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

WorksAsIntended · 03-12-2020, 09:53 AM

Originally posted by Jonathan Mac

Update - in case any of you hadn't noticed from other threads, I bought the 43mm. The two f/1.2 lenses are still for sale.

How would you compare your 50 1.7 to the fa 43?

**Kerrowdown** · 03-12-2020, 01:18 PM

Originally posted by Jonathan Mac

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

I don't call her my "Special Lady" without good reason...

Jonathan Mac · 03-13-2020, 02:53 AM

Originally posted by kernos

I have the FA43 and while I like it for street type photography its not my favorite for meditative shots or portraits. There's also the issue of busy bokeh particularly with foliage in the background. The K50 and A50 1.2's have exactly same optical formula which is also a similar layout to the FA77, one of my favorite lenses. So for an expressive lens it would probably be one of the 1.2's. with the A getting the nod for more usability and better coatings.

I had always thought that the K & A had different formulae, but you're right, they're the same. There are plenty of reports of the A being sharper than the K, so perhaps it's slightly updated or the elements are more precisely ground or placed.

bassek · 03-13-2020, 03:41 AM

Originally posted by WorksAsIntended

How would you compare your 50 1.7 to the fa 43?

My A50/1.7 is sharper than my FA43/1.9 especially in the corners (on crop).
However the 43 is better in every other aspect, evenif the A50/1.7 is a good copy too.

Seb

Ronald Oakes · 03-13-2020, 04:36 AM

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 would choose the 43 over any 50mm 1.2....I sold both my 1.2 lenses you mentioned as they didn't do much for me that my 1.4 lenses didn't already do !

---------- Post added 03-13-20 at 04:39 ----------

Originally posted by Jonathan Mac

Update - in case any of you hadn't noticed from other threads, I bought the 43mm. The two f/1.2 lenses are still for sale.

Initially a Very Wise Choice !

johnha · 03-13-2020, 05:54 AM

Originally posted by Ronald Oakes

Initially a Very Wise Choice !

I'd agree, I haven't used either 50/1.2, I know they get a lot of praise and are on many people's 'must have' lists, but I'm not really that bothered about the dreamy appearance most mention about it (they may make a superb portrait lens on APS-C though). The FA43 is a fantastic focal length, it's really well built, handles superbly, responds well to the screwdrive AF and manual focus on an LX. Mine is plenty sharp enough, and easily my preferred 'standard' lens on the K-1.

**pres589** · 03-13-2020, 06:34 AM

This is coming from a film shooting perspective, where I only use manual focus bodies, which I think is an important distinction. I'm in the market for a K 50 1.2 (or a Tomioka-type 55mm f1.2 like the Ricoh XR) and not so interested in the FA 43 mostly due to the faster aperture (I already have an M 50 1.7 and an F 50 1.7 which I think are very nice indeed) and how the FA 43 renders out of focus "busy" backgrounds. It's distracting at times and just not something I really want in a lens. While I really like 40mm on full-frame, and think the 43 would be a nice addition to my collection of glass, I don't see that lens being worth the money over a Pentax 50 1.7. The usable sharpness of the K and A 50 1.2's wide open, and wide max aperture, makes these lenses quite appealing for using with film where there isn't as much latitude in sensitivity. On a digital body I don't think I would bother and would look for a DA 40 XS, FA 50 1.4, or DA*55 1.4 instead. A DA 40 and the K-1 seems like a dream package.

Wasp · 03-14-2020, 07:53 AM

I have recently acquired a K 50mm f/1.2. It had fungus so it is in the shop now. Here is one of my first efforts. Can't wait to get it back.

**robbiec** · 03-15-2020, 06:42 PM - **1 Like**

The 43 and 50s compliment each other. I ran with both the K50/1.2 and the A50/1.2 alongside my 43 until the A was replaced by the DFA*50. The 43 is a bit more analog but still has it uses, as it is definitely less of a look at me type lens than the 50s, wider frame of view too and has a lovely reportage subject isolation as it is of a older generation design and resolution is weaker as you cross the frame at wider apertures. Bokeh of the 50/1.2s is more than usable but prone to coma flare at 1.2 resulting in outlining. The newer 50 is much better behaved.
Size wise the 43 is a ballerina with the latest 50 being a sumo wrestler and the 50/1.2s acting at stubby 85s with a solid chunk of glass out front.
Summary of all this, the 43 is my default lens on the K-1, the other 50s were taken out if needed. Push to the shove and I'd take the 43s with a 50/2.8 macro over all the other 50s. The uber DFA* is all of them combined but it's a big hunk of glass and reassuring expensive to go with that. The 1.2s give you a specific look but are a step up in difficulty levels when manually focusing @/1.2, the 43 can have busy Bokeh at times but your keeper ratio will be higher. So get a 43 first and foremost then rotate the other 50s in as you work your way through them until you find the one you like.

Wheatfield · 03-18-2020, 08:50 AM

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 would choose to save for a little longer and spring for the D FA* 50/1.4.
Full disclosure: I am a 50mm lens junkie.

Jonathan Mac · 03-19-2020, 01:48 AM

Originally posted by Wheatfield

I would choose to save for a little longer and spring for the D FA* 50/1.4.
Full disclosure: I am a 50mm lens junkie.

I would be saving for a lot more to get that. I paid €400 for the 43mm. The DFA* 50mm costs €1000. Besides, it's far too big and heavy for use in the way that I would use a normal prime.

Wheatfield · 03-19-2020, 07:25 AM

Originally posted by Jonathan Mac

I would be saving for a lot more to get that. I paid €400 for the 43mm. The DFA* 50mm costs €1000. Besides, it's far too big and heavy for use in the way that I would use a normal prime.

That being the case, I do own both the A50/1.2 and the FA43LTD. Of the two, I prefer the 50mm lens.

03-12-2020, 01:18 PM	#32
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,816	Originally posted by Jonathan Mac FA 43mm, K 50/1.2, A 50/1.2 - which would you choose? I don't call her my "Special Lady" without good reason... Last edited by Kerrowdown; 03-27-2020 at 03:08 AM.

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03-12-2020, 09:53 AM	#31
WorksAsIntended Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Posts: 639	Originally posted by Jonathan Mac Update - in case any of you hadn't noticed from other threads, I bought the 43mm. The two f/1.2 lenses are still for sale. How would you compare your 50 1.7 to the fa 43?

03-13-2020, 02:53 AM	#33
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,894 Original Poster	Originally posted by kernos I have the FA43 and while I like it for street type photography its not my favorite for meditative shots or portraits. There's also the issue of busy bokeh particularly with foliage in the background. The K50 and A50 1.2's have exactly same optical formula which is also a similar layout to the FA77, one of my favorite lenses. So for an expressive lens it would probably be one of the 1.2's. with the A getting the nod for more usability and better coatings. I had always thought that the K & A had different formulae, but you're right, they're the same. There are plenty of reports of the A being sharper than the K, so perhaps it's slightly updated or the elements are more precisely ground or placed.

03-13-2020, 03:41 AM	#34
bassek Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 706	Originally posted by WorksAsIntended How would you compare your 50 1.7 to the fa 43? My A50/1.7 is sharper than my FA43/1.9 especially in the corners (on crop). However the 43 is better in every other aspect, evenif the A50/1.7 is a good copy too. Seb

03-13-2020, 04:36 AM	#35
Ronald Oakes Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,582	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 would choose the 43 over any 50mm 1.2....I sold both my 1.2 lenses you mentioned as they didn't do much for me that my 1.4 lenses didn't already do ! ---------- Post added 03-13-20 at 04:39 ---------- Originally posted by Jonathan Mac Update - in case any of you hadn't noticed from other threads, I bought the 43mm. The two f/1.2 lenses are still for sale. Initially a Very Wise Choice !

03-13-2020, 05:54 AM	#36
johnha Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Lancashire, UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,155	Originally posted by Ronald Oakes Initially a Very Wise Choice ! I'd agree, I haven't used either 50/1.2, I know they get a lot of praise and are on many people's 'must have' lists, but I'm not really that bothered about the dreamy appearance most mention about it (they may make a superb portrait lens on APS-C though). The FA43 is a fantastic focal length, it's really well built, handles superbly, responds well to the screwdrive AF and manual focus on an LX. Mine is plenty sharp enough, and easily my preferred 'standard' lens on the K-1.

03-13-2020, 06:34 AM	#37
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	This is coming from a film shooting perspective, where I only use manual focus bodies, which I think is an important distinction. I'm in the market for a K 50 1.2 (or a Tomioka-type 55mm f1.2 like the Ricoh XR) and not so interested in the FA 43 mostly due to the faster aperture (I already have an M 50 1.7 and an F 50 1.7 which I think are very nice indeed) and how the FA 43 renders out of focus "busy" backgrounds. It's distracting at times and just not something I really want in a lens. While I really like 40mm on full-frame, and think the 43 would be a nice addition to my collection of glass, I don't see that lens being worth the money over a Pentax 50 1.7. The usable sharpness of the K and A 50 1.2's wide open, and wide max aperture, makes these lenses quite appealing for using with film where there isn't as much latitude in sensitivity. On a digital body I don't think I would bother and would look for a DA 40 XS, FA 50 1.4, or DA*55 1.4 instead. A DA 40 and the K-1 seems like a dream package.

03-14-2020, 07:53 AM	#38
Wasp Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Pretoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,660	I have recently acquired a K 50mm f/1.2. It had fungus so it is in the shop now. Here is one of my first efforts. Can't wait to get it back.

03-15-2020, 06:42 PM - 1 Like	#39
robbiec Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cork Photos: Albums Posts: 1,882	The 43 and 50s compliment each other. I ran with both the K50/1.2 and the A50/1.2 alongside my 43 until the A was replaced by the DFA50. The 43 is a bit more analog but still has it uses, as it is definitely less of a look at me type lens than the 50s, wider frame of view too and has a lovely reportage subject isolation as it is of a older generation design and resolution is weaker as you cross the frame at wider apertures. Bokeh of the 50/1.2s is more than usable but prone to coma flare at 1.2 resulting in outlining. The newer 50 is much better behaved. Size wise the 43 is a ballerina with the latest 50 being a sumo wrestler and the 50/1.2s acting at stubby 85s with a solid chunk of glass out front. Summary of all this, the 43 is my default lens on the K-1, the other 50s were taken out if needed. Push to the shove and I'd take the 43s with a 50/2.8 macro over all the other 50s. The uber DFA is all of them combined but it's a big hunk of glass and reassuring expensive to go with that. The 1.2s give you a specific look but are a step up in difficulty levels when manually focusing @/1.2, the 43 can have busy Bokeh at times but your keeper ratio will be higher. So get a 43 first and foremost then rotate the other 50s in as you work your way through them until you find the one you like.

03-18-2020, 08:50 AM	#40
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,981	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 would choose to save for a little longer and spring for the D FA* 50/1.4. Full disclosure: I am a 50mm lens junkie.

03-19-2020, 01:48 AM	#41
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,894 Original Poster	Originally posted by Wheatfield I would choose to save for a little longer and spring for the D FA* 50/1.4. Full disclosure: I am a 50mm lens junkie. I would be saving for a lot more to get that. I paid €400 for the 43mm. The DFA* 50mm costs €1000. Besides, it's far too big and heavy for use in the way that I would use a normal prime.

03-19-2020, 07:25 AM	#42
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,981	Originally posted by Jonathan Mac I would be saving for a lot more to get that. I paid €400 for the 43mm. The DFA* 50mm costs €1000. Besides, it's far too big and heavy for use in the way that I would use a normal prime. That being the case, I do own both the A50/1.2 and the FA43LTD. Of the two, I prefer the 50mm lens.