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07-16-2017, 07:35 AM   #1
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FA* 85 f1.4

I am curious how many of you:

1. Own this lens;
2. Owned it once but not now;
3. Have thought about getting it;
4. Would like it but cannot justify the cost;
5. Have no interest even if you can afford it.

Thanks for your comments.

07-16-2017, 07:45 AM - 1 Like   #2
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I own a FA* 85/1,4 and I love it.

I bought mine 2nd hand in September 2013, speculating that sooner or later Pentax would offer a FF DSLR. It has not been in use often, but when I use it, there is a good reason for it (low light or portrait) and it usually delivers very nice results. However, 1k € for a used lens that will be attached to the camera twice a year is not an economic choice.

Last edited by UMC; 07-16-2017 at 08:20 AM.
07-16-2017, 08:16 AM - 1 Like   #3
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I bought mine in 2008. It was as much bought as a collectors piece as a usable lens. in fact it got very little use on my K10D as it was not an ideal FL for general phography on aps-c.

Things changed completely when I bought a K1 last year. it is now one of my most used lenses for indoor and outdoor portrait shots...mainly dogs. I see you have a K1. If you intend to do portraits, I believe there is no better.

07-16-2017, 08:23 AM - 1 Like   #4
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1. I don't own this lens;
2. I have never owned it;
3. I have thought about getting it;
4. I would like it but cannot quite justify the cost;
5. I would have bought one if it were less expensive.
6. I am now interested to see the proposed D FA 85mm 1.4
7. Until then I will be very happy with the FA 77 f1.8 and the M 85 f2.0 on FF and the DA* 55 f1.4 on APS-C.

Thanks for your questions.

07-16-2017, 09:13 AM - 1 Like   #5
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>>I am curious how many of you:

1. Own this lens;

I bought mine two years ago. Now, I wish I had shelled out for one 20 years ago.
The images I see through the viewfinders of my K2, MZ-S and K-1, with a FA*85 mounted, are beautiful.
One really has to try hard to take a poor picture with this lens

Last edited by Moe49; 11-27-2017 at 09:15 AM.
07-16-2017, 09:21 AM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by Mikesul Quote
1. Own this lens;
I own it's manual sister, my “Sweetheart” (Pentax-A* 85mm F1.4)... does that count?
07-16-2017, 10:06 AM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by Kerrowdown Quote
I own it's manual sister, my “Sweetheart” (Pentax-A* 85mm F1.4)... does that count?
I'm in the same boat and love my A*85/1.4. I could not justify buying a FA* version and spending $300-400 more for AF that I'll never use, as well as more plastic bits & the infamous scratch-able silver finish.

The A*85 is built like a tank, so I'm a happy camper.

Phil.

07-16-2017, 10:40 AM   #8
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I own FA* 85 f1.4 for 1,5 year. Like it and use it for portraits.

Read more at: FA* 85 f1.4 - PentaxForums.com

Last edited by Medex; 02-23-2018 at 06:35 AM.
07-16-2017, 11:01 AM   #9
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1. Don't Own this lens
2. Never owned it
3. Have thought about getting it
4. Would like it but cannot justify the cost compared to more recent lenses of this focal length (Sigma 85 1.4 or other)
5. Looking forward to the pre-announced DFA85 1.4 because I expect it to be price approx. 1K+ , not so different from buying an old lens, but the new one will outperform the old one in terms of optical quality , autofocus and features.

General problem I see with second hand Pentax lenses is that due to rarity, sellers price them almost at the price of a brand new lens of the same characteristics.
I've sold a lot of lenses in mint conditions for 65% to 75% of the price new after 5 years of use which I consider to be fairly high price already for lenses out of warranty period (even with discounted sales, I enjoyed using the lenses for rather cheap per year of use). Lens repair is not something to be overlooked because it can cost something 50% of the price of a lens and that is why as soon as a lens is out of warranty, there should be sufficient discount to cover the risk of repair, and if the lens is not current it may be a problem to find parts to repair it.
07-16-2017, 12:36 PM   #10
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1+2+3: I Bought It 2 Years ago.
4: I had it for a very very good price.
5: My first WOW lens (didn't knew before I used it)!
6: can even do macro with it (extension tubes + aperture ring - the D-FA won't probably have one).
7: won't let it go...
8: good luck with your sale.
07-16-2017, 01:31 PM - 1 Like   #11
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Own this lens.

Bought it on eBay about a month prior to getting the K-1. Definitely my favorite. Kind of ruined me for other lenses...

















07-16-2017, 01:43 PM   #12
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I __want__ one but they cost about the same or more than a brand new K-1 body. Now that is something that I __need__
07-16-2017, 01:47 PM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by Wasp Quote
I __want__ one but they cost about the same or more than a brand new K-1 body. Now that is something that I __need__
They typically go for 900-1200 on eBay. There was one on this forum recently for $985 I think (might even still be available not sure). Last I checked the K-1 body was going for more than $1700.
07-16-2017, 02:44 PM   #14
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I owned one once. The only Pentax lens I've sold cause I didn't find it good enough. Fine for portraits; not so good for the rest. The 77 Limited is a far better all-round lens.
07-16-2017, 03:29 PM   #15
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3. Have thought about getting it.

The FA* 85 f1.4 is an excellent lens, one of my favorites, but finally I bought a 77 limited for other reasons.
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