[zackspeed]

my is 3015xxx and the second of the old one.
so i think you will never find the first again.

[dgaies]

So my quest to get another copy of a 301xxxx is next to hopeless?

If you're looking for another 301xxxx that does not have the lip, then it sounds like that might be more difficult to come by as by the time they go to somewhere in the 3014xxx it switched to the version 1b (see post #18).

If you just want a copy that uses the older hood, that would be a lot easier (several of the ones on ebay right now are the version 1b).

Adam, is your other FA*85 the "version 2" with the newer hood?

[Asahiflex]

In any case, I'm on the lookout for a third copy of this lens, as 95% of my photos are taken with it.

Three copies of the FA* 85??? Oh, the decadence...

I know that I love my FA* 85 to death already; it performs remarkably well even wide open (something that I never expected prior to purchasing it). Maybe I'll buy another one too just in case.

[Adam]

Yup, it's version 2. Not sure I like that lip above the aperture ring, but I would have never noticed it if not this thread! I could have sworn it wasn't there until I took another look.

Adam
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[dgaies]

Yup, it's version 2. Not sure I like that lip above the aperture ring, but I would have never noticed it if not this thread! I could have sworn it wasn't there until I took another look.

Well at least you'll know what to look for when you're shopping for your third

[Adam]

I could also just buy a newer one and then archive my current 301 in the collection!

[RonHendriks1966]

It would be nice if everyone ads pictures of their FA*85mm copy to this thread and noting the differences. Maybe there wil be a fourth change in the line somewhere we did not yet discovered.

[Adam]

Just bought a mint 1b in box

Now I've got all 3! Time to write the article

[dgaies]

Just bought a mint 1b in box :tongue:

Now I've got all 3! Time to write the article

Sweet. I guess if I need to jump on that early serial number 1a I found earlier this morning to go with my version 1b and 2

Then again, I'd still be down at least a hood and a box on you

[RonHendriks1966]

Just bought a mint 1b in box :tongue:

Now I've got all 3! Time to write the article

So you hope that there aren't more versions.

Let's see those baby's on a row in a picture

[dgaies]

I updated post #18 with some additional serial numbers I found on ebay (including a couple version 1a lenses).

Quick question for anyone who has both the 77 and 85:
Other than being a lot smaller and lighter, are there any times you'd prefer the 77 over 85?

[Ole]

Shame on me but I hardly ever use my 77. The A 85/1.4 and Takumar 85/1.9 stands in the way! I have an FA*85 coming so we'll see how that will rank (how may 85mm lenses does a man need??)!

[dgaies]

Shame on me but I hardly ever use my 77. The A 85/1.4 and Takumar 85/1.9 stands in the way! I have an FA*85 coming so we'll see how that will rank (how may 85mm lenses does a man need??)!

This is probably the wrong thread to ask a question like that

[Adam]

Shame on me but I hardly ever use my 77. The A 85/1.4 and Takumar 85/1.9 stands in the way! I have an FA*85 coming so we'll see how that will rank (how may 85mm lenses does a man need??)!

Sneaky sneaky!

BTW, I've started a social group for our cause: Pentax FA* 85mm F1.4 Fans - PentaxForums.com

Once I have all 3 lenses, I will upload a photo comparison there as well as to the lens database.

[Adam]

BTW, there are also 302xxxx serial numbers: I saw one on eBay today (it was a 1b).