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11-10-2009, 08:06 AM   #1
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135mm SMC K f:3.5 vs. 135mm f:3.5 M

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135mm SMC K f:3.5 vs. 135mm f:3.5 M..... Does anybody here have sufficient experience with both of these lenses to comment on the IQ of the one compared to the other?

11-10-2009, 09:47 AM   #2
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I hope I don't get flamed too badly for this but in my opinion the K series lenses always exhibit better IQ and build quality than their M series bretherin.
As you can see from my signature I have a number of M series lenses and they are very good and I like them for their lightness and compact build. I just find when I reach for a lens from my collection it is always a K I reach for first. I prefer the "look" I get from these lenses including the K 135/3.5.

Tom G
11-10-2009, 10:04 AM   #3
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If you look in the M club thread you'll see that the 135M is well regarded. I suspect the IQ of both is very similar and both are well built. I've not used the K version but I have used the SMC Takumar and I think the optical formula is probably identical for all three.

I think the decision will come down to the feel of the lens, where the M should be a little (but not substantially) smaller...
11-10-2009, 10:17 AM   #4
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I have only the M 135 and I think it is one of the finest lenses I own.

11-10-2009, 11:46 AM   #5
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Also check out the K135/2.5, as it's an even better lens than the other two f3.5s.

Phil.
11-10-2009, 12:31 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by gofour3 Quote
Also check out the K135/2.5, as it's an even better lens than the other two f3.5s.
But NOT the Takumar Bayonet f/2.5 which is apparently a dog due to poor flare control.
11-10-2009, 12:56 PM   #7
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s-m-c Takumar and K 135 3.5 have identical optics (4 elements in 4 groups).
The M 135 3.5 is a newer design (5 elements in 5 groups).
Both designs are very good. Mechanical is the K better.

11-10-2009, 01:18 PM   #8
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While we're talking about the M 135mm (which is on my wish list as it'd be ideal for motorsport photography), can anyone explain how the built-in lens hood works?

I've just come across one on ebay which looks slightly lopsided - is it a case of the lens hood not being fully extended or is this a fault? See here
11-10-2009, 01:26 PM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by Dangermouse Quote
While we're talking about the M 135mm (which is on my wish list as it'd be ideal for motorsport photography), can anyone explain how the built-in lens hood works?

I've just come across one on ebay which looks slightly lopsided - is it a case of the lens hood not being fully extended or is this a fault? See here
The hood just slides straight out about a half-inch. The one in the ebay ad just looks a bit crooked, mine will do the same thing if it's only partially extended.

Jim
11-10-2009, 01:30 PM   #10
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Thanks Jim - these lenses seem to attract some mad prices so knowing what to look for should help me pick up a good one for sensible money. I'll probably be looking later in the month or early next month.
11-10-2009, 02:36 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by Dangermouse Quote
Thanks Jim - these lenses seem to attract some mad prices so knowing what to look for should help me pick up a good one for sensible money. I'll probably be looking later in the month or early next month.
The M-135 doesn't tend to be too expensive (in North America at least); I'd guess about $45 would get you one.

As for the lens hood, it kinda slides out but mine doesn't stay. It's pretty much useless from what I can tell. The main issues with flare are on a digital sensor when shooting towards a bright light source.

For most shooting a hood is not necessary IMHO.
11-10-2009, 03:09 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by keyser Quote
But NOT the Takumar Bayonet f/2.5 which is apparently a dog due to poor flare control.
Yes I mean the SMC Pentax "K"135/2.5 (1975-85) with a 58mm filter thread. You can get a good copy for around $200.00.

Phil.
11-10-2009, 03:26 PM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by keyser Quote
The M-135 doesn't tend to be too expensive (in North America at least); I'd guess about $45 would get you one.

As for the lens hood, it kinda slides out but mine doesn't stay. It's pretty much useless from what I can tell. The main issues with flare are on a digital sensor when shooting towards a bright light source.

For most shooting a hood is not necessary IMHO.
Yep, I should be able to find one. Problem is that there are always a few chancers on ebay who list them with £80 buy it now prices, and when you've no idea of the value of an item you're thinking "is that a fair price? Seems steep but I know these are well regarded..."
11-10-2009, 03:34 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by raymeedc Quote
135mm SMC K f:3.5 vs. 135mm f:3.5 M..... Does anybody here have sufficient experience with both of these lenses to comment on the IQ of the one compared to the other?
On 24x36, the M has significant lower image quality at the edges/corners.
On APS-C, the difference between the K and M version will be smaller.
11-10-2009, 04:04 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by Dangermouse Quote
Yep, I should be able to find one. Problem is that there are always a few chancers on ebay who list them with £80 buy it now prices, and when you've no idea of the value of an item you're thinking "is that a fair price? Seems steep but I know these are well regarded..."
Seems a little steep to me. They are nice little lenses but they were pretty common and it's a focal length which is neither here nor there on APS-C so they tend to be left in the bag a lot.

Ask on the wanted section of the Marketplace on this forum, you may get a much better deal than on fleabay.
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