[BigMackCam]

Pentax definitely doesn't need another 50mm lens. Currently by my count they have the FA 50 f1.4, FA 43 limited, DFA *50, DFA 50 macro, and DA *55, all of which cover 35mm pretty decently. Most of those will benefit from being stopped down a bit, but I think most price ranges in that focal length are covered. And if you need cheap there are older, used 50s out there that could work too.

I guess it's just @Reed and me in the queue for the HD FA50/1.4 then

[Kunzite]

IMO all vintage lenses needed are already produced

[Reed]

I guess it's just @Reed and me in the queue for the HD FA50/1.4 then

I was told by one of biggest Pentax resellers here in Poland that they ware surprised how folks jumped over for the HD 35/2 at blackfriday(sold for ~260$) so maybe FA50 is still a possibility No R&D costs on that one, and need for new production run will be probably the factor for this to ever happen.

---------- Post added 01-23-20 at 01:17 PM ----------

IMO all vintage lenses needed are already produced

I would not get very angry if they revamp FA 20/2.8 just without lens separation and mechanical problems.

[BigMackCam]

I was told by one of biggest Pentax resellers here in Poland that they ware surprised how folks jumped over for the HD 35/2 at blackfriday(sold for ~260$) so maybe FA50 is still a possibility No R&D costs on that one, and need for new production run will be probably the factor for this to ever happen.

---------- Post added 01-23-20 at 01:17 PM ----------


I would not get very angry if they revamp FA 20/2.8 just without lens separation and mechanical problems.

I paid GBP £248 for mine, which was the lowest level here in the UK since launch (well, certainly the lowest I'd seen it sold for). SRS Microsystems is currently discounting it to £265. At this sort of price range, it's a gift. If Ricoh can make a bit of money at that post-launch discount price, great. I'd happily pay the same for an HD FA50/1.4

I'd love an HD FA28/2.8 too, but I won't hold my breath on that one

[Reed]

I paid GBP £248 for mine, which was the lowest level here in the UK since launch (well, certainly the lowest I'd seen it sold for). SRS Microsystems is currently discounting it to £265. At this sort of price range, it's a gift. If Ricoh can make a bit of money at that post-launch discount price, great. I'd happily pay the same for an HD FA50/1.4

I'd love an HD FA28/2.8 too, but I won't hold my breath on that one

Having F version of 28/2.8 and HD FA35/2 and FA35/2 in the past I have to say that I prefer the overall of 35/2, but on FF 28/2.8 angle is very nice indeed.

[Pål Jensen]

Quite right. The name of this famous Pentax lens designer is Jun Hirakawa and I believe he was responsible for the design of the 31, 43 and 77 mm Limited's. .

He was not responsible for the 31 Limited.....

[Rondec]

I guess it's just @Reed and me in the queue for the HD FA50/1.4 then

I can't imagine that being in the list of top lenses Pentax needs, but then again I didn't think they would do a HD FA 35 either. My guess is that if they sell out of their current stock of FA 50s they would do something like that then, but otherwise you'll probably need to stick with what you have.

[y0chang]

My wishlist

DFA* 85mm f1.4
DFA* 35mm f1.4
DFA* 20mm f2.0
DFA 16-35mm f4.0
DFA 70-300mm f5.6
DFA* 24mm f2.0
DA* 16-50mm f2.8 v2
DA* 50-135mm f2.8 v2

[BigMackCam]

I can't imagine that being in the list of top lenses Pentax needs, but then again I didn't think they would do a HD FA 35 either. My guess is that if they sell out of their current stock of FA 50s they would do something like that then, but otherwise you'll probably need to stick with what you have.

I'm sure you're correct. I'm guessing that's why the HD FA35/2 came along when it did... continued demand for the lens, but remaining stocks running low. Now I just have to hope there's a run on the SMC FA50/1.4...

[stevebrot]

I did ask for light, hence the PF/DO comment. Price was never mentioned .

I didn't mention price either


Steve

[stevebrot]

I wonder how many of these upcoming 10 new lenses are "Tamron Clones" (like some are saying the new 70-210mm f/4 lens is)?

FWIW, the D FA 70-210/4.0 is not a clone. It differs obviously in multiple respects from the similar Tamron offerings for Nikon and Canon (neither identical to the other). Probably, the most tantalizing is the claim by Pentax of using different glass (anomalous dispersion in two elements) than Tamron uses. Beyond that the short list runs like this:

• Quick Shift (+)
• Focus Limiter (+)
• HD SMC (+)
• SDM (may or may not be different/better than the Tamron USD)
• WR (may or may not be better than Tamron moisture resistance)
• No VC
• No Tamron Tap-in Console support
• No Tamron 6-year warranty
• No matched 1.4x and 2.0x TCs
• Does not require purchase of a Canon or Nikon body (+)

Steve

[stevebrot]

I guess it's just @Reed and me in the queue for the HD FA50/1.4 then

The main improvement there would be the grip for manual focus.


Steve

[zapp]

[*]Does not require purchase of a Canon or Nikon body (+)[/LIST]

Steve

Don’t forget that Tamron costs a little less for CaNikon. Savings could buy a used body.

[hadi]

I'd be happy if they introduce these two lenses:
135mm f 1.8 (or similar)
20mm f1.8

historically speaking, pentax has been great at making things more compact. however, the recent stuff they have been making for the K1 and full frame stuff is rather large. Would prefer it if they keep things light and compact.

[stevebrot]

I'd be happy if they introduce these two lenses:
135mm f 1.8 (or similar)
20mm f1.8

historically speaking, pentax has been great at making things more compact. however, the recent stuff they have been making for the K1 and full frame stuff is rather large. Would prefer it if they keep things light and compact.

It is unlikely that either of those would be particularly light or compact. Good points of comparison might be the Pentax-A 20/2.8 and Pentax-A* 135/1.8. Both the Pentax-A 20/2.8 and the FA version are fairly light and compact (ignoring the 70mm diameter), but adding modern in-lens AF and aperture motors along with the 1 1/3 stop increase in maximum aperture would likely result in a size increase about halfway between the older Pentax lenses and that of the Rokinon 20/1.8.

As for the Pentax-A* 135/1.8, I would expect a modern version to be at least a smidge bigger and maybe a bit lighter that the 80mm (D) x 98mm (L) at 865gm for that lens.


Image lifted from the K-mount Page: A* 135/1.8 | The K-Mount Page

That is one hunk of glass.


Steve