[dale_feenstra]

Hello everyone,

I was wondering what are some good prime lenses that I could get for my Pentax film cameras? I just picked up the 50mm f/2 on eBay for a good price and it looks like it's brand new! However, I think I should have looked into it a bit more because I see there is also a 1.7 and 1.4 out there and those are probably better. I just want some sharp primes where I can also get some real shallow dof. Any suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks!

[gabriel_bc]

The 50mm f2 is not a great lens, unfortunately. Did you get the A version (has an A setting on the aperture dial) or the older M version? Pentax lenses are referred to as the K series (the original K mount lenses), the M series, or the A series which have the auto aperture setting.

The M50/ 1.7 is a stellar lens; and any of the 1.4 lenses are similarly excellent. You can look over the lens review section of this forum to learn more.

[pepperberry farm]

I'm particularly fond of my K 55mm f2... and this month in the Single In Challenge, I'm using a Tamron Adaptall-2 02B (28mm) that I am quickly warming up to...

[baro-nite]

I've never owned a Pentax 50/2; some agree with gabriel_bc that it is inferior to the other Pentax fast 50s; others say it is unjustly maligned simply because it's cheap and slower. It's a simpler optical formula than the others, but that doesn't necessarily make it inferior. The M50/1.7 certainly gives bang for the buck: great sharpness across the frame, tiny, cheap, fast. I'd say try a few rolls with the 50/2 and see what you think, because 50/2 wide open on full frame is already a quite shallow DOF at close to moderate focus distance.

[mattt]

Another vote for K 55mm f2 - flare resistant, great colour, super sharpness... but hard to find as it was only available in a kit with the K1000 in 1976 IIRC. The next flavor of that particular lens is the K 55mm f1.8 - highly regarded around here.

Fact is in most cases you will find that and Pentax branded glass will suit you fine for shooting film. Enjoy yourself and don't sweat "sharpness" - the resolving power of 35mm film will never match that of a K3, so don't get your underoos in a twist

[baro-nite]

Another vote for K 55mm f2 - flare resistant, great colour, super sharpness... but hard to find as it was only available in a kit with the K1000 in 1976 IIRC. The next flavor of that particular lens is the K 55mm f1.8 - highly regarded around here.

The K 55/2 and K 55/1.8 have the same optical formula, so either is a good choice.

[edmundrt]

I would always recommend the M or A 50mm f1.7 as a great prime lens - that said, I have had the f1.7 and f2 versions of both the M and A series, used them extensively on film and digital, and all four are excellent lenses. I highly doubt you will be dissatisfied.

Looking outside of the standard 50, the M28/3.5 is a very nice Pentax wide angle, and the M135/3.5 is extraordinarily good for the ridiculously cheap prices it commands. Add those two to your 50 and you'll have the classic three lens kit.

[gofour3]

Hello everyone,

I was wondering what are some good prime lenses that I could get for my Pentax film cameras? I just picked up the 50mm f/2 on eBay for a good price and it looks like it's brand new! However, I think I should have looked into it a bit more because I see there is also a 1.7 and 1.4 out there and those are probably better. I just want some sharp primes where I can also get some real shallow dof. Any suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks!

Any K Series lens is a good option, as they are well built and well balanced in size. The A50/1.7 and A50/2 suffer from a plastic aperture ring assembly, so are prone to getting stuck. Unless you will be using a newer film body and can take advantage of the A setting on the aperture ring, I would avoid these two A series 50mm lenses.

If you want a lens with shallow DOF, then the K50/1.2 is your best choice!

Phil.

[ramuk]

I assume you are referring to a film camera that does not have autofocus. Also assuming you don't want to use the m42 adapter and m42/screwmount lenses.


All the below lenses are great value for money ....

Pentax smc 55mm 1.8 ---- for a fast 50mm with great rendering.

Pentax-m 50mm f4 macro --- for a macro lens that's sharp and light.

Pentax 28mm 3.5 -- a wide angle lens that's sharp fully open.

Tokina 90mm 2.5/ vivitar series 1 90m 2.5 --- great portrait lens also works as a macro (1:1 with the adapter)

Vivitar 100mm 2.8 macro/Vivitar series 1 105mm 2.5 macro -- 1:1 macro without adapter, legendary for its sharpness

Pentax 135mm 2.5 (not the takumar bayonet)/pentax-m 135mm 3.5 -- the first one for its low light ability, the m series for its compactness.

The list can go on. What's amazing about these lenses is, all of these will work great on any Pentax DSLR including the K1.

Happy shooting.

[dale_feenstra]

Thanks for the advice! I got the M version. I shot with it today, but I need to get the film back so I can see how my shots turned out.

[dale_feenstra]

Thank you all very much for the suggestions! I greatly appreciate it!