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Astro-Baby · 03-16-2019, 02:29 AM

Not sure if this should go in the lens section but as the lens is for my KX and I am looking for something ‘special’.

I would like a short(ish) zoom with a range of around 28 to 100mm but I would ideally like a genuine Pentax if at all possible but I want something from the right period so a 1975 or thereabouts item. Happy to take a third party lens if its quality.

I know an early lens wont have modern multicoating etc and may perform below par against a more modern lens but I am happy with that.

I have done some reading but have been a bit alarmed about the risk of balsam seperation in some Pentax lenses of the period so would welcome input from more expert users of classic Pentax.

**BigMackCam** · 03-16-2019, 02:39 AM

Moved to Pentax SLR Lens Discussion forum

johnha · 03-16-2019, 04:24 AM

You'll struggle to find a 28-70+ zoom from the 70's the usual 'standard' zoom was often a 35-70 usually paired with a 70-210. There were Pentax K 28-50 and 45-125 zooms and various 80/85-200/210. If looking at 70-210s one of the early Vivitar Series 1's is likely to have been the ubiquitous choice at the time.

**Skodadriver** · 03-16-2019, 04:41 AM

I was unable to find any such lens in my collection, most of my walk about lenses begin at 35mm and are later than 1975, but I did notice that the KIRON 28-105mm F3.2-4.5 fits part of your criteria and that there are some reviews in the miscellaneous 3rd party zoom section. Another option is the Pentax-a 35-105mm, not a good fit with your criteria but I very much like it. Otherwise there are a few post 70's lenses you could look at.

Gary H Perth · 03-16-2019, 04:53 AM

If you are prepared to go to the next generation, the M series zooms were mostly really good and look a lot like the K series. I have a M28mm, M40-80mm and a 80-200mm - all three would total under a hundred pounds and would be quite readily available, as would the shorter zooms - the M 35-70 scores really well on this forum. The M lenses look perfect on the K or M bodies.

As johnha says, the combinations of focal lengths give heaps of choices if you are prepared to go third party of similar vintage. I suggest that the pick of the crop from Tamron, 35-80mm would be a brilliant functional addition to the KX. I had one on my LX for a decade as my first choice lens, bought in 1981.

**Kerrowdown** · 03-16-2019, 05:57 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Astro-Baby

Suggest a zoom lens.....

Oh well... I'll have to sit in corner quietly on this thread.

**clackers** · 03-16-2019, 06:20 AM

It's an inferior kind of lens you're talking about, AB, but I like the Sigma/Quantaray 28-90mm Macro I have.

**catfishjohn** · 03-16-2019, 09:38 AM

Read the review in the lens database on the A 35-105. It is a fine lens and can be had for around $100.00 +/-.

Adam · 03-16-2019, 05:55 PM

Originally posted by Astro-Baby

Not sure if this should go in the lens section but as the lens is for my KX and I am looking for something ‘special’.

I would like a short(ish) zoom with a range of around 28 to 100mm but I would ideally like a genuine Pentax if at all possible but I want something from the right period so a 1975 or thereabouts item. Happy to take a third party lens if its quality.

I know an early lens wont have modern multicoating etc and may perform below par against a more modern lens but I am happy with that.

I have done some reading but have been a bit alarmed about the risk of balsam seperation in some Pentax lenses of the period so would welcome input from more expert users of classic Pentax.

I second the recommendation of the A 35-105mm. IMO it's the best manual focus walkaround zoom as far as versatility vs image quality goes.

Astro-Baby · 03-17-2019, 03:57 AM

Looks like I have to find a 35-105 then

Thanks guys - Anything special to watch out for with those ? Balsam issues, iffy rings, dodgy diaphragms etc ?

Mel

ps Sorry Mod for wrong forum - really wasn't sure.

**Skodadriver** · 03-17-2019, 05:18 AM

You might like to compliment it with the SMC Pentax-A 70-210mm f4, another good Pentax lens probably available cheaper than the Pentax 35-105 or the Tamron SP 60-300mm (SP23A) ADAPTALL 2. The adaptalls from Tamron enable the lens to be used with PK and M42 camera bodies using a PK or M42 adapter that mounts on the lens.

The only issues with the old manual Tamrons are purple fringing (very obvious on digital in certain circumstances) and maybe fungus.
The only issue with the Pentax 35-105 might be fungus, seems very robust.

Gary H Perth · 03-17-2019, 05:40 AM

Originally posted by Skodadriver

You might like to compliment it with the SMC Pentax-A 70-210mm f4, another good Pentax lens probably available cheaper than the Pentax 35-105 or the Tamron SP 60-300mm (SP23A) ADAPTALL 2. The adaptalls from Tamron enable the lens to be used with PK and M42 camera bodies using a PK or M42 adapter that mounts on the lens.

The only issues with the old manual Tamrons are purple fringing (very obvious on digital in certain circumstances) and maybe fungus.
The only issue with the Pentax 35-105 might be fungus, seems very robust.

If you want to stick with the vintage of the camera, then for a tele the Pentax-M 80-200mm f4.5 is really quite good. I have one and it would probably be tops for film, and mine is well above average on my K-70 (better sharpness and colours than the very recent DA-L 55-200mm).

I also have the Tamron SP 60-300mm, and that is noticeably better optical performance on digital than the M 80-200mm. So if you want lenses that you can use on the KX and also on a 20+Mp digital camera then the Tamron SPs or the Pentax A series would be better (and you can get the PK-A adapter for them). I have a couple of A series lenses (including the 35-70mm f4) and they look perfect on my ME Super, they look like they belong. Anything later, i.e. the F series, the lenses look wrong on the old camera bodies.

I agree with Astro-baby that the best "look" is the similar-age lenses, which were usually very good for film photography (especially the Pentax M, A and the Tamron SP). The Tamrons look like they are third party though, where the Pentax lenses match visually.

Of all my lenses from the 1970s to 1990s, only one has any evidence of balsam separation (the Tamron 35-80mm) and even that one has no problems with the image unless I pixel-peep on macro pictures.

Gary H Perth · 03-17-2019, 05:52 AM

Here is my Pentax-A 35-70mm and Pentax-M 80-200mm on a couple of ME Super bodies.

**Lowell Goudge** · 03-17-2019, 06:02 AM

At one time there was a Vivitar Series 1 about 28-90 varifocal lens.

Astro-Baby · 03-20-2019, 11:07 PM

I am short of funds right now thanks to an OM1 needing some professional loving. Thanks for all the suggestions guys.

03-16-2019, 02:29 AM	#1
Astro-Baby Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Reigate, Surrey Posts: 764	Suggest a zoom lens..... Not sure if this should go in the lens section but as the lens is for my KX and I am looking for something ‘special’. I would like a short(ish) zoom with a range of around 28 to 100mm but I would ideally like a genuine Pentax if at all possible but I want something from the right period so a 1975 or thereabouts item. Happy to take a third party lens if its quality. I know an early lens wont have modern multicoating etc and may perform below par against a more modern lens but I am happy with that. I have done some reading but have been a bit alarmed about the risk of balsam seperation in some Pentax lenses of the period so would welcome input from more expert users of classic Pentax.

03-16-2019, 05:55 PM	#9
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by Astro-Baby Not sure if this should go in the lens section but as the lens is for my KX and I am looking for something ‘special’. I would like a short(ish) zoom with a range of around 28 to 100mm but I would ideally like a genuine Pentax if at all possible but I want something from the right period so a 1975 or thereabouts item. Happy to take a third party lens if its quality. I know an early lens wont have modern multicoating etc and may perform below par against a more modern lens but I am happy with that. I have done some reading but have been a bit alarmed about the risk of balsam seperation in some Pentax lenses of the period so would welcome input from more expert users of classic Pentax. I second the recommendation of the A 35-105mm. IMO it's the best manual focus walkaround zoom as far as versatility vs image quality goes. 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:

03-17-2019, 03:57 AM	#10
Astro-Baby Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Reigate, Surrey Posts: 764 Original Poster	Looks like I have to find a 35-105 then Thanks guys - Anything special to watch out for with those ? Balsam issues, iffy rings, dodgy diaphragms etc ? Mel ps Sorry Mod for wrong forum - really wasn't sure. Last edited by Astro-Baby; 03-17-2019 at 03:58 AM. Reason: Forgot something !

03-20-2019, 11:07 PM	#15
Astro-Baby Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Reigate, Surrey Posts: 764 Original Poster	I am short of funds right now thanks to an OM1 needing some professional loving. Thanks for all the suggestions guys. Last edited by BigMackCam; 03-21-2019 at 03:57 AM. Reason: Edited for relevance, since post above has been deleted

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03-16-2019, 02:39 AM	#2
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,699	Moved to Pentax SLR Lens Discussion forum

03-16-2019, 04:24 AM	#3
johnha Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Lancashire, UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,155	You'll struggle to find a 28-70+ zoom from the 70's the usual 'standard' zoom was often a 35-70 usually paired with a 70-210. There were Pentax K 28-50 and 45-125 zooms and various 80/85-200/210. If looking at 70-210s one of the early Vivitar Series 1's is likely to have been the ubiquitous choice at the time.

03-16-2019, 04:41 AM	#4
Skodadriver Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Hampshire Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 892	I was unable to find any such lens in my collection, most of my walk about lenses begin at 35mm and are later than 1975, but I did notice that the KIRON 28-105mm F3.2-4.5 fits part of your criteria and that there are some reviews in the miscellaneous 3rd party zoom section. Another option is the Pentax-a 35-105mm, not a good fit with your criteria but I very much like it. Otherwise there are a few post 70's lenses you could look at.

03-16-2019, 04:53 AM	#5
Gary H Perth Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Floreat Posts: 623	If you are prepared to go to the next generation, the M series zooms were mostly really good and look a lot like the K series. I have a M28mm, M40-80mm and a 80-200mm - all three would total under a hundred pounds and would be quite readily available, as would the shorter zooms - the M 35-70 scores really well on this forum. The M lenses look perfect on the K or M bodies. As johnha says, the combinations of focal lengths give heaps of choices if you are prepared to go third party of similar vintage. I suggest that the pick of the crop from Tamron, 35-80mm would be a brilliant functional addition to the KX. I had one on my LX for a decade as my first choice lens, bought in 1981.

03-16-2019, 05:57 AM - 2 Likes	#6
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,864	Originally posted by Astro-Baby Suggest a zoom lens..... Oh well... I'll have to sit in corner quietly on this thread.

03-16-2019, 06:20 AM	#7
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	It's an inferior kind of lens you're talking about, AB, but I like the Sigma/Quantaray 28-90mm Macro I have.

03-16-2019, 09:38 AM	#8
catfishjohn Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Arkansas Posts: 137	Read the review in the lens database on the A 35-105. It is a fine lens and can be had for around $100.00 +/-.

03-17-2019, 05:18 AM	#11
Skodadriver Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Hampshire Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 892	You might like to compliment it with the SMC Pentax-A 70-210mm f4, another good Pentax lens probably available cheaper than the Pentax 35-105 or the Tamron SP 60-300mm (SP23A) ADAPTALL 2. The adaptalls from Tamron enable the lens to be used with PK and M42 camera bodies using a PK or M42 adapter that mounts on the lens. The only issues with the old manual Tamrons are purple fringing (very obvious on digital in certain circumstances) and maybe fungus. The only issue with the Pentax 35-105 might be fungus, seems very robust.

03-17-2019, 05:40 AM	#12
Gary H Perth Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Floreat Posts: 623	Originally posted by Skodadriver You might like to compliment it with the SMC Pentax-A 70-210mm f4, another good Pentax lens probably available cheaper than the Pentax 35-105 or the Tamron SP 60-300mm (SP23A) ADAPTALL 2. The adaptalls from Tamron enable the lens to be used with PK and M42 camera bodies using a PK or M42 adapter that mounts on the lens. The only issues with the old manual Tamrons are purple fringing (very obvious on digital in certain circumstances) and maybe fungus. The only issue with the Pentax 35-105 might be fungus, seems very robust. If you want to stick with the vintage of the camera, then for a tele the Pentax-M 80-200mm f4.5 is really quite good. I have one and it would probably be tops for film, and mine is well above average on my K-70 (better sharpness and colours than the very recent DA-L 55-200mm). I also have the Tamron SP 60-300mm, and that is noticeably better optical performance on digital than the M 80-200mm. So if you want lenses that you can use on the KX and also on a 20+Mp digital camera then the Tamron SPs or the Pentax A series would be better (and you can get the PK-A adapter for them). I have a couple of A series lenses (including the 35-70mm f4) and they look perfect on my ME Super, they look like they belong. Anything later, i.e. the F series, the lenses look wrong on the old camera bodies. I agree with Astro-baby that the best "look" is the similar-age lenses, which were usually very good for film photography (especially the Pentax M, A and the Tamron SP). The Tamrons look like they are third party though, where the Pentax lenses match visually. Of all my lenses from the 1970s to 1990s, only one has any evidence of balsam separation (the Tamron 35-80mm) and even that one has no problems with the image unless I pixel-peep on macro pictures.

03-17-2019, 06:02 AM	#14
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,891	At one time there was a Vivitar Series 1 about 28-90 varifocal lens.