Picked up a 50 1.4 today. Is this a "M" series???

CEWren · 09-24-2011, 06:49 PM

I picked this 50mm 1.4 up today at a yardsale for 3$. yup. 3$. I am thinking I am going to sell it, because I have a 50 FA 1.7 I use all the time, and a 55mm M that I love. I could use a few extra $$$'s, BUT this lens doesnt say "M". It is an M right?? I cant really tell what its worth if I dont know exactly what I have!

I know I've come to the right place with this question. Thanks in advance

Attached Images

CEWren · 09-24-2011, 06:50 PM

oh and sorry for the poor picture. Just snapped it a few mins ago. I couldnt be bothered to get up from the couch. LOL

Adam · 09-24-2011, 06:59 PM

This is the SMC "K" 50mm 1.4

Pentax 50mm F1.4 Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

RioRico · 09-24-2011, 07:02 PM

Yes, that's the highly-regarded K version. I'll trade you my Super-Takumar version, OK?

**boriscleto** · 09-24-2011, 07:11 PM

KEH quotes $62 for that lens in EX condition. That means they think they can sell it for at least $120.

mickey · 09-24-2011, 07:18 PM

Yeah, the "K" version.
I love mine.
It gets a good workout when I use my tripod.

causey · 09-24-2011, 07:28 PM

It should be noticeably sharper wide open than your A 50/1.4. Different rendering, too.

CEWren · 09-24-2011, 07:30 PM

Hmmmmm...... maybe I should keep it. LOL.

Chaos_Realm · 09-24-2011, 07:40 PM

I suggest you give it a run, compare It to your current 50 and just choose which one you like the most.

CEWren · 09-24-2011, 08:08 PM

problem is although I am decent with manual focus I dont trust myself during shoots with it, and with my 2 yr old at home its hard to catch her still for even a second to focus. BUT I know with practice I'd be better... I was getting pretty good, then got this FA and got lazy!

I'll play around with it. Thanks so much guys, as always you all's knowledge was just what I needed!!

stevebrot · 09-24-2011, 08:39 PM

A very desirable lens for only $3. Worth 20x that at the very least in my estimation. Give it a spin before you consider selling. You may decide to never let it go.

Steve

stevebrot · 09-24-2011, 08:47 PM

Originally posted by CEWren

problem is although I am decent with manual focus I dont trust myself during shoots with it

That is a very reasonable concern, particularly wide open with the stock focus screen on your dSLRs. The viewfinder image typically will show significantly greater DOF than what is actually present at the film plane for any lens faster than about f/4 maximum aperture. An aftermarket screen with focus aids will increase your MF success dramatically.

Taking a quick look at your signature lens list, I notice that you have the Rikenon 55/1.4. I too have the Rikenon and while it is a very decent piece of glass, the Pentax-K should be significantly better in most, if not all aspects.

Steve

JeffJS · 09-24-2011, 09:11 PM

Originally posted by CEWren

problem is although I am decent with manual focus I dont trust myself during shoots with it, and with my 2 yr old at home its hard to catch her still for even a second to focus. BUT I know with practice I'd be better... I was getting pretty good, then got this FA and got lazy!

I'll play around with it. Thanks so much guys, as always you all's knowledge was just what I needed!!

Catch in Focus is your friend. I put my camera on continuous shot (low) hold down the release and just turn the focus ring with a moving subject. It'll snap picture after picture as long as it senses focus confirmation (AF-S).

Nice lens especially at $3.

Mr. B · 09-24-2011, 10:41 PM

I'll take it! I'll even double the money - $6!

freewheeler · 09-24-2011, 10:53 PM

I had the m-version of the 50/1.4. Loved the colors, hated the fact I was missing the focus most of the time.
Must have something to do with low contrast wide open. Stopping down a bit while focusing might help.
If it doesn't work: Don't bother, you allready have one of the best 50mm lenses.

09-24-2011, 06:49 PM	#1
CEWren Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 258	Picked up a 50 1.4 today. Is this a "M" series??? I picked this 50mm 1.4 up today at a yardsale for 3$. yup. 3$. I am thinking I am going to sell it, because I have a 50 FA 1.7 I use all the time, and a 55mm M that I love. I could use a few extra $$$'s, BUT this lens doesnt say "M". It is an M right?? I cant really tell what its worth if I dont know exactly what I have! I know I've come to the right place with this question. Thanks in advance Attached Images

09-24-2011, 06:59 PM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	This is the SMC "K" 50mm 1.4 Pentax 50mm F1.4 Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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09-24-2011, 06:50 PM	#2
CEWren Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 258 Original Poster	oh and sorry for the poor picture. Just snapped it a few mins ago. I couldnt be bothered to get up from the couch. LOL

09-24-2011, 07:02 PM	#4
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Yes, that's the highly-regarded K version. I'll trade you my Super-Takumar version, OK?

09-24-2011, 07:11 PM	#5
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,477	KEH quotes $62 for that lens in EX condition. That means they think they can sell it for at least $120.

09-24-2011, 07:18 PM	#6
mickey Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Japan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,146	Yeah, the "K" version. I love mine. It gets a good workout when I use my tripod.

09-24-2011, 07:28 PM	#7
causey Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Arlington, VA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,757	It should be noticeably sharper wide open than your A 50/1.4. Different rendering, too.

09-24-2011, 07:30 PM	#8
CEWren Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 258 Original Poster	Hmmmmm...... maybe I should keep it. LOL.

09-24-2011, 07:40 PM	#9
Chaos_Realm Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Melbourne, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,251	I suggest you give it a run, compare It to your current 50 and just choose which one you like the most.

09-24-2011, 08:08 PM	#10
CEWren Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 258 Original Poster	problem is although I am decent with manual focus I dont trust myself during shoots with it, and with my 2 yr old at home its hard to catch her still for even a second to focus. BUT I know with practice I'd be better... I was getting pretty good, then got this FA and got lazy! I'll play around with it. Thanks so much guys, as always you all's knowledge was just what I needed!!

09-24-2011, 08:39 PM	#11
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	A very desirable lens for only $3. Worth 20x that at the very least in my estimation. Give it a spin before you consider selling. You may decide to never let it go. Steve

09-24-2011, 08:47 PM	#12
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by CEWren problem is although I am decent with manual focus I dont trust myself during shoots with it That is a very reasonable concern, particularly wide open with the stock focus screen on your dSLRs. The viewfinder image typically will show significantly greater DOF than what is actually present at the film plane for any lens faster than about f/4 maximum aperture. An aftermarket screen with focus aids will increase your MF success dramatically. Taking a quick look at your signature lens list, I notice that you have the Rikenon 55/1.4. I too have the Rikenon and while it is a very decent piece of glass, the Pentax-K should be significantly better in most, if not all aspects. Steve

09-24-2011, 09:11 PM	#13
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	Originally posted by CEWren problem is although I am decent with manual focus I dont trust myself during shoots with it, and with my 2 yr old at home its hard to catch her still for even a second to focus. BUT I know with practice I'd be better... I was getting pretty good, then got this FA and got lazy! I'll play around with it. Thanks so much guys, as always you all's knowledge was just what I needed!! Catch in Focus is your friend. I put my camera on continuous shot (low) hold down the release and just turn the focus ring with a moving subject. It'll snap picture after picture as long as it senses focus confirmation (AF-S). Nice lens especially at $3.

09-24-2011, 10:41 PM	#14
Mr. B Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Varaždin, Croatia, Europe Photos: Gallery Posts: 295	I'll take it! I'll even double the money - $6!

09-24-2011, 10:53 PM	#15
freewheeler Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: amsterdam Posts: 130	I had the m-version of the 50/1.4. Loved the colors, hated the fact I was missing the focus most of the time. Must have something to do with low contrast wide open. Stopping down a bit while focusing might help. If it doesn't work: Don't bother, you allready have one of the best 50mm lenses.