[hypermodern]

I enjoy the 85mm focal length for portraits but don't have an 85 for my MX. I like this lovely compact camera and don't want to put anything too large on the front of it (Samyang 85mm f1.4 is out I think). I don't have 77mm f1.8 money, should I stop thinking about it and just find a good condition M-series 85mm f2 or are there other lenses in this focal length I should consider? Is it worth looking at one of the Pentax M42 mount 85s or even a Jupiter-9? I'm planning to shoot a mix of colour and black and white, indoors and out if that matters.


Thanks for your help!

[ChristianRock]

The SMC-M 85mm f2 has gotten way too expensive for what it is - in my humble opinion.

I think the best compact and affordable alternative is actually in the 100mm range - the SMC-M 100mm f/2.8. It's sharp wide open so no issues using it at f/2.8. Very compact and great rendering and colors. It's the natural companion to my SMC-K 50mm f/1.2 since the look and colors that those two lenses give to the pictures is so similar (even their bodies are so similar).

85mm and 100mm, in practice, aren't that far apart.

The alternative is to pay 3 to 5 times as much and get the SMC-M 85mm f2... or one of the other rare alternatives, I think there's a Takumar 85mm f/1.9 out there as well...

In terms of 3rd party lenses, I have heard of the Jupiter 85mm but I think I'd stick with the SMC-M 100mm f/2.8...

[Wasp]

I second the SMC Pentax M 100mm f/2.8. I own one that I bought new in the mid eighties. It may be a stop slower but it should be more affordable.

That said, I also own two copies of the Samyang/Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 in different mounts (LBA is real, hehehe). Great lenses and that wide aperture makes all sorts of things possible.

[pepperberry farm]

there is a K 85mm f1.8; if I read the diagrams correctly, it appears to be a carryover of the Takumar 85/1.8....

several 3rd-party 85's out there also, even the current Rokinon/Samyang wouldn't be terribly expensive, if sourced used....

[gofour3]

there is a K 85mm f1.8

That would be my recommendation as well.

Phil.

[Henrico]

Find a M85, it was made for the MX / ME era. I understand you still love your MX, MX + M85 are a great looking combo. Also find the original hood, very helpful against flair. The M85 is based on a Takumar lens formula of the 60's. Perfect for portraits, razor center sharpness from F2.8 on portrait distance, nice bokeh and very sturdy and compact.

M100 is nice too but feels much lighter. Good performer but less special...

These might be helpful too:

Auflösung von Pentax-Objektiven (77mm - 85mm) Resolution of Pentax lenses

Early Pentax Takumar Lenses

[pschlute]

should I stop thinking about it and just find a good condition M-series 85mm f2

Yes

If it can do this on the K1, you will not find it lacking on the MX. (I own an MX too)

[hypermodern]

Seems like I have nothing but options!

[pschlute]

Seems like I have nothing but options!

In life we have nothing but options. The important thing is that we try some of them out. Otherwise we end up with only regrets.

[Password1234]

The mitakon 85 f2 could be an option if you don't need the best image quality and want to go on the cheap side.

[Arjay Bee]

Not a small lens but the Tamron 90 Macro is an A lens so works on the MX. The size is offset by the modern plastic construction which makes it light.

[pres589]

Another thread where people either complain about the M 85 "not being good enough" along with folks sharing great images taken with the M 85. Lots of fun.

Along with the M 85, I have enjoyed using the Tamron Adaptall 90mm f2.5 Macro (mine is the 52B) which gives a nice softness wide open and opens up great close-up options that traditional 85 to 100mm lenses won't be able to provide. It's a heavy lens and twice the length of the M 85. Should also be cheaper to acquire a good one.

The M 120 f2.8 interests me but I can't really rationalize it with the pile of glass I already own. Maybe check out samples and such of that lens as well.

[richard0170]

Along with the M 85, I have enjoyed using the Tamron Adaptall 90mm f2.5 Macro (mine is the 52B) which gives a nice softness wide open and opens up great close-up options that traditional 85 to 100mm lenses won't be able to provide. It's a heavy lens and twice the length of the M 85. Should also be cheaper to acquire a good one.

The 52BB is lighter. Also there is a Sigma 90mm f2.8 macro in KA mount which is reasonably light, but rare to find.

[pinholecam]

Most 85mm lenses are pretty good, at least better than me as a photographer.
The M85/2 is a unique offering in that its very small, no bigger than a Pentax 50/1.4.
Despite its flaws (mainly CA), I think it works very well when learned to use right.

M85/2







Its always way easier to compare numbers, charts and sharpness.
But imho, many lenses are good enough and the rest is really the photographer trying to make the best that he/she has.


The J9 is about as small as the M85.
The problem is the price and quality variations.
As with most Russian lenses vs Jap ones, its down to consistency in most shooting situations (flare tolerance, sharpness, build quality)

Jupiter 9








I won't suggest the K85 as its too big. The Takumar 85/1.9 also tends towards being bigger (and certainly is heavier ), not to mention the need for an adapter.

A 100/2.8 isn't a bad suggestion, but they won't be as small as the M85/2

[dms]

I think the M 85 f/2 is a particularly fine lens. Optically and size/handling is fantastic.