F series AF lenses

**hjoseph7** · 09-19-2021, 06:32 AM

Not much is said about the F series AF lenses, but they seem to get very good "Forum" ratings. Has anybody tried any of these lenses with the K1 FF ?

**UncleVanya** · 09-19-2021, 07:16 AM

Check the reviews, The cameras used is often stated in the reviews. Yes some users use them on their k1’s. The F* 300 is a favorite of some users for example.

**southlander** · 09-19-2021, 07:16 AM

I’ve used the F 50mm F1.7 on a K-1. Sharp lens. Screw drive AF is very fast but makes a fair clunk if it hits the focussing limits. Overall, a good performer. Focussing ring is very thin but with care can get precise manual focus.

aaacb · 09-19-2021, 07:45 AM

Also check out the lens clubs, such as this thread The F Club! - PentaxForums.com
I primarily use my F lenses on the SF1n (they go nicely together...), but also on the K1. Primes hold up well, zooms maybe are a little soft unless stopped down but color is rather nice.

alpheios · 09-19-2021, 07:59 AM - **1 Like**

I also have the 50mm 1.7 and use it on my K1 with joy. It’s a great performer on the K1 and so are the other lenses from this series. Here’s a little video from one of the very few youtubers that uses Pentax gear about the F series.

Youtu.be

**termy** · 09-19-2021, 08:32 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by hjoseph7

Not much is said about the F series AF lenses, but they seem to get very good "Forum" ratings. Has anybody tried any of these lenses with the K1 FF ?

Have utilised F-50/1.4 and F*300 on K-1.

Love the results.

The F series lenses are quite something.

The ones that have beautiful looks, are absolutely beautiful (such as F*300 and F*600).

The ones that are ugly, are really fugly.

BUT. The odd thing is.
Even the ones regarded as fugly, i actually like their looks and think they look nice.

vector · 09-19-2021, 10:25 AM - **1 Like**

I have and regularly use the F 28mm f2.8 and the F 50mm f1.7. I like the look and they work great on my K1. The 28 is the sharpest corner to corner 28mm I have. I like the look of the F lenses but I find a lot of modern designs pretty boring and lacking character or personality. For example I feel like no one has produced a less attractive looking set of lenses than the new Nikon Z stuff... This is where the Pentax Limiteds really standout as beautifully crafted gems. The F line is distinctive. I had a sony shooter watching me at Banff this summer with my F 28mm on the K1 and he eventually had to come and ask me what lens that was as he had never seen anything like it.

builttospill · 09-19-2021, 10:57 AM - **1 Like**

I have a few F and F* lenses. I prefer the FA* lenses to the F*, but prefer F over FA lenses.

Here's another thread you should take a look at: F* & FA* club! - PentaxForums.com

AfterPentax Mark II · 09-19-2021, 12:59 PM

Originally posted by alpheios

I also have the 50mm 1.7 and use it on my K1 with joy. It’s a great performer on the K1 and so are the other lenses from this series. Here’s a little video from one of the very few youtubers that uses Pentax gear about the F series.
https://youtu.be/6IcKUeQOyIQ

I own four of them and I especially like the looks and even more the results of the 50mm F1.4 and the 28mm F2.8. Two fabulous lenses. The F 70-210 is also something special, ugly and heavy which makes it attractive.

**hjoseph7** · 09-19-2021, 01:38 PM

Originally posted by alpheios

I also have the 50mm 1.7 and use it on my K1 with joy. It’s a great performer on the K1 and so are the other lenses from this series. Here’s a little video from one of the very few youtubers that uses Pentax gear about the F series.
https://youtu.be/6IcKUeQOyIQ

Thanks for the Video !

**pukipuki** · 09-20-2021, 02:49 AM

Originally posted by vector

I have and regularly use the F 28mm f2.8 and the F 50mm f1.7. I like the look and they work great on my K1. The 28 is the sharpest corner to corner 28mm I have. I like the look of the F lenses but I find a lot of modern designs pretty boring and lacking character or personality. For example I feel like no one has produced a less attractive looking set of lenses than the new Nikon Z stuff... This is where the Pentax Limiteds really standout as beautifully crafted gems. The F line is distinctive. I had a sony shooter watching me at Banff this summer with my F 28mm on the K1 and he eventually had to come and ask me what lens that was as he had never seen anything like it.

+1 on F28mm 2.8 and F50mm 1.7. Its exactly my street go to combo for K1.

And +1 for the looks, it might have been perceived ugly back in the days, but now its nostalgic 90s boombox design is nice. Now slowly collecting them all

What is ugly and no time can fix it - FA series (not limiteds) Black chunks of cheap plastic, no design effectively.

garywakeling · 09-20-2021, 05:01 AM

F 28 and SMC F 70-210 work well on the K1, however the F*300 4.5 is amazing

bdery · 09-20-2021, 05:25 AM

Originally posted by hjoseph7

Not much is said about the F series AF lenses

I'm not sure I agree with that assertion. In fact I'm sure I disagree. The F35-70, F50 F1.7, F28, F50 macro, F1.7x TC, among others, are frequently discussed.

**jopenmx** · 09-20-2021, 12:06 PM - **1 Like**

I have and used in my K-1 : F 50 f/1,4 and F 50 f/1,7 , both with wonderful results , after setting the fine AF adjusting for each one . Of course , the AF is very noisy with F series lenses . But anyway , I rather prefer F 50 1,4 versus FA 50 f/1,4 . Then , have got very cheap the zoom F 70-210 f/4-5,6 . but not liked too much , specially from 135 ahead. However, the colour and sharpness from 70 to 135 are quite good .
Recently , only one and a half month ago, I was lucky and have acquired a wonderful second hand F* 300 f/4,5 , and think it is really other world. ¡ What a masterpiece of optics and design ¡ Works very well with K-1 and K-3.

**jatrax** · 09-21-2021, 08:21 AM

I have a good assortment of F lenses, some might call it a collection. Some are not used much but I do use on a regular basis (on the K-1) the F 28 f/2.8, F 50 f/1.4, F 135 f/2.8, F 17-28 FE, F 24-50 f/4. I also used the F 35-70 extensively until I bought the DFA 28-105 and the F 70-210 until I bought the DFA 70-210.

The primes are excellent in my opinion, though matched in most cases by the modern DFA zooms like the 24-70. The exception is the F 135 f/2.8 which has no peer in my kit, it is truly amazing. The 17-28 gives rich colors and a unique perspective. The 24-50 is permanently mounted to my full spectrum converted K-01 and works well there.

Bottom line I am a big fan of the F series. The modern lenses are clearly superior in coatings, weather sealing and quiet AF but the character of the images from the F series has a clear and distinct style. The series does have some dogs, but the good lenses in this series continue to have a place in my bag despite a full kit of DFA lenses.

09-19-2021, 06:32 AM	#1
hjoseph7 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,047	F series AF lenses Not much is said about the F series AF lenses, but they seem to get very good "Forum" ratings. Has anybody tried any of these lenses with the K1 FF ?

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09-19-2021, 07:16 AM	#2
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	Check the reviews, The cameras used is often stated in the reviews. Yes some users use them on their k1’s. The F* 300 is a favorite of some users for example.

09-19-2021, 07:16 AM	#3
southlander Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Adelaide Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,364	I’ve used the F 50mm F1.7 on a K-1. Sharp lens. Screw drive AF is very fast but makes a fair clunk if it hits the focussing limits. Overall, a good performer. Focussing ring is very thin but with care can get precise manual focus.

09-19-2021, 07:45 AM	#4
aaacb Pentaxian Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,725	Also check out the lens clubs, such as this thread The F Club! - PentaxForums.com I primarily use my F lenses on the SF1n (they go nicely together...), but also on the K1. Primes hold up well, zooms maybe are a little soft unless stopped down but color is rather nice.

09-19-2021, 08:32 AM - 1 Like	#6
termy Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2019 Posts: 1,154	Originally posted by hjoseph7 Not much is said about the F series AF lenses, but they seem to get very good "Forum" ratings. Has anybody tried any of these lenses with the K1 FF ? Have utilised F-50/1.4 and F300 on K-1. Love the results. The F series lenses are quite something. The ones that have beautiful looks, are absolutely beautiful (such as F300 and F*600). The ones that are ugly, are really fugly. BUT. The odd thing is. Even the ones regarded as fugly, i actually like their looks and think they look nice.

09-19-2021, 10:25 AM - 1 Like	#7
vector Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alberta Posts: 713	I have and regularly use the F 28mm f2.8 and the F 50mm f1.7. I like the look and they work great on my K1. The 28 is the sharpest corner to corner 28mm I have. I like the look of the F lenses but I find a lot of modern designs pretty boring and lacking character or personality. For example I feel like no one has produced a less attractive looking set of lenses than the new Nikon Z stuff... This is where the Pentax Limiteds really standout as beautifully crafted gems. The F line is distinctive. I had a sony shooter watching me at Banff this summer with my F 28mm on the K1 and he eventually had to come and ask me what lens that was as he had never seen anything like it.

09-19-2021, 10:57 AM - 1 Like	#8
builttospill Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Utah, Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,398	I have a few F and F* lenses. I prefer the FA* lenses to the F, but prefer F over FA lenses. Here's another thread you should take a look at: F & FA* club! - PentaxForums.com

09-19-2021, 12:59 PM	#9
AfterPentax Mark II Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 1,462	Originally posted by alpheios I also have the 50mm 1.7 and use it on my K1 with joy. It’s a great performer on the K1 and so are the other lenses from this series. Here’s a little video from one of the very few youtubers that uses Pentax gear about the F series. https://youtu.be/6IcKUeQOyIQ I own four of them and I especially like the looks and even more the results of the 50mm F1.4 and the 28mm F2.8. Two fabulous lenses. The F 70-210 is also something special, ugly and heavy which makes it attractive.

09-19-2021, 01:38 PM	#10
hjoseph7 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,047 Original Poster	Originally posted by alpheios I also have the 50mm 1.7 and use it on my K1 with joy. It’s a great performer on the K1 and so are the other lenses from this series. Here’s a little video from one of the very few youtubers that uses Pentax gear about the F series. https://youtu.be/6IcKUeQOyIQ Thanks for the Video !

09-20-2021, 02:49 AM	#11
pukipuki Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: WA Photos: Gallery Posts: 235	Originally posted by vector I have and regularly use the F 28mm f2.8 and the F 50mm f1.7. I like the look and they work great on my K1. The 28 is the sharpest corner to corner 28mm I have. I like the look of the F lenses but I find a lot of modern designs pretty boring and lacking character or personality. For example I feel like no one has produced a less attractive looking set of lenses than the new Nikon Z stuff... This is where the Pentax Limiteds really standout as beautifully crafted gems. The F line is distinctive. I had a sony shooter watching me at Banff this summer with my F 28mm on the K1 and he eventually had to come and ask me what lens that was as he had never seen anything like it. +1 on F28mm 2.8 and F50mm 1.7. Its exactly my street go to combo for K1. And +1 for the looks, it might have been perceived ugly back in the days, but now its nostalgic 90s boombox design is nice. Now slowly collecting them all What is ugly and no time can fix it - FA series (not limiteds) Black chunks of cheap plastic, no design effectively.

09-20-2021, 05:01 AM	#12
garywakeling Moderator Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,759	F 28 and SMC F 70-210 work well on the K1, however the F*300 4.5 is amazing

09-20-2021, 05:25 AM	#13
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Originally posted by hjoseph7 Not much is said about the F series AF lenses I'm not sure I agree with that assertion. In fact I'm sure I disagree. The F35-70, F50 F1.7, F28, F50 macro, F1.7x TC, among others, are frequently discussed.

09-20-2021, 12:06 PM - 1 Like	#14
jopenmx Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: vigo Photos: Gallery Posts: 137	I have and used in my K-1 : F 50 f/1,4 and F 50 f/1,7 , both with wonderful results , after setting the fine AF adjusting for each one . Of course , the AF is very noisy with F series lenses . But anyway , I rather prefer F 50 1,4 versus FA 50 f/1,4 . Then , have got very cheap the zoom F 70-210 f/4-5,6 . but not liked too much , specially from 135 ahead. However, the colour and sharpness from 70 to 135 are quite good . Recently , only one and a half month ago, I was lucky and have acquired a wonderful second hand F* 300 f/4,5 , and think it is really other world. ¡ What a masterpiece of optics and design ¡ Works very well with K-1 and K-3.

09-21-2021, 08:21 AM	#15
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	I have a good assortment of F lenses, some might call it a collection. Some are not used much but I do use on a regular basis (on the K-1) the F 28 f/2.8, F 50 f/1.4, F 135 f/2.8, F 17-28 FE, F 24-50 f/4. I also used the F 35-70 extensively until I bought the DFA 28-105 and the F 70-210 until I bought the DFA 70-210. The primes are excellent in my opinion, though matched in most cases by the modern DFA zooms like the 24-70. The exception is the F 135 f/2.8 which has no peer in my kit, it is truly amazing. The 17-28 gives rich colors and a unique perspective. The 24-50 is permanently mounted to my full spectrum converted K-01 and works well there. Bottom line I am a big fan of the F series. The modern lenses are clearly superior in coatings, weather sealing and quiet AF but the character of the images from the F series has a clear and distinct style. The series does have some dogs, but the good lenses in this series continue to have a place in my bag despite a full kit of DFA lenses.