LBA-a-go-go

Finn · 01-16-2008, 02:34 PM

I recently had nearly complete turnover in my lens collection (keeping only my FA31, of course...), and through the fine people on this here forum I am now the proud owner of an M 20/4 and M 50/1.4. The 20 was one for which I had been searching high and low for a very long time, having sold my DA21 because it doesn't work on film. In fact, just before buying this one I picked up a Tamron 17/3.5 adaptall at KEH, which nearly duplicates the focal length, although it is a pretty sweet lens, so maybe I'll still keep it. I think I'll post a real review of it one of these days -- it's one of very few wide angle primes available used.

But man, that M 20 is awesome. I swear it's the same design as the DA21 -- nearly identical dimensions, speed (give or take 1/2 a stop), focus throw, everything (except the sensor coverage, of course). Maybe they just gave it a smaller front element for some reason? Anyone have any idea?

Last edited by Finn; 01-23-2008 at 08:43 AM.

tux08902 · 01-16-2008, 05:47 PM

Damn! I've been looking for the M 20/4 for so long. How much did it cost you?

Finn · 01-16-2008, 06:13 PM

Originally posted by tux08902

Damn! I've been looking for the M 20/4 for so long. How much did it cost you?

Not sure there is a "going rate" for these -- it was the first one I'd seen for sale: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/sold-items/17972-sold-fs-pentax-m-20mm-f-4-a.html

roentarre · 01-16-2008, 10:32 PM

Looks like pristine condition, any sample shots?

Finn · 01-17-2008, 06:28 AM

The 20 is great, no doubt about it. A little brassing as would be expecting, but the focus is perfect, and when your looking through the viewfinder, that's what matters. Here's one shot from it (I think at f/5.6). A little purple fringing along the windows, but otherwise looks good:

Here's one from the 50 A f/2.8:

I don't know what it is about uploading to Flickr, but the contrast always seems to drop compared to the originals. Hmm...

wavecurrent · 01-17-2008, 02:23 PM

It's a very nice lens, I have had my since it was new, was perfect with my XM

My have developed a slow aperture now, have to fix it

Mike

cardinal43 · 01-18-2008, 04:44 AM

@FINN: I don't see any exif data with these 2 photos (btw, they are great!), so can you tell me if flash was used? Just curious as I am trying to learn how different pics are taken. Thanks.

Finn · 01-18-2008, 06:43 AM

Originally posted by cardinal43

@FINN: I don't see any exif data with these 2 photos (btw, they are great!), so can you tell me if flash was used? Just curious as I am trying to learn how different pics are taken. Thanks.

Sorry, they are on Flickr. Here are the links. Just click on "more properties" and you can see all the exif data:

lego table on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
teething on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Both were taken with available light, ISO 800.

WendyB · 01-18-2008, 08:27 PM

Originally posted by tux08902

Damn! I've been looking for the M 20/4 for so long. How much did it cost you?

I have 3 (2 new in box) in my lens cabinet and will part with one of the NIBs. I will post it in the for sale forum if you want as far as a price I really have not seen one on the market for a while.

01-16-2008, 02:34 PM	#1
Finn Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Phoenix Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,056	LBA-a-go-go I recently had nearly complete turnover in my lens collection (keeping only my FA31, of course...), and through the fine people on this here forum I am now the proud owner of an M 20/4 and M 50/1.4. The 20 was one for which I had been searching high and low for a very long time, having sold my DA21 because it doesn't work on film. In fact, just before buying this one I picked up a Tamron 17/3.5 adaptall at KEH, which nearly duplicates the focal length, although it is a pretty sweet lens, so maybe I'll still keep it. I think I'll post a real review of it one of these days -- it's one of very few wide angle primes available used. But man, that M 20 is awesome. I swear it's the same design as the DA21 -- nearly identical dimensions, speed (give or take 1/2 a stop), focus throw, everything (except the sensor coverage, of course). Maybe they just gave it a smaller front element for some reason? Anyone have any idea? Last edited by Finn; 01-23-2008 at 08:43 AM.

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01-16-2008, 05:47 PM	#2
tux08902 Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: North Brunswick, NJ Posts: 473	Damn! I've been looking for the M 20/4 for so long. How much did it cost you?

01-16-2008, 06:13 PM	#3
Finn Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Phoenix Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,056 Original Poster	Originally posted by tux08902 Damn! I've been looking for the M 20/4 for so long. How much did it cost you? Not sure there is a "going rate" for these -- it was the first one I'd seen for sale: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/sold-items/17972-sold-fs-pentax-m-20mm-f-4-a.html

01-16-2008, 10:32 PM	#4
roentarre Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11,783	Looks like pristine condition, any sample shots?

01-17-2008, 06:28 AM	#5
Finn Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Phoenix Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,056 Original Poster	The 20 is great, no doubt about it. A little brassing as would be expecting, but the focus is perfect, and when your looking through the viewfinder, that's what matters. Here's one shot from it (I think at f/5.6). A little purple fringing along the windows, but otherwise looks good: Here's one from the 50 A f/2.8: I don't know what it is about uploading to Flickr, but the contrast always seems to drop compared to the originals. Hmm...

01-17-2008, 02:23 PM	#6
wavecurrent Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 147	It's a very nice lens, I have had my since it was new, was perfect with my XM My have developed a slow aperture now, have to fix it Mike

01-18-2008, 04:44 AM	#7
cardinal43 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,412	@FINN: I don't see any exif data with these 2 photos (btw, they are great!), so can you tell me if flash was used? Just curious as I am trying to learn how different pics are taken. Thanks.

01-18-2008, 06:43 AM	#8
Finn Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Phoenix Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,056 Original Poster	Originally posted by cardinal43 @FINN: I don't see any exif data with these 2 photos (btw, they are great!), so can you tell me if flash was used? Just curious as I am trying to learn how different pics are taken. Thanks. Sorry, they are on Flickr. Here are the links. Just click on "more properties" and you can see all the exif data: lego table on Flickr - Photo Sharing! teething on Flickr - Photo Sharing! Both were taken with available light, ISO 800.

01-18-2008, 08:27 PM	#9
WendyB Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan Posts: 189	Originally posted by tux08902 Damn! I've been looking for the M 20/4 for so long. How much did it cost you? I have 3 (2 new in box) in my lens cabinet and will part with one of the NIBs. I will post it in the for sale forum if you want as far as a price I really have not seen one on the market for a while.