HD PENTAX-DA645 28-45mmF4.5ED AW SR: An ultra-wide-angle zoom lens engineered to elevate the optical execution of the PENTAX 645 Medium Format Digital Cameras
Denver, Colorado August 4, 2014 Today, RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION announces the addition of the HD PENTAX DA645 28-45mmF4.5ED AW SR to the 645 interchangeable lens series. This ultra-wide-angle zoom lens is the latest in the PENTAX 645 line-up and is engineered for use with PENTAX medium-format, digital SLR cameras. Now Pentax 645 medium-format shooters will have a new high-quality lens to expand their distinct format shooting.
This new lens provides focal lengths from 22mm to 35.5mm in the 35mm format, and is the first ultra-wide-angle zoom lens (approximately 1.6X zoom ratio) designed for use with our medium-format digital cameras. Its optics consists of 17 elements in 12 groups, including two high-performance aspherical elements and two extra-low dispersion elements. In addition, the PENTAX-innovated SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism has been incorporated into this exceptional lens, which effectively compensates for camera shake up to approximately 3.5 shutter stops.
Advanced, multi-layer, HD lens coatings are applied to optimize light transmission and minimize reflection. Paired with this with the PENTAX-exclusive, high grade Aero Bright Coating, this lens delivers the dynamic, super-high-resolution images that are only made possible by medium-format digital SLR cameras.
Eleven special seals are used to effectively prevent the penetration of dust and water into the lens interior offering superior dependability and durability under a wide variety of shooting condition empowering the photographer to capture various images ranging from those inside the studio to sweeping landscapes without concern.
“With the rapid adoption of the PENTAX 645Z, it is essential that we continue to address the needs of the professional photographer by providing premier lens choices. The launch of the PENTAX 28-45 mm lens reinforces our commitment to the future of medium-format photography” said Jim Malcolm, Executive Vice President, Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation.
Pricing and Availability
The HD PENTAX-DA645 28-45mmF4.5ED AW SR lens will be available at retailers nationwide and at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com in August 2014 for a suggested retail price of $4999.95
To learn more about the comprehensive lineup of Pentax products as well as other Ricoh Imaging products, please visit www.us.ricoh-imaging.com.
About Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation
Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation is a subsidiary of Ricoh Company Ltd., a global technology company specializing in office imaging equipment, production print solutions, document management systems and IT services. Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in about 200 countries and regions.
The company now known as Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation was originally founded in 1919, under the name Asahi Optical Joint Stock Co. and launched its first SLR camera in the 1950s under the PENTAX name. Today, Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation continues to produce the heritage-rich, award-winning line of PENTAX DSLR cameras, lenses and sport optics equipment as well as Ricoh’s offering of stylish and compact digital cameras, known for their wide-ranging, rich set of features.
For further information, please visit www.us.ricoh-imaging.com
Main Features
1. First ultra-wide-angle zoom lens for use with medium-format digital SLR cameras
This zoom lens offers a zoom ratio of approximately 1.6X to cover ultra-wide-angle to wide-angle ranges; (for focal lengths of 22mm to 35.5mm in the 35mm format), when mounted on a PENTAX 645Z or 645D camera body. Producing visual effects (unique to wide-angle lenses); including exaggerated perspective and expanded depth-of-field, this lens can be used for a wide variety of scenes and subjects, such as sweeping landscapes, architecture and small rooms, adding more versatility to advanced medium-format digital SLR photography.
2. State-of-the-art optical design to optimize super-high-resolution images captured by medium-
format digital SLR cameras
Designed as the HD PENTAX DA-series model in the PENTAX 645 lens series, this lens’s image circle is optimized for the image sensor of the PENTAX 645Z camera body. Its optics consists of 17 elements in 12 groups, including two high-performance aspherical elements and two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements, to enhance image resolution and brightness at edges, while minimizing various aberrations. Coupled with innovative lens coatings and an anti-reflective coating applied to the interior of the lens barrel, this lens is designed to bring out the best performance of medium-format digital SLR cameras.
3. Dependable dustproof, weather-resistant construction
As the newest member of the AW (All Weather) series, this lens features a dependable dustproof, weather-resistant construction with 11 special seals to effectively prevent the penetration of dust and water into the lens interior. By mounting this lens on the PENTAX 645Z camera body, the user is assured of a durable, reliable digital imaging system that performs superbly in demanding shooting settings — even in rain or mist, or in locations prone to water splashes or spray.
4. PENTAX-original, lens-installed SR mechanism
This lens incorporates the PENTAX-innovated SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism within the lens barrel. Since this mechanism effectively compensates for camera shake up to approximately 3.5 shutter stops. Users are assured of sharp, blur-free images even under conditions prone to camera shake, such as when handholding the camera at poorly lit locations without flash, when photographing sunset scenes, or when using a long lens.
5. HD Coating and Aero Bright Coating to optimize light transmittance and minimize reflection
This lens is treated with the high-grade, multi-layer HD Coating* to optimize light transmission and minimize reflections. This HD coating delivers sharp, clear images free of flare and ghost images, even under demanding lighting conditions such as backlight. By coupling this coating with the PENTAX-exclusive, high-grade Aero Bright Coating,** this lens is designed to provide exceptionally high light transmission and super-low refraction.
* HD stands for High Definition.
** A PENTAX-original lens coating process developed through the use of nanotechnology. Using a silica aerogel with a uniform porous structure as the base material, this coating produces clear, high-quality images by assuring outstanding anti-reflection performance over a broad wavelength range.
6. Other features
・SP (Super Protect) Coating applied to the front surface of the lens to effectively repel water and grease
・Rounded diaphragm to produce a smooth, beautiful bokeh (out-of-focus rendition), while minimizing the streaking effect of point light sources
・Smooth, quiet autofocus operation driven by a built-in DC motor
・Quick-Shift Focus system for instant switching to manual-focus operation after the subject is captured in focus by the camera’s AF system
・Various filters such as the C-PL (circular polarizing) filter can be attached to the front lens – a very unique feature for a wide-angle lens.
Note: Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice.
