the pentax FA 31mm f 1.8 al limited, are there bad ones?

Williunck · 06-22-2012, 09:40 PM

Hello,
I am about to buy the pentax smcp-fa 31mm f 1.8 al limited, and i was wondering if anyone has gotten a bad copy. I have found a few used for about 150-200 dollars less then new at B&H, but don't want to end up with someones second hand bad copy. Anyway, I was curious if anyone has heard of any problems with that lens.
Thank you

TOUGEFC · 06-22-2012, 09:44 PM

Yes there are plenty of bad ones, and on the other hand there are plenty of excellent ones

Just like any other lens

Williunck · 06-22-2012, 10:49 PM

Crap, probably not worth bying a used one unless they allow returns. Its only money....

Laurentiu Cristofor · 06-23-2012, 12:21 AM

If you buy used from B&H, you can return the lens if it turns out to be defective.

cachibache · 06-23-2012, 07:22 AM

Hey,

Please read the review on Lenstip.com They have an excellent point on the 31mm. There is a huge difference between the Japanese version and the Vietnamiese. Elements are the same, but the quality control is not. You can still get a sharp copy from Vietnam, but chances are that you'll get bad one (so are with the Jap version, but are certainly less).

I have the 31mm from Vietnam, and guess what, it's a b***h to focus. It's razor sharp once you nail it, but it's veeerrrrryyy hard to get it right on. I'm considering to get a split field focusing screen to help me with the issue. I also own a 90mm SL Voigtlander, a pure manual....and I get the focus 99% of the time, meaning that my eyes are still good.

Other options are to use the lens above 5.6, to have some room for error....or JUST RETURN THE LENS, which I didn't do lolol.

Otherwise, the lens is great, but as Lenstip mentions, it's wayyyy to expensive for what you get...I would get the 35mm Samyang instead and use manual all the way through, AF is useless on Pentax anyway if you compare it to Nikon or Canon...

Ole · 06-23-2012, 07:33 AM

I don't find the 31mm any harder to focus than other lenses, but if you shoot wide open the depth of field is narrow and that's when precise focusing is key. AF is slower than the 35mm FA and DA lenses due to the heavy construction (more mass to move during focusing). This lens should be bought for it's famed rendering qualities (smooth bokeh, 3D like images), not for action photo.

My copy is made in Japan and has no manufacturing defects. If you buy second hand you could ask the seller about the country of manufacture. Of course there is always a risk buying second hand - the lens could have been dropped and gotten out of alignment or otherwise abused.

In our database you'll find a number of user reviews.

cachibache · 06-23-2012, 07:38 AM

With you on this one... Bokeh, and 3D like effect is great, no complains on that one.

When I try to use for portraits (i have a bad copy!), I end up shooting like 5 or 6 pix to nail the focus. Or I just get tired, get my 90mm, walk a mile away from the subject and take the pic. Lmao

creampuff · 06-23-2012, 09:37 AM

Originally posted by cachibache

Hey,

Please read the review on Lenstip.com They have an excellent point on the 31mm. There is a huge difference between the Japanese version and the Vietnamiese. Elements are the same, but the quality control is not. You can still get a sharp copy from Vietnam, but chances are that you'll get bad one (so are with the Jap version, but are certainly less).

I have the 31mm from Vietnam, and guess what, it's a b***h to focus. It's razor sharp once you nail it, but it's veeerrrrryyy hard to get it right on. I'm considering to get a split field focusing screen to help me with the issue. I also own a 90mm SL Voigtlander, a pure manual....and I get the focus 99% of the time, meaning that my eyes are still good.

Other options are to use the lens above 5.6, to have some room for error....or JUST RETURN THE LENS, which I didn't do lolol.

Otherwise, the lens is great, but as Lenstip mentions, it's wayyyy to expensive for what you get...I would get the 35mm Samyang instead and use manual all the way through, AF is useless on Pentax anyway if you compare it to Nikon or Canon...

I find it laughable that anyone would make focus comparisons between a 31mm AF and 90mm manual focus lens. The angle of view and dof are so different plus the focus throw of the lenses aren't the same. Of course it's pretty obvious it is going to be easier to focus with a tele, especially if one uses the stock focusing screen. And what a sweeping generalization about MIJ and MIV QC too.

lytrytyr · 06-23-2012, 10:55 AM

Originally posted by creampuff

Of course it's pretty obvious it is going to be easier to focus with a tele

Not necessarily that big a difference.
The standard lens is f/1.8, while the tele is f/3.5.
For a subject at 12 foot,
the tele has a depth of field of 9 inches,
while the standard lens has 36 inches.

creampuff · 06-23-2012, 05:11 PM

Originally posted by lytrytyr

Not necessarily that big a difference.
The standard lens is f/1.8, while the tele is f/3.5.
For a subject at 12 foot,
the tele has a depth of field of 9 inches,
while the standard lens has 36 inches.

It's all very good quoting DOF distances. In practice, peer into the camera's viewfinder with the stock focusing screen and pick out an object across the room from the same spot using both lenses and it will be immediately obvious which will snap into focus easier.

lytrytyr · 06-23-2012, 05:17 PM

I use the Voigtlaender 90/3.5, and it does not "snap into focus."
While I don't have an FA 31/1.8, I do have a ZK 35/2,
and that is easier to focus than the Voigtlaender.

Williunck · 06-25-2012, 12:59 PM

Thanks for the info, I think I'll start searching for the Japanese version...

Blue · 06-25-2012, 01:07 PM

Originally posted by Laurentiu Cristofor

If you buy used from B&H, you can return the lens if it turns out to be defective.

Same thing with Adorama and Amazon. KEH has a 14 day return policy and 6 month warranty on used items.

cali92rs · 06-25-2012, 01:09 PM

Originally posted by Williunck

Hello,
I am about to buy the pentax smcp-fa 31mm f 1.8 al limited, and i was wondering if anyone has gotten a bad copy. I have found a few used for about 150-200 dollars less then new at B&H, but don't want to end up with someones second hand bad copy. Anyway, I was curious if anyone has heard of any problems with that lens.
Thank you

As my grandpappy used to tell me, there are only 2 guarantees in this world, death and taxes.
Anything made by the hand of man can be screwed up.

Williunck · 06-25-2012, 02:57 PM

Originally posted by cali92rs

Anything made by the hand of man can be screwed up.

What? surely not my hands...

06-22-2012, 09:40 PM	#1
Williunck Inactive Account Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 58	the pentax FA 31mm f 1.8 al limited, are there bad ones? Hello, I am about to buy the pentax smcp-fa 31mm f 1.8 al limited, and i was wondering if anyone has gotten a bad copy. I have found a few used for about 150-200 dollars less then new at B&H, but don't want to end up with someones second hand bad copy. Anyway, I was curious if anyone has heard of any problems with that lens. Thank you

06-22-2012, 09:44 PM	#2
TOUGEFC Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,561	Yes there are plenty of bad ones, and on the other hand there are plenty of excellent ones Just like any other lens Last edited by TOUGEFC; 06-22-2012 at 10:52 PM.

06-23-2012, 10:55 AM	#9
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by creampuff Of course it's pretty obvious it is going to be easier to focus with a tele Not necessarily that big a difference. The standard lens is f/1.8, while the tele is f/3.5. For a subject at 12 foot, the tele has a depth of field of 9 inches, while the standard lens has 36 inches. Last edited by lytrytyr; 06-23-2012 at 11:03 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For Sale - Sold: K-5 + 18-55 + Batt Grip/3 batts, 31mm Limited, 15mm Limited, 70mm Limited	Sperdynamite	Sold Items	7	02-24-2012 12:07 AM
Wanted - Acquired: Pentax FA 31mm F1.8 AL Limited	stillshunter	Sold Items	2	06-03-2011 11:56 AM
FA 31mm Limited assembled in Vietnam - bad QC or bad luck.	Voe	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	64	03-03-2010 05:44 PM

06-22-2012, 10:49 PM	#3
Williunck Inactive Account Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 58 Original Poster	Crap, probably not worth bying a used one unless they allow returns. Its only money....

06-23-2012, 12:21 AM	#4
Laurentiu Cristofor Banned Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: WA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,055	If you buy used from B&H, you can return the lens if it turns out to be defective.

06-23-2012, 07:22 AM	#5
cachibache New Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 13	Hey, Please read the review on Lenstip.com They have an excellent point on the 31mm. There is a huge difference between the Japanese version and the Vietnamiese. Elements are the same, but the quality control is not. You can still get a sharp copy from Vietnam, but chances are that you'll get bad one (so are with the Jap version, but are certainly less). I have the 31mm from Vietnam, and guess what, it's a b***h to focus. It's razor sharp once you nail it, but it's veeerrrrryyy hard to get it right on. I'm considering to get a split field focusing screen to help me with the issue. I also own a 90mm SL Voigtlander, a pure manual....and I get the focus 99% of the time, meaning that my eyes are still good. Other options are to use the lens above 5.6, to have some room for error....or JUST RETURN THE LENS, which I didn't do lolol. Otherwise, the lens is great, but as Lenstip mentions, it's wayyyy to expensive for what you get...I would get the 35mm Samyang instead and use manual all the way through, AF is useless on Pentax anyway if you compare it to Nikon or Canon...

06-23-2012, 07:33 AM	#6
Ole Administrator Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Copenhagen, Denmark Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,408	I don't find the 31mm any harder to focus than other lenses, but if you shoot wide open the depth of field is narrow and that's when precise focusing is key. AF is slower than the 35mm FA and DA lenses due to the heavy construction (more mass to move during focusing). This lens should be bought for it's famed rendering qualities (smooth bokeh, 3D like images), not for action photo. My copy is made in Japan and has no manufacturing defects. If you buy second hand you could ask the seller about the country of manufacture. Of course there is always a risk buying second hand - the lens could have been dropped and gotten out of alignment or otherwise abused. In our database you'll find a number of user reviews.

06-23-2012, 07:38 AM	#7
cachibache New Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 13	With you on this one... Bokeh, and 3D like effect is great, no complains on that one. When I try to use for portraits (i have a bad copy!), I end up shooting like 5 or 6 pix to nail the focus. Or I just get tired, get my 90mm, walk a mile away from the subject and take the pic. Lmao

06-23-2012, 09:37 AM	#8
creampuff Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,953	Originally posted by cachibache Hey, Please read the review on Lenstip.com They have an excellent point on the 31mm. There is a huge difference between the Japanese version and the Vietnamiese. Elements are the same, but the quality control is not. You can still get a sharp copy from Vietnam, but chances are that you'll get bad one (so are with the Jap version, but are certainly less). I have the 31mm from Vietnam, and guess what, it's a b***h to focus. It's razor sharp once you nail it, but it's veeerrrrryyy hard to get it right on. I'm considering to get a split field focusing screen to help me with the issue. I also own a 90mm SL Voigtlander, a pure manual....and I get the focus 99% of the time, meaning that my eyes are still good. Other options are to use the lens above 5.6, to have some room for error....or JUST RETURN THE LENS, which I didn't do lolol. Otherwise, the lens is great, but as Lenstip mentions, it's wayyyy to expensive for what you get...I would get the 35mm Samyang instead and use manual all the way through, AF is useless on Pentax anyway if you compare it to Nikon or Canon... I find it laughable that anyone would make focus comparisons between a 31mm AF and 90mm manual focus lens. The angle of view and dof are so different plus the focus throw of the lenses aren't the same. Of course it's pretty obvious it is going to be easier to focus with a tele, especially if one uses the stock focusing screen. And what a sweeping generalization about MIJ and MIV QC too.

06-23-2012, 05:11 PM	#10
creampuff Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,953	Originally posted by lytrytyr Not necessarily that big a difference. The standard lens is f/1.8, while the tele is f/3.5. For a subject at 12 foot, the tele has a depth of field of 9 inches, while the standard lens has 36 inches. It's all very good quoting DOF distances. In practice, peer into the camera's viewfinder with the stock focusing screen and pick out an object across the room from the same spot using both lenses and it will be immediately obvious which will snap into focus easier.

06-23-2012, 05:17 PM	#11
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	I use the Voigtlaender 90/3.5, and it does not "snap into focus." While I don't have an FA 31/1.8, I do have a ZK 35/2, and that is easier to focus than the Voigtlaender.

06-25-2012, 12:59 PM	#12
Williunck Inactive Account Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 58 Original Poster	Thanks for the info, I think I'll start searching for the Japanese version...

06-25-2012, 01:07 PM	#13
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by Laurentiu Cristofor If you buy used from B&H, you can return the lens if it turns out to be defective. Same thing with Adorama and Amazon. KEH has a 14 day return policy and 6 month warranty on used items.

06-25-2012, 01:09 PM	#14
cali92rs Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 3,354	Originally posted by Williunck Hello, I am about to buy the pentax smcp-fa 31mm f 1.8 al limited, and i was wondering if anyone has gotten a bad copy. I have found a few used for about 150-200 dollars less then new at B&H, but don't want to end up with someones second hand bad copy. Anyway, I was curious if anyone has heard of any problems with that lens. Thank you As my grandpappy used to tell me, there are only 2 guarantees in this world, death and taxes. Anything made by the hand of man can be screwed up.

06-25-2012, 02:57 PM	#15
Williunck Inactive Account Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 58 Original Poster	Originally posted by cali92rs Anything made by the hand of man can be screwed up. What? surely not my hands...