Image Wide Angle 28mm f2.8

ieabu · 09-12-2012, 09:12 AM

I'm new to all this so I might come as ignorant...

I just bought these lens cheap from craigslist thinking I could find an adapter for it but I don't know how to find what kind of mount the lens have.
And I can't find any infos on these lens. When I search for it, Vivitar 28mm f2.8 keeps popping up. They look fairly similar. Are they the same?

Sorry if I posted this in the wrong section!

Thanks for helping!

**paulh** · 09-12-2012, 09:42 AM

I found one review of this lens here on PF: Image 28mm f/2.8 Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database
I own a copy of this lens, however mine has a 52mm filter thread. Mine was cheap, and a bit worn, but I'm pretty happy with its IQ. I've also heard that these are rebadged Vivitar lenses, but most, if not all Vivitars were actually made by Kiron, Cosina & others. I can't see your photos well enough to tell what the mount is...maybe Nikon?

elliott · 09-12-2012, 09:45 AM

Looks like Minolta MD mount.

ieabu · 09-12-2012, 10:16 AM

Thanks a lot guys.

How should I take the picture for you guys to verify what kind of mount it is? (If it's not Minolta MD)

elliott · 09-12-2012, 10:32 AM

I can only think of two bayonet mounts that have a notch in one of the tabs like that, Yashica and Minolta, the Yashica mount has more than one aperture coupling. Also, the Minolta's notch faces up when mounted, towards the aperture markings.

audiobomber · 09-12-2012, 10:34 AM

Sorry, I don't know enough about mounts to tell you anything about your lens.

I have two of these, one branded Image, one Kalimar. I am reasonably certain they were made by Cosina. Mine both had the Ricoh pin and a flange that kept them from mounting on a Pentax DSLR. The Kalimar was modified before I bought it. I had to do the surgery on the Image myself.

Directions I followed to modify the KR mount:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/126565-post3.html
http://www.theatreofnoise.com/2008/05/ricoh-lenses-on-pentax-cameras-ricoh.html

Photos of my lenses:
https://picasaweb.google.com/bonhommed/28mmLenses?authkey=Gv1sRgCM_TnvfApv3AFw#

PS The front of your lens says Auto. Why don't I see an A position on the aperture ring?

elliott · 09-12-2012, 10:42 AM

Originally posted by audiobomber

PS The front of your lens says Auto. Why don't I see an A position on the aperture ring?

Same reason many M42 lenses said "Auto", automatic diaphragm, not necessarily automatic exposure. The aperture would stay open until you release the shutter, making focusing easier.

**paulh** · 09-12-2012, 11:01 AM

My copy is a fully manual K-mount, 52mm. It's fairly large & heavy, well-built with a nice smooth focus throw. I don't know who actually manufactured it. A couple pix:

ieabu · 09-12-2012, 11:07 AM

Thanks again for the help guys.
Upon further investigation, I think it is a Minolta MD mount.

And I found this thread : https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/30396-lens-id-help-please.html
They pretty much say that you should never buy an Image lens.

I should've digged deeper before buying these. I can't test them since I have to find an adapter first.

elliott · 09-12-2012, 11:22 AM

Originally posted by ieabu

And I found this thread : https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/30396-lens-id-help-please.html
They pretty much say that you should never buy an Image lens.

I wouldn't say "never", I'm sure there was some decent stuff branded with that name, it all depends on who really made the lens and what design was used. I'm sure you could find absolutely horrible "Bushnell" and "Super Lentar" lenses, but the ones I have were made by Tokina and are quite good. Brand name isn't always an indicator of quality. I do have a JCPenney branded 28mm f2.8 that I believe is Cosina made, quite similar to this lens in some ways, it is hopeless, but some JCPenney and Sears branded stuff is just fine. Usually, if it is cheap enough it is worth a shot, as long as you can make it work with your body.

Originally posted by ieabu

I can't test them since I have to find an adapter first.

There is really no good way to use an adapter with this lens, either you will lose infinity focus or you will have to have an optically corrected adapter to make up for the difference in registration distance. Finding a good optically corrected adapter would be expensive and still degrade image quality, so if you did have some really nice Minolta glass it would probably kill anything that was special about it.

ieabu · 09-12-2012, 11:36 AM

Aw, I did not know you lose quality when attaching a lens with the help of an adapter. That's good to know!
Such a newbie, I am!

elliott · 09-12-2012, 11:40 AM

Originally posted by ieabu

Aw, I did not know you lose quality when attaching a lens with the help of an adapter. That's good to know!
Such a newbie, I am!

That is only if the adapter has optics in it, adapters like M42 to K mount don't need optical correction and will still retain infinity focus. Loss of infinity isn't always a huge deal, it just depends on the lens and how you use it.

Here is a thread about mounting all kinds of different things onto a Pentax.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-camera-field-accessories/96884-ad...addiction.html

audiobomber · 09-12-2012, 12:20 PM

Originally posted by elliott

Same reason many M42 lenses said "Auto", automatic diaphragm, not necessarily automatic exposure. The aperture would stay open until you release the shutter, making focusing easier.

Thanks. That one never sticks in my head.

Originally posted by ieabu

Thanks again for the help guys.
Upon further investigation, I think it is a Minolta MD mount.

And I found this thread : https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/30396-lens-id-help-please.html
They pretty much say that you should never buy an Image lens.

I should've digged deeper before buying these. I can't test them since I have to find an adapter first.

My Image 28mm looks just like yours, with 49mm filter size, and I would definitely quarrel with anyone who calls it horrible. It has lovely colours, smooth bokeh, low CA, soft but useable at f2.8, very sharp at f8, needs a hood to reduce flare, and it has auto aperture, which is a nice feature. All in all, well worth the $35 I paid for it.

Sell your lens, buy a K-mount 28mm. I would venture to say none are horrible, most are quite good and very affordable. I love 28mm focal length. In addition to the Image, I have a Kiron f/2 and Pentax FA 28mm. I cannibalized the Kalimar for parts, but it's still useable in reverse mode for macros.

forensicscientist · 09-12-2012, 07:00 PM

PaulH....

Good looking ist-D.

**paulh** · 09-12-2012, 07:46 PM

Originally posted by forensicscientist

PaulH....

Good looking ist-D.

It *is* good-looking - and it's been working flawlessly too

Have you missed it much?

09-12-2012, 09:12 AM	#1
ieabu New Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Montreal Posts: 9	Image Wide Angle 28mm f2.8 I'm new to all this so I might come as ignorant... I just bought these lens cheap from craigslist thinking I could find an adapter for it but I don't know how to find what kind of mount the lens have. And I can't find any infos on these lens. When I search for it, Vivitar 28mm f2.8 keeps popping up. They look fairly similar. Are they the same? Sorry if I posted this in the wrong section! Thanks for helping!

09-12-2012, 10:34 AM	#6
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Sorry, I don't know enough about mounts to tell you anything about your lens. I have two of these, one branded Image, one Kalimar. I am reasonably certain they were made by Cosina. Mine both had the Ricoh pin and a flange that kept them from mounting on a Pentax DSLR. The Kalimar was modified before I bought it. I had to do the surgery on the Image myself. Directions I followed to modify the KR mount: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/126565-post3.html http://www.theatreofnoise.com/2008/05/ricoh-lenses-on-pentax-cameras-ricoh.html Photos of my lenses: https://picasaweb.google.com/bonhommed/28mmLenses?authkey=Gv1sRgCM_TnvfApv3AFw# PS The front of your lens says Auto. Why don't I see an A position on the aperture ring? Last edited by audiobomber; 09-12-2012 at 10:45 AM.

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09-12-2012, 09:42 AM	#2
paulh Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: DFW Texas/Ventura County, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 33,268	I found one review of this lens here on PF: Image 28mm f/2.8 Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database I own a copy of this lens, however mine has a 52mm filter thread. Mine was cheap, and a bit worn, but I'm pretty happy with its IQ. I've also heard that these are rebadged Vivitar lenses, but most, if not all Vivitars were actually made by Kiron, Cosina & others. I can't see your photos well enough to tell what the mount is...maybe Nikon?

09-12-2012, 09:45 AM	#3
elliott Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: North Carolina Photos: Albums Posts: 1,720	Looks like Minolta MD mount.

09-12-2012, 10:16 AM	#4
ieabu New Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Montreal Posts: 9 Original Poster	Thanks a lot guys. How should I take the picture for you guys to verify what kind of mount it is? (If it's not Minolta MD)

09-12-2012, 10:32 AM	#5
elliott Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: North Carolina Photos: Albums Posts: 1,720	I can only think of two bayonet mounts that have a notch in one of the tabs like that, Yashica and Minolta, the Yashica mount has more than one aperture coupling. Also, the Minolta's notch faces up when mounted, towards the aperture markings.

09-12-2012, 10:42 AM	#7
elliott Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: North Carolina Photos: Albums Posts: 1,720	Originally posted by audiobomber PS The front of your lens says Auto. Why don't I see an A position on the aperture ring? Same reason many M42 lenses said "Auto", automatic diaphragm, not necessarily automatic exposure. The aperture would stay open until you release the shutter, making focusing easier.

09-12-2012, 11:01 AM	#8
paulh Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: DFW Texas/Ventura County, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 33,268	My copy is a fully manual K-mount, 52mm. It's fairly large & heavy, well-built with a nice smooth focus throw. I don't know who actually manufactured it. A couple pix:

09-12-2012, 11:07 AM	#9
ieabu New Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Montreal Posts: 9 Original Poster	Thanks again for the help guys. Upon further investigation, I think it is a Minolta MD mount. And I found this thread : https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/30396-lens-id-help-please.html They pretty much say that you should never buy an Image lens. I should've digged deeper before buying these. I can't test them since I have to find an adapter first.

09-12-2012, 11:22 AM	#10
elliott Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: North Carolina Photos: Albums Posts: 1,720	Originally posted by ieabu And I found this thread : https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/30396-lens-id-help-please.html They pretty much say that you should never buy an Image lens. I wouldn't say "never", I'm sure there was some decent stuff branded with that name, it all depends on who really made the lens and what design was used. I'm sure you could find absolutely horrible "Bushnell" and "Super Lentar" lenses, but the ones I have were made by Tokina and are quite good. Brand name isn't always an indicator of quality. I do have a JCPenney branded 28mm f2.8 that I believe is Cosina made, quite similar to this lens in some ways, it is hopeless, but some JCPenney and Sears branded stuff is just fine. Usually, if it is cheap enough it is worth a shot, as long as you can make it work with your body. Originally posted by ieabu I can't test them since I have to find an adapter first. There is really no good way to use an adapter with this lens, either you will lose infinity focus or you will have to have an optically corrected adapter to make up for the difference in registration distance. Finding a good optically corrected adapter would be expensive and still degrade image quality, so if you did have some really nice Minolta glass it would probably kill anything that was special about it.

09-12-2012, 11:36 AM	#11
ieabu New Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Montreal Posts: 9 Original Poster	Aw, I did not know you lose quality when attaching a lens with the help of an adapter. That's good to know! Such a newbie, I am!

09-12-2012, 11:40 AM	#12
elliott Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: North Carolina Photos: Albums Posts: 1,720	Originally posted by ieabu Aw, I did not know you lose quality when attaching a lens with the help of an adapter. That's good to know! Such a newbie, I am! That is only if the adapter has optics in it, adapters like M42 to K mount don't need optical correction and will still retain infinity focus. Loss of infinity isn't always a huge deal, it just depends on the lens and how you use it. Here is a thread about mounting all kinds of different things onto a Pentax. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-camera-field-accessories/96884-ad...addiction.html

09-12-2012, 12:20 PM	#13
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by elliott Same reason many M42 lenses said "Auto", automatic diaphragm, not necessarily automatic exposure. The aperture would stay open until you release the shutter, making focusing easier. Thanks. That one never sticks in my head. Originally posted by ieabu Thanks again for the help guys. Upon further investigation, I think it is a Minolta MD mount. And I found this thread : https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/30396-lens-id-help-please.html They pretty much say that you should never buy an Image lens. I should've digged deeper before buying these. I can't test them since I have to find an adapter first. My Image 28mm looks just like yours, with 49mm filter size, and I would definitely quarrel with anyone who calls it horrible. It has lovely colours, smooth bokeh, low CA, soft but useable at f2.8, very sharp at f8, needs a hood to reduce flare, and it has auto aperture, which is a nice feature. All in all, well worth the $35 I paid for it. Sell your lens, buy a K-mount 28mm. I would venture to say none are horrible, most are quite good and very affordable. I love 28mm focal length. In addition to the Image, I have a Kiron f/2 and Pentax FA 28mm. I cannibalized the Kalimar for parts, but it's still useable in reverse mode for macros.

09-12-2012, 07:00 PM	#14
forensicscientist Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: DFW Texas and Michigan - I commute :) Posts: 1,012	PaulH.... Good looking ist-D.

09-12-2012, 07:46 PM	#15
paulh Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: DFW Texas/Ventura County, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 33,268	Originally posted by forensicscientist PaulH.... Good looking ist-D. It is good-looking - and it's been working flawlessly too Have you missed it much?