Lust for M lenses.

Voe · 05-06-2010, 02:16 AM

During the last 3 years I acquired all the FA Limiteds, and I'm very happy with them. But somehow I still lust over the old M lenses due to their small size and build quality.
For example I lust over the SMC M 28mm f/3.5 or f/2.8 regardless of the fact that my 31mm Limited is better optically. For the reason of build quality (and of course optical quality) I bought the M version of the 50mm f/1.2 regardless of he fact that I have the 43mm Limited and the 50mm Summicron which are both excellent.

I was wondering if anyone else have a similar "problem".

**Lowell Goudge** · 05-06-2010, 02:29 AM

It seems you have LBA, and if you are going after M Lenses you have just started.

Actually the origonal K lenses have IMO a better feel to them with respect to overall build quality.

BUT.....

If you really want to feel quality build and silky smooth focusing, and can live with a little CA and older coatings go for some M42 lenses.

I have several SMC Taks, Super Taks, even old preset Taks and some third party lenses which are quite enjoyable to use.

I find that with the older lenses, the focusing throw is very long, making you slow down, but also with the long focusing throw and a split image viewfinder you can really nail the focus.

I use my AF lenses (mostly very fast and heavy zooms) when I travel, but when I want to just go out and shoot, I switch to manual focus lenses. Afterall, for me, photography is a hobby and a form of relaxation

goddo31 · 05-06-2010, 02:42 AM

I like to collect M series lenses too, but I don't have that many so far: 400 f/5.6, 135 f3.5, 50 f1.4 and 28 f3.5.
I have seen some M's in the marketplace recently, including an M400 f/5.6 I think. Good fun lens that one! And doesn't seem too common.

Recercare · 05-06-2010, 02:48 AM

You bet!

I owned the DA 40 and DA 70 when I bought my first manual lenses:
M50/1.7, M135/3.5 and M200/4.

Later on I sold all of my M-lenses to fund:
K28/3.5 and M85/2. It was instant love.

I knew I wanted more of these old gems, so I sold my DA 40 and 70 to fund the K35/3.5 and K135/2.5.

So....now I have no AF lenses and I am very happy.

Kind regards
.lars

**carlb** · 05-06-2010, 03:01 AM

I love the M series lenses

My list:

28/2.8
50/1.7
100/2.8
120/2.8
130/3.5

The 120 seems to be quite an uncommon beast

I also have an FA 20/2.8 that is just stunning and seems to be rarer than rocking horse poo. There's no way I'm selling that one

The only A series lens I have is a 70-210 zoom that was a 21st birthday present from my Dad so I keep that for sentimental reasons even though I don't use it much.

But the M's feel better made than the A & FA

Voe · 05-06-2010, 03:29 AM

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

If you really want to feel quality build and silky smooth focusing, and can live with a little CA and older coatings go for some M42 lenses.

Through the past years I bought a few takumars and indeed the focus feel is unmatched by any other MF lens I tried, but I'm sick of putting the K-M42 adapter on camera every time I want to swap lenses.

Originally posted by goddo31

I like to collect M series lenses too, but I don't have that many so far: 400 f/5.6, 135 f3.5, 50 f1.4 and 28 f3.5.
I have seen some M's in the marketplace recently, including an M400 f/5.6 I think. Good fun lens that one! And doesn't seem too common.

My most used focal range is between 16mm and 135mm. I used to have Tair-3s 300mm f/4.5, but nailing focus at 300mm with a heavy lens was not too much fun.

Originally posted by Recercare

You bet!

I owned the DA 40 and DA 70 when I bought my first manual lenses:
M50/1.7, M135/3.5 and M200/4.

Later on I sold all of my M-lenses to fund:
K28/3.5 and M85/F2. It was instant love.

I knew I wanted more of these old gems, so I sold my DA 40 and 70 to fund the K35/F3.5 and K135/F2.5.

So....now I have no AF lenses and I am very happy.

Kind regards
.lars

A few times I had impulses of switching to Nikon, but I could never part with my FA Limiteds. Thus these three gems are the biggest reason I'm still shooting Pentax.

pschlute · 05-06-2010, 03:51 AM

Originally posted by Voe

I was wondering if anyone else have a similar "problem".

I thought I had got over my "problem"........

mccarvindh · 05-06-2010, 04:04 AM

Wow, that is a fantastic collection! Love the arrangement and lighting as well.

Originally posted by pschlute

I thought I had got over my "problem"........

Voe · 05-06-2010, 05:14 AM

WOW. That's one heck of a collection.

GeneV · 05-06-2010, 05:48 AM

There is not a whole lot more that you can do to address that "problem."

Originally posted by pschlute

I thought I had got over my "problem"........

hangu · 05-06-2010, 08:19 AM

I spy the 30mm there. That's probably the only M lens I want. You snuck in 2 or 3 K series lenses in there as well, cheater!

I tend to buy/collect lenses based on how they look on my red K-x, so the K series and Taks are my favorites so far.

**gofour3** · 05-06-2010, 08:35 AM

Just a reminder there is no "M" version of the 50/1.2 or the 30/2.8 lenses. The 50/1.2 had a K & A version and the 30/2.8 had only a K.

The original K series lenses released in 1975 did not have “mm” indicated after the focal length. The K series lenses in production after 1977 did switch to having “mm” after the FL. Regardless whether you have a SMC PENTAX 1:1.2/50 or smc PENTAX 1:1.2 50mm lens they are still both K series lenses. The same applies to the K30/2.8 and other K series lenses.

Phil.

PS Great collection Peter!!

jsherman999 · 05-06-2010, 11:52 AM

Originally posted by Voe

During the last 3 years I acquired all the FA Limiteds, and I'm very happy with them. But somehow I still lust over the old M lenses due to their small size and build quality....

I was wondering if anyone else have a similar "problem".

Oh, yes.

Originally posted by pschlute

I thought I had got over my "problem"........

.

Yowza, nice! I see the M 20 f4 in there ( ++

++ ), but no M 85 f2?!? C'mon, hit the 'bay, Peter!

.

yeatzee · 05-06-2010, 12:42 PM

Whats the non-macro lens at the side of the K 50mm F/1.2? Looks like an M 85mm to me

**Lowell Goudge** · 05-06-2010, 02:29 PM

Originally posted by Voe

Through the past years I bought a few takumars and indeed the focus feel is unmatched by any other MF lens I tried, but I'm sick of putting the K-M42 adapter on camera every time I want to swap lenses.

Isn't that what CBA is for? you obviously need a second body.

I have 6 Bodies, mostly because I never sell any of my cameras.

They go KX, Ricoh XR-2s, PX-1, *istD, K10D, K7D

The M42 adaptor lives for the moment, along with a diagonal split image focusing screen on my K10D.

05-06-2010, 02:16 AM	#1
Voe Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery Posts: 719	Lust for M lenses. During the last 3 years I acquired all the FA Limiteds, and I'm very happy with them. But somehow I still lust over the old M lenses due to their small size and build quality. For example I lust over the SMC M 28mm f/3.5 or f/2.8 regardless of the fact that my 31mm Limited is better optically. For the reason of build quality (and of course optical quality) I bought the M version of the 50mm f/1.2 regardless of he fact that I have the 43mm Limited and the 50mm Summicron which are both excellent. I was wondering if anyone else have a similar "problem".

05-06-2010, 02:29 AM	#2
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,888	Do a search on LBA It seems you have LBA, and if you are going after M Lenses you have just started. Actually the origonal K lenses have IMO a better feel to them with respect to overall build quality. BUT..... If you really want to feel quality build and silky smooth focusing, and can live with a little CA and older coatings go for some M42 lenses. I have several SMC Taks, Super Taks, even old preset Taks and some third party lenses which are quite enjoyable to use. I find that with the older lenses, the focusing throw is very long, making you slow down, but also with the long focusing throw and a split image viewfinder you can really nail the focus. I use my AF lenses (mostly very fast and heavy zooms) when I travel, but when I want to just go out and shoot, I switch to manual focus lenses. Afterall, for me, photography is a hobby and a form of relaxation

05-06-2010, 04:04 AM	#8
mccarvindh Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ohio, USA/ India Photos: Gallery Posts: 478	Drool worthy collection Wow, that is a fantastic collection! Love the arrangement and lighting as well. Originally posted by pschlute I thought I had got over my "problem"........

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05-06-2010, 02:42 AM	#3
goddo31 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Perth, Western Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,576	I like to collect M series lenses too, but I don't have that many so far: 400 f/5.6, 135 f3.5, 50 f1.4 and 28 f3.5. I have seen some M's in the marketplace recently, including an M400 f/5.6 I think. Good fun lens that one! And doesn't seem too common.

05-06-2010, 02:48 AM	#4
Recercare Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Sweden Posts: 359	You bet! I owned the DA 40 and DA 70 when I bought my first manual lenses: M50/1.7, M135/3.5 and M200/4. Later on I sold all of my M-lenses to fund: K28/3.5 and M85/2. It was instant love. I knew I wanted more of these old gems, so I sold my DA 40 and 70 to fund the K35/3.5 and K135/2.5. So....now I have no AF lenses and I am very happy. Kind regards .lars

05-06-2010, 03:01 AM	#5
carlb Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 1,162	I love the M series lenses My list: 28/2.8 50/1.7 100/2.8 120/2.8 130/3.5 The 120 seems to be quite an uncommon beast I also have an FA 20/2.8 that is just stunning and seems to be rarer than rocking horse poo. There's no way I'm selling that one The only A series lens I have is a 70-210 zoom that was a 21st birthday present from my Dad so I keep that for sentimental reasons even though I don't use it much. But the M's feel better made than the A & FA

05-06-2010, 03:29 AM	#6
Voe Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery Posts: 719 Original Poster	Originally posted by Lowell Goudge If you really want to feel quality build and silky smooth focusing, and can live with a little CA and older coatings go for some M42 lenses. Through the past years I bought a few takumars and indeed the focus feel is unmatched by any other MF lens I tried, but I'm sick of putting the K-M42 adapter on camera every time I want to swap lenses. Originally posted by goddo31 I like to collect M series lenses too, but I don't have that many so far: 400 f/5.6, 135 f3.5, 50 f1.4 and 28 f3.5. I have seen some M's in the marketplace recently, including an M400 f/5.6 I think. Good fun lens that one! And doesn't seem too common. My most used focal range is between 16mm and 135mm. I used to have Tair-3s 300mm f/4.5, but nailing focus at 300mm with a heavy lens was not too much fun. Originally posted by Recercare You bet! I owned the DA 40 and DA 70 when I bought my first manual lenses: M50/1.7, M135/3.5 and M200/4. Later on I sold all of my M-lenses to fund: K28/3.5 and M85/F2. It was instant love. I knew I wanted more of these old gems, so I sold my DA 40 and 70 to fund the K35/F3.5 and K135/F2.5. So....now I have no AF lenses and I am very happy. Kind regards .lars A few times I had impulses of switching to Nikon, but I could never part with my FA Limiteds. Thus these three gems are the biggest reason I'm still shooting Pentax.

05-06-2010, 03:51 AM	#7
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,202	Originally posted by Voe I was wondering if anyone else have a similar "problem". I thought I had got over my "problem"........

05-06-2010, 05:14 AM	#9
Voe Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery Posts: 719 Original Poster	WOW. That's one heck of a collection.

05-06-2010, 05:48 AM	#10
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	There is not a whole lot more that you can do to address that "problem." Originally posted by pschlute I thought I had got over my "problem"........

05-06-2010, 08:19 AM	#11
hangu Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: NYC Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,071	I spy the 30mm there. That's probably the only M lens I want. You snuck in 2 or 3 K series lenses in there as well, cheater! I tend to buy/collect lenses based on how they look on my red K-x, so the K series and Taks are my favorites so far.

05-06-2010, 08:35 AM	#12
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,091	Just a reminder there is no "M" version of the 50/1.2 or the 30/2.8 lenses. The 50/1.2 had a K & A version and the 30/2.8 had only a K. The original K series lenses released in 1975 did not have “mm” indicated after the focal length. The K series lenses in production after 1977 did switch to having “mm” after the FL. Regardless whether you have a SMC PENTAX 1:1.2/50 or smc PENTAX 1:1.2 50mm lens they are still both K series lenses. The same applies to the K30/2.8 and other K series lenses. Phil. PS Great collection Peter!!

05-06-2010, 11:52 AM	#13
jsherman999 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,237	Originally posted by Voe During the last 3 years I acquired all the FA Limiteds, and I'm very happy with them. But somehow I still lust over the old M lenses due to their small size and build quality.... I was wondering if anyone else have a similar "problem". Oh, yes. Originally posted by pschlute I thought I had got over my "problem"........ . Yowza, nice! I see the M 20 f4 in there ( ++ ++ ), but no M 85 f2?!? C'mon, hit the 'bay, Peter! .

05-06-2010, 12:42 PM	#14
yeatzee Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Temecula Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,675	Whats the non-macro lens at the side of the K 50mm F/1.2? Looks like an M 85mm to me

05-06-2010, 02:29 PM	#15
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,888	Originally posted by Voe Through the past years I bought a few takumars and indeed the focus feel is unmatched by any other MF lens I tried, but I'm sick of putting the K-M42 adapter on camera every time I want to swap lenses. Isn't that what CBA is for? you obviously need a second body. I have 6 Bodies, mostly because I never sell any of my cameras. They go KX, Ricoh XR-2s, PX-1, *istD, K10D, K7D The M42 adaptor lives for the moment, along with a diagonal split image focusing screen on my K10D.