[cxdoo]

In the M class I prefer the M50/1.4 but the 50/1.7 is sharper border to border. I'm just not that big a fan of sharpness as the critical factor in a photograph. Back in the day a K55/1.8 or M50/1.7 was for flat work on a copystand or copipod.

They weren't designed to be artistic portrait or landscape lenses. They were designed to be commercial lenses.

Times change.

I share your impression of M50/1.7 and yet find it best suited for certain scenes (or my moods). Sometimes I just prefer that matter-of-fact-ly detached look.
In a way, a lens is like a brush. No point in asking which is better unless their output is very similar.

[LensBeginner]

If there's an iconic Pentax lens, a lens that screams "Pentax" with all its design ( ;-) ), then it's the M 50mm f/1.7.
Just sayin'...

[Kozlok]

Vote for the DA35 ltd. A true gem.

[strangeboy]

Luv me some 50mm f/1.7...

[algojo76]

Flowers in my life, make me every happy...guess what the lens I used it?