Originally posted by pathdoc It wouldn't be an issue if the entire K-5 family tree suffered the same hung-out-to-dry syndrome. But for the K-50 to be given a KAF4 update and the flagship camera from which it is derived to miss out is peculiar to say the least. It wouldn't bother me at all if I found out that something had been introduced on the K-50 that made it possible, which wasn't on the 5/5-ii/5-iis. But until that issue is clarified - and as far as I know it has not been - us K-5 owners will continue to feel more than just a little bit annoyed and perplexed.
KAF4 is clearly the future. I just hadn't anticipated both my APS-C bodies to be relegated to the distant past so soon.
(And as for legacy support on film bodies, the Super Program will drive a DA lens in Tv and P modes. All you have left to contend with are the focus and the image-circle issues.)
There may be a ROM/FW preventing them from updating the K5 series, but sometimes forward compatibility can't be planned for.
My 16-85 won't AF on my K100D. At some point, technology has to move forward. Ex. screwdrive is a nice relic, but it literally sounds terrible, slow, and I'd just rather not anymore, the difference between the 16-85 and nifty 50 is just extraordinary. IMO, Pentax shouldn't be using the SDM designation on the new lenses either, DC and PLM gave a me a written notice that I have something different than the 16-50 motor for example.
I've also had the aperture block replaced twice in my K3, first time was my fault, but mechanical linkages are prone to physical damage, not just electrical failure. If Pentax can move towards a Canon-like all electrical aperture/focusing system, I'm down with that.