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d-gear · 05-01-2009, 06:19 PM

Hello, Anyone who knows the difference between Pentax-FA 1.7/50mm and Pentax-F 1.7/50mm lenses? Both are AF lenses, both have the same shape, and both have 5 contact point at the end. F lens has the big 50mm in red on the barrel, while FA doesn't. Any other difference? in design, in value? in picture quality? Thanks.

**Digitalis** · 05-01-2009, 06:26 PM

optically they are identical, and that's all that matters. Pentax f/1.7 lenses have a good reputation for being decent performers. I use an A- series 50mm f/1.7 when using my 50mm f/1.2 really isn't necessary.

X Man · 05-01-2009, 06:27 PM

The Pentax-F version is a generation older than the Pentax-FA version. That's probably the most significant difference.

Regards,
Mike

Originally posted by d-gear

Hello, Anyone who knows the difference between Pentax-FA 1.7/50mm and Pentax-F 1.7/50mm lenses? Both are AF lenses, both have the same shape, and both have 5 contact point at the end. F lens has the big 50mm in red on the barrel, while FA doesn't. Any other difference? in design, in value? in picture quality? Thanks.

**Just1MoreDave** · 05-02-2009, 02:11 AM

The FA has a chip in it that stores more data than the F. The only documented data that is used is for the MTF program on the higher end cameras. (Zooms report their focal length more accurately too.) The FA focus ring is wider and focus might be a bit more refined; some F lenses are very noisy. The FA is not as common.

axl · 05-02-2009, 02:36 AM

Originally posted by Just1MoreDave

The FA has a chip in it that stores more data than the F. The only documented data that is used is for the MTF program on the higher end cameras. (Zooms report their focal length more accurately too.) The FA focus ring is wider and focus might be a bit more refined; some F lenses are very noisy. The FA is not as common.

I think that't all correct, and combined with previous post saying "they are opticaly the same" that's all there is other then aesthetics...

I have 50/1.7 and it's a great lens, if you can get your hands on either F/FA don't hesitate...

BR

05-01-2009, 06:19 PM	#1
d-gear Inactive Account Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: chicago Posts: 1	Pentax-FA vs Pentax-F 1.7/50mm Hello, Anyone who knows the difference between Pentax-FA 1.7/50mm and Pentax-F 1.7/50mm lenses? Both are AF lenses, both have the same shape, and both have 5 contact point at the end. F lens has the big 50mm in red on the barrel, while FA doesn't. Any other difference? in design, in value? in picture quality? Thanks.

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05-01-2009, 06:26 PM	#2
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	optically they are identical, and that's all that matters. Pentax f/1.7 lenses have a good reputation for being decent performers. I use an A- series 50mm f/1.7 when using my 50mm f/1.2 really isn't necessary.

05-01-2009, 06:27 PM	#3
X Man Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Maine Photos: Gallery Posts: 478	The Pentax-F version is a generation older than the Pentax-FA version. That's probably the most significant difference. Regards, Mike Originally posted by d-gear Hello, Anyone who knows the difference between Pentax-FA 1.7/50mm and Pentax-F 1.7/50mm lenses? Both are AF lenses, both have the same shape, and both have 5 contact point at the end. F lens has the big 50mm in red on the barrel, while FA doesn't. Any other difference? in design, in value? in picture quality? Thanks.

05-02-2009, 02:11 AM	#4
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	The FA has a chip in it that stores more data than the F. The only documented data that is used is for the MTF program on the higher end cameras. (Zooms report their focal length more accurately too.) The FA focus ring is wider and focus might be a bit more refined; some F lenses are very noisy. The FA is not as common.

05-02-2009, 02:36 AM	#5
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183	Originally posted by Just1MoreDave The FA has a chip in it that stores more data than the F. The only documented data that is used is for the MTF program on the higher end cameras. (Zooms report their focal length more accurately too.) The FA focus ring is wider and focus might be a bit more refined; some F lenses are very noisy. The FA is not as common. I think that't all correct, and combined with previous post saying "they are opticaly the same" that's all there is other then aesthetics... I have 50/1.7 and it's a great lens, if you can get your hands on either F/FA don't hesitate... BR

Pentax-FA vs Pentax-F 1.7/50mm

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