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06-17-2021, 10:34 PM   #1
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Is a Pentax-M 100 f/2.8 lens better optically than a SMC Takumar 105mm?

The reason I ask is my neighbour has a Pentax-M 100 mm f/2.8 for sale for $100 CAD (roughly $75 USD) and it is in pretty good shape. I had been looking for the older 105mm lens, but if the Pentax-M version is similar in optical quality, I will probably buy it.

Your opinions about which lens is better please...

The same neighbour also had a Pentax-M 28mm f/2.8 lens, but I already bought it for $75 CAD. It was in great shape, and I don't think Pentax made a better 28mm lens. I was pretty happy to take it off his hands.

Too bad he hasn't found his old Pentax MX camera setup yet. He swears it is in his home somewhere...

06-17-2021, 11:17 PM   #2
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I don't own either so I can only refer to the reviews of both lenses when it comes to IQ and it seems the M might be sharper, but with prime lenses I don't think you can go amiss with any of them.

My personal preference would be the M 100/2.8 lens because of the more convenient K mount bayonet though.
06-17-2021, 11:46 PM - 1 Like   #3
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I am a new owner of an S-M-C Tak 105/2.8 and have been very pleased my initial test shots. The direct K-mount carryover model is the SMC Pentax-K 105/2.8 featuring the same design in a K-mount body.

The M 100/2.8 is of similar design, but breaks out the rear doublet as two separate elements. Both the Tak 105 and M 100 have a strong following here and prices for either tend to be on the high side. I paid $135 USD for mine from KEH in Ex condition with no caps or case and actual condition being as nice as anything on my shelf. If it were me, I would jump at the M 100/2.8 at $75 USD if it is in decent condition.

As noted above, K-mount using aperture ring is much easier than adapted M42 on a Pentax dSLR. FWIW, the Pentax-K 105/2.8 is usually the most expensive of the three.

Note: My only rub with the S-M-C Tak 105/2.8 at present is the 1.2m minimum focus distance. The Pentax-M 100/2.8 is 1.0m.


Steve

Last edited by stevebrot; 06-18-2021 at 12:01 AM.
06-18-2021, 12:45 AM   #4
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Buy the M 100. If you don't, and it is sold to someone else, and if you don't find your Tak, you will regret it.

06-18-2021, 02:29 AM   #5
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I have the M 100/2.8, sadly I can only comment on that one and not on the Tak 105.
The M is an excellent lens, plus it's very very compact (even more than the vintage Nikon that Nikonians usually brag about re. compactness) and built like a tank.
For 75 $ I wouldn't have a doubt in my mind.
06-18-2021, 04:23 AM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by Kendra59 Quote
The reason I ask is my neighbour has a Pentax-M 100 mm f/2.8 for sale for $100 CAD (roughly $75 USD) and it is in pretty good shape
Give it a try-out. Individual lenses can still have sample variation, or develop problems over the years.

QuoteOriginally posted by Kendra59 Quote
The same neighbour also had a Pentax-M 28mm f/2.8 lens, but I already bought it for $75 CAD. It was in great shape, and I don't think Pentax made a better 28mm lens.
I still have my old M 28mm 2.8. It sold in large numbers and is an extremely capable lens. The M 28mm 3.5 and K 28mm 3.5 are better regarded lenses however, and the K 28mm f2.0 "Hollywood" lens is in a league all of its own
06-18-2021, 05:16 AM   #7
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the M 100/2.8 is a superb lens. It is sharp and has a ceamy Bokeh. One of my oldest lenses I never would sell.

06-18-2021, 06:43 AM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by Kendra59 Quote
The reason I ask is my neighbour has a Pentax-M 100 mm f/2.8 for sale for $100 CAD (roughly $75 USD) and it is in pretty good shape. I had been looking for the older 105mm lens, but if the Pentax-M version is similar in optical quality, I will probably buy it.
I have not used the Tak, but have used the M. It's a fine lens, compact, good quality. It's simpler to use than an M42 lens, and if you don't like it you can resell it.
06-18-2021, 06:53 AM   #9
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I think the M is the same optically as the A? The A is really excellent in any case. I've had the 105 Tak as well, but without the SMC coatings -- also good, but I liked the feel and focusing action of the A better.
06-18-2021, 02:52 PM   #10
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I have the M100/2.8 and the K105/2.8, which is similar to the SMC Takumar 105/2.8.

I like the M100/2.8 and it's a smaller lens with good optics & build. However the K105/2.8 is at another even higher level, though you will have to pay more for it.

If I had to choose one it would be the K Series 105.

Phil.
06-18-2021, 06:44 PM   #11
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I once borrowed a M 100 from my neighbor and really liked it. Still can't talk her into selling it even though she never uses it or her K1000.
06-19-2021, 04:27 AM   #12
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I have an M 100/2.8. It was the third Pentax lens I bought new and I still love it. I don't use as much as I should as I tend to reach for the Samyang 85/1.4 bokeh monster. Call me a Phillistine.

If you can get one for a good price, just grab it before it's gone. It is hard to say how it matches up to the Tak, which was not designed with lightness and compactness in mind. It will be close and it will be interesting to investigate if have both. The SMC recipe changed subtly over the years and colors will differ a little. Even if you don't like the M you should be able to find a buyer.
06-19-2021, 04:33 AM   #13
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I got the tak 105 years ago and have hardly touched it. The times i did the pictures were ok, not outstanding, i'll give it another go now on full frame and see what its like. I think for 100CAD you can't really go wrong though.
06-19-2021, 07:06 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by Wasp Quote
It is hard to say how it matches up to the Tak, which was not designed with lightness and compactness in mind.
S-M-C Tak 105/2.8
Size: 57x63mm
Weight: 278gm

Pentax-M 100/2.8
Size: 62.5x55.7mm
Weight: 225gm

Similar volumes, but 53gm lighter. The change to the rear groups shaved off a lot of glass.


Steve
06-22-2021, 04:35 PM - 4 Likes   #15
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I bought the Pentax-M 100mm f/2.8 lens

I picked it up this morning for $100 CAD. The lens was in really nice shape, although it was covered with a lot of dust. It came with a Haze filter that was damaged, but the front of the lens itself was fine. I just spent 45 minutes cleaning it up, and plan to go out with it in the morning to take a few test photos before things get too hot.
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