Kimbo - thanks for the offer. The Z1 went long ago - didn't use it at all!
Kim - appreciate the offer. May still take you up on it. Will get the A1.4 on Monday with the option of returning. Price was pretty reasonable, and I'll wait to see the full condition. Many thanks again
I'll let you all know how I get on with manual focus and the *ist-D
Matt

Thanks very much for your input Kim & John. The A-1.2 had gone already, but I've managed to find a reasonable A-1.4, so I'll make do with that
...but I'll keep my eyes open for the rare 1.2, and if you ever want to pass any on Kim, you know where to come

Matt

Whoops! Yes John, it's the "K". My mistake.
Thanks for your feedback too!
Matt

Kim,
Thanks again.
The trouble is I'm having trouble finding even many A-1.4. I've seen a few around £120, but then there's an M-1.2 at £160. And the A-1.2 is twice that! The metering on the *ist-D for M lenses is a bit of a pain, especially when using the BG grip in portrait mode (because you have to press the little green button by the body shutter release to stop down and meter). The speed difference between the A-1.4 and A-1.7 is important, but not for nearly 3x the cost!
If anyone's got any leads, do drop me a private message!
And I'm getting a bit tired of finding 1.2's and discovering they are "1:2" (i.e. f2)!!
Thanks,
Matt

Hi Kim,
Appreciate the comment a lot. Actually my F-1.7 is very sharp, and as you say, has a great flat field. I use it mostly for low level light portraiture, but manual focussing with it is horrible (not very solid construction and such a small focus ring).

I thought the A-50/1.2 was rare, but your chrome version is even more rare!! I have the choice between a K and an A. The A is twice the price though The *ist-D has pretty good handling of the K lenses, but I reallly think I'd get more mileage out of an A - evaluative metering and P-TTL flash (when I do use it) being two.

Yes, it's the 3D modelling that I'm looking for, plus the beautiful bokeh...
I suppose it's a case of either trying to justify the price () or haggling
Matt

Before you ask, it's nothing to do with age

I'm looking at the 50mm A-series f1.4 and f1.2 lenses. Has anyone any experience with either of these two beasts, especially in comparison to the f1.7 (I have the SMC-F).

I'm mostly interested in the bokeh, flare, etc. As you may have guessed it's mostly for low light work.

Any information appreciated
Matt

It might start a Pentax User fight if one comes up secondhand! LOL!
Matt

Kim - If you can get it at a superb price that is!
Matt

If you get one, make sure you get the "thingy" to unclip it!
You can buy them new direct from www.srbfilm.co.uk

Matt

I've been in contact with Pete's team - now only registered users can post to the forums.
In addition, the IP addresses of the spammers have been banned.

And no, they were not C or N. At least not overtly

Matt