[Congupnasaint]

I have the opportunity of of purchasing a Prinzflex f2.8 135mm lens to use on my Pentax K30. I have tried to find some reviews on this without much success. Can any one on the list give me some background on this lens.
Thanks,
Pat.

[rbefly]

Hello Pat, welcome to the Forum!
That Prinzflex is a bit obscure, but I did find this short description and sample photos on the cameracollector;
Prinzflex 135mm F2.8 lens for M42 | The Camera Collector
Also if you google 'Prinzflex 135mm f/2.8' , one of the first links is a long series of images taken with it, as well as many photos of the actual len(es) used.
First off, most of the articles noted that it was an m42 or screw-mount lens. This means you'll need an adaptor, m42 to K-mount. If there are (or, were) bayonet versions, again make sure it's a Pentax or K-mount bayonet.
Next... it was surely made by a 3rd-party maker, C.C thinks it's Komura, others say (versions) might be different sub-contractors. Either way, it probably was an inexpensive addition to an small existing line, a store or non-major brand that marketed lenses and bodies, but didn't actually manufacture them like Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Minolta and Olympus did.
In the US, think Vivitar, Sears, JC Penny, etc.
Dixon, in the U.K. was one such market outlet, they bought out Miranda in the mid-to-late-'70's, about the time this lens showed up.
So, it's probably not a bad lens, but there are better 135's from the same era, priced somewhat higher. It may be worth a flyer if it's cheap, but you'll eventually want better resolution, sharper rendering and better flare control/contrast. Those are a few differences between a $50 lens and a $150 lens from the same time frame (Generally. There are exceptions, but I've never heard of the Prinzflex 135mm as one of them).
On the other side of the coin, you may find some wonderful aspect of this lens, perhaps the Bokeh wide-open is particularly dreamy, or the lack of flare control makes beautiful starbursts in direct sunlight.
I have a few such lenses (and two are off-brand 135mm f/2.8's!) but rarely use them. My Pentax A-series 135mm f/2.8 beats them all cold, in every important aspect except quirky behavior. Those go for about $150-$200 USD.
JMO, good luck!
Ron

[zekewhipper]

There is no justification to automatically say that the Prinzflex is inferior to any other 135mm lens like Rbefly implies, unless someone with actual experience using it versus others can chime in to give an opinion. If it is anything close to my 35mm f2.8 Prinzflex, then it should be a very good preforming sharp M42-mount lens. If you belive the asking price makes it a good value, then I say go for it. My Prinzflex is one of my best lenses.


Incidentally, Prinzflex was its own make of SLRs like Miranda, Edixa, and others were.


An example from my 35mm f2.8 Prinzflex
https://www.flickr.com/photos/zekewhipper/14631522520/in/set-72157646135271751

[Congupnasaint]

Thank you for this as it helps greatly. I do have a Ricoh f2.8 135mm lens and I am very happy with it. It must be a well sort after lens as you do not seem to see many for sale on eBay etc for example. When I came to Australia in 1978 from NZ I purchased a Ricoh 35mm XR 1s with it's 50mm f1.7 lens. The camera still works exceptionally well and as such I am very partial to Ricoh lenses and equipment in general.
Thanks again,
Pat.

---------- Post added 08-17-14 at 12:21 PM ----------

I have just checked and the lens is a Pentax K mount lens.
Pat.

[zekewhipper]

Thank you for this as it helps greatly. I do have a Ricoh f2.8 135mm lens and I am very happy with it. It must be a well sort after lens as you do not seem to see many for sale on eBay etc for example. When I came to Australia in 1978 from NZ I purchased a Ricoh 35mm XR 1s with it's 50mm f1.7 lens. The camera still works exceptionally well and as such I am very partial to Ricoh lenses and equipment in general.
Thanks again,
Pat.

---------- Post added 08-17-14 at 12:21 PM ----------

I have just checked and the lens is a Pentax K mount lens.
Pat.

I wouldn't go so far as to think the lens is much sought after. It will simply be very uncommon. As for your Ricoh lenses, if they are K-mount be very cautious about the "Ricoh pin" problem. Ricoh K-mounts get stuck on Pentax's K-mount due to a subtle difference in design.

[Congupnasaint]

Thanks Zeke. I have been caught once already. I now know what to do to get away from this problem. I also have on my desk top an icon called Ricoh Pin Removal just o be on the safe side. LOL.
Pat.

[kdf9511]

Just to throw out another couple of options. I've been really happy with the Takumar (Bayonet) 135mm f2.5 that I picked up last month for $20.00 at a pawn shop. And the little bit I played with a Hanimex 135mm f2.8 that was only $6 bucks from another pawn shop also came out pretty well. I've been using the Tak for this months Single Challange and have gotten a few really good shots. Here is what I have done with it so far.

K200D - Takumar (Bayonet) 135mm f2.5

[Congupnasaint]

kdf9511 thanks for your input also. I picked up a takumar f2.5 135mm off eBay. I was assured that it was in excellent condition. The body was but the lens has fungus. I have not tried it as yet, but will go down to Melbourne shortly and see what it will cost to get it cleaned.
Pat.

[kdf9511]

Glad to be of help. I'm sure you will like it if you can get it cleaned up. I know mine has surprised me in the short time I've had it. It can take a better picture than I can.

[tim60]

I once had one of the all black version. Got it from an animal welfare charity shop in Colorado along with a bunch of other stuff, including a STak 135/3.5. The whole box was about 55-55. Sold the Prinzflex a few weeks later for about 35. (It was complete with original box and papers.) I used it for about 5 frames, under unfavourable conditions, and was unimpressed. I was really pleased with the STak. Must get that one out again, have not tried it on the K3.

[Congupnasaint]

Thanks for your reply Tim. I have to weigh up the advice given and decide what I will do. It is just on 10.00pm here in Oz and I am going to sleep on it tonight.
Thanks,
Pat.