Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!

mikeSF · 07-14-2015, 04:38 PM

get 'em all! It's a great set and really shows off the Pentax "look".
and the FA77 is the best of the bunch, IMO.

**monochrome** · 07-14-2015, 05:00 PM

I have all three. They're my favorite lenses all-around but I have many others that on any given day can be my favorite lens.

FWIW, they're actually called the Three Princesses in Japan, a reference to their sublime and demure qualities.

They certainly are better than three over-the-hill slapstick comedians in a parody Western movie.

mikeSF · 07-14-2015, 05:18 PM - **3 Likes**

**Pål Jensen** · 07-14-2015, 05:35 PM - **2 Likes**

I bought them they day they came out. The 43 came in a brown pouch, the 77 in a green and the 31 in a red one...

starjedi · 07-14-2015, 05:45 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Conqueror

What are your thoughts on acquiring FA 31/43/77?

Given the FF is on its way.....

I guess one things for sure is any improved/new/competing lens would not have aperture ring, but there's likely to be more considerations to it than just that

They are legendary lenses. It means that it simply cannot be wrong if you choose them. I feel that they are well balanced lenses, they might not be the top lens in one single aspect but their overall performance really shine! Of course, you need to find a good copy or at least a normal copy of them. Every lens , even $4000 Ottus, still suffer from sample variance!

Driline · 07-14-2015, 06:27 PM

I've got the 31 and 43. Thinking of dumping my zooms to get the 77.

GaryH · 07-14-2015, 06:31 PM

Originally posted by Driline

I've got the 31 and 43. Thinking of dumping my zooms to get the 77.

I think you would miss your zooms. Try to make room for both.

Canuck_west · 07-14-2015, 07:56 PM

Originally posted by hcc

The FA Limiteds are called the Three Amigos for good reasons. They are superb lenses and the envy of other brand users.

Somehow, given the selection of primes that Canon and Nikon offer, plus the complete Sigma Art line, I doubt the users of other brands are particularly envious, regardless of how good the 'amigos' might be.

noelpolar · 07-14-2015, 08:18 PM

Originally posted by GaryH

I think you would miss your zooms. Try to make room for both.

I don't miss my zooms at all ..... but we are all different of course (thank god.... or whoever..)

yorik · 07-14-2015, 08:24 PM

My thoughts: you can shoot portraits with many different focal lengths, some of my favorites are shot with the FA 43 on APS-C (about 65mm FF equiv), some with the 31 (about 46mm equiv) and even some with the a sigma 24mm superwide II (36mm equiv)... I have no doubt that the FA 77 on FF will be a sublime portrait lens. Also, the FA 43 is plenty sharp, if that matters, and also has wonderful rendering qualities (from personal experience, not on-line reviews).

Dlanor Sekao · 07-14-2015, 08:36 PM

No Desire to own here ! I shoot Manual SMC-K and SMC-A so the desire just isn't there at all. I have 6 Amigos , but they aren't the FA series lenses.

Billk · 07-14-2015, 10:47 PM

Originally posted by starbase218

My thoughts: 77mm is too short on fullframe for a portrait lens, and the 43mm is according to some reviews not really a good lens (make what you want from that).

They are great lenses on APS-C and will also be great on FF.

I have the 43mm and the 77mm. I love the 77mm as a head and shoulders portrait lens on APS-C and it is also good for full length portraits if you are tripod supported and have plenty of room to move to get your subject framed right.

The 43mm is a good full-length portrait lens/ group portrait lens on APS-C but is unflattering if you get in too close with it.

The 77mm is going to be pretty close to a 50mm on FF. It will still get lots of work but I imagine getting a 100mm or 85mm lens for head and shoulders portraits.

The 31mm is going to be pretty wide on FF. I'm sure it will be great for certain types of portraits but might become more of a landscape/ cityscape/ group/ crowd lens than a lens for single subject shots.

drypenn · 07-14-2015, 11:31 PM

Completing all three of them puts LBA into a deep comatose (until some new outstanding lens comes along).

Now, where's the fun without LBA?

Seriously, I first acquired the 77, and quickly fell in love from the first shot. When I know that I need something (a portrait) to frame, it's my go-to lens. It's a PF monster though.

Then came the 43. It was, and still is, one of the most difficult lens to shoot with, as it seems to randomly produce sublime, and downright repugnant image one frame after another. Taming it was a challenge. I since then figured out that under lowlight, I'd rather have it underexposed (by reducing aperture at most a stop) and just pull the image in PP. Under good lighting, I go ahead, and even indulge wide open, but it becomes unbelievably ultra sharp at f/5.6-f/8. Wide open, contrasty condition produces nervous bokeh, stop it down two stops, and it renders beautifully. It's like having two lens in one. And when it does nail an image, even a slightly misfocused image, (e.g. more focused on the nose than on the eye) gets framed and displayed in the living room.

I tried to postpone purchase of the 31, and only got it last year. I've two regrets since then: 1) I should have gotten it earlier, and 2) it sent my LBA into comatose, and I'm not sure whether I like it or not

. The 31 renders everything beautifully. It's not as smooth as the 77, nor as sublime as the 43, but it is just as wonderful. Wide open, it's a bit tricky, but set it at f/5.6 - f/8, it becomes a wonderful P&S lens, shot after shot after shot.

PS: For those with budget constraints, the DA*55 is a very good compromise of the 43 and 77. The DA*55 and the 31 will be a great combo.

redcat · 07-15-2015, 04:59 AM

the FA 77mm is a great great portrait lens !! super sharp and smooth bokeh ! on a FF it'll keep its value or even more IMHO ^^
the FA 31 is a great for landscape or portrait with a lot of background.

Their build are premium & limited for real

Snappertim · 07-15-2015, 05:45 AM

I agree 100% the 77mm is great for portrait's you need not bother with a 85mm none of them M A FA come near the 77mm, 43mm is a excellent walk around prime, 31mm is good for enclosed spaces, but do not forget the old but gold numbers, the 28mm f2.8 FA is super if you can get one, and the 24mm f2 FA is great but stick near F5.6, instead of 85mm in portrait's go straight to the 100mm Macro the FA or WR are excellent, if you can find one the 135mm 2.8 internal focus is magic for face close ups. you can not go wrong with Pentax primes.

07-14-2015, 08:36 PM	#41
Dlanor Sekao Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 1,457	No Desire to own here ! I shoot Manual SMC-K and SMC-A so the desire just isn't there at all. I have 6 Amigos , but they aren't the FA series lenses. Last edited by Dlanor Sekao; 07-14-2015 at 08:45 PM.

07-15-2015, 04:59 AM	#44
redcat Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Paris Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,939	the FA 77mm is a great great portrait lens !! super sharp and smooth bokeh ! on a FF it'll keep its value or even more IMHO ^^ the FA 31 is a great for landscape or portrait with a lot of background. Their build are premium & limited for real Last edited by redcat; 07-15-2015 at 06:30 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
FA 31, 43 & 77 future upgrades ?	BarryE	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	20	05-02-2015 01:18 AM
D-FA WR 31, 43, 77 ltds	yorik	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	23	02-09-2015 10:13 AM
For Sale - Sold: FA 31, FA 43, FA 77 all MIJ, 16-45, Lens Turbo	farfisa	Sold Items	8	08-01-2013 11:14 AM
Wanted - Acquired: 3 Amigos! FA 31, 43 and 77	L33tGreg	Sold Items	7	07-18-2012 10:38 AM
For Sale - Sold: FA limited trilogy: 31, 43, 77	button	Sold Items	16	07-03-2008 03:05 PM

07-14-2015, 04:38 PM	#31
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,622	get 'em all! It's a great set and really shows off the Pentax "look". and the FA77 is the best of the bunch, IMO.

07-14-2015, 05:00 PM	#32
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	I have all three. They're my favorite lenses all-around but I have many others that on any given day can be my favorite lens. FWIW, they're actually called the Three Princesses in Japan, a reference to their sublime and demure qualities. They certainly are better than three over-the-hill slapstick comedians in a parody Western movie.

07-14-2015, 05:18 PM - 3 Likes	#33
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,622

07-14-2015, 05:35 PM - 2 Likes	#34
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	I bought them they day they came out. The 43 came in a brown pouch, the 77 in a green and the 31 in a red one...

07-14-2015, 05:45 PM - 1 Like	#35
starjedi Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: New Jersey Posts: 932	Originally posted by Conqueror What are your thoughts on acquiring FA 31/43/77? Given the FF is on its way..... I guess one things for sure is any improved/new/competing lens would not have aperture ring, but there's likely to be more considerations to it than just that They are legendary lenses. It means that it simply cannot be wrong if you choose them. I feel that they are well balanced lenses, they might not be the top lens in one single aspect but their overall performance really shine! Of course, you need to find a good copy or at least a normal copy of them. Every lens , even $4000 Ottus, still suffer from sample variance!

07-14-2015, 06:27 PM	#36
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,708	I've got the 31 and 43. Thinking of dumping my zooms to get the 77.

07-14-2015, 06:31 PM	#37
GaryH Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Philadelphia, Pa Photos: Gallery Posts: 764	Originally posted by Driline I've got the 31 and 43. Thinking of dumping my zooms to get the 77. I think you would miss your zooms. Try to make room for both.

07-14-2015, 07:56 PM	#38
Canuck_west Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 59	Originally posted by hcc The FA Limiteds are called the Three Amigos for good reasons. They are superb lenses and the envy of other brand users. Somehow, given the selection of primes that Canon and Nikon offer, plus the complete Sigma Art line, I doubt the users of other brands are particularly envious, regardless of how good the 'amigos' might be.

07-14-2015, 08:18 PM	#39
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by GaryH I think you would miss your zooms. Try to make room for both. I don't miss my zooms at all ..... but we are all different of course (thank god.... or whoever..)

07-14-2015, 08:24 PM	#40
yorik Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Scotts Valley, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 991	My thoughts: you can shoot portraits with many different focal lengths, some of my favorites are shot with the FA 43 on APS-C (about 65mm FF equiv), some with the 31 (about 46mm equiv) and even some with the a sigma 24mm superwide II (36mm equiv)... I have no doubt that the FA 77 on FF will be a sublime portrait lens. Also, the FA 43 is plenty sharp, if that matters, and also has wonderful rendering qualities (from personal experience, not on-line reviews).

07-14-2015, 10:47 PM	#42
Billk Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Posts: 349	Originally posted by starbase218 My thoughts: 77mm is too short on fullframe for a portrait lens, and the 43mm is according to some reviews not really a good lens (make what you want from that). They are great lenses on APS-C and will also be great on FF. I have the 43mm and the 77mm. I love the 77mm as a head and shoulders portrait lens on APS-C and it is also good for full length portraits if you are tripod supported and have plenty of room to move to get your subject framed right. The 43mm is a good full-length portrait lens/ group portrait lens on APS-C but is unflattering if you get in too close with it. The 77mm is going to be pretty close to a 50mm on FF. It will still get lots of work but I imagine getting a 100mm or 85mm lens for head and shoulders portraits. The 31mm is going to be pretty wide on FF. I'm sure it will be great for certain types of portraits but might become more of a landscape/ cityscape/ group/ crowd lens than a lens for single subject shots.

07-14-2015, 11:31 PM	#43
drypenn Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 963	Completing all three of them puts LBA into a deep comatose (until some new outstanding lens comes along). Now, where's the fun without LBA? Seriously, I first acquired the 77, and quickly fell in love from the first shot. When I know that I need something (a portrait) to frame, it's my go-to lens. It's a PF monster though. Then came the 43. It was, and still is, one of the most difficult lens to shoot with, as it seems to randomly produce sublime, and downright repugnant image one frame after another. Taming it was a challenge. I since then figured out that under lowlight, I'd rather have it underexposed (by reducing aperture at most a stop) and just pull the image in PP. Under good lighting, I go ahead, and even indulge wide open, but it becomes unbelievably ultra sharp at f/5.6-f/8. Wide open, contrasty condition produces nervous bokeh, stop it down two stops, and it renders beautifully. It's like having two lens in one. And when it does nail an image, even a slightly misfocused image, (e.g. more focused on the nose than on the eye) gets framed and displayed in the living room. I tried to postpone purchase of the 31, and only got it last year. I've two regrets since then: 1) I should have gotten it earlier, and 2) it sent my LBA into comatose, and I'm not sure whether I like it or not . The 31 renders everything beautifully. It's not as smooth as the 77, nor as sublime as the 43, but it is just as wonderful. Wide open, it's a bit tricky, but set it at f/5.6 - f/8, it becomes a wonderful P&S lens, shot after shot after shot. PS: For those with budget constraints, the DA55 is a very good compromise of the 43 and 77. The DA55 and the 31 will be a great combo.

07-15-2015, 05:45 AM	#45
Snappertim Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 88	I agree 100% the 77mm is great for portrait's you need not bother with a 85mm none of them M A FA come near the 77mm, 43mm is a excellent walk around prime, 31mm is good for enclosed spaces, but do not forget the old but gold numbers, the 28mm f2.8 FA is super if you can get one, and the 24mm f2 FA is great but stick near F5.6, instead of 85mm in portrait's go straight to the 100mm Macro the FA or WR are excellent, if you can find one the 135mm 2.8 internal focus is magic for face close ups. you can not go wrong with Pentax primes.