First real-world photos of (newly updated) HD FA Limited lenses published by yaotomi.co.jp with an -cosmetically- coating comparison with old SMC versions.
FA Prime Lenses
NEW “HD” PENTAX-FA Limited series!
Three HD PENTAX-FA Limited interchangeable lenses for use with K-mount SLR cameras, featuring the latest HD coating and round-shaped diaphragm
RICOH IMAGING COMPANY is pleased to announce the launch of three HD PENTAX-FA Limited interchangeable lenses for use with PENTAX K-mount SLR cameras. Featuring the latest HD coating and a round-shaped diaphragm, these new lenses boast much-improved imaging performance to deliver distinctive, well-defined images in combination with a K-mount camera body, while sporting an attractive exterior design.
Developed based on the FA Limited Lens series — renowned for their meticulousness in every detail, from outstanding image rendition to high-quality, machined aluminum bodies — these new lenses are designed to assure even better optical performance than the original Limited-series models. This is all a part of PENTAX’s attempt to reach a level of performance that can’t simply be measured in numerical values. Along with the distinguished qualities of the HD FA Limited series — outstanding description of texture, fine reproduction of gradation in highlight areas, faithful reproduction of details, and natural reproduction of the bokeh (defocus) effect — they have been treated with the PENTAX-original HD coating, which assures much higher light transmittance than conventional multi-layer coatings. They deliver sharp, clear images free of flare and ghost images, even under such demanding conditions as backlight. They also feature a completely round-shaped diaphragm to produce a natural, beautiful bokeh effect in the foreground and background.
Main features of the HD PENTAX-FA Limited lenses (common to all three models)
1. High-grade HD coating for exceptional image rendition
The three new lenses are treated with the PENTAX-original HD coating.* Compared with conventional multi-layer coatings, this high-grade coating assures higher light transmittance and lower reflectance to deliver sharp, clear images free of flare and ghost images, even under such adverse lighting conditions as backlight. It elevates the imaging performance of these new lenses a further step up.
* HD stands for High Definition.
2. Round-shaped diaphragm for beautiful bokeh effect
All lenses feature a completely round-shaped diaphragm, which produces a natural, beautiful bokeh (defocus) effect in the images captured, while optimizing the imaging performance of the distinctive Limited Lens-series optics contained within.
3. Acclaimed Limited Lens-series quality for distinctive visual rendition and premium appearance
While inheriting the design concept of the Limited Lens series, these lenses were designed through a series of mechanical and numerical evaluations, as well as human assessment of test-shooting samples, to deliver an image rendition unmatched by other models. The barrel, hood and cap are all made of high-grade aluminum, meticulously machined for an attractive appearance and beautiful texture. The HD PENTAX-FA 43mm F1.9 Limited features a mount pointer made of a Shippoyaki (cloisonné) ware. This pointer allows the user to mount the lens to a camera body as effortlessly as other Limited Lens-series models.
4. Other features
1. SP (Super Protect) coating is applied to the front surface of each lens to repel dust and stains.
2. Black models are marked with a serial number starting with 0000001; silver models start with 1000001.
3. The aperture ring has been retained so that the user can still use a variety of functions featured in K-mount film-format cameras.
Major Specifications
HD PENTAX-FA 31mm F1.8 Limited
| Focal Length | 31mm |
|---|---|
| Equivalent to 47.5mm in 35mm format (when attached to PENTAX APS-C size DSLR cameras) |
|
| Maximum Aperture | F1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | F22 |
| Lens Construction | 9 elements in 7 groups |
| Angle of View (Diagonal) | 70° |
| 49° (when attached to PENTAX APS-C size DSLR cameras) |
|
| Mount | KAF |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.3m (0.98ft.) |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.16x |
| Filter Diameter | 58mm |
| Diaphragm Control | Fully automatic |
| Number of Diaphragm Blades | 9 Rounded diaphragm （31mm:F1.8-F3.5） |
| Aperture Ring | equipped |
| Tripod Mount | N/A |
| Lens Hood | fixed |
| Lens Cap | O-LW65B (included) |
| Lens Case | P70-140 (included) |
| Maximum Diameter x Length | approx. 65mm x 69mm (approx. 2.6in. x 2.7in.) |
| Weight | approx. 341g (approx. 12.0oz.) |
| Temperature | -10°C～40°C (14°F～104°F) |
| Humidity | 85% or less (no condensation) |
| Included Accessories | Lens Cap O-LW65B, Lens Mount Cap K, Lens Case P70-140 |
| Others | HD Coating SP (Super Protect) Coating Colors (Black / Silver ) |
HD PENTAX-FA 43mm F1.9 Limited
| Focal Length | 43mm |
|---|---|
| Equivalent to 66mm in 35mm format (when attached to PENTAX APS-C size DSLR cameras) |
|
| Maximum Aperture | F1.9 |
| Minimum Aperture | F22 |
| Lens Construction | 7 elements in 6 groups |
| Angle of View (Diagonal) | 53° |
| 36.5° (when attached to PENTAX APS-C size DSLR cameras) |
|
| Mount | KAF |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.45m (1.48 ft.) |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.12x |
| Filter Diameter | 49mm |
| Diaphragm Control | Fully automatic |
| Number of Diaphragm Blades | 8 Rounded diaphragm （43mm:F1.9-F3.5） |
| Aperture Ring | equipped |
| Tripod Mount | N/A |
| Lens Hood | MH-RG49 (included) |
| Lens Cap | O-LW54A (included) |
| Lens Case | P60-120 (included) |
| Maximum Diameter x Length | approx. 64mm x 27mm (approx. 2.5in. x 1.1in.) |
| Weight | approx. 155g / with hood approx. 163g (approx. 5.5oz./ with hood approx. 5.7oz.) |
| Temperature | -10°C～40°C (14°F～104°F) |
| Humidity | 85% or less (no condensation) |
| Included Accessories | Lens Hood MH-RG49, Lens Cap O-LW54A, Lens Mount Cap K, Lens Case P60-120 |
| Others | HD Coating SP (Super Protect) Coating Colors (Black / Silver ) |
HD PENTAX-FA 77mm F1.8 Limited
| Focal Length | 77mm |
|---|---|
| Equivalent to 118mm in 35mm format (when attached to PENTAX APS-C size DSLR cameras) |
|
| Maximum Aperture | F1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | F22 |
| Lens Construction | 7 elements in 6 groups |
| Angle of View (Diagonal) | 31.5° |
| 21° (when attached to PENTAX APS-C size DSLR cameras) |
|
| Mount | KAF |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.7m (2.3 ft.) |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.14x |
| Filter Diameter | 49mm |
| Diaphragm Control | Fully automatic |
| Number of Diaphragm Blades | 9 Rounded diaphragm （77mm:F1.8-F4） |
| Aperture Ring | equipped |
| Tripod Mount | N/A |
| Lens Hood | built-in |
| Lens Cap | O-LW54A (included) |
| Lens Case | P60-120 (included) |
| Maximum Diameter x Length | approx. 64mm x 48mm (approx. 2.5in. x 1.9in.) |
| Weight | approx. 270g (approx. 9.5oz.) |
| Temperature | -10°C～40°C (14°F～104°F) |
| Humidity | 85% or less (no condensation) |
| Included Accessories | Lens Cap O-LW54A, Lens Mount Cap K, Lens Case P60-120 |
| Others | HD Coating SP (Super Protect) Coating Colors (Black / Silver ) |
Photos from PENTAX K-3 III Meeting (Tokyo/Japan) – Pt.1
First hands-on photos of upcoming flagship APS-C DSLR PENTAX K-3 III published on dc.watch.impress.co.jp!
Shutter sound & Burst Mode
New PENTAX Limited Lens Special Site
New PENTAX Limited Lens Special Site online now! (Only in Japanese, English version doesn’t exist yet.)
Here we have photos…
PENTAX FA Limited Lenses
smc PENTAX-FA 31mm F1.8 AL Limited
smc PENTAX-FA 43mm F1.9 Limited
smc PENTAX-FA 77mm F1.8 Limited
PENTAX DA Limited Lenses
HD PENTAX-DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited
HD PENTAX-DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited
HD PENTAX-DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited
HD PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 Limited
HD PENTAX-DA 70mm F2.4 Limited
HD PENTAX-DA 20-40mm F2.8-4ED Limited DC WR
HD PENTAX-FA 35mm F2 Samples with PENTAX K-1 II
HD PENTAX-FA 35mm F2 samples with PENTAX K-1 II published on yaotomi.co.jp.
Download/view full sized (7360x4912px) samples (on Google Drive)
First preview photos of the new HD PENTAX-FA 35mm F2 – Design comparison with smc PENTAX-FA 35mm F2 AL [updated with 7 new photos]
First preview shots of the new HD PENTAX-FA 35mm (with smc PENTAX-FA 35mm F2 AL design comparison) published on yaotomi.co.jp.
Sample shot
F5.6 | 1/50 | ISO100
HD PENTAX-FA 35mm F2 announced!
A single-focus, wide-angle lens for use with K-mount digital SLR cameras, featuring latest lens coatings to further upgrade image quality
RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. is pleased to announce the launch of the HD PENTAX-FA 35mm F2. Despite its compact dimensions, this high-performance, wide-angle lens is designed to cover the full-frame image circle of PENTAX K-mount digital SLR cameras.
The development of this new lens was based on the smc PENTAX-FA35mm F2 AL — a very popular multi-purpose, wide-angle lens used on film-format SLR cameras — while conducting a thorough review of lens coatings.
The high-grade, multi-layer HD Coating has been applied to the optical elements to produce high-contrast images with edge-to-edge sharpness and free of flare and ghost images; the highly stain-repellent SP Coating has been applied to the front surface to improve the lens’s usability in outdoor locations. The exterior has been totally redesigned to match the design of latest PENTAX K-mount digital SLR models, while its compact, portable body makes it a perfect everyday-use lens.
*Please apply the latest updater of Digital Camera Utility 5 when you handle images taken by this lens on Digital Camera Utility 5. In case the software version is old, the name of this lens can not be displayed correctly. Digital Utility 4 and below can not display the name of this lens correctly.
Lens construction
Comparison of anti-backlight performance
Even under adverse conditions such as a strong light source in the image field, HD Coating effectively reduces the generation of ghost images, compared to conventional multi-layer coatings.
Comparison of transmissivity
Although both the old and new FA 35mm F2 lenses feature a simple lens construction, the HD PENTAX-FA 35mm F2 assures higher transmissivity as a whole, because its HD Coating-treated lens surfaces have superior anti-reflectance performance.
Main Features
HD Coating to enhance imaging power
After a thorough review of the lens coatings applied to the popular smc PENTAX-FA 35mm F2AL, PENTAX applied the latest HD Coating* to this lens. Compared to conventional multi-layer coatings, this high-performance, multi-layer coating reduces average reflectance and improves light transmittance to deliver extra-clear, high-contrast images free of flare and ghost images, even in demanding lighting conditions such as backlighting.
* HD stands for High Definition.
SP Coating to repel stains
Applied to the lens’s front surface, the SP (Super Protect) Coating is highly repellent to water and grease, making it easy to wipe off any stains. This frees the photographer from worries in outdoor photography.
New exterior design to match latest digital SLR models
While retaining the overall size of the original smc PENTAX-FA 35mm F2AL, this lens features a totally new exterior design, similar to that of the latest DA- and D FA-series lenses. This new appearance makes this single-focus lens a perfect partner for latest K-series digital SLR models. Since this lens retains the aperture ring, it also accommodates many of the functions provided by film-format SLR cameras and older K-mount digital SLR models, making it possible to enjoy photography using a greater range of cameras.
Easy-to-use standard lens
When mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR camera body, this lens provides a moderately wide 35mm angle of view with a full-frame model, or a standard 53.5mm angle of view with an APS-C-format model. Since it provides a natural perspective similar to that of the naked eye, it can be used as a multi-purpose standard lens in a wide range of applications, including snapshooting, scenic photography and portraiture. It also features a minimum focusing distance of 0.3 meters.
Compact, portable design
Weighing approximately 193 grams and measuring a mere 44.5 millimeters in length, this lens has been designed to be extremely compact and highly portable for carefree photography at any location and on every occasion.
Hybrid aspherical optical elements
The lens incorporates hybrid aspherical optical elements to effectively compensate for various aberrations. Thanks to these elements, it delivers extra-clear, high-contrast images from the minimum focusing distance to infinity, and edge-to-edge sharpness even at open aperture.
Specification
| Focal Length | 35mm |
|---|---|
| Equivalent to 53.5mm in 35mm format (when attached to PENTAX APS-C size DSLR cameras) |
|
| Maximum Aperture | F2 |
| Minimum Aperture | F22 |
| Lens Construction | 6 elements in 5 groups |
| Angle of View (Diagonal) | 63° |
| 44° (when attached to PENTAX APS-C size DSLR cameras) |
|
| Mount | KAF |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.3m (0.98ft.) |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.17x |
| Filter Diameter | 49mm |
| Diaphragm Control | Fully automatic |
| Number of Diaphragm Blades | 6 |
| Tripod Mount | N/A |
| Lens Hood | PH-RBG49 (included) |
| Lens Cap | O-LC49 (included) |
| Lens Case | S80-80 (included) |
| Maximum Diameter x Length | approx. 64mm x 44.5mm (approx. 2.5in. x 1.8in.) |
| Weight | approx. 193g / with hood approx. 213g (approx. 6.8oz./ with hood approx. 7.5oz.) |
| Temperature | -10°C～40°C (14°F～104°F) |
| Humidity | 85% or less (no condensation) |
Included Accessories: Lens Hood PH-RBG49, Lens Cap O-LC49, Lens Case S80-80, Lens Mount Cap K
Sample Photos (with PENTAX K-1 II)
Download/view full sized (7360x4912px) samples (on Google Drive)
HD PENTAX-D FA★ 50mm F1.4 SDM AW vs smc PENTAX FA 43mm F1.9 Limited – Test Videos
HD PENTAX-D FA★ 50mm F1.4 SDM AW vs smc PENTAX FA 43mm F1.9 Limited image quality comparion test videos published by Li (the CameraVille).
Test Pt. 1/2 – Stills Test
Test Pt. 2/2 – Portrait/Landscape Test
But… There is a mistake here technically. Object has to be in same dimensions on the frame for 100% right comparison. For example if we use 1 m -lens to object- distance for a 50 mm lens, should be ~0.86 m for a 43 mm. Otherwise this technical mistake effects bokeh dramatically!
Also a 50 mm lens gives more smooth bokeh -than a 43 mm lens- on the background thanks to its +7 mm tele magnification factor. So would be a mistake to say: “HD PENTAX-D FA★ 50mm F1.4 SDM AW is better than the smc PENTAX FA 43mm F1.9 Limited about bokeh quality.” etc.
To understand roughly you can check Michael Bemowski’s DOF Simulator!
PENTAX K-1 II real-world samples (with smc PENTAX-FA 31mm F1.8 AL Limited) from cool3c.com
PENTAX K-1 II product photos and samples published posted on cool3c.com.
PS. Page in Chinese and translation doesn’t really work. All photos were uploaded in full resolution (7630x4912px) on original page and it loads more than 572 mb!!! We have all of those on Google Drive, so no problem. :)
PENTAX K-1 II + smc PENTAX-FA 31mm F1.8 AL Limited sample photos
Download/view (7630x4912px) original sized samples
PENTAX K-1 II + unknown lens (20mm) sample photos
Download/view (7630x4912px) original sized samples
PENTAX K-1 II real-world samples Part V (with smc PENTAX FA 77mm F1.8 Limited Silver, smc PENTAX FA 43mm F1.9 Limited & smc PENTAX-FA 31mm F1.8 AL Limited)
5th part of PENTAX K-1 II real-world samples published on yaotomi.co.jp.
PENTAX K-1 II + smc PENTAX FA 77mm F1.8 Limited Silver
PENTAX K-1 II + smc PENTAX FA 77mm F1.8 Limited Samples
Download/view full sized 3 of those.
PENTAX K-1 II + smc PENTAX FA 43mm F1.9 Limited
PENTAX K-1 II + smc PENTAX FA 43mm F1.9 Limited Sample
PENTAX K-1 II + smc PENTAX-FA 31mm F1.8 AL Limited
PENTAX K-1 II + smc PENTAX-FA 31mm F1.8 AL Limited Samples
