[clackers]

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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."

[monochrome]

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."

I distinctly remember the Production Manager announcing that an ‘event’ had occurred in the lens production space, followed some days later by discussion that it was determined mass production could continue at a slower pace. This subsequent Press Release announces the actual reset release date.

Could be I’ve dreamt all of this, but I don’t think so.

[thibs]

Remember it too but it might have been from Asahiman.

[Mistral75]

DFA 50mm f1.4 is delayed until summer!: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

[biz-engineer]

Customers who want a 85 1.4 for their K1 are forced to buy into another mount. That's not good for Ricoh Imaging.

[Pål Jensen]

..or wait

[D1N0]

or buy one in Japan: ?MINT? SMC PENTAX-FA* 85mm F/1.4 IF Lens w/ for CAP K Mount from Japan #Z144 | eBay

[biz-engineer]

wait wait wait

[serothis]

There's also the Sigma 85mm
f/1.4 . It's a good lens.

[enoeske]

There's also the Sigma 85mm
f/1.4 . It's a good lens.

I love my Sigma 85mm f/1.4 but I'm hoping to sell it and upgrade to this Pentax lens. I'm sure it will be amazing.

[reh321]

Customers who want a 85 1.4 for their K1 are forced to buy into another mount. That's not good for Ricoh Imaging.

Not as bad as having some kind of intermittent issue with ones in the field.

[Winder]

..or wait

And wait........ And wait....... And Wait...... And Wait...... And Wait...... And Wait.

[LensBeginner]

And wait........ And wait....... And Wait...... And Wait...... And Wait...... And Wait.

"The waiting of pleasure is a pleasure itself"

[k1man]

or buy one in Japan: ?MINT? SMC PENTAX-FA* 85mm F/1.4 IF Lens w/ for CAP K Mount from Japan #Z144 | eBay

I am waiting paitiently for a friend to come back to Thailand so I can buy one without being ripped off by customs here, anyhow I dont care what anyone says the new 85 will not be any better than this older one apart from weather sealing, one thing will always be true when a lens is sharp its sharp no matter who makes it, you cant get sharper than sharp, regards Ian

[pres589]

My eyes just rolled so hard I about fell out of my chair.