I've seen posts on various Pentax forums debating if there is a difference between the FA31mm, which is now made in Vietnam versus when they were made in Japan. As has been mentioned by several forum members, I can confirm that the same glass and components are being used and that our plant in Vietnam is "assembling" these lenses with the exact same specs as was used in Japan.
Partly to satisfy my own interest and also determine if there was potentially a noticeable difference in samples from the different countries of origin, I had our logistics manager procure for me three samples of the 31mm lens made in Japan, as well as three samples of the 31mm lens made in Vietnam. From a workmanship standpoint, I have found no discernible differences in the fit, finish or mechanics of these samples.
In my limited spare time over the past three to four months, I have put these lenses through a series of different tests shooting with both my K-7 and K-x. None of these tests were done in a lab, but I mixed up my shooting environments to include dim light, bright sun, abstract scenes, grand kids, etc. In fact, all my recent photos shot with the 31mm lens where randomly taken with the various samples.
To illustrate this post today, I've included two photos of the same flower vase shot with a Japanese 31mm and a Vietnamese 31mm. As it was raining and windy this morning when I took these photos, I wouldn't peep too deeply into these images. You're likely to see blur in the branches due to wind. However, if you sit back and just look at the overall color, contrast and saturation of these images, you'll find as I did that there's no real difference between the samples. And beside acuity, I've always regarded these attributes as the real test of any given lens.
I recognize that my post will not stem on-going discussions and debates about this lens, but I would hope this helps clarify the situation to some extent. I'd also like to point out to anyone that is relatively new to the arcane matters that surround high-quality optics, that these intense debates about the 31mm's country of origin are not new to our industry. For years, many Leica photographers have debated the merits of Leitz lenses made in Canada versus Germany. Although you can find many references to this debate, here's a link to one forum discussion Canada vs German Leitz Lenses .
So, in trying to summarize the reason for my post, I would not be overly concerned with the country of origin for any high-quality lens that you consider buying today. Based on my tests, I can't see or feel any difference between my FA31mm samples.
And to those that continue to promote widely that "made in Japan" FA 31mm's are better...you might just inadvertently end up setting higher prices for these samples on the "used", "LNIB" open market. Yes that did happen with used Leitz lenses for awhile, and I'd hate to see that happen with the 31mm since it'd be based more on myth than fact!
(As the photo above shows, I tested a range of FA31mm samples including an older "silver" version. Notice the middle lens is stamped "Made in Japan" on the lens shade ring, whereas the Vietnam made sample to the right simply has the serial number stamped in the exact same location. I compared workmanship of all components, including the lens cap. I am not sure if the photo clearly shows the comparable fit and finish of the lens caps, but I can tell you that I've already mixed up the "black" caps and really can't tell which cap goes with which lens...smile)
15 comments:
My concern would not be so much the immediate lens quality but in longevity and durability given the price of this lens. How can we be assured about this?
I actually see a difference in contrast but given the conditions, clouds may have been passing over.
So much of what makes this my favourite lens (ever) is down to the optical design and that's not going to change if you make it in a different factory. Now, if only I could find where to get a replacement lens cap :(
Ned,and everyone reading,
As long as the specs are the same, the lens is the same. Would someone dare saying that Japanese workmanship is better than Vietnamese workmanship? I don't think so. When employees are trained properly, and I'm sure they are, it has nothing to do with Country, Race, Color, or anything else.
Now I just need to save my money and buy the trio; 31mm, 43mm and 77mm. The three best lenses ever made by Pentax and maybe by anyone else. :)
Yvon Bourque, I'd go as far as to say Japanese workmanship may be better than current Vietnamese. Lets face it. The Japanese got in the game in the lat 40s and by the late 50s were pushing the Germans and by the mid-60s "owned" the Germans in regards to 35mm slr. Lets face it, the reason the assembly plants have moved to Vietnam is to get cheap labor because the skill pool is behind the curve at the moment. Furthermore, none of that says they Vietnamese can't do good work and get up to par down the stretch. The fact is, I own 3 DA ltd lens made in Vietnam and I'm o.k. with that. The "collector" in me resulted in me acquiring Japanese built FA 50mm f1.4 and FA 77mm ltd lenses. I will buy Vietnamese lenses in the future as well. However, and I put it in all caps, I WILL NEVER BUY CHINESE MADE PENTAX gear.
This is an interesting post, certainly a lot has been debated on this subject in the forums. It's always good to know that people at Pentax are paying attention to the concerns of forum users :)
I still wonder about the tolerances allowed in the Vietnamese factory vs the Japanese factory. But this falls more into the realm of quality control than assembly process. I've clearly seen differences in image quality between lenses of the same model that were assembled in different countries, but this may only be due to tolerance stacking and not the assembly location.
Now if only someone at Pentax would take our concerns over SDM more seriously :(
Ned, coincidently, I have started researched the difference between the Japanese and Vietnamese 31 Limited weeks before and planned to write something at my blog for what I've found but it has been pending anyway (as I have been rather busy these weeks! :-().
Btw, I shall add also your this report to my upcoming article. It's quite useful and interesting, I have to say.
And, I want to point out that all your three copies of the 31 is NOT the early Japanese production as it can be easily distinguished from the green lining of the lens cap interior, of which the early Japanese is black.
Last but not least, the following article maybe also of high interest to many people, whom are always wondering about the difference(s) between different batches and serial nos. of the FA Limited:-
http://stevenlins.blogspot.com/2008/06/type-of-pentax-fa-4319-limited.html
Hope this also helps.
Thanks Ned for clearing this up.
May I point out that one well USA seller was advertising the FA Limiteds "made in Japan" which actually made me think quite a while back when searching for these lenses on the market that they were superior quality, much the same as what apears in Pentax forums sending unfounded info out to the enquiring buyer.
Neil Madden
All DA Limiteds have been made in Vietnam so far and look at all the praise the DA Limiteds are getting. There's nothing wrong with Vietnam at all. They use the same parts, they use the same coatings, and they use the same optics. If anything at all, someone will eventually get a bad copy and say it's because it's made in Vietnam.
Many years ago we had have the same discussion, when Zeiss moved production of some lenses for the Contax/Yashica from Germany to Japan. We never find a difference.
greets Tom
Yes, they use the same materials as right before they migrated but the labour is different (and the new factory setup too - there might be some small variations - the new and old factory is impossible to be *identical*).
Lens assembly is in fact labour intensive and the quality of labour contributes much to the final quality level of the lenses and products. From my own various different experiences, the Vietnamese Pentax lenses are indeed inferior to quality of that of the Japanese Pentax lenses and the quality variation is larger, and with more issues found too.
Do note that's my comment based on own experiences though and YMMV. But do note that I buy a lot of Pentax bodies and lenses, over decades! (Probably I shall buy three more in this week. Well, that is, to buy four new lenses within one week, for my new K-x! Two zooms and two primes..)
Ned thanks for posting this. I think my comment came off sounding more negative than I intended. We appreciate your attempts to reassure us about the quality of Pentax products. I am much happier with Pentax than I have been with Canon. I am just nervous that economics will cause that to change.
Buying cheaper lens, I wouldn't be too bothered where it's assembled.
However, if I'm going to invest in "the best lens pentax has ever made", which is also the most expensive lens I'll ever buy, and a lens that might probably last longer than myself... "Made in Japan" makes a lot of difference!
How could Pentax shift its best lens production out of Japan?
Buying cheaper lens, I wouldn't be too bothered where it's assembled.
However, if I'm going to invest in "the best lens pentax has ever made", which is also the most expensive lens I'll ever buy, and a lens that might probably last longer than myself... "Made in Japan" makes a lot of difference!
How could Pentax shift its best lens production out of Japan?
Ned, I didn't make my guess last time and so I do it this time! :-)
I guess the "B" image, that is, the second image, is from the Japanese lens! Am I correct?
Please tell us if you can! I'm just too curious to know if I am right or wrong! (So do most of us who read here, I bet!) :-)
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