Bought a couple of new lenses, but are they any good?

atrox · 01-04-2009, 03:04 AM

Hi
Greetings from up north - my first post here, and the first time in many years that I actually write anything in english (so sorry for any typos).

I have bought 8 M42 screwmount lenses, some of them I have managed to find info about (google), but many of them are quite unknown.

Pentax SMC 35mm f:3,5
Chinon 35mm f:2,8
Fujinon 55mm f:1,8
Zenith Helios 44-M4 58mm f:2
Pentax SMC 55mm f:1,8
Pentax SmC 135mm f:3,5
Zessan Zoom 40 - 105mm f:3,5
Yaschica Yashinon 300mm f:5,6

If any of you have information or url`s to reviews of any of these lenses I would be very happy

Kind regard
Jon - Norway

**Kerrowdown** · 01-04-2009, 03:18 AM

Firstly welcome to the forum and a Happy New year to you and yours.

There is a lens review section on this forum, for both Pantax and others, might be a good place to start.

Abbazz · 01-04-2009, 03:40 AM

Originally posted by atrox

Pentax SMC 35mm f:3,5
Chinon 35mm f:2,8
Fujinon 55mm f:1,8
Zenith Helios 44-M4 58mm f:2
Pentax SMC 55mm f:1,8
Pentax SmC 135mm f:3,5
Zessan Zoom 40 - 105mm f:3,5
Yaschica Yashinon 300mm f:5,6

If any of you have information or url`s to reviews of any of these lenses I would be very happy

Welcome to the forum.

You will probably find out that most of these lenses -- if they have not been abused -- are still able to deliver very nice pictures, some of them (SMC Pentax 35/3.5, 55/1.8 & 135/3.5, Helios 58/2, Fujinon 55/1.8) equaling or exceeding the image quality of modern lenses.

Here are some links were you should be able to find some info:
M42 lenses
Manual Focus Lenses

Cheers!

Abbazz

Mike Cash · 01-04-2009, 04:13 AM

Originally posted by atrox

Pentax SMC 35mm f:3,5

Photos from this one

Quote:

Pentax SMC 55mm f:1,8

Photos from that one

Quote:

Pentax SmC 135mm f:3,5

And photos from that one as well

If they are in good condition I think you will be very happy with them.

wallyb · 01-04-2009, 04:22 AM

Originally posted by Mike Cash

Photos from this one

Photos from that one

And photos from that one as well

If they are in good condition I think you will be very happy with them.

Ahhh all your pictures are so small...

atrox · 01-05-2009, 02:23 AM

Thankz for answering.
Mike: your pictures are awesome, just can`t wait for the postman to bring my new toys so I can start playing

Mike Cash · 01-05-2009, 04:03 AM

Originally posted by wallyb

Ahhh all your pictures are so small...

They're thumbnails. Did you try clicking on any of them?

I hope you're just pulling my leg and I was just dumb enough to fall for it. The alternative is too depressing to consider.

atrox · 01-08-2009, 08:45 AM

Just got my lenses and all off the Pentax-lenses are Takumar-lenses. What is the difference between ordinary Pentax-lenses and the Takumar-lenses? Have I understood it right if I believe that Takumar`s are better?
(I`m new into DSLR - sorry if it`s a stupid question

)

axl · 01-08-2009, 08:53 AM

Originally posted by atrox

Just got my lenses and all off the Pentax-lenses are Takumar-lenses. What is the difference between ordinary Pentax-lenses and the Takumar-lenses? Have I understood it right if I believe that Takumar`s are better?
(I`m new into DSLR - sorry if it`s a stupid question

)

It never hurts to ask...
Takumars are lenses manufactured during M42 era, there were Takumars, Super Takumars etc etc (I'd recommend asking Mike Cash, I believe he'd know much more about those than me). Are they better? Not neccesarely but many have venerable reputation, and they are still very capable lenses. As M42 mounts there will be some limitation in functionality but opticaly and build quality wise they are great! Just try to avoid and Takumar named lens that doesn't feature M42 thread but has K bayonet instead! They don't have very good reputation...
Before you ask question about other lenses, have a look here:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-photography-knowledge-base/43148-p...ens-codes.html
BR

stevebrot · 01-08-2009, 09:34 AM

Most of the lenses on your list should be pretty good. Some are better than pretty good. So much depends on condition. If they are all in good shape, none will disappoint (with the possible exception of the Chinon and the Zessan(?)). The best way to find out is to go out and take some photos. In practice, you will soon discover which lenses you like and which you want to sell.

Enjoy!

Steve

BTW...post your pictures here when you can. We all love it when someone shares!

atrox · 01-08-2009, 12:36 PM

Asahi Pentax SMC Takumar 1:1.8/55

Exif:
Camera Brand: PENTAX Corporation
Camera Model: PENTAX K200D
Exposure Time: 1/8 sec.
ISO Speed Rating: 400
Exposure Program: Manual
Focal Length: 55,0 mm
Software: K200D Ver 1.00

Picture cropped and scaled only.

This is just plain fun

atrox · 01-08-2009, 12:41 PM

axl: Thanks for replying, I found a informative Wiki-article with all the info I needed. Should off course have googled it before I posted

Stevebrot: Looks like they are all in good condition, will post here or in the 3-party thread

**Lowell Goudge** · 01-08-2009, 12:55 PM

Originally posted by atrox

Hi
Greetings from up north - my first post here, and the first time in many years that I actually write anything in english (so sorry for any typos).

I have bought 8 M42 screwmount lenses, some of them I have managed to find info about (google), but many of them are quite unknown.

Pentax SMC 35mm f:3,5
Chinon 35mm f:2,8
Fujinon 55mm f:1,8
Zenith Helios 44-M4 58mm f:2
Pentax SMC 55mm f:1,8
Pentax SmC 135mm f:3,5
Zessan Zoom 40 - 105mm f:3,5
Yaschica Yashinon 300mm f:5,6

If any of you have information or url`s to reviews of any of these lenses I would be very happy

Kind regard
Jon - Norway

They are not necessairly the highest specified lenses, as there are 35mm F2 lenses, 55 mm F1.4 lenses and 135mm F2.5 lenses, but some of these I am mentioning can be expensive. Therefore I think how good is relitive to what you paid.

As others have suggested there is the lens review data base, and I would also suggest after you try each one, that you share this information with other forum members by adding your own reviews, especially if there is not already a review of each specific lens you have.

atrox · 01-08-2009, 01:18 PM

I gave about 130 USD or 95 EUR for everything (with post/packaging), and also recieved a teleconverter and a macro"thing" that I don`t know how works yet

Will try to post som reviews when I have tested some more

Mike Cash · 01-09-2009, 06:47 AM

Originally posted by atrox

This is just plain fun

Welcome to the addiction. Fortunately, it is a very cheap vice.

01-04-2009, 03:04 AM	#1
atrox Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Norway Posts: 13	Bought a couple of new lenses, but are they any good? Hi Greetings from up north - my first post here, and the first time in many years that I actually write anything in english (so sorry for any typos). I have bought 8 M42 screwmount lenses, some of them I have managed to find info about (google), but many of them are quite unknown. Pentax SMC 35mm f:3,5 Chinon 35mm f:2,8 Fujinon 55mm f:1,8 Zenith Helios 44-M4 58mm f:2 Pentax SMC 55mm f:1,8 Pentax SmC 135mm f:3,5 Zessan Zoom 40 - 105mm f:3,5 Yaschica Yashinon 300mm f:5,6 If any of you have information or url`s to reviews of any of these lenses I would be very happy Kind regard Jon - Norway

01-08-2009, 08:45 AM	#8
atrox Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Norway Posts: 13 Original Poster	Tacumar? Just got my lenses and all off the Pentax-lenses are Takumar-lenses. What is the difference between ordinary Pentax-lenses and the Takumar-lenses? Have I understood it right if I believe that Takumar`s are better? (I`m new into DSLR - sorry if it`s a stupid question )

01-08-2009, 12:36 PM	#11
atrox Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Norway Posts: 13 Original Poster	First testshot Asahi Pentax SMC Takumar 1:1.8/55 Exif: Camera Brand: PENTAX Corporation Camera Model: PENTAX K200D Exposure Time: 1/8 sec. ISO Speed Rating: 400 Exposure Program: Manual Focal Length: 55,0 mm Software: K200D Ver 1.00 Picture cropped and scaled only. This is just plain fun Attached Images

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Bought a Couple Old Lenses	krp	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	16	10-14-2010 02:06 PM
Bought a k-7 a couple of hours ago...	thisischristian	Welcomes and Introductions	3	12-11-2009 12:37 PM
just bought a samsung GX1S need help for lenses.	naughty.smurf	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	5	03-15-2009 11:20 AM
Just bought a DA 50-135--flash help, and returning lenses	riotsquad	Pentax DSLR Discussion	1	06-26-2008 04:26 PM
Wow! I thought I had bought a good camera system	racinsince55	General Talk	11	06-13-2008 04:19 PM

01-04-2009, 03:18 AM	#2
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,860	Firstly welcome to the forum and a Happy New year to you and yours. There is a lens review section on this forum, for both Pantax and others, might be a good place to start.

01-04-2009, 03:40 AM	#3
Abbazz Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Jakarta Posts: 667	Originally posted by atrox Pentax SMC 35mm f:3,5 Chinon 35mm f:2,8 Fujinon 55mm f:1,8 Zenith Helios 44-M4 58mm f:2 Pentax SMC 55mm f:1,8 Pentax SmC 135mm f:3,5 Zessan Zoom 40 - 105mm f:3,5 Yaschica Yashinon 300mm f:5,6 If any of you have information or url`s to reviews of any of these lenses I would be very happy Welcome to the forum. You will probably find out that most of these lenses -- if they have not been abused -- are still able to deliver very nice pictures, some of them (SMC Pentax 35/3.5, 55/1.8 & 135/3.5, Helios 58/2, Fujinon 55/1.8) equaling or exceeding the image quality of modern lenses. Here are some links were you should be able to find some info: M42 lenses Manual Focus Lenses Cheers! Abbazz

01-04-2009, 04:13 AM	#4
Mike Cash Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Japan Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,950	Originally posted by atrox Pentax SMC 35mm f:3,5 Photos from this one Quote: Pentax SMC 55mm f:1,8 Photos from that one Quote: Pentax SmC 135mm f:3,5 And photos from that one as well If they are in good condition I think you will be very happy with them.

01-04-2009, 04:22 AM	#5
wallyb Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: The Untied States Photos: Albums Posts: 1,881	Originally posted by Mike Cash Photos from this one Photos from that one And photos from that one as well If they are in good condition I think you will be very happy with them. Ahhh all your pictures are so small...

01-05-2009, 02:23 AM	#6
atrox Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Norway Posts: 13 Original Poster	Thankz for answering. Mike: your pictures are awesome, just can`t wait for the postman to bring my new toys so I can start playing

01-05-2009, 04:03 AM	#7
Mike Cash Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Japan Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,950	Originally posted by wallyb Ahhh all your pictures are so small... They're thumbnails. Did you try clicking on any of them? I hope you're just pulling my leg and I was just dumb enough to fall for it. The alternative is too depressing to consider.

01-08-2009, 08:53 AM	#9
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183	Originally posted by atrox Just got my lenses and all off the Pentax-lenses are Takumar-lenses. What is the difference between ordinary Pentax-lenses and the Takumar-lenses? Have I understood it right if I believe that Takumar`s are better? (I`m new into DSLR - sorry if it`s a stupid question ) It never hurts to ask... Takumars are lenses manufactured during M42 era, there were Takumars, Super Takumars etc etc (I'd recommend asking Mike Cash, I believe he'd know much more about those than me). Are they better? Not neccesarely but many have venerable reputation, and they are still very capable lenses. As M42 mounts there will be some limitation in functionality but opticaly and build quality wise they are great! Just try to avoid and Takumar named lens that doesn't feature M42 thread but has K bayonet instead! They don't have very good reputation... Before you ask question about other lenses, have a look here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-photography-knowledge-base/43148-p...ens-codes.html BR

01-08-2009, 09:34 AM	#10
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Most of the lenses on your list should be pretty good. Some are better than pretty good. So much depends on condition. If they are all in good shape, none will disappoint (with the possible exception of the Chinon and the Zessan(?)). The best way to find out is to go out and take some photos. In practice, you will soon discover which lenses you like and which you want to sell. Enjoy! Steve BTW...post your pictures here when you can. We all love it when someone shares!

01-08-2009, 12:41 PM	#12
atrox Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Norway Posts: 13 Original Poster	axl: Thanks for replying, I found a informative Wiki-article with all the info I needed. Should off course have googled it before I posted Stevebrot: Looks like they are all in good condition, will post here or in the 3-party thread

01-08-2009, 12:55 PM	#13
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,891	Originally posted by atrox Hi Greetings from up north - my first post here, and the first time in many years that I actually write anything in english (so sorry for any typos). I have bought 8 M42 screwmount lenses, some of them I have managed to find info about (google), but many of them are quite unknown. Pentax SMC 35mm f:3,5 Chinon 35mm f:2,8 Fujinon 55mm f:1,8 Zenith Helios 44-M4 58mm f:2 Pentax SMC 55mm f:1,8 Pentax SmC 135mm f:3,5 Zessan Zoom 40 - 105mm f:3,5 Yaschica Yashinon 300mm f:5,6 If any of you have information or url`s to reviews of any of these lenses I would be very happy Kind regard Jon - Norway They are not necessairly the highest specified lenses, as there are 35mm F2 lenses, 55 mm F1.4 lenses and 135mm F2.5 lenses, but some of these I am mentioning can be expensive. Therefore I think how good is relitive to what you paid. As others have suggested there is the lens review data base, and I would also suggest after you try each one, that you share this information with other forum members by adding your own reviews, especially if there is not already a review of each specific lens you have.

01-08-2009, 01:18 PM	#14
atrox Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Norway Posts: 13 Original Poster	I gave about 130 USD or 95 EUR for everything (with post/packaging), and also recieved a teleconverter and a macro"thing" that I don`t know how works yet Will try to post som reviews when I have tested some more

01-09-2009, 06:47 AM	#15
Mike Cash Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Japan Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,950	Originally posted by atrox This is just plain fun Welcome to the addiction. Fortunately, it is a very cheap vice.