There are many good choices and not many bad ones. I started with the Vivitar/Cosina 100mm f/3.5 macro which seems all plastic and janky. But optical test show it to be pretty darned sharp and I have taken some great shots with it.

Distinct advantages include a "standard" 49mm filter and weight of only 270g. It has max. magnification ratio of 1:2 but goes 1:1 with a matching adapter (included). I find that a good way to work since often 1:2 is easier and more appropriate to shoot.

I keep thinking I should sell this lens now I have the Series 1 105mm. But I just can't bring myself to part with it for the small amount of money I'd realise. Here's why...




That was a grab shot, by the way and not posed in the studio or anything.

There is nothing wrong with an A 50/1.7 that the FA43 can't fix.

But if you are changing from an f/2, f/1.7 is not going to appear much different.

A problem that is a) only likely to show up when shooting JPGs b) easily corrected in PP is, IMHO, not much of a problem at all. And certainly not a reason to choose one product over another.

There are far more important matters.

There was a statement from Pentax that the map was invalid a year ago. Blame them rather than the messenger for "dashing hopes". Sheesh!

That lens map is almost two years old and has been invalid for some time.

Pentax no longer published lens maps nor do they make known future releases until the actual announcement date.

I am glad you have decided to keep the FA43 which is simply one of the three best lenses Pentax make. (No prizes for guessing the other two!)

Sometimes I think the focal length is a bit odd but then realise with that incredible rendering I hardly care. FWIW I think 35mm is even more difficult on APS-C and sold my DA35 macro, though it is an excellent lens no doubt!

I have done fun work with a screw-on macro adapter but prefer to use it on the FA77.

Terry, that is the strangest experience and completely atypical. For me Win7 was a dramatic improvement in operability and speed. Of course that might have something to do with the 8 cores and multi-memory chips.

But seriously... every old device and piece of software works just fine. My older Epson scanner plugged right in and said "hi". No need for 64 bit apps or drivers -- backwards compatibility means 32-bit works fine. I have one old piece of audio software I really wish they'd update since I'm not getting the multi-processor benefit I was looking forward to. But that is not Microsoft's fault.

Am sorry to hear your experience is so different! I suppose you have tried compatibility mode etc.?

Actually, I rather think the FA43 sold more than the FA31 before the price hike. But when the price went through the roof it got stuck in retail inventory.

It would take very steady hands indeed...