Was/is yours an FA*24, or just an FA24?
Godfrey prefers an FA over an FA*, for some reason...
Do you?
keith whaley
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The plate on the side of my lens states,
"SMC
PENTAX-FA*
1:2 24mm
-IF&AL-"
I've never heard of an FA24 versus an FA*24; so, I checked Dimitrov's site and
couldn't find a listing for an FA24 there, only an FA*24 is listed.
To answer your question, I have only used the FA*24 f/2 and the A24 f/2.8 - I prefer the FA*24 over the A24. The only aspect of the A24 I like over the FA*24 is the color of the lens' body - black vs. silver, respectively. The size and weight issue doesn't affect me as it does Godfrey - I suspect I'm older (and maybe stronger) than Godfrey, for I come from an era when it was sacreligious to use (or mention) "miniature", "lightweight" 35mm cameras among professional photographers. It is beneficial to me having the extra f/stop speed and autofocus abilities of the FA*24, plus I think my FA*24 has superior optical qualities than my A24 - most of what I shoot is b&w film and the b&w tonal print qualities of the FA lens are not as harsh and contrasty as the A24 lens - i.e., the FA lens is more Leica-like - more sharpness with a pleasing, even, transitional blending of the gray scale. I realize this is VERY subjective, but it is my honest opinion and why I prefer the FA*24.
Hope you have a good day, Keith.
- JM
