![]() The focus rings is textured metal and has no play, making focus precise. The resistance is light, which I find desirable for fast focusing. ![]() The manual focus rings runs 90 degrees from 0.3 meters to infinite. I would not put much stock in the QC issues until I see some more serious documentation and/or evidence. The perfectly centered copy used for the review is Vietnamese. Of the Japanese copies, one wasn’t as sharp as my other two copies. Of the three copies I have owned, 2 were produced in Japan and 1 in Vietnam. Some shooters do prefer copies made in Japan over those manufactured in Vietnam because of supposed quality control issues. I know of no documented changes over the production run. Here’s is the unadapted lens by the FE 28 f2. However, the adapter bumps up the compact size, turning this into a medium sized but well balanced partner on the A7iii. The total weight of the lens+adapter is relatively light for a fast DSLR 35mm-ish setup at 470g. While the naked lens is not large or heavy at 345g, an adapter is required. For the attached hood, I wish Pentax would have at least made it collapsible like on the 77 Limited. The lens sports a permeant hood, which I dislike as it makes the lens heavier and longer than necessary. Each half stop has a light but definite click. The aperture ring displays full stops starting at f2, but rests at unmarked half stops, except between f16 and f22. Having said that, I shot the lens in humid, rainy and sandy environments without issue thus far. ![]() The 31 Ltd is not environmentally sealed like newer lenses. This took me some time to get used to, and can still be annoying when shooting along side other lenses. The focus ring turns the same direction as Nikon lenses, and the opposite of Zeiss/Canon/Leica/Fuji/etc. Because of this, the lens has a shorter focus throw than most manual focus lenses. The 31 Ltd is a “screw driven” autofocus lens when mounted natively. I wish more manufactures took this approach. The 31 Ltd is wonderfully built: all metal, mechanical, light, sturdy, tactile, and refined. Given the popularity and age of the lens, it’s easy to find copies new or used. T o view larger versions of the photos in this review, follow this link to my Pentax 31 ltd album on flickr:īefore delving into the performance aspects, let’s start with some relevant specifications: Filter Size:Īvailability The Pentax 31 Ltd sells for $600-900 at o r you can purchase the 31 Ltd at Amazon, B&H or Adorama (affiliate links). The lens is still in production by Pentax/Ricoh, coming in either silver or black. The 31 ltd functions as versatile jack-of-trades lens with its 31 FL. The 31mm focal length is an oddity, being near but noticeably different from the more conventional 28mm or 35mm focal lengths. Let’s see how it holds up 17 years after it’s release, and what type of images we can expect. The 31 Ltd was a highly praised lens upon release, but optics have come along way recently, and it’s getting long in the tooth. Sony hasn’t provided shooters with a native fast 35mm f1.8 or f2 option. I picked up my first copy in pursuit of a fast, decently priced alternative to the Sony RX1. Since its release, the 31 Ltd has been beloved, especially within the Pentax community. It’s designated as one of Pentax’s “Limited” series, denoting its high status within the Pentax catalogue. The Pentax 31mm f1.8 Limited is a fast moderate wide angle lens released in 2001. : “Alternatives” and “Conclusion” and “Notes” sections has been updated in light of new releases, and a few more sample images have been added.
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