[quyi419]

First of all, I am new to DSLR.
I found a SMC K50/f1.2 Lens around 250 bucks in a camera store today. The condition is Ok, and it looks very classical.

I have checked Lens&Shutter, they have one FA 50/f1.4 for 199.99. I am just wondering, it is worth to spend 50 more on the very old MF f1.2 lens, or I should go for the new AF f1.4 lens for 50 bucks less..

Any suggestion is appreciated.

[little laker]

Welcome to the Pentax Forums quyi419

As for the lens question. I'd get that 50mm f1.2, that is as long as it really is a f1.2 and not an f2.

Here's a link to the review page.

Oh, as far as I know Lens & Shutter is BC based. So I'm wondering what part of BC your from?

[quyi419]

Thanks for the reply, Stu. I am from Victoria

The review link is useful, and the pictures in it are great.

I am just not quite understand what do you mean by "as long as it really is a f1.2 and not an f2"

I have a picture for it, which I took this afternoon when I was in the store.

[lithos]

Up to you. The K1.2 is a great lens, but it is expensive for that extra 1/2 stop.

The FAf1.4 is an excellent fast fifty. If you're just starting out, you'd be better off with the f1.4.

These prices are pretty much standard for both lenses. Unless you like MF, starting out, you'd be better with the FA.

Keep in mind that the f1.2 tend be rare as hens' teeth, so if you want it, grab it while you can. FA1.4s will be around for $200US for a while yet.

EDIT: Interestingly, that f1.2's got an older serial than mine, but is in waaay better nick.

[little laker]

Thanks for the reply, Stu. I am from Victoria

The review link is useful, and the pictures in it are great.

I am just not quite understand what do you mean by "as long as it really is a f1.2 and not an f2"

I have a picture for it, which I took this afternoon when I was in the store.

That's a 50mm f1.2 alright, and what a beautiful lens.
An f2 would say something like 1:2.0 / 50, and some people seem to feel that makes it an f1.2
There's a big difference, especially in price.

What lithos said is right, the FA lens will be easier to use in the beginning, however that's a steal of a price for the 1.2
And we can give you some tips on shooting with a full manual lens making it easier.

I don't think that I'll make it onto the Island this year, but if your passing through Kelowna drop me a PM

[KungPOW]

The f1.2 is rare lens. $250.00 is a great price assuming the condition is good. Clear glass, snappy aperture? Smooth mechanics?

You should be able to find the SMC-M F1.4 version for less then half that price. The 1.2 is a desired lens because of its razor thin depth of field when shot wide open.

The FA 1.4 is also a great lens. It is the one lens I believe everyone should own.

Functionally, the FA lenses work better with the recient pentax DSLR's with regard to metering. The M lenses (like the 1.2)will under-expose when wide open, and over expose when stopped down. Although the 1.2 is a great and rare lens, it might be a source of frustration if you are new to the hobby.

On the other hand, if you buy the 1.2 and you don't like it, you can easily resell it for what you paid for it.

Personally, if I could only have one, then I would go with the f1.4, just remember you might never see another f1.2 again for that price. If I could keep both lenses, then I would go for the 1.2, and later buy the FA f1.4.

Almost Free: SMC-M 2.0/50
Budget: SMC-M 1.4/50
Versitility: SMC-FA 1.4/50
Rare and source of envy: SMC-M 1.2/50
If I had the cash: SMC-M 1.2/50 and SMC-FA 1.4/50
LBA: All of the above, plus a Takumar 1.4/50, and a Helios 44, with a SMC-FA 43 limited on order.

[frank]

$250 is a very good price for K50/1.2. B&H has one selling for $400:
Used Pentax | 50/1.2 KM | B&H Photo Video

[fearview]

hey. i had similiar problem also few weeks back.



https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/31083-remember...m-f-1-2-a.html

[vizjerei]

wow this one is older than mine too 250$ is great buy~

[k100d]

i created a discussion on the "A" model here https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/27090-pentax-5...on-photos.html , but i have also linked to many othe resources on the 1.2 lenses

let's face it the 1.2's are not value at all. but in this case i would say go for it, at that price it's a steal, try it out, and if you don't like it, you can still earn some decent change selling it.

[quyi419]

Thanks guys

I bought the lens today. It looks good
I like the DOF:ugh:
Need some practice on MF though

[little laker]

Congrats on your new lens. It's a sweet deal that you got there.

The little green focus indicator in the viewfinder will light up with any manual focus lens is properly focused

Plus you can turn on the beep, which will beep at the same time as well.

You can even turn on the Auto Focus switch, and if the cameras set up right it'll only take the pic when it's in focus

[quyi419]

Congrats on your new lens. It's a sweet deal that you got there.

The little green focus indicator in the viewfinder will light up with any manual focus lens is properly focused

Plus you can turn on the beep, which will beep at the same time as well.

You can even turn on the Auto Focus switch, and if the cameras set up right it'll only take the pic when it's in focus

Thanks for the tips, Stu

[vizjerei]

or get yourself a split screen focusing screen it helps.. alot

[OrenMc]

or get yourself a split screen focusing screen it helps.. alot

vizjerei, is the one mentioned in your line up the one to get. ( Pentax Magnifying Eyecup O-ME53 )
I have been wanting to get something like this anyway for my macro work.

I am also looking to get this lens ( maybe today )

I don't have any K lenses and would appreciate any tips on focusing and getting correct exposure. I know there is a few topic on this somewhere but thats the issue, somewhere.

How about a step by step on setting the exposure please.
I have heard the green button mentioned a few times but what comes before and after. Sorry about being a little slow

The one I am looking to get is going for $250 also. I will probably end up getting the FA 1.4 later or maybe an A 1.4. The 1.2 is only $50 more than the FA so it doesn't hurt too bad. I like the idea of learning how to expose and focus a lens like this. I think it will be fun. It may turn into a pain later

Thanks for any tips

BTW guyi419, thank for the pics. Enjoy your newused lens.