Macro focusing with SMC Pentax 35-70mm F3.5-4.5

**FlyingEagle** · 04-27-2021, 03:44 PM

Thanks in advance for your response.

I picked up the SMC Pentax 35-70mm F3.5-4.5 off ebay for a great price, mainly to use the pseudo macro. According to the Pentax Forum review, it should focus to 32 cm or approx 12.5 inches, which it does at 35mm.

1: Is there something other than turning the zoom ring to the green 70mm to get to Macro, or should it move further into the green line zone for macro? I don't want to force anything.

2: At 70mm it will only focus 30" distant from the subject, at 50mm about 20" and at 35mm a little over a foot. Am I missing something?

**othar** · 04-27-2021, 04:20 PM

Originally posted by FlyingEagle

1: Is there something other than turning the zoom ring to the green 70mm to get to Macro, or should it move further into the green line zone for macro? I don't want to force anything.

At 70mm there is some resistance (it's the end of the commonly used focal range), push further until you get to the green line and you are at the close focus area.

**TwoUptons** · 04-27-2021, 04:30 PM

When you’re in the green zone, you can adjust the area of effective focus somewhat, and autofocus will work within that range. It’s pretty handy...

-Eric

**ramseybuckeye** · 04-27-2021, 05:16 PM - **1 Like**

You've already go the right answer, and it really works well, great little lens, congrats on getting it.

JPT · 04-27-2021, 06:49 PM

I have two copies and both of them require a little force to get into macro mode. I think it's an intentional design point to make sure you don't do it accidentally.

Having said that, it is nothing like the force you'd need to open a jam jar. It's just noticeably stiffer than the rest of the range.

**mikesbike** · 04-27-2021, 08:10 PM

I have not yet tried the close focusing on mine, though I've had it for years. Thanks for providing this interest. I got it for my film bodies before getting into digital, so now I am looking forward to putting it on m K-1 II. Mine has a problem with a piece of trim around the center coming unglued and then protruding outward. Anyone have this happen? And any suggestions for a specific glue to apply to the underneath of the part of this trim that is now arching off the lens?

**DonV** · 04-27-2021, 09:03 PM

I bought one recently-after reading the reviews; it is a great little lens.

**pentaxus** · 04-27-2021, 10:03 PM

Try contact cement. You will need to press the corner down firmly for a while. If you have a mini-clamp leave it on overnight.

**K(s)evin** · 04-28-2021, 01:05 AM

Originally posted by pentaxus

Try contact cement. You will need to press the corner down firmly for a while. If you have a mini-clamp leave it on overnight.

Huh??

**othar** · 04-28-2021, 01:39 AM

Originally posted by K(s)evin

Huh??

I think that was the answer to mikesbike's post.

**FlyingEagle** · 04-28-2021, 03:24 PM

Thanks everyone... it just needed a little extra force to move into the macro mode. Otherwise the lens works perfectly, takes great pix and the macro mode works nicely. The macro images it provides are more than sufficient without investing in a dedicated macro lens. I am very happy with it.

Originally posted by JPT

I have two copies and both of them require a little force to get into macro mode. I think it's an intentional design point to make sure you don't do it accidentally.

Having said that, it is nothing like the force you'd need to open a jam jar. It's just noticeably stiffer than the rest of the range.

Phyllis · 04-28-2021, 03:40 PM

I have one and my plan is to use it after flowers start blooming. It came in a box of “old camera stuff” off of FBMP. Looks like it’s never been used.

04-27-2021, 03:44 PM	#1
FlyingEagle Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: West Palm Beach Posts: 56	Macro focusing with SMC Pentax 35-70mm F3.5-4.5 Thanks in advance for your response. I picked up the SMC Pentax 35-70mm F3.5-4.5 off ebay for a great price, mainly to use the pseudo macro. According to the Pentax Forum review, it should focus to 32 cm or approx 12.5 inches, which it does at 35mm. 1: Is there something other than turning the zoom ring to the green 70mm to get to Macro, or should it move further into the green line zone for macro? I don't want to force anything. 2: At 70mm it will only focus 30" distant from the subject, at 50mm about 20" and at 35mm a little over a foot. Am I missing something?

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04-27-2021, 04:20 PM	#2
othar Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Linz Photos: Albums Posts: 3,098	Originally posted by FlyingEagle 1: Is there something other than turning the zoom ring to the green 70mm to get to Macro, or should it move further into the green line zone for macro? I don't want to force anything. At 70mm there is some resistance (it's the end of the commonly used focal range), push further until you get to the green line and you are at the close focus area.

04-27-2021, 04:30 PM	#3
TwoUptons Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,214	When you’re in the green zone, you can adjust the area of effective focus somewhat, and autofocus will work within that range. It’s pretty handy... -Eric

04-27-2021, 05:16 PM - 1 Like	#4
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,292	You've already go the right answer, and it really works well, great little lens, congrats on getting it.

04-27-2021, 06:49 PM	#5
JPT Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Tokyo Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,821	I have two copies and both of them require a little force to get into macro mode. I think it's an intentional design point to make sure you don't do it accidentally. Having said that, it is nothing like the force you'd need to open a jam jar. It's just noticeably stiffer than the rest of the range.

04-27-2021, 08:10 PM	#6
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,549	I have not yet tried the close focusing on mine, though I've had it for years. Thanks for providing this interest. I got it for my film bodies before getting into digital, so now I am looking forward to putting it on m K-1 II. Mine has a problem with a piece of trim around the center coming unglued and then protruding outward. Anyone have this happen? And any suggestions for a specific glue to apply to the underneath of the part of this trim that is now arching off the lens?

04-27-2021, 09:03 PM	#7
DonV Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Near Charlotte NC Photos: Albums Posts: 693	I bought one recently-after reading the reviews; it is a great little lens.

04-27-2021, 10:03 PM	#8
pentaxus Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Central Coast, CA Posts: 1,313	Try contact cement. You will need to press the corner down firmly for a while. If you have a mini-clamp leave it on overnight.

04-28-2021, 01:05 AM	#9
K(s)evin Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Colorado Posts: 476	Originally posted by pentaxus Try contact cement. You will need to press the corner down firmly for a while. If you have a mini-clamp leave it on overnight. Huh??

04-28-2021, 01:39 AM	#10
othar Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Linz Photos: Albums Posts: 3,098	Originally posted by K(s)evin Huh?? I think that was the answer to mikesbike's post.

04-28-2021, 03:24 PM	#11
FlyingEagle Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: West Palm Beach Posts: 56 Original Poster	Thanks everyone... it just needed a little extra force to move into the macro mode. Otherwise the lens works perfectly, takes great pix and the macro mode works nicely. The macro images it provides are more than sufficient without investing in a dedicated macro lens. I am very happy with it. Originally posted by JPT I have two copies and both of them require a little force to get into macro mode. I think it's an intentional design point to make sure you don't do it accidentally. Having said that, it is nothing like the force you'd need to open a jam jar. It's just noticeably stiffer than the rest of the range.

04-28-2021, 03:40 PM	#12
Phyllis Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Tennessee Photos: Albums Posts: 181	I have one and my plan is to use it after flowers start blooming. It came in a box of “old camera stuff” off of FBMP. Looks like it’s never been used.