smc PENTAX-FA 50mmF1.4 Classic for pictures with a unique visual effect

This lens is based on the smc PENTAX-FA 50mmF1.4, which was introduced in 1991 as the standard lens for 35mm SLR cameras.
Due to its large aperture and distinctive image reproduction, which is different from today's lenses for digital cameras, it has become increasingly popular, especially in recent years.
The popularity of this lens, which is one of the best-selling Pentax lenses, prompted us to redesign it. On the one hand, we wanted to preserve the special image reproduction of the classic, on the other hand, we wanted to produce a modern lens that meets the current demands of photography. The result is two lenses, and depending on the photographer's task or creative orientation, he can decide which lens to choose.

The smc PENTAX-FA 50mmF1.4 Classic features specific fine-tuning of the lens construction because it creates a unique visual effect commonly known as "Rainbow Flare" when shooting with an open aperture and strong backlight. By changing the framing or position relative to the light source, the photographer can influence the position and size of the effect, and thus differs from the HD PENTAX-FA 50mmF1.4

Features / Specifications

Distinctive imaging characteristics

Through intentional fine-tuning of the lens design, this lens has been designed to produce a unique visual effect commonly known as rainbow flare when an image is captured at open aperture* and against strong backlight.** It lets the photographer change the position and size of the rainbow flare by shifting the relative position of the subject and light source, creating this unique visual expression not available with the latest lenses. By closing the aperture down to F4 or smaller, the photographer can also capture sharper, crisper images with minimal flare and ghost images.

* It may be difficult to create rainbow flare when the lens is mounted on an APS-C-format digital SLR camera, because the camera’s image sensor is designed to use only the central area of the image circle.

** During shooting, the user is advised to mount a Neutral Density (ND) filter (included as a standard accessory), or a commercial ND filter designed to reduce light transmittance in the lens to less than a 1/16 level, on the lens. When observing an image through the camera’s optical viewfinder, the user is advised to avoid looking directly at strong light sources.

Simulated ghost images in backlight*

smc PENTAX-FA 50mmF1.4	smc PENTAX-FA 50mmF1.4 Classic

The lens coating on each optical element of the smc PENTAX-FA 50mm F1.4 Classic has been fine-tuned to minimize the generation of unwanted ghost images, while retaining those that are essential in producing its distinctive rendition.

* These images are at open aperture, and are simulated using the exclusive software

SP Coating

SP coating is a PENTAX-original special coating that provides superior performance in repelling water and oils. It is used on the front surface of the first high-performance lens for effective protection of the lens surface. This coating not only prevents adhesion of dust, water drops, oils, and other substances, but it also makes it easy to wipe off objects that adhere to the lens.

Comparison of dirt adhesion (oil-based ink) A lens surface treated with SP Coating has a very smooth surface without the adhesion of the oil-based ink.	Comparison of wipe-off (oil-based ink)  A lens surface treated with SP Coating can be wiped clean more easily and completely, even after the ink has dried.

Distinctive image rendition

Thanks to its large F1.4 open aperture, this lens captures images with a very shallow depth of field. Its eight-blade diaphragm control mechanism produces a soft, natural bokeh (defocus) effect from open aperture to F2.8, and also minimizes the streaking effect of point light sources.

Nostalgic design

This lens retains the exterior design of its base model — the smc PENTAX-FA50mm F1.4 — and features a black matte finish and a matte-black focus ring. It has no green ring — the symbolic design of recent PENTAX-brand lenses — to recreate the nostalgic appearance of interchangeable lenses designed for PENTAX Z-series film-format cameras.

Compatibility with older cameras

Thanks to the aperture ring installed on the lens body, and the coupling mechanism with the camera’s motor-driven, in-body AF system, this lens is designed to be fully compatible with older K-mount digital SLR cameras and film-format AF SLR cameras, allowing the photographer to retain all camera functions of these models.

【MTF Chart】

Geometric optics MTF (MTF calculated without referencing the effects of light diffraction phenomenon)

Wave optical MTF (MTF calculated referencing the effects of light diffraction phenomenon)

Since it is impossible to avoid light diffraction phenomenon on the actual lens, wave optical MTF is more realistic. However, geometric MTF is appropriate if you want to compare only the effects of geometric aberration correction on MTF.

Sample Images

Aperture: F1.4, Shutter speed: 1/400sec, Exposure compensation: 0EV, Focal length: 50mm, White balance: Auto, ISO sensitivity: 100, Finishing touch/Custom image: Natural (Used included ND filter), Captured by PENTAX K-1 Mark II

Aperture: F5.6, Shutter speed: 1/500sec, Exposure compensation: -0.7EV, Focal length: 50mm, White balance: Auto, ISO sensitivity: 100, Finishing touch/Custom image: Natural, Captured by PENTAX K-1 Mark II

Aperture: F2.8, Shutter speed: 1/400sec, Exposure compensation: -0.7EV, Focal length: 50mm, White balance: Auto, ISO sensitivity: 100, Finishing touch/Custom image: Natural, Captured by PENTAX K-1 Mark II

Aperture: F5.6, Shutter speed: 1/400sec, Exposure compensation: -1.7EV, Focal length: 50mm, White balance: Auto, ISO sensitivity: 200, Finishing touch/Custom image: Natural, Captured by PENTAX K-1 Mark II

Aperture: F2.8, Shutter speed: 1/5000sec, Exposure compensation: -1.0EV, Focal length: 50mm, White balance: Auto, ISO sensitivity: 200, Finishing touch/Custom image: Natural, Captured by PENTAX K-1 Mark II