Pentax 35mm f2 FA

Folks, what’s the 35mm f2 like? I’m close to buying another K1 (or maybe a K1ii) and will be going for a 24-70 but would like a smaller lens at times.

Love the 31mm but I think I’ll be strapped to spend that much on top of the 24-70 initially, how good is the 35mm?

Hi, back again!! Knew you would.
Does this help?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrjwRUi3jfQ
If you don't mind a slight bit of vignetting the APSC DA f/2.4 version might be worth a try. While there is some vignetting at f/2.4 it can be corrected in PP and above that it's fine. A truly very light and inexpensive option which I believe to be optically similar to the FA version. It can always be moved on if you don't like it after all.
Another option is the manual focus A f/2.0 (or even M) version which have 7 elements in 7 groups as opposed the DA & FA's 6 elements in 5 groups. Some seem to prefer those.
As you say, the 31mm is better.
Also look up http://stans-photography.info/ - 'best 35mm lens' section in 'Short prime lenses.'
This might be useful too: http://www.takinami.com/yoshihiko/photo/lens_test/pentax_35.html
As to the 35mm f/2.0, yes a fine lens closely matched by the original K SMC PENTAX 35mm f/3.5.

The FA 35 f2 is very good... I have one and absolutely wouldn’t part with it... bokeh is probably not in the super creamy class of the fa 31, but it’s approx a third of the price (possibly even less if you get a gd deal)... I find it’s great for wideish angle close ups of family/portraits etc on the K1... absolutely love it...

Best

Thanks folks, I've been without a camera since the summer and itching to get back in! The break has probably done me some good actually!
I'm looking around and I'm struggling to look beyond a K1 for pure value for money!

Have you checked the Ricoh outlet page? There is a very good deal on a refurbished K1 there.