SMC Pentax-FA 645 35mm F3.5 AL [IF]

jonojono · 05-20-2014, 09:07 PM

Dear all.

I am sure many users have experience with this lens on their 645D.

I am thinking of getting one for the 645Z. Any one willing to share their experiences with this lens? Particularly any notable issues or concerns?

I am primarily thinking of using it for landscapes. I am not willing to invest in the 25 F4 yet. 19mm (in 35 mm terms) might be a bit too wide for my liking.

I figure 28mm (in 35mm equals) would be the perfect match between landscape and sometimes street. If you are wondering what my lens set up is (I have the M240 + 21SE F3.4 + 50 lux + 28 cron). The 28 cron I use as a go between the 21 SE and 50 lux when light is decent and it's more for everyday roaming photography as well.

Appreciate the advice and photos.

Regards,
Jono

mazwick · 05-21-2014, 04:42 AM

Hi there,
this lens is a bit tricky to use. If you can get hold of the 35 A (non AF) version, go for it. I own both and the old lens is better, lighter and easier to use. The field curvature of the 35 AF makes it very difficult to use.

Martin

MrPhil · 05-21-2014, 05:51 AM

I second the suggestion for the manual focus 35mm. I have found it is an excellent lens to use for landscapes and for landscapes you don't need auto focus anyway.

If you want some images using the 35mm, look at my web site using this link (to get just my 645D images) and look at the Maree set of three.

http://philcorleyphotography.com/gallery/search?keywords=645D

JPT · 05-21-2014, 06:15 AM

I was looking through a newly-published Japanese magazine (Nippon Camera) today and they had a round-up of the available Pentax 645 lenses. The lenses were rated out of a maximum of 5. The DA25mm, FA35mm and DA55mm got a 5. The FA45mm was considered weaker and got a 3. The reviewer commented on the 35mm's sharpness. There was no comparison with the older version of the 35mm that the previous posters mention. Hope this is helpful.

revdocjim · 05-21-2014, 07:16 AM

I looked at that magazine briefly today but didn't notice the article about Pentax 645 lenses. I guess I'll have to go take another look. I don't buy it every month, but often do if it has interesting articles.

JPT · 05-21-2014, 07:32 AM

It was definitely in one of the magazines that came out yesterday. I quickly flicked through them all today in the book shop, so I probably got mixed up about where I saw it. Actually, I do remember it was mentioned on the cover of whichever magazine it was in.

jonojono · 05-21-2014, 09:18 AM

Originally posted by mazwick

Hi there,
this lens is a bit tricky to use. If you can get hold of the 35 A (non AF) version, go for it. I own both and the old lens is better, lighter and easier to use. The field curvature of the 35 AF makes it very difficult to use.

Martin

Thanks Martin. How bad would you describe the field curvature to be? Most of the time I shoot f8, f11. Does it get eliminated?

---------- Post added 05-22-14 at 12:19 AM ----------

Originally posted by JPT

I was looking through a newly-published Japanese magazine (Nippon Camera) today and they had a round-up of the available Pentax 645 lenses. The lenses were rated out of a maximum of 5. The DA25mm, FA35mm and DA55mm got a 5. The FA45mm was considered weaker and got a 3. The reviewer commented on the 35mm's sharpness. There was no comparison with the older version of the 35mm that the previous posters mention. Hope this is helpful.

Thanks JPT. Will try to get a copy of sorts.

itshimitis · 05-21-2014, 09:32 AM

Originally posted by jonojono

Thanks Martin. How bad would you describe the field curvature to be? Most of the time I shoot f8, f11. Does it get eliminated?

---------- Post added 05-22-14 at 12:19 AM ----------

Thanks JPT. Will try to get a copy of sorts.

Perhaps I'm being unobservant, but I notice nothing to be alarmed at with the FA35. Good sharp lens in my experience. Am waiting for the 645Z also, I already have the D, Just wish I was in Japan at the time of release so I could save some money on it. Ironically am in Korea until 28th so will just miss it and Korean prices aren't as good as Japanese ones. Had it been coming out sooner I would definitely have been tempted to take a flight to and from Tokyo to grab one, especially as Yodabashi will automatically deduce the 5% tax...

jonojono · 05-21-2014, 09:35 AM

Originally posted by itshimitis

Perhaps I'm being unobservant, but I notice nothing to be alarmed at with the FA35. Good sharp lens in my experience. Am waiting for the 645Z also, I already have the D, Just wish I was in Japan at the time of release so I could save some money on it. Ironically am in Korea until 28th so will just miss it and Korean prices aren't as good as Japanese ones. Had it been coming out sooner I would definitely have been tempted to take a flight to and from Tokyo to grab one, especially as Yodabashi will automatically deduce the 5% tax...

Wait so its releasing 28th of this month or June?

itshimitis · 05-21-2014, 09:45 AM

Originally posted by jonojono

Wait so its releasing 28th of this month or June?

June is what I'm hearing for the UK. haven't heard any release date for Japan

revdocjim · 05-21-2014, 05:32 PM

Originally posted by JPT

It was definitely in one of the magazines that came out yesterday. I quickly flicked through them all today in the book shop, so I probably got mixed up about where I saw it. Actually, I do remember it was mentioned on the cover of whichever magazine it was in.

OK, I'll take a closer look. I know one of them featured nudes on the first 10 pages or so, which was making me feel just a tad awkward in the store so I probably skipped thru it a little faster than usual!

---------- Post added 05-22-14 at 09:37 AM ----------

Originally posted by itshimitis

June is what I'm hearing for the UK. haven't heard any release date for Japan

Fujiya Camera is saying late June and taking pre-orders at 777,000 yen. Yodobashi doesn't list a date but their price is 863,450. But you get 10% of that back in points that can be used immediately so the effective price is 777,105. This is pretty typical of these two stores.

itshimitis · 05-21-2014, 06:08 PM

Originally posted by revdocjim

OK, I'll take a closer look. I know one of them featured nudes on the first 10 pages or so, which was making me feel just a tad awkward in the store so I probably skipped thru it a little faster than usual!

---------- Post added 05-22-14 at 09:37 AM ----------

Fujiya Camera is saying late June and taking pre-orders at 777,000 yen. Yodobashi doesn't list a date but their price is 863,450. But you get 10% of that back in points that can be used immediately so the effective price is 777,105. This is pretty typical of these two stores.

Wow. definitely wish I was in Japan at that time - that's £2k below the UK price. I am due in Tokyo in September/October - depends whether I can wait that long!

mazwick · 05-21-2014, 10:14 PM

Originally posted by jonojono

Thanks Martin. How bad would you describe the field curvature to be? Most of the time I shoot f8, f11. Does it get eliminated?

---------- Post added 05-22-14 at 12:19 AM ----------

Thanks JPT. Will try to get a copy of sorts.

Hi there,
first some background information. My FA 35 copy was centered twice by pentax service. It is as good as this lens can be, that is the official statement by pentax germany (not pentax europe/france, they are ignorant).
The Field curvature never gets eliminated, especially if you focus closer than infinity. It is really difficult to use. Since I own the 35A I never used the 35FA again. I will trade it in as soon as I go for my next lens. I keep it for the unlikely case, that I need a wide angle with AF functionality.
The 35A is quite easy to obtain in the USA, very hard in europe. Save your money, buy a used copy of the 35A.
Nearly all user reviews of this lens on this or any other site will tell you the same.

the best (in terms of quality) and by the way the most affordable set up for landscape is: 35A and the FA45-85 zoom. Buy both lenses used and wait for the to be announced wideangle zoom. From 45-60 the zoom (at least my very beaten copy) is as good as the 55 mm Kit lens when you used it from 8 to 16.

Martin

jonojono · 05-22-2014, 03:04 AM

Originally posted by revdocjim

OK, I'll take a closer look. I know one of them featured nudes on the first 10 pages or so, which was making me feel just a tad awkward in the store so I probably skipped thru it a little faster than usual!

---------- Post added 05-22-14 at 09:37 AM ----------

Fujiya Camera is saying late June and taking pre-orders at 777,000 yen. Yodobashi doesn't list a date but their price is 863,450. But you get 10% of that back in points that can be used immediately so the effective price is 777,105. This is pretty typical of these two stores.

revdocjim, i remember you advice Ryan on this before. what are your thoughts on the 35FA versus 35A?

mazwick · 05-22-2014, 06:04 AM

Hi jonojo,
I just checked you existing equipment. No kidding, but you will never be happy with the FA35. If you want, I can send you full res files from a 35a.

05-20-2014, 09:07 PM	#1
jonojono Forum Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 81	SMC Pentax-FA 645 35mm F3.5 AL [IF] Dear all. I am sure many users have experience with this lens on their 645D. I am thinking of getting one for the 645Z. Any one willing to share their experiences with this lens? Particularly any notable issues or concerns? I am primarily thinking of using it for landscapes. I am not willing to invest in the 25 F4 yet. 19mm (in 35 mm terms) might be a bit too wide for my liking. I figure 28mm (in 35mm equals) would be the perfect match between landscape and sometimes street. If you are wondering what my lens set up is (I have the M240 + 21SE F3.4 + 50 lux + 28 cron). The 28 cron I use as a go between the 21 SE and 50 lux when light is decent and it's more for everyday roaming photography as well. Appreciate the advice and photos. Regards, Jono

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05-21-2014, 04:42 AM	#2
mazwick Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 30	Hi there, this lens is a bit tricky to use. If you can get hold of the 35 A (non AF) version, go for it. I own both and the old lens is better, lighter and easier to use. The field curvature of the 35 AF makes it very difficult to use. Martin

05-21-2014, 05:51 AM	#3
MrPhil Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 62	I second the suggestion for the manual focus 35mm. I have found it is an excellent lens to use for landscapes and for landscapes you don't need auto focus anyway. If you want some images using the 35mm, look at my web site using this link (to get just my 645D images) and look at the Maree set of three. http://philcorleyphotography.com/gallery/search?keywords=645D

05-21-2014, 06:15 AM	#4
JPT Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Tokyo Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,821	I was looking through a newly-published Japanese magazine (Nippon Camera) today and they had a round-up of the available Pentax 645 lenses. The lenses were rated out of a maximum of 5. The DA25mm, FA35mm and DA55mm got a 5. The FA45mm was considered weaker and got a 3. The reviewer commented on the 35mm's sharpness. There was no comparison with the older version of the 35mm that the previous posters mention. Hope this is helpful.

05-21-2014, 07:16 AM	#5
revdocjim Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Mt. Akagi, Gunma Prefecture Posts: 374	I looked at that magazine briefly today but didn't notice the article about Pentax 645 lenses. I guess I'll have to go take another look. I don't buy it every month, but often do if it has interesting articles.

05-21-2014, 07:32 AM	#6
JPT Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Tokyo Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,821	It was definitely in one of the magazines that came out yesterday. I quickly flicked through them all today in the book shop, so I probably got mixed up about where I saw it. Actually, I do remember it was mentioned on the cover of whichever magazine it was in.

05-21-2014, 09:18 AM	#7
jonojono Forum Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 81 Original Poster	Originally posted by mazwick Hi there, this lens is a bit tricky to use. If you can get hold of the 35 A (non AF) version, go for it. I own both and the old lens is better, lighter and easier to use. The field curvature of the 35 AF makes it very difficult to use. Martin Thanks Martin. How bad would you describe the field curvature to be? Most of the time I shoot f8, f11. Does it get eliminated? ---------- Post added 05-22-14 at 12:19 AM ---------- Originally posted by JPT I was looking through a newly-published Japanese magazine (Nippon Camera) today and they had a round-up of the available Pentax 645 lenses. The lenses were rated out of a maximum of 5. The DA25mm, FA35mm and DA55mm got a 5. The FA45mm was considered weaker and got a 3. The reviewer commented on the 35mm's sharpness. There was no comparison with the older version of the 35mm that the previous posters mention. Hope this is helpful. Thanks JPT. Will try to get a copy of sorts.

05-21-2014, 09:32 AM	#8
itshimitis Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: All over the place Posts: 3,535	Originally posted by jonojono Thanks Martin. How bad would you describe the field curvature to be? Most of the time I shoot f8, f11. Does it get eliminated? ---------- Post added 05-22-14 at 12:19 AM ---------- Thanks JPT. Will try to get a copy of sorts. Perhaps I'm being unobservant, but I notice nothing to be alarmed at with the FA35. Good sharp lens in my experience. Am waiting for the 645Z also, I already have the D, Just wish I was in Japan at the time of release so I could save some money on it. Ironically am in Korea until 28th so will just miss it and Korean prices aren't as good as Japanese ones. Had it been coming out sooner I would definitely have been tempted to take a flight to and from Tokyo to grab one, especially as Yodabashi will automatically deduce the 5% tax...

05-21-2014, 09:35 AM	#9
jonojono Forum Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 81 Original Poster	Originally posted by itshimitis Perhaps I'm being unobservant, but I notice nothing to be alarmed at with the FA35. Good sharp lens in my experience. Am waiting for the 645Z also, I already have the D, Just wish I was in Japan at the time of release so I could save some money on it. Ironically am in Korea until 28th so will just miss it and Korean prices aren't as good as Japanese ones. Had it been coming out sooner I would definitely have been tempted to take a flight to and from Tokyo to grab one, especially as Yodabashi will automatically deduce the 5% tax... Wait so its releasing 28th of this month or June?

05-21-2014, 09:45 AM	#10
itshimitis Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: All over the place Posts: 3,535	Originally posted by jonojono Wait so its releasing 28th of this month or June? June is what I'm hearing for the UK. haven't heard any release date for Japan

05-21-2014, 05:32 PM	#11
revdocjim Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Mt. Akagi, Gunma Prefecture Posts: 374	Originally posted by JPT It was definitely in one of the magazines that came out yesterday. I quickly flicked through them all today in the book shop, so I probably got mixed up about where I saw it. Actually, I do remember it was mentioned on the cover of whichever magazine it was in. OK, I'll take a closer look. I know one of them featured nudes on the first 10 pages or so, which was making me feel just a tad awkward in the store so I probably skipped thru it a little faster than usual! ---------- Post added 05-22-14 at 09:37 AM ---------- Originally posted by itshimitis June is what I'm hearing for the UK. haven't heard any release date for Japan Fujiya Camera is saying late June and taking pre-orders at 777,000 yen. Yodobashi doesn't list a date but their price is 863,450. But you get 10% of that back in points that can be used immediately so the effective price is 777,105. This is pretty typical of these two stores.

05-21-2014, 06:08 PM	#12
itshimitis Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: All over the place Posts: 3,535	Originally posted by revdocjim OK, I'll take a closer look. I know one of them featured nudes on the first 10 pages or so, which was making me feel just a tad awkward in the store so I probably skipped thru it a little faster than usual! ---------- Post added 05-22-14 at 09:37 AM ---------- Fujiya Camera is saying late June and taking pre-orders at 777,000 yen. Yodobashi doesn't list a date but their price is 863,450. But you get 10% of that back in points that can be used immediately so the effective price is 777,105. This is pretty typical of these two stores. Wow. definitely wish I was in Japan at that time - that's £2k below the UK price. I am due in Tokyo in September/October - depends whether I can wait that long!

05-21-2014, 10:14 PM	#13
mazwick Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 30	Originally posted by jonojono Thanks Martin. How bad would you describe the field curvature to be? Most of the time I shoot f8, f11. Does it get eliminated? ---------- Post added 05-22-14 at 12:19 AM ---------- Thanks JPT. Will try to get a copy of sorts. Hi there, first some background information. My FA 35 copy was centered twice by pentax service. It is as good as this lens can be, that is the official statement by pentax germany (not pentax europe/france, they are ignorant). The Field curvature never gets eliminated, especially if you focus closer than infinity. It is really difficult to use. Since I own the 35A I never used the 35FA again. I will trade it in as soon as I go for my next lens. I keep it for the unlikely case, that I need a wide angle with AF functionality. The 35A is quite easy to obtain in the USA, very hard in europe. Save your money, buy a used copy of the 35A. Nearly all user reviews of this lens on this or any other site will tell you the same. the best (in terms of quality) and by the way the most affordable set up for landscape is: 35A and the FA45-85 zoom. Buy both lenses used and wait for the to be announced wideangle zoom. From 45-60 the zoom (at least my very beaten copy) is as good as the 55 mm Kit lens when you used it from 8 to 16. Martin

05-22-2014, 03:04 AM	#14
jonojono Forum Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 81 Original Poster	Originally posted by revdocjim OK, I'll take a closer look. I know one of them featured nudes on the first 10 pages or so, which was making me feel just a tad awkward in the store so I probably skipped thru it a little faster than usual! ---------- Post added 05-22-14 at 09:37 AM ---------- Fujiya Camera is saying late June and taking pre-orders at 777,000 yen. Yodobashi doesn't list a date but their price is 863,450. But you get 10% of that back in points that can be used immediately so the effective price is 777,105. This is pretty typical of these two stores. revdocjim, i remember you advice Ryan on this before. what are your thoughts on the 35FA versus 35A?

05-22-2014, 06:04 AM	#15
mazwick Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 30	Hi jonojo, I just checked you existing equipment. No kidding, but you will never be happy with the FA35. If you want, I can send you full res files from a 35a.