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cptrios · 06-16-2021, 08:36 PM

Pretty much what the title says. I'm a big fan of 35/2 lenses in general, and I get the (possibly wrong) impression that the FA version is a better performer than the K or M models. Not to mention substantially cheaper. I know that the FA lenses will work fine on the manual focus bodies, but my question is: is it worth it? Am I wrong to assume that manual focus won't be particularly pleasant?

**pepperberry farm** · 06-16-2021, 08:48 PM

Originally posted by cptrios

Pretty much what the title says. I'm a big fan of 35/2 lenses in general, and I get the (possibly wrong) impression that the FA version is a better performer than the K or M models. Not to mention substantially cheaper. I know that the FA lenses will work fine on the manual focus bodies, but my question is: is it worth it? Am I wrong to assume that manual focus won't be particularly pleasant?

no, not crazy, but possibly not very satisfying either....

I haven't found many AF lenses that are enjoyable as MF lenses - usually, there's very little feedback in the focus ring, the focus ring travel is too short, etc....

**clackers** · 06-16-2021, 08:53 PM

Originally posted by cptrios

Pretty much what the title says. I'm a big fan of 35/2 lenses in general, and I get the (possibly wrong) impression that the FA version is a better performer than the K or M models. Not to mention substantially cheaper. I know that the FA lenses will work fine on the manual focus bodies, but my question is: is it worth it? Am I wrong to assume that manual focus won't be particularly pleasant?

I've got the FA35 and use it for manual focus on my Sony A7 - it's very good.

Manual focus and manual aperture were part of the normal photographic routine for decades, if you have a love of the hobby, you can do both very quickly, especially with focus confirmation in the OVF and focus peaking/magnified Live View on the rear display.

**clackers** · 06-16-2021, 08:54 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

I haven't found many AF lenses that are enjoyable as MF lenses - usually, there's very little feedback in the focus ring, the focus ring travel is too short, etc....

We need to get you onto the FA Limiteds, Pepperberry!

vector · 06-16-2021, 08:54 PM

I have used my HD FA35mm F2 on my P30T film body and I didn't find any problem with it. I liked manually focusing it much better than my FA 50mm F1.4 or F 50mm F.17, both of which I also use on my P30T. The focus ring is not as nice to turn as the older manual models, but I personally wouldn't call it bad. My version is the updated HD one though, so I don't know if they improved anything other than the look and the coating when the did the refresh.

tokyoscape · 06-16-2021, 09:00 PM

Originally posted by cptrios

I get the (possibly wrong) impression that the FA version is a better performer than the K or M models.

Same impression here. I prefer the rendering from FA 35.

However it's hard to beat the focus ring on the K and M.
I used to have FA35 classic and often do manual focus with it. It is not that bad, but it can not be compared with my K and M lenses. You actuary make me think about get the FA35 back.

**pepperberry farm** · 06-16-2021, 10:53 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by clackers

We need to get you onto the FA Limiteds, Pepperberry!

you're right - they are definitely the exception...

(and I have both the 31 and the 77)

**UncleVanya** · 06-16-2021, 11:08 PM

My fa 35 is only manual focus after it had an accident. It isn’t as buttery and simple to focus as a good k lens but it isn’t painful to use.

PePe · 06-17-2021, 01:46 AM

It may well be that manual focusing may not be exactly as smooth as with a K or M lens. After all, this is a trickle, isn´t it?
If you like the lens this should not be a game stopper.

aaacb · 06-17-2021, 03:52 AM

I liked it and the lighter/smaller focus ring never bothered me. Although the plastic design may not look great on manual focus bodies, depending on taste.

**Lowell Goudge** · 06-17-2021, 03:53 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

no, not crazy, but possibly not very satisfying either....

I haven't found many AF lenses that are enjoyable as MF lenses - usually, there's very little feedback in the focus ring, the focus ring travel is too short, etc....

My thoughts exactly, I find many AF lenses have the focus ring in an inconvenient place, largely because they still turn in AF mode, and the focus throw is quite short, making accurate focus more difficult.

**RICHARD L.** · 06-17-2021, 04:51 AM

@ f/8

@ f/5.6

bdery · 06-17-2021, 05:35 AM

Apart from the smoothness of the focus ring, there isn't any drawback that I know of. The newer lens will have better coatings and will perform just as well on amanual body than it would on an AF body.

**jatrax** · 06-17-2021, 08:25 AM

I've never been impressed with the manual focus operation of the F or FA series. At least compared to older lenses like the A or M ones. But it is doable you just have to realize you do not have the length of throw as on a true manual focus lens.

cptrios · 06-17-2021, 09:11 AM

Thanks for the responses everyone! I think one of these is definitely on the list now. That is, if I don't decide to go for a K 30/2.8...

06-16-2021, 08:36 PM	#1
cptrios New Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 13	FA 35/2 on a manual focus camera: crazy? Pretty much what the title says. I'm a big fan of 35/2 lenses in general, and I get the (possibly wrong) impression that the FA version is a better performer than the K or M models. Not to mention substantially cheaper. I know that the FA lenses will work fine on the manual focus bodies, but my question is: is it worth it? Am I wrong to assume that manual focus won't be particularly pleasant?

06-17-2021, 04:51 AM	#12
RICHARD L. Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Quebec City, Quebec Posts: 6,653	The FA 35 mm f/2's Optical Performance is sure worth the trouble ... @ f/8 @ f/8 @ f/5.6 Last edited by RICHARD L.; 06-17-2021 at 05:13 AM.

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06-16-2021, 08:48 PM	#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 cptrios Pretty much what the title says. I'm a big fan of 35/2 lenses in general, and I get the (possibly wrong) impression that the FA version is a better performer than the K or M models. Not to mention substantially cheaper. I know that the FA lenses will work fine on the manual focus bodies, but my question is: is it worth it? Am I wrong to assume that manual focus won't be particularly pleasant? no, not crazy, but possibly not very satisfying either.... I haven't found many AF lenses that are enjoyable as MF lenses - usually, there's very little feedback in the focus ring, the focus ring travel is too short, etc....

06-16-2021, 08:53 PM	#3
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by cptrios Pretty much what the title says. I'm a big fan of 35/2 lenses in general, and I get the (possibly wrong) impression that the FA version is a better performer than the K or M models. Not to mention substantially cheaper. I know that the FA lenses will work fine on the manual focus bodies, but my question is: is it worth it? Am I wrong to assume that manual focus won't be particularly pleasant? I've got the FA35 and use it for manual focus on my Sony A7 - it's very good. Manual focus and manual aperture were part of the normal photographic routine for decades, if you have a love of the hobby, you can do both very quickly, especially with focus confirmation in the OVF and focus peaking/magnified Live View on the rear display.

06-16-2021, 08:54 PM - 1 Like	#4
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by pepperberry farm I haven't found many AF lenses that are enjoyable as MF lenses - usually, there's very little feedback in the focus ring, the focus ring travel is too short, etc.... We need to get you onto the FA Limiteds, Pepperberry!

06-16-2021, 08:54 PM	#5
vector Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alberta Posts: 713	I have used my HD FA35mm F2 on my P30T film body and I didn't find any problem with it. I liked manually focusing it much better than my FA 50mm F1.4 or F 50mm F.17, both of which I also use on my P30T. The focus ring is not as nice to turn as the older manual models, but I personally wouldn't call it bad. My version is the updated HD one though, so I don't know if they improved anything other than the look and the coating when the did the refresh.

06-16-2021, 09:00 PM	#6
tokyoscape Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Tokyo Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,256	Originally posted by cptrios I get the (possibly wrong) impression that the FA version is a better performer than the K or M models. Same impression here. I prefer the rendering from FA 35. However it's hard to beat the focus ring on the K and M. I used to have FA35 classic and often do manual focus with it. It is not that bad, but it can not be compared with my K and M lenses. You actuary make me think about get the FA35 back.

06-16-2021, 10:53 PM - 1 Like	#7
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 clackers We need to get you onto the FA Limiteds, Pepperberry! you're right - they are definitely the exception... (and I have both the 31 and the 77)

06-16-2021, 11:08 PM	#8
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,472	My fa 35 is only manual focus after it had an accident. It isn’t as buttery and simple to focus as a good k lens but it isn’t painful to use.

06-17-2021, 01:46 AM	#9
PePe Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Helsinki, Finland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 597	It may well be that manual focusing may not be exactly as smooth as with a K or M lens. After all, this is a trickle, isn´t it? If you like the lens this should not be a game stopper.

06-17-2021, 03:52 AM	#10
aaacb Pentaxian Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,726	I liked it and the lighter/smaller focus ring never bothered me. Although the plastic design may not look great on manual focus bodies, depending on taste.

06-17-2021, 03:53 AM - 1 Like	#11
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,892	Originally posted by pepperberry farm no, not crazy, but possibly not very satisfying either.... I haven't found many AF lenses that are enjoyable as MF lenses - usually, there's very little feedback in the focus ring, the focus ring travel is too short, etc.... My thoughts exactly, I find many AF lenses have the focus ring in an inconvenient place, largely because they still turn in AF mode, and the focus throw is quite short, making accurate focus more difficult.

06-17-2021, 05:35 AM	#13
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,363	Apart from the smoothness of the focus ring, there isn't any drawback that I know of. The newer lens will have better coatings and will perform just as well on amanual body than it would on an AF body.

06-17-2021, 08:25 AM	#14
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,992	I've never been impressed with the manual focus operation of the F or FA series. At least compared to older lenses like the A or M ones. But it is doable you just have to realize you do not have the length of throw as on a true manual focus lens.

06-17-2021, 09:11 AM	#15
cptrios New Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 13 Original Poster	Thanks for the responses everyone! I think one of these is definitely on the list now. That is, if I don't decide to go for a K 30/2.8...

FA 35/2 on a manual focus camera: crazy?

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!