Anybody know the oldie M 50mm f4 Macro?

Bui · 11-17-2016, 08:16 AM

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I have a chance to buy a Pentax 50mm f4 Macro for 100$ (the K not M version), in the review I saw it has a crazy rating and review, is it worth the money? Anybody know it? \

Thanks a lot.

Ontarian50 · 11-17-2016, 09:06 AM - **1 Like**

Pentax's old 50mm f4.0 has a well deserved reputation for sharpness.

But then again, I'm not aware of any manufacturer's macro/micro lenses that aren't held in high regard. It seems to be a point of pride amongst lens designers to get the macro lenses really, really right - and the optical reputation of a lens line seemed to hang on the macro quality.

Maybe this could be a fun discussion to find out if anyone is aware of any bad macro lenses.

**jumbleview** · 11-17-2016, 10:05 AM - **1 Like**

I did buy recently this lens here (approximately the same price). I like it. Build quality is excellent. Easy to focus and set the aperture. Nice images. So far the only thing I do not like: bokeh could be too sharp (but that depends on aperture and how light is directed). Please see two images attached.

clicksworth · 11-17-2016, 10:16 AM

It's as good as they say for macro, but it's a tessar design. On a full frame camera the drop off in resolution at the sides shows why they have added more elements to lenses since 1902.

radman · 11-17-2016, 10:21 AM - **1 Like**

Hi,

Good ?

Here's my experience from 1 day's use of the lens and already having owned a 50mm f2.8 macro...

The 50mm f4 m series that I got yesterday seems super sharp. It's nice even at F4.
It's only a 1:2 macro (not 1:1), but that's still pretty good for what I do.

I myself would not have gotten the 50mm f4 if it was not the right price...I got mine for quite a deal on CL with a 50mm f1.4 m lens... because I already have the fa2.8 macro.
However, if you do not need the 2.8 and the 1:1 - it seems like a great lens based on my few shots and the reviews that I read.

I feel it is going to be a great walk around and non-macro lens too.

Hope this helps,

radman

**gofour3** · 11-17-2016, 10:32 AM

I have the K50/4 Macro and you just have to add a #3 Auto Extension Tube to get 1:1 magnification. This lens was designed for copying documents, so it's sharp from corner to corner.

Phil.

Bui · 11-17-2016, 12:37 PM

Thank you all for your replies. In fact I only do macro occasionally, so 1:2 is not a problem. I'm looking for a good and compact lens to take portrait of my daughter and also to walk around the street. I already own a M 50 1.7 and I'm happy with it, however it doesn't harm to add a new one with even better IQ and a macro ability as a bonus. The thing is I don't know if it is overpriced, 100$ is a lot.

My friend has a M 50mm f.4, I borrow him today to take some photos and I think it is as good as my M 50 1.7 from f4.

Is the K 50mm f4 better than those M, that's really what I'm wondering.

radman · 11-17-2016, 12:54 PM - **1 Like**

Hi Bui,

Mine is a 50mm F4 M series...my apologies.
I think they are almost identical though...please someone correct me if I am mistaken.

IMO - $100 is a lot for the lens since you already have and enjoy the 50mm f1.7.
I only obtained my lens after work yesterday and have not used it much, but I am betting it will be on par or maybe a little better in sharpness c/w the f1.7.
But of course, slower than the f1.7.

I don't know your $ situation though...
if $100 is no big deal for you, then by all means go for it.
if it was me, I would save the $100 for now (u already have a nice 50mm lens) and save up just a bit more for a full 1:1 macro.

Hope this helps...

radman

P.s. welcome to pentaxforums!

surfar · 11-17-2016, 01:06 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by radman

IMO - $100 is a lot for the lens since you already have and enjoy the 50mm f1.7.

The K series is very rare, it is worth this price...The M 50 f1.7 is a great lens as are most of the K/M/A 50ish variations.

The Ricoh XRs(k mounts) 50s are as good and usually lesser in price.

---------- Post added 11-18-16 at 07:07 AM ----------

Originally posted by radman

Mine is a 50mm F4 M series

Yes, I own this one too....same optical formula as the K but built smaller as are most M series.

Bunch · 11-17-2016, 01:09 PM

The M macro lens is built well. I doubt there is any quality dropoff from the K version.

old4570 · 11-17-2016, 02:47 PM - **1 Like**

There is the Pentax M 50 F4 Macro ( Marked as a M Lens ) K mount
Then there is the K version , not marked ( Pentax 50 F4 Macro ) K mount
And then the M42 version ( Dont waste your money on the M42 version )

I own two of the M 50 F4 lenses , a really sweet lens and can be had for decent money .
Very capable lens that is relatively easy to use and get good results ..
I highly recommend the lens for anyone wanting to try Macro ..

krazykat · 11-17-2016, 04:06 PM

Originally posted by old4570

( Dont waste your money on the M42 version )

Why not? They are all optically identical, and the Super-Multicoated-Takumar has similar coatings.

**dms** · 11-17-2016, 09:03 PM - **1 Like**

-- I have the K, and the M is reputed to be identical opticallty. It is at best just an OK lens for non-macro use.
-- IMO the 50mm f/4 is nice for a mix of macro and non-macro in fair to good lighting (e.g., outdoors hiking)--actually the only 50-55 mm macros I can compare it to are Nikon's 55mm f/3.5 or f/2.8 macro (they call it micro), or the Alpa 50mm f/1.8 (Kern) macro switar--all three I used extensively in a mix of about 1/3 life size to infinity--and they are much better.
-- If you are not interesed in macro I would suggest your M 50mm f/1.7 which is better for distance and is also good in macro with added extension.
-- If you are not doing macro, it does not make sense to get a macro lens
---- the manual focusing at distance will be too "fast" for accuracy
---- the f-stop will be too slow (for macro you want a close to symmetrical lens)
---- the lens will be heavier than need be for the ability to close focus
---- usually the far distance resolution will not be as good, unless the optical elements spacing can be adjusted (which is not the case in the 50mm f/4 lens)--and that is a more costly lens

BTW I have often noticed macro lenses seem do better in resolution tests than one might expect--given they are optimized for near distance. This may be in part because lens (resolution) testing is not done at near to infinity distances.

Bui · 11-18-2016, 04:31 AM

Thank you very much, I think I will save that money for more interesting options later. However it's good to know more about this little gem and it's very tempting.

TaoMaas · 11-18-2016, 02:14 PM - **1 Like**

I have that lens and I think I paid around $55 for it within the last year. I did a quick search of Ebay and it looks like there's several M or K 50mm f4 macros for under $100. Some are Buy It Now prices. Pentax 50mm macro | eBay

Edited to add: I went back and looked closer and most of those are the M series. Still a good lens though.

11-17-2016, 08:16 AM	#1
Bui Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 316	Anybody know the oldie M 50mm f4 Macro? Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. I have a chance to buy a Pentax 50mm f4 Macro for 100$ (the K not M version), in the review I saw it has a crazy rating and review, is it worth the money? Anybody know it? \ Thanks a lot.

11-17-2016, 02:47 PM - 1 Like	#11
old4570 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 2,551	Two lenses There is the Pentax M 50 F4 Macro ( Marked as a M Lens ) K mount Then there is the K version , not marked ( Pentax 50 F4 Macro ) K mount And then the M42 version ( Dont waste your money on the M42 version ) I own two of the M 50 F4 lenses , a really sweet lens and can be had for decent money . Very capable lens that is relatively easy to use and get good results .. I highly recommend the lens for anyone wanting to try Macro ..

11-17-2016, 09:03 PM - 1 Like	#13
dms Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New York, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,192	-- I have the K, and the M is reputed to be identical opticallty. It is at best just an OK lens for non-macro use. -- IMO the 50mm f/4 is nice for a mix of macro and non-macro in fair to good lighting (e.g., outdoors hiking)--actually the only 50-55 mm macros I can compare it to are Nikon's 55mm f/3.5 or f/2.8 macro (they call it micro), or the Alpa 50mm f/1.8 (Kern) macro switar--all three I used extensively in a mix of about 1/3 life size to infinity--and they are much better. -- If you are not interesed in macro I would suggest your M 50mm f/1.7 which is better for distance and is also good in macro with added extension. -- If you are not doing macro, it does not make sense to get a macro lens ---- the manual focusing at distance will be too "fast" for accuracy ---- the f-stop will be too slow (for macro you want a close to symmetrical lens) ---- the lens will be heavier than need be for the ability to close focus ---- usually the far distance resolution will not be as good, unless the optical elements spacing can be adjusted (which is not the case in the 50mm f/4 lens)--and that is a more costly lens BTW I have often noticed macro lenses seem do better in resolution tests than one might expect--given they are optimized for near distance. This may be in part because lens (resolution) testing is not done at near to infinity distances. Last edited by dms; 11-17-2016 at 09:31 PM.

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11-17-2016, 09:06 AM - 1 Like	#2
Ontarian50 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 530	Pentax's old 50mm f4.0 has a well deserved reputation for sharpness. But then again, I'm not aware of any manufacturer's macro/micro lenses that aren't held in high regard. It seems to be a point of pride amongst lens designers to get the macro lenses really, really right - and the optical reputation of a lens line seemed to hang on the macro quality. Maybe this could be a fun discussion to find out if anyone is aware of any bad macro lenses.

11-17-2016, 10:16 AM	#4
clicksworth Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 150	It's as good as they say for macro, but it's a tessar design. On a full frame camera the drop off in resolution at the sides shows why they have added more elements to lenses since 1902.

11-17-2016, 10:21 AM - 1 Like	#5
radman Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 94	Hi, Good ? Here's my experience from 1 day's use of the lens and already having owned a 50mm f2.8 macro... The 50mm f4 m series that I got yesterday seems super sharp. It's nice even at F4. It's only a 1:2 macro (not 1:1), but that's still pretty good for what I do. I myself would not have gotten the 50mm f4 if it was not the right price...I got mine for quite a deal on CL with a 50mm f1.4 m lens... because I already have the fa2.8 macro. However, if you do not need the 2.8 and the 1:1 - it seems like a great lens based on my few shots and the reviews that I read. I feel it is going to be a great walk around and non-macro lens too. Hope this helps, radman

11-17-2016, 10:32 AM	#6
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,091	I have the K50/4 Macro and you just have to add a #3 Auto Extension Tube to get 1:1 magnification. This lens was designed for copying documents, so it's sharp from corner to corner. Phil.

11-17-2016, 12:37 PM	#7
Bui Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 316 Original Poster	Thank you all for your replies. In fact I only do macro occasionally, so 1:2 is not a problem. I'm looking for a good and compact lens to take portrait of my daughter and also to walk around the street. I already own a M 50 1.7 and I'm happy with it, however it doesn't harm to add a new one with even better IQ and a macro ability as a bonus. The thing is I don't know if it is overpriced, 100$ is a lot. My friend has a M 50mm f.4, I borrow him today to take some photos and I think it is as good as my M 50 1.7 from f4. Is the K 50mm f4 better than those M, that's really what I'm wondering.

11-17-2016, 12:54 PM - 1 Like	#8
radman Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 94	Hi Bui, Mine is a 50mm F4 M series...my apologies. I think they are almost identical though...please someone correct me if I am mistaken. IMO - $100 is a lot for the lens since you already have and enjoy the 50mm f1.7. I only obtained my lens after work yesterday and have not used it much, but I am betting it will be on par or maybe a little better in sharpness c/w the f1.7. But of course, slower than the f1.7. I don't know your $ situation though... if $100 is no big deal for you, then by all means go for it. if it was me, I would save the $100 for now (u already have a nice 50mm lens) and save up just a bit more for a full 1:1 macro. Hope this helps... radman P.s. welcome to pentaxforums!

11-17-2016, 01:06 PM - 1 Like	#9
surfar Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: mid nth coast,nsw Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,141	Originally posted by radman IMO - $100 is a lot for the lens since you already have and enjoy the 50mm f1.7. The K series is very rare, it is worth this price...The M 50 f1.7 is a great lens as are most of the K/M/A 50ish variations. The Ricoh XRs(k mounts) 50s are as good and usually lesser in price. ---------- Post added 11-18-16 at 07:07 AM ---------- Originally posted by radman Mine is a 50mm F4 M series Yes, I own this one too....same optical formula as the K but built smaller as are most M series.

11-17-2016, 01:09 PM	#10
Bunch Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 283	The M macro lens is built well. I doubt there is any quality dropoff from the K version.

11-17-2016, 04:06 PM	#12
krazykat Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 546	Originally posted by old4570 ( Dont waste your money on the M42 version ) Why not? They are all optically identical, and the Super-Multicoated-Takumar has similar coatings.

11-18-2016, 04:31 AM	#14
Bui Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 316 Original Poster	Thank you very much, I think I will save that money for more interesting options later. However it's good to know more about this little gem and it's very tempting.

11-18-2016, 02:14 PM - 1 Like	#15
TaoMaas Pentaxian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Oklahoma City Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,574	I have that lens and I think I paid around $55 for it within the last year. I did a quick search of Ebay and it looks like there's several M or K 50mm f4 macros for under $100. Some are Buy It Now prices. Pentax 50mm macro \| eBay Edited to add: I went back and looked closer and most of those are the M series. Still a good lens though.