[pdmlmember]

What do you base that on?

Comments on different forums, but also this review on Photozone.

[frank]

Comments on different forums, but also this review on Photozone.

Probably due to sample variation. The two FA43 I ever had (still have one now) are quite okay wide open, very usable at F2 or F2.5. Actually when shooting indoor I use the lens mostly from F1.9 to F2.5

[pdmlmember]

Probably due to sample variation. The two FA43 I ever had (still have one now) are quite okay wide open, very usable at F2 or F2.5. Actually when shooting indoor I use the lens mostly from F1.9 to F2.5

That's good to know. I'm starting to consider getting a 43 now.

[txbonds]

Good decision I'm sure you'd love them (I mean the 21, 43 and 70 combo).

Thanks for the reasurance.

I thought I had won a nice looking 21 last night on ebay for $351 and got sniped at the last 2 seconds and lost it at $356.

$351 was pretty much my limit anyway though because here in the US you can spend 20% more and get a new one anyway.

Will keep looking for a good deal until maybe more rebates come out.

Thanks for the thread guys.

I did find some decent review/opinion writeups here:

21mm ltd Compare Prices and Read Reviews on Pentax smc P-DA 21mm f/3.2 AL Lens at Epinions.com

31mm ltd = no reviews posted on the site

40mm ltd Compare Prices and Read Reviews on Pentax DA 40mm f/2.8 for SLR at Epinions.com

43mm ltd Compare Prices and Read Reviews on Pentax SMCP-FA 43mm f/1.9 Lens at Epinions.com

70mm ltd Compare Prices and Read Reviews on Pentax SMCP-DA 70mm f/2.4 Lens at Epinions.com

77mm ltd = no reviews posted on the site


Maybe someone else will get something out of these also.

[roentarre]

Dig Fa 43mm ltd. Love this gem

[Finn]

I just picked up the 21, and have been really disappointed. I keep getting rather lifeless images that never really snap into focus. Based on what I read everywhere, I'm guessing it's just a bum copy, so I ought to exchange it while it's under warranty.

Although close to double the price of the 40, I am going for the 43 next. That extra stop makes all the difference for indoor shots (using ISO 800 vs 1600, for example), and I really love that focal length on film. Yes, you can use the 40 with film, but only with limitations on most bodies. An MX/43 combo? Oh baby. Talk about an awesome "pocket" camera.

And now I'm halfway to the perfect film/digital setup: 21/3.2, 31/1.8, 43/1.9, 77/1.8.

[thePiRaTE!!]

I'm not sure you caught my suggestion to consider the 31 instead of both the 21 and or 40/43 from page one, but instead of 2 lenses, you might need to change less by having just one. Anyway, sorry if you did see that and wasn't interested.

[txbonds]

I'm not sure you caught my suggestion to consider the 31 instead of both the 21 and or 40/43 from page one, but instead of 2 lenses, you might need to change less by having just one. Anyway, sorry if you did see that and wasn't interested.

Sorry, I didn't see it and I'm not sure how I missed it.

It is definately an idea. Like the poster above, I also like the idea of 21, 31, 43 & 77.

However, since I already own the 70, and since I just received the 40, I'm not really walking down the right path at the moment for either of these options.

That said, I've read many marginal reviews of the 21 also, so maybe it is one of those lenses I should put off until last. I wasn't sure I wanted the size and weight of the 31 and 77 either, although the quality is no doubt aces.

A 21, 43, 70 kit has to be much more compact and weigh much less than the 21, 31, 43 & 77 though. This is just tough. I hate making these kinds of decisions where the differences are sometimes very small and slight, but the costs are a factor to consider.

[volosong]

I've posted about this before...with pictures. I'll look around for the link. You're right about the screw-in lens cap for the DA40. I ALWAYS use a lens hood, if available, but that screw-in cap is a pain.

A very, very simple solution is to use the lid of a Fuji 135 film canister. It is a perfect fit! Snaps on very snuggly, without any concerns about it falling off. You can get two 'styles', a translucent whitish one and a black one. When I want to be nerdy, I use the white one. When I want to be inconspicuous, I use the black one. Very fast to pop off when you want to click the shutter.

[volosong]

Here's the link:

DA40 lens cap and a public : Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

Also, the black cap came from a role of Velvia.

- - - - -

Didn't read all the posts in this thread. I have the "pancake kit", the DA21, DA40, and DA70. Makes a great little travel kit. Also have a FA77, but use that rarely...only when I need the focal length and speed. Main reason for getting is that it was the first really high quality lens I ever purchased and with an eye for a possible future investment value. I really like it, but use the DA70 a lot more for general short telephoto usage. Have strongly considered getting a FA43, but haven't decided yet. So far, I put my lens money for ones that I'd use more.

[frank]

You can use any 30mm or 30.5mm clip on type lens cap (there are plenty on eBay, or even in camera shops) for the DA40 with the hood on I even managed to get an original Pentax 30.5mm clip on cap (for Pentax 110 lenses) before

[frank]

I'm not sure you caught my suggestion to consider the 31 instead of both the 21 and or 40/43 from page one, but instead of 2 lenses, you might need to change less by having just one. Anyway, sorry if you did see that and wasn't interested.

The FoV is so different between 21 and 31, don't think they are replaceable to each other. Better have them all if possible Actually 21-31-43-70 or 77 is a nice set.

Size and weight wise, the 77 isn't much bigger/heavier than the 70 imo, especially after you mount them on a camera.

[frank]

I just picked up the 21, and have been really disappointed. I keep getting rather lifeless images that never really snap into focus. Based on what I read everywhere, I'm guessing it's just a bum copy, so I ought to exchange it while it's under warranty.

Although close to double the price of the 40, I am going for the 43 next. That extra stop makes all the difference for indoor shots (using ISO 800 vs 1600, for example), and I really love that focal length on film. Yes, you can use the 40 with film, but only with limitations on most bodies. An MX/43 combo? Oh baby. Talk about an awesome "pocket" camera.

And now I'm halfway to the perfect film/digital setup: 21/3.2, 31/1.8, 43/1.9, 77/1.8.

Some DA21 lenses are known to have AF problem, mostly back focus abit. I tested 4 before I got mine, all had BF problem, including the one I have now . I have to adjust AF in debug mode every time I mount it on the K100D. A bit troublesome, but I really like the photos taken with it.

Here are a few from the weekend (K100D+DA21):

My lovely son:


Some interior shots from a shopping mall:

[thePiRaTE!!]

Nice clean shots - as usual Frank! You make a strong case for the 21. If there is distortion or soft corners, they really don't seem to be a factor based on these images. Can you detect a difference between the crispness of the 21 vs the 31, or would it be more in the realm of the pixel peeper to tell?

[Rico]

I posted this link already in this thread for a 30mm lens cap that works like a charm on the 40 LTD's lens hood. It is just a simple snap on cap.

Well worth the $3.50.