Brought here from another posting about camera body and lens repairs. Thought that I would generally add to the discussion.

A bit more about me first... I've had Pentax since the late 70's, I presently own over ten Pentax digital bodies, and well over one dozen film bodies - all perfectly within working order. I own every single PK lens presently produced with two exceptions. I also do a fair share of medium format work, and also have a variety of full framers from Canon and Nikon.

The issue with Pentax SDM was never really properly dealt with. As a company that the resources to be able to deal with it, I'm surprised at what they both have attempted and have not attempted so far. There are very obvious issues with SDM lenses in at least two of the lenses.

I should know. I've also been effected with the SDM issue in those two very brands; the 16-50 and also the 50-135. To what extents exactly? Been through two complete replacements of the 16-50 and three separate repairs outside of that.

It very concerning to have those two lenses with the Pentax labels on them; and then also knowing that they can never be used in the field by themselves. Having either of those two lenses makes a genuine need for a secondary backup lens.

Most professionals such as myself, typically carry around at least two bodies and two lenses. But this is naturally not the case with everyone.

Pentax should offer more options for people who have been stuck with these lenses. Why not full replacement in terms of refunding one hundred percent of any purchase money and also any repair money? Why not offer replacement upgrades - complete replacement of a lens to a different model?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?=Pentax+Normal+smc+P-D+FA+50mm+f%2F2.8+Macr...

States macro on this site; even on the Pentax site. The Pentax FA50 is a macro lens; as all of the lenses with the Pentax FA designation are technically full frame lenses, but also... Almost all of the presently marketed FA's are macro. Sorry not my perspective, but that's the way the company is labeling them.

As for faster (my error); it should have read faster focusing - I left out the focusing word accidently.

Two answers; one post...

My favorite Pentax macro lens is the FA50, but unfortunately I would rarely suggest using it for live subjects. On any camera body, with almost any subject, under any lighting... The mechanically focusing FA50 likes to go through it's entire range while searching. Switching to manual can help, or with certain other subjects outside of portraiture, one can use the depth of field to also compensate.

Try the Sigma macros, they are considerably faster than anything Pentax has on the market, but there is also the size and weight issues with most of the quality Sigma lenses.


On a side note...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/522603-REG/Novoflex_PROAPODIGI_100_100mm_f...

Already have one of these. Outside of this, there are no new PK bellows or extension tubes on the market

I have most every possible item available in PK, which includes some limited macro options.

But macro and PK can barely be used in the same sentence.

Considering how long PK has been around; how many lenses are generally on the market; either now or back in time... There are not very many true macro options in PK.

Take a glance at the three fixed focal length Sigma options that could easily be converted over to PK. They are available on other platforms, but not PK. Whatever happened to extension tubes, or bellows that cost under several thousand?

A few are missing the point on this one... The K3 is not marketed a being an entry level camera; one that should remain on full automation the entire time.

If there's problems in metering with most any camera (especially of the caliper of the K3) then there are also many ways around it. Also many options outside of the automatic ones, and before one would ever have the need for full manual.

One also has to wonder... Are there people out there that are still capable of using full manual. I could even turn a meter completely off; not using one at all - even turn focusing off - and still get a publishable result a majority of the time

Consider a few things about adding on mobile connections to anything but an entry level camera.

I'll use my K3 as an example; I almost always operate it as full mp settings, both raw and jpeg. So imagine the levels of data in that one; especially when many, many photographs are taken at events. It's not unusual to work such as wedding and sporting events where several hundred photographs are taken.

Data transmission speeds using existing technology. Which would be assuming that everyone always operated at 4k speed. Then there's where to store it. Would it be stored on the cloud, or transmitted back to a physical computer somewhere?

What device with the hardware? Because it would not a wise idea to include it directly attached to the hardware. It would have to be removable and replaceable; to allow for future advances in technology

For the zoom lens mentioned in the starting of this thread post...

The most economical item in TWO different ways would be to use a front end lens filter.

One can purchase them in single filters or sets; from +1 to +10, in some cases well beyond ten. And depending upon the filter size selected; one might just be able to use that same sized filter on a second lens -eventually.

The most popular front end filter size for Pentax braded PK lenses seems to currently be 49mm.

One might also want to look into actually purchasing larger filters and then using conversion step up rings; stepping up from the original lens front sided thread to one which would normally be larger than what is found on the front.

Great photographs there Crossed-up!!

Any chances of me borrowing those examples for use in teaching a future class, preferably with properly crediting your name and all?

On a side note: I'm surprised that Pentax isn't taking a more obvious cross hair comparison at companies such as Nikon. Why not do a compare and contrast between Nikon and Pentax; showing items like cost and lack of WR in Nikons lens line??