Red "SMC" Lettering on Lens???

JonPB · 11-19-2008, 06:29 PM

I've seen folks claim that the Takumar 55/2.0 is rare. It isn't, but there's no real definition of "rare" to keep people from claiming that.

Read the description. (The auction is titled "SMC PENTAX-M 50mm f1.4 RED! RARE MINT!") The seller never makes any claim that the red SMC provides any special designation. Actually, I'd say that the red SMC label does indeed make the lens very, very rare, but also very, very far from being mint. Kind of like a kid drawing a mustache on a baseball card. Edit: Okay, in a question he does claim that red SMC means 8 layers, meaning better than anything you can get at Taco Bell. Here's a question for the experts: what kind of coating would only be visible for images printed larger than 5x7? Answer: none. Flare is what is reduced by coating, and contrast is what is improved; those things will be visible at any size.

If you look at the red SMC, you'll see that the colors are uneven, visible even in that poor photograph. (If he were selling a truly mint item of that age, I'd expect proof in good product photos.)

On a completely unrelated note,

If anybody wants to buy a Red SMC Pentax-A 50/1.7, 28/2.8, or 35-70/4, I can provide them for a *bargain* at $150 each. Also available are Green SMC, Blue SMC, Black SMC, and--if you live in a hipster town, you'll appreciate this--Pink SMC! Not only for the ladies! For an additional $25, I can also source for you an ultra-rare, one-off lens from Pentax with a Red S, White M, and Blue C. While supplies last only; act now.

Good grief.

stevebrot · 11-19-2008, 06:48 PM

Originally posted by JonPB

I've seen folks claim that the Takumar 55/2.0 is rare. It isn't, but there's no real definition of "rare" to keep people from claiming that.

Read the description. (The auction is titled "SMC PENTAX-M 50mm f1.4 RED! RARE MINT!") The seller never makes any claim that the red SMC provides any special designation...

I think this qualifies as a claim..."composed of precious metals...the red has more of these coating layers...they are more rare and therefore more expensive...only produced for a short period of time..."

I can smell the snake oil from here...

Steve

séamuis · 11-20-2008, 07:35 AM

I inquired about the lens yesterday, asking if he had any documentation on this lens or this 'red letter special coating'. this is what I had in my email box this morning.

Quote:

Hello, Throughout my many years of collecting, I have not only acquired many interesting cameras and lenses but also many collector friends all over the world. I bought this lens from a friend of mine, a Japanese artistic photographer. He bought this, a Red SMC 2/55 and a 1.8/55 w/ Red K1000 at a small show organized by Asahi Co. Ltd.
I have been collecting cameras for 45 years and sometimes still come across models that I have never seen before and that are impossible to find online. There are no collectors that have seen everything they are interested in.
Therefore, it is not surprising you were not able to find it anywhere. It is only now that it is on ebay that it may show its traces on the internet.
In 2009, I plan to start a website with a group of collectors where I will have information about rare collectible cameras and lenses. Thank you.

im not buying it, both his story and the lens.

Miserere · 11-20-2008, 09:35 AM

Originally posted by séamuis

that's the reason I am more intrigued, because the price is about spot on for an smc-M 1.4 50mm. seems kind of odd for such a 'rare' lens.

So why is nobody buying my Pentax-M 50mm f/1.4 priced at $110 BIN shipped ($82.50 after cashback)?

Maybe I need to bring out my red sharpie...

jocko_nc · 11-20-2008, 01:52 PM

Originally posted by Miserere

So why is nobody buying my Pentax-M 50mm f/1.4 priced at $110 BIN shipped ($82.50 after cashback)?

Because I like to pay a lot less than that...

séamuis · 11-20-2008, 04:50 PM

Quote:

So why is nobody buying my Pentax-M 50mm f/1.4 priced at $110 BIN shipped ($82.50 after cashback)?

because the 1.7 version is usually far cheaper and just as good (even slightly better wide open) and can be found far more often. thats why I have and use the 1.7

straightshooter · 11-20-2008, 08:48 PM

Somewhere in the deep recesses of my mind, I seem to recall seeing a lens with SMC in red before. But darned if I can remember when/where or what it meant if I really did see it.

Of course this could be explained by something as simple as deja vu, something more complex like dementia or it could just be all the vicodin I've taken in the last three weeks following some rather extensive shoulder surgery.

Has anybody written to Eric to ask him? He did work for Pentax for a number of years and has probably seen more lenses than the rest of us put together.

CW

Last edited by straightshooter; 11-20-2008 at 08:49 PM. Reason: spelling

X Man · 11-20-2008, 09:29 PM

He's got it re-listed, or he's busted out the red sharpie on another one. I won't give the guy any free publicity with a link, but what was the previous listing's high bid and did it meet it's reserve?

Oh, and BTW... If this guy is such an "expert" with such a "rare" item, why are his product shots of such horrid quality?

Regards,
Mike

séamuis · 11-21-2008, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Has anybody written to Eric to ask him? He did work for Pentax for a number of years and has probably seen more lenses than the rest of us put together.

that's a very good idea. I might get around to that today. if anyone outside of japan knows it would be Eric.

jslifoaw · 11-21-2008, 07:16 AM

There is a K55/2.0 which is not very common. The M42 55/2.0 is much easier to find, the K-mount one isn't.

Marc Sabatella · 11-21-2008, 11:20 AM

Originally posted by Miserere

So why is nobody buying my Pentax-M 50mm f/1.4 priced at $110 BIN shipped ($82.50 after cashback)?

The price isn't out of line, but it is definitely possible - and not difficult - to find it for rather cheaper. I see it in pawn shops for $90-$100 usually, and KEH lists it as $89 in EX condition. True, shipping will push that closer to or even over $100, but $89 still looks good. But I think as soon as the quoted price crosses the $100 threshold, people start noticing that for not much more, they can get a brand new FA50.

séamuis · 11-21-2008, 11:58 AM

Originally posted by jslifoaw

There is a K55/2.0 which is not very common. The M42 55/2.0 is much easier to find, the K-mount one isn't.

so you are saying that his is the real deal? do you have any information or any links where I might educate myself?

jocko_nc · 11-21-2008, 09:46 PM

Man, if I thought this was the Real Deal, I would have not mentioned it. Rather, I would have snapped it right up. I hope I did not blow a real score...

Miserere · 11-22-2008, 03:31 PM

Originally posted by jslifoaw

There is a K55/2.0 which is not very common. The M42 55/2.0 is much easier to find, the K-mount one isn't.

Really? That's cool. I've got a Pentax-K 55mm f/2. I'm going to put it on eBay for $200 right now.

I wonder if I can ask for $300 if I paint the SMC red...

stevebrot · 11-22-2008, 11:15 PM

Originally posted by Miserere

Really? That's cool. I've got a Pentax-K 55mm f/2. I'm going to put it on eBay for $200 right now.

I wonder if I can ask for $300 if I paint the SMC red...

I would paint it GOLD and ask $400...

Steve

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11-19-2008, 06:29 PM	#16
JonPB Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Portland, OR, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 430	I've seen folks claim that the Takumar 55/2.0 is rare. It isn't, but there's no real definition of "rare" to keep people from claiming that. Read the description. (The auction is titled "SMC PENTAX-M 50mm f1.4 RED! RARE MINT!") The seller never makes any claim that the red SMC provides any special designation. Actually, I'd say that the red SMC label does indeed make the lens very, very rare, but also very, very far from being mint. Kind of like a kid drawing a mustache on a baseball card. Edit: Okay, in a question he does claim that red SMC means 8 layers, meaning better than anything you can get at Taco Bell. Here's a question for the experts: what kind of coating would only be visible for images printed larger than 5x7? Answer: none. Flare is what is reduced by coating, and contrast is what is improved; those things will be visible at any size. If you look at the red SMC, you'll see that the colors are uneven, visible even in that poor photograph. (If he were selling a truly mint item of that age, I'd expect proof in good product photos.) On a completely unrelated note, If anybody wants to buy a Red SMC Pentax-A 50/1.7, 28/2.8, or 35-70/4, I can provide them for a bargain at $150 each. Also available are Green SMC, Blue SMC, Black SMC, and--if you live in a hipster town, you'll appreciate this--Pink SMC! Not only for the ladies! For an additional $25, I can also source for you an ultra-rare, one-off lens from Pentax with a Red S, White M, and Blue C. While supplies last only; act now. Good grief.

11-19-2008, 06:48 PM	#17
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by JonPB I've seen folks claim that the Takumar 55/2.0 is rare. It isn't, but there's no real definition of "rare" to keep people from claiming that. Read the description. (The auction is titled "SMC PENTAX-M 50mm f1.4 RED! RARE MINT!") The seller never makes any claim that the red SMC provides any special designation... I think this qualifies as a claim..."composed of precious metals...the red has more of these coating layers...they are more rare and therefore more expensive...only produced for a short period of time..." I can smell the snake oil from here... Steve

11-20-2008, 07:35 AM	#18
séamuis Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Savannah, U.S./Baguio City, P.H. Posts: 5,979	I inquired about the lens yesterday, asking if he had any documentation on this lens or this 'red letter special coating'. this is what I had in my email box this morning. Quote: Hello, Throughout my many years of collecting, I have not only acquired many interesting cameras and lenses but also many collector friends all over the world. I bought this lens from a friend of mine, a Japanese artistic photographer. He bought this, a Red SMC 2/55 and a 1.8/55 w/ Red K1000 at a small show organized by Asahi Co. Ltd. I have been collecting cameras for 45 years and sometimes still come across models that I have never seen before and that are impossible to find online. There are no collectors that have seen everything they are interested in. Therefore, it is not surprising you were not able to find it anywhere. It is only now that it is on ebay that it may show its traces on the internet. In 2009, I plan to start a website with a group of collectors where I will have information about rare collectible cameras and lenses. Thank you. im not buying it, both his story and the lens.

11-20-2008, 09:35 AM	#19
Miserere Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Boston Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,993	Originally posted by séamuis that's the reason I am more intrigued, because the price is about spot on for an smc-M 1.4 50mm. seems kind of odd for such a 'rare' lens. So why is nobody buying my Pentax-M 50mm f/1.4 priced at $110 BIN shipped ($82.50 after cashback)? Maybe I need to bring out my red sharpie...

11-20-2008, 01:52 PM	#20
jocko_nc Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NC USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 251 Original Poster	Originally posted by Miserere So why is nobody buying my Pentax-M 50mm f/1.4 priced at $110 BIN shipped ($82.50 after cashback)? Because I like to pay a lot less than that...

11-20-2008, 04:50 PM	#21
séamuis Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Savannah, U.S./Baguio City, P.H. Posts: 5,979	Quote: So why is nobody buying my Pentax-M 50mm f/1.4 priced at $110 BIN shipped ($82.50 after cashback)? because the 1.7 version is usually far cheaper and just as good (even slightly better wide open) and can be found far more often. thats why I have and use the 1.7

11-20-2008, 08:48 PM	#22
straightshooter Inactive Account Join Date: May 2008 Location: Forest Park, Georgia/Jacksonville, Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 633	Somewhere in the deep recesses of my mind, I seem to recall seeing a lens with SMC in red before. But darned if I can remember when/where or what it meant if I really did see it. Of course this could be explained by something as simple as deja vu, something more complex like dementia or it could just be all the vicodin I've taken in the last three weeks following some rather extensive shoulder surgery. Has anybody written to Eric to ask him? He did work for Pentax for a number of years and has probably seen more lenses than the rest of us put together. CW Last edited by straightshooter; 11-20-2008 at 08:49 PM. Reason: spelling

11-20-2008, 09:29 PM	#23
X Man Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Maine Photos: Gallery Posts: 478	He's got it re-listed, or he's busted out the red sharpie on another one. I won't give the guy any free publicity with a link, but what was the previous listing's high bid and did it meet it's reserve? Oh, and BTW... If this guy is such an "expert" with such a "rare" item, why are his product shots of such horrid quality? Regards, Mike

11-21-2008, 06:18 AM	#24
séamuis Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Savannah, U.S./Baguio City, P.H. Posts: 5,979	Quote: Has anybody written to Eric to ask him? He did work for Pentax for a number of years and has probably seen more lenses than the rest of us put together. that's a very good idea. I might get around to that today. if anyone outside of japan knows it would be Eric.

11-21-2008, 07:16 AM	#25
jslifoaw Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Toronto/Victoria Posts: 460	There is a K55/2.0 which is not very common. The M42 55/2.0 is much easier to find, the K-mount one isn't.

11-21-2008, 11:20 AM	#26
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	Originally posted by Miserere So why is nobody buying my Pentax-M 50mm f/1.4 priced at $110 BIN shipped ($82.50 after cashback)? The price isn't out of line, but it is definitely possible - and not difficult - to find it for rather cheaper. I see it in pawn shops for $90-$100 usually, and KEH lists it as $89 in EX condition. True, shipping will push that closer to or even over $100, but $89 still looks good. But I think as soon as the quoted price crosses the $100 threshold, people start noticing that for not much more, they can get a brand new FA50.

11-21-2008, 11:58 AM	#27
séamuis Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Savannah, U.S./Baguio City, P.H. Posts: 5,979	Originally posted by jslifoaw There is a K55/2.0 which is not very common. The M42 55/2.0 is much easier to find, the K-mount one isn't. so you are saying that his is the real deal? do you have any information or any links where I might educate myself?

11-21-2008, 09:46 PM	#28
jocko_nc Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NC USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 251 Original Poster	Man, if I thought this was the Real Deal, I would have not mentioned it. Rather, I would have snapped it right up. I hope I did not blow a real score...

11-22-2008, 03:31 PM	#29
Miserere Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Boston Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,993	Originally posted by jslifoaw There is a K55/2.0 which is not very common. The M42 55/2.0 is much easier to find, the K-mount one isn't. Really? That's cool. I've got a Pentax-K 55mm f/2. I'm going to put it on eBay for $200 right now. I wonder if I can ask for $300 if I paint the SMC red...

11-22-2008, 11:15 PM	#30
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Miserere Really? That's cool. I've got a Pentax-K 55mm f/2. I'm going to put it on eBay for $200 right now. I wonder if I can ask for $300 if I paint the SMC red... I would paint it GOLD and ask $400... Steve