FA 35mm f/2.0 AL...used market?

dwhopson · 02-08-2011, 11:34 PM

OK...

So, I'm starting to think that maybe I messed up a few years ago when I started buying prime lenses. I was heavily looking at the DA 21 Limited, FA 35/2, and the FA 50/1.4. It was a fairly difficult decision to make...but I ended up buying the two FA lenses (35mm and 50mm).

The truth of the matter is, NOW I really wish I had bought the DA 21 at that time (when it was a LOT cheaper). I tend to prefer wider lenses and think I would have used it much more than the FA 35. I think the only thing I've used the FA 35 for is a few test shots. Otherwise, I've only used the FA 50 (primary), DA 18-55, and a few old takumars.

So, my question is...is there any real used-market for this lens (FA 35/2) now that the DA L 35mm f/2.4 has come to market? My thought is to try and sell the FA 35 and attempt to purchase a used DA21 without totally loosing my rear-end. I haven't really seen any FA 35's in the marketplace though...nor in the archives.

Thoughts...suggestions...

lguckert79 · 02-08-2011, 11:56 PM

well look on ebay ther is a tone of them going for around 200.00-500.00 so you might just make some money in the proses and in the mean time if you wana get rid of that 50mm let me know im in the market for one i only have a a-50mm f2 so im looking and like i said that that 35mm lens is better for the wider apature also

Jasvox · 02-09-2011, 12:07 AM

To answer your question, yes there is a market for this very lens and you should be able to fetch $300-350 for it in good condition. Chances are, if you bought this lens more then 2 years ago, you will be actually making money on this lens when you sell it as it is fairly sought after for a number of reasons and having little to do with the new DA35/2.4. One thing to consider is, IF Pentax ever releases a FF digital, you will have the right lenses with the FA series..the DA's (or most of them) will be useless on full frame.

My questions is...why haven't you used this lens more often? It's a fantastic lens.

Jason

JeffJS · 02-09-2011, 12:22 AM

I've sold 2 FA35s on the marketplace. Both were in original boxes with all the stuff. One went for $365 and was nearly flawless. That was about 9 months ago. The other went for $300 and had a small flaw on the front element.

Forget about Pentax releasing a FF dSLR (not saying it'll never happen), there are still a lot of people using Film SLRs and the 35 is still a sought after lens. Some sellers are asking over $400 for it and I'd imagine there are one or two people who will pay it. I would never pay that but I don't care for the lens either.

If your intention here is just to get a feel of options, that's probably fine. If you are putting this out to collect potential buyers, you might want to check the rules about doing so.

blende8 · 02-09-2011, 02:05 AM

I wouldn't sell it.
You would probably regret it.

fikkser · 02-09-2011, 02:28 AM

In Sweden you'd get 500$ for it. Because of the super low dollar value. Maybe the same for whole Europe. I'd price it above what others are saying, it's becoming quite hard to find. And it's not just any lens, you'll prolly regret it, and regret you did not use it more.

I think I've only seen 3 FA 35 used on the Swedish market. All went around 500 dollars.

Getting it new in Sweden is a joke. 1200 dollars with tax.

I choose between the da-l 35 and the FA. I gave 1/3 more for the FA and I don't regret anything. Would probably regret buying the da-l as it is an average lens at most IMO.

tichomir · 02-09-2011, 03:10 AM

The FA 35/2.0 is a way better than the DA 35/2.4. Personally I got it for about 350 USD shipped and pretty happy with it... Now it somehow overlaps with the DA 35/2.8 which I own, but both of them are having it's own charm and specifics. I would even state that the FA 35/2.0 the one I use more than the Limited one, both on K5.

Cheers,
Tiho

blende8 · 02-09-2011, 03:12 AM

Remember the good ol' times?
In 2007 you could buy the FA35/2 for 275 € and the FA50/1.4 for 230 € new!

FA35/2 today: 700 € !

Yeah, the FA35/2 is the poor man's Limited.
Optically it is en par with the FA31/1.8!

RBellavance · 02-09-2011, 06:42 AM

Originally posted by blende8

I wouldn't sell it.
You would probably regret it.

+1

Find another way to finance the purchase of the DA21. I have both lenses and I wouldn't part with either.

FotoPete · 02-09-2011, 08:09 AM

Originally posted by blende8

Remember the good ol' times?
In 2007 you could buy the FA35/2 for 275 € and the FA50/1.4 for 230 € new!

FA35/2 today: 700 € !

Yeah, the FA35/2 is the poor man's Limited.
Optically it is en par with the FA31/1.8!

Oh yes those days haha.

Say would one have to shave the mirror on a Canon 5D by a bit if say they were to use the pentax FA35 on adapter (assuming removal of the lever).

dgaies · 02-09-2011, 08:16 AM

There is certainly a market for the FA35/2, and I would guess (assuming like-new condition) anywhere from $350-400 if you sold it in the US.

The FA35 and FA50 were my first two primes, and my only two primes for the first 3 years I was using Pentax. The last year or so I went nuts and bought every lens under the sun. The only reason I sold the FA35 was because I bought the FA31. I personally really liked the FA35, and for less than half the price of the FA31 it's a "bargain" (IMO).

sterretje · 02-09-2011, 09:41 AM

If you like wide more than tele, you should get rid of the 50mm (unless there is something that you did not tell us as why you want to keep it).

A 30ish has kept me happy for the last 2 months for day-to-day shooting without use of other lenses.

jsherman999 · 02-09-2011, 10:06 AM

.

In 2009 I sold my perfect FA 35 f/2 for $245. Me stupid!

Originally posted by tichomir

The FA 35/2.0 is a way better than the DA 35/2.4.

I wouldn't say 'way better', at least not optically. That little DA 35 is a pretty sharp lens.

The build quality of the FA is higher, and I suspect it focuses a tad faster - and it doesn't have an untested focusing mechanism. I wonder if the DA 35 2.4 will have any SDM-ish problems...

Anyway, the FA 35 f/2 should fetch between $300 and $400 in the US market still.

.

RBellavance · 02-09-2011, 10:54 AM

Originally posted by jsherman999

The build quality of the FA is higher, and I suspect it focuses a tad faster - and it doesn't have an untested focusing mechanism. I wonder if the DA 35 2.4 will have any SDM-ish problems...

The DA-L 35/2.4 is screw-driven.

(Yes, I call it a DA-L. No idea why Pentax left it out of the name: plastic mount, no quick-shift, no supplied lens hood = DA-L to me).

**rparmar** · 02-09-2011, 11:00 AM

Originally posted by blende8

Yeah, the FA35/2 is the poor man's Limited.
Optically it is en par with the FA31/1.8!

I wouldn't go quite that far. Yes, it's as sharp, but has more CA and purple fringing. It can't match the superlative FA31 bokeh nor the build.

But, hey, I don't own either and wouldn't be picky about donations.

02-08-2011, 11:34 PM	#1
dwhopson Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 76	FA 35mm f/2.0 AL...used market? OK... So, I'm starting to think that maybe I messed up a few years ago when I started buying prime lenses. I was heavily looking at the DA 21 Limited, FA 35/2, and the FA 50/1.4. It was a fairly difficult decision to make...but I ended up buying the two FA lenses (35mm and 50mm). The truth of the matter is, NOW I really wish I had bought the DA 21 at that time (when it was a LOT cheaper). I tend to prefer wider lenses and think I would have used it much more than the FA 35. I think the only thing I've used the FA 35 for is a few test shots. Otherwise, I've only used the FA 50 (primary), DA 18-55, and a few old takumars. So, my question is...is there any real used-market for this lens (FA 35/2) now that the DA L 35mm f/2.4 has come to market? My thought is to try and sell the FA 35 and attempt to purchase a used DA21 without totally loosing my rear-end. I haven't really seen any FA 35's in the marketplace though...nor in the archives. Thoughts...suggestions...

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02-08-2011, 11:56 PM	#2
lguckert79 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 601	well look on ebay ther is a tone of them going for around 200.00-500.00 so you might just make some money in the proses and in the mean time if you wana get rid of that 50mm let me know im in the market for one i only have a a-50mm f2 so im looking and like i said that that 35mm lens is better for the wider apature also

02-09-2011, 12:07 AM	#3
Jasvox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 3,107	To answer your question, yes there is a market for this very lens and you should be able to fetch $300-350 for it in good condition. Chances are, if you bought this lens more then 2 years ago, you will be actually making money on this lens when you sell it as it is fairly sought after for a number of reasons and having little to do with the new DA35/2.4. One thing to consider is, IF Pentax ever releases a FF digital, you will have the right lenses with the FA series..the DA's (or most of them) will be useless on full frame. My questions is...why haven't you used this lens more often? It's a fantastic lens. Jason

02-09-2011, 12:22 AM	#4
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	I've sold 2 FA35s on the marketplace. Both were in original boxes with all the stuff. One went for $365 and was nearly flawless. That was about 9 months ago. The other went for $300 and had a small flaw on the front element. Forget about Pentax releasing a FF dSLR (not saying it'll never happen), there are still a lot of people using Film SLRs and the 35 is still a sought after lens. Some sellers are asking over $400 for it and I'd imagine there are one or two people who will pay it. I would never pay that but I don't care for the lens either. If your intention here is just to get a feel of options, that's probably fine. If you are putting this out to collect potential buyers, you might want to check the rules about doing so.

02-09-2011, 02:05 AM	#5
blende8 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Bremen, Germany Photos: Albums Posts: 1,521	I wouldn't sell it. You would probably regret it.

02-09-2011, 02:28 AM	#6
fikkser Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Borlänge, Sweden Posts: 373	In Sweden you'd get 500$ for it. Because of the super low dollar value. Maybe the same for whole Europe. I'd price it above what others are saying, it's becoming quite hard to find. And it's not just any lens, you'll prolly regret it, and regret you did not use it more. I think I've only seen 3 FA 35 used on the Swedish market. All went around 500 dollars. Getting it new in Sweden is a joke. 1200 dollars with tax. I choose between the da-l 35 and the FA. I gave 1/3 more for the FA and I don't regret anything. Would probably regret buying the da-l as it is an average lens at most IMO.

02-09-2011, 03:10 AM	#7
tichomir Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Czech Republic, Brno Photos: Albums Posts: 77	The FA 35/2.0 is a way better than the DA 35/2.4. Personally I got it for about 350 USD shipped and pretty happy with it... Now it somehow overlaps with the DA 35/2.8 which I own, but both of them are having it's own charm and specifics. I would even state that the FA 35/2.0 the one I use more than the Limited one, both on K5. Cheers, Tiho

02-09-2011, 03:12 AM	#8
blende8 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Bremen, Germany Photos: Albums Posts: 1,521	Remember the good ol' times? In 2007 you could buy the FA35/2 for 275 € and the FA50/1.4 for 230 € new! FA35/2 today: 700 € ! Yeah, the FA35/2 is the poor man's Limited. Optically it is en par with the FA31/1.8!

02-09-2011, 06:42 AM	#9
RBellavance Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Near Montréal, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,716	Originally posted by blende8 I wouldn't sell it. You would probably regret it. +1 Find another way to finance the purchase of the DA21. I have both lenses and I wouldn't part with either.

02-09-2011, 08:09 AM	#10
FotoPete Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,774	Originally posted by blende8 Remember the good ol' times? In 2007 you could buy the FA35/2 for 275 € and the FA50/1.4 for 230 € new! FA35/2 today: 700 € ! Yeah, the FA35/2 is the poor man's Limited. Optically it is en par with the FA31/1.8! Oh yes those days haha. Say would one have to shave the mirror on a Canon 5D by a bit if say they were to use the pentax FA35 on adapter (assuming removal of the lever).

02-09-2011, 08:16 AM	#11
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	There is certainly a market for the FA35/2, and I would guess (assuming like-new condition) anywhere from $350-400 if you sold it in the US. The FA35 and FA50 were my first two primes, and my only two primes for the first 3 years I was using Pentax. The last year or so I went nuts and bought every lens under the sun. The only reason I sold the FA35 was because I bought the FA31. I personally really liked the FA35, and for less than half the price of the FA31 it's a "bargain" (IMO).

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02-09-2011, 09:41 AM	#12
sterretje Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Roodepoort, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,561	If you like wide more than tele, you should get rid of the 50mm (unless there is something that you did not tell us as why you want to keep it). A 30ish has kept me happy for the last 2 months for day-to-day shooting without use of other lenses.

02-09-2011, 10:06 AM	#13
jsherman999 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,237	. In 2009 I sold my perfect FA 35 f/2 for $245. Me stupid! Originally posted by tichomir The FA 35/2.0 is a way better than the DA 35/2.4. I wouldn't say 'way better', at least not optically. That little DA 35 is a pretty sharp lens. The build quality of the FA is higher, and I suspect it focuses a tad faster - and it doesn't have an untested focusing mechanism. I wonder if the DA 35 2.4 will have any SDM-ish problems... Anyway, the FA 35 f/2 should fetch between $300 and $400 in the US market still. .

02-09-2011, 10:54 AM	#14
RBellavance Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Near Montréal, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,716	Originally posted by jsherman999 The build quality of the FA is higher, and I suspect it focuses a tad faster - and it doesn't have an untested focusing mechanism. I wonder if the DA 35 2.4 will have any SDM-ish problems... The DA-L 35/2.4 is screw-driven. (Yes, I call it a DA-L. No idea why Pentax left it out of the name: plastic mount, no quick-shift, no supplied lens hood = DA-L to me).

02-09-2011, 11:00 AM	#15
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,819	Originally posted by blende8 Yeah, the FA35/2 is the poor man's Limited. Optically it is en par with the FA31/1.8! I wouldn't go quite that far. Yes, it's as sharp, but has more CA and purple fringing. It can't match the superlative FA31 bokeh nor the build. But, hey, I don't own either and wouldn't be picky about donations.