Auto-focus alternative to lens

I love the SMC Pentax-M 1:.7 50mm lens on my K5 for its super clarity and wide aperture capacity, but it is so unforgiving at the wide aperture end I find I'm missing the focus by inches so many times. I know practice is the key but I'm wondering if there is a relatively cheap auto-focus alternative I might look out for second-hand that would give the same great quality but allow AF?

Regards

Ian

You can pick up the very underrated kit lens for as little as £50

There was one here
link
Keep an eye on the classifieds they come up quite regular.

Thanks, Steve, and apologies. I should have said - I was thinking about another 50mm prime lens.

It depends how you define 'relatively cheap'. The Pentax-F 50mm f1.7 is an autofocus lens with similar (maybe the same) optical formula as the A or M lenses. There is one on ebay currently for £150:

link

but I don't know if that is a typical price or whether they are generally cheaper than that (someone here will know)... worth a browse on ebay or in online shops' second hand sections....

Hope that helps

Cheapest AF 50mm is a used F 1.7 at around £130/140.

Thanks, I'll look out for the Pentax-F. Sounds like what I'm after.

Ian

One in the classifieds at the moment.

https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/f-s--pentax-f-50-1-7-38421

There were a few around at £120 not so long ago - Harrisons? something like that

Its a bit slower but have you thought about the Pentax-DA 35mm F2.4 AL , its a very cheap lens brand new , think i paid £115 plus its very good!

Thanks for info and suggestions.

Ian

Pentax SMC P FA Lens - 50 mm - F/1.4
Great lens ...

depends on your definition of 'relatively cheap' though?

there actually are some alternatives. used f/fa 50 1.7 or 1.4 and new da 50 1.8, supposed to be a good lens as well. 5 different af lenses to choose from, not bad. if they fit in your budget...

Yup, excellent lens.

I find 35mm a much more usable focal length myself and use my FA35 much more than my FA50...

That said... Smeggypants and obione are right... FA50 is a quality piece of glass that easily keeps its place in my bag...