The 77 Limited is as sharp as the 31 Limited wide open. It is significantly better than the FA* 85/1.4 wide open.
I think FA77 is sharper than FA*85 wide open too, but don't think it can match the wide open sharpness of FA31.
Note that all the Limited lenses focuses past infinity.
Could it be your camera(s)? I just doubt checked mine with a magnifier and they don't focus past infinity.
There might be be sample to sample variabilities as well; my first 77 Limited was softer wide open than the one I have now. The first one had the rear elements out of alignement as they collided with each other. I got a new lens after I had it for two years when the problems became apparent due to wear on the coating on the inner lens surfaces.
I am not surprised. I myself had more -ve experience than I would like to remember. I just hope the next FA77 I had will be trouble free, if Pentax managed to supply any.
Alan Chan http://www.pbase.com/wlachan
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