[Le spationaute]

Now that's no good at all. These pancake Limiteds are part of the the DNA of Pentax to me.

I see, there is a newer and better FA 21/2.4 by now but it's neither as reasonably priced, nor as small and light.

I's a loss and I don't appreciate the path, Pentax is taking here.

[BigMackCam]

May I ask the source of that claim? According to this list, the SMC version is discontinued (it has been for some time), but not the HD version. It's a popular lens - I don't see why Ricoh would retire it, even given the availability of the much larger, slightly faster (and optically superior) full frame lens...

[Alpha-Delta]

The silver version of the HD version is discontinued but not the black version, according to HD PENTAX-DA 21mmF3.2AL Limited / Wide-Angle Lenses / K-mount Lenses / Lenses / Products | RICOH IMAGING

[allanmh]

Both Ricoh Imaging Japan and Pentax.eu lists the HD DA 21/3.2 as currently for sale. I, too, would be interested in knowing the source of this rumour.

[Sandy Hancock]

I too would like to see a credible source to back up this "rumour"

The newly released K-3 Mark III Monochrome is a natural pairing for this lens, so I struggle to imagine a scenario where Pentax would consider discontinuing it.

[Artphoto]

If this rumour is true,maybe there's an update version on the way with better optics,KAF4 mount and PLM for fast focus.

[JPT]

It's only the silver versions of the HD DA Limiteds that are being discontinued. The silver 15mm was discontinued a while ago and the lack one still exists. Now the same is happening with the 21mm. If you look at the Pentax site they are still both shown as current lenses.
????? / K??????? / ??? / ?? | RICOH IMAGING

But if you go to the store, the silver versions are marked as "Outlet".
DA?APS-C??? - K??????? - ??? | RICOH IMAGING

I think this misunderstanding comes from Pentax Rumors. They are reporting the very old news of the black SMC version's discontinuation as if it is the current HD version. That site is very slopping with fact checking.

I'm not going to link to the Pentax Rumors article, but the more credible report from Japan that this probably came from is here.
HD PENTAX-DA 21mm F3.2AL Limited ???????????? - ???? ???????

It's worth mentioning that silver versions of Pentax lenses have often had limited runs, including the silver versions of the SMC versions of the same lenses. This is not unusual, and just means you have to hurry if you specifically want a silver one.

---------- Post added 05-28-23 at 09:05 AM ----------

Further evidence that they don't intend to discontinue the black lens any time soon is that they just launched the K-3 III Monochrome and included this lens in all the promo shots.

[Le spationaute]

PENTAX-DA 21mm f/3.2 AL Limited lens listed as discontinued - Pentax & Ricoh Rumors

[BigMackCam]

PENTAX-DA 21mm f/3.2 AL Limited lens listed as discontinued - Pentax & Ricoh Rumors

Pentax Rumours isn't a very reliable source, IMHO... It has published several questionable-to-downright-inaccurate news and rumour items over the years As @JPT indicated, the silver HD version of the lens might be discontinued, but the black version remains current

Just as well, too... it's my favourite Pentax-branded APS-C prime. A little gem...

[Rondec]

As others said, it is only the silver versions that are discontinued. Pentax is planning to keep the HD versions of the DA limiteds around.

(It's the issue when someone takes a tiny bit of information and tries to stretch it into a rumor.)

[Mistral75]

Pentax Rumors relays an article posted by asobinet but has neglected to read it carefully.

HD PENTAX-DA 21mm F3.2AL Limited シルバーモデルが販売終了 - とるなら 写真道楽道中記

Google translation

Title: HD PENTAX-DA 21mm F3.2AL Limited シルバーモデルが販売終了 = HD PENTAX-DA 21mm F3.2AL Limited Silver model discontinued. (emphasis added)

First paragraph: リコーイメージングのKマウント用交換レンズ「HD PENTAX-DA 21mm F3.2AL Limited」シルバーモデルがカメラ専門店で販売終了。HD 15mmと同じくブラックモデルのみ販売を継続しています。 = Ricoh Imaging's interchangeable lens for K-mount HD PENTAX-DA 21mm F3.2AL Limited Silver is no longer available at specialist camera shops; only the black model, like the HD 15mm, remains available.

[James O'Neill]

From the authoritative source


Discontinued Lens for Digital single-lens reflex camera / Lens lineup/ Lenses / Products | RICOH IMAGING lists the SMC version as discontinued

Wide-Angle Lenses / K-mount Lenses / Lenses / Products | RICOH IMAGING lists the HD version as available.

HD PENTAX-DA 21mmF3.2AL Limited / Wide-Angle Lenses / K-mount Lenses / Lenses / Products | RICOH IMAGING shows the silver is discontinued but the black remains

Some body colours have been limited production - not sure if this was intended to be.

[Sandy Hancock]

So.... nothing to see here.

Should we stop beating this dead horse?

[Le spationaute]

Yes, seems right. I'm glad to be wrong. My apologies.

[Sandy Hancock]

Yes, seems right. I'm glad to be wrong. My apologies.

Aaannnd that's all, folks!