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02-03-2011, 02:11 PM   #1
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FA 35mm F3.5 test with 645d

There is a lot of discussion on this lens. I would like to propose a little test on my copy.
The first series of images (the most boring part) shows perforformance at center and corners on resolution targets. Pse note that chart distance is calibrated for 24x36mm format, so the readings must be divided by 1,27 to obtain absolute line pairs x mm on the 645d 44x33mm format.
Presence of aliasing (moirč) indicate that resolution limit of the sensor has been reached, with stronger aliasing as an indication of stronger contrast of finest details.

CENTER at F3,5



CORNER F3,5



The lens outresolves the sensor, albeit with less energy in the corner.

CENTER at F8




CORNER at F8



very good resolution, with strong contrast center and corner. Resolution maximum between F8 and F11

CENTER at F16



CORNER at F16



At F16 diffraction is prevailing, and resolution is reduced at the level of a 16MP camera.

From a resolution point of view, the FA 35 3,5 is outstanding from full open to F11, with a performance that can be hardly surpassed. In critical shots for moirč, it can be practically eliminated at F13.

INTERIOR EXAMPLE AT F13




A full size jpg of this image can be downloaded from the "view all sizes" page on the Flikr link above.

EXTERIOR EXAMPLE AT F11 ( the usual brick wall)



A full size is also available on Flickr

I apologize for the long post, and hope of not having abused of your patience.

Sergio

02-03-2011, 03:28 PM   #2
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Amazing write-up, thanks for the info, consistent with my own experience with this lens. It's one of the most powerful lenses in the line-up. Can't wait to see how the new 25mm will perform.

Last edited by harklee; 02-03-2011 at 06:03 PM.
02-03-2011, 04:12 PM   #3
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Looks pretty good to me! Thanks for taking the time to write this up Sergio. I will keep looking for a 35mm A or FA lens.

Gary
02-04-2011, 01:57 AM   #4
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My thanks also, Sergio, very useful. A main concern is how useful are existing lenses on the 645D, and which may not be particularly useful. I have the FA 35, so this is encouraging!

02-04-2011, 07:02 AM   #5
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Original Poster
Thanks for kind comments.
This lens is really extraordinary.
A last one with a tridimensional situation at F11, with full size jpg compressed at level 10
in PS for upload limit in Flickr. Enlargement at 500% shows total definition in every point of the image.
Full size jpg also available on Flickr.
I apologize for the boring subject, just a view from my window.
Sergio.



Last edited by sergiolov; 02-04-2011 at 11:02 AM. Reason: wrong photo posted
02-04-2011, 05:59 PM   #6
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Sergio,
You for sure have a good copy of the 645 35mm FA lens,
I wish I could buy a new one with a warranty and return policy in case its a bad copy.
Steven
02-05-2011, 03:17 PM   #7
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Someone just paid 2000 US$ for a 645 35mm FA on bay with no return policy.
I think he / or she was crazy

Steven

02-05-2011, 03:26 PM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by kuau Quote
Someone just paid 2000 US$ for a 645 35mm FA on bay with no return policy.
I think he / or she was crazy
$2,025, plus shipping, to be exact, after a 40 bid dog-fight. Not me. I can be crazy, but not this crazy. A while ago a new one was marked as available on tristate site for $800.

It is a pity that Lloyd could not get hold a copy of this lens from anywhere, and had to conclude his 645D coverage this way. He had the long end (400, 300, and 200mm) well covered, but was just unable to do the wide end.

Last edited by leping; 02-05-2011 at 03:33 PM.
02-05-2011, 05:47 PM   #9
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Hmmm .. that makes the JPY 151,000 - 20% in discount points in Japan for new (old stock) look reasonable given it comes with a warranty

QuoteOriginally posted by kuau Quote
Someone just paid 2000 US$ for a 645 35mm FA on bay
02-05-2011, 08:33 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by kuau Quote
Someone just paid 2000 US$ for a 645 35mm FA on bay with no return policy.
I think he / or she was crazy

Steven
I noticed this too, and there's a second on the way in a similar price range, albeit in Europe.
02-06-2011, 10:17 AM   #11
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Volt man, do you live in Tokyo ?
Steven
02-06-2011, 02:39 PM   #12
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Steven - Yes I do, about 8km south of the main Pentax office and repair center - which I'll be going to this week as some laggard at KEH decided to pack a 67 auto bellows with a single layer of bubblewrap and *both* standards were broken in transit (the nylon bushings). Hopefully they'll have the parts to fix it! --Brett

QuoteOriginally posted by kuau Quote
Volt man, do you live in Tokyo ?
Steven
02-06-2011, 03:53 PM   #13
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Has anyone tried to purchase the elusive 35/3.5 FA from Tin Cheung Camera in Hong Kong? They currently list them on their website for just over $1000. They also list a number of other FA 645 lenses. It might be worth checking out, as the price for some 645 lenses has reached absurdity.

For the record, I have no connection to Tin Cheung, but did buy a new 67 M* 300/4 ED IF from them a couple of years ago, and was very happy with the transaction.
02-06-2011, 04:42 PM   #14
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Surfotog
I just placed an order.
See what happens I guess. They offer a 14 return policy

Steven
02-06-2011, 05:48 PM   #15
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Hi Sergio,

Thanks so much for your presentation of evidence regarding this lens. And no, your post is not too long. It is really great how your photos so vividly show the effect of no anti-aliasing filter. It is not often that we get such a persuasive post - there has been too much impulsive impuning of Pentax lenses lately based on unscientific comparison of a few quick photos or reference to the opinions of others.

True, your evidence can be easily dismissed by alluding to product variation. It is odd though, I have owned nearly 20 Pentax 67 and 645 lenses over many years, including the FA 35/3.5, and not one exhibited the negative characteristics so often referred since the availability of the 645D. And many were bought used. But of course, what do I know, I just use film!

If only the naysayers could present real evidence as you have to implicate all of these poorly designed lenses manufactured without any QA to speak of, then it would be finally confirmed that I have been shooting with junk lenses for all of these years, and I could rest easily knowing that the short comings apparent in my photos could be attributed to faulty equipment!

Best, Alan

Last edited by ARCASIA; 02-06-2011 at 05:54 PM.
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