[ravenorxs]

Not sure if this is the exact sub-forum to post but here it is:

My current gear:

Pentax K-5ii
35mm 2.4
50mm 1.4
77mm 1.8

Based on this, and assuming one day you were gifted $1000 that you had to spend or it would be forfit, would you

A) Go for a used FA 31mm limited
B) Go for a used Fuji X100S

The 31mm would give me a great lens at a focal length I do not have and would probably replace my 35mm 2.4.

The X100s is not a lens, but an enthusiast point-and-shoot. Decent IQ for what it is, plus throws in manual controls, Fuji jpeg's, potential all-in-one camera for when I do not want to bring loads of gear.

Any thoughts on what would be chosen and why? I've seen pricing for them online and it's fairly comparable (sub-1000 that is)

[bsamcash]

The lens. I had the original X100, and it is a fun camera, but I would prefer the handling and image quality of the K-5II and the 31 Limited.

[Sandy Hancock]

The FA31. It's a wonderful foil to the FA77. I suspect you'll rarely bother with the 35 or 50 again.

[RobA_Oz]

I'd go for the secondhand Fuji, but, knowing what I do, I'd also consider selling your DA35/2.4 and buying a DA35/2.8 macro limited to replace it. That way, you'll get a lens that's lighter than the FA31/1.8, but almost as well built and offers very close focussing, while giving you very good general IQ, in spite of giving away around a stop-and-a-half to the FA31/1.8. I have both the FA31/1.8 and the DA35/2.8 macro limited, by the way.

Given that the X100s is going new here for less than $1,000US, I imagine you'd pick up a secondhand one for around $800US in good condition, leaving you not terribly much out of pocket on top of your windfall, with a better 35 than you have now. I hope that doesn't add too much more pressure on your decision-making.

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Last edited by RobA_Oz; 04-22-2014 at 11:36 PM.

[DSims]

The FA31, because it won't depreciate while you're using it. If you decide you don't like it later, no loss. In the meantime, it will challenge you much more than the Fuji ever could.

The Fuji's main advantages are its 23mm focal length (which I prefer) and its size.


The FA31 is unique - not only amongst Pentax lenses, but amongst most lenses ever made.

[calsan]

Get a 15 limited. IMHO! (But I like wide angle.)
Or a long telephoto.
You already have the normal range covered, with three lenses to do pretty much the same job. Why get a fourth, even one that's slightly better?

[geomez]

The FA31, because it won't depreciate while you're using it. If you decide you don't like it later, no loss. In the meantime, it will challenge you much more than the Fuji ever could.

The Fuji's main advantages are its 23mm focal length (which I prefer) and its size.


The FA31 is unique - not only amongst Pentax lenses, but amongst most lenses ever made.

My thoughts exactly. Cameras come and go. Lenses last forever.

[stevebrot]

Get a 15 limited. IMHO! (But I like wide angle.)
Or a long telephoto.
You already have the normal range covered, with three lenses to do pretty much the same job. Why get a fourth, even one that's slightly better?

What he said...


Steve

[VoiceOfReason]

I'd get that Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 to go with what you have since it is about to be released in Pentax mount, sell the 35, then take the extra 200 and the 150 from the sale of the 35 and get something longer, whether a zoom (I got my 70-200 for 375) or a prime. But hey, that's me!

[ravenorxs]

Hmmm it seems it's a resounding verdict in favor of the FA 31mm limited. I knew I posted in the wrong forums (kidding!).

The FA 31mm will definitely keep it's value much better than the x100s.

On the other hand it would be nice from time to time to just have to take out one camera/lens and be done with it (though it could be argued I could just stick the 31mm on and leave the rest at home). The x100s does seem to command an almost-cult like status, though I assume much of it's value is derived from its aesthetics as much as it is to do with it's capabilities as a camera.

If only I was suddenly gifted $2000 dollars instead!

[DSims]

I would actually suggest the FA*24/2 (same FL as the Fuji) plus your choice of the F/FA135, DA15, or DA10-17 (all used), but you didn't leave this as an option.

[hcc]

+1 for the FA31mm. Invest in high quality lenses and you will not regret it. The FA31mm is exceptional in terms of IQ and it is petite compared to the heavy Sigma lenses.

My 5 cents.

[Lauke_101]

My vote goes to the 31mm as well, even though I hold the X100 (and Fuji in general) in high regard. A K-5 body with a prime on it is still compact and lightweight enough to haul around all day, IMHO. Just resist the urge to take more than one lens with you. It may not be pocketable, but then again the X100 isn't quite pocketable either.

[VoiceOfReason]

One other suggestion besed off of people on here saying they liked it, but how about the 20-40 ltd?

[Doundounba]

Well, given the cult status of the FA31 around here, the answers were almost predetermined.

For me, the choice would be difficult, but given you stable of lenses, and if I respect the constraint of X100s or FA31 only, I'd pick the X100s. When I want to go out very light, bottoming out at 31mm is just not wide enough for me, in an urban environment. That and K-5II plus FA31 is still a big camera. And I'm curious about Fuji. Walking around with a small, light, quality camera with a nice 23mm F/2 would, I expect, be a joyful experience.

To deviate from your question slightly, you might consider getting a used K-01 body and a Sigma Superwide II 24mm F/2.8 or DA 21. In fact, if you go for the Sigma, you could probably get a used K-01, the Sigma 24mm (auto-focus) *and* a DA15 for $1k. And those lenses are still usable when you want to go out with your heavier, larger K-5II.

In the pie-in-the-sky category, an even better choice would be for Pentax to release a smallish, light, APS-C only, DA 23mm F/2 lens!