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**richard0170** · 11-01-2018, 03:02 AM

Thinking about getting a 50mm f1.4 for my K3, either a K 50, M 50 or A 50. I do not want a M42, as although I am happy to use the green button and manual metering I do not want the added hassle, of stopping the lens down manually. Does anyone have comparative experience of these lenses. I already have a K 55mm f1.8, M 50 and A 50 f1.7, and DA 50 f1.8, so I know I am indulging myself!

**pepperberry farm** · 11-01-2018, 03:13 AM

Originally posted by richard0170

Thinking about getting a 50mm f1.4 for my K3, either a K 50, M 50 or A 50. I do not want a M42, as although I am happy to use the green button and manual metering I do not want the added hassle, of stopping the lens down manually. Does anyone have comparative experience of these lenses. I already have a K 55mm f1.8, M 50 and A 50 f1.7, and DA 50 f1.8, so I know I am indulging myself!

I have an A 50/1.4 and it is sweet! So much so, I sold off my nice copy of the A50/1.7....

hugely versatile, great colors and bokeh...

SMC A 50mm f1.4 | Flickr

**GUB** · 11-01-2018, 03:29 AM

The are all depressingly similar. Sample variation would account for more difference than Model. This thread ran just the other day.
Super Takumar 1.4/50mm 8-Element "killer" vs 7-Element Sample Comparison - PentaxForums.com

D1N0 · 11-01-2018, 03:50 AM

The M would probably be cheapest and easiest to find. They are all pretty similar from Takumar to FA with obvious differences in mount version and body.

**clickclick** · 11-01-2018, 04:32 AM - **1 Like**

I have a variety of 50's and would lean towards the A50/1.4. Not only do I think it is a very nice lens regarding rendering and sharpness, but it also has the aperture control, and I find that really nice when using my older lenses. I have plenty of M42 glass and other manual K mount lenses I use without the automatic aperture, but I find there is an extra level of thought to track what aperture while shooting, and it's really nice to have it there in the viewfinder, a thumb wheel away from adjustment - I can never remember the clicks, so that's another round of lowering the camera, yes, that's the aperture I want, back up to the eye, and so forth. May or may not affect your shooting style, but I find having that A capability of the lens a nice feature that makes me lean to those variations of A lenses over other fully manual cousins.

biz-engineer · 11-01-2018, 04:47 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by richard0170

Which classic 50mm f1.4?

No one mentioned the DFA*50 AW. It's a very good lens.

**UncleVanya** · 11-01-2018, 04:55 AM

Originally posted by biz-engineer

No one mentioned the DFA*50 AW. It's a very good lens.

None of the AF versions were mentioned in the OP's list. I just picked up the FA but I'm assuming the OP wants manual focus. I'd also assume that someone interested in those isn't in the market for the high cost DFA.

**richard0170** · 11-01-2018, 04:56 AM

Originally posted by biz-engineer

No one mentioned the DFA*50 AW. It's a very good lens.

A bit beyond my budget though!

pschlute · 11-01-2018, 05:01 AM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by richard0170

Thinking about getting a 50mm f1.4 for my K3, either a K 50, M 50 or A 50. I do not want a M42, as although I am happy to use the green button and manual metering I do not want the added hassle, of stopping the lens down manually. Does anyone have comparative experience of these lenses. I already have a K 55mm f1.8, M 50 and A 50 f1.7, and DA 50 f1.8, so I know I am indulging myself!

Apart the slightly wider aperture you won't notice any difference to what you have already. Anecdotally, I believe the K 50mm 1.4 is preferred of the three. I have the M 1.4 and 1.7 and cannot tell them apart as far as sharpness is concerned. Why not go the extra mile and get a K 50mm 1.2 (or the A). Now that is a different beast altogether with buttery smooth bokeh. It is significantly larger and heavier than any of the 1.4/1.7/2.0 range.

Sounds like you might be coming down with Lens Aquisition Syndrome. There is no cure i will warn you !

If you want a cheaper alternative suggestion you could go for the M or K 50mm f4 Macro, but beware these can suffer from balsam separation so check out the listings carefully.

ChristianRock · 11-01-2018, 05:04 AM

If you don't want to stop the lens down manually, the A is the one you want.

**RKKS08** · 11-01-2018, 05:17 AM - **1 Like**

Optics of the M, A, and FA versions are identical, and it seems the coatings as well.
If you don't like stop-down measuring, it would leave the A and the FA.

Prices of used FAs in Germany are about double versus the A.
This would be only for AF and some additional information for in-camera corrections. But then the 1.4 does not need much corrections (in some cases maybe slight vignetting).

@pschlute
I have not tested it myself, but referring to many comments in this forum and others, it seems the 1.4 has a slightly bigger field curvation, whereas the 1.7 has nearly macro lens characteristics.. If so, you would probably only see this difference shooting flat (2D) objects with fully open aperture at short distances.

**richard0170** · 11-01-2018, 05:18 AM

Originally posted by pschlute

Apart the slightly wider aperture you won't notice any difference to what you have already. Anecdotally, I believe the K 50mm 1.4 is preferred of the three. I have the M 1.4 and 1.7 and cannot tell them apart as far as sharpness is concerned. Why not go the extra mile and get a K 50mm 1.2 (or the A). Now that is a different beast altogether with buttery smooth bokeh. It is significantly larger and heavier than any of the 1.4/1.7/2.0 range.

Sounds like you might be coming down with Lens Aquisition Syndrome. There is no cure i will warn you !

If you want a cheaper alternative suggestion you could go for the M or K 50mm f4 Macro, but beware these can suffer from balsam separation so check out the listings carefully.

Coming down with LAS?! Already in an advanced state of that particular affliction! But "I don't need no cure, I'll just stay a victim, if I can for sure."

biz-engineer · 11-01-2018, 05:23 AM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

I'd also assume that someone interested in those isn't in the market for the high cost DFA.

I saw that maybe the OP was not aware of this new DFA*50, that's why I wanted to share this knowledge. I wouldn't say the DFA*50 isn't high cost, it's a normal cost of products released in 2018 and it's the new classic 50. It's very good lens. Only for info , the excellent review is here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/hd-pentax-d-fa-50mm-f1-4-sdm-aw/introduction.html

**UncleVanya** · 11-01-2018, 05:53 AM

Originally posted by biz-engineer

I saw that maybe the OP was not aware of this new DFA*50, that's why I wanted to share this knowledge. I wouldn't say the DFA*50 isn't high cost, it's a normal cost of products released in 2018 and it's the new classic 50. It's very good lens. Only for info , the excellent review is here: HD Pentax-D FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

I'm fairly certain the OP wasn't unaware. And that compared to the lenses he listed the DFA is in another realm pricewise...

However I'm not intending to say the DFA is overpriced. Compared to similar lenses of modern optics the lens is priced fairly. I personally don't see the need for such a lens for my own needs, but I'm not going to look down on those who do need it. Or even those who just want it

---------- Post added 11-01-18 at 08:56 AM ----------

As for the original question, the K and or M will be better built than the A. The A is easier to use, both may have some exposure issues depending on how you set exposure. The most reliable method appears to be full optical preview, but given a little creative exposure effort the files can easily be recovered as long as you don't blow highlights.

Fogel70 · 11-01-2018, 06:05 AM

Originally posted by richard0170

Thinking about getting a 50mm f1.4 for my K3, either a K 50, M 50 or A 50. I do not want a M42, as although I am happy to use the green button and manual metering I do not want the added hassle, of stopping the lens down manually. Does anyone have comparative experience of these lenses. I already have a K 55mm f1.8, M 50 and A 50 f1.7, and DA 50 f1.8, so I know I am indulging myself!

Seems like you have more than enough of 50:s already.

Have you used m42 lenses before? I ask because IMO they are easier to use than fully manual K-mount lenses (pre A-series)
With m42 you do not need to use green button, and can use aperture priority instead, which can be more convenient.
If you only stop down 2-3 stops (from f/1.4) you do not need to need to switch to fully open aperture, and can just keep the lens stopped down.

Takumar m42 lenses are also a little different from the lenses you have, with generally better build quality.

11-01-2018, 03:02 AM	#1
richard0170 Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2017 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,034	Which classic 50mm f1.4? Thinking about getting a 50mm f1.4 for my K3, either a K 50, M 50 or A 50. I do not want a M42, as although I am happy to use the green button and manual metering I do not want the added hassle, of stopping the lens down manually. Does anyone have comparative experience of these lenses. I already have a K 55mm f1.8, M 50 and A 50 f1.7, and DA 50 f1.8, so I know I am indulging myself!

11-01-2018, 05:23 AM	#13
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,253	Originally posted by UncleVanya I'd also assume that someone interested in those isn't in the market for the high cost DFA. I saw that maybe the OP was not aware of this new DFA50, that's why I wanted to share this knowledge. I wouldn't say the DFA50 isn't high cost, it's a normal cost of products released in 2018 and it's the new classic 50. It's very good lens. Only for info , the excellent review is here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/hd-pentax-d-fa-50mm-f1-4-sdm-aw/introduction.html Last edited by biz-engineer; 11-01-2018 at 05:29 AM.

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11-01-2018, 03:13 AM	#2
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,797	Originally posted by richard0170 Thinking about getting a 50mm f1.4 for my K3, either a K 50, M 50 or A 50. I do not want a M42, as although I am happy to use the green button and manual metering I do not want the added hassle, of stopping the lens down manually. Does anyone have comparative experience of these lenses. I already have a K 55mm f1.8, M 50 and A 50 f1.7, and DA 50 f1.8, so I know I am indulging myself! I have an A 50/1.4 and it is sweet! So much so, I sold off my nice copy of the A50/1.7.... hugely versatile, great colors and bokeh... SMC A 50mm f1.4 \| Flickr

11-01-2018, 03:29 AM	#3
GUB Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Wanganui Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,764	The are all depressingly similar. Sample variation would account for more difference than Model. This thread ran just the other day. Super Takumar 1.4/50mm 8-Element "killer" vs 7-Element Sample Comparison - PentaxForums.com

11-01-2018, 03:50 AM	#4
D1N0 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Location: --- Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,802	The M would probably be cheapest and easiest to find. They are all pretty similar from Takumar to FA with obvious differences in mount version and body.

11-01-2018, 04:32 AM - 1 Like	#5
clickclick Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,904	I have a variety of 50's and would lean towards the A50/1.4. Not only do I think it is a very nice lens regarding rendering and sharpness, but it also has the aperture control, and I find that really nice when using my older lenses. I have plenty of M42 glass and other manual K mount lenses I use without the automatic aperture, but I find there is an extra level of thought to track what aperture while shooting, and it's really nice to have it there in the viewfinder, a thumb wheel away from adjustment - I can never remember the clicks, so that's another round of lowering the camera, yes, that's the aperture I want, back up to the eye, and so forth. May or may not affect your shooting style, but I find having that A capability of the lens a nice feature that makes me lean to those variations of A lenses over other fully manual cousins.

11-01-2018, 04:47 AM - 1 Like	#6
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,253	Originally posted by richard0170 Which classic 50mm f1.4? No one mentioned the DFA*50 AW. It's a very good lens.

11-01-2018, 04:55 AM	#7
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,472	Originally posted by biz-engineer No one mentioned the DFA*50 AW. It's a very good lens. None of the AF versions were mentioned in the OP's list. I just picked up the FA but I'm assuming the OP wants manual focus. I'd also assume that someone interested in those isn't in the market for the high cost DFA.

11-01-2018, 04:56 AM	#8
richard0170 Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2017 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,034 Original Poster	Originally posted by biz-engineer No one mentioned the DFA*50 AW. It's a very good lens. A bit beyond my budget though!

11-01-2018, 05:01 AM - 3 Likes	#9
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,223	Originally posted by richard0170 Thinking about getting a 50mm f1.4 for my K3, either a K 50, M 50 or A 50. I do not want a M42, as although I am happy to use the green button and manual metering I do not want the added hassle, of stopping the lens down manually. Does anyone have comparative experience of these lenses. I already have a K 55mm f1.8, M 50 and A 50 f1.7, and DA 50 f1.8, so I know I am indulging myself! Apart the slightly wider aperture you won't notice any difference to what you have already. Anecdotally, I believe the K 50mm 1.4 is preferred of the three. I have the M 1.4 and 1.7 and cannot tell them apart as far as sharpness is concerned. Why not go the extra mile and get a K 50mm 1.2 (or the A). Now that is a different beast altogether with buttery smooth bokeh. It is significantly larger and heavier than any of the 1.4/1.7/2.0 range. Sounds like you might be coming down with Lens Aquisition Syndrome. There is no cure i will warn you ! If you want a cheaper alternative suggestion you could go for the M or K 50mm f4 Macro, but beware these can suffer from balsam separation so check out the listings carefully.

11-01-2018, 05:04 AM	#10
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,912	If you don't want to stop the lens down manually, the A is the one you want.

11-01-2018, 05:17 AM - 1 Like	#11
RKKS08 Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Frankfurt am Main Posts: 1,241	Optics of the M, A, and FA versions are identical, and it seems the coatings as well. If you don't like stop-down measuring, it would leave the A and the FA. Prices of used FAs in Germany are about double versus the A. This would be only for AF and some additional information for in-camera corrections. But then the 1.4 does not need much corrections (in some cases maybe slight vignetting). @pschlute I have not tested it myself, but referring to many comments in this forum and others, it seems the 1.4 has a slightly bigger field curvation, whereas the 1.7 has nearly macro lens characteristics.. If so, you would probably only see this difference shooting flat (2D) objects with fully open aperture at short distances.

11-01-2018, 05:18 AM	#12
richard0170 Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2017 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,034 Original Poster	Originally posted by pschlute Apart the slightly wider aperture you won't notice any difference to what you have already. Anecdotally, I believe the K 50mm 1.4 is preferred of the three. I have the M 1.4 and 1.7 and cannot tell them apart as far as sharpness is concerned. Why not go the extra mile and get a K 50mm 1.2 (or the A). Now that is a different beast altogether with buttery smooth bokeh. It is significantly larger and heavier than any of the 1.4/1.7/2.0 range. Sounds like you might be coming down with Lens Aquisition Syndrome. There is no cure i will warn you ! If you want a cheaper alternative suggestion you could go for the M or K 50mm f4 Macro, but beware these can suffer from balsam separation so check out the listings carefully. Coming down with LAS?! Already in an advanced state of that particular affliction! But "I don't need no cure, I'll just stay a victim, if I can for sure."

11-01-2018, 05:53 AM	#14
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,472	Originally posted by biz-engineer I saw that maybe the OP was not aware of this new DFA50, that's why I wanted to share this knowledge. I wouldn't say the DFA50 isn't high cost, it's a normal cost of products released in 2018 and it's the new classic 50. It's very good lens. Only for info , the excellent review is here: *HD Pentax-D FA 50mm F1.4 SDM AW Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews** I'm fairly certain the OP wasn't unaware. And that compared to the lenses he listed the DFA is in another realm pricewise... However I'm not intending to say the DFA is overpriced. Compared to similar lenses of modern optics the lens is priced fairly. I personally don't see the need for such a lens for my own needs, but I'm not going to look down on those who do need it. Or even those who just want it ---------- Post added 11-01-18 at 08:56 AM ---------- As for the original question, the K and or M will be better built than the A. The A is easier to use, both may have some exposure issues depending on how you set exposure. The most reliable method appears to be full optical preview, but given a little creative exposure effort the files can easily be recovered as long as you don't blow highlights.

11-01-2018, 06:05 AM	#15
Fogel70 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Photos: Albums Posts: 3,062	Originally posted by richard0170 Thinking about getting a 50mm f1.4 for my K3, either a K 50, M 50 or A 50. I do not want a M42, as although I am happy to use the green button and manual metering I do not want the added hassle, of stopping the lens down manually. Does anyone have comparative experience of these lenses. I already have a K 55mm f1.8, M 50 and A 50 f1.7, and DA 50 f1.8, so I know I am indulging myself! Seems like you have more than enough of 50:s already. Have you used m42 lenses before? I ask because IMO they are easier to use than fully manual K-mount lenses (pre A-series) With m42 you do not need to use green button, and can use aperture priority instead, which can be more convenient. If you only stop down 2-3 stops (from f/1.4) you do not need to need to switch to fully open aperture, and can just keep the lens stopped down. Takumar m42 lenses are also a little different from the lenses you have, with generally better build quality.