PAF /PKA

Hi Guys and girls

After spending a day or two searching in many places I still uncertain for an answer

seeing lenses for sale specified as "PAF and PKA" what is the difference?
I have an A3 (PKA) but there is not a lot of long lenses above 200 available specified as PKA, much more PAFs.
I can follow the variations ka, ka2, kaj etc but maybe I'm missing a link here (however simple or obvious) why the "Generic" sellers term PAF and the real question will one work on the A3, is it as simple as just dropping the k as a update ???

Many thanks I've leart alot to day at least

Regards
Alan

Manufacturers do sometimes vary their designations but generally, PAF stands for Pentax Auto-Focus and PKA for Pentax KA mount.
KA lenses have electronic contacts that enable cameras with program functions to automatically recognise and select aperture settings - as in the case of your A3.
PAF lenses also have these contacts and in some cases are even more advanced, not only are they auto-focus (when used on an auto-focus camera bodies) but they may also have auto-zoom capabilities.
Most if not all PKA and PAF lenses will work perfectly on your A3 in manual-focus mode, as they all use the K style bayonet mount.

Thanks Kimbo

I thought that was the case but it seemed almost too obvious

I have had very unclear replies from a couple of local big names that have skirted around the capability, prefering to split them well apart.

Again my thanks


Regards
Alan

Just to throw a spanner into the works, there are some lenses where you can control the zoom from the camera body, but you need a body that'll have the right controls. Seems silly to me, I am perfetly hapy zooming with a ring, but some folks like fancy gizmos!