The probably have the parts on hand and assemble them as needed.
Tom Reese wrote:
I still don't know about this. In my mind, these lenses have too many custom
parts for them to bother making a single lens. The lens barrels, the
focusing helixes, the diaphragm mechanisms etc have to be different. I can't
see Pentax going to their supplier and ordering one of each to build a
single A 15mm lens. I can see them producing a batch of fifty or so but I
don't think they'd bother for an older model that has been replaced in the
lineup.
Like I said, it's an interesting idea.
The ain't shutting down no line to make your A15, Tom. They put them
together in a little job shop in the basement <grin>. In fact I would
not be suprised to find out that they grind the lens elements on a
numerically contolled grinder and polish them by hand. They probably
haven't made enough 15mm's since 1975 to keep a serious production line
busy for one day.
--
When you're worried or in doubt,
Run in circles, (scream and shout).
