On eBay, SMC PENTAX 1:3.5/15 Aspheric lens, very rare lens?

Duvel999 · 01-13-2020, 12:16 PM

Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here.

Saw on eBay:

SMC PENTAX 1:3.5/15 Aspheric lens ++VERY RARE for collector++ | eBay

I would like to known more information on the SMC PENTAX 1:3.5/15 Aspheric lens.
Thank you.

pschlute · 01-13-2020, 12:33 PM

Originally posted by Duvel999

Saw on eBay:

SMC PENTAX 1:3.5/15 Aspheric lens ++VERY RARE for collector++ | eBay

I would like to known more information on the SMC PENTAX 1:3.5/15 Aspheric lens.
Thank you.

Here you go.....K 15/3.5 AL | The K-Mount Page

I have the non aspherical version of this lens.

**Sir Nameless** · 01-13-2020, 12:35 PM

If you haven't already, review this link.

SMC Pentax 15mm F3.5 Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

**gaweidert** · 01-13-2020, 12:36 PM

There are a few reviews of this lens in the lens review section. They deal with the screw mount version. It seems to review well.

SMC Takumar 15mm F3.5 Reviews - M42 Screwmount Extreme Wide-Angle Primes - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

Beat me by a few seconds.

Adam · 01-13-2020, 01:08 PM - **1 Like**

AFAIK there are two versions of the K 15mm, the regular (much more common) and the early aspherical (which has a different optical formula and is quite rare). Alongside modern lenses, I don't think the distinction matters much. But, if you're a collector, the aspherical version is highly sought after.

**BigMackCam** · 01-13-2020, 01:09 PM

Moved to correct forum ("Pentax SLR Lens Discussion")

swanlefitte · 01-13-2020, 01:26 PM

One in my area for $700 .
RARE (1 of 400 made) Pentax 15mm f3.5 - photo/video - by owner - electronics sale

Duvel999 · 01-13-2020, 01:38 PM

Thank you guys for yours informations.
So this lens is effectively very rare, only 100 made!

HarisF1 · 01-13-2020, 02:36 PM

Look out for cement separation in these. It happens and it can be quite a sad thing to see.

**clickclick** · 01-13-2020, 02:41 PM

Originally posted by HarisF1

Look out for cement separation in these. It happens and it can be quite a sad thing to see.

Anything in particular cause this? I'd hate to have my aspherical copy go to pieces.

HarisF1 · 01-13-2020, 03:46 PM

Originally posted by clickclick

Anything in particular cause this? I'd hate to have my aspherical copy go to pieces.

I'd say heating/cooling cycles would be the main culprits. It's not terribly uncommon on lenses from that age (pretty obvious on stuff like K50/1.2) since the cement must have been less resilient to begin with compared to modern products and probably mainly due to the lenses being 40 to 50 years old.

The upshot to this is that the cement separation can still be repaired. It takes a bit more work than a standard clean of fungus but it should still be doable from a specialist repairman.

**sergysergy** · 01-13-2020, 04:28 PM

Originally posted by swanlefitte

One in my area for $700 .
RARE (1 of 400 made) Pentax 15mm f3.5 - photo/video - by owner - electronics sale

But this is a Takumar. Were there two versions for both mounts?

swanlefitte · 01-13-2020, 05:38 PM

Originally posted by sergysergy

But this is a Takumar. Were there two versions for both mounts?

Best I could find out yes.
I didn't look at this one close enough to see it's a tak. The header got me curious enough to look it up.
Found old conversations saying 400 taks and 100 k mount but have no clue how reliable that is.

**sergysergy** · 01-13-2020, 06:13 PM

very interesting! I have one of the taks. I guess now I 'need' the K mount one

**clickclick** · 01-13-2020, 06:27 PM

Originally posted by HarisF1

I'd say heating/cooling cycles would be the main culprits. It's not terribly uncommon on lenses from that age (pretty obvious on stuff like K50/1.2) since the cement must have been less resilient to begin with compared to modern products and probably mainly due to the lenses being 40 to 50 years old.

The upshot to this is that the cement separation can still be repaired. It takes a bit more work than a standard clean of fungus but it should still be doable from a specialist repairman.

Thanks. It's in a pretty controlled environment with dehumidification, so hopefully ok.

01-13-2020, 12:16 PM	#1
Duvel999 New Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Posts: 9	On eBay, SMC PENTAX 1:3.5/15 Aspheric lens, very rare lens? Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Saw on eBay: SMC PENTAX 1:3.5/15 Aspheric lens ++VERY RARE for collector++ \| eBay I would like to known more information on the SMC PENTAX 1:3.5/15 Aspheric lens. Thank you.

01-13-2020, 01:08 PM - 1 Like	#5
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,593	AFAIK there are two versions of the K 15mm, the regular (much more common) and the early aspherical (which has a different optical formula and is quite rare). Alongside modern lenses, I don't think the distinction matters much. But, if you're a collector, the aspherical version is highly sought after. 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:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
This must be a very special Pentax HD D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR Lens on Ebay	Tony Growden	Pentax Price Watch	12	12-08-2017 08:59 AM
Nature Very Pretty, Very Yellow, Very Big Flower.	Tonytee	Post Your Photos!	14	06-12-2016 03:45 AM
Legendary and very rare SMC Pentax(-K) 2.0/28mm on eBay	RKKS08	Pentax Price Watch	20	05-28-2016 06:34 AM
Takumar 15mm aspheric...i got one!	pickles	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	12	02-28-2011 05:45 PM

01-13-2020, 12:33 PM	#2
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,182	Originally posted by Duvel999 Saw on eBay: SMC PENTAX 1:3.5/15 Aspheric lens ++VERY RARE for collector++ \| eBay I would like to known more information on the SMC PENTAX 1:3.5/15 Aspheric lens. Thank you. Here you go.....K 15/3.5 AL \| The K-Mount Page I have the non aspherical version of this lens.

01-13-2020, 12:35 PM	#3
Sir Nameless Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Mass a chew sits Photos: Gallery Posts: 574	If you haven't already, review this link. SMC Pentax 15mm F3.5 Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

01-13-2020, 12:36 PM	#4
gaweidert Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Rochester, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,325	There are a few reviews of this lens in the lens review section. They deal with the screw mount version. It seems to review well. SMC Takumar 15mm F3.5 Reviews - M42 Screwmount Extreme Wide-Angle Primes - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database Beat me by a few seconds.

01-13-2020, 01:09 PM	#6
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,642	Moved to correct forum ("Pentax SLR Lens Discussion")

01-13-2020, 01:26 PM	#7
swanlefitte Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Location: Minneapolis Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,068	One in my area for $700 . RARE (1 of 400 made) Pentax 15mm f3.5 - photo/video - by owner - electronics sale

01-13-2020, 01:38 PM	#8
Duvel999 New Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Posts: 9 Original Poster	Thank you guys for yours informations. So this lens is effectively very rare, only 100 made!

01-13-2020, 02:36 PM	#9
HarisF1 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 543	Look out for cement separation in these. It happens and it can be quite a sad thing to see.

01-13-2020, 02:41 PM	#10
clickclick Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,903	Originally posted by HarisF1 Look out for cement separation in these. It happens and it can be quite a sad thing to see. Anything in particular cause this? I'd hate to have my aspherical copy go to pieces.

01-13-2020, 03:46 PM	#11
HarisF1 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 543	Originally posted by clickclick Anything in particular cause this? I'd hate to have my aspherical copy go to pieces. I'd say heating/cooling cycles would be the main culprits. It's not terribly uncommon on lenses from that age (pretty obvious on stuff like K50/1.2) since the cement must have been less resilient to begin with compared to modern products and probably mainly due to the lenses being 40 to 50 years old. The upshot to this is that the cement separation can still be repaired. It takes a bit more work than a standard clean of fungus but it should still be doable from a specialist repairman.

01-13-2020, 04:28 PM	#12
sergysergy Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,168	Originally posted by swanlefitte One in my area for $700 . RARE (1 of 400 made) Pentax 15mm f3.5 - photo/video - by owner - electronics sale But this is a Takumar. Were there two versions for both mounts?

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

01-13-2020, 05:38 PM	#13
swanlefitte Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Location: Minneapolis Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,068	Originally posted by sergysergy But this is a Takumar. Were there two versions for both mounts? Best I could find out yes. I didn't look at this one close enough to see it's a tak. The header got me curious enough to look it up. Found old conversations saying 400 taks and 100 k mount but have no clue how reliable that is.

01-13-2020, 06:13 PM	#14
sergysergy Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,168	very interesting! I have one of the taks. I guess now I 'need' the K mount one

01-13-2020, 06:27 PM	#15
clickclick Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,903	Originally posted by HarisF1 I'd say heating/cooling cycles would be the main culprits. It's not terribly uncommon on lenses from that age (pretty obvious on stuff like K50/1.2) since the cement must have been less resilient to begin with compared to modern products and probably mainly due to the lenses being 40 to 50 years old. The upshot to this is that the cement separation can still be repaired. It takes a bit more work than a standard clean of fungus but it should still be doable from a specialist repairman. Thanks. It's in a pretty controlled environment with dehumidification, so hopefully ok.