Fast manual focus prime for portraits?

LennyBloke · 03-13-2014, 02:50 AM

As Yusuf says, one of the best options is the Pentax K85/1.8, build quality is superb, IQ is excellent and Bokeh is lovely. The M85/2.0 is favoured by many and I've seem some lovely shots on digital with it, I've just not been able to produce any myself (it was my favourite portrait lens back in my film days).
DSims recommendations for the A or M100/2.8 I can completely agree with - that's if the slightly longer focal length and the slower aperture suit your style. I own (and have had 3 copies) the A100/2.8 and I believe it is close to a Star lens in quality.

Probably the biggest problem you'll have is availability

AquaDome · 03-13-2014, 03:09 AM

After seeing those last shots, I'm on the boat for the Jupiter 11a.

Vejas · 03-13-2014, 12:07 PM

Originally posted by Parry

No idea, I haven't got a 37A. The 11A . . .

Jupiter 37a samples:
500px / Untitled by Andrius S
500px / Untitled by Andrius S
500px.com/photo/62730787
500px / Untitled by Andrius S
Ruduo
Rudens spalvos

---------- Post added 03-13-14 at 12:08 PM ----------

Originally posted by AquaDome

After seeing those last shots, I'm on the boat for the Jupiter 11a.

Jupiter 37a samples:
500px / Untitled by Andrius S
500px / Untitled by Andrius S
500px.com/photo/62730787
500px / Untitled by Andrius S
Ruduo
Rudens spalvos

Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/254530-fast...#ixzz2vs5YXqdB

**miltona580** · 03-14-2014, 06:52 AM

I'd also recommend the Pentax K 55 (either f/1.8 for f/2 - same lens just mechanically limited). It's a great lens you can get for around $50.

**stevebrot** · 03-14-2014, 09:39 AM

Originally posted by LennyBloke

Probably the biggest problem you'll have is availability

... and $$$.

Steve

8540tomg · 03-14-2014, 10:12 AM

As stated above any of the old fast 50mm f1.4 Pentax glass would be fine for portraits.

I haven't checked EBAY for a while bou should be able for find an old K 50/1.4 or 1.8, or a M 50/1.4 for well under $100.

Tom G

**stevebrot** · 03-14-2014, 10:56 AM

One element of caution regarding the longer 135mm focal length lenses suggested above is the matter of working distance. At 135mm on APS-C, working distance for a common head shot is 8-10 feet. That is good if your room or studio is large enough to allow for that, but not so good if your space is cramped.

That being said, the former Soviet lenses suggested above are cult favorites for many users on this site. I would also suggest a 70s vintage Vivitar 135/2.8. The Komine-made versions (serial number #28xxxxxxx) are very well-built and are quite nice optically. I can offer a strong recommendation.

Vivitar 135mm f 2.8 Auto Telephoto Lens Reviews - Vivitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

Steve

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03-13-2014, 02:50 AM	#16
LennyBloke Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Worcestershire, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 640	As Yusuf says, one of the best options is the Pentax K85/1.8, build quality is superb, IQ is excellent and Bokeh is lovely. The M85/2.0 is favoured by many and I've seem some lovely shots on digital with it, I've just not been able to produce any myself (it was my favourite portrait lens back in my film days). DSims recommendations for the A or M100/2.8 I can completely agree with - that's if the slightly longer focal length and the slower aperture suit your style. I own (and have had 3 copies) the A100/2.8 and I believe it is close to a Star lens in quality. Probably the biggest problem you'll have is availability

03-13-2014, 03:09 AM	#17
AquaDome Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: New Carlisle, IN Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,475	After seeing those last shots, I'm on the boat for the Jupiter 11a.

03-13-2014, 12:07 PM	#18
Vejas Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Photos: Gallery Posts: 39 Original Poster	Originally posted by Parry No idea, I haven't got a 37A. The 11A . . . Jupiter 37a samples: 500px / Untitled by Andrius S 500px / Untitled by Andrius S 500px.com/photo/62730787 500px / Untitled by Andrius S Ruduo Rudens spalvos ---------- Post added 03-13-14 at 12:08 PM ---------- Originally posted by AquaDome After seeing those last shots, I'm on the boat for the Jupiter 11a. Jupiter 37a samples: 500px / Untitled by Andrius S 500px / Untitled by Andrius S 500px.com/photo/62730787 500px / Untitled by Andrius S Ruduo Rudens spalvos Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/254530-fast...#ixzz2vs5YXqdB

03-14-2014, 06:52 AM	#19
miltona580 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 309	I'd also recommend the Pentax K 55 (either f/1.8 for f/2 - same lens just mechanically limited). It's a great lens you can get for around $50.

03-14-2014, 09:39 AM	#20
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by LennyBloke Probably the biggest problem you'll have is availability ... and $$$. Steve

03-14-2014, 10:12 AM	#21
8540tomg Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Waterloo, Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,461	As stated above any of the old fast 50mm f1.4 Pentax glass would be fine for portraits. I haven't checked EBAY for a while bou should be able for find an old K 50/1.4 or 1.8, or a M 50/1.4 for well under $100. Tom G

03-14-2014, 10:56 AM	#22
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	One element of caution regarding the longer 135mm focal length lenses suggested above is the matter of working distance. At 135mm on APS-C, working distance for a common head shot is 8-10 feet. That is good if your room or studio is large enough to allow for that, but not so good if your space is cramped. That being said, the former Soviet lenses suggested above are cult favorites for many users on this site. I would also suggest a 70s vintage Vivitar 135/2.8. The Komine-made versions (serial number #28xxxxxxx) are very well-built and are quite nice optically. I can offer a strong recommendation. Vivitar 135mm f 2.8 Auto Telephoto Lens Reviews - Vivitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Steve

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