[Ed Hurst]

I am not sure if I would. One of the main things I do with a wide angle lens is photograph stars. For that, I want a fast lens to minimise the need for higher ISOs. Although the 645Z has superb high ISO capability, I am already often using ISO 6400 even at f4. I would rather go no higher (and in fact would like to be able to use f2.8 - I am dreaming). Horses for courses I suppose!

IS on the other hand I can do without!

[GarethC7]

If the DA and DFA are identical except for the lens hood why can't you just swap lens hoods?

I saw an expired listing on bay for $4800 for a near new lens in Japan but like many others I would welcome the addition of it to my bag. Would have to sell gear to do it but it seems worth it to me.

[Ed Hurst]

Firstly the hoods are fixed (not removable). Secondly I am not 100% sure that this is the only difference; it is often asserted to be the case, but some have suggested that there may also be other, more subtle, internal differences (perhaps around the baffles, internal non-reflective coatings, etc.). In short, they are not quite identical, but the extent of this is a matter of conjecture.

I have the DA version and find it very good. Not perfect, but very good and certainly good enough to use in those instances where the 28-45 is not wide enough. A really good 21mm f4 prime would be wonderful though!!!!

[itshimitis]

Firstly the hoods are fixed (not removable). Secondly I am not 100% sure that this is the only difference; it is often asserted to be the case, but some have suggested that there may also be other, more subtle, internal differences (perhaps around the baffles, internal non-reflective coatings, etc.). In short, they are not quite identical, but the extent of this is a matter of conjecture.

I have the DA version and find it very good. Not perfect, but very good and certainly good enough to use in those instances where the 28-45 is not wide enough. A really good 21mm f4 prime would be wonderful though!!!!

Indeed it would, but likely very heavy both in weight and price, but we can always dream!

[ogl]

Is there any new information?

[Zygonyx]

Of course, not.
Extinct reference.

[Ed Hurst]

I have two of the DA version and am selling one of them if anyone is interested

[harklee]

I was always under the impression that it was more of a cost and manufacturing issue than quality. When I got to talk to the one of the chief engineers at Pentax about the differences between the D-FA and the DA shortly after they released the DA, he, in broken english, managed to get across "hold onto it. What you have is a great piece of engineering and will be missed". I thought it was rather odd at that time, but he couldn't seem to divulge anymore info. The fact that they had to re-engineer a DA version, and then discontinued both seems to imply that there were some manufacturing problems (maybe cost too high).

[CarlG]

I am sure they had good reasons for dropping these lenses. But it really bothers me that they aren't telling their customers and it is keeping me back from investing more in the 645 system.