[Voe]

pentax has never made a rangefinder and never will so why do you want this lens?

I never said I want this lens. The reason I posted this is that I found this interesting as a fact (fact: Pentax made a 43mm Limited/Special for Leica mount) and others might find it also interesting. That's all.

Cheers.

[nixcamic]

Thanks for your opinions Last time I had a slr (Nikon d50) most of the pictures I took were with an old manual 50mm f/1.4 lens I found in a friends closet that they let me use, and most of the time I had it it was set between f/2.8 and f/1.4, so I probably will be better off with the 50mm f/1.4. The only thing is, I wish it had a wider field of view, but I'm not sure if the 35mm is worth the extra $100 and half a stop. The 43mm limited also looks nice, but is out of my price range

[séamuis]

sorry that was more directed at stu for his comment:

I'd love to buy one of those in a Pentax mount, but it looks like Pentax didn't feel their own customers deserved them

[jsherman999]

I wish we could see some photos taken with that combo.

[hrishi]

Nixcamic,

I own FA 50/1.4...It is a great lens to work with..It has multiple uses-
1. Low light lens
2. Normal lens
3. Stacked with the 2x TC, it gives 150/2.8- Amazing for portraits..
4. If u attach an extension tube to the above combo, it will give u 1:1 magnification..Therefore no need to buy a dedicated macro lens..

HOWEVER,

I used this lens exclusively on the film SLR...but on the K10D, its the kit lens I use the most Coz the beauty of Normal focal length is gone..on film, I would have to walk 2-3 steps back to get wide angle n 2-3 steps forward to get portraits..now, wide angle is out of option unless u r shooting distant mountains..

So my choice- If u r goin to use only ONE lens, go for the 35/2...SR, high ISO will make up for the lost 1/2 stop, but nothing save 35mm can give u the magical 50mm on a DSLR..

If u can aford a wide angle lens OR buy K100D super with the Kit lens (WHICH U SHOULD DO, IT IS AN EXCELLENT LENS), then by all means buy the FA 50/1.4...After all, its the BEST LENS EVER MADE..

[barondla]

Neat find. Actually have cameras that lens would fit. Trying not to look. Don't need more lba. Wonder how that would shoot on the M4 w/adapter? Must stop. Maybe just buy one for the K20D. More lba...arghh.
thanks
barondla

Check out POINT & SHOOT CONTEST 7 winners in P&S forum. Enter #8. Any camera type except slr. Any brand. Any subject.

[lithos]

This has been out for a few years - even Stephen Gandy at Cameraquest made note of, though he was more impressed with the build quality than the optics.

I scouted it out a while back on some Leica boards; the opinion was one of cautious optimism, lest someone be caught out wanting to use a lens from an "uncool" manufacturer.

[séamuis]

if im not mistaken these lenses are now 8 years old. production began in 2000.

[k100d]

the FA35 is a lens you should consider as well because it is sharp at all apertures, fast and not actually very big. i used to have one but then i did sell it because the limited lenses are a bit more special.

you might want to see this discussion
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/8559-pentax-fa...-40-2-8-a.html

[DAP]

I actually own this lens (which I am currenly thinking of selling if anybody is interested) - basically it is the 43mmltd glass placed in a manual focus M39 barrel. Optically it is the same as the k-mount version but the build quality of the lens feels like it is a step above the regular version (tighter construction, nice add-on features like a built in lens hood and focusing tab, and a GREAT auxillary viewfinder). There was one comment in this thread that alluded to the fact that this lens was made in order to "show" leica (how it is done) - I seriously doubt it. You have to remember that around the time the leica mount Pentax was made it seemed like every lens maker on earth was making limited run Leica screw mount lenses (ricoh, konica, minolta, kobalux, rollei etc.) - I'm sure that the 43 ltm mount lens was just an attempt to cash in on the trend.

I really is too bad that Pentax didn't develop a rangefinder when they had the chance. With the digital market what it is now, I think shifting production to an off-shoot like a rangefinder system would sink them (too bad - I would be willing to give a LOT for a Pentax 77mm in LTM or leica M mount).

[a a i b]

interesting thread

[barondla]

Does this lens use "guess focus" only or does it have a focusing cam? Haven't used screw lenses on the M Leica.

thanks
barondla

Check out POINT & SHOOT CONTEST 7 winners in P&S forum. Enter #8. Any type camera except slr. Any brand. Any subject

[DAP]

Does this lens use "guess focus" only or does it have a focusing cam? Haven't used screw lenses on the M Leica

It has a focusing cam - so determining focus is no problem. Using screwmount lenses on the M-mount is really slick. All you need is the ltm/m adapter (they are specific for focal length so the proper frames are brought up - they go for $60 or less). Focus cam function is retained when the adapters are used.

[barondla]

Cool. Now if Pentax would build a camera to go with the lens.
thanks
barondla

Check out POINT & SHOOT CONTEST 7 WINNERS in P&S forum. Enter #8. Any camera type except slr. Any brand. Any subject.

[ftpaddict]

Looks very neat. It could be a wonderful macro lens on the K-mount, with the proper adapter.