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Originally posted by Kunzite Out of genuine curiosity, where did they said that? Any link, as I'd like to check if there was other interesting information?
Well, it is something to do with the difference between what would be largely hand assembled prototypes versus the machinery or workforce for production.
I would want them to delay again and again, for even the slightest possible improvements to the end product, because it will be a batch run, and the things will sit on shelves and be bought for years to come.
Here's the press release:
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your past, present and continued support of Ricoh and PENTAX products.
At this time would like to update you of the current development status of the new-generation high-performance Star-series lens, the HD PENTAX-D FA★ 50mmF1.4 SDM AW (Tentative name), for which the development was announced in October of 2017.
With the new-generation of high-performance Star-series lenses, we have implemented higher quality control standards. Currently the HD PENTAX-D FA★ 50mm F1.4 SDM AW (Tentative name), lens is in the final stages of quality control and once the quality control stage is complete the lens will be forwarded to mass production. Therefore, in order to finalize the quality control stage and shift to mass production, we have changed the launch date from the previously announced, spring of 2018 to the summer of 2018.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause."