Looking for A series lenses with similar rendering to the FA 43 limited

mikeodial · 03-22-2018, 08:59 AM

Am looking for a Pentax lens to mount on my Sigma SD Q H camera. Am looking for a smaller lens which can be general purpose which has a similar rendering to the famous FA Limited series. Interested in a wide angle, and short telephoto.

Adam · 03-22-2018, 09:09 AM

These two are quite good optically:
SMC Pentax-A 20mm F2.8 Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database
SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.2 Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

There's also the 50mm F1.4 which is not far removed from the 1.2, but lacks the extra pixie dust. The 50mm F1.2 is similarly priced to the 43mm F1.9. Any reason you don't want to get the latter?

Andrea K · 03-22-2018, 09:59 AM

Sorry but "smaller lens which can be general purpose which has a similar rendering to the famous FA Limited series" it's an oxymoron

I can confirm, the (many) 50 f1,4(s) are good, the 50 f1,2 is stellar and far superior but pixie dust is only inside the Limited lenses... maybe you can found some particles in the k 28 f/3,5...

mikeodial · 03-22-2018, 10:00 AM

Originally posted by Adam

These two are quite good optically:
SMC Pentax-A 20mm F2.8 Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database
SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.2 Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

There's also the 50mm F1.4 which is not far removed from the 1.2, but lacks the extra pixie dust. The 50mm F1.2 is similarly priced to the 43mm F1.9. Any reason you don't want to get the latter?

Thanks Adam. I have to butcher the aperture lever and flange which sticks out controlling the auto aperture control and make the lens a manual only lens in order to have the PK mount fit the SA mount of the Sigma. In other ways they are the same. So I was just trying to find a less expensive solution as this will destroy the resale value of any lens I "modify". I already tried this on a cheaper non A zoom lens and it works fine. (A cheap one) Now I know how to do this a little more professionally.

The reason is I want a smaller lens on the camera, rather than the weaponized versions of the Sigma Art which are like taking a gym class with you for the day.

Adam · 03-22-2018, 10:07 AM

Originally posted by mikeodial

Thanks Adam. I have to butcher the aperture lever and flange which sticks out controlling the auto aperture control and make the lens a manual only lens in order to have the PK mount fit the SA mount of the Sigma. In other ways they are the same. So I was just trying to find a less expensive solution as this will destroy the resale value of any lens I "modify". I already tried this on a cheaper non A zoom lens and it works fine. (A cheap one) Now I know how to do this a little more professionally.

The reason is I want a smaller lens on the camera, rather than the weaponized versions of the Sigma Art which are like taking a gym class with you for the day.

In that case you should have a lot more flexibility, including the M and K series, perhaps even M42 if it's adaptable?

**UncleVanya** · 03-22-2018, 10:41 AM - **1 Like**

The A* lenses are exceptional but they cost as much or more than the limited series. Thinking of small primes I wonder if you have considered the DA 40? It is a limited and based on an optical design that is essentially full frame. The lens has proven to be quite capable on the Pentax K-1, and prices seem pretty modest.

Other smallish lenses:

DA 35 f/2.4, FA 35 f/2 - These are either full frame (FA 35) or just about full frame (DA 35), Neither really has the "pixie dust" of the limiteds but they are very sharp and not too expensive.

All the 50's. M, K, Takumar, Super Takumar, SMC Takumar... tons of these and lots of interesting rendering. The M42 ones will have the benefit of not having to butcher them.

Most of the 35's are interesting but some are quite pricey.

28mm f/2.8 isn't too expensive but nothing like the limiteds unless you snag the f/2 version and then people will roast you if you remove the aperture lever - not to mention the expense!

Your best bet is to browse the lens reviews section and hunt some of the cheaper smaller primes and look over the sample photos.
Pentax Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

mikeodial · 03-22-2018, 11:12 AM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

The A* lenses are exceptional but they cost as much or more than the limited series. Thinking of small primes I wonder if you have considered the DA 40? It is a limited and based on an optical design that is essentially full frame. The lens has proven to be quite capable on the Pentax K-1, and prices seem pretty modest.

Other smallish lenses:

DA 35 f/2.4, FA 35 f/2 - These are either full frame (FA 35) or just about full frame (DA 35), Neither really has the "pixie dust" of the limiteds but they are very sharp and not too expensive.

All the 50's. M, K, Takumar, Super Takumar, SMC Takumar... tons of these and lots of interesting rendering. The M42 ones will have the benefit of not having to butcher them.

Most of the 35's are interesting but some are quite pricey.

28mm f/2.8 isn't too expensive but nothing like the limiteds unless you snag the f/2 version and then people will roast you if you remove the aperture lever - not to mention the expense!

Your best bet is to browse the lens reviews section and hunt some of the cheaper smaller primes and look over the sample photos.
Pentax Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

Thank you, I have been trolling over there, and have a couple of 50s myself already. Unfortunately, when I used Pentax bodies I became addicted to the three amigos, (the FA limiteds) but can't bring myself to think about buying one then butchering it. Plus I have to learn to frame in the "dark" with the lens being stopped down in the EVF only on my SD Q H. It's quite a trade-off.

Sigma has some nice lenses, but they are SOOOOO BIG. Will keep looking and see if its worth the effort to make the change. There are some problems using M42 adapters with the Sigma SA mount, and I don't want to risk damaging the electronics or the IR filter which the camera has very close to the lens mount.

**pres589** · 03-22-2018, 11:17 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by mikeodial

I have to butcher the aperture lever and flange ....

Could you maybe buy some other lenses to do this with then? Or better yet, get a Pentax body, and use the lenses without doing this?

**monochrome** · 03-22-2018, 11:28 AM

Originally posted by mikeodial

Thanks Adam. I have to butcher the aperture lever and flange which sticks out controlling the auto aperture control and make the lens a manual only lens in order to have the PK mount fit the SA mount of the Sigma. In other ways they are the same. So I was just trying to find a less expensive solution as this will destroy the resale value of any lens I "modify". I already tried this on a cheaper non A zoom lens and it works fine. (A cheap one) Now I know how to do this a little more professionally.

The reason is I want a smaller lens on the camera, rather than the weaponized versions of the Sigma Art which are like taking a gym class with you for the day.

I have a ’butcherd’ K35/2 that’s looking for a good home . . . *

* re-reading, I see you specified A lenses. Never mind.

.:

**UncleVanya** · 03-22-2018, 11:37 AM

Originally posted by mikeodial

Thank you, I have been trolling over there, and have a couple of 50s myself already. Unfortunately, when I used Pentax bodies I became addicted to the three amigos, (the FA limiteds) but can't bring myself to think about buying one then butchering it. Plus I have to learn to frame in the "dark" with the lens being stopped down in the EVF only on my SD Q H. It's quite a trade-off.

Sigma has some nice lenses, but they are SOOOOO BIG. Will keep looking and see if its worth the effort to make the change. There are some problems using M42 adapters with the Sigma SA mount, and I don't want to risk damaging the electronics or the IR filter which the camera has very close to the lens mount.

You might be able to remove the aperture lever rather than cut it... . When I use lenses in stop down mode - I focus and frame and then turn to the aperture needed rather than trying to focus and frame in the dark. I'm not sure if that's helpful or if you tried it and hated the workflow. You can also declick the aperture if you don't care about which specific aperture you are on - that makes it a quick twist to set exposure and dof and go, but it does mean you are clueless unless you look at the lens as to what f/stop you have picked.

mikeodial · 03-22-2018, 12:46 PM

Originally posted by pres589

Could you maybe buy some other lenses to do this with then? Or better yet, get a Pentax body, and use the lenses without doing this?

Yes, I already have too many bodies lying around the place ... if you know what I mean. My wife wants me to sell them, so I am trying to get more to go out than come in.

Wild Mark · 03-22-2018, 07:34 PM - **1 Like**

The A28 f2 is awesome as is the K30 f2.8

A28 f2

K30 f2.8

bdery · 03-23-2018, 05:20 AM

Originally posted by mikeodial

I have to butcher the aperture lever and flange which sticks out controlling the auto aperture control and make the lens a manual only lens in order to have the PK mount fit the SA mount of the Sigma.

A naive question... If you're (rightly) wary of going down that path, why are you not considering changing for a different camera body? It would probably be much less expensive and more rewarding.

pete-tarmigan · 03-23-2018, 05:38 AM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by mikeodial

Am looking for a Pentax lens to mount on my Sigma SD Q H camera. Am looking for a smaller lens which can be general purpose which has a similar rendering to the famous FA Limited series. Interested in a wide angle, and short telephoto.

Here is how the FA Limited series' designer, Jin Hirakawa, designed the lenses in that series:

Lessons from a Legendary Lens Designer | Photographic Ideals, Basic Principles | The Northcoast Photographer

Because of the way the Limiteds are designed, I'm not sure you could get comparable rendering with anything but the Limiteds.

mikeodial · 03-23-2018, 05:51 AM

Originally posted by pete-tarmigan

Here is how the FA Limited series' designer, Jin Hirakawa, designed the lenses in that series:

Lessons from a Legendary Lens Designer | Photographic Ideals, Basic Principles | The Northcoast Photographer

Because of the way the Limiteds are designed, I'm not sure you could get comparable rendering with anything but the Limiteds.

That was my experience also, when I had the Limited in my collection. Very interesting article. Thanks.

03-22-2018, 08:59 AM	#1
mikeodial Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 370	Looking for A series lenses with similar rendering to the FA 43 limited Am looking for a Pentax lens to mount on my Sigma SD Q H camera. Am looking for a smaller lens which can be general purpose which has a similar rendering to the famous FA Limited series. Interested in a wide angle, and short telephoto.

03-22-2018, 09:09 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	These two are quite good optically: SMC Pentax-A 20mm F2.8 Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.2 Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database There's also the 50mm F1.4 which is not far removed from the 1.2, but lacks the extra pixie dust. The 50mm F1.2 is similarly priced to the 43mm F1.9. Any reason you don't want to get the latter? Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

03-22-2018, 10:07 AM	#5
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	Originally posted by mikeodial Thanks Adam. I have to butcher the aperture lever and flange which sticks out controlling the auto aperture control and make the lens a manual only lens in order to have the PK mount fit the SA mount of the Sigma. In other ways they are the same. So I was just trying to find a less expensive solution as this will destroy the resale value of any lens I "modify". I already tried this on a cheaper non A zoom lens and it works fine. (A cheap one) Now I know how to do this a little more professionally. The reason is I want a smaller lens on the camera, rather than the weaponized versions of the Sigma Art which are like taking a gym class with you for the day. In that case you should have a lot more flexibility, including the M and K series, perhaps even M42 if it's adaptable? Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

03-22-2018, 11:28 AM	#9
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by mikeodial Thanks Adam. I have to butcher the aperture lever and flange which sticks out controlling the auto aperture control and make the lens a manual only lens in order to have the PK mount fit the SA mount of the Sigma. In other ways they are the same. So I was just trying to find a less expensive solution as this will destroy the resale value of any lens I "modify". I already tried this on a cheaper non A zoom lens and it works fine. (A cheap one) Now I know how to do this a little more professionally. The reason is I want a smaller lens on the camera, rather than the weaponized versions of the Sigma Art which are like taking a gym class with you for the day. I have a ’butcherd’ K35/2 that’s looking for a good home . . . * * re-reading, I see you specified A lenses. Never mind. .: Last edited by monochrome; 03-22-2018 at 03:44 PM.

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03-22-2018, 09:59 AM	#3
Andrea K Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Rome, Italy Posts: 822	Sorry but "smaller lens which can be general purpose which has a similar rendering to the famous FA Limited series" it's an oxymoron I can confirm, the (many) 50 f1,4(s) are good, the 50 f1,2 is stellar and far superior but pixie dust is only inside the Limited lenses... maybe you can found some particles in the k 28 f/3,5...

03-22-2018, 10:00 AM	#4
mikeodial Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 370 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam These two are quite good optically: SMC Pentax-A 20mm F2.8 Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.2 Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database There's also the 50mm F1.4 which is not far removed from the 1.2, but lacks the extra pixie dust. The 50mm F1.2 is similarly priced to the 43mm F1.9. Any reason you don't want to get the latter? Thanks Adam. I have to butcher the aperture lever and flange which sticks out controlling the auto aperture control and make the lens a manual only lens in order to have the PK mount fit the SA mount of the Sigma. In other ways they are the same. So I was just trying to find a less expensive solution as this will destroy the resale value of any lens I "modify". I already tried this on a cheaper non A zoom lens and it works fine. (A cheap one) Now I know how to do this a little more professionally. The reason is I want a smaller lens on the camera, rather than the weaponized versions of the Sigma Art which are like taking a gym class with you for the day.

03-22-2018, 10:41 AM - 1 Like	#6
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,446	The A* lenses are exceptional but they cost as much or more than the limited series. Thinking of small primes I wonder if you have considered the DA 40? It is a limited and based on an optical design that is essentially full frame. The lens has proven to be quite capable on the Pentax K-1, and prices seem pretty modest. Other smallish lenses: DA 35 f/2.4, FA 35 f/2 - These are either full frame (FA 35) or just about full frame (DA 35), Neither really has the "pixie dust" of the limiteds but they are very sharp and not too expensive. All the 50's. M, K, Takumar, Super Takumar, SMC Takumar... tons of these and lots of interesting rendering. The M42 ones will have the benefit of not having to butcher them. Most of the 35's are interesting but some are quite pricey. 28mm f/2.8 isn't too expensive but nothing like the limiteds unless you snag the f/2 version and then people will roast you if you remove the aperture lever - not to mention the expense! Your best bet is to browse the lens reviews section and hunt some of the cheaper smaller primes and look over the sample photos. Pentax Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

03-22-2018, 11:12 AM	#7
mikeodial Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 370 Original Poster	Originally posted by UncleVanya The A* lenses are exceptional but they cost as much or more than the limited series. Thinking of small primes I wonder if you have considered the DA 40? It is a limited and based on an optical design that is essentially full frame. The lens has proven to be quite capable on the Pentax K-1, and prices seem pretty modest. Other smallish lenses: DA 35 f/2.4, FA 35 f/2 - These are either full frame (FA 35) or just about full frame (DA 35), Neither really has the "pixie dust" of the limiteds but they are very sharp and not too expensive. All the 50's. M, K, Takumar, Super Takumar, SMC Takumar... tons of these and lots of interesting rendering. The M42 ones will have the benefit of not having to butcher them. Most of the 35's are interesting but some are quite pricey. 28mm f/2.8 isn't too expensive but nothing like the limiteds unless you snag the f/2 version and then people will roast you if you remove the aperture lever - not to mention the expense! Your best bet is to browse the lens reviews section and hunt some of the cheaper smaller primes and look over the sample photos. Pentax Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database Thank you, I have been trolling over there, and have a couple of 50s myself already. Unfortunately, when I used Pentax bodies I became addicted to the three amigos, (the FA limiteds) but can't bring myself to think about buying one then butchering it. Plus I have to learn to frame in the "dark" with the lens being stopped down in the EVF only on my SD Q H. It's quite a trade-off. Sigma has some nice lenses, but they are SOOOOO BIG. Will keep looking and see if its worth the effort to make the change. There are some problems using M42 adapters with the Sigma SA mount, and I don't want to risk damaging the electronics or the IR filter which the camera has very close to the lens mount.

03-22-2018, 11:17 AM - 2 Likes	#8
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,533	Originally posted by mikeodial I have to butcher the aperture lever and flange .... Could you maybe buy some other lenses to do this with then? Or better yet, get a Pentax body, and use the lenses without doing this?

03-22-2018, 11:37 AM	#10
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,446	Originally posted by mikeodial Thank you, I have been trolling over there, and have a couple of 50s myself already. Unfortunately, when I used Pentax bodies I became addicted to the three amigos, (the FA limiteds) but can't bring myself to think about buying one then butchering it. Plus I have to learn to frame in the "dark" with the lens being stopped down in the EVF only on my SD Q H. It's quite a trade-off. Sigma has some nice lenses, but they are SOOOOO BIG. Will keep looking and see if its worth the effort to make the change. There are some problems using M42 adapters with the Sigma SA mount, and I don't want to risk damaging the electronics or the IR filter which the camera has very close to the lens mount. You might be able to remove the aperture lever rather than cut it... . When I use lenses in stop down mode - I focus and frame and then turn to the aperture needed rather than trying to focus and frame in the dark. I'm not sure if that's helpful or if you tried it and hated the workflow. You can also declick the aperture if you don't care about which specific aperture you are on - that makes it a quick twist to set exposure and dof and go, but it does mean you are clueless unless you look at the lens as to what f/stop you have picked.

03-22-2018, 12:46 PM	#11
mikeodial Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 370 Original Poster	Originally posted by pres589 Could you maybe buy some other lenses to do this with then? Or better yet, get a Pentax body, and use the lenses without doing this? Yes, I already have too many bodies lying around the place ... if you know what I mean. My wife wants me to sell them, so I am trying to get more to go out than come in.

03-22-2018, 07:34 PM - 1 Like	#12
Wild Mark Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Newcastle Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,954	The A28 f2 is awesome as is the K30 f2.8 A28 f2 K30 f2.8

03-23-2018, 05:20 AM	#13
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,362	Originally posted by mikeodial I have to butcher the aperture lever and flange which sticks out controlling the auto aperture control and make the lens a manual only lens in order to have the PK mount fit the SA mount of the Sigma. A naive question... If you're (rightly) wary of going down that path, why are you not considering changing for a different camera body? It would probably be much less expensive and more rewarding.

03-23-2018, 05:38 AM - 3 Likes	#14
pete-tarmigan Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Conception Bay South, New-fun-land Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,272	Originally posted by mikeodial Am looking for a Pentax lens to mount on my Sigma SD Q H camera. Am looking for a smaller lens which can be general purpose which has a similar rendering to the famous FA Limited series. Interested in a wide angle, and short telephoto. Here is how the FA Limited series' designer, Jin Hirakawa, designed the lenses in that series: Lessons from a Legendary Lens Designer \| Photographic Ideals, Basic Principles \| The Northcoast Photographer Because of the way the Limiteds are designed, I'm not sure you could get comparable rendering with anything but the Limiteds.

03-23-2018, 05:51 AM	#15
mikeodial Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 370 Original Poster	Originally posted by pete-tarmigan Here is how the FA Limited series' designer, Jin Hirakawa, designed the lenses in that series: Lessons from a Legendary Lens Designer \| Photographic Ideals, Basic Principles \| The Northcoast Photographer Because of the way the Limiteds are designed, I'm not sure you could get comparable rendering with anything but the Limiteds. That was my experience also, when I had the Limited in my collection. Very interesting article. Thanks.