Help with Pentax Lens codes

**outback traveller** · 11-08-2011, 02:48 AM

G'day
I am looking to buy some Pentax lenses on eBay. Some lenses have a P- in front of their FA code. What does the P- denote? What is the difference between a lens coded as a SMCP-FA and one labelled SMC FA?

Falke · 11-08-2011, 04:10 AM

On this page : Pentax K-Mount Lenses Explained: The differences between various Pentax lens series

I found in the smc PENTAX-FA section a reference to a powerzoom function on certain lenses of this generation:

Pentax Lens Power Zoom

Maybe that is what the P denotes.

xjjohnno · 11-08-2011, 04:11 AM

Same lens, the P would signify Pentax. You are dealing with the idiosyncrasies of how some sellers might list their items.

Kaufeetime · 11-08-2011, 07:12 AM

Welcome Outback Traveler
Click on; This address will help you to understand the Pentax system. Follow all the links and soon you will become master Pentaxian.
Good Luck

RioRico · 11-08-2011, 01:32 PM

Ah yes, idiosyncrasies. I just grabbed the nearest appropriate lens which is labeled:

PENTAX
SMC
PENTAX-F
ZOOM
1:3.5-4.5
35-70
mm

Some might call that a SMC-Pentax (or SMC-P) (or SMCP) (or SMC) F35-70/3.5-4.5 or some variant thereof. And that SMC string comes in various incarnations on Takumars. It might be Super-Multi-Coated or S-M-C or SMC and those aren't the same. Some details matter, some don't. Confused yet? Good, so am I.

**outback traveller** · 11-09-2011, 02:24 AM

Thanks for the responses. The link to the explanation of Pentax lens codes was really useful. As for the 'P' I will take your advice and ignore it.

11-08-2011, 02:48 AM	#1
outback traveller Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Brisbane Posts: 9	Help with Pentax Lens codes G'day I am looking to buy some Pentax lenses on eBay. Some lenses have a P- in front of their FA code. What does the P- denote? What is the difference between a lens coded as a SMCP-FA and one labelled SMC FA?

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11-08-2011, 04:10 AM	#2
Falke Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Northern NSW Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 186	On this page : Pentax K-Mount Lenses Explained: The differences between various Pentax lens series I found in the smc PENTAX-FA section a reference to a powerzoom function on certain lenses of this generation: Pentax Lens Power Zoom Maybe that is what the P denotes.

11-08-2011, 04:11 AM	#3
xjjohnno Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Melbourne Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,115	Same lens, the P would signify Pentax. You are dealing with the idiosyncrasies of how some sellers might list their items.

11-08-2011, 07:12 AM	#4
Kaufeetime Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kansas City,Mo. Photos: Albums Posts: 206	Welcome Outback Traveler Click on; This address will help you to understand the Pentax system. Follow all the links and soon you will become master Pentaxian. Good Luck

11-08-2011, 01:32 PM	#5
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Ah yes, idiosyncrasies. I just grabbed the nearest appropriate lens which is labeled: PENTAX SMC PENTAX-F ZOOM 1:3.5-4.5 35-70 mm Some might call that a SMC-Pentax (or SMC-P) (or SMCP) (or SMC) F35-70/3.5-4.5 or some variant thereof. And that SMC string comes in various incarnations on Takumars. It might be Super-Multi-Coated or S-M-C or SMC and those aren't the same. Some details matter, some don't. Confused yet? Good, so am I.

11-09-2011, 02:24 AM	#6
outback traveller Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Brisbane Posts: 9 Original Poster	Thanks for the responses. The link to the explanation of Pentax lens codes was really useful. As for the 'P' I will take your advice and ignore it.