They should print that in magazine ads instead of some silly ads which went
nowhere.
Regards,
Alan Chan
http://www.pbase.com/wlachan
Above statement is apparently quite true (of course, as it has come from
one
of our prime lens gurus :-), and reminded me of some interesting exchanges
between Pentax QC Dep't and lens Design Dep't (it showed up in certain lens
forum).
It went something like this.
Pentax QC Dep't (Hereinafter QC): The 50/1.4 has slight flare (CA, not due
to backlight) at max aperture, and might not be suitable for use with
*istD.
Lens designers (hereinafter LD) : The lens was deliberately designed so (I
assume the same design principle with LTD lenses).
QC: It's an excuse that cannot be accepted in the digital era. A programme
line which does not use max aperture must be designed.
LD: OK then, we can easily prototype the same 50/1.4 but with less flare
(CA). This could be the future FA*50/1.4
Proto was produced.
QC: Good, still some CA remaining but it is now less than 50%. Let's test
it
for chart, general scenery and night scene etc.
Test results were satisfactory. Design improvement was well reflected.
Might have to change to the new design.
And some time later
QC: We have closely evaluated the results of the test. Well, the current
one shows much better gradation and produces much subtler impression. We
much prefer the current one.
LD: We told you so. Now we are vindicated. We are not pursuing just the
crispness, and that differentiates our lenses from others. Got it?
Well, if we would proceed with the new version of 50/1.4, the current
50/1.4
might fetch a premium price, just like A*85/1.4.
Above is a true story. It tells the present design philosophy of Pentax
lenses well. For example, if they ever wish to produce Nikkor type lenses
(often too crisp), they can easily do so, but they chose not to. That's
why
there are so many Pentax lens enthusiasts. Limited lenses are true Pentax
ones, producing excellent 3D effect in a compact package.
Well, folks, if you do not have an FA50/1.4 yet, secure it now before it
becomes one of the legendary lenses :-).
_
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