Originally posted by c.a.m I don't own an FA 35/2, but my impression is that it's a fine lens, based on many comments I've read here on Pentax Forums and the reviews in the review section. Indeed, if Ricoh were to scour PF for signs of interest, they would almost certainly conclude that this FA model is well regarded and probably worthy of a modest tweak.
As for the presumed screw-drive, many folks seem to be happy enough with the existing screw-driven lenses in the FA- and DA Limited series. No, they're not as quiet as the SDM, DC and PLM lenses, but I wouldn't say the screw-and-gear noise is outrageous. Of the lenses in my kit, the only one that annoys me occasionally is the 35mm Limited, when it racks from MFD -- but that's a unusually long focus throw.
- Craig
FA35/2 was the first AF lens I bought for my K10D, way back in 2006. At the time many called it the poor man’s FA31 because it is small, sharp, fast-focusing, the colors really pop (especially blues) and flare and CA aren’t bad. It really isn’t that noisy. This should be a very nice lens if people give it a chance (my bet is they won’t).
I sold mine a couple years ago when I bought a second-hand FA31. Despite the 31 rendering, I miss the FA35/2.