Advice for f1.4 lens? (not as simple as it sounds? or maybe it is..)

newarts · 05-05-2009, 04:26 PM

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Originally posted by eyou

i think its a great price now that im doing some research....
really i just needed some people to chime in and agree so i could get it and not feel guilty

I'd certainly get it. It'd be great to have the sharpness of the Taks & the advantages of the A.

dave sz · 05-05-2009, 04:49 PM

Originally posted by res3567

Just bought me a Super Tak 50mm f/1.4

Paid a little over $80.

Check this out.

Pentax S Mt. Super-Takumar 50mm f1.4 Prime Lens - eBay (item 220408890506 end time May-04-09 23:32:18 PDT)

wow, I didn't know the super taks went up in price so much. I got mine for less than half that some year ago, dented filter threads...

res3567 · 05-05-2009, 06:23 PM

Originally posted by dave sz

wow, I didn't know the super taks went up in price so much. I got mine for less than half that some year ago, dented filter threads...

Probably the popularity among Pentax Users who saw the new DSLRs (K100D K10D, K200D, K20D) as potent image making machines when it comes to using legendary lenses such as the Super Taks and the SMC K moounts.

Features of these cameras improved dramatically over the *ist D series starting with the name!

stevebrot · 05-05-2009, 06:33 PM

Originally posted by dave sz

wow, I didn't know the super taks went up in price so much. I got mine for less than half that some year ago, dented filter threads...

I was thinking the same thing. I bought a cosmetically perfect Super-Multi-Coated Tak 50/1.4 about a year ago for $75 at auction and felt I was paying premium money.

Steve

(Unfortunately, it had a fungus infection, so I sent it back...)

eyou · 05-05-2009, 07:34 PM

unfortunately, they could not find the lens or sold it already and did not put it into the computer

. so back to square one.

sadly i still dont have a m42 adapter for my camera.... maybe its time to get one.

how often do the cosina 55mm 1.2 come up in ebay?

res3567 · 05-05-2009, 07:57 PM

Originally posted by eyou

unfortunately, they could not find the lens or sold it already and did not put it into the computer

. so back to square one.

sadly i still dont have a m42 adapter for my camera.... maybe its time to get one.

how often do the cosina 55mm 1.2 come up in ebay?

Got mine of of EBAY.

Get the Pentax version I've been told.

It cost about $30 but it is well worth it!

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PentHassyKon · 05-05-2009, 09:46 PM

Originally posted by eyou

how often do the cosina 55mm 1.2 come up in ebay?

For a while there it seemed like there was one every week
there was one seller that sold quite a few of them, IIRC jrace is his ebay id.

Do a search for completed listings of pentax cosina 55mm and it should show up.
There is also a Revuenon brand. There's a thread in here that talks about the other 55mm 1.2 brands that are similar

edit: here's a thread about the different 55mm 1.2's for Pentax: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/51288-help-nee...-2-jungle.html

farfisa · 05-06-2009, 06:55 AM

Originally posted by eyou

unfortunately, they could not find the lens or sold it already and did not put it into the computer

. so back to square one.

sadly i still dont have a m42 adapter for my camera.... maybe its time to get one.

how often do the cosina 55mm 1.2 come up in ebay?

Here's the last one I saw--went cheap ($172.50), and PentHassyKon was right about the seller:
Pentax / Cosina 55 mm f1:1.2 lens, Very Rare - (eBay.ca item 130298538644 end time 07-Apr-09 12:52:22 EDT)

They usually go for at least $200.

I don't think you should mourn the A50 1.4--they're everywhere!

I think you should go for the Nokton anyway (got one and love it), or if you want to splurge and get something AF that will match the rest of your kit, the DA*55. I've tried one for a few days and the bokeh is very close to the Nokton and the colour, contrast and sharpness are all excellent.

Hell, what's someone with two 31 limiteds looking at a $90 lens for anyway?

Parallax · 05-06-2009, 09:19 AM

Originally posted by Nesster

Just out of curiosity, what brands is the Cosina sold / found under?

One of the brands that Cosina Mfg lenses is sold under is Zeiss, and I believe they made some of the Pentax Ltd lenses.

PentHassyKon · 05-06-2009, 11:45 AM

Originally posted by farfisa

Hell, what's someone with two 31 limiteds looking at a $90 lens for anyway?

Isn't this one of the symptoms of LBA?
".... heck its only $$$, what have i got to lose..." said the Pentaxian.

beaumont · 05-06-2009, 11:59 AM

Originally posted by Nesster

I understand that LBA comes on heavy... but I'm wondering, what situations are you in where 1.4 vs. 1.8 or 1.9 will make or break the photo?

Super/S-M-C/SMC Taks are not necessarily better IQ wise than later lenses. In fact, often the later ones are better at the margins of performance. The Taks have going for them: low price, excellent metal construction, cool factor, and so on.

With screw mount lenses, you need to be in 'M' mode on the lens itself, so the aperture moves directly with the aperture ring, rather via the pin in the mount. Av is usable this way: You focus wide open or reasonably close... and then stop the lens down via the aperture ring. The camera sets shutter speed. Usually you need to dial in exposure compensation. The camera does not record focal length or aperture.

An SMC-A lens is the most useful mf lens, as it retains full compatibility with the digital bodies. The workmanship and materials are good as well. All K-A lenses allow the setting of aperture via the camera.

If you really are needing that 1.4 the SMC-A is an excellent choice. I do notice the fov difference between my 43 and my 50's.

I was thinking along the same lines. I have a couple of 1.8's and lately if I ever require a faster speed, I'll change the ISO (and clean it up with Lightroom if required). Now I was planning on taking some test shots to see what impact the ISO has on shutter speed, but I'm guessing that someone who knows the answer will likely chime in?...

farfisa · 05-06-2009, 01:56 PM

Originally posted by PentHassyKon

Isn't this one of the symptoms of LBA?
".... heck its only $$$, what have i got to lose..." said the Pentaxian.

Too true--damn them for keeping the M42's next to the register!!!

eyou · 05-06-2009, 07:17 PM

Originally posted by PentHassyKon

Isn't this one of the symptoms of LBA?
".... heck its only $$$, what have i got to lose..." said the Pentaxian.

I got the 31mm at first in a bulk buy in order to try to reduce the costs of 43mm and 21mm (they were only $300 each after getting the 31mm!!). I was planning on selling it but that just didnt happen.

THen i found another 31mm for much cheaper than average, so I'm just sitting on 2 right now. I will be selling one soon tho...

**Digitalis** · 05-07-2009, 12:19 AM

the Pentax K 50mm f/1.2 is a good match for the FA77 and FA31. they all perform at a uniformly high level.

HoHo · 05-07-2009, 04:59 AM

I have also the 31er and the 77er Limited, for me the best Lens in the middle is the Zeiss ZK 50 1.4 Planar. You have the same build quality like your Limiteds and also the same quality in your pics.

So sell on off your 31er Limited and buy the Zeiss.

I love these Lens.

Cheers Holger

05-05-2009, 07:57 PM	#21
res3567 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Houston Tx. Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,876	Originally posted by eyou unfortunately, they could not find the lens or sold it already and did not put it into the computer . so back to square one. sadly i still dont have a m42 adapter for my camera.... maybe its time to get one. how often do the cosina 55mm 1.2 come up in ebay? Got mine of of EBAY. Get the Pentax version I've been told. It cost about $30 but it is well worth it! Last edited by res3567; 05-05-2009 at 08:08 PM.

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05-05-2009, 04:26 PM	#16
newarts Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Ames, Iowa, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 2,965	Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Originally posted by eyou i think its a great price now that im doing some research.... really i just needed some people to chime in and agree so i could get it and not feel guilty I'd certainly get it. It'd be great to have the sharpness of the Taks & the advantages of the A.

05-05-2009, 04:49 PM	#17
dave sz Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: carpentersville, IL Posts: 693	Originally posted by res3567 Just bought me a Super Tak 50mm f/1.4 Paid a little over $80. Check this out. Pentax S Mt. Super-Takumar 50mm f1.4 Prime Lens - eBay (item 220408890506 end time May-04-09 23:32:18 PDT) wow, I didn't know the super taks went up in price so much. I got mine for less than half that some year ago, dented filter threads...

05-05-2009, 06:23 PM	#18
res3567 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Houston Tx. Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,876	Originally posted by dave sz wow, I didn't know the super taks went up in price so much. I got mine for less than half that some year ago, dented filter threads... Probably the popularity among Pentax Users who saw the new DSLRs (K100D K10D, K200D, K20D) as potent image making machines when it comes to using legendary lenses such as the Super Taks and the SMC K moounts. Features of these cameras improved dramatically over the *ist D series starting with the name!

05-05-2009, 06:33 PM	#19
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by dave sz wow, I didn't know the super taks went up in price so much. I got mine for less than half that some year ago, dented filter threads... I was thinking the same thing. I bought a cosmetically perfect Super-Multi-Coated Tak 50/1.4 about a year ago for $75 at auction and felt I was paying premium money. Steve (Unfortunately, it had a fungus infection, so I sent it back...)

05-05-2009, 07:34 PM	#20
eyou Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 224 Original Poster	unfortunately, they could not find the lens or sold it already and did not put it into the computer . so back to square one. sadly i still dont have a m42 adapter for my camera.... maybe its time to get one. how often do the cosina 55mm 1.2 come up in ebay?

05-05-2009, 09:46 PM	#22
PentHassyKon Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 415	Originally posted by eyou how often do the cosina 55mm 1.2 come up in ebay? For a while there it seemed like there was one every week there was one seller that sold quite a few of them, IIRC jrace is his ebay id. Do a search for completed listings of pentax cosina 55mm and it should show up. There is also a Revuenon brand. There's a thread in here that talks about the other 55mm 1.2 brands that are similar edit: here's a thread about the different 55mm 1.2's for Pentax: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/51288-help-nee...-2-jungle.html

05-06-2009, 06:55 AM	#23
farfisa Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Toronto, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,274	Originally posted by eyou unfortunately, they could not find the lens or sold it already and did not put it into the computer . so back to square one. sadly i still dont have a m42 adapter for my camera.... maybe its time to get one. how often do the cosina 55mm 1.2 come up in ebay? Here's the last one I saw--went cheap ($172.50), and PentHassyKon was right about the seller: Pentax / Cosina 55 mm f1:1.2 lens, Very Rare - (eBay.ca item 130298538644 end time 07-Apr-09 12:52:22 EDT) They usually go for at least $200. I don't think you should mourn the A50 1.4--they're everywhere! I think you should go for the Nokton anyway (got one and love it), or if you want to splurge and get something AF that will match the rest of your kit, the DA*55. I've tried one for a few days and the bokeh is very close to the Nokton and the colour, contrast and sharpness are all excellent. Hell, what's someone with two 31 limiteds looking at a $90 lens for anyway?

05-06-2009, 09:19 AM	#24
Parallax Senior Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Dakota Photos: Gallery Posts: 19,332	Originally posted by Nesster Just out of curiosity, what brands is the Cosina sold / found under? One of the brands that Cosina Mfg lenses is sold under is Zeiss, and I believe they made some of the Pentax Ltd lenses.

05-06-2009, 11:45 AM	#25
PentHassyKon Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 415	Originally posted by farfisa Hell, what's someone with two 31 limiteds looking at a $90 lens for anyway? Isn't this one of the symptoms of LBA? ".... heck its only $$$, what have i got to lose..." said the Pentaxian.

05-06-2009, 11:59 AM	#26
beaumont Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 505	Originally posted by Nesster I understand that LBA comes on heavy... but I'm wondering, what situations are you in where 1.4 vs. 1.8 or 1.9 will make or break the photo? Super/S-M-C/SMC Taks are not necessarily better IQ wise than later lenses. In fact, often the later ones are better at the margins of performance. The Taks have going for them: low price, excellent metal construction, cool factor, and so on. With screw mount lenses, you need to be in 'M' mode on the lens itself, so the aperture moves directly with the aperture ring, rather via the pin in the mount. Av is usable this way: You focus wide open or reasonably close... and then stop the lens down via the aperture ring. The camera sets shutter speed. Usually you need to dial in exposure compensation. The camera does not record focal length or aperture. An SMC-A lens is the most useful mf lens, as it retains full compatibility with the digital bodies. The workmanship and materials are good as well. All K-A lenses allow the setting of aperture via the camera. If you really are needing that 1.4 the SMC-A is an excellent choice. I do notice the fov difference between my 43 and my 50's. I was thinking along the same lines. I have a couple of 1.8's and lately if I ever require a faster speed, I'll change the ISO (and clean it up with Lightroom if required). Now I was planning on taking some test shots to see what impact the ISO has on shutter speed, but I'm guessing that someone who knows the answer will likely chime in?...

05-06-2009, 01:56 PM	#27
farfisa Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Toronto, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,274	Originally posted by PentHassyKon Isn't this one of the symptoms of LBA? ".... heck its only $$$, what have i got to lose..." said the Pentaxian. Too true--damn them for keeping the M42's next to the register!!!

05-06-2009, 07:17 PM	#28
eyou Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 224 Original Poster	Originally posted by PentHassyKon Isn't this one of the symptoms of LBA? ".... heck its only $$$, what have i got to lose..." said the Pentaxian. I got the 31mm at first in a bulk buy in order to try to reduce the costs of 43mm and 21mm (they were only $300 each after getting the 31mm!!). I was planning on selling it but that just didnt happen. THen i found another 31mm for much cheaper than average, so I'm just sitting on 2 right now. I will be selling one soon tho...

05-07-2009, 12:19 AM	#29
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	the Pentax K 50mm f/1.2 is a good match for the FA77 and FA31. they all perform at a uniformly high level.

05-07-2009, 04:59 AM	#30
HoHo Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Germany / Heidelberg Posts: 28	I have also the 31er and the 77er Limited, for me the best Lens in the middle is the Zeiss ZK 50 1.4 Planar. You have the same build quality like your Limiteds and also the same quality in your pics. So sell on off your 31er Limited and buy the Zeiss. I love these Lens. Cheers Holger