[Shahmatt]

..What's a good all-round, everyday, pancake prime to pair it with?

My plan is to make it as compact as possible.

[Zav]

I would say DA21 or the DA35. It depends if you like wide angles or not.
Edit: DA 40 is the smallest prime lens but I think it is too long for an all-rounder (my taste).

[jct us101]

The DA 40mm if you really want a true pancake. That thing is less than an inch thick. The f/2.8 aperture should be plenty too.

[EDIT - Here's my 2000th post!]

[davidvcd]

It really depends on what kind of photography you would do, I'm assuming street photography.
If so I would go with the 21mm, the 40mm while very flat is not that useful of a focal length compared to the rest of the DA.

[Shahmatt]

The DA21 sounds good, but at a FOV of 31 might be a tad wide though.

I prefer a range of between 25 and 30mm. The 35mm and 40mm are a little too close for my liking to be honest.

[jct us101]

Have you considered the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 then? You get great image quality, a large aperture, and an amazing lens, the only downside is the size of it.

[Shahmatt]

Have you considered the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 then? You get great image quality, a large aperture, and an amazing lens, the only downside is the size of it.

Hmmm. It's definitely on the large side and I really want to keep weight and bulk to a minimum. The smaller the bulk, the easier it is to take out of the bag, and the more likely I am to shoot with it.

Perhaps I'll go with the DA 21 then. Since its recommended and given the options I would definitely prefer a wider FOV. How much do these babies go for typically?

[Euronitzan]

Usually the DA 21 cost around 510$-530$.
The DA 21 is the only pancake lens I got, and I got it for a similar reason: I use it whenever I wish to go light and still retain IQ and usability of my photography gear. IMHO, the focal length of this lens is great, and does not limit me in any way.

[Andi Lo]

40mm isnt' really all that long imo. In the end it depends on whether you're a wide guy or a short tele guy I guess though.

[Shahmatt]

40mm isnt' really all that long imo. In the end it depends on whether you're a wide guy or a short tele guy I guess though.

No your right. It's around 60mm which is a little closer than the human eye range. I'll sleep on it and make a decision. How much would the 40mm be going for these days?

Usually the DA 21 cost around 510$-530$.
The DA 21 is the only pancake lens I got, and I got it for a similar reason: I use it whenever I wish to go light and still retain IQ and usability of my photography gear. IMHO, the focal length of this lens is great, and does not limit me in any way.

Thanks. That sounds pretty reasonable given the reviews actually. I'll look around for it.

[Shahmatt]

Usually the DA 21 cost around 510$-530$.
The DA 21 is the only pancake lens I got, and I got it for a similar reason: I use it whenever I wish to go light and still retain IQ and usability of my photography gear. IMHO, the focal length of this lens is great, and does not limit me in any way.

Speaking of which, how do you equip yourself when traveling light?

Do you use the standard NiMH batteries, or is there an alternative? As I understand it the K-x weight gets a little high with 4 NiMH.

[Marc Sabatella]

When wondering about prices in the US, step one would be to check B&H and Adorama, the main dealers in the US. Otherwise, check the main dealers in your country. DA40 goes for about $350.

As for batteries, if you don't mind spending more money on disposable batteries, you can shave off a few grams by using energizer lithiums, but that's not worth it to me.

[EsBee]

..What's a good all-round, everyday, pancake prime to pair it with?

My plan is to make it as compact as possible.

Just received my K-x and quickly tried FA43, DA40, and DA* 16-50. The DA fits the camera like a glove.

Now I should check to see if its legal to possess this combination in MD.

[Urkeldaedalus]

The Pentax FA35 f/2 might be lens you're looking for if you can find one. They're discontinued, but I see them fairly frequently in our forum marketplace.

It's not a pancake, but it's smaller than the FA31 and Sigma 30 f/1.4 (I think.).
It's sharp at wide open, and reportedly very sharp when you stop it down.
On the k-x, it will approximate the 50 mm normal view.

The FA28 f/2.8 is also reportedly pretty solid. It's small and in the focal length department you're looking for. Unfortunately I see that lens available used even less than the FA35.

Update:

I prefer a range of between 25 and 30mm. The 35mm and 40mm are a little too close for my liking to be honest.

I reread this part and saw that the FA35 probably won't be good after all. If you like that focal range, the DA15 f/4 might be another lens that would work for you.

[dlacouture]

Well, I got myself a 3rd party 45mm manual focus pancake just to try the form factor, and I simply love it... About the same size as the DA40, and it's really a breeze shotting with such a little thing, on both the K7 and the Kx! For about 57€, I don't regret it, even if I already have a 35/2, the FA50, and a Porst 55/1.2...

In the end, it's all down on what you'll shoot with it...