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08-28-2012, 06:36 PM   #1
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Lens for MX

I purchased an MX body and would like some advice on a good lens to use with it. I like to use my FA31 Ltd. but I'm wondering if it will be too wide? Everyone talks about using this lens with a "fast fifty," which I believe that was part of the kit when the MX was sold new.

08-28-2012, 06:45 PM   #2
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M 40mm f2.8 - compact just like an M body and a nice focal length on film. Can be had for ~$75 if you can find one.

OTOH the fifty is probably a better optic.
08-28-2012, 06:48 PM   #3
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If a FA31 is already too wide then I guess a fisheye is out of the question . . .




But if you want a fast fifty then maybe this is more your speed . . .

08-28-2012, 06:52 PM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by LesDMess Quote
If a FA31 is already too wide then I guess a fisheye is out of the question . . .




But if you want a fast fifty then maybe this is more your speed . . .
LOL!! I'm not saying the FA31 is too wide....I'm asking for some advice since I've only shot the FA31 on my K-5 on which it's more like a "normal" 50mm. Seriously though...what do you think?

P.S.: Nice looking fisheye!

08-28-2012, 07:09 PM   #5
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I personally love the 50mm on my ME, it's a great general lens for walking around (which is what I use my ME for)

It really depends on what you want to do with the camera.



As I said above, a 50mm is a good base to start with, and they're dirt cheap (I paid $40 for my ME with a 50mmF2 attached)
08-28-2012, 07:57 PM   #6
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MX Lenses?

Hello CMG,
The classic "formula" for manual and/or film cameras was a doubling/halving of the focal length with each lens. For example, suppose you started with an "M" 50mm f/1.7, which is a very good choice, by the way.
Next you could add a 28mm (manual focus lens, K, M, A, etc).
Then a 100mm (up to 135mm, really. It's a general rule of thumb).
Last, a 200mm.
On a film body, those lenses would see you through 90% of the shots you'll encounter. You could later go wider or longer, or add a zoom.
Most of these lenses can be found for less than $100 USD.
Just a suggestion,
Good Luck!
Ron
08-28-2012, 08:22 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by rbefly Quote
Hello CMG,
The classic "formula" for manual and/or film cameras was a doubling/halving of the focal length with each lens. For example, suppose you started with an "M" 50mm f/1.7, which is a very good choice, by the way.
Next you could add a 28mm (manual focus lens, K, M, A, etc).
Then a 100mm (up to 135mm, really. It's a general rule of thumb).
Last, a 200mm.
On a film body, those lenses would see you through 90% of the shots you'll encounter. You could later go wider or longer, or add a zoom.
Most of these lenses can be found for less than $100 USD.
Just a suggestion,
Good Luck!
Ron
Thanks very much for that really helpful info! I wasn't aware of his formula...but it does make sense! If I purchased an M 50mm f/1.7 how would I use it on my K-5? I shoot manual most of the time as is, but I know that his lens will not communicate with the camera.

08-28-2012, 08:53 PM   #8
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What does too wide mean? 31mm might be too wide for portraits, but not for landscapes or interior photos.
08-28-2012, 08:56 PM   #9
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I'm sure the 31 would work great in most of the situations where you'd use a 28 - though as others have said, you could assemble a great manual lens kit for not too much money. You might find the 31 a bit of a pain to manual focus due to its short throw and lack of damping compared with older lenses, but you might be fine with it.

As for using the M 50 with a K-5, here's a helpful thread - https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/110658-using-ma...x-dslrs-f.html
08-28-2012, 08:58 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by civiletti Quote
What does too wide mean? 31mm might be too wide for portraits, but not for landscapes or interior photos.
...street, landscapes....not as a traditional portrait lens, but still good for capturing people on the street, etc.
08-28-2012, 08:59 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by fun size nick Quote
I'm sure the 31 would work great in most of the situations where you'd use a 28 - though as others have said, you could assemble a great manual lens kit for not too much money. You might find the 31 a bit of a pain to manual focus due to its short throw and lack of damping compared with older lenses, but you might be fine with it.

As for using the M 50 with a K-5, here's a helpful thread - https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/110658-using-ma...x-dslrs-f.html
Cool! Thanks!
08-28-2012, 09:13 PM   #12
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No worries
08-29-2012, 03:46 AM   #13
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....well, there's the FA 43 ... but the 50/1.7 or 1.4 are both excellent and worth while.


08-29-2012, 03:57 AM   #14
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In my opinion, not many have the ability to use the FA31 on full frame, after all. Some say it's even more magic than on APS-C.
08-29-2012, 05:05 AM   #15
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I'll add my vote for a 50 f1.7 Pentax-M. I have quite a collection of 50s, including the f1.7, f1.4 and f1.2. In spite of the cost, I think the f1.7 outperforms the faster lenses (except at stops wider than 1.7!).
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