Originally posted by truonganh IMHO i wouldn't be afraid of grabbing a fast fifty. Price is right and there are plenty of good copies around. even with the 'dreamy' reputation at f1.4, that little baby sharpen up nicely with just a stop down. At f2.8, it is seriously sharp and still of significant aperture for pleasing bokeh, while other lens are just beginning to catch up. Just make sure you get a nice hood with it.
Agreed. I've built up a pretty good collection of lenses, some zooms, some primes, FA, DA, D-FA, DA*, and others; I was recently looking at some Photozone reviews, and, at least based on MTF values (well, and my own seat-of-the-pants impression), my FA-35/2 and FA-50/1.4 are still my sharpest lenses. And yes a good lens hood is essential for the FA-50. I prefer this:
B+W | 49mm Screw-In Metal Telephoto Lens Hood #960 | 65069625
A 52mm pinch-type lens cap fits perfectly, and there is no vignetting. Personally I use the 50 far more than the 35, but that's just me. Good luck!