[ripper2860]

I recently acquired a Pentax SMC K series 200mm f/4 lens. The lens appears to be in very good mechanical and cosmetic condition. The optics seem to be in really good shape with no haze, scratches, fungus, or visible dust. But there's one thing that bothers me -- the front glass element seems loose, with it rattling or clunking slightly as I move the lens body around. I cannot see where there is any significant affect on image quality (it's pretty darn sharp) and it does not seem "clunk" when I focus or compose a shot, but I can't imagine that it doesn't potentially impact image quality to some degree -- especially when at extreme angles up or down. Is this a typical issue with this lens? What can I do to fix it short of sending it to Eric for a CLA? Can this be easily self-serviced? Am I being anal for even worrying about it?

Thanks!!

[monochrome]

I have that lens and I've never experienced that. It doesn't seem normal to me - K lenses are noted for their robust construction quality. No, you probably can't self service it - if only because you probably don't have the right tools (but it does require technique and knowledge to properly adjust lenses). Yes, send it to Eric for an evaluation. No, you're not being anal - that is not a correct condition.

[MarkJerling]

I've had an SMC 28-80 that was very sloppy on the front element, yet worked faultlessly. Quite a bit of lateral movement really, so I'd say if it's taking good, crisp sharp shots, don't muck with it.

[jatrax]

Check the front retention ring if it has one. My 'A' model does not sure if the K is constructed the same. The ring if loose can be tightened easily with a spanner. If that is not the problem, then I agree, send it to Eric.

[ripper2860]

Unfortunately, there is no external retention ring. It appears that it may need to be adjusted internally to better mate the front glass against the front lens bezel. Certainly a lens worthy of a visit to Eric and the man is extremely capable, with his services very reasonably priced.

On a side note: I have been bitten by the K series bug after acquiring a pristine 55/1.8. The 55/1.8 was my first K and this 200mm f/4 is my 2nd. I have my 3rd, a mint 135mm f/2.5, on the way and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it is as advertised and pictured. This LBA thing is unrelenting and having the K series strain is extremely debilitating.

Thanks!!

[monochrome]

This LBA thing is unrelenting and having the K series strain is extremely debilitating.

Thanks!!

More time using and less time looking at works like aspirin - won't cure the disease but will temporarily relieve the discomfort.

Has taken me 15 years to figure that one out.

KX | MX | LX
K24/2.8 | K28/3.5 | K30/2.8 | K35/2 | K35/3.5 | K50/1.4 | K55/1.8
K105/2.8 | K135/2.5 | K200/2.5 | K200/4
K45~125/4

[boriscleto]

More time using and less time looking at works like aspirin - won't cure the disease but will temporarily relieve the discomfort.

Has taken me 15 years to figure that one out.

KX | MX | LX
K24/2.8 | K28/3.5 | K30/2.8 | K35/2 | K35/3.5 | K50/1.4 | K55/1.8
K105/2.8 | K135/2.5 | K200/2.5 | K200/4
K45~125/4

Then I need to get out of the house and shoot more. In the last 3 days I've won 3 auctions on Shopgoodwill. A M 75-150/4, a K1000 with 3 lenses including a Sigma Super Wide II, and a Tamron SP 90mm F/2.5 Macro (52BB) with an Adaptall 2 P/KA adapter.

[CreationBear]

. I have my 3rd, a mint 135mm f/2.5,

I'll definitely like to see as many samples from that lens as you can post--there have been several for sale lately that sorely tempted me. (You, it appears, have your priorities in order, though.
)

[ripper2860]

I'll shoot some tomorrow or this weekend and post up. As for my having my priorities in order ... Well, my wife would have a little something to say about that! :/

[gofour3]

On a side note: I have been bitten by the K series bug after acquiring a pristine 55/1.8. The 55/1.8 was my first K and this 200mm f/4 is my 2nd. I have my 3rd, a mint 135mm f/2.5, on the way and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it is as advertised and pictured. This LBA thing is unrelenting and having the K series strain is extremely debilitating.

I can relate to that!

Phil.

[monochrome]

In the last 3 days I've won 3 auctions on Shopgoodwill.

In the last three days I have received another K55/1.8 ($8 - who could resist?) and another K135/2.5.

there have been several for sale lately that sorely tempted me.

I got one of those. Pristine example with case caps and hood. My current copy (to be sold) has perfect glass but some cosmetic challenges. The 135 took USPS a bit and my corporate email handler another bit to 'handle' so I actually forgot it was coming. The seller sent it in a Sears Craftsman Orbital Sander box and I thought, "WTH - I didn't order a sander."

[ripper2860]

Monochrome -- what happened to the look less / shoot more program. Has someone fallen off the wagon??

[Just1MoreDave]

Unfortunately, there is no external retention ring. It appears that it may need to be adjusted internally to better mate the front glass against the front lens bezel. Certainly a lens worthy of a visit to Eric and the man is extremely capable, with his services very reasonably priced.

On a side note: I have been bitten by the K series bug after acquiring a pristine 55/1.8. The 55/1.8 was my first K and this 200mm f/4 is my 2nd. I have my 3rd, a mint 135mm f/2.5, on the way and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it is as advertised and pictured. This LBA thing is unrelenting and having the K series strain is extremely debilitating.

Thanks!!

I think the K200/4 is built so the front barrel - everything in front of the focus ring - unscrews. So maybe you have access to the issue. But I've never had this lens so I don't know what you'll see there.

I'll definitely like to see as many samples from that lens as you can post--there have been several for sale lately that sorely tempted me. (You, it appears, have your priorities in order, though.
)

I liked the K135/2.5 a lot except for size, maybe a bit of convenience, and the minimum focus distance. I sold mine but ended up with two alternatives. The M120/2.8 is a lot smaller, the A135/2.8 is somewhat smaller. Both have hoods and shorter minimum focus distance, while keeping 8 aperture blades. I really like results from either one. I have no idea about MTF or whatever. The A135/2.8 looks bad on paper because it only has 4 elements, but it's worth trying.

[boriscleto]

The A135/2.8 looks bad on paper because it only has 4 elements, but it's worth trying.

Plus Stan's Photography Site gave it bad reviews in the previous century ensuring that it had a bad reputation for years.

Brief Comments

No data, no pictures, just bad mouthing...

With 24 reviews on this site it gets a 9.22 rating

SMC Pentax-A 135mm F2.8 Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/130-lens-sample-photo-archive/196209-pentax-135-f-2-8-a.html

[monochrome]

Monochrome -- what happened to the look less / shoot more program. Has someone fallen off the wagon??

It is a long story - I had peviously sold 7 lenses and these are replacements not additions.