First generation of smc Pentax bayonet mount lenses introduced together with Pentax K2, KX and KM 35mm film SLR cameras. They go from an ultra-wide 15mm to a super-telephoto 1000mm, and most of them were based on the SMC Takumar lenses. All of the lens elements were Super-Multi-Coated, even those elements that were cemented together. This increased the light transmission and color fidelity of the lenses while reducing flare and glare even better than the SMC Takumar lenses.
A number of other changes and improvements were also made. All lenses had textured rubber focusing rings for a better grip. The minimum aperture of all the lenses had also been changed. The Pentax lenses no longer had a stop-down lever and when the lens was removed from the camera body it closed down to the set aperture.
With an inner diameter of 45mm, the Pentax K mount can easily handle fast lenses like the smc Pentax 50mm F/1.2. It is extremely quick and easy to change lenses. The auto diaphragm and full aperture metering are coupled as you twist the lens.
SMC Pentax-M lenses were miniaturized lenses with average 20% less weight and length than their standard SMC counterparts, but with no sacrifice in quality of construction, resolution, durability or contrast. They were made primarily to match the feel and dimensions of the Pentax ME and MX cameras, one of the smallest and lightest 35mm SLRs of the time. But they fit all Pentax K-mount cameras as well.
To take full advantage of the Super A's six exposure modes, the new series of 'A' lenses were developed especially for the Super A and future Pentax cameras.
'A' lenses have a new mount. Called the KA mount, it features extra electronic contacts for transmission of aperture information and automatic control of aperture settings. These contacts enabled the Super A's brain to determine the maximum aperture and the aperture currently set on the lens. 'A' lenses also have an Auto "A" seting on the aperture ring. When the ring is set to Auto, the camera can automatically change lens aperture in the Programmed AE and Shutter-priority AE modes.
In these modes, aperture settings must be adjusted in the very brief instant between shutter release and exposure. Through high technology, 'A' lenses meet the challenge, providing smooth, swift and accurate aperture control.
'A' Series lenses, with their KA mounts, can also be used on all other Pentax K-mount cameras.
'A' Series lenses not only offer electronic and mechanical innovations for automatic aperture control. The optical technology and image quality of 'A' lenses also reflect a new standard of superiority. Experience and data gathered during decades of lens production, the latest computer aided lens design and grinding techniques, plus the unique Pentax process of Super Multi Coating (SMC) - all these factors combined to make 'A' Series lenses as exciting as the Super A.
The smc Pentax-F lenses were primarily designed to work with the Pentax autofocus SLR (KAF-mount camera), making the autofocus shooting possible. The aperture should be set to "A" (Auto) when the camera is used in the Programmed AE mode and also when the lens is used on the KA-mount camera.
The smc Pentax-FA lenses were primarily designed to work with the Pentax autofocus SLR (KAF2- or KAF-mount camera), making autofocus shooting possible. When Pentax FA Power Zoom lenses were used on the Pentax KAF2-mount camera, the camera featured a Power Zoom System.
FA J lenses had A (Auto) position only, no aperture ring to set a F-stop manually. The camera body controlled aperture settings on "A" position.
The smc Pentax-DA lenses can be used exclusively with Pentax digital SLR cameras. Their image circle is specialized for image sensors in Pentax digital SLR cameras and their optical systems are optimized for the characteristics of digital images. The DA lenses are not compatible with film SLR cameras.
The DA lenses do not have an aperture ring. Aperture settings are controlled automatically as if set to the auto "A" position.
When autofocusing is finished, it is possible to make fine adjustments by hand using the "Quick-Shift Focus System".
There are four mounts for the DA lenses, the KAF (with AF coupler), KAF2 (with AF coupler AND supersonic motor), KAF3 (with supersonic motor ONLY), and KAF4 (with electromagnetic diaphragm ONLY).
The smc Pentax-D FA lenses are interchangeable lenses for Pentax SLR cameras. Their image circle covers the 35mm film format, and they also obtain optimum image clarity with Pentax digital SLR cameras. When these lenses are used with an *istD-series or newer digital SLR cameras, the Quick-Shift Focus System enables manual touch-up focusing after autofocus is achieved.
The smc Pentax-D FA lens mount is called the KAF-mount. This lens mount enables autofocus and autoexposure.
Pentax cameras are traditionally developed on the foundation of being small and light. The Limited lenses match that type of small body by being small yet high quality interchangeable AF lenses. The pillars of the Limited lenses concept is small size, high image quality optical formula, and a corresponding outer shape to go with it. Thus, the Limited lenses are not only capable of producing excellent photos, but also give aesthetic pleasure to their owners.
Pentax's top-of-the-line lens series, combining exceptional imaging power and image rendition with outstanding operability and environment-resistant performance.
The "A" series of smc Pentax 645 lenses provide full multi-mode exposure control with Pentax 645-series medium format SLR cameras. These lenses have special contacts for automatic aperture control and programmed automation.
The smc Pentax-FA 645 lenses are primarily designed to work with the Pentax 645-series medium-format autofocus SLR (645AF-mount camera), making autofocus shooting possible.
The smc Pentax-DA 645 lenses can be used exclusively with Pentax 645-series medium-format digital SLR cameras. Their image circle is specialized for image sensors in Pentax 645-series medium-format digital SLR cameras and their optical systems are optimized for the characteristics of digital images. The DA 645 lenses are not compatible with 645-series film SLR cameras.
The DA 645 lenses do not have an aperture ring. Aperture settings are controlled automatically as if set to the auto "A" position.
When autofocusing is finished, it is possible to make fine adjustments by hand using the "Quick-Shift Focus System".
The smc Pentax-D FA 645 lenses are interchangeable lenses for Pentax 645-series medium-format SLR cameras. Their image circle covers the 6x4.5 film format, and they also obtain optimum image clarity with Pentax 645-series medium-format digital SLR cameras. The Quick-Shift Focus System enables manual touch-up focusing after autofocus is achieved.
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