new users? Or Pentax won't attract new users?

[shardulm]

What a beauty... a Fifty had to come and @ 1.4 it is neat. Given the looks it seems a WR with DC motor. I bet this is going to be priced around $499 or less.
Did anyone notice this is the second '*' (star) optic they are out with? I adore my DA*55f/1.4. I Don't think this is going to be much better than the DA*55.

[Digitalis]

Sigma killer, finally!

Premature.

Like Nikon, Pentax put contacts inside their smaller flange. You'd probably have to machine the glass around the power zoom / digital contacts to achieve 1.2

Nothing is stopping pentax from doing this with the KAF3 contacts: