Updated Roadmap - May 2020

bertwert · 05-15-2020, 11:33 AM

Originally posted by D1N0

I didn't forget, I didn't know

Wasn't accusing you of forgetfulness - just it seems like it'll be a pretty neat lens!

**sbh** · 05-15-2020, 11:35 AM

Originally posted by Kunzite

No, it was there for years and it's indeed a separate thing from the D FA Limited. The 21mm is what was previously known as the "ultra wide-angle single focus lens".

The wide angle might be the 3rd D FA* prime I reckon.

Originally posted by H. Sapiens

I think it is safe to assume that as soon as the 85mm is out the door, the engineers will go for a weekend of heavy drinking and adultery in the back alleys of Tokyo, before they put their full attention to this projected WA, which will be in the same philosophy as the 50mm and 85mm.

They well deserve it. Hoping for a 35mm Star lens to extend my small but nice little collection around the fat fifty. I'd really enjoy 35/50/85. I don't need much more. A 20mm for landscapes might be a nice addition.

**aslyfox** · 05-15-2020, 03:07 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by FozzFoster

Hey!

Looks like the roadmap has been updated to include the DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 and the D FA 21mm ltd!

http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/lens/images/K_Mount_Lens.pdf

Quote:

D FA 21mm Limited ED DC WR
Pentax's premium Limited lens series has attained an almost legendary status: through compact lenses with non-traditional focal lengths, compact all-metal barrels, and distinctive image rendering, these lenses deliver something truly unique to Pentax.

Like other Limited lenses, the new D FA 21mm Limited will be available in both black and silver. Despite being a ultra-wide-angle full-frame lens, it remains compact and will be about the same size as the existing FA 31mm F1.8 Limited. What we like about this lens is that it bolsters the existing lineup of FA Limiteds rather than serving as a replacement.

Moreover, this will be the first Limited prime lens to include weather sealing as well as a silent DC motor. To see both of these features in a compact lens is no small feat!

When asked about the optical characteristics of the lens, Iwasaki said that it would deliver a true-to-life sense of depth (typical of Limited lenses) and that it has been designed with the quality of the final image in mind. The goal of these lenses is to deliver years, or even decades, of enjoyment.

The maximum aperture has not yet been announced, but based on the markings on the lens, it appears to be at or below F4. In traditional Limited fashion, we suspect that the final number may be a non-standard value, such as F3.6 for example.

The new 21mm Limited is slated for launch in 2021. We expect to see it late in the year, after the DA* 16-50mm.

Read more at: Pentax Product Updates for CP+ 2020 - Trade Shows | PentaxForums.com

a " tip of the hat " to the PF staff

alamo5000 · 05-15-2020, 05:27 PM - **1 Like**

I haven't been active on the forum for a while but did I just read that right? A full frame WR 21mm prime?

If so I am definitely interested.

*pops champagne cork*

Mistral75 · 05-15-2020, 05:42 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by alamo5000

I haven't been active on the forum for a while but did I just read that right? A full frame WR 21mm prime?

If so I am definitely interested.

*pops champagne cork*

D FA 21 Limited is one of the three. - PentaxForums.com

**robbiec** · 05-15-2020, 06:54 PM

Presumably the other prime lens listed in development is the HD Pentax-D FA*35/1.4?

mee · 05-15-2020, 09:20 PM

Originally posted by alamo5000

I haven't been active on the forum for a while but did I just read that right? A full frame WR 21mm prime?

If so I am definitely interested.

*pops champagne cork*

Yeah its crazy isn't it? Almost as if all the continual requests and pleading for WR DC primes actually made it to Ricoh Pentax Japan HQ and they concurred with the notion. And they started off with a wide angle no less... excellent.

I hope it sells rather well and they then offer more WR DC primes in the near future. It is too bad they reheated the FA 35 f/2 so quickly without giving it a similar treatment. I wonder if the 31 f/1.8 Limited gets the update works next?

**BigMackCam** · 05-15-2020, 11:02 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by mee

It is too bad they reheated the FA 35 f/2 so quickly without giving it a similar treatment.

I think that was merely a means to keep producing a lens that continues to sell reasonably well on its own merits to both APS-C and full frame users. There are virtually no brand new SMC FA35/2s available here in the UK now, and none from main Pentax dealers - which supports the notion that it was still selling. Plus, the street price of the "new" HD model has quickly fallen to around what the old SMC model sold for (I paid even less for mine). I suspect Ricoh had simply run out of SMC glass, or something like that, wanted another production run of the lens, and probably felt they had to at least make it cosmetically coherent with other modern Pentax gear. The HD model was just a low-cost, minimal development option to keep a popular lens alive whilst they worked on more important things.

Optically, the FA35/2 design still holds up very well today - especially at f/2.2 onwards. I'd have been overjoyed if it was WR and had near-silent focusing, but less so if PLM AF resulted in focus-by-wire MF.

I imagine the next Pentax lens at this focal length will be an even faster D FA* model to sit alongside the 50mm and forthcoming 85mm lenses...

D1N0 · 05-16-2020, 01:35 AM

So maybe Ricoh can update the other limiteds to the new standard. People that want an aperture ring can stick to the old ones

. I don't like the finish on the Silver version. It looks plasticky.

**Serkevan** · 05-16-2020, 01:39 AM

Originally posted by BigMackCam

I think that was merely a means to keep producing a lens that continues to sell reasonably well on its own merits to both APS-C and full frame users. There are virtually no brand new SMC FA35/2s available here in the UK now, and none from main Pentax dealers - which supports the notion that it was still selling. Plus, the street price of the "new" HD model has quickly fallen to around what the old SMC model sold for (I paid even less for mine). I suspect Ricoh had simply run out of SMC glass, or something like that, wanted another production run of the lens, and probably felt they had to at least make it cosmetically coherent with other modern Pentax gear. The HD model was just a low-cost, minimal development option to keep a popular lens alive whilst they worked on more important things.

Optically, the FA35/2 design still holds up very well today - especially at f/2.2 onwards. I'd have been overjoyed if it was WR and had near-silent focusing, but less so if PLM AF resulted in focus-by-wire MF.

I imagine the next Pentax lens at this focal length will be an even faster D FA* model to sit alongside the 50mm and forthcoming 85mm lenses...

The HD 35/2 in Germany is, in fact, ~100€ *cheaper* than the SMC for whatever reason. In every store I've seen, even the official Ricoh one!

gatorguy · 05-16-2020, 07:50 AM

Originally posted by D1N0

So maybe Ricoh can update the other limiteds to the new standard. People that want an aperture ring can stick to the old ones

. I don't like the finish on the Silver version. It looks plasticky.

Completely agree.

thibs · 05-16-2020, 10:30 AM

Originally posted by mee

Yeah its crazy isn't it? Almost as if all the continual requests and pleading for WR DC primes actually made it to Ricoh Pentax Japan HQ and they concurred with the notion. And they started off with a wide angle no less... excellent.

I hope it sells rather well and they then offer more WR DC primes in the near future. It is too bad they reheated the FA 35 f/2 so quickly without giving it a similar treatment. I wonder if the 31 f/1.8 Limited gets the update works next?

But this in no update at all. That's a huge difference. They don't have to work with anything existing.

repaap · 05-16-2020, 11:09 PM

There’s still that FF 70-300 prosumer zoom on its way on that roadmap. To company my 28-105? Sweet! That 21 limited and 85 is really calling my name! Love that 16-50 also! My 16-50 which has served me well from 2009 is still kicking, and this update has been awaited for long time. Snappy focus DA* zoom is putting Pentax aps-c back in the game.

totsmuyco · 05-16-2020, 11:37 PM

Originally posted by D1N0

Well they moved the AF/MF switch down and the window has gone, so it is not a simple coatings update

This upgrade shows the company's commitment to APSC, I hope there'll be more.

MikeyBugs95 · 05-17-2020, 04:23 PM

I like it all. Only thing I don't really like is the lack of a focus window on the new DA*. Other than that it looks good. Now a day after I get a Sigma 18-35 Art, they go and announce this... Anyways, I definitely want the new camera. I will be getting that after it's released assuming I have the free budget for it.

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05-15-2020, 11:33 AM	#16
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	Originally posted by D1N0 I didn't forget, I didn't know Wasn't accusing you of forgetfulness - just it seems like it'll be a pretty neat lens!

05-15-2020, 11:35 AM	#17
sbh Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Black Forest, Germany Photos: Gallery Posts: 849	Originally posted by Kunzite No, it was there for years and it's indeed a separate thing from the D FA Limited. The 21mm is what was previously known as the "ultra wide-angle single focus lens". The wide angle might be the 3rd D FA* prime I reckon. Originally posted by H. Sapiens I think it is safe to assume that as soon as the 85mm is out the door, the engineers will go for a weekend of heavy drinking and adultery in the back alleys of Tokyo, before they put their full attention to this projected WA, which will be in the same philosophy as the 50mm and 85mm. They well deserve it. Hoping for a 35mm Star lens to extend my small but nice little collection around the fat fifty. I'd really enjoy 35/50/85. I don't need much more. A 20mm for landscapes might be a nice addition.

05-15-2020, 03:07 PM - 1 Like	#18
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by FozzFoster Hey! Looks like the roadmap has been updated to include the DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 and the D FA 21mm ltd! http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/lens/images/K_Mount_Lens.pdf Quote: D FA 21mm Limited ED DC WR Pentax's premium Limited lens series has attained an almost legendary status: through compact lenses with non-traditional focal lengths, compact all-metal barrels, and distinctive image rendering, these lenses deliver something truly unique to Pentax. Like other Limited lenses, the new D FA 21mm Limited will be available in both black and silver. Despite being a ultra-wide-angle full-frame lens, it remains compact and will be about the same size as the existing FA 31mm F1.8 Limited. What we like about this lens is that it bolsters the existing lineup of FA Limiteds rather than serving as a replacement. Moreover, this will be the first Limited prime lens to include weather sealing as well as a silent DC motor. To see both of these features in a compact lens is no small feat! When asked about the optical characteristics of the lens, Iwasaki said that it would deliver a true-to-life sense of depth (typical of Limited lenses) and that it has been designed with the quality of the final image in mind. The goal of these lenses is to deliver years, or even decades, of enjoyment. The maximum aperture has not yet been announced, but based on the markings on the lens, it appears to be at or below F4. In traditional Limited fashion, we suspect that the final number may be a non-standard value, such as F3.6 for example. The new 21mm Limited is slated for launch in 2021. We expect to see it late in the year, after the DA* 16-50mm. Read more at: Pentax Product Updates for CP+ 2020 - Trade Shows \| PentaxForums.com a " tip of the hat " to the PF staff

05-15-2020, 05:27 PM - 1 Like	#19
alamo5000 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 2,962	I haven't been active on the forum for a while but did I just read that right? A full frame WR 21mm prime? If so I am definitely interested. pops champagne cork

05-15-2020, 05:42 PM - 1 Like	#20
Mistral75 Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Paris, France Posts: 7,527	Originally posted by alamo5000 I haven't been active on the forum for a while but did I just read that right? A full frame WR 21mm prime? If so I am definitely interested. pops champagne cork D FA 21 Limited is one of the three. - PentaxForums.com

05-15-2020, 06:54 PM	#21
robbiec Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cork Photos: Albums Posts: 1,882	Presumably the other prime lens listed in development is the HD Pentax-D FA*35/1.4?

05-15-2020, 09:20 PM	#22
mee Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 7,403	Originally posted by alamo5000 I haven't been active on the forum for a while but did I just read that right? A full frame WR 21mm prime? If so I am definitely interested. pops champagne cork Yeah its crazy isn't it? Almost as if all the continual requests and pleading for WR DC primes actually made it to Ricoh Pentax Japan HQ and they concurred with the notion. And they started off with a wide angle no less... excellent. I hope it sells rather well and they then offer more WR DC primes in the near future. It is too bad they reheated the FA 35 f/2 so quickly without giving it a similar treatment. I wonder if the 31 f/1.8 Limited gets the update works next?

05-15-2020, 11:02 PM - 2 Likes	#23
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,670	Originally posted by mee It is too bad they reheated the FA 35 f/2 so quickly without giving it a similar treatment. I think that was merely a means to keep producing a lens that continues to sell reasonably well on its own merits to both APS-C and full frame users. There are virtually no brand new SMC FA35/2s available here in the UK now, and none from main Pentax dealers - which supports the notion that it was still selling. Plus, the street price of the "new" HD model has quickly fallen to around what the old SMC model sold for (I paid even less for mine). I suspect Ricoh had simply run out of SMC glass, or something like that, wanted another production run of the lens, and probably felt they had to at least make it cosmetically coherent with other modern Pentax gear. The HD model was just a low-cost, minimal development option to keep a popular lens alive whilst they worked on more important things. Optically, the FA35/2 design still holds up very well today - especially at f/2.2 onwards. I'd have been overjoyed if it was WR and had near-silent focusing, but less so if PLM AF resulted in focus-by-wire MF. I imagine the next Pentax lens at this focal length will be an even faster D FA* model to sit alongside the 50mm and forthcoming 85mm lenses...

05-16-2020, 01:35 AM	#24
D1N0 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Location: --- Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,802	So maybe Ricoh can update the other limiteds to the new standard. People that want an aperture ring can stick to the old ones . I don't like the finish on the Silver version. It looks plasticky.

05-16-2020, 01:39 AM	#25
Serkevan Site Supporter Join Date: May 2019 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,976	Originally posted by BigMackCam I think that was merely a means to keep producing a lens that continues to sell reasonably well on its own merits to both APS-C and full frame users. There are virtually no brand new SMC FA35/2s available here in the UK now, and none from main Pentax dealers - which supports the notion that it was still selling. Plus, the street price of the "new" HD model has quickly fallen to around what the old SMC model sold for (I paid even less for mine). I suspect Ricoh had simply run out of SMC glass, or something like that, wanted another production run of the lens, and probably felt they had to at least make it cosmetically coherent with other modern Pentax gear. The HD model was just a low-cost, minimal development option to keep a popular lens alive whilst they worked on more important things. Optically, the FA35/2 design still holds up very well today - especially at f/2.2 onwards. I'd have been overjoyed if it was WR and had near-silent focusing, but less so if PLM AF resulted in focus-by-wire MF. I imagine the next Pentax lens at this focal length will be an even faster D FA* model to sit alongside the 50mm and forthcoming 85mm lenses... The HD 35/2 in Germany is, in fact, ~100€ cheaper than the SMC for whatever reason. In every store I've seen, even the official Ricoh one!

05-16-2020, 07:50 AM	#26
gatorguy Moderator Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Central Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,092	Originally posted by D1N0 So maybe Ricoh can update the other limiteds to the new standard. People that want an aperture ring can stick to the old ones . I don't like the finish on the Silver version. It looks plasticky. Completely agree.

05-16-2020, 10:30 AM	#27
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	Originally posted by mee Yeah its crazy isn't it? Almost as if all the continual requests and pleading for WR DC primes actually made it to Ricoh Pentax Japan HQ and they concurred with the notion. And they started off with a wide angle no less... excellent. I hope it sells rather well and they then offer more WR DC primes in the near future. It is too bad they reheated the FA 35 f/2 so quickly without giving it a similar treatment. I wonder if the 31 f/1.8 Limited gets the update works next? But this in no update at all. That's a huge difference. They don't have to work with anything existing.

05-16-2020, 11:09 PM	#28
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	There’s still that FF 70-300 prosumer zoom on its way on that roadmap. To company my 28-105? Sweet! That 21 limited and 85 is really calling my name! Love that 16-50 also! My 16-50 which has served me well from 2009 is still kicking, and this update has been awaited for long time. Snappy focus DA* zoom is putting Pentax aps-c back in the game.

05-16-2020, 11:37 PM	#29
totsmuyco Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Iloilo City Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,276	Originally posted by D1N0 Well they moved the AF/MF switch down and the window has gone, so it is not a simple coatings update This upgrade shows the company's commitment to APSC, I hope there'll be more.

05-17-2020, 04:23 PM	#30
MikeyBugs95 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,206	I like it all. Only thing I don't really like is the lack of a focus window on the new DA*. Other than that it looks good. Now a day after I get a Sigma 18-35 Art, they go and announce this... Anyways, I definitely want the new camera. I will be getting that after it's released assuming I have the free budget for it.