SMC Pentax-FA 43mm f/1.9 Limited Lens

SMC Pentax-FA 43mm f/1.9 Limited Lens: Handling

The lens is compact and a beautiful object in its own right. There is quality engineering here that can be appreciated for its own sake. The Limited description refers to the lens being hand assembled, which means lower production numbers but potentially a very superior product.

The distance scale is viewed through a cutout as per the old M series design, and there is a depth of field scale complete with infra-red focusing mark. Manual focusing is possible via a thin rim that is nicely damped. This is the feel of new technology and is not the same silky smoothness of older conventional lenses. However, it works perfectly well.

Quick Shift was not part of lens design in 1998, so this new feature of Pentax lenses is not available here. Nonetheless focusing is sharp and accurate on the K-5 and images snap quickly into focus.

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