Originally posted by boriscleto
The A 50/1.7 is well known for it's poor aperture ring that often breaks in use. If it is left set on the A position it is not a problem.
Yes, I'd noticed that in the Lens Reviews section, and even a nice Guide thread to CLA-ing the aperture ring for that particular lens. Since that was the first thing you mentioned about it, it's making me lean more to the 55.
Originally posted by northcoastgreg
Just pick the one that best fits your shooting style.
The meter in my K-50 seems competent, and I'm noticing much better results a) shooting in manual and b) shooting with primes. I like the complete control that manual metering and focusing provide so Manual it is. My reason for also leaning to the 55mm K is ... I don't already have one. That's the start of this LBA thing, isn't it? ;-)