Opinion time: what are your favorite manual lenses?

**clickclick** · 12-29-2019, 06:29 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by ChristianRock

I find that these lenses with older coatings improve a whole lot wide open with a good hood.

Agree. Keeping that stray light at bay makes a difference.

whojammyflip · 12-30-2019, 02:53 AM

My Pentax M 85mm f2 is just incredibly sharp from f4 onwards.

Here are MTF curves from f5.6 at about 4m or 50 focal lengths.

-JW- · 12-30-2019, 03:19 AM

My favorites are the M-28, M-50, M-135, since these are the only ones I have

Would like to add a 35 and 85 eventually

Sandy Hancock · 12-30-2019, 03:28 AM - **2 Likes**

I notice the OP didn't specify K-mount lenses.

My Schneider-Kreuznach Cinelux Ultra 125mm f/2.0 cinema projector lens (converted to Pentax 645 with a focussing helicoid) is firming as my favourite portraitist. It has no adjustable iris diaphragm, so it's f/2.0 or it's nothing - you can't much more manual than that.

From Christmas Day:

**pepperberry farm** · 12-30-2019, 06:13 AM - **1 Like**

Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4 SL II...

as much as I enjoy using the Ultron 40, this lens is better....

whojammyflip · 12-30-2019, 06:25 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by -JW-

My favorites are the M-28, M-50, M-135, since these are the only ones I have

Would like to add a 35 and 85 eventually

If its the M 28/3.5 and the M 50/1.7, you will struggle to find better. The M 135 is no slouch either. Great set up.

Wasp · 12-30-2019, 07:19 AM - **2 Likes**

I would like to add my M 20/4 to the list, for a not so obvious reason. When used with a reversal ring, bellows and extension tubes I can get crazy magnification for macro shots. You are looking at the millimeter markings on a plastic ruler here.

whojammyflip · 12-30-2019, 07:27 AM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

I notice the OP didn't specify K-mount lenses.

My Schneider-Kreuznach Cinelux Ultra 125mm f/2.0 cinema projector lens (converted to Pentax 645 with a focussing helicoid) is firming as my favourite portraitist. It has no adjustable iris diaphragm, so it's f/2.0 or it's nothing - you can't much more manual than that.

That second picture, black and white, has incredible sharpness and bokeh at the same time. That looks like an amazing lens.

**Serkevan** · 12-30-2019, 07:51 AM

Originally posted by Wasp

I would like to add my M 20/4 to the list, for a not so obvious reason. When used with a reversal ring, bellows and extension tubes I can get crazy magnification for macro shots. You are looking at the millimeter markings on a plastic ruler here.

This gets into microscope levels of magnification. Gotta get myself one of those setups for the lab... considering I already have both lens and camera

**clickclick** · 12-30-2019, 08:06 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4 SL II...

as much as I enjoy using the Ultron 40, this lens is better....

Thanks for the reminder to use my Nokton more!

**pepperberry farm** · 12-30-2019, 08:20 AM

Originally posted by clickclick

Thanks for the reminder to use my Nokton more!

you're welcome!

Wasp · 12-30-2019, 11:28 AM

Originally posted by Serkevan

This gets into microscope levels of magnification. Gotta get myself one of those setups for the lab... considering I already have both lens and camera

The M 20/4 was just made for this. It has a 49mm filter thread that works perfectly with my Pentax reversal ring. I think it was also available in 52mm, but I'm not sure.

The later A 20/2.8 and FA 20/2.8 has 67mm filter threads. You will need a different reversal ring or bunch of step down rings to make that work, but it should be doable.

Primes wider than 20mm tend not to have filter rings. I don't know how well zooms work when used the wrong way round.

-JW- · 01-01-2020, 05:22 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

I notice the OP didn't specify K-mount lenses.

My Schneider-Kreuznach Cinelux Ultra 125mm f/2.0 cinema projector lens (converted to Pentax 645 with a focussing helicoid) is firming as my favourite portraitist. It has no adjustable iris diaphragm, so it's f/2.0 or it's nothing - you can't much more manual than that.

From Christmas Day:

very interesting lens conversion and with great results!

**pepperberry farm** · 01-01-2020, 10:29 AM

this new Irix 150mm f2.8 Macro is an interesting MF lens...... a bit heavy, but super sharp and contrasty!

Thagomizer · 01-06-2020, 12:26 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Wasp

The M 20/4 was just made for this. It has a 49mm filter thread that works perfectly with my Pentax reversal ring. I think it was also available in 52mm, but I'm not sure.

The later A 20/2.8 and FA 20/2.8 has 67mm filter threads. You will need a different reversal ring or bunch of step down rings to make that work, but it should be doable.

Primes wider than 20mm tend not to have filter rings. I don't know how well zooms work when used the wrong way round.

At the risk of going off topic, but replying to your comment, I get good macro results with reversed zooms. Zooming allows you to change the amount of magnification, giving you some flexibility in the size of your subject and how big you want it to appear.

You can see some of my shots here: The Kit Lens Club! - Page 175 - PentaxForums.com

...and here: The Kit Lens Club! - Page 176 - PentaxForums.com

...and here: The Kit Lens Club! - Page 184 - PentaxForums.com

You get the idea...

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12-29-2019, 06:29 PM - 1 Like	#151
clickclick Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,903	Originally posted by ChristianRock I find that these lenses with older coatings improve a whole lot wide open with a good hood. Agree. Keeping that stray light at bay makes a difference.

12-30-2019, 02:53 AM	#152
whojammyflip Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 417	My Pentax M 85mm f2 is just incredibly sharp from f4 onwards. Here are MTF curves from f5.6 at about 4m or 50 focal lengths.

12-30-2019, 03:19 AM	#153
-JW- Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Eindhoven Posts: 139	My favorites are the M-28, M-50, M-135, since these are the only ones I have Would like to add a 35 and 85 eventually

12-30-2019, 03:28 AM - 2 Likes	#154
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	I notice the OP didn't specify K-mount lenses. My Schneider-Kreuznach Cinelux Ultra 125mm f/2.0 cinema projector lens (converted to Pentax 645 with a focussing helicoid) is firming as my favourite portraitist. It has no adjustable iris diaphragm, so it's f/2.0 or it's nothing - you can't much more manual than that. From Christmas Day:

12-30-2019, 06:13 AM - 1 Like	#155
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,679	Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4 SL II... as much as I enjoy using the Ultron 40, this lens is better....

12-30-2019, 06:25 AM - 1 Like	#156
whojammyflip Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 417	Originally posted by -JW- My favorites are the M-28, M-50, M-135, since these are the only ones I have Would like to add a 35 and 85 eventually If its the M 28/3.5 and the M 50/1.7, you will struggle to find better. The M 135 is no slouch either. Great set up.

12-30-2019, 07:19 AM - 2 Likes	#157
Wasp Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Pretoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,661	I would like to add my M 20/4 to the list, for a not so obvious reason. When used with a reversal ring, bellows and extension tubes I can get crazy magnification for macro shots. You are looking at the millimeter markings on a plastic ruler here.

12-30-2019, 07:27 AM	#158
whojammyflip Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 417	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock I notice the OP didn't specify K-mount lenses. My Schneider-Kreuznach Cinelux Ultra 125mm f/2.0 cinema projector lens (converted to Pentax 645 with a focussing helicoid) is firming as my favourite portraitist. It has no adjustable iris diaphragm, so it's f/2.0 or it's nothing - you can't much more manual than that. That second picture, black and white, has incredible sharpness and bokeh at the same time. That looks like an amazing lens.

12-30-2019, 07:51 AM	#159
Serkevan Site Supporter Join Date: May 2019 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,976	Originally posted by Wasp I would like to add my M 20/4 to the list, for a not so obvious reason. When used with a reversal ring, bellows and extension tubes I can get crazy magnification for macro shots. You are looking at the millimeter markings on a plastic ruler here. This gets into microscope levels of magnification. Gotta get myself one of those setups for the lab... considering I already have both lens and camera

12-30-2019, 08:06 AM - 1 Like	#160
clickclick Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,903	Originally posted by pepperberry farm Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4 SL II... as much as I enjoy using the Ultron 40, this lens is better.... Thanks for the reminder to use my Nokton more!

12-30-2019, 08:20 AM	#161
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,679	Originally posted by clickclick Thanks for the reminder to use my Nokton more! you're welcome!

12-30-2019, 11:28 AM	#162
Wasp Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Pretoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,661	Originally posted by Serkevan This gets into microscope levels of magnification. Gotta get myself one of those setups for the lab... considering I already have both lens and camera The M 20/4 was just made for this. It has a 49mm filter thread that works perfectly with my Pentax reversal ring. I think it was also available in 52mm, but I'm not sure. The later A 20/2.8 and FA 20/2.8 has 67mm filter threads. You will need a different reversal ring or bunch of step down rings to make that work, but it should be doable. Primes wider than 20mm tend not to have filter rings. I don't know how well zooms work when used the wrong way round.

01-01-2020, 05:22 AM - 1 Like	#163
-JW- Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Eindhoven Posts: 139	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock I notice the OP didn't specify K-mount lenses. My Schneider-Kreuznach Cinelux Ultra 125mm f/2.0 cinema projector lens (converted to Pentax 645 with a focussing helicoid) is firming as my favourite portraitist. It has no adjustable iris diaphragm, so it's f/2.0 or it's nothing - you can't much more manual than that. From Christmas Day: very interesting lens conversion and with great results!

01-01-2020, 10:29 AM	#164
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,679	this new Irix 150mm f2.8 Macro is an interesting MF lens...... a bit heavy, but super sharp and contrasty!

01-06-2020, 12:26 PM - 1 Like	#165
Thagomizer Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: London Ontario Posts: 2,068	Originally posted by Wasp The M 20/4 was just made for this. It has a 49mm filter thread that works perfectly with my Pentax reversal ring. I think it was also available in 52mm, but I'm not sure. The later A 20/2.8 and FA 20/2.8 has 67mm filter threads. You will need a different reversal ring or bunch of step down rings to make that work, but it should be doable. Primes wider than 20mm tend not to have filter rings. I don't know how well zooms work when used the wrong way round. At the risk of going off topic, but replying to your comment, I get good macro results with reversed zooms. Zooming allows you to change the amount of magnification, giving you some flexibility in the size of your subject and how big you want it to appear. You can see some of my shots here: The Kit Lens Club! - Page 175 - PentaxForums.com ...and here: The Kit Lens Club! - Page 176 - PentaxForums.com ...and here: The Kit Lens Club! - Page 184 - PentaxForums.com You get the idea...