Is the Industar 50mm F3.5 any good?

Hayob · 11-23-2011, 11:48 AM

Hey eveyone, Is the Industar 50mm F3.5 any good? im thinking of buying it due to it being "pancake" like and cheap.

Adam · 11-23-2011, 11:55 AM

People definitely like it:
Industar-50 50mm F3.5 Lens Reviews - Russian and Zenitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

A bit slow for a 50mm if you ask me, though. You can get an M 50mm 1.7 for about the same price.

RioRico · 11-23-2011, 12:15 PM

I've had two. My first was M39 mount and sticky and I only used it on tubes for close work. I replaced it with a newer M42 mount with good movement, no sticking. And it's really too small to use comfortably on my K20D, a similar problem to my same-size Meyer Helioplan 40/4.5 (which is also a bit sticky).

Yes, the Industar-50 is quite popular, especially for closer work. I don't recommend it as a 'scape lens unless stopped down a bit, especially to draw attention to a closer subject. Is it better or worse than an M50/1.7? Not really; just different. Good luck finding a lens hood!

Lloydy · 11-23-2011, 02:37 PM

It's a glorious little lens, fiddly to use, but rewarding. Don't expect to shoot quickly with it.

I made a hood from a GU Pot container. I don't know if the yummy chocolate desert is available where you are, but if the local supermarket has them buy some, eat the choccy, then with a very sharp craft knife cut the base off the container a little bit at a time until it's a tight fit on the aperture ring. Then make the inside of the 'hood' a matt finish with Scotchbrite. It's cheap, effective and tasty.

The hood turns the aperture ring, so it actually makes it easier to use.

Just watch your fingers.

Hayob · 11-24-2011, 12:55 AM

Wow,What a great idea!

Lloydy · 11-24-2011, 03:06 AM

If you can get GU Pots, then chop the container off at 41mm long and then rub it down on sandpaper until it fits nicely, about 40.5mm is the length of mine.

And ignore the craft knife balanced on a couple of lens caps, that's just illustrative. I used something more solid like some bits of plywood stacked until the blade is at 41mm from the table. Then I just rotate the plastic container slowly against the blade until it's through.

11-23-2011, 11:48 AM	#1
Hayob Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 99	Is the Industar 50mm F3.5 any good? Hey eveyone, Is the Industar 50mm F3.5 any good? im thinking of buying it due to it being "pancake" like and cheap.

11-23-2011, 11:55 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	People definitely like it: Industar-50 50mm F3.5 Lens Reviews - Russian and Zenitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database A bit slow for a 50mm if you ask me, though. You can get an M 50mm 1.7 for about the same price. 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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11-23-2011, 12:15 PM	#3
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	I've had two. My first was M39 mount and sticky and I only used it on tubes for close work. I replaced it with a newer M42 mount with good movement, no sticking. And it's really too small to use comfortably on my K20D, a similar problem to my same-size Meyer Helioplan 40/4.5 (which is also a bit sticky). Yes, the Industar-50 is quite popular, especially for closer work. I don't recommend it as a 'scape lens unless stopped down a bit, especially to draw attention to a closer subject. Is it better or worse than an M50/1.7? Not really; just different. Good luck finding a lens hood!

11-23-2011, 02:37 PM	#4
Lloydy Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Shropshire, UK Posts: 1,114	It's a glorious little lens, fiddly to use, but rewarding. Don't expect to shoot quickly with it. I made a hood from a GU Pot container. I don't know if the yummy chocolate desert is available where you are, but if the local supermarket has them buy some, eat the choccy, then with a very sharp craft knife cut the base off the container a little bit at a time until it's a tight fit on the aperture ring. Then make the inside of the 'hood' a matt finish with Scotchbrite. It's cheap, effective and tasty. The hood turns the aperture ring, so it actually makes it easier to use. Just watch your fingers.

11-24-2011, 12:55 AM	#5
Hayob Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 99 Original Poster	Wow,What a great idea!

11-24-2011, 03:06 AM	#6
Lloydy Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Shropshire, UK Posts: 1,114	If you can get GU Pots, then chop the container off at 41mm long and then rub it down on sandpaper until it fits nicely, about 40.5mm is the length of mine. And ignore the craft knife balanced on a couple of lens caps, that's just illustrative. I used something more solid like some bits of plywood stacked until the blade is at 41mm from the table. Then I just rotate the plastic container slowly against the blade until it's through.