645 75mm FA or A?

**ASA32** · 04-20-2013, 08:52 AM

I've just purchased a 645NII that I've been using with a couple of 67 lenses and adapter. But I'd like to get a 645 75mm lens, and am wondering about the relative merits of the A and FA versions. I'm pretty happy with the focus confirmation feature with the 67 lenses, but I would like to imprint data and use spot- or matrix-metering from time to time. Other than autofocus (and price and availability), are there any key differences in these two versions? Thanks!

**blackcloudbrew** · 04-20-2013, 09:05 AM

Well the obvious difference between the A and the FA is auto focus for the FA. These two lenses rate essentially the same. I have them both and while the A feels a bit better from the build quality aspect (there is just less metal in the FA than the A), they appear to me to perform the same, oh and that's really really good. As you have an NII, I can't imagine why you wouldn't go with the FA75.

drougge · 04-21-2013, 01:54 AM

I also have both. I'd choose the A version, because I like manual focus, and there it is (significantly) superior. Optical performance is the same (sample variation probably plays a bigger part). If you think getting the focal length imprinted is useful only the FA does that, but both imprint aperture.

Smolk · 04-21-2013, 06:16 AM

I had the A, FA and LS version; now only the FA. Optically, I detected no difference between any of them. I did like the fact that focal length was imprinted on the film, but ultimately the choice was down to: would I on occasion want autofocus or not. I decided I would.

04-20-2013, 08:52 AM	#1
ASA32 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Southeastern Connecticut Posts: 39	645 75mm FA or A? I've just purchased a 645NII that I've been using with a couple of 67 lenses and adapter. But I'd like to get a 645 75mm lens, and am wondering about the relative merits of the A and FA versions. I'm pretty happy with the focus confirmation feature with the 67 lenses, but I would like to imprint data and use spot- or matrix-metering from time to time. Other than autofocus (and price and availability), are there any key differences in these two versions? Thanks!

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04-20-2013, 09:05 AM	#2
blackcloudbrew Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cotati, California USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,460	Well the obvious difference between the A and the FA is auto focus for the FA. These two lenses rate essentially the same. I have them both and while the A feels a bit better from the build quality aspect (there is just less metal in the FA than the A), they appear to me to perform the same, oh and that's really really good. As you have an NII, I can't imagine why you wouldn't go with the FA75.

04-21-2013, 01:54 AM	#3
drougge Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Malmö Photos: Gallery Posts: 787	I also have both. I'd choose the A version, because I like manual focus, and there it is (significantly) superior. Optical performance is the same (sample variation probably plays a bigger part). If you think getting the focal length imprinted is useful only the FA does that, but both imprint aperture.

04-21-2013, 06:16 AM	#4
Smolk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Eerbeek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857	I had the A, FA and LS version; now only the FA. Optically, I detected no difference between any of them. I did like the fact that focal length was imprinted on the film, but ultimately the choice was down to: would I on occasion want autofocus or not. I decided I would.

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