Pentax FA 50mm f1.4 Classic. A new lens with classic optics, great bokeh and amazing rainbow flares.

[@bluebox303]

I didn't realize that Ricoh/Pentax still manufactured a modern iteration of this well-regarded lens, with essentially the same optical formula, optimized over decades. Thanks for reviewing it!

[@Needacreate]

Must say I largely dismissed this lens as a bit of a gimmick, but your thoughtful, sensitive, and tasteful review has proved me wrong, Simon. It has even rekindled some interest in the HD version.

[@kremensky]

I really love your reviews. Thanks to you, I chose several lenses that I now constantly use with my old 5dm2. Jupiter 9 (the rarest version, which was produced only in 1969) Helios 44-M6 (one of the sharpest wide open 44s) Jupiter-37A And Mir-1V. in fact, there is no other glass at all in my photo bag this days :) I absolutely love this experience.

[@rodcummings3606]

A most informative review. Wasn't expecting Pentax to be releasing a new 50mm f1.4 lens. Then again they are not well represented in the media these days - so caught me by surprise. Was especially pleased that they had sent you a new lens to review. Couldn't think of anyone more worthy. After all, it was your previous review of the Takumar 50mm f1.4 lens that began my journey into the magical world of vintage lenses. I remember you stating that it was one of the finest vintage lenses ever made. I'd tend to agree, as own this lens and the later Pentax K version. However, what I wasn't expecting were the full blown rainbow flares from this newly released Classic version. Wow. Can see why you enjoyed experimenting with the flares and all the new possibilities.

[@pictishblood5688]

Would be interesting to see how the HD version compares

[@GODSPEEDseven]

I got this lens a few weeks ago... what a blast to use! Yes, you can use it just like any fifty. Just stop down the aperture a little, and no rainbows. But man... F1.4 to F2 completely changes the way you look at light! Your brain goes in a totally different mode; how to compose your image to HAVE nicely placed rainbow flares! This is such a powerful creative tool! Not only that, but the decent build and great small compact size means this is really a great all-around lens to ALWAYS have with you and even to carry as a main lens. Makes for a very "compact" K-1ii carry.

[@Simonsutak]

Many thanks for you feedback - it is a blast to use and a nice size/performance as a walk around.

[@joystickmusic]

Thank you! The people at Pentax must have noticed the popularity of the Takumars. Speaking of which: I bought the 8 elements version as non-radioactive replacement of the Mamiya 55mm f1.4; a choice based on your videos. It's very different from the mamiya wide open. It is sharp, but has a glow. The mamiya does not do that, but is ridiculously blurred when not in focus and smears out busy forest backgrounds better. But I do like the colors of the takumar as much as I liked those from the mamiya.

[@trevoyelliot2193]

Hi Simon, I wonder if you’re aware that it’s actually possible to use most of the the Pentax K mount autofocus lenses on Sony E mount cameras with full exif info and can operate in all autofocus modes with the Monster adapter LA-KE1 (with the notable exception of the D FA 24-70mm f2.8, D FA 15-30mm f2.8, and also the Pentax FA soft 28mm f2.8) It performs reasonably well and it’s quite reliable with its autofocus. Its probably faster than the native focusing speed on K1ii and probably comparable or faster than on the K3iii. The only downside I can think of is that it drains the battery on the camera it is attached to even if the camera is turned off and the adapter is a bit pricey. There’s also the Techart Leica M to Sony adapter LM-EA9 with autofocus which allows some autofocus with any lens adapted to/with Leica M mount by pushing the lens back and forth. It does not have the battery drain in my experience. With a K mount to Leica M adapter with a aperture control ring, it also allows you to bypass some of the limitations of the Monster adapter, but when using lenses with floating elements it’s best to move the focusing ring of the lens alongside the adapter movements for best results.

[@Simonsutak]

Many thanks. Yes, I am aware. I'm hoping that one of the manufacturers will send me a copy to test and review!!!

[@Stokey_73]

Rekindled my interest in purchasing this new classic version for indoor events to create fun flare effects on my K1i. Loved the locations you visited including the V&A.

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you!

[@cdrkennon]

Comparing all three 50mm f1.4 lenses - the large one and the new compact. Thank you for this excellent review!

[@trinityharbour7054]

Great lens review! Now I want one. Those rainbows would be wonderful for shooting weddings, outdoor childrens' parties, and vintage motorcycles/cars. Birding could be fun too, with the risk of the bird leaving the frame, while tryig to nail the flare. I appreciated the comparisson to my beloved radioactive taks. As always, thanks for making these! And thanks for helping us looking beyond our vintage horizons.

[@NovaDNG]

Great review! I used to think this lens as a gimmicky toy as my Voigtländer 50/1.5 & 40/2.8 could sometime produce a single rainbow flare, but your thoughtful introduction makes it clear that this lens is a very unique one.

[@JamesEMann]

Excellent video. Thank you for the tip about the adapter for changing aperture, I didn’t realise this was possible.

[@gandalf3092]

Thank you!...a excellent review as always!Your channel is gold for people who loves old Lenses.

[@jpaltieri2230]

Thank you! Excellent review. Glad to learn of the Gold effect options on the K-1. Really enjoy that look. Was considering this lens in comparison to the FA 50mm 1.7 and now understand that they are different enough from each other.

[@nielsv2025]

Go for the f/1.7. Really the better lens. The FA is not all that easy to find but the -f is.

[@achaycock]

I was fascinated by this review, especially as a K-1 owner who has recently bought the 50mm FA 1.4. I would have liked a closer side-by-side comparison between those two lenses, although the rainbow flare interests me greatly. Funnily enough, I had taken out a Pentax *istD over the weekend to celebrate its 20th anniversary and I was using a Cosina 100mm f3.5 at times. I produced a very similar rainbow flare when using it to take a picture of a swan with the sun in the background. I shall be experimenting with this lens on my K-1 one now to specifically look for that effect to see if we have another secret rainbow lens contender.

[@mamo4104]

Great review, thank you...I just received mine today, now I just need to order a Pentax camera for my lens!!!

[@shred3005]

I did a silly thing and sold my old FA 50/1.4 when I bought the DA* 55/1.4. That one is weather sealed and although designed for APS-C is usable on full frame with some nice portrait vignette effect. But it suffers from the SDM AF sluggish issue and it’s a bigger lens with large lens hood taking up a lot of space in the camera bag.

[@Apexseals87]

ok, well you just added a lens i have to get for my K-1 mkii. thanks for reviewing it.

[@chasingwind114]

Great review! Everything you need to know, thank you. I bought the original smc FA 50mm f1.4 this morning for my K5iis. Coming from Fuji, I am enjoying the SLR experience again, but it is jarring to be so sensitive at the wider end for softness, as my modern lenses are simply… sharp. However, I am trying to stretch myself and embrace the soft, as I’m a bit over the optical perfection that is synonymous with current lenses, causing people to spend more on diffusion filters than my lens cost me. I have found in my testing so far that a slight back focus can masquerade as softness, and that when focus is good, the lens is plenty sharp enough.

[@scrptwic]

Thanks for the review I have the 7 blade 50mm1.4 Takumar lens I had dismissed the new Pentax classic lens as not worth my time your review is giving me second thoughts on the new lens

[@julescannify]

I would love to see your review of the excellent Pentax SMC-F 1.7x AF Adapter. This has wonderful IQ, and can convert any K-Mount lens to AF. Tape a piece of foil over the visible contacts, and the same applies to all Takumar M42 lenses and also by using the K-M42 Pentax adapter. SMC-A lenses and above will also give camera control of the aperture. I use the SMC-A 50mm f1.7 plus AF adapter to give a superb 85mm f2.8 lens on APS-C cameras (K5..K70 etc). I don't own a K1, but that would be fascinating in assessing full frame as well. I'm very impressed with the IQ of this adapter and the speed of the AF.

[@gilknutson1938]

Thanks... from The Colonies! 😂 A well thought out review. I’m not actively in the market for another 50mm f:1.4 lens (I have one of the best available for my Pentax), but those rainbow flares are really something else!!! A calmly presented review that covers all the attractions of the lens.

[@gilknutson1938]

Oops...went totally brain dead there for a moment.... I have the 55mm f:1.4, not the 50.... still, a really nice lens for portraits!!! Got it for a great price, which is always a bonus!!!

[@danbuchman7497]

Excellent review as always Simon. I really like the rainbow flares. For the price, a great new tool. Thanks for showcasing this!

[@TheOffertonhatter]

I have the original FA 1.4 and I love it is a lot. Soft wide open unless the light is spot on, but stopped down it is beautifully sharp, perfect for studio work. I would love to see a comparison video of the FA v FA Classic v HD versions of this lens. Finally, it just proves that you don't need a huge 50mm like the DFA*, Sigma, Nikon et al, to enjoy using the focal length, the tiny FA50 really holds it own against the "monster" lenses.

[@manugeee]

Nice video! I also had the chance to play around and test the lens an I can totally agree. Really cool flares, very nice bokeh and stopped down a versatile and sharp all rounder. Nice video. 👍

[@gsrox2007]

Would have been so nice if Pentax had released this in multiple mounts. Let them stick to DSLRs but surely their legacy optics could have been turned into a series suitable for other camera brands as well. I would love a native L mount or even EF mount version of the optics in this lens. Won't hurt their bottom line either to add multiple mounts.

[@classic.cameras]

Wow the 80's called and want their lens back. That is the most retro new lens I have ever seen.

[@kalinmir]

Its the style of their F and FA series lenses (last pre digital series with autofocus) without red lettering and serrated focus ring and with an aperture ring

[@minahasa999]

I have the original FA for dozens of years.. I has back/front focus issue with my K5, but seems no issue with older bodies

[@leotomma3494]

Would be good to see you do one with the 50mm full frame lens

[@tomsun3159]

If this lens would have also WR it would be great and possibly a No-Brainer, but as i allready got the SMC-FA 50mm 1,4 and 1,7 i have other lenses to look for (especially WR Designs). But is a real good example how new coatings can work and how good the old designs are.

[@mattm3023]

Great video as usual. I know its not your typical style video, but I would love something going over how to buy/assess vintage lenses. Ive gotten a couple S-M-C 1.4 50mm from ebay that had undescribed thin haze in them when a bright flashlight was shone throigh them. Ive wondered if im overreacting or not, and if there's a better way to collect these.

[@mahakalax108]

Good one...can u test sigma 50mm f2 or 65mm f2 ? I feel its some of vintage taste in it

[@MarcLerchs]

Thank You for sharing. Every time I see a vid of You, I shop something. I will be ruined sson. :)

[@blackbirdpie217]

Out of all of its quirks, the purple fringing is a big negative to me. If it's not exactly described as such, It looks like a kind of chromatic aberration. This is exactly why the "radioactive" (Thorium) glass was used as Thorium has a much more uniform chromatic diffraction than plain glass, so all the color bands bend together rather than separating. One thing: It's amazing how affordable all of these lenses are today except for the HD version.

[@stephenblack557]

Great Review! It is not a lens that I would consider as the rainbow effect is too bold for me. I would prefer it if the effect was more subtle

[@Tenskwatawa4U]

Is there some advantage in using radioactive glass? Or disadvantage, other than, you know....radioactivity?

[@joachimlindback]

Thank you. Where is it made?

[@Simonsutak]

It's made in Vietnam.

[@joachimlindback]

@@Simonsutak Thanks. When you have a old K1000 you know there is a difference if it was made in Japan, Hong Kong or China.

[@qingyunwang3802]

Nice work Simon. My only question is whether this FA 50/1.4 has better coma control than the Takumar, as in Takumar's case, placing light sources at the edges will result in serious coma smearing.

[@riveracollazo]

Would the Takumar's tint affect the fringing in any way?

[@caerphoto]

I have the Pentax-F version of this lens, which I use on my Fujis via an adapter. I get lovely results from it, but I don't use it nearly as much as I should because of one problem: the focus ring is *awful*. It's so thin, has basically no damping, and has too short a throw. It's not surprising it's like that, of course - it's an early AF lens, after all - but it's honestly just no fun at all to manually focus :(

[@marysanchez4789]

Does the firmware update work on the 50mm 1.4 classic?

[@classic.cameras]

The only other lens I know of that makes Rainbow Flare is the Image 28mm f2.8. No idea who made it but its makes a rainbow and is very cheap.

[@enriquetoso]

The original FA 50 is a completly different lens with a good square lenshood.

[@kalinmir]

I mean...its a nice lens but...not like Pentax has any shortage of current lenses in this focal length while they are discontinuing certain focal lenghts entirely (560) or streamlining it to the point of there being only zooms covering it (200)

[@Ni5ei]

5:05 "As the lens's coatings aren't as good as modern digital lenses." I don't get what you're saying. This is a modern lens for modern cameras. I guess you mean the coatings aren't really up to today's standards? Odd because they advertise it as having high grade, multi layer HD coating. That should be up to today's standards...

[@Simonsutak]

There are two new versions. One with the multi layer HD coating. The second one, the one in this video, doesn’t have the multi layer HD coating.

[@Ni5ei]

@@Simonsutak Oooh I see. Sorry, I missed that 😔

[@danncorbit3623]

I am not a fan of the rainbow flares, but "A chacun ses goûts". I like swirly bokeh and bubble bokeh. But I find rainbow flares annoying. Come to think of it, I don't really like any flares, including anamorphic. Once in a while, a camera will make a flare like those generated in the human eye and those don't bother me, but that's it.

[@blotafton]

It's a bit too much flare for me. I prefer my C/Y Planar 50mm f1.4 that has a small delicate rainbow flare.

[@DrFurb]

Can't say it's effect is grabbing me. Very distracting

[@mromagnoli]

That's a rather ugly lens. Outside of the rainbow effect, I'm not sure what the point of it is.

[@bsundsbo]

To provide the old look of photograph, but with autofocus? And potentially a new stream of revenue from the raised popularity in vintage lenses😊

[@kalinmir]

@@bsundsbo the original lens with this look has autofocus (and all Pentax dslrs are screwdrive compatible as far as I know)...tho only substantial difference being the aperture ring...there is also an AF adapter from Pentax tho its also 1.7x teleconverter and discontinued

[@bonghungk7544]

I concur with you. Just use a rainbow filter on a regular Pentax 50 mm lens to achieve the same effect or PS it. I don’t see the point of rehashing this lens for a gimmicky rainbow 🌈 effect. Ricoh has lost its marbles and has lost in the mirrorless camera race so they need to resort to cheesy effect lenses.

[@letch1529]

i'll stick with the original