All three FA Limiteds to be updated + K-1 Mark II J-Limited 01

**ThorSanchez** · 03-15-2021, 05:55 AM

Originally posted by phoebus

Just checked my wife's 20-40 Ltd: definitely NOT 'focus-by-wire'. A proper mechanical connection, with smooth and precise action.

In my experience, focus-by-wire can be fine when implemented well - the Olympus 300/4 for example has very smooth and precise control. However, the focus control on most of the non-Pro M4/3 lenses I've used is fairly horrible. I've not tried the Pentax 18-50 or 55-300 PLM, so can't judge the Pentax versions. I expect the new DA* 16-50/2.8 to have a good feel, and very fast action in autofocus. Available soon.... .....

What do you mean by "focus-by-wire"? The 20-40 Ltd has a built-in focusing motor that's controlled electronically by the body. It is most definitely not screwdrive autofocus. It is what I'd consider focus-by-wire.

gazonk · 03-15-2021, 06:26 AM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by ThorSanchez

What do you mean by "focus-by-wire"?

Focus by wire is when manual focus is controlling a focusing motor and not directly and mechanically moving lens elements.

phoebus · 03-15-2021, 08:22 AM

Originally posted by ThorSanchez

What do you mean by "focus-by-wire"? The 20-40 Ltd has a built-in focusing motor that's controlled electronically by the body. It is most definitely not screwdrive autofocus. It is what I'd consider focus-by-wire.

What @gazonk said ^^

With power off / disconnected from the body, turning the focus ring on a 'focus-by-wire' lens does absolutely nothing. The majority of M4/3 lenses are like this, as are the DA 18-50 DC WR RE kit lens and DA 55-300mm ED PLM WR RE. I understand that the forthcoming DA* 16-50 PLM will also be focus by wire. I don't know anything about other manufacturers' lens, but I suspect it is becoming common with other MILC systems.

repaap · 03-15-2021, 11:57 AM

Originally posted by phoebus

What @gazonk said ^^

With power off / disconnected from the body, turning the focus ring on a 'focus-by-wire' lens does absolutely nothing. The majority of M4/3 lenses are like this, as are the DA 18-50 DC WR RE kit lens and DA 55-300mm ED PLM WR RE. I understand that the forthcoming DA* 16-50 PLM will also be focus by wire. I don't know anything about other manufacturers' lens, but I suspect it is becoming common with other MILC systems.

I have Oly 12-40/2.8. Not very fast, but yes. nothing happens even in 'manual' mode when there is no power.

There are advantages in this too. But then again. I was shooting video with 12-40 + BMPCC4K and for some reason there was problem wth the lens and camera. all of the sudden lens AF went off, it was in manual focus mode and focused. It just went oof and I could not focus it again no matter what. I removed the lens and cleaned contacts put it back, and had to repeat it. This was paid gig. I had pentax MF lens in other camera and I pulled it off. and all of the sudden oly lens did begin to work as it should. Not sure what happened. Anyway. this is a bit derailing the thread.

All in all PLM is welcome and possibilities as well as very fast focus coming from there is something I'll want to get my hands at as it arrives.

MMVIII · 03-15-2021, 12:17 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by repaap

I have Oly 12-40/2.8. Not very fast, but yes. nothing happens even in 'manual' mode when there is no power.

There are advantages in this too. But then again. I was shooting video with 12-40 + BMPCC4K and for some reason there was problem wth the lens and camera. all of the sudden lens AF went off, it was in manual focus mode and focused. It just went oof and I could not focus it again no matter what. I removed the lens and cleaned contacts put it back, and had to repeat it. This was paid gig. I had pentax MF lens in other camera and I pulled it off. and all of the sudden oly lens did begin to work as it should. Not sure what happened. Anyway. this is a bit derailing the thread.

All in all PLM is welcome and possibilities as well as very fast focus coming from there is something I'll want to get my hands at as it arrives.

I agree, PLM is very welcome. I brought this up only in connection to the FA limiteds. They would loose something of their appeal if the focus ring would just drive a motor. (I am aware of other in lens motors that dont make this happen).

repaap · 03-15-2021, 12:21 PM

Originally posted by MMVIII

I agree, PLM is very welcome. I brought this up only in connection to the FA limiteds. They would loose something of their appeal if the focus ring would just drive a motor. (I am aware of other in lens motors that dont make this happen).

I do agree with that.

**BarryE** · 04-11-2021, 09:12 AM

Thought I'd check out this thread to try and get an idea what are the likely improvements of the HD coating on the FA31. Lots to read, but it didn't exactly answer my question. So:

This morning I tried the SMC FA31 and the HD FA 24-70 and HD FA 15-30 f2.8 into the sun. Yes, I appreciate they are very different internal designs... The surprising thing to me was just how flare resistant the zooms were. I focussed on a tree with the sun centered above and took several shots, inclining the angle until the sun was just out of the frame. I set them all to be 30/31mm.

The 31mm flare badly and the contrast was poor. No real surprises. I looked at the DA HD v SMC review on this site and the conclusion was that the HD coatings were better, but not as much better as I saw today in my comparison.

And so to my question: if the HD coating does improve things in a similar way to the DA coating changes, is it likely the significant flare differences I experienced today are likely to be the internal design along with the coating? Thus, the HD will be better, but not as good as modern designs?

Last edited by BarryE; 04-11-2021 at 09:21 AM.

dbs · 04-11-2021, 02:57 PM

If you want a new SMC FA ltd you better be quick

Paul the Sunman · 04-11-2021, 04:32 PM

Originally posted by BarryE

This morning I tried the SMC FA31 and the HD FA 24-70 and HD FA 15-30 f2.8 into the sun. Yes, I appreciate they are very different internal designs... The surprising thing to me was just how flare resistant the zooms were. I focussed on a tree with the sun centered above and took several shots, inclining the angle until the sun was just out of the frame. I set them all to be 30/31mm.

The 31mm flare badly and the contrast was poor. No real surprises. I looked at the DA HD v SMC review on this site and the conclusion was that the HD coatings were better, but not as much better as I saw today in my comparison.

In my experience, the SMC DA 15 Limited is far more flare resistant than the DFA 15-30 at 15mm. The bulbous front element of the zoom catches oblique sunlight and makes rainbows! Flare has more to do with optical construction than with coatings.

**BarryE** · 04-13-2021, 09:38 AM

Originally posted by Paul the Sunman

In my experience, the SMC DA 15 Limited is far more flare resistant than the DFA 15-30 at 15mm. The bulbous front element of the zoom catches oblique sunlight and makes rainbows! Flare has more to do with optical construction than with coatings.

Yes, the old DA15mm has good flare resistance. Your comment that construction, rather than coating, is more significant, will make the forthcoming reviews particularly interesting, especially with the new HDs being priced lower than the SMCs. I recently bought the 15-30 for some interiors, but I've had more time (:-( ) to play with it outside. I've struggled to like the 31, and have been impressed so far with the 15-30. I'll set it some more challenging side light to see how it responds ...

quaternion · 04-14-2021, 03:51 PM

are there any news on the release day for the updated 31/43/77 lenses?

mtkeller · 04-14-2021, 06:55 PM

Originally posted by quaternion

are there any news on the release day for the updated 31/43/77 lenses?

Amazon US now lists 29 April 2021, the same date they give for the K-3 iii.

Mistral75 · 04-15-2021, 02:05 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by quaternion

are there any news on the release day for the updated 31/43/77 lenses?

Official release date is 28 April 2021 in Japan :

HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited / Limited / 広角レンズ / Kマウントレンズ / 製品 | RICOH IMAGING
HD PENTAX-FA 43mmF1.9 Limited / Limited / 標準レンズ / Kマウントレンズ / 製品 | RICOH IMAGING
HD PENTAX-FA 77mmF1.8 Limited / Limited / 望遠レンズ / Kマウントレンズ / 製品 | RICOH IMAGING

**TwoUptons** · 04-15-2021, 02:54 AM

Originally posted by Mistral75

Official release date is 28 April 2021 in Japan :

HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited / Limited / 広角レンズ / Kマウントレンズ / 製品 | RICOH IMAGING
HD PENTAX-FA 43mmF1.9 Limited / Limited / 標準レンズ / Kマウントレンズ / 製品 | RICOH IMAGING
HD PENTAX-FA 77mmF1.8 Limited / Limited / 望遠レンズ / Kマウントレンズ / 製品 | RICOH IMAGING

Outside the K3iii, the revised Theta, and these three Limiteds, I wonder if there is anything else being released on the 28th of April...

-Eric

Mistral75 · 04-15-2021, 05:06 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by TwoUptons

Outside the K3iii, the revised Theta, and these three Limiteds, I wonder if there is anything else being released on the 28th of April...

-Eric

FY2020 consolidated financial figures?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Mark I vs Mark II ISO Comparison Plus Files	SirTomster	Pentax K-1 & K-1 II	64	07-31-2018 01:06 PM
Will the FA Limiteds be updated for the new Full Frame?	kindion	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	30	10-02-2015 07:31 PM
DA Limiteds vs. FA Limiteds	GregX999	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	120	08-08-2011 11:09 AM
For Sale - Sold: Three FA Limiteds and one DA super wide zoom	Ed in GA	Sold Items	20	07-30-2008 02:19 PM

03-15-2021, 05:55 AM	#436
ThorSanchez Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,805	Originally posted by phoebus Just checked my wife's 20-40 Ltd: definitely NOT 'focus-by-wire'. A proper mechanical connection, with smooth and precise action. In my experience, focus-by-wire can be fine when implemented well - the Olympus 300/4 for example has very smooth and precise control. However, the focus control on most of the non-Pro M4/3 lenses I've used is fairly horrible. I've not tried the Pentax 18-50 or 55-300 PLM, so can't judge the Pentax versions. I expect the new DA* 16-50/2.8 to have a good feel, and very fast action in autofocus. Available soon.... ..... What do you mean by "focus-by-wire"? The 20-40 Ltd has a built-in focusing motor that's controlled electronically by the body. It is most definitely not screwdrive autofocus. It is what I'd consider focus-by-wire.

03-15-2021, 06:26 AM - 3 Likes	#437
gazonk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oslo area, Norway Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,746	Originally posted by ThorSanchez What do you mean by "focus-by-wire"? Focus by wire is when manual focus is controlling a focusing motor and not directly and mechanically moving lens elements.

03-15-2021, 08:22 AM	#438
phoebus Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Buckinghamshire (UK) / Morbihan (FR) Photos: Gallery Posts: 470	Originally posted by ThorSanchez What do you mean by "focus-by-wire"? The 20-40 Ltd has a built-in focusing motor that's controlled electronically by the body. It is most definitely not screwdrive autofocus. It is what I'd consider focus-by-wire. What @gazonk said ^^ With power off / disconnected from the body, turning the focus ring on a 'focus-by-wire' lens does absolutely nothing. The majority of M4/3 lenses are like this, as are the DA 18-50 DC WR RE kit lens and DA 55-300mm ED PLM WR RE. I understand that the forthcoming DA* 16-50 PLM will also be focus by wire. I don't know anything about other manufacturers' lens, but I suspect it is becoming common with other MILC systems.

03-15-2021, 11:57 AM	#439
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	Originally posted by phoebus What @gazonk said ^^ With power off / disconnected from the body, turning the focus ring on a 'focus-by-wire' lens does absolutely nothing. The majority of M4/3 lenses are like this, as are the DA 18-50 DC WR RE kit lens and DA 55-300mm ED PLM WR RE. I understand that the forthcoming DA* 16-50 PLM will also be focus by wire. I don't know anything about other manufacturers' lens, but I suspect it is becoming common with other MILC systems. I have Oly 12-40/2.8. Not very fast, but yes. nothing happens even in 'manual' mode when there is no power. There are advantages in this too. But then again. I was shooting video with 12-40 + BMPCC4K and for some reason there was problem wth the lens and camera. all of the sudden lens AF went off, it was in manual focus mode and focused. It just went oof and I could not focus it again no matter what. I removed the lens and cleaned contacts put it back, and had to repeat it. This was paid gig. I had pentax MF lens in other camera and I pulled it off. and all of the sudden oly lens did begin to work as it should. Not sure what happened. Anyway. this is a bit derailing the thread. All in all PLM is welcome and possibilities as well as very fast focus coming from there is something I'll want to get my hands at as it arrives.

03-15-2021, 12:17 PM - 1 Like	#440
MMVIII Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: EU Posts: 1,121	Originally posted by repaap I have Oly 12-40/2.8. Not very fast, but yes. nothing happens even in 'manual' mode when there is no power. There are advantages in this too. But then again. I was shooting video with 12-40 + BMPCC4K and for some reason there was problem wth the lens and camera. all of the sudden lens AF went off, it was in manual focus mode and focused. It just went oof and I could not focus it again no matter what. I removed the lens and cleaned contacts put it back, and had to repeat it. This was paid gig. I had pentax MF lens in other camera and I pulled it off. and all of the sudden oly lens did begin to work as it should. Not sure what happened. Anyway. this is a bit derailing the thread. All in all PLM is welcome and possibilities as well as very fast focus coming from there is something I'll want to get my hands at as it arrives. I agree, PLM is very welcome. I brought this up only in connection to the FA limiteds. They would loose something of their appeal if the focus ring would just drive a motor. (I am aware of other in lens motors that dont make this happen).

03-15-2021, 12:21 PM	#441
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	Originally posted by MMVIII I agree, PLM is very welcome. I brought this up only in connection to the FA limiteds. They would loose something of their appeal if the focus ring would just drive a motor. (I am aware of other in lens motors that dont make this happen). I do agree with that.

04-11-2021, 09:12 AM	#442
BarryE Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 1,653	Thought I'd check out this thread to try and get an idea what are the likely improvements of the HD coating on the FA31. Lots to read, but it didn't exactly answer my question. So: This morning I tried the SMC FA31 and the HD FA 24-70 and HD FA 15-30 f2.8 into the sun. Yes, I appreciate they are very different internal designs... The surprising thing to me was just how flare resistant the zooms were. I focussed on a tree with the sun centered above and took several shots, inclining the angle until the sun was just out of the frame. I set them all to be 30/31mm. The 31mm flare badly and the contrast was poor. No real surprises. I looked at the DA HD v SMC review on this site and the conclusion was that the HD coatings were better, but not as much better as I saw today in my comparison. And so to my question: if the HD coating does improve things in a similar way to the DA coating changes, is it likely the significant flare differences I experienced today are likely to be the internal design along with the coating? Thus, the HD will be better, but not as good as modern designs? Last edited by BarryE; 04-11-2021 at 09:21 AM.

04-11-2021, 02:57 PM	#443
dbs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Clare Valley S A Photos: Albums Posts: 7,563	If you want a new SMC FA ltd you better be quick

04-11-2021, 04:32 PM	#444
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,842	Originally posted by BarryE This morning I tried the SMC FA31 and the HD FA 24-70 and HD FA 15-30 f2.8 into the sun. Yes, I appreciate they are very different internal designs... The surprising thing to me was just how flare resistant the zooms were. I focussed on a tree with the sun centered above and took several shots, inclining the angle until the sun was just out of the frame. I set them all to be 30/31mm. The 31mm flare badly and the contrast was poor. No real surprises. I looked at the DA HD v SMC review on this site and the conclusion was that the HD coatings were better, but not as much better as I saw today in my comparison. In my experience, the SMC DA 15 Limited is far more flare resistant than the DFA 15-30 at 15mm. The bulbous front element of the zoom catches oblique sunlight and makes rainbows! Flare has more to do with optical construction than with coatings.

04-13-2021, 09:38 AM	#445
BarryE Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 1,653	Originally posted by Paul the Sunman In my experience, the SMC DA 15 Limited is far more flare resistant than the DFA 15-30 at 15mm. The bulbous front element of the zoom catches oblique sunlight and makes rainbows! Flare has more to do with optical construction than with coatings. Yes, the old DA15mm has good flare resistance. Your comment that construction, rather than coating, is more significant, will make the forthcoming reviews particularly interesting, especially with the new HDs being priced lower than the SMCs. I recently bought the 15-30 for some interiors, but I've had more time (:-( ) to play with it outside. I've struggled to like the 31, and have been impressed so far with the 15-30. I'll set it some more challenging side light to see how it responds ...

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

04-14-2021, 03:51 PM	#446
quaternion New Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 8	are there any news on the release day for the updated 31/43/77 lenses?

04-14-2021, 06:55 PM	#447
mtkeller Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Sioux City, IA Photos: Gallery Posts: 938	Originally posted by quaternion are there any news on the release day for the updated 31/43/77 lenses? Amazon US now lists 29 April 2021, the same date they give for the K-3 iii.

04-15-2021, 02:05 AM - 1 Like	#448
Mistral75 Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Paris, France Posts: 7,526	Originally posted by quaternion are there any news on the release day for the updated 31/43/77 lenses? Official release date is 28 April 2021 in Japan : HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited / Limited / 広角レンズ / Kマウントレンズ / 製品 \| RICOH IMAGING HD PENTAX-FA 43mmF1.9 Limited / Limited / 標準レンズ / Kマウントレンズ / 製品 \| RICOH IMAGING HD PENTAX-FA 77mmF1.8 Limited / Limited / 望遠レンズ / Kマウントレンズ / 製品 \| RICOH IMAGING

04-15-2021, 02:54 AM	#449
TwoUptons Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,210	Originally posted by Mistral75 Official release date is 28 April 2021 in Japan : HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited / Limited / 広角レンズ / Kマウントレンズ / 製品 \| RICOH IMAGING HD PENTAX-FA 43mmF1.9 Limited / Limited / 標準レンズ / Kマウントレンズ / 製品 \| RICOH IMAGING HD PENTAX-FA 77mmF1.8 Limited / Limited / 望遠レンズ / Kマウントレンズ / 製品 \| RICOH IMAGING Outside the K3iii, the revised Theta, and these three Limiteds, I wonder if there is anything else being released on the 28th of April... -Eric

04-15-2021, 05:06 AM - 1 Like	#450
Mistral75 Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Paris, France Posts: 7,526	Originally posted by TwoUptons Outside the K3iii, the revised Theta, and these three Limiteds, I wonder if there is anything else being released on the 28th of April... -Eric FY2020 consolidated financial figures?