Persuade me to get a FA43?!

yyyzzz · 10-21-2010, 02:24 PM

I have a bunch of 50mm lenses, such as A50/1.2, F50/1.7, and A50/1.4... Why should I get a FA43? What is the advantage of getting a FA43 other than feeling more proud?

I borrowed a FA43 and could not find much optical advantage over the traditional 50mm standard lenses. Yes. The built quality is better. The focal length is a bit better than the 50mm. They are not that important to me.

Thanks.

deadwolfbones · 10-21-2010, 02:27 PM

The advantage is unique rendering (though I guess every lens is unique).

It's wonderful for both portraits and landscapes. Took me a little bit to warm up to it, but it's now one of my favorite lenses—had and sold both the FA50/1.4 and FA50/1.7.

Nesster · 10-21-2010, 02:37 PM

It's just a bit wide, it does resolve very well in real life situations. But yeah, you don't NEED one, especially if the lens didn't do much for you. No harm in that.

brofkand · 10-21-2010, 02:54 PM

7mm isn't that big of a difference between the 43 1.9 and the 50 1.2.

Plus the 1.2 is a good bit faster.

Why are you considering one? Because it's a Limited? That's vain.

If the differences between your 50's and the 43 aren't that important to you, why even make the thread?

Clicker · 10-21-2010, 03:00 PM

On your monitor you won't see any difference other than focal length but if you print, shoot film the advantage of it's razor sharpeness in say 30x40 print will make you nod your head in approval, now if you never print there is no convincing you.

JeffJS · 10-21-2010, 03:00 PM

Originally posted by yyyzzz

I have a bunch of 50mm lenses, such as A50/1.2, F50/1.7, and A50/1.4... Why should I get a FA43? What is the advantage of getting a FA43 other than feeling more proud?

I borrowed a FA43 and could not find much optical advantage over the traditional 50mm standard lenses. Yes. The built quality is better. The focal length is a bit better than the 50mm. They are not that important to me.

Thanks.

Then your money would be better spent elsewhere, especially if you intend to keep your 50's.

I like mine, sold my FA50 f1.4 after I bought it but that's just me. Some photos I've taken with it..

Pentax FA43mm Limited - a set on Flickr

Some of them are out of focus a little but that no fault of the lens, it is the user.

**nater** · 10-21-2010, 03:06 PM

Originally posted by yyyzzz

I have a bunch of 50mm lenses, such as A50/1.2, F50/1.7, and A50/1.4... Why should I get a FA43? What is the advantage of getting a FA43 other than feeling more proud?

I borrowed a FA43 and could not find much optical advantage over the traditional 50mm standard lenses. Yes. The built quality is better. The focal length is a bit better than the 50mm. They are not that important to me.

Thanks.

Seems like AF/MF isn't a big priority, in which case I'd recommend taking a look at the Voigtlander Ultron 40mm if you're looking for something in that focal length. I was in a similar situation to you, have a Pentax A 50mm f/2, FA 50mm f/1.4, and Cosina 55mm f/1.2. I considered the FA 43mm, but when I learned that it's f/1.9 performance wasn't great (good center resolution, poor edge resolution, low contrast), I looked into the Voigtlander more. Starting at f/2.8 the FA 43mm is a great lens (terrific contrast and resolution), but I do enjoy shooting lenses fully open for some pictures if I can, and I'm not always comfortable sacrificing resolution and contrast. Ken Rockwell did a good writeup on the Voigtlander Ultron 40mm for Nikon that you might want to take a look at.

axl · 10-21-2010, 03:40 PM

If you tried it and didn't like it, there is nothing we can do to persuade you...

Personally I have on & off love affair with 43. It's not ads good (overall) as 31/1.8 nor as 50/1.2 (K or A for that matter), but it's sharper than both! It's much more portable than both. It has it's share of pixie dust and despite thinking of selling it I think it's going to be my most used lens on upcoming holiday.

SOldBear · 10-21-2010, 03:44 PM

If you have money burning in your pocket, I suggest you try a DA Ltd. 40mm.

I haven't used my FA50 much since I got a DA40.

nulla · 10-21-2010, 03:45 PM

Originally posted by axl

If you tried it and didn't like it, there is nothing we can do to persuade you...
Personally I have on & off love affair with 43. It's not ads good (overall) as 31/1.8 nor as 50/1.2 (K or A for that matter), but it's sharper than both! It's much more portable than both. It has it's share of pixie dust and despite thinking of selling it I think it's going to be my most used lens on upcoming holiday.

I agree that it should agree with you first otherwise dont go done that path.

On the otherhand I purchased mine simply because of photos posted and to make up the 3 amigo collection.

I can with all honesty say it is now my favourite prime.

cheers

Neil

Pentaxor · 10-21-2010, 03:51 PM

the only thing that would make me want an FA43 is if I didn't have the F50/1.7 and A50/1.4.

the F50/1.7 is a sharp AF lens which solves your AF needs. the A50/1.4 is more of an excess baggage since you have the A50/1.2 to do your bright manual needs. the FA43 would then solve your AF needs, have the flexibility of something different rendering at a slightly different focal length which is at 43mm and a compromising speed at f1.9.

actually if I were to say this, the FA43 would be like FA35/2 + FA50/1.7 combined. I haven't considered the FA43 due to my needs for a wider FOV which makes the FA31 more desirable for my needs.

although I'm not completely dismissing the thought of getting an FA43 in exchange for both the FA35 and FA50/1.7 + cash. but if I'm going to do that, I might as well add a few more dollars and just get the FA31. damn it's so hard. FA43 versus FA31.

Pentaxor · 10-21-2010, 03:55 PM

Originally posted by axl

If you tried it and didn't like it, there is nothing we can do to persuade you...

Personally I have on & off love affair with 43. It's not ads good (overall) as 31/1.8 nor as 50/1.2 (K or A for that matter), but it's sharper than both! It's much more portable than both. It has it's share of pixie dust and despite thinking of selling it I think it's going to be my most used lens on upcoming holiday.

I believe the only thing that is missing in the FA43 is an awesome bokeh. I mean the bokeh is very good actually but just not at par with the FA31 and 501.2's bokeh. in sharpness, it's true that it's just above the 2 lenses. although you can always improve sharpness during pp but not the bokeh. so the other thing that is good about the FA43 as you said that it is more portable for use.

builttospill · 10-21-2010, 03:58 PM

The 43 is my favorite lens. I use it wide-open and get great results.

yyyzzz · 10-21-2010, 03:59 PM

My LBA is just out of hand for the moment. So I was trying to find people who are more sane/rational than me and could give me more rationales one way or another. I thought that there might be some special secrets about FA43 that I did not know.

Thanks all.

BTW, I am shifting my focus to DAL35. While DAL35 is not small, it is very light and seems to have good IMQ (based on what I have read so far). More importantly, it would be reasonably cheap. I would not mind getting a DA70, however.

DA40 is truly truly tempting. But I already have the M40 which is not bad at all. I am fine with MF.

How much do I wish that Pentax could provide more support for its older M and K series lenses as Nikon starts doing.

**nater** · 10-21-2010, 04:01 PM

Originally posted by Pentaxor

actually if I were to say this, the FA43 would be like FA35/2 + FA50/1.7 combined. I haven't considered the FA43 due to my needs for a wider FOV which makes the FA31 more desirable for my needs.

Not if you're shooting fully open - the FA 43 fully open can't compete in terms of resolution and contrast with the FA 35 fully open. Otherwise, yes.

Originally posted by Pentaxor

although I'm not completely dismissing the thought of getting an FA43 in exchange for both the FA35 and FA50/1.7 + cash. but if I'm going to do that, I might as well add a few more dollars and just get the FA31. damn it's so hard. FA43 versus FA31.

The FA 31 fully open is definitely better than the FA 43. Some would also the FA 31 has the edge in bokeh as well.

10-21-2010, 02:24 PM	#1
yyyzzz Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Photos: Gallery Posts: 509	Persuade me to get a FA43?! I have a bunch of 50mm lenses, such as A50/1.2, F50/1.7, and A50/1.4... Why should I get a FA43? What is the advantage of getting a FA43 other than feeling more proud? I borrowed a FA43 and could not find much optical advantage over the traditional 50mm standard lenses. Yes. The built quality is better. The focal length is a bit better than the 50mm. They are not that important to me. Thanks.

10-21-2010, 03:59 PM	#14
yyyzzz Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Photos: Gallery Posts: 509 Original Poster	thank you all! more thinking My LBA is just out of hand for the moment. So I was trying to find people who are more sane/rational than me and could give me more rationales one way or another. I thought that there might be some special secrets about FA43 that I did not know. Thanks all. BTW, I am shifting my focus to DAL35. While DAL35 is not small, it is very light and seems to have good IMQ (based on what I have read so far). More importantly, it would be reasonably cheap. I would not mind getting a DA70, however. DA40 is truly truly tempting. But I already have the M40 which is not bad at all. I am fine with MF. How much do I wish that Pentax could provide more support for its older M and K series lenses as Nikon starts doing.

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10-21-2010, 02:27 PM	#2
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450	The advantage is unique rendering (though I guess every lens is unique). It's wonderful for both portraits and landscapes. Took me a little bit to warm up to it, but it's now one of my favorite lenses—had and sold both the FA50/1.4 and FA50/1.7.

10-21-2010, 02:37 PM	#3
Nesster Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 13,072	It's just a bit wide, it does resolve very well in real life situations. But yeah, you don't NEED one, especially if the lens didn't do much for you. No harm in that.

10-21-2010, 02:54 PM	#4
brofkand Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: North Carolina Posts: 836	7mm isn't that big of a difference between the 43 1.9 and the 50 1.2. Plus the 1.2 is a good bit faster. Why are you considering one? Because it's a Limited? That's vain. If the differences between your 50's and the 43 aren't that important to you, why even make the thread?

10-21-2010, 03:00 PM	#5
Clicker Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,241	On your monitor you won't see any difference other than focal length but if you print, shoot film the advantage of it's razor sharpeness in say 30x40 print will make you nod your head in approval, now if you never print there is no convincing you.

10-21-2010, 03:00 PM	#6
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	Originally posted by yyyzzz I have a bunch of 50mm lenses, such as A50/1.2, F50/1.7, and A50/1.4... Why should I get a FA43? What is the advantage of getting a FA43 other than feeling more proud? I borrowed a FA43 and could not find much optical advantage over the traditional 50mm standard lenses. Yes. The built quality is better. The focal length is a bit better than the 50mm. They are not that important to me. Thanks. Then your money would be better spent elsewhere, especially if you intend to keep your 50's. I like mine, sold my FA50 f1.4 after I bought it but that's just me. Some photos I've taken with it.. Pentax FA43mm Limited - a set on Flickr Some of them are out of focus a little but that no fault of the lens, it is the user.

10-21-2010, 03:06 PM	#7
nater Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: New England Photos: Albums Posts: 706	Originally posted by yyyzzz I have a bunch of 50mm lenses, such as A50/1.2, F50/1.7, and A50/1.4... Why should I get a FA43? What is the advantage of getting a FA43 other than feeling more proud? I borrowed a FA43 and could not find much optical advantage over the traditional 50mm standard lenses. Yes. The built quality is better. The focal length is a bit better than the 50mm. They are not that important to me. Thanks. Seems like AF/MF isn't a big priority, in which case I'd recommend taking a look at the Voigtlander Ultron 40mm if you're looking for something in that focal length. I was in a similar situation to you, have a Pentax A 50mm f/2, FA 50mm f/1.4, and Cosina 55mm f/1.2. I considered the FA 43mm, but when I learned that it's f/1.9 performance wasn't great (good center resolution, poor edge resolution, low contrast), I looked into the Voigtlander more. Starting at f/2.8 the FA 43mm is a great lens (terrific contrast and resolution), but I do enjoy shooting lenses fully open for some pictures if I can, and I'm not always comfortable sacrificing resolution and contrast. Ken Rockwell did a good writeup on the Voigtlander Ultron 40mm for Nikon that you might want to take a look at.

10-21-2010, 03:40 PM	#8
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183	If you tried it and didn't like it, there is nothing we can do to persuade you... Personally I have on & off love affair with 43. It's not ads good (overall) as 31/1.8 nor as 50/1.2 (K or A for that matter), but it's sharper than both! It's much more portable than both. It has it's share of pixie dust and despite thinking of selling it I think it's going to be my most used lens on upcoming holiday.

10-21-2010, 03:44 PM	#9
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	If you have money burning in your pocket, I suggest you try a DA Ltd. 40mm. I haven't used my FA50 much since I got a DA40.

10-21-2010, 03:45 PM	#10
nulla Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 1,560	Originally posted by axl If you tried it and didn't like it, there is nothing we can do to persuade you... Personally I have on & off love affair with 43. It's not ads good (overall) as 31/1.8 nor as 50/1.2 (K or A for that matter), but it's sharper than both! It's much more portable than both. It has it's share of pixie dust and despite thinking of selling it I think it's going to be my most used lens on upcoming holiday. I agree that it should agree with you first otherwise dont go done that path. On the otherhand I purchased mine simply because of photos posted and to make up the 3 amigo collection. I can with all honesty say it is now my favourite prime. cheers Neil

10-21-2010, 03:51 PM	#11
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	the only thing that would make me want an FA43 is if I didn't have the F50/1.7 and A50/1.4. the F50/1.7 is a sharp AF lens which solves your AF needs. the A50/1.4 is more of an excess baggage since you have the A50/1.2 to do your bright manual needs. the FA43 would then solve your AF needs, have the flexibility of something different rendering at a slightly different focal length which is at 43mm and a compromising speed at f1.9. actually if I were to say this, the FA43 would be like FA35/2 + FA50/1.7 combined. I haven't considered the FA43 due to my needs for a wider FOV which makes the FA31 more desirable for my needs. although I'm not completely dismissing the thought of getting an FA43 in exchange for both the FA35 and FA50/1.7 + cash. but if I'm going to do that, I might as well add a few more dollars and just get the FA31. damn it's so hard. FA43 versus FA31.

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10-21-2010, 03:55 PM	#12
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	Originally posted by axl If you tried it and didn't like it, there is nothing we can do to persuade you... Personally I have on & off love affair with 43. It's not ads good (overall) as 31/1.8 nor as 50/1.2 (K or A for that matter), but it's sharper than both! It's much more portable than both. It has it's share of pixie dust and despite thinking of selling it I think it's going to be my most used lens on upcoming holiday. I believe the only thing that is missing in the FA43 is an awesome bokeh. I mean the bokeh is very good actually but just not at par with the FA31 and 501.2's bokeh. in sharpness, it's true that it's just above the 2 lenses. although you can always improve sharpness during pp but not the bokeh. so the other thing that is good about the FA43 as you said that it is more portable for use.

10-21-2010, 03:58 PM	#13
builttospill Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Utah, Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,398	The 43 is my favorite lens. I use it wide-open and get great results.

10-21-2010, 04:01 PM	#15
nater Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: New England Photos: Albums Posts: 706	Originally posted by Pentaxor actually if I were to say this, the FA43 would be like FA35/2 + FA50/1.7 combined. I haven't considered the FA43 due to my needs for a wider FOV which makes the FA31 more desirable for my needs. Not if you're shooting fully open - the FA 43 fully open can't compete in terms of resolution and contrast with the FA 35 fully open. Otherwise, yes. Originally posted by Pentaxor although I'm not completely dismissing the thought of getting an FA43 in exchange for both the FA35 and FA50/1.7 + cash. but if I'm going to do that, I might as well add a few more dollars and just get the FA31. damn it's so hard. FA43 versus FA31. The FA 31 fully open is definitely better than the FA 43. Some would also the FA 31 has the edge in bokeh as well.