My FA 31, bought spring 2002, has number 0019057.
This FA 77 was made in Japan. The manual was printed in 2003, and mentions the *ist D and the FAJ lenses. So there was a production run some time last year. I am guessing that it was a short production run in early 2003, since they have become so hard to get.
Will the FA 77 continue to be available, or is it discontinued in all but name? What about other high-quality FA and FA* lenses? I don't know the answer. Consider several facts, though: Pentax is rumored to have stopped all lens assembly in Japan. The lens assembly operation in Vietnam is unable to meet demand for the DA lenses. Now Pentax has announced a whole new line of "digital" lenses, presumably to be assembled in Vietnam.
My conclusion: If there is an FA lens that you think you want, just get it (if you can). Don't take a chance.
Now I'm off to play with my new puppy.
Joe
