[k100d]

k-mount page has the answers

the FA Limiteds are all relatively new and are after most of the FA lenses
the FA43 is a 1997, FA77 is 1999 (although similar to the 1984 A*85) FA31 is 2001

i must correct myself on the 35 f2 remark, it has changed over the years but the 50 1.4 design has not

[jsherman999]

since were on the subject

anyone know if the FA limiteds designs pre-date the regular FA/FA* lineup?

I think the FA limiteds are pretty recent - something like 1997 - 1998.

EDIT: misread, asking about design, not release, never mind.

[rparmar]

Do any of the older cheap manual lenses get close to the F/1.8 or F/2 aperture offered by the FAs?

There are of course 50mm and 55mm lenses at f/1.4 and f/1.8. As for wider angle I will soon be testing four Vivitar 28mm lenses as FA31 killers. Among these is a f/1.9, an f/2 and two f/2.8 lenses.

Read more about it in the thread Vivitar 28mm As FA31 Replacement?

[UliBär]

You need a cheaper replacement for the Fa 31/1,8?
Consider the old SMC Pentax 30mm 1:2.8!
This lens is really stunning! See my introduction thread: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/33812-just-introduce-myself.html
Especially the 2nd page. I also have the FA 31, but if i'm in manual mood, i prefer the good old 30!

[beaumont]

One more reason not to get a 31...it aint good with spelling...