43 limited for manual focus

crabe919 · 08-15-2015, 04:14 AM

Hello,

I would like some opinions on the 43 limited for manual use only.
The last 2 years i use my pentax lx the most with the M35/2 and K55/1.8. Sometimes i wish for a lens in between, the 43.

Pentax 43 is an autofocus lens, that can be used in manual. My concern is how the manual focus feels.
I don't like the fly by wire manual focus on a fuji X-T1, so i'm a bit hesitant to pay the cash is the feel of the lens is sloppy.

Does the 43 feel as an lens of the good old times, or should i stay with the 35/55 combo.

Input appreciated,

Best Regards,

Adam

Sandy Hancock · 08-15-2015, 05:10 AM

It is not as well damped as an A series (or older) lens, but it's not bad at all. My FA43 and FA77 (which happen to be made in Japan) have nicer focus feel than my (assembled in Vietnam) FA31, but that may be coincidental. My DA15, DA21 and DA35 limiteds (all AIV) have well damped focus rings.

Na Horuk · 08-15-2015, 06:07 AM

The FA ltd lenses are not like the DA lenses or other modern lenses. While they are not purely MF lenses, they are still not purely AF lenses. Seems like a good compromise. You should try something like DA 40mm XS, then you will see what a short focus throw means

**UncleVanya** · 08-15-2015, 07:00 AM

The only Pentax focus by wire lens is the new 18-50 kit lens that is collapsible. All others are mechanical.

crabe919 · 08-15-2015, 07:12 AM

Thanks for the feedback!

Originally posted by Na Horuk

The FA ltd lenses are not like the DA lenses or other modern lenses. While they are not purely MF lenses, they are still not purely AF lenses. Seems like a good compromise. You should try something like DA 40mm XS, then you will see what a short focus throw means

Seems like it's worthwhile to track down an example and do some testings.

Is there a difference between an japan and vietnam made model?

Adam

**gofour3** · 08-15-2015, 07:16 AM

Originally posted by crabe919

Does the 43 feel as an lens of the good old times, or should i stay with the 35/55 combo.

I only use my FA43 on manual focus film cameras. The focus ring is smallish but not too bad, much better than the M40 pancake lens.

The FA43 is not going to be anywhere near as good as your K55/1.8 for manual focusing, so you just have to get used to it.

Phil.

**savoche** · 08-15-2015, 07:17 AM

The focus throw of the 43 is about 105 degrees (rough estimate), and the focus ring is rather narrow. In mine I can feel and hear the gears in the lens when focusing.

All in all not bad, but you're not looking at something that can compare to the feel of a (any) K lens.

Driline · 08-15-2015, 08:08 AM

Originally posted by crabe919

Is there a difference between an japan and vietnam made model?

I have the Made in Vietnam version and it's sharp as hell.

Na Horuk · 08-15-2015, 08:51 AM

Originally posted by crabe919

Is there a difference between an japan and vietnam made model?

Not really, but some people think there is, some think the Japan version is better because "oh wow Japan", but they have the same materials, design,.. I doubt there is really any difference. There are already some threads about this, so you can search for them.

You can check here for in-depth review:
Pentax-FA 43mm F1.9 Limited Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

And here for user reviews:
SMC Pentax-FA 43mm F1.9 Limited Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

**jlstrawman** · 08-15-2015, 09:02 AM

Originally posted by crabe919

Pentax 43 is an autofocus lens, that can be used in manual. My concern is how the manual focus feels.
I don't like the fly by wire manual focus on a fuji X-T1, so i'm a bit hesitant to pay the cash is the feel of the lens is sloppy.

Does the 43 feel as an lens of the good old times, or should i stay with the 35/55 combo.

I can echo everyone's experience with my own. On my FA43, focusing is less damped than my A50 1.4. The 43 is very sharp
and a joy to use on my Sony A7 II full-frame.

**monochrome** · 08-15-2015, 10:44 AM

There are rumors that the low-serial (under say 00003000) FA43 has a different glass formula than later versions (something about lead in the glass manufacturing process, which EU prohibited) which causes it to render differently; that has morphed to the MIJ versions are better than the MIV versions.

AFAIK there are no discernible QC differences.

Focusing is just different - neither better nor worse on its face, unless you are one of the 'focus feel' K lens purists (ahem.).

Jonathan Mac · 08-15-2015, 11:44 AM

I've never used an FA ltd (I wish!) but I've yet to find the AF lens that can come close to a MF lens for focusing manually.

crabe919 · 08-15-2015, 12:41 PM

Thanks for all the replies!

I do have an F35 70 lens that i use sometimes on the MZ-S.
When i use this compact zoom in manual mode, i don't like the feeling of it.
Would the FA43 have a better feel than the 35/70 ?

**clackers** · 08-15-2015, 03:58 PM

Originally posted by crabe919

Thanks for all the replies!

I do have an F35 70 lens that i use sometimes on the MZ-S.
When i use this compact zoom in manual mode, i don't like the feeling of it.
Would the FA43 have a better feel than the 35/70 ?

Well, that lens is very different.

The MF is a tiny afterthought of a ring right on the end.

**filoxophy** · 08-15-2015, 07:04 PM

Originally posted by crabe919

Thanks for all the replies!

I do have an F35 70 lens that i use sometimes on the MZ-S.
When i use this compact zoom in manual mode, i don't like the feeling of it.
Would the FA43 have a better feel than the 35/70 ?

I don't have the F35-70, but I do have an F28-80, and the feel of the 43 is much better...but still worlds away from a nice manual-only lens.

In terms of feel, my favorite AF lens for MF might actually be my DA50/1.8. I have one DA Ltd and all three FA Ltds. The DA21/3.2 feels smoother but has a really short throw. The FA Ltds have a longer throw but aren't as smooth.

08-15-2015, 04:14 AM	#1
crabe919 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 105	43 limited for manual focus Hello, I would like some opinions on the 43 limited for manual use only. The last 2 years i use my pentax lx the most with the M35/2 and K55/1.8. Sometimes i wish for a lens in between, the 43. Pentax 43 is an autofocus lens, that can be used in manual. My concern is how the manual focus feels. I don't like the fly by wire manual focus on a fuji X-T1, so i'm a bit hesitant to pay the cash is the feel of the lens is sloppy. Does the 43 feel as an lens of the good old times, or should i stay with the 35/55 combo. Input appreciated, Best Regards, Adam

08-15-2015, 03:58 PM	#14
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by crabe919 Thanks for all the replies! I do have an F35 70 lens that i use sometimes on the MZ-S. When i use this compact zoom in manual mode, i don't like the feeling of it. Would the FA43 have a better feel than the 35/70 ? Well, that lens is very different. The MF is a tiny afterthought of a ring right on the end. Last edited by clackers; 08-15-2015 at 07:05 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
DA 35mm Limited - Shifting viewfinder image in Manual Focus	c.a.m	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	4	04-07-2015 06:22 PM
pentax 43mm limited manual focus problem	mtkang	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	7	02-12-2015 09:58 PM
FA 77 limited / Manual Focus Smoothness	Kaiowas	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	2	06-09-2013 09:11 PM
K20D focus adjust values for 31/43/77 Limiteds.	gavinhw	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	13	07-19-2008 04:01 PM

08-15-2015, 05:10 AM	#2
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,267	It is not as well damped as an A series (or older) lens, but it's not bad at all. My FA43 and FA77 (which happen to be made in Japan) have nicer focus feel than my (assembled in Vietnam) FA31, but that may be coincidental. My DA15, DA21 and DA35 limiteds (all AIV) have well damped focus rings.

08-15-2015, 06:07 AM	#3
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	The FA ltd lenses are not like the DA lenses or other modern lenses. While they are not purely MF lenses, they are still not purely AF lenses. Seems like a good compromise. You should try something like DA 40mm XS, then you will see what a short focus throw means

08-15-2015, 07:00 AM	#4
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,385	The only Pentax focus by wire lens is the new 18-50 kit lens that is collapsible. All others are mechanical.

08-15-2015, 07:12 AM	#5
crabe919 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 105 Original Poster	Thanks for the feedback! Originally posted by Na Horuk The FA ltd lenses are not like the DA lenses or other modern lenses. While they are not purely MF lenses, they are still not purely AF lenses. Seems like a good compromise. You should try something like DA 40mm XS, then you will see what a short focus throw means Seems like it's worthwhile to track down an example and do some testings. Is there a difference between an japan and vietnam made model? Adam

08-15-2015, 07:16 AM	#6
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,089	Originally posted by crabe919 Does the 43 feel as an lens of the good old times, or should i stay with the 35/55 combo. I only use my FA43 on manual focus film cameras. The focus ring is smallish but not too bad, much better than the M40 pancake lens. The FA43 is not going to be anywhere near as good as your K55/1.8 for manual focusing, so you just have to get used to it. Phil.

08-15-2015, 07:17 AM	#7
savoche Master of the obvious Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Lowlands of Norway Posts: 18,311	The focus throw of the 43 is about 105 degrees (rough estimate), and the focus ring is rather narrow. In mine I can feel and hear the gears in the lens when focusing. All in all not bad, but you're not looking at something that can compare to the feel of a (any) K lens.

08-15-2015, 08:08 AM	#8
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,692	Originally posted by crabe919 Is there a difference between an japan and vietnam made model? I have the Made in Vietnam version and it's sharp as hell.

08-15-2015, 08:51 AM	#9
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Originally posted by crabe919 Is there a difference between an japan and vietnam made model? Not really, but some people think there is, some think the Japan version is better because "oh wow Japan", but they have the same materials, design,.. I doubt there is really any difference. There are already some threads about this, so you can search for them. You can check here for in-depth review: Pentax-FA 43mm F1.9 Limited Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews And here for user reviews: SMC Pentax-FA 43mm F1.9 Limited Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

08-15-2015, 09:02 AM	#10
jlstrawman Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Midwest US Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,058	Originally posted by crabe919 Pentax 43 is an autofocus lens, that can be used in manual. My concern is how the manual focus feels. I don't like the fly by wire manual focus on a fuji X-T1, so i'm a bit hesitant to pay the cash is the feel of the lens is sloppy. Does the 43 feel as an lens of the good old times, or should i stay with the 35/55 combo. I can echo everyone's experience with my own. On my FA43, focusing is less damped than my A50 1.4. The 43 is very sharp and a joy to use on my Sony A7 II full-frame.

08-15-2015, 10:44 AM	#11
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	There are rumors that the low-serial (under say 00003000) FA43 has a different glass formula than later versions (something about lead in the glass manufacturing process, which EU prohibited) which causes it to render differently; that has morphed to the MIJ versions are better than the MIV versions. AFAIK there are no discernible QC differences. Focusing is just different - neither better nor worse on its face, unless you are one of the 'focus feel' K lens purists (ahem.).

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

08-15-2015, 11:44 AM	#12
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,887	I've never used an FA ltd (I wish!) but I've yet to find the AF lens that can come close to a MF lens for focusing manually.

08-15-2015, 12:41 PM	#13
crabe919 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 105 Original Poster	Thanks for all the replies! I do have an F35 70 lens that i use sometimes on the MZ-S. When i use this compact zoom in manual mode, i don't like the feeling of it. Would the FA43 have a better feel than the 35/70 ?

08-15-2015, 07:04 PM	#15
filoxophy Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 1,132	Originally posted by crabe919 Thanks for all the replies! I do have an F35 70 lens that i use sometimes on the MZ-S. When i use this compact zoom in manual mode, i don't like the feeling of it. Would the FA43 have a better feel than the 35/70 ? I don't have the F35-70, but I do have an F28-80, and the feel of the 43 is much better...but still worlds away from a nice manual-only lens. In terms of feel, my favorite AF lens for MF might actually be my DA50/1.8. I have one DA Ltd and all three FA Ltds. The DA21/3.2 feels smoother but has a really short throw. The FA Ltds have a longer throw but aren't as smooth.