Hi Fred,
There are some among us that prefer the 55 f1.8. The tests were
conducted with colour negative film per the PDML specification. IMHO, I feel
that the tests should have been carried out on either B&W or colour
transparency film. Only one sample of the 55 f1.8 was used (I know they are
not common - I have 3). My experience indicates that they are better than
the K and M 50 f1.4 and 50 f1.7 lenses at the apertures I use. I do not have
the A f1.4 - it could change my opinion.
Bob Rapp
----- Original Message -----
From: "Fred" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Wednesday, January 01, 2003 6:53 PM
Subject: Re: A or M 1.7 Vs. 1.4?
> > I own the 50mm-A 1.7 lens. Seems that most think the 1.4 is a
> > better lens? Do you agree?
>
> This has been one of the longest running "discussions" here on the
> PDML, I think. Some swear by the 50/1.7's, while others (including
> yours truly) prefer the 50/1.4's. I personally think that the extra
> half-stop from the 50/1.4's is sometimes useful. I also personally
> feel that the 50/1.4's are a tad sharper. I think that the 50/1.4's
> have a better build quality. However, I also think that the
> 50/1.7's have a slightly flatter field of focus (making them better
> for use with tubes, macro TC's, mounted reversed, etc., for macro
> applications).
>
> > Has anyone ever done a side by side comparison?
>
> For resolution, see http://www.cetussoft.com/pentax/resolutn.htm .
>
> > I would like to pick up a 1.4, and also wonder if there is much
> > difference between the A version Vs. the M version. This would be
> > in the K mount, for a Super Program, MX, etc.
>
> There is (I believe) something resembling a consensus here that
> there is indeed a slight optical difference between some of the M
> and A 50's, with the 50/2's and the 50/1.4's showing the biggest
> improvement, and with the 50/1.7's being more similar, M to A.
> However, I think that the M lenses have slightly better builds.
>
> I think...
>
> Fred
>
>
