Second brand-new sample of Pentax-D FA 55mm f/2.8 has same hazing and scratch-like marks
diglloyd.com blog: December 2010
I'll leave open the possibility (claimed by Pentax) that visible haze and visible scratch-like marks somehow, magically, have zero impact on image quality, especially with the sun in the frame.
But if this brand-new lens were a used lens, I'd not want to see those faults! It's simple: I expect to see crystal clear optics with any lens. A few dust specs are normal, even in new lenses. But if this 55/2.8 build is acceptable, then any visual inspection of a lens is pointless as I've never even seen a used lens look this bad. It's the haze especially that bugs me.
I also received a used Pentax-A 75mm SMC 75/2.8 (for $159!), and it has crystal clear glass, and no scratch-like marks.