Development update regarding the HD PENTAX-D FA★50mmF1.4 SDM AW

builttospill · 04-16-2018, 05:31 PM

Originally posted by repaap

Besides, sometimes I do think that pictures are TOO clinical and sharp. but that is different thing all together.

Yes. I've tried a few DA Limited lenses and found them to be technical marvels, but too clinical. Too sterile. For this reason alone I've been extremely appreciative of the FA Limited and FA* lenses.

repaap · 04-17-2018, 12:33 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by builttospill

Yes. I've tried a few DA Limited lenses and found them to be technical marvels, but too clinical. Too sterile. For this reason alone I've been extremely appreciative of the FA Limited and FA* lenses.

I have been lusting after FA 31 almost as long as I’v been shooting with Pentax...I will buy it this year(I’m not rich man). Just because what I’v seen that people has done with it. I love my FA 43 and 77. They are quite sharp wide open. And can be used so, and stopped down that sharpness is still there, but it is not ’macro’like. But sigma 35ART and propably this new DFA too are really sharp. Now I’m not saying that it is bad thing, not just what I’m after right now.

Just that I’m at the moment more drawn to that combination of soft glow and sharpnes. That is what I’m looking forward with good old FA 31.

However IF I have money, I could see my self getting DFA50 to replace my *55. For that when extra resolution is needed.

**Rondec** · 04-17-2018, 02:44 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by monochrome

I just put my 43 on the K-1 and fire away. If I never knew about the D FA*50/1.4 I would still be delighted with my images but I wouldn’t wonder whether they could be different. So - since I’ve massively overspent my budget - I’m just going to pretend I don’t know about it and shoot with what I have. That way it doesn’t matter if they need to assign three little pixies to hand assemble 1000 copies for the initial release and it takes until 2021. Won’t make me any more or less happy either way.

Isn't the enemy of good "better?" It is easy to resist the urge of a new lens until folks starting shooting with it and then suddenly you get this uncomfortable feeling that you too could be producing great works of art if only you had the right piece of glass. And it starts calling you name. And then one day you come home to a package from B and H and open it to find a new DFA *50 in your possession.

The sad thing is that the end of the story is that while you take a bunch of photos with the new lens, they actually look amazingly similar to the photos you were taking before...

Kunzite · 04-17-2018, 02:47 AM - **3 Likes**

"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing in which camera store you might be swept off."

**Rondec** · 04-17-2018, 03:05 AM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by Kunzite

"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing in which camera store you might be swept off."

Is this DFA *50 the "One lens to rule them all and in the darkness bind them?"

Sandy Hancock · 04-17-2018, 04:01 AM - **7 Likes**

Originally posted by Rondec

Is this DFA *50 the "One lens to rule them all and in the darkness bind them?"

Perhaps one of the three Elven rings made by Celebrimor - along with the 35/1.4 and 85/1.4
Sauron works for another company.

**clackers** · 04-17-2018, 04:04 AM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

Perhaps one of the three Elven rings made by Celebrimor - along with the 35/1.4 and 85/1.4
Sauron works for another company.

Definitely an A9 owner.

Spoiler: He doesn't see Frodo approaching because of the Star Eater problem and it all ends badly for him.

**monochrome** · 04-17-2018, 04:19 AM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by Rondec

Is this DFA *50 the "One lens to rule them all and in the darkness bind them?"

I thought that was the K-1 Ring.

And asahi man commands a palantir.

Kunzite · 04-17-2018, 04:30 AM - **4 Likes**

"I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass! The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn. Go back to the Shadow! You cannot pass!" - Pentax, facing the mirrorless.

torashi · 04-17-2018, 07:22 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by monochrome

The top 50 is the Reference Lens for the entire Brand. It demonstrates your company’s ‘take’ on optics design philosophy. Everything else is compared and contrasted with the top 50. By definition your Reference Lens has to come before everything else.

The decision to release a *50 first says a lot about Ricoh’s Strategic Plan.

I bet Pentax would gather a lot of good attention if they were to release a 50/1.0 like Canon did a few decades ago.

Gesendet von meinem Mi A1 mit Tapatalk

Kunzite · 04-17-2018, 07:32 AM - **1 Like**

A 5 minutes attention, maybe. It would be pushing things too far: price (the EF can be had on e-bay for $4000-6000), AF, image quality challenges.

The D FA* 50mm f/1.4 is not just a prestige product, it is also practical: people will buy and use it, and post images taken with it. And it obliterates the EF 50mm f/1.0 in image quality.

Mistral75 · 04-17-2018, 07:51 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by torashi

I bet Pentax would gather a lot of good attention if they were to release a 50/1.0 like Canon did a few decades ago.

Gesendet von meinem Mi A1 mit Tapatalk

In addition to Kunzite's comment, I would add that the K bayonet throat is most probably not wide enough to accommodate a 50mm f/1 lens.

Sent from my Dell Latitude using Firefox.

**Rondec** · 04-17-2018, 08:04 AM - **6 Likes**

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

Perhaps one of the three Elven rings made by Celebrimor - along with the 35/1.4 and 85/1.4
Sauron works for another company.

I believe that Saruman was a Pentaxian in the beginning, but was seduced by Fuji. So sad...

torashi · 04-17-2018, 08:59 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Mistral75

In addition to Kunzite's comment, I would add that the K bayonet throat is most probably not wide enough to accommodate a 50mm f/1 lens.

Sent from my Dell Latitude using Firefox.

That is true. That rear element with the cutout for the contacts is a unique thing. Canon did for certain take advantage of that wider bayonet mount (a thing I see that's very limiting to Nikon) with that particular lens. Instant collectible. That's what I was rooting for.

And yes, that lens is also from the film era. That's why I was toying with the idea of a modern version. Also, the AF system would have to be groundbreaking (including face recognition and particularly eye recognition) and nail perfect focus on eyes each and every time at that shallow of a depth of field .

1.4 will be enough if it's usable from wide open, which I'm sure it will be. I have the FA and it's best at f/4. Otherwise it works good on film, b&w and for cheesy soft portraits. I guess that's a look pixel peepers have nightmares over.

Even a 1.2 would've been stretching things too far. Also matching a price tag of 1300 USD, too. I wonder if this new lens will be in the sub 1k or even sub 800 category. Any info on that?

Talking about lenses available now, I wonder if anyone has had a chance to play with those hugely expensive (for a triplet design and not very wide aperture, all manual) from the reborn Meyer-Optik Görlitz. Their appeal must be their projection and rendering.

Gesendet von meinem Mi A1 mit Tapatalk

Kunzite · 04-17-2018, 09:14 AM

Originally posted by torashi

Also matching a price tag of 1300 USD, too. I wonder if this new lens will be in the sub 1k or even sub 800 category. Any info on that?

Ha ha, no chance. The Sony/Zeiss Planar 50mm f/1.4 is $1500.

And this is no Meyer Optik-Goerlitz, this is no fraud. This is a modern lens worth every penny.
(About the MOG... their pricing strategy is best described by P.T.Barnum's "there's a sucker born every minute").

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
HD Pentax-D FA★ 25mm f/1.4 - 50mm f/1.4 - 85mm f/1.4 DC AW	Mistral75	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	43	07-26-2022 05:52 AM
Update on the optical scheme of the new HD PENTAX-D FA 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW	maw	Pentax News and Rumors	43	04-27-2018 12:56 PM
pentaxrumors.com reports new HD PENTAX-D FA ★ 50mm F1.4 likely to be released soon	Madaboutpix	Pentax Full Frame	17	01-24-2018 12:10 PM
Official image sample from the HD Pentax-DFA★ 50mm F1.4 SDM AW uploaded	Madaboutpix	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	2	12-05-2017 05:36 PM
★★NOW IN STOCK★★Pentax K-5 Limited Edition★★	Chuck-B&H	Ask B&H Photo!	11	03-31-2011 05:29 AM

04-16-2018, 05:31 PM	#106
builttospill Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Utah, Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,398	Originally posted by repaap Besides, sometimes I do think that pictures are TOO clinical and sharp. but that is different thing all together. Yes. I've tried a few DA Limited lenses and found them to be technical marvels, but too clinical. Too sterile. For this reason alone I've been extremely appreciative of the FA Limited and FA* lenses.

04-17-2018, 12:33 AM - 1 Like	#107
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	Originally posted by builttospill Yes. I've tried a few DA Limited lenses and found them to be technical marvels, but too clinical. Too sterile. For this reason alone I've been extremely appreciative of the FA Limited and FA* lenses. I have been lusting after FA 31 almost as long as I’v been shooting with Pentax...I will buy it this year(I’m not rich man). Just because what I’v seen that people has done with it. I love my FA 43 and 77. They are quite sharp wide open. And can be used so, and stopped down that sharpness is still there, but it is not ’macro’like. But sigma 35ART and propably this new DFA too are really sharp. Now I’m not saying that it is bad thing, not just what I’m after right now. Just that I’m at the moment more drawn to that combination of soft glow and sharpnes. That is what I’m looking forward with good old FA 31. However IF I have money, I could see my self getting DFA50 to replace my *55. For that when extra resolution is needed.

04-17-2018, 02:44 AM - 2 Likes	#108
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	Originally posted by monochrome I just put my 43 on the K-1 and fire away. If I never knew about the D FA50/1.4 I would still be delighted with my images but I wouldn’t wonder whether they could be different. So - since I’ve massively overspent my budget - I’m just going to pretend I don’t know about it and shoot with what I have. That way it doesn’t matter if they need to assign three little pixies to hand assemble 1000 copies for the initial release and it takes until 2021. Won’t make me any more or less happy either way. Isn't the enemy of good "better?" It is easy to resist the urge of a new lens until folks starting shooting with it and then suddenly you get this uncomfortable feeling that you too could be producing great works of art if only you had the right piece of glass. And it starts calling you name. And then one day you come home to a package from B and H and open it to find a new DFA 50 in your possession. The sad thing is that the end of the story is that while you take a bunch of photos with the new lens, they actually look amazingly similar to the photos you were taking before...

04-17-2018, 02:47 AM - 3 Likes	#109
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing in which camera store you might be swept off."

04-17-2018, 03:05 AM - 3 Likes	#110
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	Originally posted by Kunzite "It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing in which camera store you might be swept off." Is this DFA *50 the "One lens to rule them all and in the darkness bind them?"

04-17-2018, 04:01 AM - 7 Likes	#111
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	Originally posted by Rondec Is this DFA *50 the "One lens to rule them all and in the darkness bind them?" Perhaps one of the three Elven rings made by Celebrimor - along with the 35/1.4 and 85/1.4 Sauron works for another company.

04-17-2018, 04:04 AM - 3 Likes	#112
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock Perhaps one of the three Elven rings made by Celebrimor - along with the 35/1.4 and 85/1.4 Sauron works for another company. Definitely an A9 owner. Spoiler: He doesn't see Frodo approaching because of the Star Eater problem and it all ends badly for him.

04-17-2018, 04:19 AM - 3 Likes	#113
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by Rondec Is this DFA *50 the "One lens to rule them all and in the darkness bind them?" I thought that was the K-1 Ring. And asahi man commands a palantir.

04-17-2018, 04:30 AM - 4 Likes	#114
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	"I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass! The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn. Go back to the Shadow! You cannot pass!" - Pentax, facing the mirrorless.

04-17-2018, 07:22 AM - 1 Like	#115
torashi Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Medellín Posts: 1,322	Originally posted by monochrome The top 50 is the Reference Lens for the entire Brand. It demonstrates your company’s ‘take’ on optics design philosophy. Everything else is compared and contrasted with the top 50. By definition your Reference Lens has to come before everything else. The decision to release a *50 first says a lot about Ricoh’s Strategic Plan. I bet Pentax would gather a lot of good attention if they were to release a 50/1.0 like Canon did a few decades ago. Gesendet von meinem Mi A1 mit Tapatalk

04-17-2018, 07:32 AM - 1 Like	#116
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	A 5 minutes attention, maybe. It would be pushing things too far: price (the EF can be had on e-bay for $4000-6000), AF, image quality challenges. The D FA* 50mm f/1.4 is not just a prestige product, it is also practical: people will buy and use it, and post images taken with it. And it obliterates the EF 50mm f/1.0 in image quality.

04-17-2018, 07:51 AM - 1 Like	#117
Mistral75 Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Paris, France Posts: 7,527	Originally posted by torashi I bet Pentax would gather a lot of good attention if they were to release a 50/1.0 like Canon did a few decades ago. Gesendet von meinem Mi A1 mit Tapatalk In addition to *Kunzite*'s comment, I would add that the K bayonet throat is most probably not wide enough to accommodate a 50mm f/1 lens. Sent from my Dell Latitude using Firefox.

04-17-2018, 08:04 AM - 6 Likes	#118
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock Perhaps one of the three Elven rings made by Celebrimor - along with the 35/1.4 and 85/1.4 Sauron works for another company. I believe that Saruman was a Pentaxian in the beginning, but was seduced by Fuji. So sad...

04-17-2018, 08:59 AM - 1 Like	#119
torashi Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Medellín Posts: 1,322	Originally posted by Mistral75 In addition to *Kunzite*'s comment, I would add that the K bayonet throat is most probably not wide enough to accommodate a 50mm f/1 lens. Sent from my Dell Latitude using Firefox. That is true. That rear element with the cutout for the contacts is a unique thing. Canon did for certain take advantage of that wider bayonet mount (a thing I see that's very limiting to Nikon) with that particular lens. Instant collectible. That's what I was rooting for. And yes, that lens is also from the film era. That's why I was toying with the idea of a modern version. Also, the AF system would have to be groundbreaking (including face recognition and particularly eye recognition) and nail perfect focus on eyes each and every time at that shallow of a depth of field . 1.4 will be enough if it's usable from wide open, which I'm sure it will be. I have the FA and it's best at f/4. Otherwise it works good on film, b&w and for cheesy soft portraits. I guess that's a look pixel peepers have nightmares over. Even a 1.2 would've been stretching things too far. Also matching a price tag of 1300 USD, too. I wonder if this new lens will be in the sub 1k or even sub 800 category. Any info on that? Talking about lenses available now, I wonder if anyone has had a chance to play with those hugely expensive (for a triplet design and not very wide aperture, all manual) from the reborn Meyer-Optik Görlitz. Their appeal must be their projection and rendering. Gesendet von meinem Mi A1 mit Tapatalk

04-17-2018, 09:14 AM	#120
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Originally posted by torashi Also matching a price tag of 1300 USD, too. I wonder if this new lens will be in the sub 1k or even sub 800 category. Any info on that? Ha ha, no chance. The Sony/Zeiss Planar 50mm f/1.4 is $1500. And this is no Meyer Optik-Goerlitz, this is no fraud. This is a modern lens worth every penny. (About the MOG... their pricing strategy is best described by P.T.Barnum's "there's a sucker born every minute").