PopPhoto.com Lens Test: Pentax SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.4 AF

XMACHINA · 11-29-2007, 10:16 AM

Seen this already?

Lens Test: Pentax SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.4 AF - - PopPhotoDecember 2007

Chako · 11-29-2007, 04:03 PM

Unfortunately I have. It is the main reason why I just ordered one today.

**Peter Zack** · 11-29-2007, 06:30 PM

Originally Posted by Chako

Unfortunately I have. It is the main reason why I just ordered one today.

Yes and the reason mine will remain in the bag for years to come. Undoubtedly the best bang for the buck in a Pentax lens.

blende8 · 11-30-2007, 01:39 AM

You might like to know that we (a German Forum) have just ordered 21 FA50 and 35 FA35 from Pentax.

*Syb* · 11-30-2007, 02:45 AM

All those FA35's... have they been sold already? Is there a test of that lens as well?

blende8 · 11-30-2007, 04:48 AM

Yes, all sold.
Now they are out of stock for about 8 weeks.

Gregory · 11-30-2007, 06:23 AM

Haha nice work blende8. How much of a discount did you manage with that order?

blende8 · 11-30-2007, 06:37 AM

FA35 15% discount
FA50 18% discount

ZaphodB · 11-30-2007, 06:57 AM

Good review, glad to see it getting some publicity... just hope Pentax can continue to meet demand for it

... seems to be readily available now, but about a year ago to go shopping for one was a bit like "I'm looking for a grail..."

Undoubtedly the best bang for the buck in a Pentax lens.

Absolutely. In fact I would amend that sentence slightly: The best bang for the buck in a lens. A 50mm f/1.4 lens anyway. It can be bought for £165 or less, compared to £200 for the Nikon or £250 for the Canon! And it's at least as good as either.
(Btw the Minolta relabelled Sony is the most expensive at £279... I can only assume Sony hire Leica users to set their prices, and they think it's great value...)

The fifty to me represents what Pentax is (or at least should be) about... the same quality or better, and at a lower price!

bymy141 · 11-30-2007, 07:48 AM

Originally Posted by blende8

FA35 15% discount
FA50 18% discount

Blende,

Can we here in Holland jump in on this deal?
I sure would like to get a FA50 f1.4.
If you are working on a FA100 macro deal with Pentax, I'm also interested.
You know the Dutch, always looking for saving a penny

- Bert

incitatus · 11-30-2007, 08:06 AM

I dropped my fa35 the other day with my k100d attached to it

not a scratch and both working properly, thank you wall to wall carpet

evenso there's always the creeping fear, is it as sharp as it used to be?

now anxiously awaiting my FA50 1.7

incitatus · 11-30-2007, 08:13 AM

Originally Posted by ZaphodB

Good review, glad to see it getting some publicity... just hope Pentax can continue to meet demand for it ... seems to be readily available now, but about a year ago to go shopping for one was a bit like "I'm looking for a grail..."

Absolutely. In fact I would amend that sentence slightly: The best bang for the buck in a lens. A 50mm f/1.4 lens anyway. It can be bought for £165 or less, compared to £200 for the Nikon or £250 for the Canon! And it's at least as good as either.
(Btw the Minolta relabelled Sony is the most expensive at £279... I can only assume Sony hire Leica users to set their prices, and they think it's great value...)

The fifty to me represents what Pentax is (or at least should be) about... the same quality or better, and at a lower price!

Where are you finding a 50 1.4 for 165 quid. here in london they go for 200.

its so funny that you get one in the US for 200 and the same price here. I wonder where the Pentax finance people learned about exchange rates. (same goes for other brands too though)

ZaphodB · 12-01-2007, 12:33 PM

Originally Posted by incitatus

Where are you finding a 50 1.4 for 165 quid. here in london they go for 200.

its so funny that you get one in the US for 200 and the same price here. I wonder where the Pentax finance people learned about exchange rates. (same goes for other brands too though)

My usual free plug for my favourite Pentax-friendly shop: SRS Microsystems of Watford. Currently selling the 50 for £165. Generally if you want a Pentax lens in the UK I would say try them first. Their service should get even better as they're entering the "Pentax Pro Centre" program with Pentax whereby they get preference for new stock.

If you're in London, Microglobe have the 50 for £149(!) But I can't speak for their service as I have not bought from them. I have visited them though; they are at Galen Place (near the British Museum).

Btw you are absolutely right about the price here versus in the U.S... and it seems to apply to all brands and to all photo and electronics gear in general. And at this point I have to stop myself from launching into a tabloid style rant about "rip-off Britain"

blende8 · 12-01-2007, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by bymy141

Blende,

Can we here in Holland jump in on this deal?

If you can get 10 friends together you can order directly from
TeKaDe - Deutschlands und Österreichs Pentax Shop Nr. 1
The FA50 take 2 weeks, the FA35 ca. 8 since we took them all.