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

**clackers** · 07-15-2018, 01:42 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by mlaird

I just read more about this new 50, and I'm disappointed to find that it's incompatible with my K-5. While I have been wondering about upgrading to a newer body, I don't have any concrete plans to do so, and the new KAF4 aperture control makes this lens off-limits for me. I guess my bank account will be pleased, but my camera bag will not be....

Expect the other primes in the series to be like that, Mlaird, unfortunately.

It will work on a K-50 with aperture block failure, BTW.

**robbiec** · 07-15-2018, 02:00 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by clackers

Expect the other primes in the series to be like that, Mlaird, unfortunately.

It will work on a K-50 with aperture block failure, BTW.

Ouch..

Sandy Hancock · 07-15-2018, 09:39 PM

I have just heard from C.R.Kennedy that the first Australian shipment of the DFA*50 is expected on Friday 3rd August. A couple of weeks behind some other markets, but not too long to wait

robjmitchell · 07-16-2018, 02:45 AM

Originally posted by mlaird

I just read more about this new 50, and I'm disappointed to find that it's incompatible with my K-5. While I have been wondering about upgrading to a newer body, I don't have any concrete plans to do so, and the new KAF4 aperture control makes this lens off-limits for me. I guess my bank account will be pleased, but my camera bag will not be....

Its been made with future FF cameras in mind, not 8 year old APS-C Cameras. 43ltd and 55/1.4 give great results on APS-C. The New 11-18/2.8 is being made with the KAF3 mount so that older users do have access, so its not like they don’t care about legacy camera users. At some point they need to move forward and doing so with lenses that are covered by existing older lenses is a good way to do it, especially since the target audience is K1 users.

**Rondec** · 07-16-2018, 02:57 AM

Originally posted by mlaird

I just read more about this new 50, and I'm disappointed to find that it's incompatible with my K-5. While I have been wondering about upgrading to a newer body, I don't have any concrete plans to do so, and the new KAF4 aperture control makes this lens off-limits for me. I guess my bank account will be pleased, but my camera bag will not be....

The K-5 is getting a wee bit long in the tooth. There are plenty of cameras you could get used for not too much that are KAF 4 compatible.

I don't understand the whole reason for the KAF 4 change, but I know that one of the excuses that Sigma had for not making Pentax mount lenses had to do with the mechanical aperture control that Pentax was still using till recently. Also, I think somehow it benefits video? Regardless, it seemed as though it was something Pentax needed to do to modernize their mount.

Kunzite · 07-16-2018, 03:22 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by robjmitchell

Its been made with future FF cameras in mind, not 8 year old APS-C Cameras.

Indeed.
And it's not an "it could work either way" decision. Making the brand new D FA* 50mm f/1.4 backwards compatible with soon to be retired cameras means restricting it to a mechanism designed in 1975. The mechanical aperture linkage is slow, inaccurate, noisy, unsuitable for video, poses restrictions in lens design/aperture placement, and might introduce mechanical shock.
I'm sorry for everyone affected by this, but "I have an 8 years old camera" isn't strong enough to put up with the disadvantages.

The unfortunate thing is that the K-5 is such a nice camera... but it wasn't even made under Ricoh.

Sandy Hancock · 07-16-2018, 03:28 AM - **2 Likes**

Pentax has always made new bodies which are backwards compatible with old lenses, not the other way around.
Glass is forever.

beholder3 · 07-16-2018, 03:57 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Rondec

I don't understand the whole reason for the KAF 4 change,

It makes it easier and better for video features.
It makes it easier and better for using on (theoretical own) mirrorless cameras while at the same time raising the bar on adapting the lenses on competitor bodies.

It saves space and cost in bodies.
It can achieve better and consistent exposures with high framerates.

Kunzite · 07-16-2018, 04:04 AM

Except for saving space and cost in bodies - as cameras must offer both systems - that's a good summary.

MJKoski · 07-16-2018, 04:45 AM

Electronic aperture is more precise and can be driven faster. Some Sony FE lenses cannot be used @ 20 fps with A9 as the aperture mechanism does not work fast enough. Sony even has list which lenses work and which do not.

Winder · 07-16-2018, 05:29 AM

Originally posted by Rondec

The K-5 is getting a wee bit long in the tooth. There are plenty of cameras you could get used for not too much that are KAF 4 compatible.

I don't understand the whole reason for the KAF 4 change, but I know that one of the excuses that Sigma had for not making Pentax mount lenses had to do with the mechanical aperture control that Pentax was still using till recently. Also, I think somehow it benefits video? Regardless, it seemed as though it was something Pentax needed to do to modernize their mount.

The KAF-4 offers faster and more precise control of the aperture. It's also easier and less expensive to build lenses with electronic control vs mechanical control. It also makes it easier for 3rd party companies to adapt lenses to K-mount. So say you wanted Tamron to adapt over their 15-30mm F/2.8 or their 24-70mm F/2.8. Its easier and less expensive to do if you have an electronic aperture control.

mlaird · 07-16-2018, 06:06 AM

I realize the K5 is getting a bit old, but I usually upgrade my camera body only every other major generation. So I skipped the K3, and have been awaiting the next flagship crop sensor body. I don't think the KP really qualifies as a flagship body, although it does seem very capable. I was hoping by now to hear of at least some good rumors on what is coming next for the top of the APS-C line.

chima chinda · 07-16-2018, 06:15 AM

K1 + 50mm D FA* 50mm F1.4 review.

You Tube

Ummm, it's in Russian though.

beholder3 · 07-16-2018, 06:19 AM

Originally posted by Kunzite

Except for saving space and cost in bodies - as cameras must offer both systems

DSLR as-is yes, strategic target in the future no. If they ever build a mirrorless system in 3-5 years I expect them to drop that mechanical lever in the bodies (just in adapter).

Kunzite · 07-16-2018, 06:21 AM

Right; from this point of view it makes sense. Not to drop but rather not to include it - a new system will surely use a full-electronic mount.
I was thinking of the KAF4 itself.

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07-15-2018, 01:42 PM - 1 Like	#331
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by mlaird I just read more about this new 50, and I'm disappointed to find that it's incompatible with my K-5. While I have been wondering about upgrading to a newer body, I don't have any concrete plans to do so, and the new KAF4 aperture control makes this lens off-limits for me. I guess my bank account will be pleased, but my camera bag will not be.... Expect the other primes in the series to be like that, Mlaird, unfortunately. It will work on a K-50 with aperture block failure, BTW.

07-15-2018, 02:00 PM - 1 Like	#332
robbiec Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cork Photos: Albums Posts: 1,882	Originally posted by clackers Expect the other primes in the series to be like that, Mlaird, unfortunately. It will work on a K-50 with aperture block failure, BTW. Ouch..

07-15-2018, 09:39 PM	#333
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	I have just heard from C.R.Kennedy that the first Australian shipment of the DFA*50 is expected on Friday 3rd August. A couple of weeks behind some other markets, but not too long to wait

07-16-2018, 02:45 AM	#334
robjmitchell Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne Aus Posts: 1,776	Originally posted by mlaird I just read more about this new 50, and I'm disappointed to find that it's incompatible with my K-5. While I have been wondering about upgrading to a newer body, I don't have any concrete plans to do so, and the new KAF4 aperture control makes this lens off-limits for me. I guess my bank account will be pleased, but my camera bag will not be.... Its been made with future FF cameras in mind, not 8 year old APS-C Cameras. 43ltd and 55/1.4 give great results on APS-C. The New 11-18/2.8 is being made with the KAF3 mount so that older users do have access, so its not like they don’t care about legacy camera users. At some point they need to move forward and doing so with lenses that are covered by existing older lenses is a good way to do it, especially since the target audience is K1 users.

07-16-2018, 02:57 AM	#335
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	Originally posted by mlaird I just read more about this new 50, and I'm disappointed to find that it's incompatible with my K-5. While I have been wondering about upgrading to a newer body, I don't have any concrete plans to do so, and the new KAF4 aperture control makes this lens off-limits for me. I guess my bank account will be pleased, but my camera bag will not be.... The K-5 is getting a wee bit long in the tooth. There are plenty of cameras you could get used for not too much that are KAF 4 compatible. I don't understand the whole reason for the KAF 4 change, but I know that one of the excuses that Sigma had for not making Pentax mount lenses had to do with the mechanical aperture control that Pentax was still using till recently. Also, I think somehow it benefits video? Regardless, it seemed as though it was something Pentax needed to do to modernize their mount.

07-16-2018, 03:22 AM - 2 Likes	#336
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Originally posted by robjmitchell Its been made with future FF cameras in mind, not 8 year old APS-C Cameras. Indeed. And it's not an "it could work either way" decision. Making the brand new D FA* 50mm f/1.4 backwards compatible with soon to be retired cameras means restricting it to a mechanism designed in 1975. The mechanical aperture linkage is slow, inaccurate, noisy, unsuitable for video, poses restrictions in lens design/aperture placement, and might introduce mechanical shock. I'm sorry for everyone affected by this, but "I have an 8 years old camera" isn't strong enough to put up with the disadvantages. The unfortunate thing is that the K-5 is such a nice camera... but it wasn't even made under Ricoh.

07-16-2018, 03:28 AM - 2 Likes	#337
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	Pentax has always made new bodies which are backwards compatible with old lenses, not the other way around. Glass is forever.

07-16-2018, 03:57 AM - 1 Like	#338
beholder3 Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 3,112	Originally posted by Rondec I don't understand the whole reason for the KAF 4 change, It makes it easier and better for video features. It makes it easier and better for using on (theoretical own) mirrorless cameras while at the same time raising the bar on adapting the lenses on competitor bodies. It saves space and cost in bodies. It can achieve better and consistent exposures with high framerates.

07-16-2018, 04:04 AM	#339
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Except for saving space and cost in bodies - as cameras must offer both systems - that's a good summary.

07-16-2018, 04:45 AM	#340
MJKoski Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 1,784	Electronic aperture is more precise and can be driven faster. Some Sony FE lenses cannot be used @ 20 fps with A9 as the aperture mechanism does not work fast enough. Sony even has list which lenses work and which do not.

07-16-2018, 05:29 AM	#341
Winder Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 6,617	Originally posted by Rondec The K-5 is getting a wee bit long in the tooth. There are plenty of cameras you could get used for not too much that are KAF 4 compatible. I don't understand the whole reason for the KAF 4 change, but I know that one of the excuses that Sigma had for not making Pentax mount lenses had to do with the mechanical aperture control that Pentax was still using till recently. Also, I think somehow it benefits video? Regardless, it seemed as though it was something Pentax needed to do to modernize their mount. The KAF-4 offers faster and more precise control of the aperture. It's also easier and less expensive to build lenses with electronic control vs mechanical control. It also makes it easier for 3rd party companies to adapt lenses to K-mount. So say you wanted Tamron to adapt over their 15-30mm F/2.8 or their 24-70mm F/2.8. Its easier and less expensive to do if you have an electronic aperture control.

07-16-2018, 06:06 AM	#342
mlaird Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New England, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 75	I realize the K5 is getting a bit old, but I usually upgrade my camera body only every other major generation. So I skipped the K3, and have been awaiting the next flagship crop sensor body. I don't think the KP really qualifies as a flagship body, although it does seem very capable. I was hoping by now to hear of at least some good rumors on what is coming next for the top of the APS-C line.

07-16-2018, 06:19 AM	#344
beholder3 Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 3,112	Originally posted by Kunzite Except for saving space and cost in bodies - as cameras must offer both systems DSLR as-is yes, strategic target in the future no. If they ever build a mirrorless system in 3-5 years I expect them to drop that mechanical lever in the bodies (just in adapter).

07-16-2018, 06:21 AM	#345
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Right; from this point of view it makes sense. Not to drop but rather not to include it - a new system will surely use a full-electronic mount. I was thinking of the KAF4 itself.