I have an FA 50mm 1.4 on loan from DCshooter, so I'm trying to do some comparisons. In this case it was one (distracted and not entirely pleased) model all shot with autofocus at f2.2, ISO 200 on a K5iis. I also threw in a FA 77mm as a control. LR adjustments were as follows. Pink tint was added to get rid of a decided greenish cast. The 77mm and 43mm needed the least adjustment (+18), the FA 50mm was middling around 26 and the DA* 55 and DA 50 both needed +32. This may indicate a general warmer profile for the FA Limiteds.
Other than that 5 sliders were used. All the lenses had blacks reduced, shadows increased, some clarity and a tiny bit of vibrance added. The highlights and whites were to taste. Some of the lenses tended toward overexposure and they were corraled more. This is not scientific.
I did shoot multiple shots for each lens and picked the one that was the most in focus. To be more scientific I would probably have to shoot manual focus and adjust exposure on the camera until the best result was achieved. Perhaps another day. In any case here are the photos and some commentary.
The shots transferred from Flickr do not do the pictures justice. Click for fuller resoluion.
FA77mm reference shot. There is a reason that this lens won the Pentax lens tournament.
FA 43mm. While there is clearly wide angle decompression effects the overall vibe is lovely and sort of like the FA 77
FA 50mm. Similar rendition to the Limiteds but toned down.
DA* 55mm. Much higher overall contrast with a certain punch.
DA 50mm. Nice enough, but nothing that sets it apart from the other lenses.
Last edited by kernos; 08-19-2017 at 11:45 AM.
Reason: clarification