Development update regarding the HD PENTAX-D FA★50mmF1.4 SDM AW

**robbiec** · 05-26-2018, 02:04 PM - **5 Likes**

I thought this thread was about a specific keenly awaited lens? One that should deliver a nicer image than one of those ART things and perhaps even go toe to toe with the 800lb gorilla called OTUS

**BigMackCam** · 05-26-2018, 02:10 PM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by robbiec

I thought this thread was about a specific keenly awaited lens? One that should deliver a nicer image than one of those ART things and perhaps even go toe to toe with the 800lb gorilla called OTUS

Well said. We really ought to return to that topic

normhead · 05-26-2018, 05:57 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by robbiec

I thought this thread was about a specific keenly awaited lens? One that should deliver a nicer image than one of those ART things and perhaps even go toe to toe with the 800lb gorilla called OTUS

For some reason, the longer it takes, the more confident I am they'll get it right.

ZombieArmy · 05-26-2018, 07:02 PM

Originally posted by normhead

For some reason, the longer it takes, the more confident I am they'll get it right.

I mean isn't that usually the trend with Pentax?

**BigMackCam** · 05-27-2018, 01:22 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by normhead

For some reason, the longer it takes, the more confident I am they'll get it right.

Originally posted by ZombieArmy

I mean isn't that usually the trend with Pentax?

Agreed.

The thing is, even the tiniest deficiencies will be jumped on by the naturally pessimistic types, and by those expecting absolute perfection (which, as we all know, doesn't exist) - and once the lens is released, there's no going back. So it makes absolute sense for Ricoh / Pentax to delay releasing this lens until it's as good as it can realistically be. Obviously there will be complaints about the delays, but those will fade away once it starts shipping.

Reed · 05-27-2018, 03:17 AM

Every software related problem could be post-release addressed by Pentax docking hardware for lens firmware upgrade and auto-focus tuning, even simple camera USB upgrade solution software for lens would be great. I find Tamron and Sigma dock devices great addition for existing lineup of lenses when switching a camera body to newer model.

Kunzite · 05-27-2018, 06:14 AM - **2 Likes**

Reputation cannot be fixed with software.

Sandy Hancock · 05-27-2018, 06:33 AM

Originally posted by Kunzite

Reputation cannot be fixed with software.

This is something Sony does not understand, but it is true.

**gaweidert** · 05-27-2018, 08:44 AM - **4 Likes**

Originally posted by normhead

For some reason, the longer it takes, the more confident I am they'll get it right.

Years ago I was in a meeting where sales and marketing were demanding that a product be released now or they would lose sales, market share etc. Finally in exasperation the QA engineer asked "How come we never get time to do it right but we always have time to do it over?" If looks could kill, that guy would have been vaporized on the spot.

Reed · 05-27-2018, 12:20 PM

Originally posted by Kunzite

Reputation cannot be fixed with software.

Of course- but also keep in mind that pride is mother of arrogance. Sometimes its better to fix things up post release and give end users some possibilities to do it by themselves than behave like there is no problem or fix it only by service actions.
I'm sure the new DFA will deliver stellar quality-when ready.

Also new SDK release is very good move. Making more of that kind releases-for example closed lend firmware update software, would only serve the good cause.

Kunzite · 05-27-2018, 12:39 PM

I thought we were talking about launching the lens with significant known issues which would be fixed later with a new firmware.
OTOH the problem is with production, not software.

repaap · 05-27-2018, 01:03 PM

Sad but true. Not much has changed, where that comes from. But pentax has done their share of let's just go with this, with DA* zooms. But think about the damage that it has done for the brand.

Some fields of building up things is based on: we did that, if you find anything to complain about, we will come to fix it. if not...see ya!(and here is the invoice)

Originally posted by gaweidert

Years ago I was in a meeting where sales and marketing were demanding that a product be released now or they would lose sales, market share etc. Finally in exasperation the QA engineer asked "How come we never get time to do it right but we always have time to do it over?" If looks could kill, that guy would have been vaporized on the spot.

**Belnan** · 05-28-2018, 03:00 AM

Summer of 2018 still seems a little vague. Does that mean June or August or even later. Does anyone here know?

D1N0 · 05-28-2018, 03:40 AM - **11 Likes**

Nope we don't. Ask a pessimist and he will say summer is really autumn and maybe not even 2018 (they call themselves realists, don't believe them). Ask an optimist and he will say summer starts June first (meteorologically) and it will be available in shops from next Friday.

Ask your wife and she will say it doesn't matter because you don't need another lens anyway and the garden needs some attention and the garbage needs to be taken out.

Kunzite · 05-28-2018, 03:47 AM

Originally posted by repaap

Sad but true. Not much has changed, where that comes from. But pentax has done their share of let's just go with this, with DA* zooms. But think about the damage that it has done for the brand.

I suspect that's what they want to avoid with the DFA* - the reason of delay.

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05-26-2018, 02:04 PM - 5 Likes	#331
robbiec Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cork Photos: Albums Posts: 1,882	I thought this thread was about a specific keenly awaited lens? One that should deliver a nicer image than one of those ART things and perhaps even go toe to toe with the 800lb gorilla called OTUS

05-26-2018, 02:10 PM - 3 Likes	#332
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,674	Originally posted by robbiec I thought this thread was about a specific keenly awaited lens? One that should deliver a nicer image than one of those ART things and perhaps even go toe to toe with the 800lb gorilla called OTUS *Well said. We really ought to return to that topic*

05-26-2018, 05:57 PM - 1 Like	#333
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by robbiec I thought this thread was about a specific keenly awaited lens? One that should deliver a nicer image than one of those ART things and perhaps even go toe to toe with the 800lb gorilla called OTUS For some reason, the longer it takes, the more confident I am they'll get it right.

05-26-2018, 07:02 PM	#334
ZombieArmy Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 3,210	Originally posted by normhead For some reason, the longer it takes, the more confident I am they'll get it right. I mean isn't that usually the trend with Pentax?

05-27-2018, 01:22 AM - 1 Like	#335
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,674	Originally posted by normhead For some reason, the longer it takes, the more confident I am they'll get it right. Originally posted by ZombieArmy I mean isn't that usually the trend with Pentax? Agreed. The thing is, even the tiniest deficiencies will be jumped on by the naturally pessimistic types, and by those expecting absolute perfection (which, as we all know, doesn't exist) - and once the lens is released, there's no going back. So it makes absolute sense for Ricoh / Pentax to delay releasing this lens until it's as good as it can realistically be. Obviously there will be complaints about the delays, but those will fade away once it starts shipping.

05-27-2018, 03:17 AM	#336
Reed Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Warsaw Photos: Gallery Posts: 638	Every software related problem could be post-release addressed by Pentax docking hardware for lens firmware upgrade and auto-focus tuning, even simple camera USB upgrade solution software for lens would be great. I find Tamron and Sigma dock devices great addition for existing lineup of lenses when switching a camera body to newer model.

05-27-2018, 06:14 AM - 2 Likes	#337
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Reputation cannot be fixed with software.

05-27-2018, 06:33 AM	#338
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	Originally posted by Kunzite Reputation cannot be fixed with software. This is something Sony does not understand, but it is true.

05-27-2018, 08:44 AM - 4 Likes	#339
gaweidert Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Rochester, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,325	Originally posted by normhead For some reason, the longer it takes, the more confident I am they'll get it right. Years ago I was in a meeting where sales and marketing were demanding that a product be released now or they would lose sales, market share etc. Finally in exasperation the QA engineer asked "How come we never get time to do it right but we always have time to do it over?" If looks could kill, that guy would have been vaporized on the spot.

05-27-2018, 12:20 PM	#340
Reed Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Warsaw Photos: Gallery Posts: 638	Originally posted by Kunzite Reputation cannot be fixed with software. Of course- but also keep in mind that pride is mother of arrogance. Sometimes its better to fix things up post release and give end users some possibilities to do it by themselves than behave like there is no problem or fix it only by service actions. I'm sure the new DFA will deliver stellar quality-when ready. Also new SDK release is very good move. Making more of that kind releases-for example closed lend firmware update software, would only serve the good cause.

05-27-2018, 12:39 PM	#341
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	I thought we were talking about launching the lens with significant known issues which would be fixed later with a new firmware. OTOH the problem is with production, not software.

05-27-2018, 01:03 PM	#342
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	Sad but true. Not much has changed, where that comes from. But pentax has done their share of let's just go with this, with DA* zooms. But think about the damage that it has done for the brand. Some fields of building up things is based on: we did that, if you find anything to complain about, we will come to fix it. if not...see ya!(and here is the invoice) Originally posted by gaweidert Years ago I was in a meeting where sales and marketing were demanding that a product be released now or they would lose sales, market share etc. Finally in exasperation the QA engineer asked "How come we never get time to do it right but we always have time to do it over?" If looks could kill, that guy would have been vaporized on the spot.

05-28-2018, 03:00 AM	#343
Belnan Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Nova Scotia Photos: Albums Posts: 1,090	Summer of 2018 still seems a little vague. Does that mean June or August or even later. Does anyone here know?

05-28-2018, 03:40 AM - 11 Likes	#344
D1N0 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Location: --- Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,802	Nope we don't. Ask a pessimist and he will say summer is really autumn and maybe not even 2018 (they call themselves realists, don't believe them). Ask an optimist and he will say summer starts June first (meteorologically) and it will be available in shops from next Friday. Ask your wife and she will say it doesn't matter because you don't need another lens anyway and the garden needs some attention and the garbage needs to be taken out.

05-28-2018, 03:47 AM	#345
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Originally posted by repaap Sad but true. Not much has changed, where that comes from. But pentax has done their share of let's just go with this, with DA* zooms. But think about the damage that it has done for the brand. I suspect that's what they want to avoid with the DFA* - the reason of delay.