New DA 25mm

mah4ever · 03-22-2012, 06:43 PM

Apologies, if this is'nt new news (was to me): Pentax launches medium format all-weather prime - Imaging Resource

Ayoh · 03-22-2012, 06:59 PM

This is strange. I thought that a D-FA version of this lens has already been on sale for a few months. What the point of this "new" DA version when its apparently now only compatible with the 645D (unlike the D-FA which was said to be compatible with the film cameras) and costs and looks very similar? confusing indeed..

Adam · 03-22-2012, 07:02 PM

Probably the same naming mixup as when they named the 35mm "DA" rather than "DA L". It was known as the D-FA until now...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/755829-REG/Pentax_26360_Pentax_D_FA_645.html

Yamanobori · 03-22-2012, 07:47 PM

Interesting. Pentax is now saying it cannot be used on the film bodies. This is a redesign for only the 645D. The barrel shape is different from the F DA model--look at the front. How cosmetic the design is, I am unsure.

Last edited by Yamanobori; 03-22-2012 at 07:52 PM.

Yamanobori · 03-22-2012, 08:10 PM

Originally posted by Adam

Probably the same naming mixup as when they named the 35mm "DA" rather than "DA L". It was known as the D-FA until now...

Pentax smc Pentax D FA 645 25mm f/4 AL (IF) SDM AW Lens 26360

Not the same lens.

Ayoh · 03-22-2012, 10:57 PM

What is bizarre is the the D-FA version has been on sale for a few months outside of the US, why did they release a redesign so soon??

zapp · 03-23-2012, 01:11 AM

The new 55 was introduced along with the DA*55 for APS-C sensors - while looking similar, aperture and designation (wide angle vs. portrait) are quite different. I am just hoping for a APS-C clone of the 25 mm lens.
25 mm lenses for retrofocus medium format cameras are rare and typically not of great quality... I understand frequent updates.

**Ed Hurst** · 03-23-2012, 01:29 AM

I wonder if this updated version covers the full 645 frame (in case of a full frame 645 sensor in the future)... And, if so, why it would not be compatible with film bodies.

topace · 03-23-2012, 02:30 AM

D-FA isn't quite compatible either. They lack aperture rings, and the 645 film cameras can set aperture electronically if in shutter priority mode, but not otherwise.

No, I fear this is a move by pentax to discard full frame compatibility altogether, which confuses me, because I can't think they'll make much money from it.

Smolk · 03-23-2012, 04:58 AM

I read somewhere that the lens hood is now designed to cover the cropped sensor of the 645D, rather than the FF. That may influence flare-resistance of course.

More ominously, perhaps the move implies that plans for a FF sensor have been shelved.

veraikon · 03-23-2012, 05:00 AM

an other link: Kommt: Pentax smc DA 645 4/25 mm AL [IF] SDM AW | photoscala

veraikon · 03-23-2012, 05:57 AM

Originally posted by Ayoh

This is strange. I thought that a D-FA version of this lens has already been on sale for a few months. What the point of this "new" DA version when its apparently now only compatible with the 645D (unlike the D-FA which was said to be compatible with the film cameras) and costs and looks very similar? confusing indeed..

No imho:
DFA = sold only in Japan for Ptx645D and analogue Ptx645 (N, NII) (4.5x6 cm)
DA = sold in the RoW (rest of the world)

, croped, only for 645D , price in Germany 4800€ (incl VAT)

itshimitis · 03-23-2012, 06:14 AM

Originally posted by veraikon

No imho:
DFA = sold only in Japan for Ptx645D and analogue Ptx645 (N, NII) (4.5x6 cm)
DA = sold in the RoW (rest of the world)

, croped, only for 645D , price in Germany 4800€ (incl VAT)

Don't think it will be as expensive as that UK price £3700

Yamanobori · 03-23-2012, 06:20 AM

Originally posted by zapp

25 mm lenses for retrofocus medium format cameras are rare and typically not of great quality... I understand frequent updates.

???? None of Pentax's competitors have updated their wides and their wides have a great reputation. Did you get a D FA 25mm for your 645D?

Ayoh · 03-23-2012, 07:17 AM

It makes a bit more sense now:

"Changes or improvements to the predecessor model:
Due to the high manufacturing effort for a lens with an image field illumination for the analog Pentax 645 system has decided to offer this focal length in two variants.

Option 1 - DFA 645 25 mm due to the large spread of the analog 645 system exclusively for the Japanese market

Option 2 - DA 645 25 mm, this lens is intended for distribution outside of the Asian market"

03-22-2012, 06:43 PM	#1
mah4ever Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 29	New DA 25mm Apologies, if this is'nt new news (was to me): Pentax launches medium format all-weather prime - Imaging Resource

03-22-2012, 07:02 PM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Probably the same naming mixup as when they named the 35mm "DA" rather than "DA L". It was known as the D-FA until now... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/755829-REG/Pentax_26360_Pentax_D_FA_645.html 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:

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03-22-2012, 06:59 PM	#2
Ayoh Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Melbourne Posts: 341	This is strange. I thought that a D-FA version of this lens has already been on sale for a few months. What the point of this "new" DA version when its apparently now only compatible with the 645D (unlike the D-FA which was said to be compatible with the film cameras) and costs and looks very similar? confusing indeed..

03-22-2012, 07:47 PM	#4
Yamanobori Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 573	Interesting. Pentax is now saying it cannot be used on the film bodies. This is a redesign for only the 645D. The barrel shape is different from the F DA model--look at the front. How cosmetic the design is, I am unsure. Last edited by Yamanobori; 03-22-2012 at 07:52 PM.

03-22-2012, 08:10 PM	#5
Yamanobori Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 573	Originally posted by Adam Probably the same naming mixup as when they named the 35mm "DA" rather than "DA L". It was known as the D-FA until now... Pentax smc Pentax D FA 645 25mm f/4 AL (IF) SDM AW Lens 26360 Not the same lens.

03-22-2012, 10:57 PM	#6
Ayoh Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Melbourne Posts: 341	What is bizarre is the the D-FA version has been on sale for a few months outside of the US, why did they release a redesign so soon??

03-23-2012, 01:11 AM	#7
zapp Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2,388	The new 55 was introduced along with the DA*55 for APS-C sensors - while looking similar, aperture and designation (wide angle vs. portrait) are quite different. I am just hoping for a APS-C clone of the 25 mm lens. 25 mm lenses for retrofocus medium format cameras are rare and typically not of great quality... I understand frequent updates.

03-23-2012, 01:29 AM	#8
Ed Hurst Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sydney Posts: 1,657	I wonder if this updated version covers the full 645 frame (in case of a full frame 645 sensor in the future)... And, if so, why it would not be compatible with film bodies.

03-23-2012, 02:30 AM	#9
topace Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Stockholm Posts: 198	D-FA isn't quite compatible either. They lack aperture rings, and the 645 film cameras can set aperture electronically if in shutter priority mode, but not otherwise. No, I fear this is a move by pentax to discard full frame compatibility altogether, which confuses me, because I can't think they'll make much money from it.

03-23-2012, 04:58 AM	#10
Smolk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Eerbeek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857	I read somewhere that the lens hood is now designed to cover the cropped sensor of the 645D, rather than the FF. That may influence flare-resistance of course. More ominously, perhaps the move implies that plans for a FF sensor have been shelved.

03-23-2012, 05:00 AM	#11
veraikon Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Inside the Blue Banana ;) Posts: 255	an other link: Kommt: Pentax smc DA 645 4/25 mm AL [IF] SDM AW \| photoscala

03-23-2012, 05:57 AM	#12
veraikon Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Inside the Blue Banana ;) Posts: 255	Originally posted by Ayoh This is strange. I thought that a D-FA version of this lens has already been on sale for a few months. What the point of this "new" DA version when its apparently now only compatible with the 645D (unlike the D-FA which was said to be compatible with the film cameras) and costs and looks very similar? confusing indeed.. No imho: DFA = sold only in Japan for Ptx645D and analogue Ptx645 (N, NII) (4.5x6 cm) DA = sold in the RoW (rest of the world) , croped, only for 645D , price in Germany 4800€ (incl VAT)

03-23-2012, 06:14 AM	#13
itshimitis Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: All over the place Posts: 3,535	Originally posted by veraikon No imho: DFA = sold only in Japan for Ptx645D and analogue Ptx645 (N, NII) (4.5x6 cm) DA = sold in the RoW (rest of the world) , croped, only for 645D , price in Germany 4800€ (incl VAT) Don't think it will be as expensive as that UK price £3700

03-23-2012, 06:20 AM	#14
Yamanobori Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 573	Originally posted by zapp 25 mm lenses for retrofocus medium format cameras are rare and typically not of great quality... I understand frequent updates. ???? None of Pentax's competitors have updated their wides and their wides have a great reputation. Did you get a D FA 25mm for your 645D?

03-23-2012, 07:17 AM	#15
Ayoh Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Melbourne Posts: 341	It makes a bit more sense now: "Changes or improvements to the predecessor model: Due to the high manufacturing effort for a lens with an image field illumination for the analog Pentax 645 system has decided to offer this focal length in two variants. Option 1 - DFA 645 25 mm due to the large spread of the analog 645 system exclusively for the Japanese market Option 2 - DA 645 25 mm, this lens is intended for distribution outside of the Asian market"