Last year, 25 years ago, Pentax began producing its “Limited Edition” series of lenses in the Japanese lens manufacturing tradition. The further development of this series continues with three more lenses for the Pentax DSLR system from the “HD Pentax Limited Edition”. With the new edition of the HD Pentax-FA 1.8 / 31mm Limited, the HD Pentax-FA 1.9 / 43mm Limited and the HD Pentax-FA 1.8 / 77mm Limited, the adaptation of this lens to the requirements of the current recording technology takes place. The new original Pentax HD compensation, the Objective now upgrades once again.

Newly released as “HD Pentax FA-Limited” – Series are the HD Pentax-FA 1.8 / 77mm Limited (links in black and silver), the HD Pentax-FA 1.9 / 43mm Limited (center) and the HD Pentax- FA 1.8 / 31mm Limited (right).

When Pentax introduced the “Limited Series” for about 25 years, it was constructed in the traditional form of SLR technology. For the first time, the focal lengths are in the eye. A wide angle, with 31 mm, a standard lens with 43 mm and a portrait lens with 77 mm formed a series with great honesty in the imaging and also in the technical construction. Special details make these lenses special masterpieces. The original character has been proven to this day and is again a basic component of the new HD Pentax-FA Limited series, which is from the HD Pentax-FA 1.8 / 31mm Limited, the HD Pentax-FA 1.9 / 43mm Limited og the HD Pentax-FA 1.8 / 77mm Limited exists.

In the new series, focal lengths are given which correspond to the technical calculation and are not rounded. Also today rather unusual is the mechanical aperture selection directly on the lens, with the appropriate sharpness depth scale over the aperture rings. A small but fine detail are the markings on the aluminum housings of the lenses, which allow a lens change even without looking.

Also something special, new and named for the series, is the refinement (or compensation) of the lenses used. The lens elements of this lens are provided with the multi-layer HD (High Definition) coating developed by Pentax. Compared to conventional coatings, it offers significantly higher light transmittance at low reflection (up to 50% compared to conventional coatings). This enables high contrast and sharpness performance without stray light and ghost images, even under difficult conditions such as backlight. This is possible through an exclusive Pentax special manufacturing process, in which a high-density, high-precision layer is applied at the nanometer level. In addition, the front lenses are provided with the original Pentax SP (Super Protect) coating. A fluorine coating protects the lens surface and has a repellent and oil-refining effect that not only removes dust, water and grease, but also facilitates the removal of these substances from the lens surface. It is also very abrasion and scratch resistant and helps to maintain the lens in a certain condition.

HD Pentax-FA 1.8 / 31mm limited

The wide-angle lens of the series is very universally usable. The large aperture allows a play with the depth of field, which can be a valuable means of design in landscape or street shots. But even with architectural shots, this lens offers a sharp imaging performance with natural perspective and high contrast.

The HD Pentax-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited mm, with its neutral imaging, reflects the atmosphere of the current situation wider and foreign, thus also perfect for shooting snapshots.

HD Pentax-FA 1.9 / 43mm limited

Purely computationally, the standard lens of the series with its focal length of 43 mm corresponds exactly to the diagonals of the image sensor of a small-format full-frame camera, and thus to the natural viewing angle of the human eye.

The gentleness and richness of the gradation give a sense of three-dimensionality. An impressive effect that many photographers in the Pentax system especially appreciate.

The high brightness in combination with the bright and large viewfinder of a Pentax SLR camera, offers a special experience when shooting.

HD Pentax-FA 1.8 / 77mm limited

The lens with moderate telephoto focal length is perfectly suited for portrait shooting. Due to the optimal correction of chromatic aberrations, it is able to fine-tune even the finest details, such as hair.

The high brightness of F1.8 offers possibilities for release and when dimming up to aperture F4 it offers a delicate bokeh effect that fits well with portrait photography.

Prices and availability

All three lenses are offered in the housing colors black or silver and should be available in Switzerland from March 2021.

Das HD Pentax-FA 1.8 / 31mm Limited gifts for 1’269 Francs and das HD Pentax-FA 1.9 / 43mm Limited for 749 Francs. The HD Pentax-FA 1.8 / 77mm Limited will cost 919 francs. The prices are non-binding price recommendations (UVP).

More info:

HD Pentax-FA 1.8 / 31mm Limited (product page, not yet available)

HD Pentax-FA 1.9 / 43mm Limited (product page, not yet available)

HD Pentax-FA 1.8 / 77mm Limited (product page, not yet available)

Pentax K Lenses (Overview Page)

Ricoh Imaging (Manufacturer Page)