HD PENTAX-FA50mmF1.4 and smc PENTAX-FA50mmF1.4 ClassicProducts Information
Below is a list of frequently asked questions and corresponding answers for the HD PENTAX-FA50mmF1.4 and smc PENTAX-FA50mmF1.4 Classic lenses.
■ Common HD PENTAX-FA 50 mmF1.4 Questions.
Basic Specifications and Functions
What are the features of the HD PENTAX FA 50mm F1.4?
Please refer as below.
[Optical performance]
The lens is small, light, and standard monofocal lens with a large aperture. It is characterized by a smooth bokeh with a circular aperture and excellent backlight.
The latest high-performance multi-coating "HD Coating" effectively reduces ghosting and flare generation under severe conditions such as backlight, enabling high contrast and clear depiction.
※Flare and ghost are not completely eliminated.
Also, the large-diameter F-value of the aperture F1.4 enables photographic representation that takes advantage of the shallow depth of field.
[Appearance]
The design matches the current K-series of digital SLR cameras, with wrinklepaint, focus rings with mesh texture, and green ring is adopted.- Can I use an interchangeable-lens film SLR camera?
Can be used with a K-mount camera of PENTAX product (bayonet mount method).
This product cannot be used with a screw mount camera.
For models not equipped with an auto focus mechanism, manual focus should be manuall focused.- What accessories are provided with this lens?
The following accessories are providing with this lens.
- Lens cap O-LC49
- Lens mount cap K
※The lens case is not included. The optional S70-70 is compatible.- Is the lens hood included?
Not included. Please purchase the separately sold lens hood (RH-RC49, PH-RA49).- Please tell us about special precautions to be taken when using the product.
Please refer as below.
- As with other lenses, do not look directly at the sun through the viewfinder with the lens in place.
You may damage your eye. In particular, direct observation of the sun with a lens can cause blindness. - Avoid prolonged viewing of the of the sun with live view mode, as it may cause, damage to the internal parts, or even fire due to the same light-harvesting effect as the magnifying glass. - Do not leave the camera attached to a tripod with the lens cap removed. The interior of the camera may be damaged by sunlight. - Whenhe lens is removed from the camera, attach the lens cap. If the lens is not covered and the lens is placed in direct sunlight, a fire may result. - This lens is not weatherproof. When shooting in a place with moisture or in rain, water enters the inside of the lens, causing failure of the internal parts and the movable mechanism.- What is "HD" in the lens name?
HD is the name of the coating and stands for High Definition. this lens had HD Coating, the latest high-performance multi-coating it achieves excellent backlight resistance that thoroughly suppresses ghosting. ※It does not completely eliminate flare and ghosting.
Caution: As with other lenses, do not look directly through the viewfinder with the lens attached.Example photo：HD PENTAX-FA 50mmF1.4
Example photo：HD PENTAX-FA 50mmF1.4
You may damage in your eye. In particular, direct observation of the sun with a lens can cause blindness.- Can this lens produce "rainbow flare"?
No.- Is the excellent backlight tolerance feature also effective for cameras with APS-C sensor size?
Yes.- Can a rear comverter be used with this lens?
Yes, available.
The following products are available.
Please refer to notes *1 to 6 for the conditions of each model.
・HD PENTAX-DA AF REAR CONVERTER 1.4X AW *1 *4
・A1.4X-S *1 *3 *5 *6
・A2X-S *2 *3 *5 *6
*1:The synthetic open F-value is F2.4.
*2:The synthetic open F-value is F3.2.
*3:The open F-value for the camera display is F1.4.
*4:Lens aberration during combination may affect auto focus accuracy and drawing of the subject.
*5:The auto focus function cannot be used. Focus manually.
*6:The focus indicator may not work properly during combination.- Can close-up accessories such as close-up rings be used?
Yes. You can use. The following products are available. ※However, there are no electronic contacts, the exposure mode is limited, and focus is limited to manual focus only.
・Close-up ring K set
・Helicoid close-up ring K (sales terminated)
・Reverse adapter K49mm (sales terminated)
・Auto-bellows A (sales terminated)
・Automatic close-up ring K-set (sales terminated)
* The automatic close-up ring K-set is equipped with an aperture interlocking lever, but in the age of film cameras with manual focus In the case of digital SLR cameras and film cameras equipped with auto focus functions, due to the lack of electronic contacts of these products, The available functions are limited.- When mounted on a digital SLR camera, the aperture is displayed as "F--" and shooting cannot be performed.
The position of the lens aperture ring may be out of the "A" position.
Please turn the aperture ring to set it to the position "A" and try it.- When the mode dial positions are M, B, and X, the exposure mode is correct. However, in P and Tv, the exposure mode is displayed as Av (aperture-priority auto exposure) and P (program) mode cannot be used.
Check that the lens aperture ring is not out of the A position.- You focus on flowers with auto focus and release, however the focus is only one flower and not on the other. Why is that?
Because of the shallow depth of field at the aperture F1.4, it may appear locked on the subject in front of and behind the subject in focus. Generally, the closer the shooting distance is, the smaller the fore-aft/aft range is, but the depth of field is widened by increasing the aperture value (F value) (e.g. from 1.4 to 8). Therefore, increase the aperture value to try.
■ Common Questions for smc PENTAX-FA 50 mmF1.4 Classic
Basic Specifications and Functions
- What are the features of the smc PENTAX FA 50mm F1.4 Classic?
Please refer as below.
[Optical performance]
Large aperture, compact, lightweight, standard monofocal lens with a smooth circle bokeh with a circular aperture, a soft open drawing, and a massive variation in texture with the aperture.
Another feature of the flare is that it is tuned so that the phenomenon commonly referred to as "rainbow flare" can be easily seen. Also, the large-diameter F-value of the aperture F1.4 enables photographic representation that takes advantage of the shallow depth of field.
[Appearance]
The smc PENTAX-FA50mmF1.4 design is followed by black matte painting and matt black focusing ring, which is the retro design for the film SLR camera era.- Can I use an interchangeable-lens film SLR camera?
Can be used with a K-mount camera of PENTAX product (bayonet mount method).
This product cannot be used with a screw mount camera.
For models not equipped with an auto focus mechanism, manual focus should be manuall focused.- What accessories are provided with this lens?
The following accessories are providing with this lens.
- Lens cap O-LC49
- Lens mount cap K
- Lens filter LF-ND16-49 mm
※The lens case is not included. The optional S70-70 is compatible.- Is the lens hood included?
Not included. Please purchase the separately sold lens hood (RH-RC49, PH-RA49).- Please tell us about the ND filter supplied.
This filter reduces the amount of light entering the lens to 1/16. If the reduction to 1/16 is compared with the change in the aperture value, it corresponds to the state of the reduction from F1.4 to F5.6, and the aperture is reduced by four steps. ※ND in ND16 stands for Neutral Density.- Why does an ND filter included?
In order to generate rainbow flare, a light source such as a bright light source in the frame or sunlight in the leak day is required, and the aperture is close to F1.4. The ND filter is attached to the lens to reduce bright light for use around the aperture F1.4 and to prevent damage to the camera due to intense light and sunlight being imaged inside the camera during shooting.
* It does not completely prevent damage inside the camera.
* Be careful not to look directly at the sun with the optical viewfinder when shooting with or without an ND filter.
Note that if sunlight continues to enter the camera, it may cause burning, damage to internal parts, or even fire due to the same light-harvesting effect as the magnifying glass.- Does the ND filter always have to be installed when shooting indoors?
The ND filter may be removed for indoor shooting or night scene shooting.
It is recommended that you wear an ND filter when shooting with rainbow flare outdoors on a sunny day.- What is the phenomenon of "Rainbow flare"?
Strictly speaking, it is a kind of lens ghost, commonly referred to as "rainbow flare" or "rainbow ring flare." The diffuse reflection in the lens causes a ring of light of various colors, such as rainbow, to appear in an arc and be reflected in a photograph.
When an old lens was used in the age of film cameras, backlit shooting is likely to take place near the aperture opening. The sharpness of the entire screen is reduced (flare), and a rainbow ring-shaped ghost is displayed around the flare.
The current lens design is designed to minimize the generation of Smc PENTAX-FA 50 mmF1.4 Classic lenses due to the latest coating technology. However, Smc PENTAX-FA 50 mmF1.4 uses intentional tuning to design lenses so that users who want to enjoy them as special effects that can change their photographs can easily generate such effects.
- Is there an angle that tends to cause "rainbow flare"?
The angle of incidence of the light source to the screen is 10° to 15° which is the most likely angle to exit. Other angles may occur, but the outputs differ depending on the concentration of light and the degree of diffusion. If the angle of incidence is small, the ring diameter of "rainbow flare" is smaller as shown in Example (1). When the angle of incidence is 10° to 15°, the ring diameter of "rainbow flare" is larger and double or triple flare is more visible as shown in Example (3). ※The brightness of the rainbow flare varies depending on the concentration of light and the degree of diffusion.
Examples (1): Approx. 5.5°
Examples (2): Approx. 8°
Examples (3): Approx. 12°
- Is the size and darkness of the rainbow flare the same every time?
Depending on the incident angle of the light source and the amount of light, the appearance of the rainbow flare and the shading, size and width of the color will change. In the example (1), the angle of incidence is smaller and the ring diameter of the rainbow flare is smaller, but the color of the rainbow flare is darker due to the light intensity of the light source. In the example (2), the color of the entire "rainbow flare" is lighter than in the example (1) because the amount of light is smaller than in the example (1). The angle of incidence is slightly larger. Example (3) is an example where the light intensity of the light source is equal to that of Example (1) and the incident angle is large.
Examples (1)
Examples (2)
Examples (3)
- I can't see "rainbow flare" in live view. How can I check it?
When shooting live view of our SLR, when the aperture position is A, the aperture blade is narrowed by automatic light intensity adjustment."Rainbow flare" is generated when the aperture is close to F1.4. It is not generated when the aperture is F2.0 or higher. Reduce the light intensity with an ND filter, or allow (or turn ON) the aperture ring in the camera menu. Remove the aperture ring from the A position, and try making the aperture ring open to F1.4.
*Please note that prolonged exposure of the image sensor to sunlight may cause burning or scorching due to the light-collecting effect of the lens, damage to the image sensor, deformation or damage to internal components due to reflection off the sensor mirror surface, or even fire.- "Rainbow flare" does it occur in APS-C size sensor cameras as well?
Yes. However, since the APS-C image circle uses the central part of the effective diameter of the lens, even when "rainbow flare" is generated at the same angle of incidence or amount of light as the body of the full-size sensor, the area outside of the image pickup device is not visible on the image.- How does "rainbow flare" look when the PENTAX Q series is mounted using the PENTAX adapter Q for K mount lens?
The smaller the sensor size, the more the central part of the effective diameter of the lens is cropped. Therefore, when this lens is attached to the Q-Series via the adapter, the ring-shaped "rainbow flare" may not appear or only a part of may appear.- "Rainbow flare" also occurs in dark places such as night scenes?
However, when a bright light source with a certain amount of light is within the angle of view, the appearance will vary depending on the angle of incidence and the degree of concentration and diffusion of the light rays. When shooting night scenes, it may be difficult to see in the viewfinder. In this case, use Live View to display the grid in 16 or 9 segments (golden segments), and position the bright light source near the intersection of the segment lines to make it easier to see the "rainbow flare" phenomenon.
*The grid lines will be easier to see if you set the grid line color to white in the live view and playback screens.
Example (1): 16 splits:
Example (2): 9 splits (gold splits)
- Please tell us about special precautions to be taken when using the product.
Please refer as below.
- As with other lenses, do not look directly through the viewfinder with the lens in place.
You may have a damage in your eye. In particular, direct observation of the sun with a lens can cause blindness. - If the sunlight continues to enter the camera when shooting with live view mode, it may cause burning,damage to the internal parts, or even fire due to the same light-harvesting effect as the magnifying glass. - Do not leave the camera attached to a tripod with the lens cap removed. The inside of the camera may be damaged or damaged by sunlight. - When the lens is removed from the camera, attach the lens cap. If the lens is not covered and the lens is placed in direct sunlight, a fire may result. - The lens is not weatherproof. When shooting in a place with moisture or in rain, water may enter inside the lens, causing failure of the internal parts and the movable mechanism.- Can a rear comverter be used with this lens?
Yes, available.
The following products are available.
Please refer to notes *1 to 6 for the conditions of each model.
・HD PENTAX-DA AF REAR CONVERTER 1.4X AW *1 *4
・A1.4X-S *1 *3 *5 *6
・A2X-S *2 *3 *5 *6
*1:The synthetic open F-value is F2.4.
*2:The synthetic open F-value is F3.2.
*3:The open F-value for the camera display is F1.4.
*4:Lens aberration during combination may affect auto focus accuracy and drawing of the subject.
*5:The auto focus function cannot be used. Focus manually.
*6:The focus indicator may not work properly during combination.- Can close-up accessories such as close-up rings be used?
Yes. You can use. The following products are available. ※However, there are no electronic contacts, the exposure mode is limited, and focus is limited to manual focus only.
・Close-up ring K set
・Helicoid close-up ring K (sales terminated)
・Reverse adapter K49mm (sales terminated)
・Auto-bellows A (sales terminated)
・Automatic close-up ring K-set (sales terminated)
* The automatic close-up ring K-set is equipped with an aperture interlocking lever, but in the age of film cameras with manual focus In the case of digital SLR cameras and film cameras equipped with auto focus functions, due to the lack of electronic contacts of these products, The available functions are limited.- When mounted on a digital SLR camera, the aperture is displayed as "F--" and shooting cannot be performed.
The position of the lens aperture ring may be out of the "A" position.
Please turn the aperture ring to set it to the position "A" and try it.- When the mode dial positions are M, B, and X, the exposure mode is correct. However, in P and Tv, the exposure mode is displayed as Av (aperture-priority auto exposure) and P (program) mode cannot be used.
Check that the lens aperture ring is not out of the A position.- You focus on flowers with auto focus and release, however the focus is only one flower and not on the other. Why is that?
Because of the shallow depth of field at aperture F1.4, it may appear locked on the subject in front of and behind the subject in focus. Generally, the closer the shooting distance is, the smaller the fore-aft/aft range is, but the depth of field is widened by increasing the aperture value (F value) (e.g. from 1.4 to 8). Therefore, increase the aperture value to try.