Originally posted by Gimbal Does anyone know anything about a Pentax SMC 8/1000mm lens? It’s not a mirrorlens so it’s a large beast. Is it any good? And how much is it worth?
I have never tried this lens, but here's some data:
This lens comes from the 1958 Takumar F/8.0 1000mm, a 3 element 3 group long focus lens measuring 92cm and weighting 7.5kg. The newer telefocus design appeared in 1965 as the Tele-Takumar F/8.0 1000mm. In 1971, it was updated and became the Super-Multi-Coated Takumar f/8.0 1000mm. In 1975, it was adapted to the K-bayonet mount and became the SMC Pentax f/8.0 1000mm.
All versions of this lens were optically identical (5 elements in 5 groups). The different versions weighted 5.5kg and measured approximately 73cm. Due to the length of the lens, focusing was achieved with a rack-and-pinion mechanism instead of the helicoid commonly found on other lenses. No close focus at all: minimum focusing distance was 30m (98ft)! Diaphragm was fully manual (no preselection or automatic actuation) and the minimum aperture was f/45. The lens was equipped with an extending lens hood as well as a rotating tripod bush. Like on the 500/4.5 lens, the rear part of the lens was removable with a 3-claw bayonet, in order to make fitting the lens to the camera body easier. The rear part also contained the 49mm filter mount. The lens was sold with a wooden tripod (6.5kg) and an aluminium case (7.5kg). All these details are from
Gerjan van Oosten,
The Ultimate Asahi Pentax Screw Mount Guide, published by Uitgeverij Jansz, Zeist, The Netherlands, 1999 (ISBN 90-76537-02-X).
This lens is not really suitable for travel as the weight of the lens + its tripod + its dedicated case + a Pentax SLR body would exceed the luggage allowance on most airlines (20 kg)
Cheers!