Here's something I posted a while back in response to the same question: The first of the Pentax bayonet lenses were not given a letter designation, they are commonly refered to as "K" lenses after the mount type. (As opposed to M42 screw mount)If you have a good imagination the one long and two short flanges on the mount form the letter K if connected by lines. ;-/ The "M" series was next and was known for being lighter and smaller than their predecessors. Then came the "A" or "KA" lenses, these have the A setting and contacts to allow them to work in "Program" mode on cameras so equipped, such as the Super Program and on up to the ist D/DS. Then came the "KAF" and "KAF2" which added autofocus. These are given the "F", "FA" and "FAJ" letters. FAJ's have no aperture ring and aperture must be set on the camera. Now we have the "DA" lenses with a smaller image circle to match the the APS size sensor in the ist D and ist DS. They are KAF2 mount. The neat thing is all K mount lenses are "Backward Compatible". (Except for the DA and FAJ)
And more letters to follow...(We all hope!) ;-) Don > -----Original Message----- > From: Gateway [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Sent: Sunday, December 12, 2004 8:29 PM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: Lens question > > > > > I see that some people refer to M or A type lenses. I assumed that that > meant they were auto or manual but seemingly not. > > What does it stand for? > > I was looking for a 28/3.5 but apparently one is better than the other. > > if anybdoy has any thoguths on the 28/3.5 they would be appreciated also. > > Gareth > -- > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. > Version: 7.0.296 / Virus Database: 265.5.0 - Release Date: 12/9/2004 >
