FA 43mm, K 50/1.2, A 50/1.2 - which would you choose?

Jonathan Mac · 01-23-2020, 10:05 AM

So, I currently have a little set aside in my lens fund and I have a few items up for sale to hopefully add to that with a view to getting an FA 43mm Limited that's up for sale in my part of the world. However, since it popped up both K & A 50mm f/1.2s have also appeared locally, for €400 & €550 respectively (the 43mm is €460). These are all used items so prices may be negotiable to some degree.

All are really dream lenses in the Pentax world. I think I'd still go for the 43mm (even though it's silver - yuck) but these other two are very tempting and don't come up often.

Which would you choose?

**aslyfox** · 01-23-2020, 10:21 AM

I can only tell you that I like my SMC Pentax-FA 43mm F1.9 Limited

I have no experience with the other lenses

Coiseam · 01-23-2020, 10:25 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Jonathan Mac

So, I currently have a little set aside in my lens fund and I have a few items up for sale to hopefully add to that with a view to getting an FA 43mm Limited that's up for sale in my part of the world. However, since it popped up both K & A 50mm f/1.2s have also appeared locally, for €400 & €550 respectively (the 43mm is €460). These are all used items so prices may be negotiable to some degree.

All are really dream lenses in the Pentax world. I think I'd still go for the 43mm (even though it's silver - yuck) but these other two are very tempting and don't come up often.

Which would you choose?

I have 43 lim, but love Zeiss 50 1.4 more (though manual focus only). If you see it on sale (K or M42 version), just give it a try...

DeadJohn · 01-23-2020, 10:27 AM

I would pick the FA 43. I like having the option of autofocus and I don't take many photos with a very thin depth of field. Those f1.2 lenses become more tempting if you want to practice thin DOF. I've seen good thin DOF photos by others but it's not my preference.

I see you already have an FA 50/1.7 in your signature. How does that lens limit your photography? Pick whichever of the 3 lenses fills the void.

**ehrwien** · 01-23-2020, 10:31 AM

I would prefer the presence of autofocus in the 43 and the aperture contacts on the A and the 43.
I don't have either, but I guess it comes down to personal preferences regarding ergonomics (the above plus focussing feel when focussing manually plus physical dimensions plus need for and style of lens hood) and rendering differences.
I think I'd prefer the little wider 43 on a full frame camera, but all of this will certainly also be influenced by the camera(s) you're going to be using the lens with.

**aslyfox** · 01-23-2020, 10:35 AM - **1 Like**

Judging from his Profile, the OP has some Pentax SLR camera bodies so he should be able to utilize any of the lens he chooses on a " full frame " sensor

**gofour3** · 01-23-2020, 10:55 AM

I'd get the FA43/1.9 and one of the 50/1.2's.

Both are excellent and different enough to own both.

Phil.

**pepperberry farm** · 01-23-2020, 10:58 AM - **1 Like**

based on my experience with the FA43, I'd suggest the A50/1.2... but I seem to prefer MF primes anyway...

just as a suggestion, if you are casting about for opinions, you may want to consider a Voigtlander Ultron 40/2 - absolutely delectable, great colors, and sharp as hell...

**monochrome** · 01-23-2020, 11:36 AM - **2 Likes**

I have all three lenses. The 43 is my all-around normal whether on K-mount film cameras* or DSLR’s; the 50/1.2’s are specialty lenses that I have because they are somewhat collectible. I do use them in lower light for easier focusing though.

* Funny thing - manual focus is well damped and tight on the 43.

**MossyRocks** · 01-23-2020, 11:46 AM

Of the 3 you list I only have the A 50/1.2 and love it. It has a rendering similar to that of the FA 77/1.8 which I also own and like. I didn't explicatly seek out the 50/1.2 but saw one for sale locally at what would have been a pretty good price for the M version but since it was the A version I basically ended up stealing it. I had planned on playing with it a bit and then flipping it for a nice profit as I already have an army of 50s but because of it I fell in love with the 50mm focal length, but mostly that 50, on my K-3. I still want to try out the 43 but my want or need for yet another something close to 50 has really gone down.

Wasp · 01-23-2020, 11:47 AM - **1 Like**

I have none of the above, but the one that seems most desirable to me is the A50/1.2.

**c.a.m** · 01-23-2020, 11:56 AM

I have the FA 43 and the SMC (K) 50/1.2. I shoot with a K-3 II.

My use of the FA 43 exceeds the 50/1.2 by a wide margin. While I enjoy using the 50/1.2, and don't mind manual focus at all, I seem to prefer the focal length of the 43. I've used it numerous times at classic car shows, and also indoors at museums, and have been pleased consistently with the results. I'm happy shooting wide-open with the 43, and I appreciate its imaging characteristics. I've tuned its AF Fine Adjustment so I get spot-on focus. This lens never lets me down.

The K 50/1.2 comes out for the occasional photo outing, mainly when I'm using a tripod. I was fortunate to have found my copy locally at a very attractive price, I'd say. I probably would not have acquired it at today's market prices.

If I were faced with the options and prices you mention, I would almost certainly go for the FA 43.

- Craig

Ray Pulley · 01-23-2020, 12:28 PM

Originally posted by Jonathan Mac

So, I currently have a little set aside in my lens fund and I have a few items up for sale to hopefully add to that with a view to getting an FA 43mm Limited that's up for sale in my part of the world. However, since it popped up both K & A 50mm f/1.2s have also appeared locally, for €400 & €550 respectively (the 43mm is €460). These are all used items so prices may be negotiable to some degree.

All are really dream lenses in the Pentax world. I think I'd still go for the 43mm (even though it's silver - yuck) but these other two are very tempting and don't come up often.

Which would you choose?

I do not have a 50/1.2 and do not recall shooting with one. I do have the 43 and while I probably cannot objectively prove my opinion of it, I must say the rendering is just special.

I would choose the 43. It is compact, is AF and has that pixie dust rendering that isn't easily quantified but you know it when you see it.

Benz3ne · 01-23-2020, 12:40 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

just as a suggestion, if you are casting about for opinions, you may want to consider a Voigtlander Ultron 40/2 - absolutely delectable, great colors, and sharp as hell...

Seconded. She’s a beautiful lens is the Ultron 40/2. The dampening on the focus ring is absolutely sublime.

**From1980** · 01-23-2020, 12:53 PM

Of the three, I only have the K/1.2 and I love it. The decision hinges, I think, in whether you want it primarily for film or not and whether you manual focus well or not. Some who do like MF may feel the K is a hindrance used on DSLRs and would prefer the A. These 50s produces a unique rendering. As long as my eyes are well I'm likely never going to pursue the FA Limiteds myself since I have all the MF lenses close to them.

01-23-2020, 10:05 AM	#1
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,894	FA 43mm, K 50/1.2, A 50/1.2 - which would you choose? So, I currently have a little set aside in my lens fund and I have a few items up for sale to hopefully add to that with a view to getting an FA 43mm Limited that's up for sale in my part of the world. However, since it popped up both K & A 50mm f/1.2s have also appeared locally, for €400 & €550 respectively (the 43mm is €460). These are all used items so prices may be negotiable to some degree. All are really dream lenses in the Pentax world. I think I'd still go for the 43mm (even though it's silver - yuck) but these other two are very tempting and don't come up often. Which would you choose?

01-23-2020, 10:21 AM	#2
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	I can only tell you that I like my SMC Pentax-FA 43mm F1.9 Limited I have no experience with the other lenses Last edited by aslyfox; 01-23-2020 at 10:29 AM.

01-23-2020, 12:28 PM	#13
Ray Pulley Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Fallon Nevada Photos: Albums Posts: 504	43 Originally posted by Jonathan Mac So, I currently have a little set aside in my lens fund and I have a few items up for sale to hopefully add to that with a view to getting an FA 43mm Limited that's up for sale in my part of the world. However, since it popped up both K & A 50mm f/1.2s have also appeared locally, for €400 & €550 respectively (the 43mm is €460). These are all used items so prices may be negotiable to some degree. All are really dream lenses in the Pentax world. I think I'd still go for the 43mm (even though it's silver - yuck) but these other two are very tempting and don't come up often. Which would you choose? I do not have a 50/1.2 and do not recall shooting with one. I do have the 43 and while I probably cannot objectively prove my opinion of it, I must say the rendering is just special. I would choose the 43. It is compact, is AF and has that pixie dust rendering that isn't easily quantified but you know it when you see it.

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01-23-2020, 10:25 AM - 1 Like	#3
Coiseam Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Moscow, Russia Posts: 205	Originally posted by Jonathan Mac So, I currently have a little set aside in my lens fund and I have a few items up for sale to hopefully add to that with a view to getting an FA 43mm Limited that's up for sale in my part of the world. However, since it popped up both K & A 50mm f/1.2s have also appeared locally, for €400 & €550 respectively (the 43mm is €460). These are all used items so prices may be negotiable to some degree. All are really dream lenses in the Pentax world. I think I'd still go for the 43mm (even though it's silver - yuck) but these other two are very tempting and don't come up often. Which would you choose? I have 43 lim, but love Zeiss 50 1.4 more (though manual focus only). If you see it on sale (K or M42 version), just give it a try...

01-23-2020, 10:27 AM	#4
DeadJohn Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York Posts: 4,833	I would pick the FA 43. I like having the option of autofocus and I don't take many photos with a very thin depth of field. Those f1.2 lenses become more tempting if you want to practice thin DOF. I've seen good thin DOF photos by others but it's not my preference. I see you already have an FA 50/1.7 in your signature. How does that lens limit your photography? Pick whichever of the 3 lenses fills the void.

01-23-2020, 10:31 AM	#5
ehrwien Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 2,782	I would prefer the presence of autofocus in the 43 and the aperture contacts on the A and the 43. I don't have either, but I guess it comes down to personal preferences regarding ergonomics (the above plus focussing feel when focussing manually plus physical dimensions plus need for and style of lens hood) and rendering differences. I think I'd prefer the little wider 43 on a full frame camera, but all of this will certainly also be influenced by the camera(s) you're going to be using the lens with.

01-23-2020, 10:35 AM - 1 Like	#6
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Judging from his Profile, the OP has some Pentax SLR camera bodies so he should be able to utilize any of the lens he chooses on a " full frame " sensor

01-23-2020, 10:55 AM	#7
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,090	I'd get the FA43/1.9 and one of the 50/1.2's. Both are excellent and different enough to own both. Phil.

01-23-2020, 10:58 AM - 1 Like	#8
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,660	based on my experience with the FA43, I'd suggest the A50/1.2... but I seem to prefer MF primes anyway... just as a suggestion, if you are casting about for opinions, you may want to consider a Voigtlander Ultron 40/2 - absolutely delectable, great colors, and sharp as hell...

01-23-2020, 11:36 AM - 2 Likes	#9
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	I have all three lenses. The 43 is my all-around normal whether on K-mount film cameras* or DSLR’s; the 50/1.2’s are specialty lenses that I have because they are somewhat collectible. I do use them in lower light for easier focusing though. * Funny thing - manual focus is well damped and tight on the 43.

01-23-2020, 11:46 AM	#10
MossyRocks Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,982	Of the 3 you list I only have the A 50/1.2 and love it. It has a rendering similar to that of the FA 77/1.8 which I also own and like. I didn't explicatly seek out the 50/1.2 but saw one for sale locally at what would have been a pretty good price for the M version but since it was the A version I basically ended up stealing it. I had planned on playing with it a bit and then flipping it for a nice profit as I already have an army of 50s but because of it I fell in love with the 50mm focal length, but mostly that 50, on my K-3. I still want to try out the 43 but my want or need for yet another something close to 50 has really gone down.

01-23-2020, 11:47 AM - 1 Like	#11
Wasp Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Pretoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,660	I have none of the above, but the one that seems most desirable to me is the A50/1.2.

01-23-2020, 11:56 AM	#12
c.a.m Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,189	I have the FA 43 and the SMC (K) 50/1.2. I shoot with a K-3 II. My use of the FA 43 exceeds the 50/1.2 by a wide margin. While I enjoy using the 50/1.2, and don't mind manual focus at all, I seem to prefer the focal length of the 43. I've used it numerous times at classic car shows, and also indoors at museums, and have been pleased consistently with the results. I'm happy shooting wide-open with the 43, and I appreciate its imaging characteristics. I've tuned its AF Fine Adjustment so I get spot-on focus. This lens never lets me down. The K 50/1.2 comes out for the occasional photo outing, mainly when I'm using a tripod. I was fortunate to have found my copy locally at a very attractive price, I'd say. I probably would not have acquired it at today's market prices. If I were faced with the options and prices you mention, I would almost certainly go for the FA 43. - Craig

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01-23-2020, 12:40 PM - 1 Like	#14
Benz3ne Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Cymru Posts: 2,356	Originally posted by pepperberry farm just as a suggestion, if you are casting about for opinions, you may want to consider a Voigtlander Ultron 40/2 - absolutely delectable, great colors, and sharp as hell... Seconded. She’s a beautiful lens is the Ultron 40/2. The dampening on the focus ring is absolutely sublime.

01-23-2020, 12:53 PM	#15
From1980 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Essex, Ontario Posts: 682	Of the three, I only have the K/1.2 and I love it. The decision hinges, I think, in whether you want it primarily for film or not and whether you manual focus well or not. Some who do like MF may feel the K is a hindrance used on DSLRs and would prefer the A. These 50s produces a unique rendering. As long as my eyes are well I'm likely never going to pursue the FA Limiteds myself since I have all the MF lenses close to them.