> It appears that the FA85/1.4 has less contrast than several of the > other lens. It is really noticeable in the Boston Skyline. Is that > you opinion also, or my imagination or maybe due to some other > reason.
I would say that you are correct, Mark. As much as I like the FA* 85/1.4, as an unusual and useful portrait lens, it would not be my personal choice for all-around 85mm shooting. (Maybe that's why ~I~ have the A* 85/1.4 and my wife has the FA* 85/1,4 - <heh-heh>.) I think that the difference in contrast is most apparent in one of the two combined images that I offered to show the effect of focus distance on focal length, http://www.cetussoft.com/pentax/85compar/85boston.jpg (the other one being http://www.cetussoft.com/pentax/85compar/85bricks.jpg ). Others have sometimes complained about the FA* 85/1.4's distance focus performance - perhaps part of the criticism is not just of resolution, but is of contrast, too. (???) As I recall, the Zenitar ZK 85/1.4 (and that was a "strange dude" - <g>) (the link is at the bottom of the 85compar index page), also lacked a bit of contrast (as well as sharpness) wide open (of course, I was comparing it mostly to the A* 85/1.4, which is a tough standard to be held up against), but it still seemed to work really well as a portrait lens. And, so it may be with the FA* 85/1.4 ... Fred
