Originally posted by BarneyL And just like with hd 35/2, no weather sealing nor AF motor.
Thanks Ricoh, but no thanks.
My guess is its origin is like the FA35.
It's probable that the additional production run of Limiteds from when the K-1 was launched (I think Monochrome mentioned this) has been exhausted in warehouses around the world, they've been successful (clear profit, development paid long ago), and a new run is being made.
New lens blanks required, they might as well get the HD coating. No other parts need to be sourced, this is a great 'keep Pentax in the black or just in the red' strategy to please the Ricoh bosses. They surely appreciate a little division bringing in revenue for almost no new investment, as it has succeeded in doing for years during economic downturn generally and a crash in the camera market specifically.