I loved my black body MXs. I used 35,50,85,200 lenses. Metz duel headed flashes,Domke bags. Shot 200+ weddings Sharp clear photos with 200 Fuji or Pentax gold ,FP4 Great lightweight and unobtrusive. and maneuverability.
I just sold my old 300 f/4 for about what I paid for it in the early 1980s (the glass was still perfect). I had the new version (which is astonishing), and just wasn't using the old one anymore. But oh did the tears flow as I packaged it up to send to a nice lady in Texas. What a workhorse and trusted friend! Great video...brought back many memories.
Thanks for this review. The images seem so familiar in feel. I have used many of the SMC-M lenses on my MX body and they are tonal with superb micro-contrast. There are so many ways that they create palpable atmospheres and, render subjects so that they stand out from their background. You can render a background very subtly out of focus and let critical focus identify the subject in context. I am planning to get a new Pentax K1 or whatever the replacement for the K3 will be or perhaps, a KP and a K1 to start appreciating these lenses again. In an era where most digital lenses are at least the size of your 300mm f4, much of what those new lenses throw away is revealed in the M-series glass.
Hello, is there a specific serial for 49mm lens hoods or any will fit really? I have a Pentax MX with the Pancake 40mm/ Pentax M 50mm 1.7 that I would like to put a lens hood on but don't want to buy the wrong one. Thanks in advance!
I find the M series produces finer color separation than modern lenses when shooting landscapes. Modern pentax and sigma glass tend to show a swath of uniform green foliage where M lenses show different gradations of color specific to each variety of tree.
Most newer lenses have absurdly exaggerated contrast for MTF tests, that eats details and drown the shadows in black ink. DA 15 and DFA 15-30 are the worst. 15-30 is the old Tamron G1 made for Pentax without VC but more expensive and stupid big...G2 is better but still big. But most older Pentax lenses have fringing, and not only K and M, but also A ( 50 f1.7 A is bad...I have the F that is wey better) and even FA* 24 f2 has huge color fringing. A50 f1.2 is better then K and A* 85 f1.4 is also good. F line is more tenebrosistic but still with good color rendering. smc FA 24-90 f3.5-4.5 kit for MZ-S in 2001 made in Taiwan was one of the first Pentax lenses with this absurdly exagerated contrast, and colder rendering so realy double eating the shadows, and prone to flare that is Canon like bad, total disaster that ironicaly remove all contrast. ZeissContax Japan Cosina made was the first wirh this shit even from the '70s. Canon EF 200 f1.8 with the highest MTF was the first modern lens with this shit. After the second DA 18-55 this stupid rendering has became the norm.
You are missing the 28mm f/2. 100mm f/2.8 35mm f/2 not that you need them, but great lenses none the less. Even the 35~70mm f/2.8-3.5 is surprisingly nice.
@@0n596 Pentax-A series lenses replaced the older Pentax-M series lenses in the mid-80s. optically and design-wise they are mostly very similar, but the A series allows camera aperture control with Pentax cameras (and maybe certain expensive mirrorless adapters?). I have the A version of the 300mm, but only because I found one selling for less than the M series equivalent shown in this video. there's no difference to me as I shoot with a panasonic body. and the green * is simply a signifier that Pentax added to certain lenses they were very proud of, from what i understand. they still use the green * for some of their modern lenses.
Good video. I think I have watched this a few times. On the 35mm f/2.8 I had the sluggish issue too but the problem was the little aperture lever gets gummy. A little lighter fluid on it took care of it. Enjoy!
my 35mm example also had sticky a stick aperture. I took the entire lens apart and cleaned it. These things are a marvel of engineering I can tell you. Taking it apart wasn't difficult but putting it back to together. That was fun. I can't imagine how they build them in Japan in the 70s. Rebuildin one isn't for the faint of heart or the impatient. I finally got it back to gather but the aperture still isn't what it should be. What I found out is that over the years the spring which closes it down becomes weaker and simply doesn't have the strength any more. To be honest I don't use the lens any more and I found out that my new 35mm F2.4 (actually an aps-c lens for digital) works great on my p30 analog. Ok I need to rely on program mode but it is great to think that a brand new lens is still compatible to a certain extent with a camera from the 80s. Of course that works the other way around and I still use a 28mm Pentax-m on my K-30. Simply put Pentax rocks..
Superb video! Thank you. I've had two M 50/1.7 for some time now and just acquired a 35/2.8. Wow, what a lens. Now I'm in the mood for a 28/2.8 and maybe a 40/2.8.
Both of those lenses are very compact and both render a very "real" look to images, but don't expect razor fine sharpness out of either one. Just f.y.i. if you want something sharper than the 28 2.8 try the 28 3.5 M series.
The M 28/3.5 is sharper than the 28/2.8? That's surprising. I do have a Super-Takumar 28/3.5... Older lens series of course and a different formula (?).
The best legacy 28mm are the K28/3.5 and the K28/2.0 (Zeiss design I think but rare and expensive. I now use the HD DA 20-40 Limited which beats all the old lenses in this focal range on DSLR.
What an enjoyable presentation! I didn't even know about some of these, I only have a few. You are correct about the 40 and 28. I took the 28mm on vacation last year and was really disappointed with the results. The 40 has given me some really good pictures despite getting generally mediocre reviews online. I also enjoy the 100mm f2.8 which is very small. Thanks!
I was disappointed with the 28mm f2.8 aswell (1st version). Sold it, but kept the 28mm f3.5 which is noticeably better. Sharp, excellent colors, nice wide open. Real joy to use and delivers the results. Great lens, and matches my experience with other Pentax-M lenses (50mm, 135mm etc.). It's not all about the speed i'm finding out, it's just a weird craze sometimes. Often the speed brings it's own problems, bigger lenses, soft wide open (not in a good way), etc. So here, a slight drop in speed brings something much better to the table.
Please make more videos on these lenses, and other K,PK mount lenses! Far to little on youtube on these! Seems to me that prices are rising (on the lenses I "follow", so these might still be affordable for the beginner. (if they knew about them). Love my Pentax MX, and my M lenses! (K and A too, but I don't own any) I even use my Pentax M lenses on my digital Leica M. The Leica M, and the Pentax MX with brassing and the small lenses, sort of feel similar in some strange way.. :)
Got the 28/3.5, 50/1.4, 135/3.5 and 200/4.. all are excellant! Just missing the 85, that one seems to be the hardest to get hold of and the most expensive.
The M series f2 is very compact. It has character wide open. Think swirly. It's great to have when you might need something longer than a 50, but not likely any longer because it's easy to carry. I don't have any of the f1.8 Takumars because I avoid radioactive lenses, but it is highly regarded for image quality.
I like my collection of Takumar, Pentax lenses. I have the 28mm2.8 M lens, Pentax 35-105 3.5 A zoom , Takumar 35mm 3.5 m42 Takumar 50mm 1.4 7 blade m42 lens Pentax 50mm 2.0 , Pentax 55mm 2.8 manual lenses Pentax 100 2.8 M lenses , Pentax 135mm 3.5 M , Takumar 135mm 3.5 m42 and Pentax 150mm 3.5 M lenses
Hi, thank you for a great video! Following your advice I started out with a Pentax KS-2, SMC Pentax-M 50mm f1.7, SMC Pentax-M 28mm f2.8. It was a great introduction to photography for me -- it was cheap and compact, perfect for travelling and carrying around. The constraints of simpler (but still very high quality) gear (using manual focus, prime lens etc.) taught me a lot. I now want to introduce an addition to my gear and start playing around with filters, ND and polarizing to begin with. Given that my gear is pretty cheap, I don't want to spend hundreds of pounds on filters either. Where would you recommend me to look for such filters? I am currently thinking of acquiring a welding glass as a substitute for ND filters (I am aware of the downsides, but am still willing to test it out, given that it is cheap). However, I can't think of a way to make a filter holder. Any suggestions?
For ND, I am using Fotodiox DLX Stretch adapter. This allows me to use filters behind the lens, rather than in front and makes changing a lens quicker and easier than changing lens and filter both. Welding filters should be fine, and cool if you can make them work. Maybe try a Cokin filter holder or similar.
Ah! Good to hear a pro confirm what I thought about the f2.8 28mm at 1:55 . I bought one and sold it on quick - too much barrel distortion and angry bokeh! The 35mm deserves a better rep.
Personally, I think the benefits of; using only one or two adapters, all lenses focusing & f-stopping the same direction, and all lenses feeling the same is worthwhile. If you don't plan on using a lot of lenses then maybe having all different is not a big deal, but for me it makes shooting that much more intuitive and feels better.
the 50mm f:1.7 and the 28mm f:2.8 and 3.5 are about as big as the 35mm f:2.8 one. I think the same can be said on the 20mm one but this one came with f:4 max.aperture.
Just found your channel and find the information you provide so useful, I started with a K1000 and ME and am slowly adding more lenses to my collection. I'm hoping to complement my Canon (birding) with a Pentax K1 for landscape one day, thank you for providing valuable info.
Used lx for years and most pentax lenses great lenses pentax optics where great dont use so much now with digital but never sell camera and lenses on par with most digital cameras easy
You won't be disappointed. The image rendering is unbelievable whilst being ultra-compact. I have several 300mm f4' and the * is as good as any but tiny.
How about the 300mm f4 K ? The M* is a bit out of my budget at the moment but I found the K version on eBay which is affordable..what’s you thought on the K version? Thanks!
@@vitabcdefghijklmno The K 300mm f4 is excellent. Not as compact as the A* or M*, but very comparable in rendering quality. Completely recommend it over any of the Takumar 300's or slower lenses.
do you happen to have anything resembling a comprehensive list of the vintage pentax * (or star series lenses)? it is bit confusing to google, as some of their current lineup seems to have a similar designation. as an avid collector of the asahi / pentax / takumar lenses from the m42-era as well as the k-series and m-series (it was your channel and mark holtze that really pushed me over the edge hahahah - i have acquired 20 or so in a year), i can honestly say i have never come across one with that marking... and i have lenses from 24-200mm. it's like a pentax museum in my home-office. keep the cool videos coming friend. 😎📷💖
Thanks for the great comment, fellow collector of the best lenses ever made ;) If you only collect the metal and glass build Pentax/Takumars then you will not see a lot of * series lenses. I only have the M* 300mm f4 at current, but you know how that goes. There are several * designated modern lenses, but as collectors of the manual focus Pentax/Takumars, here's a list of what is out there: SMC Pentax A* 85mm F1.4 SMC Pentax-A* 135mm F1.8 SMC Pentax A* 200mm F2.8 ED SMC Pentax-A* 200mm F4 Macro ED SMC Pentax-A* 300mm F2.8 ED [IF] SMC Pentax-M* 300mm F4 SMC Pentax-A* 300mm F4 SMC Pentax-A* 400mm F2.8 ED [IF] SMC Pentax-A* 600mm F5.6 ED [IF] SMC Pentax-A* 1200mm F8 ED [IF] More videos are on the way, though I know delayed. I'm working on one now and helps to know people will enjoy. Happy shooting.
@@vyoufinder aw. thanks for the timely reply!! looks like the 85mm 1.4 will be on my most sought after list, as i haven't been able to procure anything in that focal length locally just yet. it's tragic that the * lenses didn't get the full m-series treatment, although i have the 50mm 1.4 on my super-a, i am not as fond of the feel of the a-series myself. slightly too plasticky in comparison to their predecessors--that and they meter on modern pentax cameras, driving up the price... wish pentax would make a (new) mirrorless camera!! after a brief sojourn with one of their very nice but not for me and slightly outdated DSLR cameras, i am rather happily banished to Fujifilm X-T3 country when not shooting on film. it's a tragedy the powers that be at Pentax don't see a value in mirrorless. thanks again, i will have you know that i can't wait for your next installment in the oral history of Pentax!!
This video is Awsome! Great line up and beautiful pictures! So glad I founs this channel! Also love the 50mm and 35mm shootouts :) You make me want all these pentax m lenses now haha. (Already got the 135 and 50 f2 ) It is a little narrow tho on my crop sensor :"(
Bismillah Glad I found your channel! Do you have any FA* lenses. Do you shoot with any Pentax cameras? The Pentax KP is an awesome camera to use with old Pentax glass.
I have several Pentax/Asahi/Honeywell film bodies. No current Pentax digital but I've been considering everything from K200 to K1m2. Some great technologies and unique features on the new K1m2 that I really like; astro tracer, records in .dbg raw for long term compatibility, pixel shift. Pentax is likely my next body.
FYI for 35mm 2.8 owners ... The aperture blades DON'T get sticky, it's the mechanism behind the lens mount that does. And the good news is it's literally a 5 min job to fix (Instructions here fockert.xs4all.nl/~pentax/lens_repair/M35_28/M35_28.html ) Pentax designed an unusual mechanism just behind the lens mount that gets affected by oil migration, its NOT the blades themselves as is more common in other lenses. I know this because I had the 35m 2.8 with the same problem. I disassembled it and tried to clean the blades like I've done with other lenses and it did absolutely nothing. I then found the actual solution as described on the page above and it took me 4 screws and a whole 5 minutes to wipe off the oil and put the screws back in and it's good as new. I wish I knew that before taking the thing apart!
My two favourite compact m lenses are the 50mm f1.7, and the 24-35mm zoom. You should absolutely try out the zoom, it's so well engineered and an incredible performer for a zoom of its age. balances so perfectly on an m body due to compactness.
I regularly use them on Sony a7 series and Canon c300 c100 bodies. Most brands of bodies can accept these lenses, but with some brands, such as Nikon, you will need an adapter with an optical element in it. If that's the case, then I'd say it's not worth it. The determining factor is your flange distance.
Very good video !.Hello... Sending my love from Turkey. I follow you carefully and I especially like your comments on lenses. I'm a big Pentax fan and have plenty of SMC Pentax M42 or K mount macro and tele lenses. I want to use them on my Sony NEX series mirrorless camera with suitable adapters. according to you I wonder what the result will be, and if possible, can you show it with a sample photo? Thanks.
The wide angles won't work as well as the normal and telephotos. This is because on APS-C bodies, you will not be using the entire image circel. USing a speed booster is a cool option for aps-c.
Great reviews! What camera are you shooting these on? Film or digital? What film? Your sample images are very good! Edit: watched it until the end and saw the Sony!
All of them. Try the 135mm f2.5 S-M-C Takumar (6 element) or K version. It's my favorite near these focal lengths. The 100 2.8 is nice and small, but honestly I think it underperforms and the 150 3.5 is great, but I usually carry something faster.
@@vyoufinder I sold the SMC TAK 135 2.5 and Picked up the K version. I feel like my k might have ever so slightly less contrast, but I still love the thing. I Just picked up a ridiculous Pentax Haul:. Found a kid selling his "relatives" gear. Virtually every lens has the original case, and then all the cases were inside a larger case. He was asking 300, which at first seemed high until I actually had him send me the pics. (The following is list of the Prime Pentax brand lenses. There were sigma and Rikenon primes, and some unique pentax zooms but I was mostly interested in the Primes) Pentax SMC 200mm 2.5: Pentax M 150 3.5: Pentax M-100mm macro : Pentax m-50mm f4 macro : (and pentax A-50mm 1.7) Pentax M 35mm F2 : Pentax SMC 30mm 2.8 : (SO excited for this) Pentax smc 28mm F2: (Distagon copy. "Hollywood" lens) Pentax SMC 24mm 2.8: Pentax SMC 20mm F4: Pentax SMC 18mm f3.5: Pentax SMC 17mm f4 fisheye. To top this off one bag came with 2 pentax LX cameras
I rather like the M120/2.8 and prefer it over the M135/3.5. A bit soft at F2.8 but improves greatly at F4. Controls colour aberrations better than the 135 in my opinion.
Hi do you shoot with the lenses on a Pentax m with film or with an adapter on a digital canon .... I’ve a adapter but yet to try , as my mx needs new seals ... regards Fred ..... nice review very listenable......... got to the end yep you shoot digital ...
Excellent video! I like using old vintage lenses for my Sony A6000. I have a several Pentax Takumars and am considering acquiring some Pentax M lenses. The 40mm especially interests me because of its small size for my smallish camera.
That would make an ideal combo, I'd think. The a6000 is very similar in size to original m series bodies. Curiously, the ergonomics are also nearly the same and holds true for k1000 ergonomics beong similar to original a7 series feel.
Oh, oops. I was thinking of another.. Ya, I haven't fixed mine, but it doesn't bother me. I don't know how common the problem is, but if it's an issue for you, I would look for one without the problem.
You and I can be friends... Pentax lenses on Sony bodies. I had a look at your gear on your website. I noticed you're missing one of what many say is their best lens: Pentax K 28mm f3.5 (must be the "k", not the "m" or any others. Have you ever tied it?
I would like to. I have the M series 28 3.5, Takumar 28mm 3.5 (58) and S-M-C Takumar 28 3.5, plus a slew of other 28's, so I guess I haven't felt a strong enough need (yet.) I'd like one.
Really awesome kit! I always carry the old 28, 35, 50, and 135mm with me in my kit, along with a couple modern lenses. Wish I had that 85mm you got in my kit!!!!! I'm adapting these old Pentax's/Takumars to a Canon 80D and the M42 types to both the 80D and 6D. I actually like a few of these old lenses better than a couple of my high dollar L lenses! The Image Quality results are often mind-boggling with this old glass!
I actually got extremely lucky and found a 85mm f2 last week in almost mint condition and went ahead and bought it! Its an extremely sharp and fun lens! I've been going back and forth using this 85f2 and my Takumar 85f1.8 and still haven't figured out yet which one is better, I think they are both superb!
The M28mm f3.5 generally gets better reviews than the M28mm f2.8. That's the one I have coming and am sorry you didn't review it. At the same time, the K28mm f3.5 is said to be the one to get. It is of course more expensive but not prohibitively so.
The reviews are the one side. The other side is the photography. In practice the SMC-M 28mm f2.8 is a wonderful lens ! I use it on Pentax film cameras ( ME, MEsuper, Program A ). This lens is so small, a real pancake. With a ME it fits in a pocket of a rain coat. And the images are great. I use it indoors at f2.8 and the image quality is nice. The lens shines in streets or landscape photography. In the streets i use it with f4-f8. Landscapes with F5.6-f11. They made two versions of the SMC-M 28mm f2.8. Both are very good.
I translated to be: "Good day. You forgot in your review about pentax-m 50mm f2 (1.4, 1.2). He is very lacking. Best regards m / m" No, I did not forget about SMC Pentax-M 50mm 1:2. It is most certainly in the comparison video and is also one of my favorites. Did I translate wrong? Нет, я не забыл о SMC Pentax-M 50mm 1: 2. Это, безусловно, в сравнении видео и также является одним из моих фаворитов. Я перепутал неправильно?
Because it has a mirror. I haven't seen the point of a mirror since 2003, when evf's were good enough to actually use for wysiwyg shooting. As soon as Sony came out with the A7. I eagerly jumped. Then the a7s, then a7ii, and a7sii. No regrets. If Pentax comes out with a mirrorless camera, I will consider it.
@@vyoufinder i have the k01. been considering Sony, but using adapters is the functionallity same as using pentax body on autofocus , aperture priority, etc?
I don't know the answer to that one; I only use manual focus and manual aperture, then auto iso & exposure compensation dial. That's my most common shooting mode.
the K series is a very close lower priced option. The images produced are very comparable, possibly better overall, just not quite as small. There's not much weight difference, so if you can get over the extra few cm length being in your bag, it's an extremely nice lens.
I like the M series 20mm, but the A series is so spectacular that I almost always use it instead. The M series 20mm f4 is excellent and extremely compact. Maybe it should've been included.
You're right. It should have been in this. I guess I neglected to include it because of the fact that it is so common, cheap, and available that I overlooked it. However, if you have watched my review of the Pentax 50's, you'll see I definitely like the lens and is probably my favorite of all the 50's from Pentax. What was I thinking?!?!
If you are happy with them it's fine, but those are not great. M 35 is not that sharp, at f8 sweet spot reach only 87 lp/mm in center and 78 in the corner, not 98 lp like FA 35f2 and (K) 35 f3.5, and sticky aperture is bad and wey harder to reach f8 swet spot, not even with true full MLU and 2s mirror prefite, so not even with K2 and MZ-S, because Pentax closes the aperture only with the shutter and not before with the mirror. And even some (K) 35 f3.5 have very bad sticky aperture so FA is the wey to go, but I choose MIJ only... Then M 40 has lens dublet separation so forget about that one too... DA 40 f2.8 cover FF35 from f4 but I don't like the bokeh so I choose FA 43 f1.9 from f2 instead but MIJ black, and some better zooms for 39-40mm. M 85 f2 @ f2 reach only 28 lp/mm in the center, @f 2.8 35lp/mm, @ f8 only 62 center 55 corner, and @ f11 sweet spot 69 lp/mm center and 62 corner. Smc M100 f2.8 is a little better with 39 lp @ f2.8 good for some portraits for when you're fine with that and don't look for MF look from a FF35. (K) 85 f1.8 and A* 85 f1.4 are wey better. M135 f3.5 is also not that great, not even for the size. smc F135 f2.8 is better, small, good, nice bokeh, telescopic metalic hood and sure some prone to hunting AF but I can live with that. M* 300 f4 I guess is fine but I like AF more. TCs cut the rez. F 1.7AF adaptor at least add AF to old lenses. FA20 f2.8 is a better 20, not perfect but better then M. There is a more interesting 18mm on the M line...and 2 x 15 f3.5 on the K line. MEsuper has huge viewfinder minus the stupid superimposed times and on the left no less...,but is not a reliable camera, has multiple mechanical problems, very very bad, and even MX and LX have some hard to solve problems. My K2 black, K2DMD, SF10, MZ-S and 6MP *istD old are all working fine. Z20 is also reliable, more then Z1p, but I don't like that does't have AE-L ( SF 10 has AE-L and spot so weirdly it's better then SFX/SFXn...) MZ-S has stupid 0.75X magnification and I'm realy not inspired by that, plus some stupid plastic gear inside, and some melting rubber plugs and pads on the battery grip that I have to use for 4xAA because otherwise camera needs stupid 2 x CR2...I was never in to mechanical only cameras, not even KX motor or MX, not even Nikon F2 or FM/FM2n so K1000 not even close. F2 has stepless from 1/90s to 1/2000s if you want precision for 3EV exposure latitude for slide film on the Nort pole, but I don't like cold and Kodak Ektachrome E200 is no longer made and Fuji Provia has wey better grain but bad colors and for fine art MF from FF645 and up is wey better anywey...
It's easy to avoid using APS-C lenses, not only Pentax APS-C or their limited line. Just check before you buy if it's a full frame or 35mm lens or not.
The m series 50mm f4 is a great macro, but because I don't think it is on the same level as these I specially selected as being the 5 "best" from the m series.
@@vyoufinder Sorry I meant the M 20mm/4.0 a great ultra compact ultra wide the 50mm macro is nice from a mechanical point of view but not really that compact for a 1:2 macro with an aperture of 4.0
The 20mm f4 M series is extremely compact, and a good lens. However, I have to say that the A series f2.8 actually blows it or anything else out there that I know of away. I compared it to: Canon FD, Zeiss Flektogon, Voigtlander f3.5, and one or two others I forgot now. The Pentax was so much better (the A series) that is when I made the decision to go all Pentax/Takumar. It was THE lens that made me fully switch.
Maybe you're right. Apparently it doesn't matter though, as evidenced by my about 100 lenses that I have been using for up to 3 decades, not one of which has a scratch, ding, bent filter ring, or problem whatsoever. Or maybe you don't know how I handle my gear?
I loved my black body MXs. I used 35,50,85,200 lenses.
Metz duel headed flashes,Domke bags. Shot 200+ weddings
Sharp clear photos with 200 Fuji or Pentax gold ,FP4
Great lightweight and unobtrusive. and maneuverability.
LX fantastic 35mm SLR
I really like my Pentax-M 35mm F2.8. It produces nice sharp photos. And it is definitely small and light. I have had no issues stopping down.
I just sold my old 300 f/4 for about what I paid for it in the early 1980s (the glass was still perfect). I had the new version (which is astonishing), and just wasn't using the old one anymore. But oh did the tears flow as I packaged it up to send to a nice lady in Texas. What a workhorse and trusted friend! Great video...brought back many memories.
Even smaller than DA 40mm f/2.8 is DA 40mm f/2.8 XS. Both these DA lenses are marketed for crop but they can be used on full frame without any issues.
A reference video. Thanks for sharing. I have thr 28mm f2.8, 35mm f2.8, 50mm 1.4, 85 and the much loved 135mm f3.5.
Thanks for this review. The images seem so familiar in feel. I have used many of the SMC-M lenses on my MX body and they are tonal with superb micro-contrast. There are so many ways that they create palpable atmospheres and, render subjects so that they stand out from their background. You can render a background very subtly out of focus and let critical focus identify the subject in context. I am planning to get a new Pentax K1 or whatever the replacement for the K3 will be or perhaps, a KP and a K1 to start appreciating these lenses again. In an era where most digital lenses are at least the size of your 300mm f4, much of what those new lenses throw away is revealed in the M-series glass.
Hello, is there a specific serial for 49mm lens hoods or any will fit really? I have a Pentax MX with the Pancake 40mm/ Pentax M 50mm 1.7 that I would like to put a lens hood on but don't want to buy the wrong one. Thanks in advance!
I find the M series produces finer color separation than modern lenses when shooting landscapes. Modern pentax and sigma glass tend to show a swath of uniform green foliage where M lenses show different gradations of color specific to each variety of tree.
Most newer lenses have absurdly exaggerated contrast for MTF tests, that eats details and drown the shadows in black ink. DA 15 and DFA 15-30 are the worst. 15-30 is the old Tamron G1 made for Pentax without VC but more expensive and stupid big...G2 is better but still big. But most older Pentax lenses have fringing, and not only K and M, but also A ( 50 f1.7 A is bad...I have the F that is wey better) and even FA* 24 f2 has huge color fringing. A50 f1.2 is better then K and A* 85 f1.4 is also good. F line is more tenebrosistic but still with good color rendering. smc FA 24-90 f3.5-4.5 kit for MZ-S in 2001 made in Taiwan was one of the first Pentax lenses with this absurdly exagerated contrast, and colder rendering so realy double eating the shadows, and prone to flare that is Canon like bad, total disaster that ironicaly remove all contrast. ZeissContax Japan Cosina made was the first wirh this shit even from the '70s. Canon EF 200 f1.8 with the highest MTF was the first modern lens with this shit. After the second DA 18-55 this stupid rendering has became the norm.
You are missing the 28mm f/2. 100mm f/2.8 35mm f/2 not that you need them, but great lenses none the less. Even the 35~70mm f/2.8-3.5 is surprisingly nice.
The Pentax SMC M lenses were superb, especially the 300mm f/4 m*; although I actually preferred the A* star versions.
were/are :) Ya, anything with a *. No doubt.
New to pentax therefore what is a A* lens?
@@0n596 Pentax-A series lenses replaced the older Pentax-M series lenses in the mid-80s. optically and design-wise they are mostly very similar, but the A series allows camera aperture control with Pentax cameras (and maybe certain expensive mirrorless adapters?). I have the A version of the 300mm, but only because I found one selling for less than the M series equivalent shown in this video. there's no difference to me as I shoot with a panasonic body.
and the green * is simply a signifier that Pentax added to certain lenses they were very proud of, from what i understand. they still use the green * for some of their modern lenses.
Good video. I think I have watched this a few times. On the 35mm f/2.8 I had the sluggish issue too but the problem was the little aperture lever gets gummy. A little lighter fluid on it took care of it. Enjoy!
Your videos have been super helpful to me. I appreciate it. But I have to say your photography examples are gorgeous!
Always been a fan of Pentax glass: )
my 35mm example also had sticky a stick aperture. I took the entire lens apart and cleaned it. These things are a marvel of engineering I can tell you. Taking it apart wasn't difficult but putting it back to together. That was fun. I can't imagine how they build them in Japan in the 70s. Rebuildin one isn't for the faint of heart or the impatient. I finally got it back to gather but the aperture still isn't what it should be. What I found out is that over the years the spring which closes it down becomes weaker and simply doesn't have the strength any more. To be honest I don't use the lens any more and I found out that my new 35mm F2.4 (actually an aps-c lens for digital) works great on my p30 analog. Ok I need to rely on program mode but it is great to think that a brand new lens is still compatible to a certain extent with a camera from the 80s. Of course that works the other way around and I still use a 28mm Pentax-m on my K-30. Simply put Pentax rocks..
I have the 28mm f2.8, and I really enjoy it, but I'm now thinking about getting the f3.5 thanks to these videos.
Nice review and very nice photos.
Superb video! Thank you. I've had two M 50/1.7 for some time now and just acquired a 35/2.8. Wow, what a lens. Now I'm in the mood for a 28/2.8 and maybe a 40/2.8.
Both of those lenses are very compact and both render a very "real" look to images, but don't expect razor fine sharpness out of either one. Just f.y.i. if you want something sharper than the 28 2.8 try the 28 3.5 M series.
The M 28/3.5 is sharper than the 28/2.8? That's surprising. I do have a Super-Takumar 28/3.5... Older lens series of course and a different formula (?).
The best legacy 28mm are the K28/3.5 and the K28/2.0 (Zeiss design I think but rare and expensive. I now use the HD DA 20-40 Limited which beats all the old lenses in this focal range on DSLR.
Love the 28/2.8 mark 11, with the M body and the A glass.
The second version M 28 2.8 or A series is a lot better than the , I agree.
this is what i’ve been looking for
Excellent demonstrations. thanks!
What an enjoyable presentation! I didn't even know about some of these, I only have a few. You are correct about the 40 and 28. I took the 28mm on vacation last year and was really disappointed with the results. The 40 has given me some really good pictures despite getting generally mediocre reviews online. I also enjoy the 100mm f2.8 which is very small. Thanks!
The 28mm f3.5 M series lens is much better in my opinion.
I think I will try the 35mm you show in this vid.
I was disappointed with the 28mm f2.8 aswell (1st version). Sold it, but kept the 28mm f3.5 which is noticeably better. Sharp, excellent colors, nice wide open. Real joy to use and delivers the results. Great lens, and matches my experience with other Pentax-M lenses (50mm, 135mm etc.).
It's not all about the speed i'm finding out, it's just a weird craze sometimes. Often the speed brings it's own problems, bigger lenses, soft wide open (not in a good way), etc. So here, a slight drop in speed brings something much better to the table.
Please make more videos on these lenses, and other K,PK mount lenses! Far to little on youtube on these! Seems to me that prices are rising (on the lenses I "follow", so these might still be affordable for the beginner. (if they knew about them). Love my Pentax MX, and my M lenses! (K and A too, but I don't own any) I even use my Pentax M lenses on my digital Leica M. The Leica M, and the Pentax MX with brassing and the small lenses, sort of feel similar in some strange way.. :)
Got the 28/3.5, 50/1.4, 135/3.5 and 200/4.. all are excellant! Just missing the 85, that one seems to be the hardest to get hold of and the most expensive.
I assume you're referring to the A series 85mm f1.4?! Ya, ouch.
@@vyoufinder A bit out of my price range that one! Hoping to find a decent f2 or 1.8 version soon - most of them seem to be in Japan though.
The M series f2 is very compact. It has character wide open. Think swirly. It's great to have when you might need something longer than a 50, but not likely any longer because it's easy to carry. I don't have any of the f1.8 Takumars because I avoid radioactive lenses, but it is highly regarded for image quality.
I like my collection of Takumar, Pentax lenses. I have the 28mm2.8 M lens, Pentax 35-105 3.5 A zoom , Takumar 35mm 3.5 m42 Takumar 50mm 1.4 7 blade m42 lens Pentax 50mm 2.0 , Pentax 55mm 2.8 manual lenses Pentax 100 2.8 M lenses , Pentax 135mm 3.5 M , Takumar 135mm 3.5 m42 and Pentax 150mm 3.5 M lenses
Nice collection!
Hi, thank you for a great video! Following your advice I started out with a Pentax KS-2, SMC Pentax-M 50mm f1.7, SMC Pentax-M 28mm f2.8. It was a great introduction to photography for me -- it was cheap and compact, perfect for travelling and carrying around. The constraints of simpler (but still very high quality) gear (using manual focus, prime lens etc.) taught me a lot.
I now want to introduce an addition to my gear and start playing around with filters, ND and polarizing to begin with. Given that my gear is pretty cheap, I don't want to spend hundreds of pounds on filters either. Where would you recommend me to look for such filters?
I am currently thinking of acquiring a welding glass as a substitute for ND filters (I am aware of the downsides, but am still willing to test it out, given that it is cheap). However, I can't think of a way to make a filter holder. Any suggestions?
For ND, I am using Fotodiox DLX Stretch adapter. This allows me to use filters behind the lens, rather than in front and makes changing a lens quicker and easier than changing lens and filter both. Welding filters should be fine, and cool if you can make them work. Maybe try a Cokin filter holder or similar.
Ah! Good to hear a pro confirm what I thought about the f2.8 28mm at 1:55 . I bought one and sold it on quick - too much barrel distortion and angry bokeh! The 35mm deserves a better rep.
The M or A 35 2.8's might be the best all around 35's from Pentax IMO and offer a very nice rendering.
@@vyoufinder Ideal website or reseller for Pentax lenses?
do you think it's worth to invest in all pentax-m lenses or 3rd party like cosina, and vivitar will all work just fine?
Personally, I think the benefits of; using only one or two adapters, all lenses focusing & f-stopping the same direction, and all lenses feeling the same is worthwhile. If you don't plan on using a lot of lenses then maybe having all different is not a big deal, but for me it makes shooting that much more intuitive and feels better.
the 50mm f:1.7 and the 28mm f:2.8 and 3.5 are about as big as the 35mm f:2.8 one. I think the same can be said on the 20mm one but this one came with f:4 max.aperture.
They are small and delightful, all of them.
Really enjoyed this video, great content!
Very informative ❤
You forgot the M100/2.8. Nice and compact.
эти фото это просто нечто, как же круто они выглядят
Just found your channel and find the information you provide so useful, I started with a K1000 and ME and am slowly adding more lenses to my collection. I'm hoping to complement my Canon (birding) with a Pentax K1 for landscape one day, thank you for providing valuable info.
Used lx for years and most pentax lenses great lenses pentax optics where great dont use so much now with digital but never sell camera and lenses on par with most digital cameras easy
have you every used the M 120mm 2.8? I love that little lens. I have yet to play with the 135 3.5, but I know I love shooting the 120 wide open.
I don't have it, but it sounds like I need it.
Same here and I did'nt found any review of this one. What you think about the 120 for portrait ? Thx
The Green Star 300mm lens is the lens I want right now!
You won't be disappointed. The image rendering is unbelievable whilst being ultra-compact. I have several 300mm f4' and the * is as good as any but tiny.
How about the 300mm f4 K ? The M* is a bit out of my budget at the moment but I found the K version on eBay which is affordable..what’s you thought on the K version? Thanks!
@@vitabcdefghijklmno The K 300mm f4 is excellent. Not as compact as the A* or M*, but very comparable in rendering quality. Completely recommend it over any of the Takumar 300's or slower lenses.
@@vyoufinder thank you! I’m going for it! 😉
do you happen to have anything resembling a comprehensive list of the vintage pentax * (or star series lenses)? it is bit confusing to google, as some of their current lineup seems to have a similar designation.
as an avid collector of the asahi / pentax / takumar lenses from the m42-era as well as the k-series and m-series (it was your channel and mark holtze that really pushed me over the edge hahahah - i have acquired 20 or so in a year), i can honestly say i have never come across one with that marking... and i have lenses from 24-200mm. it's like a pentax museum in my home-office.
keep the cool videos coming friend. 😎📷💖
Thanks for the great comment, fellow collector of the best lenses ever made ;) If you only collect the metal and glass build Pentax/Takumars then you will not see a lot of * series lenses. I only have the M* 300mm f4 at current, but you know how that goes. There are several * designated modern lenses, but as collectors of the manual focus Pentax/Takumars, here's a list of what is out there:
SMC Pentax A* 85mm F1.4
SMC Pentax-A* 135mm F1.8
SMC Pentax A* 200mm F2.8 ED
SMC Pentax-A* 200mm F4 Macro ED
SMC Pentax-A* 300mm F2.8 ED [IF]
SMC Pentax-M* 300mm F4
SMC Pentax-A* 300mm F4
SMC Pentax-A* 400mm F2.8 ED [IF]
SMC Pentax-A* 600mm F5.6 ED [IF]
SMC Pentax-A* 1200mm F8 ED [IF]
More videos are on the way, though I know delayed. I'm working on one now and helps to know people will enjoy. Happy shooting.
@@vyoufinder aw. thanks for the timely reply!! looks like the 85mm 1.4 will be on my most sought after list, as i haven't been able to procure anything in that focal length locally just yet.
it's tragic that the * lenses didn't get the full m-series treatment, although i have the 50mm 1.4 on my super-a, i am not as fond of the feel of the a-series myself. slightly too plasticky in comparison to their predecessors--that and they meter on modern pentax cameras, driving up the price...
wish pentax would make a (new) mirrorless camera!! after a brief sojourn with one of their very nice but not for me and slightly outdated DSLR cameras, i am rather happily banished to Fujifilm X-T3 country when not shooting on film. it's a tragedy the powers that be at Pentax don't see a value in mirrorless.
thanks again, i will have you know that i can't wait for your next installment in the oral history of Pentax!!
This video is Awsome! Great line up and beautiful pictures! So glad I founs this channel! Also love the 50mm and 35mm shootouts :)
You make me want all these pentax m lenses now haha. (Already got the 135 and 50 f2 )
It is a little narrow tho on my crop sensor :"(
Thanks for this great video! Noobie question! Can the M-Series lenses fit on a K-1000 camera?
Yes, absolutely. Anything with a K mount will fit. M42 screw mounts will fit if you get the M42 to pk adapter.
Novice question, when you add the 1.4 Teleconverter to the 300mm what setting do you input to a camera... K1 420mm ? K3ii 420mm ?
I use 400mm as a steadyshot setting. Less ibis is better than more in cases where you can't match exactly.
Thank you for the guidance!
Forgive my ignorance. Will these lenses fit on and work with a Pentax APS-C DSLR like the K-70 or KP? Thanks in advance.
Yes.
Bismillah
Glad I found your channel! Do you have any FA* lenses. Do you shoot with any Pentax cameras? The Pentax KP is an awesome camera to use with old Pentax glass.
I have several Pentax/Asahi/Honeywell film bodies. No current Pentax digital but I've been considering everything from K200 to K1m2. Some great technologies and unique features on the new K1m2 that I really like; astro tracer, records in .dbg raw for long term compatibility, pixel shift. Pentax is likely my next body.
FYI for 35mm 2.8 owners ... The aperture blades DON'T get sticky, it's the mechanism behind the lens mount that does. And the good news is it's literally a 5 min job to fix (Instructions here fockert.xs4all.nl/~pentax/lens_repair/M35_28/M35_28.html )
Pentax designed an unusual mechanism just behind the lens mount that gets affected by oil migration, its NOT the blades themselves as is more common in other lenses. I know this because I had the 35m 2.8 with the same problem. I disassembled it and tried to clean the blades like I've done with other lenses and it did absolutely nothing. I then found the actual solution as described on the page above and it took me 4 screws and a whole 5 minutes to wipe off the oil and put the screws back in and it's good as new. I wish I knew that before taking the thing apart!
Great info. to know! Thanks for posting.
My two favourite compact m lenses are the 50mm f1.7, and the 24-35mm zoom. You should absolutely try out the zoom, it's so well engineered and an incredible performer for a zoom of its age. balances so perfectly on an m body due to compactness.
What other camera bodies will these lenses fit? Specifically will it fit the mirrored digital bodies.?
I regularly use them on Sony a7 series and Canon c300 c100 bodies. Most brands of bodies can accept these lenses, but with some brands, such as Nikon, you will need an adapter with an optical element in it. If that's the case, then I'd say it's not worth it. The determining factor is your flange distance.
Very good video !.Hello... Sending my love from Turkey. I follow you carefully and I especially like your comments on lenses. I'm a big Pentax fan and have plenty of SMC Pentax M42 or K mount macro and tele lenses. I want to use them on my Sony NEX series mirrorless camera with suitable adapters. according to you I wonder what the result will be, and if possible, can you show it with a sample photo?
Thanks.
The wide angles won't work as well as the normal and telephotos. This is because on APS-C bodies, you will not be using the entire image circel. USing a speed booster is a cool option for aps-c.
Nice video! Does the M lenses fit on a Pentax K1000 or what lenses fits the K1000? Sorry for newbie question
Yes. All Pentax lenses fit your K1000. Examples: K series, A series, M series, FA series. M42 mount lenses also fit if you use an M42 to K adapter.
Great reviews! What camera are you shooting these on? Film or digital? What film? Your sample images are very good! Edit: watched it until the end and saw the Sony!
have you tested the M 120 2.8 or 100mm 2.8 OR the 150 3.5?
All of them. Try the 135mm f2.5 S-M-C Takumar (6 element) or K version. It's my favorite near these focal lengths. The 100 2.8 is nice and small, but honestly I think it underperforms and the 150 3.5 is great, but I usually carry something faster.
@@vyoufinder I sold the SMC TAK 135 2.5 and Picked up the K version. I feel like my k might have ever so slightly less contrast, but I still love the thing. I Just picked up a ridiculous Pentax Haul:. Found a kid selling his "relatives" gear. Virtually every lens has the original case, and then all the cases were inside a larger case. He was asking 300, which at first seemed high until I actually had him send me the pics. (The following is list of the Prime Pentax brand lenses. There were sigma and Rikenon primes, and some unique pentax zooms but I was mostly interested in the Primes)
Pentax SMC 200mm 2.5:
Pentax M 150 3.5:
Pentax M-100mm macro :
Pentax m-50mm f4 macro : (and pentax A-50mm 1.7)
Pentax M 35mm F2 :
Pentax SMC 30mm 2.8 : (SO excited for this)
Pentax smc 28mm F2: (Distagon copy. "Hollywood" lens)
Pentax SMC 24mm 2.8:
Pentax SMC 20mm F4:
Pentax SMC 18mm f3.5:
Pentax SMC 17mm f4 fisheye.
To top this off one bag came with 2 pentax LX cameras
What a score!
I rather like the M120/2.8 and prefer it over the M135/3.5. A bit soft at F2.8 but improves greatly at F4. Controls colour aberrations better than the 135 in my opinion.
Thank you. Stupid question probably but they are m42 lenses yes?
Also, what weight is the 300?
No; these are all K mount lenses.. Takumars/Super-Takumar/S-M-C Takumars are M42
I wanna buy smc pentax 50f1.4, what do u think about it? Should do i buy?
Up to you. Watched my video? Most likely it is radioactive, which is the reason I do not recommend it. That's the only reason I don't recommend it.
Hi do you shoot with the lenses on a Pentax m with film or with an adapter on a digital canon .... I’ve a adapter but yet to try , as my mx needs new seals ... regards Fred ..... nice review very listenable......... got to the end yep you shoot digital ...
I've also shot these on film and sometimes on a Canon C300 and C100, but ya, usually my Sony's.
Thanks ...
Very good video... .thks
Hi, I am looking for a 28mm lens for my pentax k1000, could you tell me a couple of 28 mm lenses for this camera? Thanks
SMC Pentax-m 28mm F3.5 or the SMC Pentax 35mm F3.5 if you want to spend a bit more.
Excellent video! I like using old vintage lenses for my Sony A6000. I have a several Pentax Takumars and am considering acquiring some Pentax M lenses. The 40mm especially interests me because of its small size for my smallish camera.
That would make an ideal combo, I'd think. The a6000 is very similar in size to original m series bodies. Curiously, the ergonomics are also nearly the same and holds true for k1000 ergonomics beong similar to original a7 series feel.
So does the sticky aperture on the 35mm 2.8 mess up the exposure when shooting ? I really want that lens with the ME Super but maybe not a good idea ?
Oh, oops. I was thinking of another.. Ya, I haven't fixed mine, but it doesn't bother me. I don't know how common the problem is, but if it's an issue for you, I would look for one without the problem.
@@vyoufinder I found one I will order for $117 from a good company and take my chances :)
@@terrywbreedlove I have that lens. I works perfectly.
Hey, thanks for the video! Could you recommend me some silent (and possibly compact) lenses for my Pentax K-70? Thanks in advance!
I think you're talking about auto focus lenses... and I don't use them, so I'm not the guy.
You and I can be friends... Pentax lenses on Sony bodies. I had a look at your gear on your website. I noticed you're missing one of what many say is their best lens: Pentax K 28mm f3.5 (must be the "k", not the "m" or any others. Have you ever tied it?
I would like to. I have the M series 28 3.5, Takumar 28mm 3.5 (58) and S-M-C Takumar 28 3.5, plus a slew of other 28's, so I guess I haven't felt a strong enough need (yet.) I'd like one.
The Pentax M 35 rocks the WORLD!!!
It sure does! I just got one.
the smc pentax 35mm f3.5 is better, imho.
I recently shot some film on my 40 year old Pentax A3000 with that lens. The photos came out great. Nice and sharp.
Really awesome kit! I always carry the old 28, 35, 50, and 135mm with me in my kit, along with a couple modern lenses.
Wish I had that 85mm you got in my kit!!!!!
I'm adapting these old Pentax's/Takumars to a Canon 80D and the M42 types to both the 80D and 6D. I actually like a few of these old lenses better than a couple of my high dollar L lenses! The Image Quality results are often mind-boggling with this old glass!
I actually got extremely lucky and found a 85mm f2 last week in almost mint condition and went ahead and bought it! Its an extremely sharp and fun lens!
I've been going back and forth using this 85f2 and my Takumar 85f1.8 and still haven't figured out yet which one is better, I think they are both superb!
The M28mm f3.5 generally gets better reviews than the M28mm f2.8. That's the one I have coming and am sorry you didn't review it. At the same time, the K28mm f3.5 is said to be the one to get. It is of course more expensive but not prohibitively so.
The reviews are the one side.
The other side is the photography.
In practice the SMC-M 28mm f2.8 is a wonderful lens ! I use it on Pentax film cameras ( ME, MEsuper, Program A ).
This lens is so small, a real pancake. With a ME it fits in a pocket of a rain coat.
And the images are great. I use it indoors at f2.8 and the image quality is nice. The lens shines in streets or landscape photography.
In the streets i use it with f4-f8.
Landscapes with F5.6-f11.
They made two versions of the SMC-M 28mm f2.8. Both are very good.
ARE The photos taken with a Digital Pentax
No. Sony a7s, a7sii, or a7ii.
@@vyoufinder Ok going try it with my Sony 6400 Also have Pentax K-1 and K-70
I am not too keen on 50mm f2 and find that my 28mm outperforms it in almost all aspects.
The M 50mm 1.7 is really nice and I got mine for less than 25 bucks out the door. Great build quality and much sharper than my modern lenses.
Can these lenses go on a Pentax me super?
Yes.
@@vyoufinder thank you!
Добрый день. Вы забыли в своём обзоре про pentax-m 50mm f2 (1.4 , 1.2) . Его очень не хватает. С наилучшими пожеланиями m/m Alex.
I translated to be:
"Good day. You forgot in your review about pentax-m 50mm f2 (1.4, 1.2). He is very lacking. Best regards m / m"
No, I did not forget about SMC Pentax-M 50mm 1:2. It is most certainly in the comparison video and is also one of my favorites. Did I translate wrong?
Нет, я не забыл о SMC Pentax-M 50mm 1: 2. Это, безусловно, в сравнении видео и также является одним из моих фаворитов. Я перепутал неправильно?
haha, that aint small, but great reviiew, the sample shots were awesome, I came here for the 40mm pancake
Ah so I couldn't use these on my K1000? Hopefully not too silly of a question.
The K mounts are no problem but forth eM42 mounts, use the adapter and then is no problem.
will these fit on the k1000?
Yes.
SMC Pentax 15mm f3.5 = Droll worthy optics.
Hi ,I noticed you use Sony digital, why not the K1?
Because it has a mirror. I haven't seen the point of a mirror since 2003, when evf's were good enough to actually use for wysiwyg shooting. As soon as Sony came out with the A7. I eagerly jumped. Then the a7s, then a7ii, and a7sii. No regrets. If Pentax comes out with a mirrorless camera, I will consider it.
@@vyoufinder i have the k01. been considering Sony, but using adapters is the functionallity same as using pentax body on autofocus , aperture priority, etc?
I don't know the answer to that one; I only use manual focus and manual aperture, then auto iso & exposure compensation dial. That's my most common shooting mode.
Is the 40mm a tessar design?
I think so. It's 4 elements, and very similar to a lot of 45mm 50mm moderately slower lenses.
Good numbers.
Always wanted a SMC 300 F4, but the A series. Never found one at a price I could justify paying.
the K series is a very close lower priced option. The images produced are very comparable, possibly better overall, just not quite as small. There's not much weight difference, so if you can get over the extra few cm length being in your bag, it's an extremely nice lens.
You are missing the 20mm, which is tiny and very good...
I like the M series 20mm, but the A series is so spectacular that I almost always use it instead. The M series 20mm f4 is excellent and extremely compact. Maybe it should've been included.
Excelente
Wot, no 50/f2?
You're right. It should have been in this. I guess I neglected to include it because of the fact that it is so common, cheap, and available that I overlooked it. However, if you have watched my review of the Pentax 50's, you'll see I definitely like the lens and is probably my favorite of all the 50's from Pentax. What was I thinking?!?!
Cool!
If you are happy with them it's fine, but those are not great. M 35 is not that sharp, at f8 sweet spot reach only 87 lp/mm in center and 78 in the corner, not 98 lp like FA 35f2 and (K) 35 f3.5, and sticky aperture is bad and wey harder to reach f8 swet spot, not even with true full MLU and 2s mirror prefite, so not even with K2 and MZ-S, because Pentax closes the aperture only with the shutter and not before with the mirror. And even some (K) 35 f3.5 have very bad sticky aperture so FA is the wey to go, but I choose MIJ only... Then M 40 has lens dublet separation so forget about that one too...
DA 40 f2.8 cover FF35 from f4 but I don't like the bokeh so I choose FA 43 f1.9 from f2 instead but MIJ black, and some better zooms for 39-40mm.
M 85 f2 @ f2 reach only 28 lp/mm in the center, @f 2.8 35lp/mm, @ f8 only 62 center 55 corner, and @ f11 sweet spot 69 lp/mm center and 62 corner. Smc M100 f2.8 is a little better with 39 lp @ f2.8 good for some portraits for when you're fine with that and don't look for MF look from a FF35. (K) 85 f1.8 and A* 85 f1.4 are wey better. M135 f3.5 is also not that great, not even for the size. smc F135 f2.8 is better, small, good, nice bokeh, telescopic metalic hood and sure some prone to hunting AF but I can live with that. M* 300 f4 I guess is fine but I like AF more. TCs cut the rez. F 1.7AF adaptor at least add AF to old lenses. FA20 f2.8 is a better 20, not perfect but better then M. There is a more interesting 18mm on the M line...and 2 x 15 f3.5 on the K line. MEsuper has huge viewfinder minus the stupid superimposed times and on the left no less...,but is not a reliable camera, has multiple mechanical problems, very very bad, and even MX and LX have some hard to solve problems. My K2 black, K2DMD, SF10, MZ-S and 6MP *istD old are all working fine. Z20 is also reliable, more then Z1p, but I don't like that does't have AE-L ( SF 10 has AE-L and spot so weirdly it's better then SFX/SFXn...) MZ-S has stupid 0.75X magnification and I'm realy not inspired by that, plus some stupid plastic gear inside, and some melting rubber plugs and pads on the battery grip that I have to use for 4xAA because otherwise camera needs stupid 2 x CR2...I was never in to mechanical only cameras, not even KX motor or MX, not even Nikon F2 or FM/FM2n so K1000 not even close. F2 has stepless from 1/90s to 1/2000s if you want precision for 3EV exposure latitude for slide film on the Nort pole, but I don't like cold and Kodak Ektachrome E200 is no longer made and Fuji Provia has wey better grain but bad colors and for fine art MF from FF645 and up is wey better anywey...
Yikes the 85mm bokeh made me dizzy
The 40mm was a street shooters lens
Gorgeous, just gorgeous. This is lens porn, Seriously impressed.....!
Always carefully avoiding Pentax's limited primes.
It's easy to avoid using APS-C lenses, not only Pentax APS-C or their limited line. Just check before you buy if it's a full frame or 35mm lens or not.
A series lenses, way more practical on modern bodies.
You're missing the M 4.0/20 I guess you don't have it!
The m series 50mm f4 is a great macro, but because I don't think it is on the same level as these I specially selected as being the 5 "best" from the m series.
@@vyoufinder Sorry I meant the M 20mm/4.0 a great ultra compact ultra wide the 50mm macro is nice from a mechanical point of view but not really that compact for a 1:2 macro with an aperture of 4.0
The 20mm f4 M series is extremely compact, and a good lens. However, I have to say that the A series f2.8 actually blows it or anything else out there that I know of away. I compared it to: Canon FD, Zeiss Flektogon, Voigtlander f3.5, and one or two others I forgot now. The Pentax was so much better (the A series) that is when I made the decision to go all Pentax/Takumar. It was THE lens that made me fully switch.
you have no respect for your equipment..you handle extremely poor .
Maybe you're right. Apparently it doesn't matter though, as evidenced by my about 100 lenses that I have been using for up to 3 decades, not one of which has a scratch, ding, bent filter ring, or problem whatsoever. Or maybe you don't know how I handle my gear?
The 300 has "character" now.