Since I just figured out how to get Gmail to work with the PDML, I'm pretty behind on all the latest gossip. I'd just like to add my two cents about all the new products Pentax has announced lately. (item list taken from http://www.dpreview.com/news/2012/02/07/Pentax_In-development_lenses)
1. smc PENTAX-D FA645 90mm F2.8 I'm glad to see Pentax is showing more support for the 645D. I'll likely never own one, but it's nice to see it's not just a flash in the pan. 2. smc PENTAX-DA 560mm F5.6 OMG I WANT THIS LENS. Even though it's a stop slower than my K 500mm 4.5, I would kill for autofocus on a long tele like this. Too bad I'll probably never be able to afford it. However, if the price isn't too horrible, I might sell the K 500 and put that money towards this one. I'd sure miss the rifle sights on the K 500, though... 3. smc PENTAX-DA 50mm F1.8 I've been waiting for a lens like this for a long time. Even though I'd prefer the 55mm 1.4, there's no way I can afford it. I'll probably sell my FA 50mm 1.4 (and maybe my A 50mm 1.2, which I never use) to get this lens. 4. Q lenses TELEPHOTO ZOOM and MOUNT CAP LENS Although I'll probably not get a Q (too expensive!), I'm intrigued by this "mount cap lens" that is described thusly: "Eye-catching “body mount cap” design, along with a toy-camera-like visual effect." Does anyone else think it sounds like a pinhole lens? 5. A lens for the PENTAX K-01 This unnamed pancake lens reminded me to give my opinion of the K-01: What an ugly brick of plastic! Get rid of that designer, Pentax, and hire someone who knows how to make a camera. 6. Adapter Q for K mount lens This product was inevitable, but I'm glad they're releasing it relatively soon after the Q's introduction. I'm curious why it needs a "built-in shutter unit," though. 7. Optio WG-2 I want this camera. Seriously, I'm going to start saving for it as soon as I get back from Melbourne this May. Pentax's waterproof cameras have always been great (for P&S cameras, of course), and this one has all the features I want. I'm particularly glad they added another light to the macro lights around the lens. Now the lighting should be a bit more even all the way around the object. As long as none of these things I hope to buy turn out to be as much of a lemon as my DA* 16-50, I'll be happy. John Celio -- http://www.jacelio.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
