http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-news-releases/13173-pentax-news-something-interesting-really.html
Interesting thread. Some intriguing quotes: ----- Quote 1: Hoya is a huge supplier of lens blanks for many companies, including the "big two". That merger only spells major positives, especially for Pentax. Think about it - Hoya can now give Pentax their lens blanks at cost... because they own Pentax... I cannot disclose other positives in the Pentax camp - I'm aware of what's coming up, but only in the general specs dept. This I do know for certain: some of the deficiencies will be addressed - especially in the lens department. Granted, not everyone can afford a 400/2.8 or longer, but it's coming!! No I didn't say they're releasing that lens - but the lens selection improvement is coming. You read it here first: come January that news should be released. Guys, you know I don't believe in conjecture/rumors, etc., but what I said in the previous paragraph is first hand from Pentax USA. I know this, but I am bound to a non-disclosure agreement with Pentax USA... stay the course, and you'll see the rewards of waiting. Regards, Marc ----- Quote 2: Hoya is backing Pentax Imaging with tons of R&D money and now have the means to make something better than they expected period. The new lenses on the road map went back to the drawing board since Pentax can now afford to step things up in terms of glass blanks and processing. -Chris ----- Quote 3: I know the designs are done or being completed for certain focal lengths (those above 300mm...). Don't hold your breath for an AF 400/2.8 though! Marc ----- My reaction, if anyone cares: Pentax's lens output has been constrained by limits to production capacity in the Hanoi plant, for for the DA* lenses, by some problems in quality of parts coming from suppliers. So I don't see how blanks from Hoya will resolve anything soon. That said, I really want a DA* 400 and a really good (Pentax designed) DA 1.4x TC. Joe -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
