Is Samyang dropping the K-mount?

fsge · 12-20-2019, 05:11 AM

I guess they produce K-mount batches like Sigma used to do with 8-16 for instance. As long as there are enough available lenses in channels Samyang do not need to produce more

**JensE** · 12-20-2019, 05:27 AM

Originally posted by Fogel70

I believe the same lenses that are avilable for Nikon F are available for Pentax K.

That's not correct, my examples above are all available for Nikon F.

**SunValley** · 12-20-2019, 06:42 AM

Originally posted by tvdtvdtvd

surely a quick note to Samyang themselves would yield a more concrete answer.

I did send an email to their general info account. Will report any news from them here. Since nobody here has actually seen a press release stating the end of production for the K-mount, I'll join the opinion of many here that the case reflects the reseller situation. Thanks to all for your replies.

BarneyL · 12-20-2019, 07:17 AM

Originally posted by JensE

Is there a new one? There has been a 24mm shift lens for ages ... The latest two lenses I'm aware of are the 135mm f/2.0 and the 12mm f/2.8 Fisheye - both outstanding, but not part of the newer design lines. Maybe the 20mm F/1.8 was in between those two. But, neither the new AF 14/2.8 and 85/1.4, nor the Premium Manual Focus 14/2.4 are available in Pentax mount. Basically Samyang did not invest into the KAF4 electronic aperture protocol.

Indeed, I stand corrected. Samyang 20mm F/1.8 has been released in 2016, so quite recently, although it's a member of the oldest line of Samyang lenses.

**TwoUptons** · 12-20-2019, 08:01 AM

I wonder if this signifies more a shift toward mirrorless autofocus lenses, which would be more of a condemnation of SLRs in general rather than K-mount in particular.
If they dropped K-mount and Nikon F, for example, that would say a lot about where they think the market is going.

I can't imagine manual focus K-mount (or F-mount) lenses are all that expensive to maintain as separate product lines if you are still building for SLRs in general, since the mount and electronics are fairly well understood.
But I thought that about Lensbaby and look where it got me...

But if all of their future lenses will have shorter registration distances, there would be no simple way to build them for SLR mounts anyway, so it would make more sense for them to focus on short-flange systems, but that would imply discontinuing Canon EF and Nikon F as well (do they make anything for Sony A mount?).

-Eric

reh321 · 12-20-2019, 08:11 AM

Originally posted by TwoUptons

I wonder if this signifies more a shift toward mirrorless autofocus lenses, which would be more of a condemnation of SLRs in general rather than K-mount in particular.
If they dropped K-mount and Nikon F, for example, that would say a lot about where they think the market is going.

I can't imagine manual focus K-mount (or F-mount) lenses are all that expensive to maintain as separate product lines if you are still building for SLRs in general, since the mount and electronics are fairly well understood.
But I thought that about Lensbaby and look where it got me...

But if all of their future lenses will have shorter registration distances, there would be no simple way to build them for SLR mounts anyway, so it would make more sense for them to focus on short-flange systems, but that would imply discontinuing Canon EF and Nikon F as well (do they make anything for Sony A mount?).

I wasn't aware that Samyang made any AF lenses.

Mistral75 · 12-20-2019, 08:39 AM

Originally posted by TwoUptons

(...) (do they make anything for Sony A mount?).

-Eric

According to their website, 14 lenses instead of 13 for Pentax K mount.

Mistral75 · 12-20-2019, 08:47 AM

Originally posted by reh321

I wasn't aware that Samyang made any AF lenses.

Canon EF:

AF 14mm f/2.8 EF
AF 85mm f/1.4 EF

Nikon F:

AF 14mm f/2.8 F
AF 85mm f/1.4 F

Canon RF:

AF 14mm f/2.8 RF

Sony E:

AF 14mm f/2.8 FE
AF 18mm f/2.8 FE
AF 24mm f/2.8 FE
AF 35mm f/1.4 FE
AF 35mm f/2.8 FE
AF 45mm f/1.8 FE
AF 50mm f/1.4 FE
AF 85mm f/1.4 FE

**barondla** · 12-20-2019, 11:11 AM

I don't understand the Lensbaby decision. They should build one T mount version that all the less popular brands could use.

Samyang probably doesn't see investment in af tech for Pentax being profitable. Doubt they are stopping production of Canikon dslr lenses. Far more of those cameras on the market than mirrorless.

Thanks,
barondla

reh321 · 12-20-2019, 11:24 AM

Originally posted by Mistral75

Canon EF:

AF 14mm f/2.8 EF
AF 85mm f/1.4 EF

Nikon F:

AF 14mm f/2.8 F
AF 85mm f/1.4 F

Canon RF:

AF 14mm f/2.8 RF

Sony E:

AF 14mm f/2.8 FE
AF 18mm f/2.8 FE
AF 24mm f/2.8 FE
AF 35mm f/1.4 FE
AF 35mm f/2.8 FE
AF 45mm f/1.8 FE
AF 50mm f/1.4 FE
AF 85mm f/1.4 FE

Since the "front end" of each focal length has the same specs, most likely these are electronic front ends with the appropriate mount added on. It would be easy to build these as KAF4 mounts, but Pentax doesn't send out the specifications. Most likely they are decided that this mount isn't their effort, but they have decided to not bother - an entirely reasonable business decision to make.

**JensE** · 12-20-2019, 11:58 AM

Originally posted by reh321

Since the "front end" of each focal length has the same specs, most likely these are electronic front ends with the appropriate mount added on.

They have different front ends for short and long flange distances (mirrorless vs. DSLR), even in the "Manul Focus" family, as can be seen from the lens diagrams in the data sheets. Their newer Nikon F lenses however, and likely the Canon EF ones, would be candidates. Not even all EF ones have been released for Nikon F though.

parinya-ekparinya · 12-20-2019, 01:50 PM

It wouldn't be a surprise for me if they do. Anyway, I would like to hear an official announcement but I'm not sure that they will say anything.

stevebrot · 12-20-2019, 03:15 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by edri

A continuation of the forum colleague's posting.

Do you think it would be the other way around?

What I think is that we don't know. Samyang may do huge production runs and may have multiple warehouses full of K-mount lenses. OTOH, perhaps they do just-in-time manufacturing.

An speculation based on what we don't know is, well, speculation.

Steve

reh321 · 12-20-2019, 03:43 PM

Originally posted by dcpropilot

Fact or speculation?

Originally posted by edri

A continuation of the forum colleague's posting.

Do you think it would be the other way around?

speculation or fact????

{doesn't make any sense}

Wasp · 12-20-2019, 03:53 PM

Originally posted by zapp

As long as Ricoh supports Pentax, I would not care.

The thing is, if you want/need something like an 85mm f/1.4 Samyang is the only game in town at the moment. It may be MF only, but the only alternatives are a used MF Pentax A* (legendary and hideously expensive) or a used AF Pentax F* (expensive). Ricoh has announced a new one and will release it soon. Any day now...

12-20-2019, 08:47 AM	#23
Mistral75 Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Paris, France Posts: 7,527	Originally posted by reh321 I wasn't aware that Samyang made any AF lenses. Canon EF: AF 14mm f/2.8 EF AF 85mm f/1.4 EF Nikon F: AF 14mm f/2.8 F AF 85mm f/1.4 F Canon RF: AF 14mm f/2.8 RF Sony E: AF 14mm f/2.8 FE AF 18mm f/2.8 FE AF 24mm f/2.8 FE AF 35mm f/1.4 FE AF 35mm f/2.8 FE AF 45mm f/1.8 FE AF 50mm f/1.4 FE AF 85mm f/1.4 FE

12-20-2019, 11:24 AM	#25
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,185	Originally posted by Mistral75 Canon EF: AF 14mm f/2.8 EF AF 85mm f/1.4 EF Nikon F: AF 14mm f/2.8 F AF 85mm f/1.4 F Canon RF: AF 14mm f/2.8 RF Sony E: AF 14mm f/2.8 FE AF 18mm f/2.8 FE AF 24mm f/2.8 FE AF 35mm f/1.4 FE AF 35mm f/2.8 FE AF 45mm f/1.8 FE AF 50mm f/1.4 FE AF 85mm f/1.4 FE Since the "front end" of each focal length has the same specs, most likely these are electronic front ends with the appropriate mount added on. It would be easy to build these as KAF4 mounts, but Pentax doesn't send out the specifications. Most likely they are decided that this mount isn't their effort, but they have decided to not bother - an entirely reasonable business decision to make.

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12-20-2019, 05:11 AM	#16
fsge Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Genf Posts: 1,138	I guess they produce K-mount batches like Sigma used to do with 8-16 for instance. As long as there are enough available lenses in channels Samyang do not need to produce more

12-20-2019, 05:27 AM	#17
JensE Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Leipzig Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,973	Originally posted by Fogel70 I believe the same lenses that are avilable for Nikon F are available for Pentax K. That's not correct, my examples above are all available for Nikon F.

12-20-2019, 06:42 AM	#18
SunValley Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Montreal, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 574 Original Poster	Originally posted by tvdtvdtvd surely a quick note to Samyang themselves would yield a more concrete answer. I did send an email to their general info account. Will report any news from them here. Since nobody here has actually seen a press release stating the end of production for the K-mount, I'll join the opinion of many here that the case reflects the reseller situation. Thanks to all for your replies.

12-20-2019, 07:17 AM	#19
BarneyL Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2017 Posts: 899	Originally posted by JensE Is there a new one? There has been a 24mm shift lens for ages ... The latest two lenses I'm aware of are the 135mm f/2.0 and the 12mm f/2.8 Fisheye - both outstanding, but not part of the newer design lines. Maybe the 20mm F/1.8 was in between those two. But, neither the new AF 14/2.8 and 85/1.4, nor the Premium Manual Focus 14/2.4 are available in Pentax mount. Basically Samyang did not invest into the KAF4 electronic aperture protocol. Indeed, I stand corrected. Samyang 20mm F/1.8 has been released in 2016, so quite recently, although it's a member of the oldest line of Samyang lenses.

12-20-2019, 08:01 AM	#20
TwoUptons Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,224	I wonder if this signifies more a shift toward mirrorless autofocus lenses, which would be more of a condemnation of SLRs in general rather than K-mount in particular. If they dropped K-mount and Nikon F, for example, that would say a lot about where they think the market is going. I can't imagine manual focus K-mount (or F-mount) lenses are all that expensive to maintain as separate product lines if you are still building for SLRs in general, since the mount and electronics are fairly well understood. But I thought that about Lensbaby and look where it got me... But if all of their future lenses will have shorter registration distances, there would be no simple way to build them for SLR mounts anyway, so it would make more sense for them to focus on short-flange systems, but that would imply discontinuing Canon EF and Nikon F as well (do they make anything for Sony A mount?). -Eric

12-20-2019, 08:11 AM	#21
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,185	Originally posted by TwoUptons I wonder if this signifies more a shift toward mirrorless autofocus lenses, which would be more of a condemnation of SLRs in general rather than K-mount in particular. If they dropped K-mount and Nikon F, for example, that would say a lot about where they think the market is going. I can't imagine manual focus K-mount (or F-mount) lenses are all that expensive to maintain as separate product lines if you are still building for SLRs in general, since the mount and electronics are fairly well understood. But I thought that about Lensbaby and look where it got me... But if all of their future lenses will have shorter registration distances, there would be no simple way to build them for SLR mounts anyway, so it would make more sense for them to focus on short-flange systems, but that would imply discontinuing Canon EF and Nikon F as well (do they make anything for Sony A mount?). I wasn't aware that Samyang made any AF lenses.

12-20-2019, 08:39 AM	#22
Mistral75 Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Paris, France Posts: 7,527	Originally posted by TwoUptons (...) (do they make anything for Sony A mount?). -Eric According to their website, 14 lenses instead of 13 for Pentax K mount.

12-20-2019, 11:11 AM	#24
barondla Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: midwest, United States Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,715	I don't understand the Lensbaby decision. They should build one T mount version that all the less popular brands could use. Samyang probably doesn't see investment in af tech for Pentax being profitable. Doubt they are stopping production of Canikon dslr lenses. Far more of those cameras on the market than mirrorless. Thanks, barondla

12-20-2019, 11:58 AM	#26
JensE Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Leipzig Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,973	Originally posted by reh321 Since the "front end" of each focal length has the same specs, most likely these are electronic front ends with the appropriate mount added on. They have different front ends for short and long flange distances (mirrorless vs. DSLR), even in the "Manul Focus" family, as can be seen from the lens diagrams in the data sheets. Their newer Nikon F lenses however, and likely the Canon EF ones, would be candidates. Not even all EF ones have been released for Nikon F though.

12-20-2019, 01:50 PM	#27
parinya-ekparinya Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Bangkok Photos: Gallery Posts: 114	It wouldn't be a surprise for me if they do. Anyway, I would like to hear an official announcement but I'm not sure that they will say anything.

12-20-2019, 03:15 PM - 1 Like	#28
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by edri A continuation of the forum colleague's posting. Do you think it would be the other way around? What I think is that we don't know. Samyang may do huge production runs and may have multiple warehouses full of K-mount lenses. OTOH, perhaps they do just-in-time manufacturing. An speculation based on what we don't know is, well, speculation. Steve

12-20-2019, 03:43 PM	#29
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,185	Originally posted by dcpropilot Fact or speculation? Originally posted by edri A continuation of the forum colleague's posting. Do you think it would be the other way around? speculation or fact???? {doesn't make any sense}

12-20-2019, 03:53 PM	#30
Wasp Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Pretoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,661	Originally posted by zapp As long as Ricoh supports Pentax, I would not care. The thing is, if you want/need something like an 85mm f/1.4 Samyang is the only game in town at the moment. It may be MF only, but the only alternatives are a used MF Pentax A* (legendary and hideously expensive) or a used AF Pentax F* (expensive). Ricoh has announced a new one and will release it soon. Any day now...