Lens question: FA 35 vs. DFA 35

texandrews · 07-22-2018, 02:41 PM

I see 4 differences between them:

push-pull vs. switch AF-manual
8 blades vs. 9
SMC vs. the newer coatings
no quick shift in the FA; yes on the DFA

But the elements/groups count is the same, so same optical formula? In the user reviews the DFA gets the best score, but if the elements count and groups are the same, then does anyone know if the design is the same? And if it is, besides the coatings, wouldn't the performance be pretty much the same? Anyone know?

**boriscleto** · 07-22-2018, 03:16 PM

What DFA? There is a FA 35/2 and the DA 35/2.8 Macro. There is also the DA 35/2.4 with a plastic mount...

Adam · 07-22-2018, 03:23 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by texandrews

I see 4 differences between them:

push-pull vs. switch AF-manual
8 blades vs. 9
SMC vs. the newer coatings
no quick shift in the FA; yes on the DFA

But the elements/groups count is the same, so same optical formula? In the user reviews the DFA gets the best score, but if the elements count and groups are the same, then does anyone know if the design is the same? And if it is, besides the coatings, wouldn't the performance be pretty much the same? Anyone know?

AFAIK it's the same optics. At the end of the day I think you'll see very similar performance, especially considering that lens corrections are available for both.

Originally posted by boriscleto

What DFA? There is a FA 35/2 and the DA 35/2.8 Macro. There is also the DA 35/2.4 with a plastic mount...

645

Sandy Hancock · 07-22-2018, 03:43 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by boriscleto

What DFA? There is a FA 35/2 and the DA 35/2.8 Macro. There is also the DA 35/2.4 with a plastic mount...

This is the Medium Format forum

**UncleVanya** · 07-22-2018, 04:08 PM

Originally posted by boriscleto

What DFA? There is a FA 35/2 and the DA 35/2.8 Macro. There is also the DA 35/2.4 with a plastic mount...

It got me too. I thought the user was confusing the DFA 50 up with a new DFA 35... whoops!

**clackers** · 07-22-2018, 05:49 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

This is the Medium Format forum

These peasants with their little 35mm things don't understand anything!

texandrews · 07-22-2018, 05:50 PM

Originally posted by Adam

AFAIK it's the same optics. At the end of the day I think you'll see very similar performance, especially considering that lens corrections are available for both.

Thanks, Adam! Would make sense....the DFA seems just to be a tweaked update. Too bad they didn't go as far as to make it WR or WP. I could see the coatings making for a slightly better performance-----it could make for a slight uptick in sharpness that others have noted by eliminating more flare. I wouldn't think the blades would make a difference.

I asked because I just got a good deal on a used FA here, upgrading my A (AF would make some work I'm doing lately just a touch easier). It will be interesting to see if I can tell a difference in IQ between the 2.

dbs · 07-22-2018, 06:38 PM

Originally posted by clackers

These peasants with their little 35mm things don't understand anything!

Hi Clackers

Now...Now....Play ..Nice

Dave

**clackers** · 07-22-2018, 07:16 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by dbs

Hi Clackers

Now...Now....Play ..Nice

Dave

Dave, I don't even have one, it's a joke, mate.

I'm one of the 'peasants'.

dbs · 07-22-2018, 07:21 PM

Originally posted by clackers

Dave, I don't even have one, it's a joke, mate.

Hi Clackers

Nor do I

I gathered that

I'll have to use j/k since emojoi's dont display on quick reply

Dave

Dave

**boriscleto** · 07-22-2018, 08:31 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by UncleVanya

It got me too. I thought the user was confusing the DFA 50 up with a new DFA 35... whoops!

I knew there was a reason I used to keep this forum on ignore...I've also read 5 books in the last 7 days, my brain is turning to goo...

dlai · 07-22-2018, 11:08 PM

Originally posted by texandrews

I see 4 differences between them:

push-pull vs. switch AF-manual
8 blades vs. 9
SMC vs. the newer coatings
no quick shift in the FA; yes on the DFA

But the elements/groups count is the same, so same optical formula? In the user reviews the DFA gets the best score, but if the elements count and groups are the same, then does anyone know if the design is the same? And if it is, besides the coatings, wouldn't the performance be pretty much the same? Anyone know?

The FA 35 has 6 blades, not 8. This can make quite a difference to the bokeh
I recently bought a used one and Sharpness is excellent but erratic AF is a distinguishing feature too. See also https://www.lenstip.com/254.1-Lens_review- for autofocus issue

Bob L · 07-23-2018, 02:22 AM

Originally posted by dlai

The FA 35 has 6 blades, not 8. .........

Well mine has 8 blades...are you in the medium format forum without realising it?

Bob

Sandy Hancock · 07-23-2018, 03:27 AM

Originally posted by dlai

The FA 35 has 6 blades, not 8.

The confusion continues

To clarify, the discussion is about the SMC Pentax-FA 645 1:3.5 35mm AL [IF] and the HD Pentax-D FA 645 1:3.5 35mm AL [IF]

On topic, I have only used the latter, so can't really help from my own experience.
The forum review page does have this comment though: "It retained the optical design of the FA lens but with some tweaks of the aspherical elements and the aperture blades became rounded for a nicer bokeh."

texandrews · 07-23-2018, 06:28 AM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

The forum review page does have this comment though: "It retained the optical design of the FA lens but with some tweaks of the aspherical elements and the aperture blades became rounded for a nicer bokeh."

Thanks, Sandy---I missed that. the latter doesn't interest me much, but the former.....we shall see. As long as it's not worse then the A, I guess I'm ok, since I mainly got it for the AF (doing a bunch of very low light work with flash. Also, my eyes continue to deteriorate, even though they are not that bad).

07-22-2018, 02:41 PM	#1
texandrews Moderator Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Baltimore Photos: Albums Posts: 3,392	Lens question: FA 35 vs. DFA 35 I see 4 differences between them: push-pull vs. switch AF-manual 8 blades vs. 9 SMC vs. the newer coatings no quick shift in the FA; yes on the DFA But the elements/groups count is the same, so same optical formula? In the user reviews the DFA gets the best score, but if the elements count and groups are the same, then does anyone know if the design is the same? And if it is, besides the coatings, wouldn't the performance be pretty much the same? Anyone know?

07-22-2018, 03:23 PM - 1 Like	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by texandrews I see 4 differences between them: push-pull vs. switch AF-manual 8 blades vs. 9 SMC vs. the newer coatings no quick shift in the FA; yes on the DFA But the elements/groups count is the same, so same optical formula? In the user reviews the DFA gets the best score, but if the elements count and groups are the same, then does anyone know if the design is the same? And if it is, besides the coatings, wouldn't the performance be pretty much the same? Anyone know? AFAIK it's the same optics. At the end of the day I think you'll see very similar performance, especially considering that lens corrections are available for both. Originally posted by boriscleto What DFA? There is a FA 35/2 and the DA 35/2.8 Macro. There is also the DA 35/2.4 with a plastic mount... 645 Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

07-22-2018, 07:16 PM - 1 Like	#9
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by dbs Hi Clackers Now...Now....Play ..Nice Dave Dave, I don't even have one, it's a joke, mate. I'm one of the 'peasants'. Last edited by clackers; 07-23-2018 at 12:05 AM.

07-22-2018, 11:08 PM	#12
dlai Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Porirua Posts: 34	Originally posted by texandrews I see 4 differences between them: push-pull vs. switch AF-manual 8 blades vs. 9 SMC vs. the newer coatings no quick shift in the FA; yes on the DFA But the elements/groups count is the same, so same optical formula? In the user reviews the DFA gets the best score, but if the elements count and groups are the same, then does anyone know if the design is the same? And if it is, besides the coatings, wouldn't the performance be pretty much the same? Anyone know? The FA 35 has 6 blades, not 8. This can make quite a difference to the bokeh I recently bought a used one and Sharpness is excellent but erratic AF is a distinguishing feature too. See also https://www.lenstip.com/254.1-Lens_review- for autofocus issue

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07-22-2018, 03:16 PM	#2
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	What DFA? There is a FA 35/2 and the DA 35/2.8 Macro. There is also the DA 35/2.4 with a plastic mount...

07-22-2018, 03:43 PM - 1 Like	#4
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	Originally posted by boriscleto What DFA? There is a FA 35/2 and the DA 35/2.8 Macro. There is also the DA 35/2.4 with a plastic mount... This is the Medium Format forum

07-22-2018, 04:08 PM	#5
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,404	Originally posted by boriscleto What DFA? There is a FA 35/2 and the DA 35/2.8 Macro. There is also the DA 35/2.4 with a plastic mount... It got me too. I thought the user was confusing the DFA 50 up with a new DFA 35... whoops!

07-22-2018, 05:49 PM - 2 Likes	#6
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock This is the Medium Format forum These peasants with their little 35mm things don't understand anything!

07-22-2018, 05:50 PM	#7
texandrews Moderator Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Baltimore Photos: Albums Posts: 3,392 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam AFAIK it's the same optics. At the end of the day I think you'll see very similar performance, especially considering that lens corrections are available for both. Thanks, Adam! Would make sense....the DFA seems just to be a tweaked update. Too bad they didn't go as far as to make it WR or WP. I could see the coatings making for a slightly better performance-----it could make for a slight uptick in sharpness that others have noted by eliminating more flare. I wouldn't think the blades would make a difference. I asked because I just got a good deal on a used FA here, upgrading my A (AF would make some work I'm doing lately just a touch easier). It will be interesting to see if I can tell a difference in IQ between the 2.

07-22-2018, 06:38 PM	#8
dbs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Clare Valley S A Photos: Albums Posts: 7,563	Originally posted by clackers These peasants with their little 35mm things don't understand anything! Hi Clackers Now...Now....Play ..Nice Dave

07-22-2018, 07:21 PM	#10
dbs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Clare Valley S A Photos: Albums Posts: 7,563	Originally posted by clackers Dave, I don't even have one, it's a joke, mate. Hi Clackers Nor do I I gathered that I'll have to use j/k since emojoi's dont display on quick reply Dave Dave

07-22-2018, 08:31 PM - 1 Like	#11
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by UncleVanya It got me too. I thought the user was confusing the DFA 50 up with a new DFA 35... whoops! I knew there was a reason I used to keep this forum on ignore...I've also read 5 books in the last 7 days, my brain is turning to goo...

07-23-2018, 02:22 AM	#13
Bob L Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: La Vienne (86), France Posts: 223	Originally posted by dlai The FA 35 has 6 blades, not 8. ......... Well mine has 8 blades...are you in the medium format forum without realising it? Bob

07-23-2018, 03:27 AM	#14
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	Originally posted by dlai The FA 35 has 6 blades, not 8. The confusion continues To clarify, the discussion is about the SMC Pentax-FA 645 1:3.5 35mm AL [IF] and the HD Pentax-D FA 645 1:3.5 35mm AL [IF] On topic, I have only used the latter, so can't really help from my own experience. The forum review page does have this comment though: "It retained the optical design of the FA lens *but with some tweaks of the aspherical elements* and the aperture blades became rounded for a nicer bokeh."

07-23-2018, 06:28 AM	#15
texandrews Moderator Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Baltimore Photos: Albums Posts: 3,392 Original Poster	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock The forum review page does have this comment though: "It retained the optical design of the FA lens *but with some tweaks of the aspherical elements* and the aperture blades became rounded for a nicer bokeh." Thanks, Sandy---I missed that. the latter doesn't interest me much, but the former.....we shall see. As long as it's not worse then the A, I guess I'm ok, since I mainly got it for the AF (doing a bunch of very low light work with flash. Also, my eyes continue to deteriorate, even though they are not that bad).