Interesting and Unique Pentax FA 50mm 1.7 in Auction site

Interesting and Unique Pentax FA 50mm 1.7 in Auction site · 01:33 PM

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Does anyone knows anything about this lens?

It is for sale in Ebay. I have no association with the seller.

SMC Pentax FA 50mm F 1 7 PK Autofocus Mount Caps Japan Unique | eBay

**Weevil** · 07-27-2015, 02:09 PM

Nice collector's item!

**jatrax** · 07-27-2015, 04:57 PM

Not sure if this is the case or if it really is something special. But be aware that the focus ring on these can be damaged and quite often is. If that is the case it is possible some one added the ring with the "off / lock" text on it just so they would have a focus ring. It looks as if the plastic is completely different and slightly different color.

On the other hand it might be a valuable prototype. Would love to see a photo with the ring off. And it not having a serial number is also odd.

**reduno** · 07-27-2015, 05:20 PM

I also noticed that the screws retaining the focus lock ring are flat head. The screws next to the lock knob on the FA 50 2.8 macro are Phillips, as are all the other visible screws on this lens. Of course if it really is a prototype, they could have grabbed any screw that was the right size.

MegaPower · 07-27-2015, 06:15 PM

this is really an interesting lens.

rawr · 07-27-2015, 08:44 PM

Looks like it combines parts from several lenses.

Wild Mark · 07-27-2015, 09:14 PM

I have seen something similar on another recently auctioned item (FA100/2.8 macro). This kit was complete with major ring flash and close up lenses/ adapters.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Pentax-FA-100mm-F2-8-Macro-Lens-AF-140C-Flash-Clo...vip=true&rt=nc

The focus limiter could be there for two reasons

1. macro work
2. preset for defining the minimum focus distance for improving workflow in a busy photographic shoot (i.e. forcing a specific amount of content in a shot) - this is just thoughts

Interesting none the less. I do however wonder if this is some post production non-genuine adaptation coming out of Japan.

Adam · 07-28-2015, 01:15 AM - **1 Like**

Very interesting. Based on those photos, my guess is that it's some sort of custom (non-genuine) modification. The owner of the lens may have just wanted a nice old-fashioned focusing ring, hence the increased size and the addition of a clamp for added friction. The only puzzling thing is how they managed to make it look so authentic...must have been a skilled shop.

Too bad they didn't invent quick shift while they were at it!

kindakaa · 07-28-2015, 01:19 AM

I think it's aftermarket replacable addon for standart lens.

**sergysergy** · 07-28-2015, 01:22 AM - **1 Like**

It is a FrAnkenlens

Fishman52 · 07-28-2015, 02:01 AM

Looks like a prototype of this one SMC Pentax-FA 50mm F1.7 Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

PiDicus Rex · 07-28-2015, 02:25 AM

Looks more like a lockable attachment ring - such as for a ring flash or filter mount - on the end of a standard lens.
The only question is why no serial number? Yes, could imply prototype - but I'm more inclined to think Stolen.

wed7 · 07-28-2015, 06:25 AM

Could be an improvised hood 😊

**jbondo** · 07-28-2015, 08:28 AM

It does look more like a modification than a prototype, Very interesting, though.

Fishman52 · 07-28-2015, 02:20 PM

Doesn’t look improvised tom too well made and the lettering on the side looks to be done with a die made especially for that job. It is as I said in a previous post a prototype or as dcshooter said it is an old lens that had a serial number sticker that has fallen off.

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07-28-2015, 01:15 AM - 1 Like	#8
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Very interesting. Based on those photos, my guess is that it's some sort of custom (non-genuine) modification. The owner of the lens may have just wanted a nice old-fashioned focusing ring, hence the increased size and the addition of a clamp for added friction. The only puzzling thing is how they managed to make it look so authentic...must have been a skilled shop. Too bad they didn't invent quick shift while they were at it! 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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07-27-2015, 02:09 PM	#2
Weevil Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Near Montréal, Québec Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,444	Nice collector's item!

07-27-2015, 04:57 PM	#3
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Not sure if this is the case or if it really is something special. But be aware that the focus ring on these can be damaged and quite often is. If that is the case it is possible some one added the ring with the "off / lock" text on it just so they would have a focus ring. It looks as if the plastic is completely different and slightly different color. On the other hand it might be a valuable prototype. Would love to see a photo with the ring off. And it not having a serial number is also odd.

07-27-2015, 05:20 PM	#4
reduno Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Central NY, USA Posts: 965	I also noticed that the screws retaining the focus lock ring are flat head. The screws next to the lock knob on the FA 50 2.8 macro are Phillips, as are all the other visible screws on this lens. Of course if it really is a prototype, they could have grabbed any screw that was the right size.

07-27-2015, 06:15 PM	#5
MegaPower Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hong Kong / Irvine, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 636	this is really an interesting lens.

07-27-2015, 08:44 PM	#6
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Looks like it combines parts from several lenses.

07-27-2015, 09:14 PM	#7
Wild Mark Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Newcastle Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,954	I have seen something similar on another recently auctioned item (FA100/2.8 macro). This kit was complete with major ring flash and close up lenses/ adapters. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Pentax-FA-100mm-F2-8-Macro-Lens-AF-140C-Flash-Clo...vip=true&rt=nc The focus limiter could be there for two reasons 1. macro work 2. preset for defining the minimum focus distance for improving workflow in a busy photographic shoot (i.e. forcing a specific amount of content in a shot) - this is just thoughts Interesting none the less. I do however wonder if this is some post production non-genuine adaptation coming out of Japan.

07-28-2015, 01:19 AM	#9
kindakaa Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Tatarstan, Russia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 307	I think it's aftermarket replacable addon for standart lens.

07-28-2015, 01:22 AM - 1 Like	#10
sergysergy Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,170	It is a FrAnkenlens

07-28-2015, 02:01 AM	#11
Fishman52 New Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Morayfield, Queensland, Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 15	Looks like a prototype of this one SMC Pentax-FA 50mm F1.7 Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

07-28-2015, 02:25 AM	#12
PiDicus Rex Veteran Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 1,381	Looks more like a lockable attachment ring - such as for a ring flash or filter mount - on the end of a standard lens. The only question is why no serial number? Yes, could imply prototype - but I'm more inclined to think Stolen.

07-28-2015, 06:25 AM	#13
wed7 Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Manila, Philippines Posts: 1,421	Could be an improvised hood 😊

07-28-2015, 08:28 AM	#14
jbondo Loyal Site Supportaxian Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Texas Photos: Albums Posts: 503	It does look more like a modification than a prototype, Very interesting, though.

07-28-2015, 02:20 PM	#15
Fishman52 New Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Morayfield, Queensland, Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 15	Doesn’t look improvised tom too well made and the lettering on the side looks to be done with a die made especially for that job. It is as I said in a previous post a prototype or as dcshooter said it is an old lens that had a serial number sticker that has fallen off.