[ajuett]

I'm going to look at a couple of A series lenses tomorrow they are the A 28mm f/2.8 and A 35mm f/2.8. I've looked through the photos of the A Club and there are a few from both lenses. I'd like opinions about these lenses from current and former owners as well. Thanks!

[Steinback]

Some A 28mm photos: SMC Pentax A 28mm f/2.8 - a set on Flickr

I like my A28mm, it's a nice general use focal length on digital. Mine seems to sharpen up quite a bit going from f/2.8 to f/3.5. Somewhere around $80 to $100 would be pretty reasonable in good condition, maybe a little more if you're impatient and decide you like it.

I've been using my FA 28mm more recently; the build quality isn't as nice and my subjective feeling is that it doesn't sharpen up quite as quickly as you stop down but autofocus is a nice feature to have. The F and FA 28mm seem to sell for more like $200+.

I haven't handled an A 35mm enough to have much of an opinion, although they seem be much less common and the build quality is on par with the other A series primes.

[dragonfly]

Buy them both or someone else will.

[axl]

out of those two I'd certainly pick A20.
But that's very subjective, and I do miss fast wide prime

[Just1MoreDave]

I have not used the A35/2.8, but I did use the M version a bit, same optical formula. I was on my way to deciding that I really wanted an FA35, so I wasn't looking too hard. I wasn't that impressed, and I wanted speed. The A version is not common and could probably sell for quite a bit on eBay - maybe $150+?

The A28/2.8 was one of my favorite lenses. I found an F version to replace it, same optical formula, and it's still my favorite, though I have two really fast 28s. The F version now sells for more than the FA (a newer optical formula), a recent trend.

I don't "see" a 28mm as "normal" on APS-C, despite the formulas and popular opinion. For me, the FA35 does look very "normal". I would consider buying both and deciding this for yourself, if the prices are good.

[ajuett]

Well I picked the A 35mm f/2.8. I'd say its in excellent condition inside and out. when I get home I'll give it a run on the K-x. it also came with a B+W KR1.5 1.1x filter.