Anyone Going after the SMC Pentax-A 35mm f2 ?

ZombieArmy · 08-27-2019, 01:39 PM

Originally posted by Ronald Oakes

I almost cant live without a 35mm lens in my bag. Don't care if its a DA 35mm limited Macro or a SMC-A or SMC-K...even a Takumar is welcome. The 35mm lenses are a bit scarce compared to the 50's and 28's.....but I don't know why.

Personally when I shoot film I'd rather have a 24 or 28 to compliment the 50. The 35 just really doesn't fit all too well when I'm shooting. On APS-C I just prefer 40.

**pres589** · 08-27-2019, 02:46 PM

I'd rather have a 28 as well, but I went with the 35 as an option to a 50. It's either 20/35/85 or 20/50/85. The first seems more of a compromise, the second seems more targeted for specific scenes or situations. The third option is a 20/28-70/85 if the added bulk of a zoom is acceptable. Jury is still out.

ZombieArmy · 08-27-2019, 02:49 PM

Originally posted by pres589

I'd rather have a 28 as well, but I went with the 35 as an option to a 50. It's either 20/35/85 or 20/50/85. The first seems more of a compromise, the second seems more targeted for specific scenes or situations. The third option is a 20/28-70/85 if the added bulk of a zoom is acceptable. Jury is still out.

If I had the cash at some point to get some extra lenses my ideal "compromise" setup would probably be 24/50/135. I find on film I don't need too many FLs to get what I want.

**Just1MoreDave** · 08-27-2019, 09:27 PM

Originally posted by TwoUptons

I have an old M42 version that I like very much.

That said, I’m more likely to get a FA than an A if I upgrade it...

-Eric

I really like the FA. It is quite a bit sharper than previous lenses at wider apertures. I had the Pentax-M 35/2 which has the same optical formula as the A version. It's not bad but I took two quick comparison shots and immediately listed the M for sale. Plus the FA has a nice reversible hood. The only dislike was back when they finally stopped making them, prices shot up to $450. There's an FA for sale in the marketplace now for $170, IMO a steal.

**ChrisPlatt** · 08-29-2019, 04:02 PM

SMC Pentax -M and -A 35/2.8 lenses are notorious for developing a sticky diaphragm, which even when properly serviced will recur.

The 35mm f/2.0 versions are desirable for a brighter SLR viewfinder image.
I saw no difference between my SMC Pentax-A 35/2 and -M lenses.
The K version is somewhat better.

The SMC Pentax (K) 35/3.5 lens image quality is best.

Chris

stevebrot · 08-29-2019, 07:05 PM

Originally posted by ZombieArmy

Personally when I shoot film I'd rather have a 24 or 28 to compliment the 50.

I used to feel that way as well, though my attitude has moderated based on experience with that focal length with my rangefinder cameras. No, it is not useful for "wide angle effect", but is just wide enough when things are too close to frame well at 50mm, but not so wide that one gets volumetric distortion. I have grown quite fond of the focal length.

Steve

**ChrisPlatt** · 08-29-2019, 11:39 PM - **1 Like**

50mm FOV is the world as seen by a Cyclops;
35mm FOV is the world as seen with binocular vision.

Chris

nickthetasmaniac · 09-05-2019, 09:22 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Ronald Oakes

Thanks. I was kinda hoping to keep it under the Radar so to speak. I know that sounds funny posting it on a Public Forum , so that's why I said PM me for the link.

I think I've missed something here... Why on earth would you start a whole thread about a lens sale that you wanted to 'keep under the radar'?

Ronald Oakes · 09-05-2019, 11:35 PM

Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac

I think I've missed something here... Why on earth would you start a whole thread about a lens sale that you wanted to 'keep under the radar'?

Because I could...lol.
I wanted someone on PF to get it as many don't scour Goodwill like I do. Posted 3 hours before it ended.

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08-27-2019, 01:39 PM	#16
ZombieArmy Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 3,210	Originally posted by Ronald Oakes I almost cant live without a 35mm lens in my bag. Don't care if its a DA 35mm limited Macro or a SMC-A or SMC-K...even a Takumar is welcome. The 35mm lenses are a bit scarce compared to the 50's and 28's.....but I don't know why. Personally when I shoot film I'd rather have a 24 or 28 to compliment the 50. The 35 just really doesn't fit all too well when I'm shooting. On APS-C I just prefer 40.

08-27-2019, 02:46 PM	#17
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	I'd rather have a 28 as well, but I went with the 35 as an option to a 50. It's either 20/35/85 or 20/50/85. The first seems more of a compromise, the second seems more targeted for specific scenes or situations. The third option is a 20/28-70/85 if the added bulk of a zoom is acceptable. Jury is still out.

08-27-2019, 02:49 PM	#18
ZombieArmy Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 3,210	Originally posted by pres589 I'd rather have a 28 as well, but I went with the 35 as an option to a 50. It's either 20/35/85 or 20/50/85. The first seems more of a compromise, the second seems more targeted for specific scenes or situations. The third option is a 20/28-70/85 if the added bulk of a zoom is acceptable. Jury is still out. If I had the cash at some point to get some extra lenses my ideal "compromise" setup would probably be 24/50/135. I find on film I don't need too many FLs to get what I want.

08-27-2019, 09:27 PM	#19
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Originally posted by TwoUptons I have an old M42 version that I like very much. That said, I’m more likely to get a FA than an A if I upgrade it... -Eric I really like the FA. It is quite a bit sharper than previous lenses at wider apertures. I had the Pentax-M 35/2 which has the same optical formula as the A version. It's not bad but I took two quick comparison shots and immediately listed the M for sale. Plus the FA has a nice reversible hood. The only dislike was back when they finally stopped making them, prices shot up to $450. There's an FA for sale in the marketplace now for $170, IMO a steal.

08-29-2019, 04:02 PM	#20
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,692	SMC Pentax -M and -A 35/2.8 lenses are notorious for developing a sticky diaphragm, which even when properly serviced will recur. The 35mm f/2.0 versions are desirable for a brighter SLR viewfinder image. I saw no difference between my SMC Pentax-A 35/2 and -M lenses. The K version is somewhat better. The SMC Pentax (K) 35/3.5 lens image quality is best. Chris

08-29-2019, 07:05 PM	#21
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by ZombieArmy Personally when I shoot film I'd rather have a 24 or 28 to compliment the 50. I used to feel that way as well, though my attitude has moderated based on experience with that focal length with my rangefinder cameras. No, it is not useful for "wide angle effect", but is just wide enough when things are too close to frame well at 50mm, but not so wide that one gets volumetric distortion. I have grown quite fond of the focal length. Steve

08-29-2019, 11:39 PM - 1 Like	#22
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,692	50mm FOV is the world as seen by a Cyclops; 35mm FOV is the world as seen with binocular vision. Chris

09-05-2019, 09:22 PM - 1 Like	#23
nickthetasmaniac Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2,361	Originally posted by Ronald Oakes Thanks. I was kinda hoping to keep it under the Radar so to speak. I know that sounds funny posting it on a Public Forum , so that's why I said PM me for the link. I think I've missed something here... Why on earth would you start a whole thread about a lens sale that you wanted to 'keep under the radar'?

09-05-2019, 11:35 PM	#24
Ronald Oakes Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,582 Original Poster	Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac I think I've missed something here... Why on earth would you start a whole thread about a lens sale that you wanted to 'keep under the radar'? Because I could...lol. I wanted someone on PF to get it as many don't scour Goodwill like I do. Posted 3 hours before it ended.