[eyou]

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I still don't have a super fast lens . if i could do it all again, i would have probably got the FA 50mm 1.4 as my first lens (instead of 40mm 2.8).

As it is now, my fastest lens is f1.8 (77 and 31) and also have 43mm f1.9.

I stumbled across a local deal to get the pentax-a 50mm 1.4 for ~$90 which seems like an alright deal (if it is in good condition). Is it worth it? I think the difference of 1 stop between this and the FA 43mm is a lot but the focal length difference really bugged me it just seems redundant almost. For only $100 more I could get the FA 50mm brand new with AF... (but never did cause its ~$200 and i have the 43mm). i looked and it seems the smc-a and fa both have the same optical design.

because of having the 43mm, ive been looking for other f/1.4 alternatives. the 58mm voightlander has caught my eye because it is >10mm focal length difference and f/1.4 (not to mention dreamy bokeh). Also the DA* 55mm looks nice, but expensive. 55mm tak looks nice too but only goes to f1.8 which i already have.

some other things to consider:
1. Going to the bahamas in 2 months and will buy a nice lens for that. buying the da* 55mm or voightlander would be considered a nice lens (the pentax-a would not take up my bahamas lens budget). other lens choices for bahamas would be ultra wide (15mm f4) or telephoto zoom (55-300mm, 50-135mm) of which i have neither.

2. i have an extra 31mm f1.8 that I will be selling soon for funds. with that $ i will be using for either the nice lens for the bahamas trip or maybe that spanking new camera coming out (so money not too big an issue with lens choice, but still considered)

so bottom line, buy that pentax-a for $90? will i be disappointed after exclusively shooting fa limiteds for the last few months? save up for a nicer lens for bahamas? get 50mm f1.2?! i hate LBA...

[pasipasi]

If I had a chance to buy A50/1.4 for USD 90, I'd go for it. My favorite 50mm lens atm though is the Super-Takumar 50/1.4.

[Lowell Goudge]

for $90 the A 50mm F1.4 is a good deal. You will pay that much at least for an old SMC Tak, or K mount F1.4, You will pay an additional $200-300 for an SMC Pentax 50mm F1.2.

An other option but more $$$ is the new Smayang/vivitar/bower/et. al. 85mm F1.4.

I wanted a fast 85 for a long time, and gave up on getting an SMC Pentax 85mm F1.8 or one of the takumar F1.8 or 1.9 lenses.

[RawheaD]

If you don't mind MF, then I'd suggest a Cosina OEM 55mm f1.2, which you can get for around $200, since it kills two birds with one stone; a bigger gap in focal length between it and your 43mm, and the super fast f1.2.

If you're going to be content with a 50/1.4, personally, I'd say get a Super-Tak/SMC Tak 50/1.4, which you can get for $60 ish.

[eyou]

If I had a chance to buy A50/1.4 for USD 90, I'd go for it. My favorite 50mm lens atm though is the Super-Takumar 50/1.4.

If you're going to be content with a 50/1.4, personally, I'd say get a Super-Tak/SMC Tak 50/1.4, which you can get for $60 ish.

what is so much better with the super taks? just much higher IQ?

Also one thing I was always confused about, can you use the aperture exposure mode with super taks? from what I've heard you can. I usually use manual when i shoot, but I like to be able to choose the aperture using the dial instead of the aperture ring (so you can see/record what aperture you are using in VF)

Can you also choose the aperture using the front dial with the Cosina 55mm 1.2? that does sound like a good compromise between the focal length and fast speed.

[Big G]

I've got a Pentax-M 1.7 50mm and it's awesome, might not be fast enough for what you want but it worked wonders at a wedding that I did the photos for (samples available if required).

[Nesster]

I understand that LBA comes on heavy... but I'm wondering, what situations are you in where 1.4 vs. 1.8 or 1.9 will make or break the photo?

Super/S-M-C/SMC Taks are not necessarily better IQ wise than later lenses. In fact, often the later ones are better at the margins of performance. The Taks have going for them: low price, excellent metal construction, cool factor, and so on.

With screw mount lenses, you need to be in 'M' mode on the lens itself, so the aperture moves directly with the aperture ring, rather via the pin in the mount. Av is usable this way: You focus wide open or reasonably close... and then stop the lens down via the aperture ring. The camera sets shutter speed. Usually you need to dial in exposure compensation. The camera does not record focal length or aperture.

An SMC-A lens is the most useful mf lens, as it retains full compatibility with the digital bodies. The workmanship and materials are good as well. All K-A lenses allow the setting of aperture via the camera.

If you really are needing that 1.4 the SMC-A is an excellent choice. I do notice the fov difference between my 43 and my 50's.

[eyou]

I understand that LBA comes on heavy... but I'm wondering, what situations are you in where 1.4 vs. 1.8 or 1.9 will make or break the photo?

If you really are needing that 1.4 the SMC-A is an excellent choice. I do notice the fov difference between my 43 and my 50's.

well you tell me (thats why i posted!). i've never had the 1.4, but there are times i feel where having that 2/3 - 1 stop of light would be very helpful (for some reason, all my friends places are like low lit caves. 1/15 -> 1/30s would help make/break some low light images). i also like really narrow DOF

it sounds like you have both 43mm and fast fifty so which do you end up using more? which would you never leave your bag? am i wasting $ on this when i could buy a different lens?

it is LBA.... i dont NEED (or i would have bought one already), I just want. I feel i missed the fast 50mm bandwagon and with a good deal in front of my face. maybe i'll buy it and if i dont like it/dont use it, i can sell it on here for someone else who'll make better use of it.

Also checked ebay for some cosina 55mm. 0 search results. is this an infrequent lens?

[Nesster]

I love the 43, I use it a lot on both film and on digital. I'd rather take it than my screw mounts, if I'm going to go around with a K mount. Though sometimes I do take the 50/1.7 M.

But then, my take-to-work every day cameras tend to be screw mounts, so I take one of the 50's or 55's with these in the normal length. For ordinary shooting I actually prefer the 55/1.8 - usually - or a 35. It just depends on what happens to be closest to hand when I'm picking out the lenses. I suppose I'd take the 50/1.4 if I knew I was going into dim circumstances. And don't get me wrong, it's a lovely lens. You don't pay the wide aperture price at normal shooting apertures with this, unlike with some lenses.

If I'm venturing out with both 35mm film and digital, my first decision is screw mount or K.

Another lens you might consider, in screw mount land, is a Yashinon DX 50/1.4 - I really like the 35/2.8, and the DS-M 1.7 has fantastic smooth bokeh. Unfortunately I don't have a 1.4 - the DS / DS-M's do not have an auto/manual switch. (This week, my work bag has an Electro-X with a Vivitar 21mm and a spare DS-M 50/1.7)


But: Get the A-50-1.4, you can't go wrong with it, and like you say, you'll likely get more or less your money back when you sell.

[eyou]

i think its a great price now that im doing some research. one big reason for it to is stopped down to f2, its supposed to be decently sharp, but the 43mm at 1.9 is suppoed to be pretty soft (according to photozone.de they seem to be about equal tho...)

really i just needed some people to chime in and agree so i could get it and not feel guilty

In the 50-58mm range... and I would buy it for $90....

Does that help... an addict would buy it!

My S-M-C tak 50 1.4 is more usable wide open to me than My FA 50 1.4... If you really like the control of Ap with the dial it is a done deal IMO... plus once you start manually focusing... you never go back.

[jsherman999]

The Tak 50 1.4's are much easier (IMO) to focus - just silky smooth, precise, fun. I can consistently nail focus pretty quickly now at f/1.4 with my S-M-C Tak 50 1.4.

I still vote for the F or FA 50 1.7 as the workhorse fast-50, though, because it's so usable wide-open and has such funky bokeh there.

[PentHassyKon]

You've got the DA 40 and FA 43.
If you want a low light lens I say get the Cosina 55 1.2 (rather than 50 1.2).

If you want the advantages of PK-A mount lenses however, at $90 for the A50 1.4 - I don't think you can go wrong by getting it since the 55 1.2 isn't PK-A mount.

[Nesster]

Just out of curiosity, what brands is the Cosina sold / found under?

[res3567]

Just bought me a Super Tak 50mm f/1.4

Paid a little over $80.

Check this out.

Pentax S Mt. Super-Takumar 50mm f1.4 Prime Lens - eBay (item 220408890506 end time May-04-09 23:32:18 PDT)