[tonyzoc]

How are FA lenses used with non-autofocus 645 body? I know they don't autofocus, but how well do they work as manual focus lenses? I have a 645 and I'm thinking of getting the 45-85 zoom. If I get the FA, I'm adding a lens I can use with AF on a future body purchase. So my concern is how well do they operate (easy of use and focus control) on the 645.

[ProfessorBuzz]

You just put the focus ring into the manual focus position, and then rotate it to focus. That's it.

[tonyzoc]

You just put the focus ring into the manual focus position, and then rotate it to focus. That's it.

But how is it in use? Is there enough of a turn to get good focus? Particularly with the 45-85?

[Ed Hurst]

I have found that the amount of throw on the FA lenses I've used is less than ideal for manual focusing - you have to be more careful. So, I'd go for the FA lenses if their optical performance is better than the A, but otherwise go for the A if manual focussing.
So I'd aim for the A version of the 45-85 and 35 lenses, but the FA 150 (for example). Unless you expect to upgrade and need the AF some time soon!

[tonyzoc]

I have found that the amount of throw on the FA lenses I've used is less than ideal for manual focusing - you have to be more careful. So, I'd go for the FA lenses if their optical performance is better than the A, but otherwise go for the A if manual focussing.

So I'd aim for the A version of the 45-85 and 35 lenses, but the FA 150 (for example). Unless you expect to upgrade and need the AF some time soon!

Thanks, that's what I was looking for. In the case of the 45-85, the A and FA are optically comparable. One thing I'm noticing in the used market is allot of 45-85 FA with fungus...maybe it's just coincidence that I'm looking at a time where there are an excess of lenses with fungus.

[ProfessorBuzz]

Thanks, that's what I was looking for.

Sorry I should have clued in you were talking about usability. I do use the FA45-85 on a non-autofocus body sometimes and it's tolerable but I agree more rotation would have been better.

One thing I'm noticing in the used market is allot of 45-85 FA with fungus...maybe it's just coincidence that I'm looking at a time where there are an excess of lenses with fungus.

That's probably just coincidence and the character of the seller. I don't think the lens is "susceptible", it's probably how and where it was used and stored, so keep looking.

[tonyzoc]

Well I opted for the SMCP-A 45-85, only because the FAs i found in mint condition were more in the $350+sha range. The A I got is mint and with shipping and tax ran about $100 less.