[Porga]

Excelent photos!

[Cambo]

I think this lens deserves its own thread. I got one on loan for a few weeks, just to see if it lives up to the hype and my expectations. I know the lens has a reputation for showing PF easily and sure enough it does, but not nearly as much as I thought. I think it's on the same level as the 135mm f/2.5 Super-Multi-Coated Takumar with regards to PF.

And yes, it definitely lives up to the hype. It's insanely sharp and contrasty right from wide open. However, it does not focus as smooth as the K series and all Takumars. The A series definitely has a worse build. Also, I found it very hard to focus with the K-5's stock screen. I have many shots where I missed the focus entirely.

Please note: the camera registers the widest f/stop of the lens as f/1.7 and this is reflected in the EXIF.

Enjoy! There will be more to come in the next few weeks...

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Nice work...a lens like can take comparatively mundane subjects and make them profoundly beautiful - my FA* 85 is like that as well. Simply magical! I've been WAITING and WAITING and WAITING for them to re-issue something in this focal length, almost 20 years now, the last one being the very ugly (but very nice) FA135 f=2.8...now I hope it's a 135 f1.8 WP Limited ( a DA*135 f=2 would do, as well). Everytime there has been a 'what do you really want' list going around, I've asked for one...wish they'd finally do it. GORGEOUS stuff, and thanks for sharing.

Cheers,
Cameron

[yusuf]

great shots!!!

[dadipentak]

It's nice that it's possible though...

Ok, so just for the heck of it, I figured I should try it wide open-- indoors on a overcast day, no flash, hand-held. This is what I got:



Now I've got some really nice glass in my kit but--on a K-5 at least--this thing is totally 100% genuine pure unalloyed pixie dust!

[Rondec]

Beautiful photos, Peter! This is one of those lenses that is way out of my budget (and probably skill to handle as well). At the same time, they way it handles out of focus areas is amazing. Great shots!

[Asahiflex]

Some more for the interested audience

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[Clinton]

Peter, are you actually going to be able to return that lens now?

[Asahiflex]

Peter, are you actually going to be able to return that lens now?

No, the current owner will have to pry it from my cold, dead hands

[bollicina31]

I cried a lot, when I stole my copy of A * 135, was perfect as new.

I no longer wanted to send money over, and I tried Voigtlander 125, but not found, so I bought the Zeiss 100.
Excellent lens, very resolvent, has an IQ, better voigtlander125, but not APO, and not the 25mm, which I have so much more.

A * 135 is a fantastic lens, just find it awkward to use f / 1.8, for accurate focusing, just swing a little and make portraits wrong.

aaahh ... My love, I never find myself??

[Asahiflex]

Bummer! I knew your copy was stolen, but how did that happen? Did you leave your kit in the car? I always have my setup with me and never leave them in the car. Better be safe than sorry.

The A* 135/1.8 is so rare that you should find your copy again, provided that it was not stolen on order... (by someone who knew you).

[Emacs]

I've tried this lens about a week ago and I must admit it has wonderful colour rendition. Nice L&F too.

[Ash]

These are spectacular results from a very special lens.
The marked PF evident on some of the high contrast areas particularly in the corners is totally forgiveable given how sharp this lens is wide open.
Thanks for sharing these fine images Asahiflex.

[frank]

Excellent series.

I haven't used the lens enough to justify the cost yet ... here are two from my first try:





All wide open with K7.

[Winder]

Now what will it take for Pentax to bring this lens back into production as a DA* 135mm f/1.8?

[Cambo]

Some more for the interested audience

What program do you use to get that nice frame around your shots with the titling and stuff? Looks great!

Cheers,
Cameron