SMC Pentax-A 50mm F2.8 Macro

ultraviolet · 10-24-2010, 07:14 PM

How much will be a reasonable price to pay for an SMC Pentax-A 50mm F2.8 Macro, in the review section it has rating of 9 but the price difference is too wide ($375 to $10) to get a good idea.

Light_Horseman · 10-25-2010, 04:57 AM

In my experience watching prices in the forums and on ebay about USD$150-$200 will get you a good copy.

**boriscleto** · 10-25-2010, 05:58 AM

I'm sure the Pentax-A 50 2.8 is a nice lens but you should consider the Sigma A 50 2.8. The Pentax is a 1:2 Macro while the Sigma is a 1:1 Macro. The Sigma goes for around $75-100.

civiletti · 10-25-2010, 05:15 PM

I just bought one on thebay for 115 including shipping.

ultraviolet · 10-25-2010, 10:47 PM

Thanks guys, I got one for $50 CDN including a K1000 bodey in working condition and Viv 273 Thyr. Not a bad deal at all.

ultraviolet · 10-26-2010, 05:54 PM

Originally posted by ultraviolet

Thanks guys, I got one for $50 CDN including a K1000 bodey in working condition and Viv 273 Thyr. Not a bad deal at all.

My daughter's Barbie with this lens.

bepr · 05-09-2014, 09:30 AM

Originally posted by civiletti

I just bought one on thebay for 115 including shipping.

Just bought one for $150 and for sure, even wide open, this lens tops my Tamron 17-50 in regards to sharpness. I have a question though for those who own one. The copy I received is in very nice shape but the focus throw is kinda odd. When you turn the ring from beginning to end you feel quit some resistance at some points. Could it be normal because of the macro? Would like to know cause if this is a bad thing I still can send the lens back.
Thanks,
Bert

manntax · 05-09-2014, 10:00 AM

Originally posted by bepr

Just bought one for $150 and for sure, even wide open, this lens tops my Tamron 17-50 in regards to sharpness. I have a question though for those who own one. The copy I received is in very nice shape but the focus throw is kinda odd. When you turn the ring from beginning to end you feel quit some resistance at some points. Could it be normal because of the macro? Would like to know cause if this is a bad thing I still can send the lens back. Thanks, Bert

The copy I had in my hands for a moment was buttery smooth - the focusing was so smooth and silky that I really wanted to get it - but it was at a fun fair and the guy wanted some crazy money for it ( something like £300 !! ) - but it was in mint condition indeed. If your focusing ring has odd stiff points and they disturb your focusing when fine-tuning - I would send it back and try to find a better copy - for me a $150 is a very good price !! I would consider even $250 to be super deal if the lens was optically and mechanically flawless. On the other hand if the focusing is still smooth and you can live with that odd points PLUS if the lens is pristine optically - I would keep it !

>>-manntax-->

**baro-nite** · 05-09-2014, 10:05 AM

$150 is a good price for this lens so as an alternative to returning it, if it is otherwise in good condition consider getting a CLA which should solve the problem. (Yes, the focus ring should turn smoothly.)

Not a Number · 05-09-2014, 10:44 AM

Yes, a CLA would be in order. It sounds like the helicoid grease is drying out.

bepr · 05-09-2014, 01:48 PM

Originally posted by manntax

The copy I had in my hands for a moment was buttery smooth - the focusing was so smooth and silky that I really wanted to get it - but it was at a fun fair and the guy wanted some crazy money for it ( something like £300 !! ) - but it was in mint condition indeed. If your focusing ring has odd stiff points and they disturb your focusing when fine-tuning - I would send it back and try to find a better copy - for me a $150 is a very good price !! I would consider even $250 to be super deal if the lens was optically and mechanically flawless. On the other hand if the focusing is still smooth and you can live with that odd points PLUS if the lens is pristine optically - I would keep it !

>>-manntax-->

Optically superb. Fine tuning, no problem there. Only get stubborn when turning it from one end to the other. Nice to hear $150 is a buy. You know, comparing the price on what other forum members paid, thought it was quit right. Thanks for the quick replies.

manntax · 05-09-2014, 01:52 PM

Originally posted by bepr

Optically superb. Fine tuning, no problem there. Only get stubborn when turning it from one end to the other. Nice to hear $150 is a buy

I call it a steal then

Have a fun with your new toy !

>>-manntax-->

bepr · 05-09-2014, 02:47 PM

Originally posted by Not a Number

Yes, a CLA would be in order. It sounds like the helicoid grease is drying out.

Just made up my mind. Keep the lens and wake up our best friend Eric Hendrickson for some CLA.

Not a Number · 05-09-2014, 05:43 PM

As long as it is just a little bit "stiffer" and not feeling like it is binding or you have to force it.

I re-greased three of my over 30 year old lenses. The symptoms were almost all the same - stiffer in some areas, more loose (even too loose) in others - usually towards one extreme or the other. Warming the lens up would give smoother operation (a few minutes in the sun or sitting on top of my audio amp).

You might be able to regrease it yourself if you feel you have the skills (lots of patience required) and the tools. "A" lenses are a bit of a pain to dis-assemble the helicoid as you have to remove the rubber ring to get at the tabs to release the plastic front ring.

10-24-2010, 07:14 PM	#1
ultraviolet Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 687	SMC Pentax-A 50mm F2.8 Macro How much will be a reasonable price to pay for an SMC Pentax-A 50mm F2.8 Macro, in the review section it has rating of 9 but the price difference is too wide ($375 to $10) to get a good idea.

10-25-2010, 10:47 PM	#5
ultraviolet Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 687 Original Poster	Thanks guys, I got one for $50 CDN including a K1000 bodey in working condition and Viv 273 Thyr. Not a bad deal at all. Last edited by ultraviolet; 10-26-2010 at 05:50 PM.

10-26-2010, 05:54 PM	#6
ultraviolet Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 687 Original Poster	Originally posted by ultraviolet Thanks guys, I got one for $50 CDN including a K1000 bodey in working condition and Viv 273 Thyr. Not a bad deal at all. My daughter's Barbie with this lens. Last edited by ultraviolet; 06-26-2011 at 11:01 PM.

05-09-2014, 10:05 AM	#9
baro-nite Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Carolina, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,294	$150 is a good price for this lens so as an alternative to returning it, if it is otherwise in good condition consider getting a CLA which should solve the problem. (Yes, the focus ring should turn smoothly.) Last edited by baro-nite; 05-09-2014 at 11:44 AM.

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10-25-2010, 04:57 AM	#2
Light_Horseman Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Coffs Harbour, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 297	In my experience watching prices in the forums and on ebay about USD$150-$200 will get you a good copy.

10-25-2010, 05:58 AM	#3
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	I'm sure the Pentax-A 50 2.8 is a nice lens but you should consider the Sigma A 50 2.8. The Pentax is a 1:2 Macro while the Sigma is a 1:1 Macro. The Sigma goes for around $75-100.

10-25-2010, 05:15 PM	#4
civiletti Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Oregon Photos: Albums Posts: 1,435	I just bought one on thebay for 115 including shipping.

05-09-2014, 09:30 AM	#7
bepr Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Atlanta GA Photos: Gallery Posts: 122	Originally posted by civiletti I just bought one on thebay for 115 including shipping. Just bought one for $150 and for sure, even wide open, this lens tops my Tamron 17-50 in regards to sharpness. I have a question though for those who own one. The copy I received is in very nice shape but the focus throw is kinda odd. When you turn the ring from beginning to end you feel quit some resistance at some points. Could it be normal because of the macro? Would like to know cause if this is a bad thing I still can send the lens back. Thanks, Bert

05-09-2014, 10:00 AM	#8
manntax Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,972	Originally posted by bepr Just bought one for $150 and for sure, even wide open, this lens tops my Tamron 17-50 in regards to sharpness. I have a question though for those who own one. The copy I received is in very nice shape but the focus throw is kinda odd. When you turn the ring from beginning to end you feel quit some resistance at some points. Could it be normal because of the macro? Would like to know cause if this is a bad thing I still can send the lens back. Thanks, Bert The copy I had in my hands for a moment was buttery smooth - the focusing was so smooth and silky that I really wanted to get it - but it was at a fun fair and the guy wanted some crazy money for it ( something like £300 !! ) - but it was in mint condition indeed. If your focusing ring has odd stiff points and they disturb your focusing when fine-tuning - I would send it back and try to find a better copy - for me a $150 is a very good price !! I would consider even $250 to be super deal if the lens was optically and mechanically flawless. On the other hand if the focusing is still smooth and you can live with that odd points PLUS if the lens is pristine optically - I would keep it ! >>-manntax-->

05-09-2014, 10:44 AM	#10
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Yes, a CLA would be in order. It sounds like the helicoid grease is drying out.

05-09-2014, 01:48 PM	#11
bepr Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Atlanta GA Photos: Gallery Posts: 122	Originally posted by manntax The copy I had in my hands for a moment was buttery smooth - the focusing was so smooth and silky that I really wanted to get it - but it was at a fun fair and the guy wanted some crazy money for it ( something like £300 !! ) - but it was in mint condition indeed. If your focusing ring has odd stiff points and they disturb your focusing when fine-tuning - I would send it back and try to find a better copy - for me a $150 is a very good price !! I would consider even $250 to be super deal if the lens was optically and mechanically flawless. On the other hand if the focusing is still smooth and you can live with that odd points PLUS if the lens is pristine optically - I would keep it ! >>-manntax--> Optically superb. Fine tuning, no problem there. Only get stubborn when turning it from one end to the other. Nice to hear $150 is a buy. You know, comparing the price on what other forum members paid, thought it was quit right. Thanks for the quick replies.

05-09-2014, 01:52 PM	#12
manntax Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,972	Originally posted by bepr Optically superb. Fine tuning, no problem there. Only get stubborn when turning it from one end to the other. Nice to hear $150 is a buy I call it a steal then Have a fun with your new toy ! >>-manntax-->

05-09-2014, 02:47 PM	#13
bepr Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Atlanta GA Photos: Gallery Posts: 122	Originally posted by Not a Number Yes, a CLA would be in order. It sounds like the helicoid grease is drying out. Just made up my mind. Keep the lens and wake up our best friend Eric Hendrickson for some CLA.

05-09-2014, 05:43 PM	#14
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	As long as it is just a little bit "stiffer" and not feeling like it is binding or you have to force it. I re-greased three of my over 30 year old lenses. The symptoms were almost all the same - stiffer in some areas, more loose (even too loose) in others - usually towards one extreme or the other. Warming the lens up would give smoother operation (a few minutes in the sun or sitting on top of my audio amp). You might be able to regrease it yourself if you feel you have the skills (lots of patience required) and the tools. "A" lenses are a bit of a pain to dis-assemble the helicoid as you have to remove the rubber ring to get at the tabs to release the plastic front ring.