Allright, I see many people not happy about not so radical advance in new models announced by Pentax (without seeing any tests, results). Granted. Remember, Pentax is a small company compared to Nikon and Canon - Is it realistic to expect that each camera they release will overcome the top APS cameras from Canon and Nikon?
Similar thing happened when K-7 replaced K20d, almost the same sensor, not so hot updates at all. In those days Pentax hit the nail with K-x. But then came oriiginal K-5, which was significant improvement.
Seems to me that history is repeating: K30 seems to catch an eye of many, reaction to K-5 II is rather lukewarm. So lets see if the next upgrade will be significant again. Meanwhile lets give a new cameras chance....

Roy, John...thanks. I'm bit relieved that it may not be a fungus. Sure cement particles are annoying, but not as serious as the fungus eating through the glass, i believe. I'll do some quick research on lens element separation to decide how serious the impact may be.

Also I believe it is not issue with XR Rikenons. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I would be very thankful for your advice, as I am seriously considering whether to buy this lens or not. Besides of those particles at the edge of the lens, there is also small dot near the centre, but neither has the impact on the photos yet.

Hi fellow Pentaxians,
once again I'm looking for some advice from more experienced photographers. I'm offered second hand Leica lens adapted to K mount for a reasonable price...but there's little catch in it. It has something on the rear element - see the photo. The seller thinks it is a fungus, but is not sure and neither am I. Does anybody know what it can be and how serious threat it may be for the proper functionality of the lens?

here's the photo:

'tropopause' and 'cumulonimbus at night' are shots worthy of frame and wall

Nice link, Algi
I would love to get my hands on A*200/2.8...but those things are pretty rare and quite expensive. I should really start saving some money in a piggy bank for that lens

Martin

Hi Algi,
must be another Ken Norton, not the infamous heavyweight puncher of 'Ali era'

Well i just shared the link for curiosity, but you're right - they were testing those lenses on film, particularly fujichrome 64T,and subject was a map, so again not exactly an real life test. Still they went through some awful lots of work and it may be useful for somebody.

do you own vivitar 200/3? it seems to be quite praised for its optical performance in the photo community

I can't believe nobody grabbed it yet...
so I give you a friendly bump

agreed
and...
well, honestly, pentax AF isn't very flattering generally....