[GarethC7]

I continue to wait less than patiently for my new 645Z from the dealer. In the meanwhile I've "saved" $5200 on the 28-45 by buying the 45-85 and 35. I've also bought a few other manual focus lenses but as they are pretty much giving them away on ebay it would be wrong not to I generally shoot everything manual focus, even birds in flight so AF is not a big need for me.

My question is this, I may want/need an auto focus lens in the normal to wide range for family snaps. Right now the only viable options seem to be the 55 FA and 75 FA. I used the 55 on a demo and liked the FOV, the 75 is more normal as it were. I'm also conscious of the fact that I've not shot MF before so the frame proportions add another variable.

I've read the reviews of both so it seems to be a wash on quality and I recognize that it is totally subjective but I'd welcome further insights on the two, how they compare, how you compare them to your zooms in that range etc.

Many thanks.

[Lacunapratum]

I continue to wait less than patiently for my new 645Z from the dealer. In the meanwhile I've "saved" $5200 on the 28-45 by buying the 45-85 and 35. I've also bought a few other manual focus lenses but as they are pretty much giving them away on ebay it would be wrong not to I generally shoot everything manual focus, even birds in flight so AF is not a big need for me.

My question is this, I may want/need an auto focus lens in the normal to wide range for family snaps. Right now the only viable options seem to be the 55 FA and 75 FA. I used the 55 on a demo and liked the FOV, the 75 is more normal as it were. I'm also conscious of the fact that I've not shot MF before so the frame proportions add another variable.

I've read the reviews of both so it seems to be a wash on quality and I recognize that it is totally subjective but I'd welcome further insights on the two, how they compare, how you compare them to your zooms in that range etc.

Many thanks.

The 55 DFA is a much better lens than the 75 FA. If you need 75, get the 67 AL with an adapter.

[bull drinkwater]

while 55mm is normal for the 645z, I shot with the 75mm fa and 45mm a for two years and never felt I was missing anything. the 75mm fa is rated the same as the dfa 75mm and cost way less. unless you are able to see the differemnce ,I wouldn't worry.

[GarethC7]

I haven't tried the 75 but the bokeh and dof on the 55 were lovely but as you noted, it's alot more expensive. I have a feeling my wfie may ask questions on incoming packages at some point as I end up with both

[itshimitis]

The 75 is sharp and extremely light. No SR of course, but I have successful handheld with this lens at 1/15. I'm in Tokyo at the moment and the camera stores are like a candy store for a child. I am eyeing up a 150 f/2.8 and trying unsuccessfully to talk myself out of it. I was relieved to see they didn't have the 28 - 45 in stock, but have a 10% off promotion at BiC camera in Hibiya and could have bought the Z for £2200 less than I paid for mine!

[donesteban]

The 75mm is sharp once you stop down to f/5.6. Also in the Corners. The Problem: The 45-85mm you already have is as well.
The FA 55mm is not that great. Better get the 55 SDM. Yes, the SDM even Needs a bit more stopping down before sharp in the Corners, but in the middle it is sharp at f/2.8, the FA isn't. Or, if you don't Need AF, get the latest Version of the 67 55/4 plus tha Adapter. It is the best 55mm in the pentax medium Format System.

[revdocjim]

The 75mm is sharp once you stop down to f/5.6. Also in the Corners. The Problem: The 45-85mm you already have is as well.
The FA 55mm is not that great. Better get the 55 SDM. Yes, the SDM even Needs a bit more stopping down before sharp in the Corners, but in the middle it is sharp at f/2.8, the FA isn't. Or, if you don't Need AF, get the latest Version of the 67 55/4 plus tha Adapter. It is the best 55mm in the pentax medium Format System.

I agree regarding the 67 55/4. Just beware that there are at least three or four different 55mm lenses made for the 6x7 system. Make sure you get this one!

[GarethC7]

Trouble is I need/want auto focus.

[mikeSF]

between those two, i highly recommend the D FA55. Most points already mentioned, but if you want 18-pt light stars, the 55 has 9 aperture blades.

sample image:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeoria/11528465594/

[GarethC7]

so if I buy that one Mike I'll get photos like that?

I hope you're on commission, I'm sold.

[mikeSF]

so if I buy that one Mike I'll get photos like that?

I hope you're on commission, I'm sold.

ha funny! You come to SF and i'll bring you to the spot so you can take the shot yourself, how's that?

[jonmarsh]

The last 67 55mm is a great lens- you won't regret it. There might be times the 645 D FA 55mm is useful, (I have one), especially auto focus and when you can stop it down, but for the money, it's no contest.

[donesteban]

The 55 D FA is a great add on to the 55/4 67. Because it has f/2.8 and is sharp in the middle of the Frame at f/2.8. And because it has Auto focus. And it is officially WR, shouldn't be a Problem to use the camera with this lens while it is raining. The 6x7 lenses as well as at least most of the old 645 lenses (extept the ones with a *?) don't officially Support being used in rainy conditions.

[Lacunapratum]

Agree with donesteban. The 55 DFA is also considerably smaller and lighter.

[harumo]

Hmm funny, I have both lenses and haven't really have the time to test it out ... but looking at Mike's photo, make me want to go outside and shoot with that 55mm DFA