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09-13-2008, 03:11 PM   #1
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Pentax 50mm F1.4.....thinking about getting one. Any good?

I have a K10D with the f4, 16-45 and f 4, 55-300 Pentax zooms, also the f3.5, 35-105 'A' Pentax macro zoom I bought new, back in '84.

No complaints with any of them....they all do the job, well.

X-mas will roll around in a few months and I've been thinking of the 50mm F1.4, which on the K10D converts 35mm-wise to about a 70mm or so lens.

That 70mm (approx.) focal length on the K10D and the low light ability of the 50mm f1.4, with auto focus(I think ?) appeals to me as a great indoor portrait lens.

I've read some reports (Pop Photo) which are quite glowing re; quality of lens, etc.

Anyone have one ? How do you find it? What do you think ? Is it a lens with great clarity and colour rendition ?

09-13-2008, 03:24 PM   #2
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Terrific lens. Small, portable sharp, fast, rugged, and very well-priced. It's one of the gems of the Pentax line. This is one of the "must have" lenses for a Pentax owner.

At 50mm it is long for indoor use givem the crop factor. Something in the 28-35mm is more applicable for indoor use.

Some references:

Just posted! Nikon 50mm 1:1.4D lens review: Digital Photography Review
Pentax SMC-FA 50mm f/1.4 - Review / Lab Test Report

Good choice and good luck!


QuoteOriginally posted by lesmore49 Quote
I have a K10D with the f4, 16-45 and f 4, 55-300 Pentax zooms, also the f3.5, 35-105 'A' Pentax macro zoom I bought new, back in '84.

No complaints with any of them....they all do the job, well.

X-mas will roll around in a few months and I've been thinking of the 50mm F1.4, which on the K10D converts 35mm-wise to about a 70mm or so lens.

That 70mm (approx.) focal length on the K10D and the low light ability of the 50mm f1.4, with auto focus(I think ?) appeals to me as a great indoor portrait lens.

I've read some reports (Pop Photo) which are quite glowing re; quality of lens, etc.

Anyone have one ? How do you find it? What do you think ? Is it a lens with great clarity and colour rendition ?
09-13-2008, 03:40 PM   #3
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This site has an excellent data base where you can look at user reviews.


Pentax Lens Review Database - 50mm F1.4
09-13-2008, 04:04 PM   #4
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at it's price point ($200), this is perhaps the best value in Pentax's line up. It's a little soft wide open (like most fast 50's) but stop down past f/2 or f/2.8 and it becomes super sharp. Great lens for portraits.

09-13-2008, 04:10 PM   #5
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A must have! It amazing how many indoor shots you can get without using a flash which adds great bokeh (perfect for Christmas shots)! The 40ltd is also a lovely lens, beautiful build, but not as fast and more money. The overall value of the 50 is uncontested, hence being labled as a "must have"!
09-13-2008, 07:47 PM   #6
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The phrase "Does a bear shit in the woods?" comes to mind.
09-13-2008, 09:34 PM   #7
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My only complaint about it is that I didn't realize how much of a must have it was until after they stopped the rebate on it.

09-13-2008, 10:23 PM   #8
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You will not be disappointed with the FA50 1.4. The classic Pentax fast fifty design that has been so successful over the years.

Since I bought it, and because I'm doing lots of indoor portraits at the moment, it has been on my camera 90% of the time
09-13-2008, 10:35 PM   #9
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The FA50 1.4 is a great, versatile lens. Stopped down a little it gives great results but the softness and bokeh at 1.4 are great for portraits.
09-13-2008, 11:22 PM   #10
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The 50/1.4 - in any version - is not a good lens. It is a superb lens.
09-14-2008, 06:08 AM   #11
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i would have to agree the Pentax 50s are 2nd to non i have M 1.7 and 1.4 (would love to get the 1.2)

i think they would be better if i had a Katz eye screen over the stock screen
09-14-2008, 06:23 AM   #12
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I have it but don't use it as much as I should. It is well worth the price.
09-14-2008, 07:59 AM   #13
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I don't know how you survived so long without a fast 50. Once you get one, you will ask yourself the same question.

Buy, use, enjoy.
09-14-2008, 08:17 AM   #14
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Pentax FA 50 f/1.4 is my go-to lens in the indoor shot and I call it the best value buy for the new prime lens in Pentax.

My fridge at home was broken and our family had to go out for dinner last night and I always bring my Pentax FA 50 f/1.4 to a new and interesting restaurant.



All shots with
Pentax FA 50 f/1.4
in f/2.0, f/2.8, iso 400 with Pentax K100D

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Hin
09-14-2008, 09:38 AM   #15
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Laws of Photography #101: S/he who is lacking a fast-50 in their kit is merely a collector of gadgets.

Okay, that really isn't a law... but it ought to be.
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