Anyone use an A or FA 24mm/28mm with digital?

I have a Pentax-M 28mm f/3.5 which I occasionally pair with my K20D. I would use it more, except the green button metering is a little fiddly - without compensation it produces overexposed shots in low light and underexposed at small apertures. However the sharpness and general image quality are good, and I'm considering buying a 28mm A or FA (I've looked at the DA primes, but 35mm is too long for what I want, and for the use it will get I can't justify the price of the 21mm Limited).

Does anyone use any of these lenses - e.g. Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8 or Pentax-A 24mm f/2.8 - with digital, and what could I expect in terms of image quality and metering?

Stan

I had the M-28 f3.5, then the A-28 f2.8. The f3.5 has a much stronger reputation for sharpness, but I found both of them very sharp and with nice contrast and colour. The A-28 [has a tiny bit of purple fringing and is less sharp] wide open but this is improved as you stop down. However the f2.8 aperture is nice to have.

I sold both eventually as my Sigma 24mm Super-wideII is a more useful focal length for me and very sharp from f2.8.

Yeah, I have an a-28mm, and while I have never really used it much on digital I have been playing with it lately. Actually, I have used it today but I haven't checked those pictures yet. So far my verdict is: metering is fine, but resolution is not something to brag about. On 2.8 and even 3.5 the pictures so far have not really been useful.

I'm going to buy an 21 myself if I find one used or new at a reasonable price. First I need one of those K5s.

Maybe I can put some pictures up for you tomorrow.

Thanks for replies. Pentaxophile, I hadn't thought about third-party lenses, but the Sigma looks worth investigating, thanks. Joel, look forward to seeing the pictures; I use my 28mm between 5.6 and 16 most of the time, so some lack of sharpness wide open won't be a problem.

Hi I have both the A28 and A24, metering is fine on both. Both are a little soft at F2.8, but sharpen up when stopped down. Of the two the A 24 is my favourite. I often use it as a general purpose lens when travelling light.

Regards - Steve

I used to have K24/2.8 which has the same optics as A24. As said above, it's little soft at 2.8 but usable IMO. If the A has the same colour rendition as K then it's worth getting. the contrast is good too...

In your thread title you mention FA. If you have the budget then get FA*24. My experiences so far have been nothing but delight!

Well, I think I'll hold back my images. I looked at them yesterday and something was not right. So I just sat down with lens in hand to have a look at it and imidiately noticed a sound when I moved it around - something's loose inside. Otherwise, it is in fine condition so I might as well see if I can fix it but first I'll need to do some research, I think. A new topic just might come up soon...

Everything is just falling two pieces between my fingers these days: one Pentax lens and a laptop have already been written off - now one more lens?

I have an A28/2.8 - stopped down a bit it's not to shabby at all. I'ts also featherweight so easy on the wrist.

Thanks all. I've decided on a 24 as I don't have one, probably either the A or the Sigma; will keep an eye out for an FA* but haven't been able to track any down on the web. I see from another thread that the K5 may have more accurate 'green button' metering, and as I intend to buy a K5 sometime in the future that gives me some hope for the M 28.

I had a Pentax-A 28mm 1:2.8 which I used extensively on digital. Lovely lens. Sharp enough, lovely colour rendition (a little more 'natural' than the Pentax-A 50mm lenses), great MF feel, superb build quality and a very useful focal length. You can pick them up cheaply enough too.

Any views on the Tamron 28mm f2.5? Seem to be a few knocking about on ebay

I've got a Tamron 28/2.5 and have been pleased with pictures from it.

It seems to get good reviews and I've been very happy with its performance - sharp with pleasing colours. Definitely good value for money.

I don't know if it's too long, but I can highly recommend the Sigma 30mm/ f1.4 EX - It's far sharper than my Pentax-A 1.2 or 1.4 @ 1.4 and stopped down is incredibly lovely!! Plus you get AF

ffordes.com have all three generations of SMC 24 in their used section.
They have K24/2.8 @ £79, A24/2.8 £149 and 2x FA*24 @£449 & 499.
Personally I think A24 is good option if you don't need/want AF and/or f2. £149 is bit on higher side (I've seen them going for around £130 lately) but still acceptable IMHO. £79 for K version is a STEAL IMO. I sold my a year ago for £120! And £449 for FA* is a real value price.

fortunately choice is yours, not mine

There was a 28mmm F f/2.8 that went for £122 on ebay last night. Seem to be rarely avsailable.