SMC Pentax-FA 31mm f/1.8 AL Limited Lens

SMC Pentax-FA 31mm f/1.8 AL Limited Lens: Features

The 31mm is beautifully constructed using high grade materials, with impeccable finish and engraving. The lens cap is deep and secures firmly, aided by its plush green velvet lining. There is little chance for this to fall off. The art of lens making has been given full rein here and there is no doubting that we have a quality lens in terms of its manufacture.

The construction is 9 elements in 7 groups, including a moulded glass aspherical element. This is an expensive way to make a lens and this is reflected in the price.

The lens hood is built in, but the petal construction still makes it possible to fit 58mm filters if required. There is an aperture ring, making the lens suitable for all Pentax bayonet film cameras as well as the digital range. For the DSLRs the aperture ring should be set to “A” to allow all functions to operate.

This compact lens is not overly heavy at 345g, but certainly more substantial than a modern plastic construction would be. Being from the FA series, there is no Quick Shift focusing adjustment available, but manual focus is smooth and well damped when needed.

The focusing scale is viewed via a cut out, as with the older M series lenses, and there is a depth of field scale and infra-red focusing mark.

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