What are the real gems in the A, M, K and Takumar series

[bsbxl]

I have been reading the posts in the different "club" threads (last weekend all 1000 in the Takumar club!). From reading all those posts I concluded that there must be a number of real gems in the different Pentax series of lenses, eg. the Takumar 55mm F1.8 seems to be very highly rated by everybody who has ever used the lens (and the outstanding pictures in the Takumar club prove it!).

Is there some sort of general consensus on what the real gems are in the Pentax A, M, K or Takumar series? A gem should not only be a very good lens but also way beyond expectations. An expensive A* lens should be high quality but it should also perform beyond its price class to be considered a "gem". Again, a good example would be the 55mm F1.8 kit lens of the past (K series or Takumar).

Bsbxl

[pingflood]

I would say that all the 50/1.4 Takumars are real gems. I have yet to use one or see shots from one that were less than stunning.

[jsherman999]

.

Gems, meaning 'punching out of their weight class', IMO:

Takumar:
S-M-C/Super Takumar 35mm f/3.5
S-M-C Takumar 55 f/1.8
S-M-C Takumar 50mm f/1.4
S-M-C Takumar 105 f/2.8

K:
K 35mm f/3.5
(prob more, only have tried 2 K's)

M:
M 20 f/4
M 85 f/2
M 100 f/2.8

A:
A 50 f/1.7

F:
F 50 f/1.7

FA:
FA 50 f/1.4
FA 50 f/2.8 macro

DA:
DA 12-24 f/4

Of course the *'s and limiteds are great, but you expect them to be great. These are the ones that are better than most people maybe realize.


.

[acbees]

Bsbxl,
I would like to add the Super Macro Takumar 50mm f/4. Excellent little 1:2 macro lens!
Arvin

[monochrome]

Originally Posted by jsherman999

.

Gems, meaning 'punching out of their weight class', IMO:

Takumar:
S-M-C/Super Takumar 35mm f/3.5
S-M-C Takumar 55 f/1.8
S-M-C Takumar 50mm f/1.4
S-M-C Takumar 105 f/2.8

K:
K 35mm f/3.5
(prob more, only have tried 2 K's)

M:
M 20 f/4
M 85 f/2
M 100 f/2.8

A:
A 50 f/1.7

F:
F 50 f/1.7

FA:
FA 50 f/1.4
FA 50 f/2.8 macro

DA:
DA 12-24 f/4

Of course the *'s and limiteds are great, but you expect them to be great. These are the ones that are better than most people maybe realize.


.

K15/3.5*
K18/3.5*
K28/3.5
K35/3.5
K50/1.4
K85/1.8*
K135/2.5
K200/2.5*

* These lenses are rare and priced as if they are the best lenses ever made. The others are attainable price-wise. The K28 could be the sharpest Pentax 28; the 35 is renowned for color rendition and bokeh; the 50 is a Pentax 50 - 'nuff said; the 135 is just a great, fast medium telephoto.

Go to the Pentax Lens Review database on this site for information on all the Pentax lenses http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/

[bdery]

I would add the

A 50 f1,4
M 135 f3,5 (from what I've seen)
to some extend, Takumar bayonet 135 f2,8 (if you get a good copy, for the price it used to cost and the wide aperture)

I'm not sure if it qualifies, given your definition of "gem", but the Vivitar Series 1 70-210 version 1 and 3 (I own v1) are just wonderful, even legendary. I'm always blown away by the resolution, contrast, and colours of mine.

[Raybo]

You can get some opinions here..
Alex's Library: Photo Tips

and here....

Alex's Library: Photo Tips

Ray

[Wheatfield]

The M 150/3.5 is a particularly nice little lens.

[lithos]

The M f1.7 50mm.

[heliphoto]

Originally Posted by Wheatfield

The M 150/3.5 is a particularly nice little lens.

I have one of those which I never use... I keep contemplating selling it but it takes such great photos, I can't seem to part with it. It would be great for candid street photography (if you're into that sort of thing ).

[troyz]

Originally Posted by acbees

Bsbxl,
I would like to add the Super Macro Takumar 50mm f/4. Excellent little 1:2 macro lens!
Arvin

I'd put the M 50/4.0 macro at the top of the lens-pleasure-per-dollar scale.

[heliphoto]

The A50/1.7 is the best of the three 50s I've shot with (M/2, SMC Tak/1.4, A/1.7), the color, contrast, and sharpness are astonishing.

[Adrian Owerko]

I would like to add the DA 14mm f2.8... For the price against what canon or nikon have.. It's the one of the best Wide's for low light around. Close focus so great for indoors.

[jsherman999]

Originally Posted by troyz

I'd put the M 50/4.0 macro at the top of the lens-pleasure-per-dollar scale.

Yes! Forgot about that baby.

[Rico]

K 24 f2.8 - Great lens. Color and Contrast are superb and sharp.

M 120 f2.8 - For the size this lens can not be beat. Outstanding. Smooth bokeh

A 50 f1.4 - This lens just excels. It has 8 aperture blades which makes for great bokeh.

There really are a lot to choose from.