PENTAX Announces a Unifocal Ultra-Wide-Angle Lens for the PENTAX 645D Medium-Format Digital SLR Camera smc PENTAX-D FA645 25mm F4 AL [IF] SDM AW
Mississauga, ON – February 7, 2011
PENTAX Canada Inc. is pleased to announce the introduction of the smc PENTAX-D FA 645 25mm F4 AL [IF] SDM AW lens. Developed as the second model of the PENTAX-D FA645 lens series, this unifocal, ultra-wide-angle lens features PENTAX-original optics optimized for high-quality digital photography to assure exceptional image-description performance as well as dependable dust-proof, weather-resistant construction for active outdoor photographers.
Major Features
1. The first unifocal, ultra-wide-angle lens for the PENTAX 645D
When mounted on the PENTAX 645D camera body, this ultra-wide-angle lens offers a focal length of approximately 19.5mm in the 35mm format (or approximately 15.5mm when mounted on a PENTAX 645-format film SLR camera body), providing the widest perspective of all PENTAX 645 interchangeable lenses. Creating visual effects unique to ultra-wide-angle lenses, such as exaggerated perspective and extra-wide depth of field, it can be effectively used for a wide range of subjects and situations, including spectacular landscapes and indoor shooting in confined spaces. It assures greater freedom and flexibility in high-quality, medium-format digital SLR photography.
2. State-of-the-art optics to accommodate the needs of super-high-resolution, medium-format digital SLR photography
Incorporating two high-performance aspherical optical elements in its optics, this ultra-wide-angle lens provides exceptional image-resolving power with outstanding brightness levels even at the edges, while compensating various aberrations to a minimum. All lens characteristics are optimized for digital photography — exclusive lens coatings are applied to optical elements while anti-reflection materials are applied to the interior of the lens barrel. The result is a lens that brings out the full potential of the PENTAX 645D medium-format digital SLR camera.
3. Aero Bright coating to dramatically improve light transmittance
This lens is treated with PENTAX-original Aero Bright Coating, which assures an outstanding anti-reflection performance over a broader wavelength range to deliver images that are more brilliant and in higher quality than those produced by previous models. This PENTAX exclusive coating effectively reduces lens reflectance and greatly increases light transmittance by forming a silica aerogel layer with uniform pores on the surface of optical elements.
4. Dependable dustproof, weather-resistant construction
As the newest model of the dependable “AW” (All Weather) series, the lens features a highly dependable dustproof, weather-resistant construction with 11 special seals to effectively prevent the intrusion of dust and water into the lens interior. By coupling this lens with the PENTAX 645D camera body, the user is assured of a durable, reliable digital imaging system that performs superbly in demanding outdoor settings — even in rain or mist, or at locations prone to water splashes or spray.
5. Mountable Circular Polarizing Filter
The lens features a built-in, pull-out-type filter holder in its barrel. By placing the C-PL (circular polarizing) filter (40.5mm in diameter; included as an exclusive accessory) on this holder, the user can easily rotate the filter to obtain the desired polarizing effect.
6. Smooth, quiet SDM autofocus operation
Featuring an advanced SDM (Supersonic Direct-drive Motor) autofocus mechanism employing a supersonic motor installed inside the lens barrel, the lens assures smooth, quiet autofocus operation.*
* Manual-focus operation only when the lens is mounted on the PENTAX 645, PENTAX 645N or PENTAX 645N II camera body.
7. Other features
1) Image circle covering all of the image area of 645-format film SLR cameras
2) High-quality machined aluminum parts, including the lens barrel, hood and cap
3) Quick-Shift Focus system for instant switching to manual-focus operation, after the subject is captured in focus by the AF system
4) Rounded diaphragm to produce a smooth, beautiful “bokeh” (out-of-focus rendition), while minimizing the streaking effect of point light sources
5) SP (Super Protect) coating applied to the front surface of the lens to effectively repel dust, water and grease
PENTAX Canada Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Imaging Systems Division of Japan and maintains offices in Mississauga. PENTAX Canada Inc. markets digital SLR and compact cameras, lenses, sport optics, closed circuit television lenses and medical equipment.
PENTAX on the web at www.pentax.ca.