[metaphiston]

I'm over the moon as I just found (and quickly bought) a good quality Pentax-A 50mm f1.2 on eBay.

To explain why I'm so happy: I actually already owned one of these lenses but it was stolen, along with my k-5 and some other lenses, about 18 months ago. Luckily, my kit was insured (pro-tip: everyone should get insurance for their gear) so I was able to replace the other lenses and even upgrade to a k-3 with the insurance money. But the 50mm f1.2 couldn't be replaced as it is rare. I was insured for the money I'd paid for it, at least, but I've found nothing quite like it before or since. If I could only have one lens, it would have been that one, as my review on the Pentax Lens Review Database exemplifies! SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.2 Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

I've tried to find and buy a new one on forums, all the camera and lens shops in London I know of - I'm even on a notification list with a few in case they got one - and I've searched online shops and eBay regularly. But there haven't been any on sale apart from expensive copies for sale abroad - with 20% extra to pay at customs (I'm based in the UK) which pushed the cost to over £600.

But now I've finally found a good quality copy, and now I can use it with my k-3 and film k1000 and fall in love with the wonderfully colourful, sharp-yet-smooth images it makes all over again.

I wanted to share it here as my non-Pentaxian friends and family don't seem to quite get why I'm so excited!

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Last edited by metaphiston; 12-16-2015 at 07:04 AM. Reason: spelling

[pathdoc]

Yaaay!

I sated my lust for the f/1.2 aperture on Ricoh's K-mount 55mm beast, so I won't be getting one of these in a hurry (unless I stumble across one being sold stupid-cheap by someone who doesn't know what they've got), but I can certainly share your joy!

[hoanpham]

Congrats :-)

[savoche]

Wonderful! I'll stay with my K50/1.2, but I fully understand your excitement

[goubejp]

I don't understand; I put a 50 f1.2 in very good condition on sale on this forum for 600 euros and didn't catch your attention. As we are - for the moment - in the EU community there is no custom fees

[pathdoc]

I put a 50 f1.2 in very good condition on sale on this forum for 600 euros and didn't catch your attention.

OP could have found their copy for less than that. How much they DID pay is their own business, and who and where they chose to buy it from is also their own business. For all any of us knows, it was a local copy that OP was able to examine personally and ensure that it worked with their own hands and eyes. That counts for a lot, perhaps even a price premium. Can't blame anyone for going that way. OP, you aren't obliged to answer either way.

[zzeitg]

I'm over the moon as I just found (and quickly bought) a good quality Pentax-A 50mm f1.2 on eBay.

To explain why I'm so happy: I actually already owned one of these lenses but it was stolen, along with my k-5 and some other lenses, about 18 months ago. Luckily, my kit was insured (pro-tip: everyone should get insurance for their gear) so I was able to replace the other lenses and even upgrade to a k-3 with the insurance money. But the 50mm f1.2 couldn't be replaced as it is rare. I was insured for the money I'd paid for it, at least, but I've found nothing quite like it before or since. If I could only have one lens, it would have been that one, as my review on the Pentax Lens Review Database exemplifies! SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.2 Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

I've tried to find and buy a new one on forums, all the camera and lens shops in London I know of - I'm even on a notification list with a few in case they got one - and I've searched online shops and eBay regularly. But there haven't been any on sale apart from expensive copies for sale abroad - with 20% extra to pay at customs (I'm based in the UK) which pushed the cost to over £600.

But now I've finally found a good quality copy, and now I can use it with my k-3 and film k1000 and fall in love with the wonderfully colourful, sharp-yet-smooth images it makes all over again.

I wanted to share it here as my non-Pentaxian friends and family don't seem to quite get why I'm so excited!

Interesting... This morning arrived my copy of the same lens... ordered from Japan via eBay. Unfortunately next two days I'll be very busy. Can't wait for the weekend

[blende8]

I thought the lens is still available new in Japan?
No?

[zzeitg]

I thought the lens is still available new in Japan?
No?

No... Years of production approx. 1984-2004.
Then there was also special chrome version (2000).

[clackers]

I wanted to share it here as my non-Pentaxian friends and family don't seem to quite get why I'm so excited!

We're your peeps and are very happy for you. Have a bokehlicious time with it!

[manishved]

Love this lens - the bokeh is awesome too.....

[Sliver-Surfer]

My favorite lens for sure!

[Sandy Hancock]

It is a very fine lens indeed.
Although I prefer my DA*55 in almost every regard I still can't bring myself to part with A50/1.2 - it now lies in wait on my LX, ready for my next film excursion.

[Kerrowdown]

Finally got a Pentax-A 50mm f1.2!

Welcome back home to your own "Special Lady” (SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.2).

[KDD]

Congrats.

SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.2 Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database