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04-20-2014, 04:38 PM   #1
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Recommended 85mm or similar for film?

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So, I decided to switch to 35mm film. I do a bit of portraiture, and my K55/1.8 doesn't seem to work as well for portraiture on film as it does on my K-30 (which I'm still using too.)
So, I've decided I want to get an 85mm. The problem is, even having read through several threads, I'm still not entirely sure what to go for.

I want to avoid the Rokinon as I've seen that it has "focus shift" which would be a pain for film. I kinda like the looks of the Soviet lenses, but the prices keep edging up (like the now $500 Helios 40-2) and the quality seems very inconsistent. The Takumars, while nice, are up there in price and are relatively difficult to find. Same for the K version. The A*, FA*, and 77mm ltd are well outside my budget, unless I was to sell my 50-135 and give up the last WR lens I have.

Whatever I get will be shot on B&W and color film AND the digital.
Would it be worth giving up the WR from the DA* for a good prime, then just getting an 18-55 WR? (My concern with the WR is just having SOMETHING to shoot with when the weather gets nasty. which is only a handful of times here, admittedly)

I'm unsure. Any recommendations would be appreciated.


Last edited by SpartanD63; 04-20-2014 at 04:45 PM.
04-20-2014, 04:57 PM   #2
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Jupiter 9

Any of the variants will be fine. the newer ones (black) are arguably softer at f2, but who cares, you are taking flattering portraits!

I sold mine not 2 months ago for $100AU
04-20-2014, 05:42 PM   #3
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Doesn't the Pentax M 85mm F2 fit the bill?
Also, the 50-135mm that you already have isn't good enough? Lots of people love that lens
04-20-2014, 06:12 PM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by Na Horuk Quote
Doesn't the Pentax M 85mm F2 fit the bill?
Also, the 50-135mm that you already have isn't good enough? Lots of people love that lens
The M85 looks pretty good as well... But I wonder I'd be better off with one of the "better" lenses? I already have a really good 55mm/1.8, and a good 135mm/2.8...
The biggest issue I'm finding with the 50-135 is the vignette it has on 35mm. Otherwise, I do think that it's very good. But it's not so good IMO on 35mm film.

04-20-2014, 06:12 PM   #5
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I can recommend the Jupiter-9 as well. Have you considered the Pentax-M 85/2 or the Pentax-K 85/1.8? Either should work nicely with any K-mount body.


Steve
04-20-2014, 06:17 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by stevebrot Quote
I can recommend the Jupiter-9 as well. Have you considered the Pentax-M 85/2 or the Pentax-K 85/1.8? Either should work nicely with any K-mount body.


Steve
The K85/1.8 was one I've been seriously considering, if I can find anyone selling one for a reasonable price (right around $350-400) but I can only find eBay sellers wanting $500-600 for it. And the little bit of extra speed would be nice over the M85, as quite a bit of my shooting is indoors.
04-20-2014, 06:19 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by SpartanD63 Quote
But I wonder I'd be better off with one of the "better" lenses?
Define "better". For sure any of the "*" or "Limited" lenses would be great for your task, but the price will be high. The M 85/2 will be a little off the mark from those models, but is a huge step up from the Helios 40-2 and a lot easier to use.


Steve

04-20-2014, 06:19 PM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by Na Horuk Quote
Doesn't the Pentax M 85mm F2 fit the bill?
Also, the 50-135mm that you already have isn't good enough? Lots of people love that lens
The 85mm is a good choice, but afaik the 50-135mm isn't so good on film

Depending on which film body you have (check the da lens compatibility chart), you might want to consider the da 70mm limited as well?
04-20-2014, 06:22 PM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by SpartanD63 Quote
And the little bit of extra speed would be nice over the M85, as quite a bit of my shooting is indoors.
That is a VERY little bit of extra speed and probably not noticeable. BTW, DOF with an 85mm at f/1.8 (or f/2) is very thin. Fast glass on longer lenses is not always a good thing.


Steve
04-20-2014, 06:24 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by stevebrot Quote
Define "better". For sure any of the "*" or "Limited" lenses would be great for your task, but the price will be high. The M 85/2 will be a little off the mark from those models, but is a huge step up from the Helios 40-2 and a lot easier to use.


Steve
"Better here would be the *s and Limiteds... I guess what I'm trying to say is, "would the increase in quality be worth that extra expense?"

QuoteOriginally posted by stevebrot Quote
That is a VERY little bit of extra speed and probably not noticeable. BTW, DOF with an 85mm at f/1.8 (or f/2) is very thin. Fast glass on longer lenses is not always a good thing.


Steve
I didn't think about that...
04-20-2014, 06:39 PM   #11
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I like the M85/2 on digital, even though its PF at f/2 is pretty atomic in the wrong situations. Nicely softened wide open, but plenty sharp stopped down even slightly. I wouldn't mind the wide open softness if it weren't for the PF, so maybe you'll be fine on film (I confess I haven't used it much on my film bodies).
04-20-2014, 07:05 PM   #12
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The K105/2.8, it will cost less than the K85/1.8 and is almost as good.

Phil.
04-20-2014, 07:36 PM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by gofour3 Quote
The K105/2.8, it will cost less than the K85/1.8 and is almost as good.

Phil.
However, that lens seems to be significantly harder to find...
04-20-2014, 07:47 PM   #14
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check these out 85mm f2 in Lenses | eBay

---------- Post added 04-20-14 at 10:48 PM ----------

and you can see the specs here Mitakon 85mm F2 Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database
04-20-2014, 08:06 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by lguckert79 Quote
check these out 85mm f2 in Lenses | eBay

---------- Post added 04-20-14 at 10:48 PM ----------

and you can see the specs here Mitakon 85mm F2 Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database
I noticed that one, but very quickly disregarded it. The last Mitakon I had was junk, and nobody else seems to want to take a chance on it.
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