No brainer really
You should still get the 31 because:

1/ The 31 is the best lens Pentax have made.
2/ It's only going to go up in value.
3/ The FA limiteds are no longer made and so will become unavailable at some point.
4/ You need to complete your set

Other film-oriented alternatives I would suggest instead of the ones you listed are the K30/2.8 and the K28/2.

R

I've noticed the same thing with my handheld 300mm shots - you have to wait for the "hand" symbol to appear in the viewfinder, which indicates that SR is ready.

Like you, I've been looking through my blurred shots in PhotoME and they almost always have "SR: Not Ready". PhotoME tells you how long you half-pressed the shutter button and on my K20 it would seem you need to hold it for around half a second for SR to be ready.

On the other hand, I haven't seen any correlation with SR Not Ready and an increase in shake. Some "Not Ready" shots have been pin-sharp

R

When Robin of Harrow Technical overhauled my MX, he reckoned lack of use was one of the main contributors to shutter problems. Apparently the correct amount of lubrication of the various parts is vital to correct running and this is affected by sitting idle.

R

I think the FA* silver finish is particularly susceptible to marks!

My FA*24 (that I sold to another member here) had had nothing but gentle & careful use, but there were a lot of wear marks on the hood and body.

Most of these appeared to be from rubbing against the inside of my camera bag - the finish couldn't even cope with that

R

The DA14 focusses a lot closer than the 12-24, which is useful for some ultra-wide perspectives.

This is going to sound a bit odd, but I find I don't use my DA14 that much these days because it's a very wide lens physically with the lens hood on and I have trouble fitting it in my bag

Instead, I tend to use the wide end of the 16-50 or the venerable Zenitar.

R

Mark Roberts' website also has shots of the silver limiteds on various Pentax cameras: link

R

Interestingly, I think the black pair looks better in the picture, but everyone who saw the 2 bodies/lenses together "in the metal" preferred the chrome pair

Also, as I mentioned previously, both the black body and lens have a lot more wear marks than the chrome versions (which really don't have any at all).

R

They're not both mine is the simple answer

R

More MX Joy




R

In my opinion, the de-fished the Zenitar is a lot better than the kit lens and there are many example shots on the "other" Pentax forum for you to make up your own mind

It's also a lot wider than the apparent 2mm difference would suggest - the de-fishing process effectively stretches the frame out wider and thinner.

I've also compared the Zenitar against my DA 10-17 fisheye at 16mm and the Pentax is rather embarrassed by the Jurassic Russian offering!

R