[ogl]

If the rumor is true about an FA35 2 re-release, that's going to send the wrong "brand" message to Pentax customers, better not re-release the FA35 2 unless it comes as same optical formula, more rounded blades, new WR frame, and eventually in lens AF. Not doing that doesn't quite show commitment to the Pentax brand, but rather the opposite (depleting old stock).

As for me new FA35 must be with 7 or 8 rounded blades apertures and WR. Not only HD. And with DC motor. To add HD and to change body design just a bit are not serious...

[D1N0]

I wonder if the FA 50 f1.4 is going to get this treatment eventually as well?

I was kind of hoping for a metal takumar look, this is the nineties with a modern matte finish and a bit better focus ring (hopefully quickshift).
vs old

[ogl]

The 35/2 and 50/1.4 still sell in Japan. They’re probably out of stock on the 35/2 so they need to run a batch. Adding 20 / 28 / 35 / 50 with HD coatings = Proven tech on (some of them) cult lenses and would be an interesting take, though DPR would absolutely FLAME them. Update to this new barrel with HD and where appropriate rounded blades, (FA20/2.8), F28/2.8, F50/1.7. Keep the FA 50/.4 until out then make it a Limited and update the DA50/1.8 to D FA.

They still sell in Russia without any problems...

Add only HD without any changing of drive, optical design and aperture blades to old lenses is rather stupid move.

[pres589]

Oh, like the DA 20-40? That would have been cool. I still think the current D-FA 100 Macro looks pretty sweet as well but that look doesn't seem to have made it to anything else really.

[ogl]

I was kind of hoping for a metal takumar look, this is the nineties with a modern matte finish and a bit better focus ring (hopefully quickshift).
vs old

as for me - old smooth aperture ring is better than new one. less dirt and dust and easy to clean.

[repaap]

If the rumor is true about an FA35 2 re-release, that's going to send the wrong "brand" message to Pentax customers, better not re-release the FA35 2 unless it comes as same optical formula, more rounded blades, new WR frame, and eventually in lens AF. Not doing that doesn't quite show commitment to the Pentax brand, but rather the opposite (depleting old stock).

Well little improving old formula is not dishonoring old desing, it is updating. About WR one more blade and DC motor, it might not be needed, but making those blades curved is just modern thing, not dishonoring anyone.

The 35/2 and 50/1.4 still sell in Japan. They’re probably out of stock on the 35/2 so they need to run a batch. Adding 20 / 28 / 35 / 50 with HD coatings = Proven tech on (some of them) cult lenses and would be an interesting take, though DPR would absolutely FLAME them. Update to this new barrel with HD and where appropriate rounded blades, (FA20/2.8), F28/2.8, F50/1.7. Keep the FA 50/.4 until out then make it a Limited and update the DA50/1.8 to D FA.

I'd say this thing of remake FA 20, 28, 35, 50, heck, even 135 would be marvelous news! Lot of people enjoy of using those old things, but are little put of possibility of misangliments, lens falling in peaces, ect. Resolving fringing and improve Bokeh and sharpnes, viola! And they would have amazing lens lineup, with possibility of having stateof art 35, 50, 85/1,4 and zooms to go along!

---------- Post added 01-29-19 at 21:44 ----------

They still sell in Russia without any problems...

Add only HD without any changing of drive, optical design and aperture blades to old lenses is rather stupid move.

not having atleast curved blades it would be strange indeed.

[normhead]

OK a lens with a DOF scale, there's something I can appreciate. That means my DA 35 2.4 will be looking for a new home. What was pentax thinking anyway, a 35 without a DoF scale?

[c.a.m]

I don't own an FA 35/2, but my impression is that it's a fine lens, based on many comments I've read here on Pentax Forums and the reviews in the review section. Indeed, if Ricoh were to scour PF for signs of interest, they would almost certainly conclude that this FA model is well regarded and probably worthy of a modest tweak.

As for the presumed screw-drive, many folks seem to be happy enough with the existing screw-driven lenses in the FA- and DA Limited series. No, they're not as quiet as the SDM, DC and PLM lenses, but I wouldn't say the screw-and-gear noise is outrageous. Of the lenses in my kit, the only one that annoys me occasionally is the 35mm Limited, when it racks from MFD -- but that's a unusually long focus throw.


- Craig

[TwoUptons]

OK a lens with a DOF scale, there's something I can appreciate. That means my DA 35 2.4 will be looking for a new home. What was pentax thinking anyway, a 35 without a DoF scale?

In the image of the HD-FA35, there’s a little flare on the right of the barrel.
Is that writing or something else? I can’t tell on my phone...
Would quick shift need any visible sign?
It’s probably just a label...

-Eric

[zapp]

Looks ok and will do the job for sure. Another 35mm for Pentax. Could be interesting, but was not long awaiting or missing. More specs will be available soon.
If this is the large aperture wide angle lens from the roadmap - marked in * color btw. - it probably does not meet all our expectations.

[pathdoc]

Nokishita Camera just posted a low-res picture. Same link as the OP.

The valiant last stand of the manual aperture ring. Depending on the damping, it might be an interesting go-to for my film bodies.

[biz-engineer]

As for me new FA35 must be with 7 or 8 rounded blades apertures and WR. Not only HD. And with DC motor. To add HD and to change body design just a bit are not serious...

Thank for sharing your thoughts. If the new FA35 had 7 or 8 rounded blades and WR with DC motor, do you plan to buy it for using it on your Pentax K1 ?

---------- Post added 29-01-19 at 21:28 ----------

I was kind of hoping for a metal takumar look, this is the nineties with a modern matte finish and a bit better focus ring (hopefully quickshift).

The new one looks smaller according to the pictures ;-)

[taktoon]

There is a hint on pentaxrumors about one more lens but it can be a long shot. It is fa 28-70 f4

[ThorSanchez]

Thank for sharing your thoughts. If the new FA35 had 7 or 8 rounded blades and WR with DC motor, do you plan to buy it for using it on your Pentax K1 ?

---------- Post added 29-01-19 at 21:28 ----------


The new one looks smaller according to the pictures ;-)

I would consider it as a solution to my problem of not having a WR lens in the normal range. On APS-C. I'm fine with something like a 15/40/55-300 kit, except on rainy days.

[sundown]

I think the 35mm looks ... I don't know. It either reminds me of a turtle ninja or a hand grenade, for some reason.