glad you went for it. I'm sure you'll like it. I was rather fond of the IQ of my K24 but the f2.8 with my poor MF didn't rock my boat... still, for many daily shots the lens gives a good run to FA*24 I own now... but the FA* can do couple of things the K wouldn't let me so it was easy choice for me...

Well, I don't exactly know but I'll guess..
They started with 43 which was "true normal" (43mm is diagonal of 35mm film format). For tele they opted for 77/1.8 (size and weight of M85/2 with marginally narrower DOF) I guess to keep away from 85 (they already had FA*85/1.4) yet long enough for portraits and fast enough for shallow DOF. These two are great compromise between speed and size/weight. They needed wide lens to complete the line up. Now what do you do? You have 28/2.8 and 35/2 out there. Sigma was already (I believe) doing 28/1.8. So what do you do to be different? Make a lens slap bang in the middle, as fast as competition but smaller. E voila.... 31/1.8 was born. Some think it's a big lens, but just put it next to 28/1.8 or old K28/2 and you'll know better!

disclaimer: all above is pure speculation on my behalf...

oh and one more reason:
So Pentax folks could say: we have the best AF lens by anyone outhere

K28/2 as shown here and M28/2

Long time know fact (at least to some of us...).
The physical similarities of early Nikon (F?) mount and K mount were too great for some and they tried.
As a result, yes you can use pre AI Nikkors on K mount bodies, they will not lock on the body bus should fit tight enough not to fall off. And they will be upside down, but that will only matter to those standing in front of the camera anyway...

2 questions though:
how is infinity focus?
how does one recognize pre AI lens... I used to think the lenses with the "lips" are pre AI but I'm not sure now...

thanks...

I would have 10-20 EX DC 4-5.6. The first non HSM version. Good shape. With original caps, hood, case and box and paperwork! If interested, send me PM.

If the ballhead sale falls through, let me know please

[quote:3496ace15f="Dangermouse"]

I hope your payday is soon! I don't think it'll hang about for long at that price. They had two of them in last 6 weeks or so and they didn't stay for long. Seriously, even I was tempted to buy it for resale. Good luck. At that price the little gem is worth more than every penny u pay for it!

Why should we mind. It's all about pictures. As long as you don't rub in that this brand is better than that... Feel free to hang around as much as you want IMO

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

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!