[Kunzite]

I should've been more precise - I'm not referring to continuing to sell existing lenses, but announcing new ones. Indeed, it's not exactly the same as stopping the support.
My feeling is that A-mount is being phased out (not only by Sigma, but by Sony, too).

[johnmflores]

I am two lenses and one body away from having the entire Q lineup...

[monochrome]

K-01 successor with KP imaging pipeline.

Yikes! What an interesting idea.

[normhead]

To bad about the Q macro. I honestly didn't realize there was no Q macro when I bought the camera. Then I searched every site I could find looking for it. For us, it's not really a camera system until it has macro.

[Rico]

I would prefer two lines of FF lenses - DFA* - very expensive, big, fast and all weather lenses.
And simple line of plastic very compact WR lenses - DFA24/3.5, DFA35/2 (the same FA with 7-9 blades aperture), DFA50/2, DFA85/2, DFA135/3.5 - DC or PLM - not important.

But I'm afraid Ricoh is too weak to develop two lines. They plan to produce 1 expensive, big FF lens per year and it's really sad to hear...

The first tier should be high end D-FA*. The second tier FF lenses should be revamped D-FA 31,43,77 LTD's. They could consolidate some DA LTD's with new D-FA WR lenses such as a D-FA 28mm ƒ2 WR and a D-FA 21 ƒ3.2 WR.

On the telephoto end a nice compromise is 120mm. I have an M 120mm ƒ2.8. The 180mm FOV on APS-C works well and has been used on FF in the past. The M 120mm ƒ2.8 is a very compact telephoto lenses which has been part of the DA LTD philosophy. D-FA 120mm ƒ2.8 could be another APS-C/FF crossover.

Something Ricoh/Pentax should consider seriously is bringing back revamped manual A-series lenses. Nikon still sells legacy glass like that because people still buy them. dI don't rely on autofocus really at all. Any critical focus I am doing manually. Even when using autofocus which is rare which makes quick-shift focus important for me. People would buy well damped manual focus lenses that just keep it simple no motors etc less power consumption. Who wouldn't consider a modern A-series 50mm ƒ1.2 WR. The design simplicity could keep the cost to say $650 US. Nikon sells their manual 50mm ƒ1.2 for around that price.

Here's to dreaming.

[monochrome]

The second tier FF lenses should be revamped D-FA 31,43,77 LTD's.

Leave the FA Limiteds alone. If revamped they aren't FA Limiteds any more. They should keep producing and selling them as they are until people stop buying them or they run out of glass blanks.

It is far more important to start with a fresh sheet of paper and design modern lenses. Eventually the interest in FA Limiteds will abate and they should simply be retired.

[Tesla]

Leave the FA Limiteds alone. If revamped they aren't FA Limiteds any more. They should keep producing and selling them as they are until people stop buying them or they run out of glass blanks.

It is far more important to start with a fresh sheet of paper and design modern lenses. Eventually the interest in FA Limiteds will abate and they should simply be retired.

I disagree.. New FA Limiteds please!

[Rico]

Leave the FA Limiteds alone. If revamped they aren't FA Limiteds any more. They should keep producing and selling them as they are until people stop buying them or they run out of glass blanks.

It is far more important to start with a fresh sheet of paper and design modern lenses. Eventually the interest in FA Limiteds will abate and they should simply be retired.

I disagree. The FA LTD's should be revamped into D-FA LTD's with modern coatings quick-shift and WR. The 31 43 and 77 are at the heart of the Pentax philosophy. These lenses should not be replaced they should be modernized. There is no need to redesign entirely new lenses.

People will want to switch to Pentax if there is a D-FA 43mm ƒ1.9 WR LTD lens that weighs less than 300 g for $550 US more than if Pentax has a D-FA* 50 ƒ1.4 WR lens that weighs 900 g for $1,400 US.

[monochrome]

I disagree. The FA LTD's should be revamped into D-FA LTD's with modern coatings quick-shift and WR. The 31 43 and 77 are at the heart of the Pentax philosophy. These lenses should not be replaced they should be modernized. There is no need to redesign entirely new lenses.

People will want to switch to Pentax if there is a D-FA 43mm ƒ1.9 WR LTD lens that weighs less than 300 g for $550 US more than if Pentax has a D-FA* 50 ƒ1.4 WR lens that weighs 900 g for $1,400 US.

What makes you think a revamped 43/1.9 will cost $550 and not $1,550?

Professionals will use a Pentax camera if Pentax produces professional quality lenses. Enthusiasts follow pros. Consumers buy value, like DA lenses and D FA 28~105.

The FA Limiteds are the only lenses unique to Pentax.

HD PENTAX D FA 1:1.8 31mm Limited AL DC WR in KAF4 is NOT an FA Limited. It is an entirely new lens.

[Tesla]

What makes you think a revamped 43/1.9 will cost $550 and not $1,550?

Professionals will use a Pentax camera if Pentax produces professional quality lenses. Enthusiasts follow pros. Consumers buy value.

The FA Limiteds are the only lenses unique to Pentax.

HD PENTAX D FA 1:1.8 31mm Limited AL DC WR in KAF4 is NOT an FA Limited. It is an entirely new lens.

What makes you think it will cost $1,550?

[monochrome]

What makes you think it will cost $1,550?

40 years of experience and observation.

[robbiec]

40 years of experience and observation.

Ouch, I could hear that Slap landing in Ireland

[Tesla]

40 years of experience and observation.

COM will be the same and R&D will cost the same as any lens.. so please tell me why they would raise the price almost 3x.

[Rondec]

What makes you think a revamped 43/1.9 will cost $550 and not $1,550?

Professionals will use a Pentax camera if Pentax produces professional quality lenses. Enthusiasts follow pros. Consumers buy value, like DA lenses and D FA 28~105.

The FA Limiteds are the only lenses unique to Pentax.

HD PENTAX D FA 1:1.8 31mm Limited AL DC <acronym title="Weather Resistant">WR</acronym> in KAF4 is NOT an FA Limited. It is an entirely new lens.

My guess would be 900 dollars, but you are certainly right that the price increase would be significant. There was a significant price increase when they went from the DA limiteds the HD DA limiteds and the only things that changed were "HD coatings" and rounded aperture blades. A real re-vamp of the FA limiteds with in lens motor, quick shift, weather sealing and new coatings would certainly add 400 to 500 to the current prices -- and with questionable benefit, unless Pentax would decide to get rid of the screw drive motor completely (doubt they would do this on upper end bodies, but could on lower end bodies at some point).

[Tesla]

I totally agree that the price would increase.. but not $1550. Doesn't matter.. they should still make new D FA Limiteds. It's like saying they shouldn't make a new flagship APS-C because the price would increase.