Ricoh Imaging has a new dedicated site for the HD PENTAX-D FA 21mm f/2.4 ED Limited DC WR lens that was announced a few days ago where different members of the development team provide their feedback – here is one of the stories:
Lenses that will retain their charm and brilliance even 20 years from now
[Iwasaki, Product Planning]The history of the FA Limited series began in 1997 with the launch of the sme PENTAX-FA 43mm F1.9 Limited, a lens now regarded as one of the most distinguished members of the series.
Limited-series lenses are designed to produce natural image renditions that truthfully recreate the ambience and sense of depth of a given scene — elements that can’t be measured simply in numerical values. These lenses assure the essence of superb image rendition, one that holds true over many generations.
PENTAX, which initially ventured into the digital imaging market with a lineup of APS-C-format cameras, launched its first full-frame model, the PENTAX K-1, in 2016. With this launch, PENTAX made it possible for digital SLR camera users to take full advantage of the distinctive focal lengths of the FA Limited-series lenses, which were designed during the film-photography era and boasted a range of innovative and distinguished features.
To further upgrade the crispness and sharpness of images captured by digital cameras, PENTAX later applied its state-of-the-art HD (High Definition) Coating to the 31mm, 43mm and 77mm lenses of the Limited series, and reintroduced them to the market as new-generation models.
To make the world of the Limited series more inspiring and enjoyable, and to make PENTAX full-frame digital SLR cameras more attractive and creative, PENTAX decided to add to the three lenses of the FA Limited series a new D FA Limited series with specifications optimized for digital imaging. In designing the D FA Limited series, PENTAX posed two essential questions: what does the FA Limited series really mean, and what is the essence of FA Limited-series lenses? PENLAX then confirmed the answer: that the Limited series of lenses will retain their charm and excellence even 20 years from now. At the same time, PENTAX redefined the three most important elements of the Limited series.
Based on these elements, PENTAX decided to develop the first model of the D FA Limited series, one providing an ultra-wide-angle focal length not available in the existing FA Limited lineup, and ideal for both scenic and snapshot photography. Unlike conventional ultra-wide-angle lenses producing sharp, high-resolution images at all focusing distances, however, this lens would be designed to capture the main subject in sharp, crisp focus with a mild bokeh (defocused) effect in the background, when set at open aperture in close-up photography. This would make the subject stand out against a mildly defocused background, while still retaining the details needed to truthfully recreate the overall ambience of a given scene.
As a part of the Limited-series lineup, the new 21mm lens dearly demonstrates the distinctive optical characteristics incorporated into the Limited series concept That’s why its imaging characteristics change depending on the shooting distance and the selected aperture. PENTAX has developed this lens with the hope that users will cherish its distinctive imaging characteristics, and find greater pleasure in digital photography.
HD PENTAX-D FA 21mm f/2.4 ED Limited DC WR lens officially announced
