Pentax HD DA 1.4x AW AF teleconverter leaked on the web

The image of a Pentax HD DA 1.4x AW AF teleconverter has been leaked on the web, revealing a number of details about the upcoming accessory.

A lot of photographers have expressed their concerns about the future of Pentax after Ricoh bought the brand back in 2011. However, Ricoh has been fairly active throughout 2013, especially when it comes to Pentax products.

The maker of the K-mount camera is very much alive and kicking. Multiple new Pentax-branded lenses and cameras have become official in 2013, therefore we can expect more of the same treatment in 2014.

Source leaks photo of the Pentax HD DA 1.4x AW AF teleconverter

The leaked photo of the Pentax HD DA 1.4x AW AF teleconverter.

The first product to be unveiled by Ricoh is probably the Pentax HD DA 1.4x AW AF teleconverter. This product has been on the company’s roadmap for a long time. However, unforeseen financial problems and the lack of a clear strategy has been the main causes of its delays.

Thankfully, a photo of the accessory has been leaked on the web. It looks like a press shot, meaning that the product is almost ready to meet the public as well as to be released.

Electronic contacts are present, allowing users to set the aperture and autofocus

The photo of the Pentax HD DA 1.4x AW AF teleconverter tells us that the product is weathersealed. The “AW” tag is usually used for this kind of products, so it will be great for photographers who own weathersealed Pentax-branded cameras and lenses.

Multiple contacts can be spotted on it. Some of them are aimed at exchanging data with the camera, allowing users to set the aperture of the lens within the camera. Additionally, shooters will recognize the focal length in use, in order to set the aperture properly.

The special shaft for screwdrive autofocus is there, too. This means that all lenses with screwdrive AF will be supported even when the teleconverter is attached.

Last but not least, there are SDM contacts on the teleconverter in order to allow SDM lenses to autofocus, too.

New Pentax teleconverter could be unveiled at CP+ Camera & Photo Imaging Show 2014

Pentax might hold a separate launch event soon. However, with CP+ Camera & Photo Imaging Show 2014 fast-approaching, we may see the HD DA 1.4x AW AF teleconverter sometime in mid-February.

This could be a good solution for the people who are not aiming to invest in lenses with longer focal lengths, as the teleconverter also sports HD coating, which reduces reflections to prevent ghosting and flare in the photos.