The K1 hiking with the FA35 2.0 and the FA50 1.4

https://lawrencehelm.smugmug.com/RiverPhotography/Dec-2017/i-ZwFdHPD

As mentioned in another thread, I plan to check out my K1 with all of my old FA lenses as well as a few others.

Being experimental, I made choices I wouldn't repeat with the FA35 f/2.0, namely playing around with ISOs higher than necessary.  Later in editing I struggled more with the dynamic range of some of the shots then I expect (hope) I will have to when I am being more reasonable with the ISO.

And then today after getting a bit of negativity in regard to the FA 50 f/1.4 on the thread pertaining mostly to the not-yet-released DFA-50 f/1.4 lens, I had to check out the old FA50 right away.  I found it to be a very good lens.   As to the choice I wouldn't repeat, I used it mostly at f/4.0 and f/5.6 today and those aren't the best aperture settings for most hiking situations IMHO.

I took the FA50 by the local golf course at one point and it seemed to do especially well at infinity.

Given what I've heard about the soon-to-be-released DFA50mm f/1.4, i.e., that it is big, heavy and intended for portraits, I am toying with the idea of buying another new FA-50 before all the new ones are gone.

Lawrence

Conjure wrote:

Why don't you consider the Pentax D FA 50mm f/2.8 macro?

http://opticallimits.com/pentax/906-pentax50f28macro?start=2

https://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/pentax-50mm-fa-da-dfa-lens-comparison/conclusion.html

Haven't gotten to it yet.

This is the list (that I first posted on another thread) of full frame lenses that I have on hand that I am slowly trying out with the K1 one lens at a time:

These are the full-frame lenses that I intend to try over time:
SMC Pentax-FA 35mm f/2.0 [the lens I used on my second K1 hike]
SMC Pentax-FA 43mm f/1.9
SMC Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4 [used on my third K1 hike]
SMC Pentax-DFA 50mm f/2.8 -- Macro
SMC Pentax-FA 77mm f/1.8
SMC Pentax-DFA 100mm f/2.8 -- Macro
SMC Pentax-FA 135mm f/2.8
HD Pentax-DFA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 [the lens I used on my first K1 hike]
SMC Pentax-FA 28-80mm f/3.5 - 5.6
SMC Pentax-A 35-105mm f/3.5
Voigtlander 90mm f/3.5 [This may have been intended as an AFS/C lens only, but I'm not sure]
Rokinon 8mm f/3.5
Samyang 35mm f/1.4
Samyang 85mm f/1.4

I intended to do them in order but as you can see I skipped the FA 43 and that was only because of the discussion about the FA 50mm f/1.4 compared to the yet to be released DFA* 50mm f/1.4.   But maybe with the FA 50mm f/1.4 fresh in my mind it might be good to do the DFA 50mm f/2.8 next.

Thanks,

Lawrence

Historicity wrote:

https://lawrencehelm.smugmug.com/RiverPhotography/Dec-2017/i-ZwFdHPD

As mentioned in another thread, I plan to check out my K1 with all of my old FA lenses as well as a few others.

Being experimental, I made choices I wouldn't repeat with the FA35 f/2.0, namely playing around with ISOs higher than necessary. Later in editing I struggled more with the dynamic range of some of the shots then I expect (hope) I will have to when I am being more reasonable with the ISO.

And then today after getting a bit of negativity in regard to the FA 50 f/1.4 on the thread pertaining mostly to the not-yet-released DFA-50 f/1.4 lens, I had to check out the old FA50 right away. I found it to be a very good lens. As to the choice I wouldn't repeat, I used it mostly at f/4.0 and f/5.6 today and those aren't the best aperture settings for most hiking situations IMHO.

I took the FA50 by the local golf course at one point and it seemed to do especially well at infinity.

Given what I've heard about the soon-to-be-released DFA50mm f/1.4, i.e., that it is big, heavy and intended for portraits, I am toying with the idea of buying another new FA-50 before all the new ones are gone.

Lawrence

You might also look for a second hand FA50 f1.7 (I bought mine second hand ten years ago): same size and handling as the FA50 f1.4 (my son had it), same IQ from f2.4 and closer, and better resistance to flare thanks to the smaller and more recessed front lens.

However, looking your already very complete lens list, I am not sure you need to buy another one.

The 43 limited should be very interesting to test: very compact, fast enough and a legendary lens, the only Pentax lens to have been also manufactured in Leica mount.

Tatouzou wrote:

Historicity wrote:

https://lawrencehelm.smugmug.com/RiverPhotography/Dec-2017/i-ZwFdHPD

As mentioned in another thread, I plan to check out my K1 with all of my old FA lenses as well as a few others.

Being experimental, I made choices I wouldn't repeat with the FA35 f/2.0, namely playing around with ISOs higher than necessary. Later in editing I struggled more with the dynamic range of some of the shots then I expect (hope) I will have to when I am being more reasonable with the ISO.

And then today after getting a bit of negativity in regard to the FA 50 f/1.4 on the thread pertaining mostly to the not-yet-released DFA-50 f/1.4 lens, I had to check out the old FA50 right away. I found it to be a very good lens. As to the choice I wouldn't repeat, I used it mostly at f/4.0 and f/5.6 today and those aren't the best aperture settings for most hiking situations IMHO.

I took the FA50 by the local golf course at one point and it seemed to do especially well at infinity.

Given what I've heard about the soon-to-be-released DFA50mm f/1.4, i.e., that it is big, heavy and intended for portraits, I am toying with the idea of buying another new FA-50 before all the new ones are gone.

Lawrence

You might also look for a second hand FA50 f1.7 (I bought mine second hand ten years ago): same size and handling as the FA50 f1.4 (my son had it), same IQ from f2.4 and closer, and better resistance to flare thanks to the smaller and more recessed front lens.

However, looking your already very complete lens list, I am not sure you need to buy another one.

The 43 limited should be very interesting to test: very compact, fast enough and a legendary lens, the only Pentax lens to have been also manufactured in Leica mount.

Oops, I just discovered there is one legendary (and expensive) FA limited lens that is not yet in your collection: the FA31 limited.

Tatouzou wrote:

Historicity wrote:

https://lawrencehelm.smugmug.com/RiverPhotography/Dec-2017/i-ZwFdHPD

As mentioned in another thread, I plan to check out my K1 with all of my old FA lenses as well as a few others.

Being experimental, I made choices I wouldn't repeat with the FA35 f/2.0, namely playing around with ISOs higher than necessary. Later in editing I struggled more with the dynamic range of some of the shots then I expect (hope) I will have to when I am being more reasonable with the ISO.

And then today after getting a bit of negativity in regard to the FA 50 f/1.4 on the thread pertaining mostly to the not-yet-released DFA-50 f/1.4 lens, I had to check out the old FA50 right away. I found it to be a very good lens. As to the choice I wouldn't repeat, I used it mostly at f/4.0 and f/5.6 today and those aren't the best aperture settings for most hiking situations IMHO.

I took the FA50 by the local golf course at one point and it seemed to do especially well at infinity.

Given what I've heard about the soon-to-be-released DFA50mm f/1.4, i.e., that it is big, heavy and intended for portraits, I am toying with the idea of buying another new FA-50 before all the new ones are gone.

Lawrence

You might also look for a second hand FA50 f1.7 (I bought mine second hand ten years ago): same size and handling as the FA50 f1.4 (my son had it), same IQ from f2.4 and closer, and better resistance to flare thanks to the smaller and more recessed front lens.

However, looking your already very complete lens list, I am not sure you need to buy another one.

The 43 limited should be very interesting to test: very compact, fast enough and a legendary lens, the only Pentax lens to have been also manufactured in Leica mount.

Thanks,

Ordering the FA50 f1.7 at my age (83) is easier than trying to remember it's a good lens later on. 

Although I haven't noticed any flare with the FA50 f1.4 thus far -- unless you saw some in my photos. ???

Lawrence

Tatouzou wrote:

Tatouzou wrote:

Historicity wrote:

https://lawrencehelm.smugmug.com/RiverPhotography/Dec-2017/i-ZwFdHPD

As mentioned in another thread, I plan to check out my K1 with all of my old FA lenses as well as a few others.

Being experimental, I made choices I wouldn't repeat with the FA35 f/2.0, namely playing around with ISOs higher than necessary. Later in editing I struggled more with the dynamic range of some of the shots then I expect (hope) I will have to when I am being more reasonable with the ISO.

And then today after getting a bit of negativity in regard to the FA 50 f/1.4 on the thread pertaining mostly to the not-yet-released DFA-50 f/1.4 lens, I had to check out the old FA50 right away. I found it to be a very good lens. As to the choice I wouldn't repeat, I used it mostly at f/4.0 and f/5.6 today and those aren't the best aperture settings for most hiking situations IMHO.

I took the FA50 by the local golf course at one point and it seemed to do especially well at infinity.

Given what I've heard about the soon-to-be-released DFA50mm f/1.4, i.e., that it is big, heavy and intended for portraits, I am toying with the idea of buying another new FA-50 before all the new ones are gone.

Lawrence

You might also look for a second hand FA50 f1.7 (I bought mine second hand ten years ago): same size and handling as the FA50 f1.4 (my son had it), same IQ from f2.4 and closer, and better resistance to flare thanks to the smaller and more recessed front lens.

However, looking your already very complete lens list, I am not sure you need to buy another one.

The 43 limited should be very interesting to test: very compact, fast enough and a legendary lens, the only Pentax lens to have been also manufactured in Leica mount.

Oops, I just discovered there is one legendary (and expensive) FA limited lens that is not yet in your collection: the FA31 limited.

Yes, quite right, but I was a bit prejudiced against that range as a result of not liking 35mm all that much on the APSC -- even my Samyang 35mm -- although others like the Samyang a lot.  I was interested in trying the FA35 first on my K1 to see if I liked it better than on my APSC (and perhaps buying the 31 right away) but can't say that I do.  Still, as you would tell me, the FA35 isn't the 31 so I'll have to get it one of these days.

Lawrence

I own the FA 50mm 1.4. It is fine. Nice sharp lens. Just don't shoot it wide open. For hiking it is so small and light.

Historicity wrote:

Tatouzou wrote:

Historicity wrote:

https://lawrencehelm.smugmug.com/RiverPhotography/Dec-2017/i-ZwFdHPD

As mentioned in another thread, I plan to check out my K1 with all of my old FA lenses as well as a few others.

Being experimental, I made choices I wouldn't repeat with the FA35 f/2.0, namely playing around with ISOs higher than necessary. Later in editing I struggled more with the dynamic range of some of the shots then I expect (hope) I will have to when I am being more reasonable with the ISO.

And then today after getting a bit of negativity in regard to the FA 50 f/1.4 on the thread pertaining mostly to the not-yet-released DFA-50 f/1.4 lens, I had to check out the old FA50 right away. I found it to be a very good lens. As to the choice I wouldn't repeat, I used it mostly at f/4.0 and f/5.6 today and those aren't the best aperture settings for most hiking situations IMHO.

I took the FA50 by the local golf course at one point and it seemed to do especially well at infinity.

Given what I've heard about the soon-to-be-released DFA50mm f/1.4, i.e., that it is big, heavy and intended for portraits, I am toying with the idea of buying another new FA-50 before all the new ones are gone.

Lawrence

You might also look for a second hand FA50 f1.7 (I bought mine second hand ten years ago): same size and handling as the FA50 f1.4 (my son had it), same IQ from f2.4 and closer, and better resistance to flare thanks to the smaller and more recessed front lens.

However, looking your already very complete lens list, I am not sure you need to buy another one.

The 43 limited should be very interesting to test: very compact, fast enough and a legendary lens, the only Pentax lens to have been also manufactured in Leica mount.

Thanks,

Ordering the FA50 f1.7 at my age (83) is easier than trying to remember it's a good lens later on.

Although I haven't noticed any flare with the FA50 f1.4 thus far -- unless you saw some in my photos. ???

I didnt, and I am not speaking first hand: I have the f1.7, my son had the f1.4, he never uses hoods save the built in hoods in the limited lenses, which explains for the flare. He sold the f1.4 to fund the FA31

Lawrence

Tatouzou wrote:

Historicity wrote:

Tatouzou wrote:

Historicity wrote:

https://lawrencehelm.smugmug.com/RiverPhotography/Dec-2017/i-ZwFdHPD

As mentioned in another thread, I plan to check out my K1 with all of my old FA lenses as well as a few others.

Being experimental, I made choices I wouldn't repeat with the FA35 f/2.0, namely playing around with ISOs higher than necessary. Later in editing I struggled more with the dynamic range of some of the shots then I expect (hope) I will have to when I am being more reasonable with the ISO.

And then today after getting a bit of negativity in regard to the FA 50 f/1.4 on the thread pertaining mostly to the not-yet-released DFA-50 f/1.4 lens, I had to check out the old FA50 right away. I found it to be a very good lens. As to the choice I wouldn't repeat, I used it mostly at f/4.0 and f/5.6 today and those aren't the best aperture settings for most hiking situations IMHO.

I took the FA50 by the local golf course at one point and it seemed to do especially well at infinity.

Given what I've heard about the soon-to-be-released DFA50mm f/1.4, i.e., that it is big, heavy and intended for portraits, I am toying with the idea of buying another new FA-50 before all the new ones are gone.

Lawrence

You might also look for a second hand FA50 f1.7 (I bought mine second hand ten years ago): same size and handling as the FA50 f1.4 (my son had it), same IQ from f2.4 and closer, and better resistance to flare thanks to the smaller and more recessed front lens.

However, looking your already very complete lens list, I am not sure you need to buy another one.

The 43 limited should be very interesting to test: very compact, fast enough and a legendary lens, the only Pentax lens to have been also manufactured in Leica mount.

Thanks,

Ordering the FA50 f1.7 at my age (83) is easier than trying to remember it's a good lens later on.

Although I haven't noticed any flare with the FA50 f1.4 thus far -- unless you saw some in my photos. ???

I didnt, and I am not speaking first hand: I have the f1.7, my son had the f1.4, he never uses hoods save the built in hoods in the limited lenses, which explains for the flare. He sold the f1.4 to fund the FA31

The FA 50mm 1.4 needs a hood more than any other Pentax prime, due to its exposed front element. Even indoors in low light, it needs a hood to prevent veiling flare and reduced contrast. I have three hoods for mine, depending on what I'm doing:

• original Pentax rectangular hood (cool retro look, a bit clunky to use)
• standard collapsible rubber hood (compact, mates well with filters)
• metal telephoto hood (larger, but maximum flare protection, my go-to choice for APS-C)

Historicity wrote:

This is the list (that I first posted on another thread) of full frame lenses that I have on hand that I am slowly trying out with the K1 one lens at a time:

These are the full-frame lenses that I intend to try over time:
SMC Pentax-FA 35mm f/2.0 [the lens I used on my second K1 hike]
SMC Pentax-FA 43mm f/1.9
SMC Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4 [used on my third K1 hike]
SMC Pentax-DFA 50mm f/2.8 -- Macro
SMC Pentax-FA 77mm f/1.8
SMC Pentax-DFA 100mm f/2.8 -- Macro
SMC Pentax-FA 135mm f/2.8
HD Pentax-DFA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 [the lens I used on my first K1 hike]
SMC Pentax-FA 28-80mm f/3.5 - 5.6
SMC Pentax-A 35-105mm f/3.5
Voigtlander 90mm f/3.5 [This may have been intended as an AFS/C lens only, but I'm not sure]
Rokinon 8mm f/3.5
Samyang 35mm f/1.4
Samyang 85mm f/1.4

Dear God, that's lots of good lenses. I'm mainly using the FA 28, 50 1.7 and 135 lenses during hiking, sometimes also the FA 20 2.8 and, if some animals are around, a DA 300/4. Except of the FA 20, which suffers from bad corner sharpness, I am satisfied with the performance. (A new compact 20/4? Ricoh?)

I thought about buying the DFA 28-105 zoom, since it got nice reviews. Tested it against the FA 28 2.8 and ditched the idea. The old prime is better.

Lutz

lutzk wrote:

Historicity wrote:

This is the list (that I first posted on another thread) of full frame lenses that I have on hand that I am slowly trying out with the K1 one lens at a time:

These are the full-frame lenses that I intend to try over time:
SMC Pentax-FA 35mm f/2.0 [the lens I used on my second K1 hike]
SMC Pentax-FA 43mm f/1.9
SMC Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4 [used on my third K1 hike]
SMC Pentax-DFA 50mm f/2.8 -- Macro
SMC Pentax-FA 77mm f/1.8
SMC Pentax-DFA 100mm f/2.8 -- Macro
SMC Pentax-FA 135mm f/2.8
HD Pentax-DFA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 [the lens I used on my first K1 hike]
SMC Pentax-FA 28-80mm f/3.5 - 5.6
SMC Pentax-A 35-105mm f/3.5
Voigtlander 90mm f/3.5 [This may have been intended as an AFS/C lens only, but I'm not sure]
Rokinon 8mm f/3.5
Samyang 35mm f/1.4
Samyang 85mm f/1.4

Dear God, that's lots of good lenses. I'm mainly using the FA 28, 50 1.7 and 135 lenses during hiking, sometimes also the FA 20 2.8 and, if some animals are around, a DA 300/4. Except of the FA 20, which suffers from bad corner sharpness, I am satisfied with the performance. (A new compact 20/4? Ricoh?)

I thought about buying the DFA 28-105 zoom, since it got nice reviews. Tested it against the FA 28 2.8 and ditched the idea. The old prime is better.

Lutz

What sort of shooting do you do where you don't need a zoom?  Since I got the K1 just a short time ago I plan to check it against all my old full frame lenses, but when I want to go on an ordinary hike the DFA 28-105 will be handier.  And I first got the DFA 28-105 to use on my AFSC cameras and thought it compared well against my other zooms.

But I did put in a bid on an old used FA 20 2.8.  One tends to buy a lot of lenses when one has an LBA, (Lens Buying Addiction) 

Lawrence