The FA Limited Club

StudentBoots · 01-16-2014, 09:34 PM

So...thinking about getting another lens. My currents are the 16-50/2.8, 21/3.2 and 100/2.8 Wr macro, the later possibly being my favourite and most used. I do have a 402.8 XS that has been sitting on my bookshelf untouched since last Autumn. I'd love to have the Trinity, but for the time being I can only afford just one, and also ruling out the 31 for now.
I've tried a nifty fifty, it sometimes seems a little too narrow and wide for me at the same time. If offered for a good price, I'd probably take the DA* 55/1.4 now and wait to get an FA Lmtd later.
What do you all recommend for me? Look for a good deal on a 77, a 43 or the aforementioned 55?

Bertrand

Sandy Hancock · 01-16-2014, 10:01 PM

You have 43 and (nearly) 55 covered with your zoom. Of the lenses you mention, I would suggest the FA77 to fill the gap between 50 and 100, but don't forget the DA70.

Parry · 01-17-2014, 12:33 AM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

You have 43 and (nearly) 55 covered with your zoom. Of the lenses you mention, I would suggest the FA77 to fill the gap between 50 and 100, but don't forget the DA70.
But don't let

I concur with Sandy. I have the 31 and 77. The 31 is very soft wide open (almost unusable in lower light) and to be honest I don't like the thing, it's my least favorite lens of all (out of a dozen or so), could be down to the cost benefit, I just don't think it's as great as everyone makes out.

The 77 is true greatness, underated. It's sharp, unbelievably sharp wide open with the finest of bokeh. Once you get used to the focal length it'll hardly leave your camera. Don't know about the 43, was going to go for one but I'm considering changing system at the end of 2014 to Nikon FF. So no more Pentax spendy at the moment.

StudentBoots, make sure you buy a Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7. This thing is an enigma. It's oddly cheap and strangely brutal in the sharpness department. Get one of these first before you start spending big on FA Limiteds.

Parry · 01-17-2014, 12:40 AM

Originally posted by wkraus

Had a look at the flickr set--wonderful series!

Thanks, been looking forawrd to shooting this spectacle for years.

StudentBoots · 01-17-2014, 01:02 AM

Originally posted by Parry

StudentBoots, make sure you buy a Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7. This thing is an enigma. It's oddly cheap and strangely brutal in the sharpness department. Get one of these first before you start spending big on FA Limiteds.

Thanks Sandy and Parry for the input. Funny you should mention that, as I have an A 50/1.7 on my camera right now, the Traveling Nifty Fifty nonetheless

.

Interesting comment about the 31, because I've been thinking that my dream kit would be a 16-50 and 50-135 for zooms, then the 77, 31 and either the 21 or 15 for primes. No mention of the D FA 100 because that's non-negotiable, you'll have to pry that from my cold dead hands.

As for over looking the 70/2.4, I don't deny that people find it to be lovely, I've just got limited (hehehe) options. Autofocus because I'm terrible at MF (outside of my 100), and I'm very interesting in getting into film so it must be full frame with an aperture ring. I've tried my brother's MX and I can make use of a split screen. The FA 50/1.4 has come across my sights but there's not enough incentive to take it over the glass in this thread.

wkraus · 01-17-2014, 01:16 AM

Originally posted by Parry

Thanks, been looking forawrd to shooting this spectacle for years.

Well worth the waiting!

Sandy Hancock · 01-17-2014, 01:20 AM

Originally posted by Parry

The 31 is very soft wide open (almost unusable in lower light)

Hmmm, my mileage varies. This is wide open, 1/60 at ISO 3200 on the humble K-01....

Ready for action

I would not hesitate to recommend the FA31 if/when you decide you can justify the expense.

Parry · 01-17-2014, 01:23 AM

^^ I think it's my copy Sandy. It wouldn't pull that off. But at this price point there should be adequate quality control and not the difference there is between samples.

Good work by the way.

Parry · 01-17-2014, 01:25 AM

Originally posted by StudentBoots

Thanks Sandy and Parry for the input. Funny you should mention that, as I have an A 50/1.7 on my camera right now, the Traveling Nifty Fifty nonetheless

.

Interesting comment about the 31, because I've been thinking that my dream kit would be a 16-50 and 50-135 for zooms, then the 77, 31 and either the 21 or 15 for primes. No mention of the D FA 100 because that's non-negotiable, you'll have to pry that from my cold dead hands.

As for over looking the 70/2.4, I don't deny that people find it to be lovely, I've just got limited (hehehe) options. Autofocus because I'm terrible at MF (outside of my 100), and I'm very interesting in getting into film so it must be full frame with an aperture ring. I've tried my brother's MX and I can make use of a split screen. The FA 50/1.4 has come across my sights but there's not enough incentive to take it over the glass in this thread.

SB, try the M version of the f/1.7.

The D-FA 100 is indeed a fine lens. For macro and other work. I've had some good stuff from mine.

EDIT: Don't bother with the FA 50/1.4. Find a used FA 50/1.7.

Parry · 01-17-2014, 01:27 AM

Originally posted by wkraus

Well worth the waiting!

There may be more burning here this week, although more likely department stores in Bangkok.

StudentBoots · 01-17-2014, 01:58 AM

So my brother has found an M 50/1.7 at a local store for 60 bucks, and they have a (relatively) decent selection of used film bodies.
Couple questions on the 77, how is it for narrow landscapes? I have happily used my 100 for such use cases. As well, what it like when trying to render starbursts, I'm not expecting anything to the degree of the SMC 15 (the HD can die in a grease fire), but still what's it like? I can live with the purple fringing.

Parry · 01-17-2014, 02:06 AM

Originally posted by StudentBoots

So my brother has found an M 50/1.7 at a local store for 60 bucks, and they have a (relatively) decent selection of used film bodies.
Couple questions on the 77, how is it for narrow landscapes? I have happily used my 100 for such use cases. As well, what it like when trying to render starbursts, I'm not expecting anything to the degree of the SMC 15 (the HD can die in a grease fire), but still what's it like? I can live with the purple fringing.

For landscapes stop the 77 down a bit, f/5.6 and you won't get longitudinal chromatic aberration or purple fringing. Being an f/1.2 shooter I've learnt to deal with severe PF and CA in post-processing. Never looked for starbursts in the 77 before so don't really know.

The D-FA 100 is also very good for landscape, stopped down. I use a Benro panoramic head (multi-row pano set up) and stitching, when I can be bothered, it's a lot of aggravation to be honest.

The M 50/1.7 you can find many fine examples on ebay. I can't recommend this lens enough. Of all these expensive bits of 'legendary' glass, the $60 M 50/1.7 is probably my favorite lens. I should use it more.

Sandy Hancock · 01-17-2014, 04:48 AM

Starbursts with the FA77? No problem! This is uploaded to flickr at full size if you want to pixel peep.

Parry · 01-17-2014, 04:52 AM

^^ That Sandy, is the most glorious of Christmas trees.

We have a kind of permanent one in the back garden that gets taller each year and is getting tricky to decorate . . .

77 on IIs, Silver efex . . .

**todd** · 01-17-2014, 08:52 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Parry

EDIT: Don't bother with the FA 50/1.4. Find a used FA 50/1.7.

I say bother with it... It's a great bang for buck lens and usable at 1.4 imho. (Though I admit I haven't tried the 1.7 and don't know how much $ it commands in comparison..)

Recent shot at the museum with FA31@1.8.

(x-posted in the I Spy thread)

01-16-2014, 10:01 PM	#5912
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	You have 43 and (nearly) 55 covered with your zoom. Of the lenses you mention, I would suggest the FA77 to fill the gap between 50 and 100, but don't forget the DA70. Last edited by Sandy Hancock; 01-17-2014 at 01:12 AM.

01-17-2014, 12:33 AM	#5913
Parry Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 606	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock You have 43 and (nearly) 55 covered with your zoom. Of the lenses you mention, I would suggest the FA77 to fill the gap between 50 and 100, but don't forget the DA70. But don't let I concur with Sandy. I have the 31 and 77. The 31 is very soft wide open (almost unusable in lower light) and to be honest I don't like the thing, it's my least favorite lens of all (out of a dozen or so), could be down to the cost benefit, I just don't think it's as great as everyone makes out. The 77 is true greatness, underated. It's sharp, unbelievably sharp wide open with the finest of bokeh. Once you get used to the focal length it'll hardly leave your camera. Don't know about the 43, was going to go for one but I'm considering changing system at the end of 2014 to Nikon FF. So no more Pentax spendy at the moment. StudentBoots, make sure you buy a Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7. This thing is an enigma. It's oddly cheap and strangely brutal in the sharpness department. Get one of these first before you start spending big on FA Limiteds. Last edited by Parry; 01-17-2014 at 12:38 AM.

01-17-2014, 04:52 AM	#5924
Parry Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 606	^^ That Sandy, is the most glorious of Christmas trees. We have a kind of permanent one in the back garden that gets taller each year and is getting tricky to decorate . . . 77 on IIs, Silver efex . . . Last edited by Parry; 01-17-2014 at 05:14 AM.

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01-16-2014, 09:34 PM	#5911
StudentBoots Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Vancouver Island Posts: 108	So...thinking about getting another lens. My currents are the 16-50/2.8, 21/3.2 and 100/2.8 Wr macro, the later possibly being my favourite and most used. I do have a 402.8 XS that has been sitting on my bookshelf untouched since last Autumn. I'd love to have the Trinity, but for the time being I can only afford just one, and also ruling out the 31 for now. I've tried a nifty fifty, it sometimes seems a little too narrow and wide for me at the same time. If offered for a good price, I'd probably take the DA* 55/1.4 now and wait to get an FA Lmtd later. What do you all recommend for me? Look for a good deal on a 77, a 43 or the aforementioned 55? Bertrand

01-17-2014, 12:40 AM	#5914
Parry Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 606	Originally posted by wkraus Had a look at the flickr set--wonderful series! Thanks, been looking forawrd to shooting this spectacle for years.

01-17-2014, 01:02 AM	#5915
StudentBoots Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Vancouver Island Posts: 108	Originally posted by Parry StudentBoots, make sure you buy a Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7. This thing is an enigma. It's oddly cheap and strangely brutal in the sharpness department. Get one of these first before you start spending big on FA Limiteds. Thanks Sandy and Parry for the input. Funny you should mention that, as I have an A 50/1.7 on my camera right now, the Traveling Nifty Fifty nonetheless . Interesting comment about the 31, because I've been thinking that my dream kit would be a 16-50 and 50-135 for zooms, then the 77, 31 and either the 21 or 15 for primes. No mention of the D FA 100 because that's non-negotiable, you'll have to pry that from my cold dead hands. As for over looking the 70/2.4, I don't deny that people find it to be lovely, I've just got limited (hehehe) options. Autofocus because I'm terrible at MF (outside of my 100), and I'm very interesting in getting into film so it must be full frame with an aperture ring. I've tried my brother's MX and I can make use of a split screen. The FA 50/1.4 has come across my sights but there's not enough incentive to take it over the glass in this thread.

01-17-2014, 01:16 AM	#5916
wkraus Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Near Vienna, Austria Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,060	Originally posted by Parry Thanks, been looking forawrd to shooting this spectacle for years. Well worth the waiting!

01-17-2014, 01:20 AM	#5917
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	Originally posted by Parry The 31 is very soft wide open (almost unusable in lower light) Hmmm, my mileage varies. This is wide open, 1/60 at ISO 3200 on the humble K-01.... Ready for action I would not hesitate to recommend the FA31 if/when you decide you can justify the expense.

01-17-2014, 01:23 AM	#5918
Parry Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 606	^^ I think it's my copy Sandy. It wouldn't pull that off. But at this price point there should be adequate quality control and not the difference there is between samples. Good work by the way.

01-17-2014, 01:25 AM	#5919
Parry Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 606	Originally posted by StudentBoots Thanks Sandy and Parry for the input. Funny you should mention that, as I have an A 50/1.7 on my camera right now, the Traveling Nifty Fifty nonetheless . Interesting comment about the 31, because I've been thinking that my dream kit would be a 16-50 and 50-135 for zooms, then the 77, 31 and either the 21 or 15 for primes. No mention of the D FA 100 because that's non-negotiable, you'll have to pry that from my cold dead hands. As for over looking the 70/2.4, I don't deny that people find it to be lovely, I've just got limited (hehehe) options. Autofocus because I'm terrible at MF (outside of my 100), and I'm very interesting in getting into film so it must be full frame with an aperture ring. I've tried my brother's MX and I can make use of a split screen. The FA 50/1.4 has come across my sights but there's not enough incentive to take it over the glass in this thread. SB, try the M version of the f/1.7. The D-FA 100 is indeed a fine lens. For macro and other work. I've had some good stuff from mine. EDIT: Don't bother with the FA 50/1.4. Find a used FA 50/1.7.

01-17-2014, 01:27 AM	#5920
Parry Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 606	Originally posted by wkraus Well worth the waiting! There may be more burning here this week, although more likely department stores in Bangkok.

01-17-2014, 01:58 AM	#5921
StudentBoots Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Vancouver Island Posts: 108	So my brother has found an M 50/1.7 at a local store for 60 bucks, and they have a (relatively) decent selection of used film bodies. Couple questions on the 77, how is it for narrow landscapes? I have happily used my 100 for such use cases. As well, what it like when trying to render starbursts, I'm not expecting anything to the degree of the SMC 15 (the HD can die in a grease fire), but still what's it like? I can live with the purple fringing.

01-17-2014, 02:06 AM	#5922
Parry Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 606	Originally posted by StudentBoots So my brother has found an M 50/1.7 at a local store for 60 bucks, and they have a (relatively) decent selection of used film bodies. Couple questions on the 77, how is it for narrow landscapes? I have happily used my 100 for such use cases. As well, what it like when trying to render starbursts, I'm not expecting anything to the degree of the SMC 15 (the HD can die in a grease fire), but still what's it like? I can live with the purple fringing. For landscapes stop the 77 down a bit, f/5.6 and you won't get longitudinal chromatic aberration or purple fringing. Being an f/1.2 shooter I've learnt to deal with severe PF and CA in post-processing. Never looked for starbursts in the 77 before so don't really know. The D-FA 100 is also very good for landscape, stopped down. I use a Benro panoramic head (multi-row pano set up) and stitching, when I can be bothered, it's a lot of aggravation to be honest. The M 50/1.7 you can find many fine examples on ebay. I can't recommend this lens enough. Of all these expensive bits of 'legendary' glass, the $60 M 50/1.7 is probably my favorite lens. I should use it more.

01-17-2014, 04:48 AM	#5923
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	Starbursts with the FA77? No problem! This is uploaded to flickr at full size if you want to pixel peep.

01-17-2014, 08:52 AM - 2 Likes	#5925
todd Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,794	Originally posted by Parry EDIT: Don't bother with the FA 50/1.4. Find a used FA 50/1.7. I say bother with it... It's a great bang for buck lens and usable at 1.4 imho. (Though I admit I haven't tried the 1.7 and don't know how much $ it commands in comparison..) Recent shot at the museum with FA31@1.8. (x-posted in the I Spy thread)