On Monday, September 9, 2002, at 07:43 PM, Michael Cross wrote:
> I'm 37 and, believe it or not, I am just starting out with Pentax. As > far as I > know a Spotmatic is a washing machine. > > I just bought a ZX-L body. Now I just need one of you PDMLer's to tell > which > prime lens I ought to buy first for people photography. > > Michael Cross My most frequently used "people" lens is my FA 35/2.�I use it on groups, environmental portraits, and on up to half-length individual portraits. If you have the dough and don't mind the extra weight, the FA 31/1.9 is an even better lens (at least, Cesar's 31/1.9 is better than my 35/2). Of my other Pentax lenses�lengths of 50mm, 77mm, 100mm, and 135mm�the 135mm most comfortably handles what 35mm can't. I find it a great length for head shots�the physical distance between me and my subject is close enough to be sociable but not so close as to be invasive. Perfect for shooting across a table. I originally bought an M 135/3.5 just to try the length, figuring on getting the FA 135/2.8 if it worked out. I picked up an Ex+ example for $40 and shipping about a year and a half ago and still haven't moved up to the FA 135/2.8�it is definitely one of the great bargains of the Pentax lineup. Good luck choosing, Dan Scott (42 1/12 years old)
