<p>In addition to the new rugged models announced today, Ricoh also unveiled a rear converter for K-mount lenses in its Pentax series. The HD Pentax DA AF 1.4X AW extends the focal length of telephoto lenses by 40 percent (1.4x), yet it's compact and measures less than an inch (22 millimeters) in length.</p><p>"The rear converter has been engineered to maintain the autofocus (AF) functionality while working seamlessly with both camera-driven as well as lens-driven AF systems," Pentax says. For those interested in the specs, it has a construction of four elements in three groups, and has a high-grade, multilayer coating to "minimize reflectance inside the converter while optimizing light transmittance [for] high-contrast images free of flare and ghosting." It's also weather sealed for use in conditions that aren't sunny skies.</p><p>Available in March, the rear converter will sell for $600.</p><p>The rear converter is part of Ricoh's new product announcements ahead of the 2014 CP+ Camera and Photo Imaging Show in Yokohama, Japan. The company also released a list of "reference products" that show attendees will see before they are fully unveiled in the near future. These include a new medium-format camera with a CMOS image sensor that offers high-speed response. The camera, tentatively called the 645D 2014, is schedule to debut in the spring.</p><p><a href="http://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/ricoh-new-rear-converter-pentax-lenses/">Keep reading...</a></p><p>Read also:</p><p><a href="http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2014/02/05/pentaxs-long-delayed-sdm-teleconverter-arrives-645d-follow-up-and-lenses-in">Pentax&#039;s long-delayed SDM teleconverter arrives; 645D follow-up and lenses in ...</a> (imaging resource)</p><p><a href="http://petapixel.com/2014/02/06/ricoh-introduces-two-new-rugged-cameras-drops-pentax-name-entirely/">Ricoh Introduces Two New Rugged Cams, Drops the Pentax Name for the First ...</a> (PetaPixel)</p><p><a href="http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/photo-news/540388/pentax-to-show-new-medium-format-camera-in-japan">Pentax to show new medium-format camera in Japan</a> (Amateur Photographer)</p><p>Explore: <a href="http://news.google.com/news/more?ncl=dTz0DfxLeMcRv2Mnc_RaxxJsvDinM&authuser=0&ned=us">60 additional articles.</a></p>