FA 35mm discontinued

per · 02-17-2009, 12:45 PM

Samsung still makes their version of this lens, but it's kind of hard to find it.

quarc · 02-17-2009, 01:19 PM

I am glad I have a FA35/2 it has become one of my favourite lenses. If I carry only one body, I usually put the 35 on. I did check some official Pentax sites, and they do not list the FA35 any more, so I think that indicates it is no more.

iht · 10-22-2009, 05:10 PM

No, looks like it's still available:

PentaxWebstore smcP FA 35mm f/2.0 AL

RadamFG · 10-23-2009, 12:42 AM

Wow, now listing no longer available at Adorama...

...

BBear · 10-23-2009, 06:14 AM

Originally posted by iht

No, looks like it's still available:

PentaxWebstore smcP FA 35mm f/2.0 AL

hmm... it seems like it came back from the dead at a higher price...

Great thing I had bought two copies when the rumors about it being discontinued appeared...

Great little beast...

Later!

BB

Pentaxor · 10-23-2009, 08:43 PM

Originally posted by iht

No, looks like it's still available:

PentaxWebstore smcP FA 35mm f/2.0 AL

I believe those are the old and remaining stocks that they have. probably the reason for the higher price tag on them as well.

Adam · 10-23-2009, 08:52 PM

Originally posted by Alan 2

B&H Photo has listed the FA 35/2.0 as discontinued. It's also not showing up on the Pentax U.S.A. site. If you want one Adorama is still listing it, at least for the moment. If you wanted to get one it may be a good idea to grab it while you can.

22190 Pentax SMCP-FA 35mm f/2.0 AL Wide Angle Auto Focus Lens

Unfortunate to see such a great piece of glass go, but it seems that Pentax is willingly discontinuing the FA series, as they now both have a DA 35mma and a DA 55mm. I don't know what this means for the potential full-frame future of Pentax, but I hope they think of something!

Adam
PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide | Site Help | My Photography)

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Damn Brit · 10-23-2009, 09:27 PM

Originally posted by Adam

I don't know what this means for the potential full-frame future of Pentax, but I hope they think of something!

It means new FF biased lenses at a higher price point probably in LTD livery including WR.

Zebooka · 10-23-2009, 09:31 PM

Guys!
Pentax FA lenses, in fact, "officially" were discounted long ago. But they were still produced. Even A 50/1.2 was! (with very low quantities).
We had thread about this on penta-club.ru couple of years ago.

PS: I hope they "really" canceled FA lenses cause they are making their replacement now - DFA for upcoming FF.

janneman · 10-25-2009, 04:55 AM

Originally posted by Martin (Slovakia)

I bought my FA35/2 cca 4 weeks ago from Prag. They told me that there is no FA35/2 within the Pentax Europe worehouses.

Well.... Errr. Emmmm. you want me, as a bachelor, to check this rumor???

LeDave · 10-25-2009, 05:06 AM

Are my DA LTD and DA*'s still be as good as it is when Pentax releases a FF? Will Pentax still continue to release quality APS-C bodies like the K-7 once they release FF? Or will they slowly release bodies similar to the K-m and K-x?

I'm afraid that once Pentax releases a FF, they will lower the quality of their APS-C bodies just like how Canikon has cheap APS-C bodies and quality FF bodies. Right now the one thing I love a lot about Pentax is their APS-C bodies have a build quality similar to FF bodies of other brands. (At least they did before, before the K-m and K-x. Hopefully these two entry-level bodies aren't signs of Pentax dumping quality for FF).

Even now that Sony started becoming more popular, they decided to release lower quality bodies and only quality FF bodies, the new A7xx that will replace the A700 will be anounced soon and we will see if Sony dumps the quality of the a700 replacement too just like they did to their new entry-level replacements like the a500/a550.

Wheatfield · 10-25-2009, 07:38 AM

Originally posted by LeDave

Are my DA LTD and DA*'s still be as good as it is when Pentax releases a FF? Will Pentax still continue to release quality APS-C bodies like the K-7 once they release FF? Or will they slowly release bodies similar to the K-m and K-x?

I'm afraid that once Pentax releases a FF, they will lower the quality of their APS-C bodies just like how Canikon has cheap APS-C bodies and quality FF bodies. Right now the one thing I love a lot about Pentax is their APS-C bodies have a build quality similar to FF bodies of other brands. (At least they did before, before the K-m and K-x. Hopefully these two entry-level bodies aren't signs of Pentax dumping quality for FF).

Even now that Sony started becoming more popular, they decided to release lower quality bodies and only quality FF bodies, the new A7xx that will replace the A700 will be anounced soon and we will see if Sony dumps the quality of the a700 replacement too just like they did to their new entry-level replacements like the a500/a550.

Canon is definitely still releasing high end cropped sensor cameras (I saw a 7d the other day, it looked pretty good). At the moment, full frame sensors are pricey, so any camera they go into is going to be pricey as well.
Since full frame is being touted as the holy grail for professionals, it's really not surprising that the bodies are pro grade. When or if the price of big real estate sensors comes down, you will see low priced full frame bodies.
I don't think a full frame Pentax is going to ruin the quality of your present DA lens collection.

Ratmagiclady · 10-25-2009, 10:59 AM

Hrm, not discontinued, then, Jasvox? I'd had the impression it was, myself. It'd definitely be a good time for an update, I think, with the quick-shift focusing, at least. But it's good if that 35 is out there. Nice lens.

Supernaut · 10-25-2009, 02:10 PM

Originally posted by Zebooka

Guys!
PS: I hope they "really" canceled FA lenses cause they are making their replacement now - DFA for upcoming FF.

Seems like a likely scenario if a FF is on its way.

Or else, the 50/1.4 is discontinued to increase the sales of the 55/1.4 while the 35/2.0 sold instead of the 35 macro.

But I hope it's for the future FF. That would explain why we never saw the DA*30 other than on the road map. Hoya may have changed the original Pentax plan of going only aps-c and felt that the 35 macro "will do" as a normal for the crop cameras.

It could also explain the lack of lens road map. A planned series of D-FA would be quite a tell

lol101 · 10-25-2009, 11:10 PM

Originally posted by LeDave

I'm afraid that once Pentax releases a FF, they will lower the quality of their APS-C bodies just like how Canikon has cheap APS-C bodies and quality FF bodies. Right now the one thing I love a lot about Pentax is their APS-C bodies have a build quality similar to FF bodies of other brands. (At least they did before, before the K-m and K-x. Hopefully these two entry-level bodies aren't signs of Pentax dumping quality for FF).

Cheap APS-C quality bodies from Canon or Nikon??!!

I wouldn't describe the D300s or 7D (or even D90 and 50D) as being low quality, but maybe my standards are too low...

In any case, the build quality of C&N FF looks the same as the one from their APS-C bodies to me... good or bad.

I don't think you have to worry about the quality of Pentax APS_C cameras going down, even if they release a FF.

10-25-2009, 04:55 AM	#25
janneman Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Netherlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 908	Pentax looking for other ways to make money? Originally posted by Martin (Slovakia) I bought my FA35/2 cca 4 weeks ago from Prag. They told me that there is no FA35/2 within the Pentax Europe worehouses. Well.... Errr. Emmmm. you want me, as a bachelor, to check this rumor???

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02-17-2009, 12:45 PM	#16
per Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Nodeland Posts: 28	Samsung still makes their version of this lens, but it's kind of hard to find it.

02-17-2009, 01:19 PM	#17
quarc Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 182	I am glad I have a FA35/2 it has become one of my favourite lenses. If I carry only one body, I usually put the 35 on. I did check some official Pentax sites, and they do not list the FA35 any more, so I think that indicates it is no more.

10-22-2009, 05:10 PM	#18
iht Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 528	No, looks like it's still available: PentaxWebstore smcP FA 35mm f/2.0 AL

10-23-2009, 12:42 AM	#19
RadamFG Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 79	Wow, now listing no longer available at Adorama... ...

10-23-2009, 06:14 AM	#20
BBear Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: CT / NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 822	Originally posted by iht No, looks like it's still available: PentaxWebstore smcP FA 35mm f/2.0 AL hmm... it seems like it came back from the dead at a higher price... Great thing I had bought two copies when the rumors about it being discontinued appeared... Great little beast... Later! BB

10-23-2009, 08:43 PM	#21
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	Originally posted by iht No, looks like it's still available: PentaxWebstore smcP FA 35mm f/2.0 AL I believe those are the old and remaining stocks that they have. probably the reason for the higher price tag on them as well.

10-23-2009, 08:52 PM	#22
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	Originally posted by Alan 2 B&H Photo has listed the FA 35/2.0 as discontinued. It's also not showing up on the Pentax U.S.A. site. If you want one Adorama is still listing it, at least for the moment. If you wanted to get one it may be a good idea to grab it while you can. 22190 Pentax SMCP-FA 35mm f/2.0 AL Wide Angle Auto Focus Lens Unfortunate to see such a great piece of glass go, but it seems that Pentax is willingly discontinuing the FA series, as they now both have a DA 35mma and a DA 55mm. I don't know what this means for the potential full-frame future of Pentax, but I hope they think of something! Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

10-23-2009, 09:27 PM	#23
Damn Brit Guest	Originally posted by Adam I don't know what this means for the potential full-frame future of Pentax, but I hope they think of something! It means new FF biased lenses at a higher price point probably in LTD livery including WR.

10-23-2009, 09:31 PM	#24
Zebooka Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Russia, Siberia, Novosibirsk Posts: 323	Guys! Pentax FA lenses, in fact, "officially" were discounted long ago. But they were still produced. Even A 50/1.2 was! (with very low quantities). We had thread about this on penta-club.ru couple of years ago. PS: I hope they "really" canceled FA lenses cause they are making their replacement now - DFA for upcoming FF.

10-25-2009, 05:06 AM	#26
LeDave Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Minneapolis - St. Paul Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,067	Are my DA LTD and DA*'s still be as good as it is when Pentax releases a FF? Will Pentax still continue to release quality APS-C bodies like the K-7 once they release FF? Or will they slowly release bodies similar to the K-m and K-x? I'm afraid that once Pentax releases a FF, they will lower the quality of their APS-C bodies just like how Canikon has cheap APS-C bodies and quality FF bodies. Right now the one thing I love a lot about Pentax is their APS-C bodies have a build quality similar to FF bodies of other brands. (At least they did before, before the K-m and K-x. Hopefully these two entry-level bodies aren't signs of Pentax dumping quality for FF). Even now that Sony started becoming more popular, they decided to release lower quality bodies and only quality FF bodies, the new A7xx that will replace the A700 will be anounced soon and we will see if Sony dumps the quality of the a700 replacement too just like they did to their new entry-level replacements like the a500/a550.

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10-25-2009, 07:38 AM	#27
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,981	Originally posted by LeDave Are my DA LTD and DA*'s still be as good as it is when Pentax releases a FF? Will Pentax still continue to release quality APS-C bodies like the K-7 once they release FF? Or will they slowly release bodies similar to the K-m and K-x? I'm afraid that once Pentax releases a FF, they will lower the quality of their APS-C bodies just like how Canikon has cheap APS-C bodies and quality FF bodies. Right now the one thing I love a lot about Pentax is their APS-C bodies have a build quality similar to FF bodies of other brands. (At least they did before, before the K-m and K-x. Hopefully these two entry-level bodies aren't signs of Pentax dumping quality for FF). Even now that Sony started becoming more popular, they decided to release lower quality bodies and only quality FF bodies, the new A7xx that will replace the A700 will be anounced soon and we will see if Sony dumps the quality of the a700 replacement too just like they did to their new entry-level replacements like the a500/a550. Canon is definitely still releasing high end cropped sensor cameras (I saw a 7d the other day, it looked pretty good). At the moment, full frame sensors are pricey, so any camera they go into is going to be pricey as well. Since full frame is being touted as the holy grail for professionals, it's really not surprising that the bodies are pro grade. When or if the price of big real estate sensors comes down, you will see low priced full frame bodies. I don't think a full frame Pentax is going to ruin the quality of your present DA lens collection.

10-25-2009, 10:59 AM	#28
Ratmagiclady Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,563	Hrm, not discontinued, then, Jasvox? I'd had the impression it was, myself. It'd definitely be a good time for an update, I think, with the quick-shift focusing, at least. But it's good if that 35 is out there. Nice lens.

10-25-2009, 02:10 PM	#29
Supernaut Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: West Coast , Sweden Posts: 467	Originally posted by Zebooka Guys! PS: I hope they "really" canceled FA lenses cause they are making their replacement now - DFA for upcoming FF. Seems like a likely scenario if a FF is on its way. Or else, the 50/1.4 is discontinued to increase the sales of the 55/1.4 while the 35/2.0 sold instead of the 35 macro. But I hope it's for the future FF. That would explain why we never saw the DA*30 other than on the road map. Hoya may have changed the original Pentax plan of going only aps-c and felt that the 35 macro "will do" as a normal for the crop cameras. It could also explain the lack of lens road map. A planned series of D-FA would be quite a tell

10-25-2009, 11:10 PM	#30
lol101 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Garennes sur Eure France Photos: Gallery Posts: 899	Originally posted by LeDave I'm afraid that once Pentax releases a FF, they will lower the quality of their APS-C bodies just like how Canikon has cheap APS-C bodies and quality FF bodies. Right now the one thing I love a lot about Pentax is their APS-C bodies have a build quality similar to FF bodies of other brands. (At least they did before, before the K-m and K-x. Hopefully these two entry-level bodies aren't signs of Pentax dumping quality for FF). Cheap APS-C quality bodies from Canon or Nikon??!! I wouldn't describe the D300s or 7D (or even D90 and 50D) as being low quality, but maybe my standards are too low... In any case, the build quality of C&N FF looks the same as the one from their APS-C bodies to me... good or bad. I don't think you have to worry about the quality of Pentax APS_C cameras going down, even if they release a FF.