Originally posted by strangeboy Samyang 35mm f/1.4.
This lens renders beautiful photographs... when in focus. But my copy had focusing issues that I just couldn't correct.
FYI: I often shoot at f/1.2 with other lenses, so I'm familiar with calibration and so on.
With the Samyang, no matter what I did, I could not consistently nail my focus... even at smaller apertures.
I finally gave up.
The Samyang beats the Zeiss ZK 2/35mm at f2 and f2,8, and is one stop faster.
First class optic.
If your lens could take sharp pics, the problem is either on the user side (MF is not second nature, if you started with AF), or the calibration of the infinity stop on the focusing helicoid.
One solution for the former problem is to use live view in enlarged mode (OK button).
The solutions for the infinity calibration are two:
1) when you take a picture at infinity try to learn the right offset, and compensate
2) take the lens to a decent repairman and have the infinity stop adjusted, or just use a small screwdriver and learn how to do it yourself
AF lenses can be compensated in-camera. MF lenses can't. They need to be physically adjusted, if the infinity mark does not correspond to the correct focusing at infinity.
With vintage lenses it is often quite simple, but involves some trial and error and a little of patience
Modern lenses are trickier, sometimes you have to remove the rubber ring cause the tiny screws are underneath.
Just bough one myself, new but kept on display in a brick and mortar shop.
If the infinity is off, i will accept it and have it fixed (or fix it myself).
I suspect that Samyang lenses are not adjusted one by one. You get the lens the way it comes out of the production line.
Considering the price/quality ratio, it's a small price to pay, IMHO.
Ah, almost forgot it...
Normhead, i appreciate your posts, but this time i think you've been quite strict
Don't forget that FAJ zooms were bottom bottom line. I don't even know who really made them.
There are some F and FA zooms that can be had for super cheap, and that would perform adequately on a K-1, especially at central diaphragms.
I'm sure you wouldn't be disappointed with a Pentax-F 35-70mm or Pentax-F 70-210mm.
Slow AF but sharp enough to allow for decent enlargements.
cheers
Paolo