Jostein wrote:
We've all been there, Toralf...:-)
The M and the K are functionally the same. The K series predates the M.
The F-series were the first generation of autofocus lenses. It differs from the FA series in that it doesn't have a chip on board to inform the camera about maximum MTF aperture and lens identification.
Others are the Limited, which I'm sure you know of ;-) and one peculiar lens designed for the MEF camera. It's an early autofocus design with the motor and batteries inside the lens. It's a 28-70/2.8 zoom lens, but I don't remember it's exact name.
There are some other designations too, like the asterisk (*) that alledgedly denotes use of special quality glass. At the prices of those lenses, they damn better have some special glass too...:-). The asterisk can be found on both A, F and FA series lenses.
and the very special M*300 F4.0.
Jostein
Toralf wrote:
And now a question that will reveal my status as a complete novice:
What exactly do the different letters in the Pentax lens designations mean? I've been looking for an explanation on the K mount info page and other places, but not found anything...
I understand the difference between an "M" and "A" lens, of course, and I know an "FA" lens has autofocus. But how about "F"? Or "K"? And are there others?
- Toralf
-- Politicians are interested in people. Not that this is a virtue. Fleas are interested in dogs. P. J. O'Rourke
