Thanks for the tips, John. Will do.

That's what I thought, too. I contacted Pentax directly. Nope, parts not available. I've not yet reached out to Pentax internationally to see if the part is available, but will do so soon.

From my post on the "other" board:

* Eric (a 3rd party repair shop) has indicated the part required for repair (Product # 41001, Part # E401) is unavailable. (Repair may still require other parts, but at this point...that's the only obviously damaged piece.)

* Pentax US parts department swiftly emailed me the FA 50 f/1.4 parts PDF, including the parts list + exploded illustration.

* I've confirmed with Pentax-US parts dept (720-988-2653, actually outsourced to Wildernest Logistics Solutions) that the part, and its interchangeable piece (Product # 41010, Part # E401, for the F 50 f/1.7), are no longer available.

* I've contacted the main Pentax Service Center in AZ (outsourced to C.R.I.S.) and they say they don't have parts, can't get them, and don't have any spare "parts" lenses available.

* None of the 8 US-based authorized 3rd party Pentax service centers has this, or any other, FA 50 f/1.4 part. One shop, (Forster's Camera Service), says they have a mountain of "parts" lenses, but want me to send in my FA 50 before they root through the pile to see if they find an FA 50 f/1.4 or F 50 f/1.7 junker. On a side note, I was stunned to hear that several of the service centers say they throw away "junk" (i.e. parts-worthy!) lenses.

* Pentax Customer Care, when queried about how Pentax will service FA 50mm f/1.4 lenses still under warranty, indicated they will either replace the lens outright with a new (old stock) lens, or simply refund the purchase price. (Of course, my lens is out of warranty.)

Found out recently parts are no longer available for my FA 50 1.4 that mysteriously fell apart in my hands.

Anyone have a trashed FA 50 1.4 -or- F 50 1.7 they're willing to unload for peanuts? I know, a long shot, but figured I'd at least try.