RICOH ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF HD PENTAX-D FA★50mm F1.4 SDM AW STAR-SERIES LENS

Kunzite · 07-09-2018, 11:49 PM - **2 Likes**

You can see the aperture control unit here:
PENTAX LENS TECHNOLOGY | PENTAX STAR LENS | RICOH IMAGING
Doesn't look like a plug-in replacement.

**Rondec** · 07-10-2018, 02:43 AM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by Mark Ransom

I admit it was pure speculation, which is why my first two words were "I think".

As far as negative perceptions, which is more negative - that Pentax was being overly conservative, or that they are totally clueless when it comes to projecting demand? In any case it's a problem that is easily rectified, and I do consider it a positive sign overall. I notice you didn't take exception to that part of my statement.

I think demand is just really high. Pentax (like all brands) does runs of lenses to cover demand for the next year or two and then will shut that line down and work on other lenses. There would be no point to their making just twenty-five or fifty lenses. They will keep building DFA *50 lenses until they have a sizeable store of them and then move on.

I would just read this statement as a positive one (Pentaxians are really interested in high end gear and are willing to pay for it), rather than a negative one (Pentax is run by idiots who are clueless at projecting demand). If demand is high, it will give more encouragement to get the other DFA * primes out the door.

Kunzite · 07-10-2018, 02:52 AM - **1 Like**

It's also quite possible that it's intentional - tooling and training enough people to cover the initial demand is a waste IMO. So they might've been planning for a lower, steadier production rate.

reh321 · 07-10-2018, 03:21 AM

Originally posted by Mark Ransom

I think it's more down to over-conservative bean-counters at Pentax. They refused to authorize a realistic amount of up-front build without demonstrated demand.

On the other hand it's probably a positive signal for green-lighting similar projects at headquarters.

I don't see any reason to use the word "over" before the word "conservative"; Nikon had a similar position with respect to the D850 .... and everyone thought it was great that demand was larger than expected.

Kunzite · 07-10-2018, 03:34 AM - **3 Likes**

Rule #1. Anything that happens with Pentax, is bad.
Rule #2. If something good happens, see rule #1.

beholder3 · 07-10-2018, 04:07 AM

Originally posted by Rondec

I think demand is just really high. Pentax (like all brands) does runs of lenses to cover demand for the next year or two and then will shut that line down and work on other lenses. There would be no point to their making just twenty-five or fifty lenses. They will keep building DFA *50 lenses until they have a sizeable store of them and then move on.

I would just read this statement as a positive one (Pentaxians are really interested in high end gear and are willing to pay for it), rather than a negative one (Pentax is run by idiots who are clueless at projecting demand). If demand is high, it will give more encouragement to get the other DFA * primes out the door.

Obviously you are right.

chima chinda · 07-10-2018, 04:55 AM

Originally posted by biz-engineer

I'm sure this DFA*50 is going to be an exceptional lens (similar to the Leica) but with Pentax star rendering and Pentax price. Question for me is what's next. I'm invested in so much new Pentax lenses right now that I would need to have more clarity on Pentax future before I commit any more money to Pentax lenses. Postponement of the 11-18 was not reassuring me because I wonder how Ricoh are going to be able to keep customers without a regular refresh of their product line.

I'm in a similar situation with Pentax but I can somehow understand why they're threading so carefully.

Nevertheless it is discouraging.

thibs · 07-10-2018, 06:24 AM

Originally posted by Kunzite

You can see the aperture control unit here:
PENTAX LENS TECHNOLOGY | PENTAX STAR LENS | RICOH IMAGING
Doesn't look like a plug-in replacement.

Difficult to draw a conclusion but that is anyway for the picture, very interesting.

Mark Ransom · 07-10-2018, 06:27 AM

Originally posted by Kunzite

It's also quite possible that it's intentional - tooling and training enough people to cover the initial demand is a waste IMO. So they might've been planning for a lower, steadier production rate.

It also might be intentional to try to create some buzz for the brand, I didn't even think of that. Something that's unobtainable is always just a little more desirable.

beholder3 · 07-10-2018, 06:31 AM

Originally posted by thibs

Difficult to draw a conclusion but that is anyway for the picture, very interesting.

Good modern technology like this will help all future lenses.

reh321 · 07-10-2018, 07:30 AM

Originally posted by biz-engineer

I'm sure this DFA*50 is going to be an exceptional lens (similar to the Leica) but with Pentax star rendering and Pentax price. Question for me is what's next. I'm invested in so much new Pentax lenses right now that I would need to have more clarity on Pentax future before I commit any more money to Pentax lenses. Postponement of the 11-18 was not reassuring me because I wonder how Ricoh are going to be able to keep customers without a regular refresh of their product line.

The future of 'star' lenses is that they will take care with them - they will do it right. Would doing less than that be encouraging to you???

robjmitchell · 07-10-2018, 03:34 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Kunzite

It's also quite possible that it's intentional - tooling and training enough people to cover the initial demand is a waste IMO. So they might've been planning for a lower, steadier production rate.

The whole delay was caused by slow throughput due to the high precision requirements and QC. Doubling the size of the production line and no of staff assembling the lenses is a huge cost that can be avoided just by taking their time. Overcapacity is a killer in manufacturing.

k1man · 07-10-2018, 07:36 PM

Originally posted by MrB1

"This lens features a newly developed ring-type SDM (supersonic direct-drive motor), which generates as much as 7.5 times the torque as the SDM installed in previous-generation lenses. This enormous driving power assures a smooth, high-speed shift of the heavy, multi-element rear lens group during focusing operation."

Will this have a significant effect on battery charge duration?

hi, i am just curious as to what motors are in the first 3 f2.8 lenses pentax brought out more or less with the k1, or are they gonna be reissued with superduper motors, regards ian

Sandy Hancock · 07-10-2018, 07:51 PM

Originally posted by k1man

What motors are in the first 3 f2.8 lenses Pentax brought out more or less with the K-1, or will they be reissued with superduper motors?

I was not aware the existing motors were in any way a problem. Why would you want them revised?

To answer the first part of your question, as far as I'm aware, the DFA15-30 and DFA24-70 have whatever Tamron's SDM analogue is (not to be confused with the glitchy SDM in the DA* zooms), and the DFA*70-200 has a Pentax-designed DC motor.

k1man · 07-10-2018, 07:56 PM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

That was the only way to stop that torquey AF from ripping the lens from the mount

hi, just a quick question, what motors are in the 3 2.8 lenses that were brought out more or less with the k1, or is this a new type that the others will need to be redone or something, bit confused with all of this, thanks ian

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07-09-2018, 11:49 PM - 2 Likes	#256
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	You can see the aperture control unit here: PENTAX LENS TECHNOLOGY \| PENTAX STAR LENS \| RICOH IMAGING Doesn't look like a plug-in replacement.

07-10-2018, 02:43 AM - 3 Likes	#257
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	Originally posted by Mark Ransom I admit it was pure speculation, which is why my first two words were "I think". As far as negative perceptions, which is more negative - that Pentax was being overly conservative, or that they are totally clueless when it comes to projecting demand? In any case it's a problem that is easily rectified, and I do consider it a positive sign overall. I notice you didn't take exception to that part of my statement. I think demand is just really high. Pentax (like all brands) does runs of lenses to cover demand for the next year or two and then will shut that line down and work on other lenses. There would be no point to their making just twenty-five or fifty lenses. They will keep building DFA 50 lenses until they have a sizeable store of them and then move on. I would just read this statement as a positive one (Pentaxians are really interested in high end gear and are willing to pay for it), rather than a negative one (Pentax is run by idiots who are clueless at projecting demand). If demand is high, it will give more encouragement to get the other DFA primes out the door.

07-10-2018, 02:52 AM - 1 Like	#258
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	It's also quite possible that it's intentional - tooling and training enough people to cover the initial demand is a waste IMO. So they might've been planning for a lower, steadier production rate.

07-10-2018, 03:21 AM	#259
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,179	Originally posted by Mark Ransom I think it's more down to over-conservative bean-counters at Pentax. They refused to authorize a realistic amount of up-front build without demonstrated demand. On the other hand it's probably a positive signal for green-lighting similar projects at headquarters. I don't see any reason to use the word "over" before the word "conservative"; Nikon had a similar position with respect to the D850 .... and everyone thought it was great that demand was larger than expected.

07-10-2018, 03:34 AM - 3 Likes	#260
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Rule #1. Anything that happens with Pentax, is bad. Rule #2. If something good happens, see rule #1.

07-10-2018, 04:07 AM	#261
beholder3 Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 3,112	Originally posted by Rondec I think demand is just really high. Pentax (like all brands) does runs of lenses to cover demand for the next year or two and then will shut that line down and work on other lenses. There would be no point to their making just twenty-five or fifty lenses. They will keep building DFA 50 lenses until they have a sizeable store of them and then move on. I would just read this statement as a positive one (Pentaxians are really interested in high end gear and are willing to pay for it), rather than a negative one (Pentax is run by idiots who are clueless at projecting demand). If demand is high, it will give more encouragement to get the other DFA primes out the door. Obviously you are right.

07-10-2018, 04:55 AM	#262
chima chinda Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Lagos Photos: Albums Posts: 60	Originally posted by biz-engineer I'm sure this DFA*50 is going to be an exceptional lens (similar to the Leica) but with Pentax star rendering and Pentax price. Question for me is what's next. I'm invested in so much new Pentax lenses right now that I would need to have more clarity on Pentax future before I commit any more money to Pentax lenses. Postponement of the 11-18 was not reassuring me because I wonder how Ricoh are going to be able to keep customers without a regular refresh of their product line. I'm in a similar situation with Pentax but I can somehow understand why they're threading so carefully. Nevertheless it is discouraging.

07-10-2018, 06:24 AM	#263
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	Originally posted by Kunzite You can see the aperture control unit here: PENTAX LENS TECHNOLOGY \| PENTAX STAR LENS \| RICOH IMAGING Doesn't look like a plug-in replacement. Difficult to draw a conclusion but that is anyway for the picture, very interesting.

07-10-2018, 06:27 AM	#264
Mark Ransom Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 498	Originally posted by Kunzite It's also quite possible that it's intentional - tooling and training enough people to cover the initial demand is a waste IMO. So they might've been planning for a lower, steadier production rate. It also might be intentional to try to create some buzz for the brand, I didn't even think of that. Something that's unobtainable is always just a little more desirable.

07-10-2018, 06:31 AM	#265
beholder3 Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 3,112	Originally posted by thibs Difficult to draw a conclusion but that is anyway for the picture, very interesting. Good modern technology like this will help all future lenses.

07-10-2018, 07:30 AM	#266
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,179	Originally posted by biz-engineer I'm sure this DFA*50 is going to be an exceptional lens (similar to the Leica) but with Pentax star rendering and Pentax price. Question for me is what's next. I'm invested in so much new Pentax lenses right now that I would need to have more clarity on Pentax future before I commit any more money to Pentax lenses. Postponement of the 11-18 was not reassuring me because I wonder how Ricoh are going to be able to keep customers without a regular refresh of their product line. The future of 'star' lenses is that they will take care with them - they will do it right. Would doing less than that be encouraging to you???

07-10-2018, 03:34 PM - 1 Like	#267
robjmitchell Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne Aus Posts: 1,776	Originally posted by Kunzite It's also quite possible that it's intentional - tooling and training enough people to cover the initial demand is a waste IMO. So they might've been planning for a lower, steadier production rate. The whole delay was caused by slow throughput due to the high precision requirements and QC. Doubling the size of the production line and no of staff assembling the lenses is a huge cost that can be avoided just by taking their time. Overcapacity is a killer in manufacturing.

07-10-2018, 07:36 PM	#268
k1man Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Si Chiang Mai. Nong Khai Province Photos: Albums Posts: 358	Originally posted by MrB1 "This lens features a newly developed ring-type SDM (supersonic direct-drive motor), which generates as much as 7.5 times the torque as the SDM installed in previous-generation lenses. This enormous driving power assures a smooth, high-speed shift of the heavy, multi-element rear lens group during focusing operation." Will this have a significant effect on battery charge duration? hi, i am just curious as to what motors are in the first 3 f2.8 lenses pentax brought out more or less with the k1, or are they gonna be reissued with superduper motors, regards ian

07-10-2018, 07:51 PM	#269
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	Originally posted by k1man What motors are in the first 3 f2.8 lenses Pentax brought out more or less with the K-1, or will they be reissued with superduper motors? I was not aware the existing motors were in any way a problem. Why would you want them revised? To answer the first part of your question, as far as I'm aware, the DFA15-30 and DFA24-70 have whatever Tamron's SDM analogue is (not to be confused with the glitchy SDM in the DA* zooms), and the DFA*70-200 has a Pentax-designed DC motor.

07-10-2018, 07:56 PM	#270
k1man Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Si Chiang Mai. Nong Khai Province Photos: Albums Posts: 358	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock That was the only way to stop that torquey AF from ripping the lens from the mount hi, just a quick question, what motors are in the 3 2.8 lenses that were brought out more or less with the k1, or is this a new type that the others will need to be redone or something, bit confused with all of this, thanks ian