Is it worth getting an early model 43mm Ltd?

Corbs · 06-02-2014, 05:20 AM

Aloha guys, I have been looking at getting a FA-43mm Ltd and have recently come across one at a very good price, the only issue is that its serial number is in the 0030xxx range. From what I have read, the earlier models, pre 0010000 have lead and a different coating which result in the infamous "Pixel Dust" advantage, something that I am quite fond of.

So my question is, do the later models produce such spectacular results?

The one I am looking at is is an AIV version, and is advertised at less then $350USD.

I don't mind paying more for a better quality lens, but want to be sure that if I do pay more, I can get the desired lens. I am still unsure of exactly what lenses contain lead or the desired coating, so any information would be swell.

Cheers

Nick Siebers · 06-02-2014, 05:45 AM

I have one with SN around 10,000 and it is quite nice. It is the only one I have ever had, though. Whether the early version gives any advantage has cropped up a few times on the forum, and the consensus seemed to be not much, but I don't know if that was from someone who had used both. YMMV. But for under $350, I would buy that one right now and worry about other details later. :-)

Corbs · 06-02-2014, 06:27 AM

Originally posted by Nick Siebers

I have one with SN around 10,000 and it is quite nice. It is the only one I have ever had, though. Whether the early version gives any advantage has cropped up a few times on the forum, and the consensus seemed to be not much, but I don't know if that was from someone who had used both. YMMV. But for under $350, I would buy that one right now and worry about other details later. :-)

Cheers Nick, I think that you are right, I should just jump on the deal whilst I can. I have terrible buyers remorse with almost every decision I make. Regardless of my indecision, it will be a remarkable lens compared to my current kitlens.

Na Horuk · 06-02-2014, 06:31 AM

I think thats a great price regardless

Franc · 06-02-2014, 06:50 AM

thats weird, mine is bought new about 2 years ago, serial is in the 0027xxx and is MIJ (silver version). Still a good price though

Corbs · 06-02-2014, 07:05 AM

Originally posted by Franc

thats weird, mine is bought new about 2 years ago, serial is in the 0027xxx and is MIJ (silver version). Still a good price though

This one is second hand, purchased early September 13, hardly used.
Are you happy with your lens Franc?

seventysixersfan · 06-02-2014, 07:38 AM

For $350, grab that sucker now. It's a fabulous lens!

Also, see the responses to my message on this very same topic from two years ago:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/195386-fa-4...ch-better.html

Franc · 06-02-2014, 08:04 AM

Originally posted by Corbs

Are you happy with your lens Franc?

after the da*300 is my most used lens and the one that's permanently attached to the camera when on holiday

Corbs · 06-02-2014, 08:27 AM

Originally posted by seventysixersfan

For $350, grab that sucker now. It's a fabulous lens!

Also, see the responses to my message on this very same topic from two years ago:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/195386-fa-4...ch-better.html

Cheers mate. That thread helped a lot.

---------- Post added 06-03-14 at 01:35 AM ----------

Originally posted by Franc

after the da*300 is my most used lens and the one that's permanently attached to the camera when on holiday

Nice, I was looking at the DA 300 but thought that it may be a little to long for what I intend to do. I am still waiting on a FA 100 2.8 that is set to arrive any day now. Paired with the 43 and Super Takumar 55 1.8 I think that I am shaping up well. Have literally had my K5 for 3 weeks now, so need to get acclimated with the aforementioned lenses before I go crazy. That said, I have found a FA 31 ltd for $650AUD and a 77 ltd for $500AUD.

**savoche** · 06-02-2014, 01:43 PM

Did you get that 43 yet?! I wouldn't care one bit whether it's MIJ or AIV at that price. Actually, I wouldn't care anyway as I don't really believe there's any discernible difference anyway.

Corbs · 06-13-2014, 03:29 AM

Happy to say that the 43 arrived today, ended up paying $395AUD for it delivered. Am totally stoked, will post some pictures shortly.

06-02-2014, 05:20 AM	#1
Corbs New Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 8	Is it worth getting an early model 43mm Ltd? Aloha guys, I have been looking at getting a FA-43mm Ltd and have recently come across one at a very good price, the only issue is that its serial number is in the 0030xxx range. From what I have read, the earlier models, pre 0010000 have lead and a different coating which result in the infamous "Pixel Dust" advantage, something that I am quite fond of. So my question is, do the later models produce such spectacular results? The one I am looking at is is an AIV version, and is advertised at less then $350USD. I don't mind paying more for a better quality lens, but want to be sure that if I do pay more, I can get the desired lens. I am still unsure of exactly what lenses contain lead or the desired coating, so any information would be swell. Cheers

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06-02-2014, 05:45 AM	#2
Nick Siebers Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Madison, WI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,165	I have one with SN around 10,000 and it is quite nice. It is the only one I have ever had, though. Whether the early version gives any advantage has cropped up a few times on the forum, and the consensus seemed to be not much, but I don't know if that was from someone who had used both. YMMV. But for under $350, I would buy that one right now and worry about other details later. :-)

06-02-2014, 06:27 AM	#3
Corbs New Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 8 Original Poster	Originally posted by Nick Siebers I have one with SN around 10,000 and it is quite nice. It is the only one I have ever had, though. Whether the early version gives any advantage has cropped up a few times on the forum, and the consensus seemed to be not much, but I don't know if that was from someone who had used both. YMMV. But for under $350, I would buy that one right now and worry about other details later. :-) Cheers Nick, I think that you are right, I should just jump on the deal whilst I can. I have terrible buyers remorse with almost every decision I make. Regardless of my indecision, it will be a remarkable lens compared to my current kitlens.

06-02-2014, 06:31 AM	#4
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	I think thats a great price regardless

06-02-2014, 06:50 AM	#5
Franc Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Hoevelaken Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,212	thats weird, mine is bought new about 2 years ago, serial is in the 0027xxx and is MIJ (silver version). Still a good price though

06-02-2014, 07:05 AM	#6
Corbs New Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 8 Original Poster	Originally posted by Franc thats weird, mine is bought new about 2 years ago, serial is in the 0027xxx and is MIJ (silver version). Still a good price though This one is second hand, purchased early September 13, hardly used. Are you happy with your lens Franc?

06-02-2014, 07:38 AM	#7
seventysixersfan Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 2,054	For $350, grab that sucker now. It's a fabulous lens! Also, see the responses to my message on this very same topic from two years ago: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/195386-fa-4...ch-better.html

06-02-2014, 08:04 AM	#8
Franc Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Hoevelaken Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,212	Originally posted by Corbs Are you happy with your lens Franc? after the da*300 is my most used lens and the one that's permanently attached to the camera when on holiday

06-02-2014, 08:27 AM	#9
Corbs New Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 8 Original Poster	Originally posted by seventysixersfan For $350, grab that sucker now. It's a fabulous lens! Also, see the responses to my message on this very same topic from two years ago: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/195386-fa-4...ch-better.html Cheers mate. That thread helped a lot. ---------- Post added 06-03-14 at 01:35 AM ---------- Originally posted by Franc after the da*300 is my most used lens and the one that's permanently attached to the camera when on holiday Nice, I was looking at the DA 300 but thought that it may be a little to long for what I intend to do. I am still waiting on a FA 100 2.8 that is set to arrive any day now. Paired with the 43 and Super Takumar 55 1.8 I think that I am shaping up well. Have literally had my K5 for 3 weeks now, so need to get acclimated with the aforementioned lenses before I go crazy. That said, I have found a FA 31 ltd for $650AUD and a 77 ltd for $500AUD.

06-02-2014, 01:43 PM	#10
savoche Master of the obvious Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Lowlands of Norway Posts: 18,311	Did you get that 43 yet?! I wouldn't care one bit whether it's MIJ or AIV at that price. Actually, I wouldn't care anyway as I don't really believe there's any discernible difference anyway.

06-13-2014, 03:29 AM	#11
Corbs New Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 8 Original Poster	Happy to say that the 43 arrived today, ended up paying $395AUD for it delivered. Am totally stoked, will post some pictures shortly.