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Ronald Oakes · 08-22-2018, 09:56 PM

Ive had my copy of the Pentax-F 135mm 2.8 for well over 7 years.
Acquired it for $100 with 4 other F series lenses and a beat up old SF10 if I remember correctly.
I need to replace it as it was pretty beat and scratched up then , has a broken front ring , and cracked barrel/window with missing plastic.
Today I decided that I may as well upgrade it as its a fantastic performer , and I also simply want second copy , but a nicer copy.
Started looking around today on Ebay only to find they are not only as Rare as Hens Teeth , but also quite expensive ?
Is this just a dry spell ? Or are they really that rare ?
I was shocked to see this as I never searched before for one.

conniption · 08-22-2018, 10:07 PM

I've never seen one in the wild. Low original sales numbers?

Ronald Oakes · 08-22-2018, 10:10 PM

Originally posted by conniption

I've never seen one in the wild. Low original sales numbers?

Great ! I just assumed they were as common as the Pentax-F 50mm 1.7 and readily available everywhere for less than $100 in nice shape. This isn't good news at all.

Adam · 08-22-2018, 10:11 PM - **1 Like**

I think the F was quickly replaced by the FA. Same optics AFAIK.

Adam
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Qman · 08-22-2018, 10:15 PM - **1 Like**

Yes, they seem to be in the $300 to $400 range, and there aren't many for sale. A few months ago someone from Europe was trying to sell one on the Forum.
I found mine in a local camera shop for $200 Canadian, quite a good deal. It looked like it had never been used.

Ronald Oakes · 08-22-2018, 10:34 PM

Originally posted by Adam

I think the F was quickly replaced by the FA. Same optics AFAIK.

That's what everyone says , but after acquiring a FA I quickly sold it and never looked back. Something was obviously different on mine.

---------- Post added 08-22-18 at 22:35 ----------

Originally posted by Qman

Yes, they seem to be in the $300 to $400 range, and there aren't many for sale. A few months ago someone from Europe was trying to sell one on the Forum.
I found mine in a local camera shop for $200 Canadian, quite a good deal. It looked like it had never been used.

It seems there has only been two on Ebay in a year. That's all I could find anyway.
About 1.5 years ago there was one on Goodwill Auctions. I bid what I thought was very high on it and it sold for over $200 the last three seconds.....I kept looking at the auction and wondered why the lens lot went sky high....??? Now I know why.

**clackers** · 08-22-2018, 10:48 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Ronald Oakes

That's what everyone says , but after acquiring a FA I quickly sold it and never looked back. Something was obviously different on mine.

Sample variation, most likely.

Very dangerous for people to criticize a lens - and stick to their guns when others disagree - when their attitude comes from the single copy they owned.

I have a 35-70 that I think is an atrocious lens, but I'm happy to believe others that say theirs is okay.

dbs · 08-22-2018, 11:17 PM

I like mine

It was $400 aud about 5 yrs ago

Dave

cport · 08-22-2018, 11:53 PM

FA 135/2,8 and F135/2,8 should be optically the same. Nowadays there are only a few of them and are pricey ... but there is no other AF lens like this (small, light, IF, 52mm filter, lens hood, fast AF)

**BigMackCam** · 08-23-2018, 12:05 AM

Originally posted by Ronald Oakes

That's what everyone says , but after acquiring a FA I quickly sold it and never looked back. Something was obviously different on mine.

Originally posted by clackers

Sample variation, most likely.

Very dangerous for people to criticize a lens - and stick to their guns when others disagree - when their attitude comes from the single copy they owned.

I have a 35-70 that I think is an atrocious lens, but I'm happy to believe others that say theirs is okay.

Yes, I have two copies of the (non SMC) F 28-80 f/3.5-4.5. One is a bit of a dog, especially wide open... The other, whilst not the most impressive lens in its class, is actually rather good. Both look identical...

Wild Mark · 08-23-2018, 02:26 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Ronald Oakes

Great ! I just assumed they were as common as the Pentax-F 50mm 1.7 and readily available everywhere for less than $100 in nice shape. This isn't good news at all.

I love mine

but I have two ......

Would you like one? PS it is superb.

Ronald Oakes · 08-23-2018, 06:21 AM

Originally posted by Wild Mark

I love mine

but I have two ......

Would you like one? PS it is superb.

Why YES of course......holding my breath wondering what your asking for it ?
A PM would be very appreciated. Thanks.

Mundj · 08-23-2018, 06:30 AM - **1 Like**

Yesterday, Shutterbug had this article on the 10 best vintage lenses for DSLR.
The 10 Best Vintage SLR Lenses to Use on DSLRs | Shutterbug

Hence the high value of the Takamura 85 and 135 lenses.

Sandy Hancock · 08-23-2018, 06:32 AM

Getting rid of my FA135 before the K-1 was released remains one of my biggest seller's regrets.
I can't imagine the F series variant being any better.

ChristianRock · 08-23-2018, 06:49 AM

Originally posted by Ronald Oakes

Ive had my copy of the Pentax-F 135mm 2.8 for well over 7 years.
Acquired it for $100 with 4 other F series lenses and a beat up old SF10 if I remember correctly.
I need to replace it as it was pretty beat and scratched up then , has a broken front ring , and cracked barrel/window with missing plastic.
Today I decided that I may as well upgrade it as its a fantastic performer , and I also simply want second copy , but a nicer copy.
Started looking around today on Ebay only to find they are not only as Rare as Hens Teeth , but also quite expensive ?
Is this just a dry spell ? Or are they really that rare ?
I was shocked to see this as I never searched before for one.

Well now you know what a great deal you got for that lot, even though the lens is quite beat up.

After you buy a nicer copy I might want to know what you are asking for the old beat up one, it might be my way of finally getting my hands on one...

08-22-2018, 09:56 PM	#1
Ronald Oakes Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,585	Whats the deal with Pentax-F 135mm 2.8 Ive had my copy of the Pentax-F 135mm 2.8 for well over 7 years. Acquired it for $100 with 4 other F series lenses and a beat up old SF10 if I remember correctly. I need to replace it as it was pretty beat and scratched up then , has a broken front ring , and cracked barrel/window with missing plastic. Today I decided that I may as well upgrade it as its a fantastic performer , and I also simply want second copy , but a nicer copy. Started looking around today on Ebay only to find they are not only as Rare as Hens Teeth , but also quite expensive ? Is this just a dry spell ? Or are they really that rare ? I was shocked to see this as I never searched before for one.

08-22-2018, 10:34 PM	#6
Ronald Oakes Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,585 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam I think the F was quickly replaced by the FA. Same optics AFAIK. That's what everyone says , but after acquiring a FA I quickly sold it and never looked back. Something was obviously different on mine. ---------- Post added 08-22-18 at 22:35 ---------- Originally posted by Qman Yes, they seem to be in the $300 to $400 range, and there aren't many for sale. A few months ago someone from Europe was trying to sell one on the Forum. I found mine in a local camera shop for $200 Canadian, quite a good deal. It looked like it had never been used. It seems there has only been two on Ebay in a year. That's all I could find anyway. About 1.5 years ago there was one on Goodwill Auctions. I bid what I thought was very high on it and it sold for over $200 the last three seconds.....I kept looking at the auction and wondered why the lens lot went sky high....??? Now I know why. Last edited by Ronald Oakes; 08-22-2018 at 10:41 PM.

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08-22-2018, 10:07 PM	#2
conniption Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 93	I've never seen one in the wild. Low original sales numbers?

08-22-2018, 10:10 PM	#3
Ronald Oakes Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,585 Original Poster	Originally posted by conniption I've never seen one in the wild. Low original sales numbers? Great ! I just assumed they were as common as the Pentax-F 50mm 1.7 and readily available everywhere for less than $100 in nice shape. This isn't good news at all.

08-22-2018, 10:11 PM - 1 Like	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	I think the F was quickly replaced by the FA. Same optics AFAIK. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

08-22-2018, 10:15 PM - 1 Like	#5
Qman Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Posts: 232	Yes, they seem to be in the $300 to $400 range, and there aren't many for sale. A few months ago someone from Europe was trying to sell one on the Forum. I found mine in a local camera shop for $200 Canadian, quite a good deal. It looked like it had never been used.

08-22-2018, 10:48 PM - 2 Likes	#7
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by Ronald Oakes That's what everyone says , but after acquiring a FA I quickly sold it and never looked back. Something was obviously different on mine. Sample variation, most likely. Very dangerous for people to criticize a lens - and stick to their guns when others disagree - when their attitude comes from the single copy they owned. I have a 35-70 that I think is an atrocious lens, but I'm happy to believe others that say theirs is okay.

08-22-2018, 11:17 PM	#8
dbs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Clare Valley S A Photos: Albums Posts: 7,565	I like mine It was $400 aud about 5 yrs ago Dave

08-22-2018, 11:53 PM	#9
cport Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 428	FA 135/2,8 and F135/2,8 should be optically the same. Nowadays there are only a few of them and are pricey ... but there is no other AF lens like this (small, light, IF, 52mm filter, lens hood, fast AF)

08-23-2018, 12:05 AM	#10
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,702	Originally posted by Ronald Oakes That's what everyone says , but after acquiring a FA I quickly sold it and never looked back. Something was obviously different on mine. Originally posted by clackers Sample variation, most likely. Very dangerous for people to criticize a lens - and stick to their guns when others disagree - when their attitude comes from the single copy they owned. I have a 35-70 that I think is an atrocious lens, but I'm happy to believe others that say theirs is okay. Yes, I have two copies of the (non SMC) F 28-80 f/3.5-4.5. One is a bit of a dog, especially wide open... The other, whilst not the most impressive lens in its class, is actually rather good. Both look identical...

08-23-2018, 02:26 AM - 1 Like	#11
Wild Mark Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Newcastle Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,954	Originally posted by Ronald Oakes Great ! I just assumed they were as common as the Pentax-F 50mm 1.7 and readily available everywhere for less than $100 in nice shape. This isn't good news at all. I love mine but I have two ...... Would you like one? PS it is superb.

08-23-2018, 06:21 AM	#12
Ronald Oakes Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,585 Original Poster	Originally posted by Wild Mark I love mine but I have two ...... Would you like one? PS it is superb. Why YES of course......holding my breath wondering what your asking for it ? A PM would be very appreciated. Thanks.

08-23-2018, 06:30 AM - 1 Like	#13
Mundj Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Richmond, TX Posts: 76	Yesterday, Shutterbug had this article on the 10 best vintage lenses for DSLR. The 10 Best Vintage SLR Lenses to Use on DSLRs \| Shutterbug Hence the high value of the Takamura 85 and 135 lenses.

08-23-2018, 06:32 AM	#14
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,275	Getting rid of my FA135 before the K-1 was released remains one of my biggest seller's regrets. I can't imagine the F series variant being any better.

08-23-2018, 06:49 AM	#15
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,912	Originally posted by Ronald Oakes Ive had my copy of the Pentax-F 135mm 2.8 for well over 7 years. Acquired it for $100 with 4 other F series lenses and a beat up old SF10 if I remember correctly. I need to replace it as it was pretty beat and scratched up then , has a broken front ring , and cracked barrel/window with missing plastic. Today I decided that I may as well upgrade it as its a fantastic performer , and I also simply want second copy , but a nicer copy. Started looking around today on Ebay only to find they are not only as Rare as Hens Teeth , but also quite expensive ? Is this just a dry spell ? Or are they really that rare ? I was shocked to see this as I never searched before for one. Well now you know what a great deal you got for that lot, even though the lens is quite beat up. After you buy a nicer copy I might want to know what you are asking for the old beat up one, it might be my way of finally getting my hands on one...

Whats the deal with Pentax-F 135mm 2.8

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