the Pentax 40mm and 43mm Lens Club

Piotrek K · 10-28-2019, 12:56 PM - **3 Likes**

...DA 40XS is fine birding lens...

**luckylu** · 10-28-2019, 03:19 PM - **3 Likes**

It's a fine bridging lens too

Snapppy · 10-28-2019, 06:23 PM - **3 Likes**

I've heard a lot of complaints about the 43mm Limited being a weird focal length on APS-C, and I can sympathize because 50mm feels to long for me on APS-C to be a good carrying around type lens. However, playing with the 43mm on my new-to-me K-5 has shown it's actually a pretty nice combo there too

ChatMechant · 10-28-2019, 07:13 PM

Originally posted by bdery

The second one (with the moon) in particular is superb!

Thank-you sir

**BruceBanner** · 10-28-2019, 10:02 PM - **7 Likes**

Originally posted by Snapppy

I've heard a lot of complaints about the 43mm Limited being a weird focal length on APS-C, and I can sympathize because 50mm feels to long for me on APS-C to be a good carrying around type lens. However, playing with the 43mm on my new-to-me K-5 has shown it's actually a pretty nice combo there too

The FA43 on a crop becomes more like a FA77 on a K-1 (65mm equiv FoV). Personally I am a believer that really any focal length (within reason) can be a fine 'carry around', it's just down to the user to get to learn and master that glass and know where and how to use it. Many people would benefit from using a single piece of glass for an entire month or two (more the better) before making their mind up about it. I do understand the concerns however. I mean a F28 on the K-1 is very usable as a walkaround lens (similar to GRII/III), a lot of applications are suited to that range from landscape to portraits. Put the F28 on a KP and it becomes a little like a FA43 in terms of FoV and so that is also quite well suited to a wide range of applications. A 43 on a KP or a 77 on a K-1 is the start of a kinda short tele lens and so it might take a little more thinking to get the shots, however teles have a distinct advantage as well. Swings and roundabouts.

Here's an older KP+FA43 shot;

**onlineflyer** · 10-30-2019, 05:38 PM - **4 Likes**

My latest acquisition taken with my latest acquisition. Both arrived today. I think I'm going to enjoy this little gem. DA 40mm f2.8 + K-5iis

Snapppy · 10-30-2019, 08:11 PM - **3 Likes**

Documenting the important moments, like her first Kit-Kat bar

K-1 + 43mm Limited, cropped to 4:3

Martin KP · 10-31-2019, 07:29 AM

Originally posted by W412ren

I think this is a nice idea for a thread.

I used to own the smc DA 40mm; I just never really "clicked" with the focal length.
Here's one from Brighton in 2013 with the K-5:

The FA43 is a different story; I really like this one.
This is an early image with the K-3 from Malta in 2016:

This is a little more recent from the Daily in (February '18) Challenge here on the forums.
With the K-1

Wow this is a great photograph. Love the colours and the mood. Thanks for sharing.

Martin KP · 10-31-2019, 07:33 AM

This is taken in mums garden. The 40mm can be nice close up.

**aslyfox** · 11-01-2019, 03:20 PM

went out to the zoo with my recently acquired " experienced " FA 43 Limited

SOOC

crop and pp

Snapppy · 11-02-2019, 05:53 PM - **1 Like**

So I just got the Pentax-M 40mm 2.8 after a while of wanting to try it out. Just saw a deal and went for it without thinking much. This lens is super smaller, even compared to my 43mm limited which is already tiny. The 40mm doesn't even make it past the prism lip that hangs over on my K series cameras.

So far I've only shot it on APS-C, but the lens takes some getting used to. Not immediately my favorite, but going on me.

Showing the bokeh on the 40mm 2.8

Highlights on the 40mm 2.8

Landscape scene at 5.6 or so

**aslyfox** · 11-02-2019, 06:56 PM

been trying out the new to me " experienced " SMC Pentax-FA 43 F1.9 I just got

using my K 3 II

**aslyfox** · 11-03-2019, 04:42 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Snapppy

So I just got the Pentax-M 40mm 2.8 after a while of wanting to try it out. Just saw a deal and went for it without thinking much. This lens is super smaller, even compared to my 43mm limited which is already tiny. The 40mm doesn't even make it past the prism lip that hangs over on my K series cameras. . . .

actually your M 40mm F2.8 [ the original " pancake " ] is big

Diam x Length 63 x 18 mm Weight 110 g
SMC Pentax-M 40mm F2.8 Reviews - M Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

compared to: the DA 40mm XS

Diam x Length 62.9 x 9.2 mm (2.5 x 0.36 in.) Weight 52 g (1.8 oz.)
SMC Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 XS Reviews - DA XS Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

and the DA 40mm F2.8 Limited

Diam x Length 63 x 15 mm (2.5 x 0.6 in.) Weight 90 g (3.2 oz.)
Read more at: SMC Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 Limited Reviews - DA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

of course the material and design are different between the lenses

the heavyweight of the thread -

the 43mm 1.9 Limited [ the first Pentax Limited issued ]:

Diam x Length 64 x 27 mm (2.5 x 1.1 in.) Weight 155 g (5.5 oz.) w/ Hood: +10g
Read more at: SMC Pentax-FA 43mm F1.9 Limited Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

**Kerrowdown** · 11-03-2019, 05:15 AM

Originally posted by aslyfox

compared to: the DA 40mm XS Diam x Length 62.9 x 9.2 mm (2.5 x 0.36 in.) Weight 52 g (1.8 oz.)

Originally posted by aslyfox

and the DA 40mm F2.8 Limited Diam x Length 63 x 15 mm (2.5 x 0.6 in.) Weight 90 g (3.2 oz.)

Aye, but someones stolen the aperture ring off these two...

**UncleVanya** · 11-03-2019, 07:14 AM

Originally posted by Kerrowdown

Aye, but someones stolen the aperture ring off these two...

While true, I rarely have used one on a lens with an "A" setting since getting my pz-1... Many many years ago. The exception bring macro work using bellows or tubes.

11-03-2019, 04:42 AM - 1 Like	#103
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583 Original Poster	Originally posted by Snapppy So I just got the Pentax-M 40mm 2.8 after a while of wanting to try it out. Just saw a deal and went for it without thinking much. This lens is super smaller, even compared to my 43mm limited which is already tiny. The 40mm doesn't even make it past the prism lip that hangs over on my K series cameras. . . . actually your M 40mm F2.8 [ the original " pancake " ] is big Diam x Length 63 x 18 mm Weight 110 g SMC Pentax-M 40mm F2.8 Reviews - M Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database compared to: the DA 40mm XS Diam x Length 62.9 x 9.2 mm (2.5 x 0.36 in.) Weight 52 g (1.8 oz.) SMC Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 XS Reviews - DA XS Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database and the DA 40mm F2.8 Limited Diam x Length 63 x 15 mm (2.5 x 0.6 in.) Weight 90 g (3.2 oz.) Read more at: SMC Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 Limited Reviews - DA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database of course the material and design are different between the lenses the heavyweight of the thread - the 43mm 1.9 Limited [ the first Pentax Limited issued ]: Diam x Length 64 x 27 mm (2.5 x 1.1 in.) Weight 155 g (5.5 oz.) w/ Hood: +10g Read more at: SMC Pentax-FA 43mm F1.9 Limited Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database Last edited by aslyfox; 11-03-2019 at 12:57 PM.

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10-28-2019, 12:56 PM - 3 Likes	#91
Piotrek K Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,384	...DA 40XS is fine birding lens...

10-28-2019, 06:23 PM - 3 Likes	#93
Snapppy Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 485	I've heard a lot of complaints about the 43mm Limited being a weird focal length on APS-C, and I can sympathize because 50mm feels to long for me on APS-C to be a good carrying around type lens. However, playing with the 43mm on my new-to-me K-5 has shown it's actually a pretty nice combo there too

10-28-2019, 07:13 PM	#94
ChatMechant Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Matsuyama Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,284	Originally posted by bdery The second one (with the moon) in particular is superb! Thank-you sir

10-28-2019, 10:02 PM - 7 Likes	#95
BruceBanner Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 5,405	Originally posted by Snapppy I've heard a lot of complaints about the 43mm Limited being a weird focal length on APS-C, and I can sympathize because 50mm feels to long for me on APS-C to be a good carrying around type lens. However, playing with the 43mm on my new-to-me K-5 has shown it's actually a pretty nice combo there too The FA43 on a crop becomes more like a FA77 on a K-1 (65mm equiv FoV). Personally I am a believer that really any focal length (within reason) can be a fine 'carry around', it's just down to the user to get to learn and master that glass and know where and how to use it. Many people would benefit from using a single piece of glass for an entire month or two (more the better) before making their mind up about it. I do understand the concerns however. I mean a F28 on the K-1 is very usable as a walkaround lens (similar to GRII/III), a lot of applications are suited to that range from landscape to portraits. Put the F28 on a KP and it becomes a little like a FA43 in terms of FoV and so that is also quite well suited to a wide range of applications. A 43 on a KP or a 77 on a K-1 is the start of a kinda short tele lens and so it might take a little more thinking to get the shots, however teles have a distinct advantage as well. Swings and roundabouts. Here's an older KP+FA43 shot;

10-30-2019, 08:11 PM - 3 Likes	#97
Snapppy Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 485	Documenting the important moments, like her first Kit-Kat bar K-1 + 43mm Limited, cropped to 4:3

10-31-2019, 07:29 AM	#98
Martin KP Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 240	Originally posted by W412ren I think this is a nice idea for a thread. I used to own the smc DA 40mm; I just never really "clicked" with the focal length. Here's one from Brighton in 2013 with the K-5: The FA43 is a different story; I really like this one. This is an early image with the K-3 from Malta in 2016: This is a little more recent from the Daily in (February '18) Challenge here on the forums. With the K-1 Wow this is a great photograph. Love the colours and the mood. Thanks for sharing.

11-02-2019, 05:53 PM - 1 Like	#101
Snapppy Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 485	So I just got the Pentax-M 40mm 2.8 after a while of wanting to try it out. Just saw a deal and went for it without thinking much. This lens is super smaller, even compared to my 43mm limited which is already tiny. The 40mm doesn't even make it past the prism lip that hangs over on my K series cameras. So far I've only shot it on APS-C, but the lens takes some getting used to. Not immediately my favorite, but going on me. Showing the bokeh on the 40mm 2.8 Highlights on the 40mm 2.8 Landscape scene at 5.6 or so

11-03-2019, 05:15 AM	#104
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,863	Originally posted by aslyfox compared to: the DA 40mm XS Diam x Length 62.9 x 9.2 mm (2.5 x 0.36 in.) Weight 52 g (1.8 oz.) Originally posted by aslyfox and the DA 40mm F2.8 Limited Diam x Length 63 x 15 mm (2.5 x 0.6 in.) Weight 90 g (3.2 oz.) Aye, but someones stolen the aperture ring off these two...

11-03-2019, 07:14 AM	#105
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,460	Originally posted by Kerrowdown Aye, but someones stolen the aperture ring off these two... While true, I rarely have used one on a lens with an "A" setting since getting my pz-1... Many many years ago. The exception bring macro work using bellows or tubes.