Profound thanks to everyone for such a teriffic response - I've discovered lots of real gems in here!
I'd be really interested to hear if any of the F or FA lenses share some of the characteristics mentioned (for instance what about the 31mm Limited - & I've read about the FA 20mm f2.8 exhibiting "pixie dust"!). Also, loads of brilliant recommendations for nifty 50's, I would be keen to learn of some additional focal lengths, especially telephoto.
And finally are there lenses for the 645 or 67 that might display these qualities (the one I hear about frequently is the 105mm f/2.4 for the 67)
Thank you again
---------- Post added 5th Sep 2015 at 01:55 PM ----------
Originally posted by gofour3 K28/2 (Joint Pentax/Carl Zeiss creation with 3D results)
K50/1.2 (Best bokeh @ f1.2)
K85/1.8 (Soft focus effect)
Phil.
Thank you - fascinating to discover the K28/2 was a joint CZ/Pentax project - this appears to be the same lens design as the highly coveted "Hollywood" Distagon in CY mount! I will definitely have to hunt one out...& the 50/1.2 which seems to garner many mentions. There seems to be a number of 85's listed, f/1.8, f/1.9 & f/2 - would be interested in learning about the differences.
---------- Post added 5th Sep 2015 at 02:01 PM ----------
Originally posted by From1980 I can vouch for three that have been mentioned so far; the dreamy SMC 50 f/1.2, SMC 55 f/1.8, and definitely SMC 85 f.1.8 have that creamy bokeh especially at or near full aperture. The SMC 30 f/2.8 is one of the sharpest lenses ever made and exceptional characteristics of the SMC 35 f/3.5, SMC 105 f/2.8 and SMC 135 f/2.5 are often raved about. Although I have some great M lenses also, there is a build quality, balance, and general feel to the original K lenses that sets them apart. Some of the M optics were technical improvements for sharpness and especially contrast that probably suited the tastes of many in the `70s and `80s for the tendency to shoot mostly slides. The painterly magic in images shot with the earlier lenses and seldom seen since keeps the K lenses popular and the manual handling is a small price to pay for their beautiful and rare renderings.
Your gorgeous depiction of the K lenses certainly has me sold on them! (That said I am quite fond of 70s aesthetics too!)