That's a good price for a unique lens. I had one a few years ago (now owned by another member of this forum) and it's the most solidly-built lens I've ever come across, a real beauty to hold and use.

I've ordered an SFX with an F 50mm f/1.7. I recently got an F 50/1.7 but I like it a lot more than my FA (which I'll be selling soon) and also the DAL 50/1.8 so I reckoned I'd get a spare and get rid of the other AF 50s.

I don't need an SFX (I think I have three SFXns) but this one looks brand new in the photos so maybe I'll keep it.

I'll take the Minolta lens assuming it's in good condition, all working fine, no fungus etc. If you could add a couple of pictures that'd be great.

Does the Minolta lens have a 55mm or 49mm filter ring? I ask because there are three different versions apparently.

As I recently posted in another thread, Park Cameras have some KPs in stock (both colours) but for £999.00. A couple of months ago they had them with kit lenses for two or three hundred less.

I haven't used an MZ for years but despite being light and flimsy they are remarkably small and feel quite good in the hand. I stuck my silver 43mm Limited on the MZ-30 yesterday and it's a lovely small combo and the only camera that the silver 43mm looks good on.

Obviously of the Pentax lenses around that focal length the 31 Ltd is king, with the HD version in principle better than the SMC. I didn't mention it due to price. I've never tried one but I would love to one day.

The HD 35/2 was released quite recently but it has the same optical formula as the earlier SMC FA version. However, I recall from my very early days with Pentax (around 2010) that the the SMC 35/2 was not very highly thought of and was generally considered to produce dull and lifeless photos. I haven't tried the SMC version but that has not been my experience with the HD version at all, so maybe the HD coatings do a lot more than just reduce flare.

So the optical formulae of both are about the same age, both are available in SMC and HD.

If it were me I'd get the 31mm and at least try it, if you've found one for an acceptable price.

I understand completely. I have no intention of upgrading my K-3 in the near future but it's good to know that there's something suitable available in case something should happen. The K-70 is overdue an update (as are the K1 II and 645Z for that matter) and wouldn't be an upgrade from a K-3 and the K-3 III is more than double what my K-3 cost me as well as being very firmly in FF territory price-wise.

The K-70 should be updated and, though the KP was missing several things I'd like, I think it should be replaced with something to provide a middle-ground. I know the market has shrunk but if Pentax really are going to stick with DSLRs then they should do that and provide a good range of cameras that aren't six or more years old.

I have found the HD FA 35mm f/2 lens to be very good for taking pictures of my kids. While in theory it's the same optical formula as the much cheaper 35/2.4 already mentioned by John, I have found that the 35/2 is sharper and with better rendering. Of course it's also better built, has a hood, a distance scale and is film and FF compatible.

I remember that the 35/2.4 in testing with my DA 35/2.8 Limited only had a quarter of a stop advantage wide open rather than the half stop it's supposed to have, so really it's f/2.6.

The 35/2.4 provides a first prime that's better than the 18-55 kit lenses but given the quality difference the 35/2 I think provides better value. It can be found at a good price around black Friday and maybe other times of year.

I've dug out my MZs which I've been planning to check and get rid of. Of the five I own, three have suffered the broken cog problem: an MZ-5N, an MZ-3 and an MZ-6. The survivors are another 5N and a 30.