Any recommendations on an inexpensive portrait lens?

ll_coffee_lP · 11-25-2009, 03:34 PM

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Get the FA50 f/1.4.

Once you begin using it, and see the impressive image quality (IQ) you'll have a tough time taking it off the camera.

c[_]

jeryst · 11-25-2009, 04:16 PM

Originally posted by raymeedc

As inexpensive as possible, while retaining full auto & manual metering options, would be, as mentioned above, the manual focusing Pentax 50mm A f:2, which can be had in excellent condition for about $30.

Can somebody point me towards one of these? I've looked on ebay, but appearantly am not searching for the right thing.

stevebrot · 11-25-2009, 04:35 PM

Originally posted by axl

could somebody post a pics from the same spot of the same subject, say 2-3m away, Helios w F50/1.7 (any SMC50 for that matter) at same f stop? I'd just love to visualise the difference in FOV/DOF.

Many thanks
Peter

Ask and you shall receive...

Distance: 1.63m
Aperture: f/2.8
Focus on Navajo clay pot

KMZ Helios 44M 58/2

Pentax-M 50/1.7

I attempted to upload the full resolution versions, but Flickr thought otherwise

Here are full resolution center crops:

KMZ Helios 44M 58/2 Center Crop

Pentax-M 50/1.7 Center Crop

As expected, the DOF is quite a bit less with the Helios due to the higher magnification. There is also a significant difference in FOV; probably more that most of us would have expected give the similarity in focal length. It is also interesting to note the falloff in edge sharpness with the Helios at this aperture. It will outperform the Pentax at f/2 for center sharpness, but needs to be at about f/4 before the edges fall into line.

Steve

P.S. I applied a small exposure correction in PP to the Helios version to bring its brightness more in line with its partner. The light changed between shots.

P.P.S. No, I do not usually stack bowls and pots on my dining room table...

Finn · 11-25-2009, 04:51 PM

Originally posted by jeryst

Can somebody point me towards one of these? I've looked on ebay, but appearantly am not searching for the right thing.

Try here: Pentax Manual Focus 50 F2 SMC A (49) 35MM SLR MANUAL FOCUS STANDARD ANGLE LENS - KEH.com

newarts · 11-25-2009, 05:02 PM

Originally posted by jeryst

Can somebody point me towards one of these? I've looked on ebay, but appearantly am not searching for the right thing.

I just searched ebay for Pentax 50mm A and got 54 hits.

stevebrot · 11-25-2009, 05:05 PM

Originally posted by jeryst

Can somebody point me towards one of these? I've looked on ebay, but appearantly am not searching for the right thing.

Here are a couple on eBay:

nice Pentax-A SMC 50mm f2.0 prime lens PK k-mount - eBay (item 150389339924 end time Nov-26-09 18:35:45 PST)

http://cgi.ebay.com/PENTAX-A-1-2-50mm-Prime-Lens-K-Mount_W0QQitemZ1303463940...item1e5940219c

I used this search:

pentax 50mm, great deals on Lenses, Lens Accessories on eBay!

Steve

Note: Don't bid high on the A 50/2. While a good lens with build quality about the same as the A 50/1.7 (OK, but not great), it is not in the same league optically as its slightly faster brother. They are also very common, having been the standard kit lens for the last decade or so of K1000 production.

Stratman · 11-25-2009, 05:13 PM

If you don't mind manual focusing, the good ole' Super Takumar 55mm F1.8 can be found CHEAP. You'll have to got an M42 to K mount adapter, but it is a damn good lens....

Peter Zack · 11-25-2009, 05:16 PM

Originally posted by jeryst

Can somebody point me towards one of these? I've looked on ebay, but appearantly am not searching for the right thing.

If you want one, I have one I can sell you. if you like, send me a PM

Peter Zack · 11-25-2009, 05:24 PM

BTW stay away from the SMC 50mm A f1.7 version. it uses a plastic retainer in the aperture ring for the little ball bearing which locks the ring at each aperture setting. The plastic retainer wears out over time and use and jams. Not really worth getting repaired. It's fine if the lens stays in the A position and it's a great lens other than this common issue.

stevebrot · 11-25-2009, 05:41 PM

Originally posted by Peter Zack

BTW stay away from the SMC 50mm A f1.7 version. it uses a plastic retainer in the aperture ring for the little ball bearing which locks the ring at each aperture setting. The plastic retainer wears out over time and use and jams. Not really worth getting repaired. It's fine if the lens stays in the A position and it's a great lens other than this common issue.

The A 50/2 has the same setup

My dad has one on his K1000 and it is notchy as can be.

Steve

Peter Zack · 11-25-2009, 05:43 PM

I did not realize this Steve. I've owned 4-5 f2's and they were always fine. Both f1.7's had issues.

**monochrome** · 11-25-2009, 05:50 PM

Very nice Steve:

stevebrot · 11-25-2009, 06:04 PM

Originally posted by Peter Zack

I did not realize this Steve. I've owned 4-5 f2's and they were always fine. Both f1.7's had issues.

The build issue may not be universal. My experience is limited to my Dad's lens. As for the A 50/1.7s...what a shame to house such good optics in such a crummy package. Do you know if the 1.7 and 2.0 share the same lens body?

Steve

stevebrot · 11-25-2009, 06:06 PM

Originally posted by monochrome

Very nice Steve:

Thanks!

I have never actually done a head-to-head comparison like this with the Helios. I just knew that it had slightly better center sharpness wide open than anything else in my bag.

Steve

Peter Zack · 11-25-2009, 06:24 PM

I honestly don't know but assumed there was a difference internally. Only because there were (a guess) a couple hundred thousand f2's and we rarely hear of issues with them. Without stripping a pair down, I can't say for sure.

11-25-2009, 04:35 PM	#18
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by axl could somebody post a pics from the same spot of the same subject, say 2-3m away, Helios w F50/1.7 (any SMC50 for that matter) at same f stop? I'd just love to visualise the difference in FOV/DOF. Many thanks Peter Ask and you shall receive... Distance: 1.63m Aperture: f/2.8 Focus on Navajo clay pot KMZ Helios 44M 58/2 Pentax-M 50/1.7 I attempted to upload the full resolution versions, but Flickr thought otherwise Here are full resolution center crops: KMZ Helios 44M 58/2 Center Crop Pentax-M 50/1.7 Center Crop As expected, the DOF is quite a bit less with the Helios due to the higher magnification. There is also a significant difference in FOV; probably more that most of us would have expected give the similarity in focal length. It is also interesting to note the falloff in edge sharpness with the Helios at this aperture. It will outperform the Pentax at f/2 for center sharpness, but needs to be at about f/4 before the edges fall into line. Steve P.S. I applied a small exposure correction in PP to the Helios version to bring its brightness more in line with its partner. The light changed between shots. P.P.S. No, I do not usually stack bowls and pots on my dining room table... Last edited by stevebrot; 11-25-2009 at 04:58 PM. Reason: Added full resolution center crops

11-25-2009, 05:05 PM	#21
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by jeryst Can somebody point me towards one of these? I've looked on ebay, but appearantly am not searching for the right thing. Here are a couple on eBay: nice Pentax-A SMC 50mm f2.0 prime lens PK k-mount - eBay (item 150389339924 end time Nov-26-09 18:35:45 PST) http://cgi.ebay.com/PENTAX-A-1-2-50mm-Prime-Lens-K-Mount_W0QQitemZ1303463940...item1e5940219c I used this search: pentax 50mm, great deals on Lenses, Lens Accessories on eBay! Steve Note: Don't bid high on the A 50/2. While a good lens with build quality about the same as the A 50/1.7 (OK, but not great), it is not in the same league optically as its slightly faster brother. They are also very common, having been the standard kit lens for the last decade or so of K1000 production. Last edited by stevebrot; 11-25-2009 at 05:20 PM.

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11-25-2009, 03:34 PM	#16
ll_coffee_lP Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,972	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. Get the FA50 f/1.4. Once you begin using it, and see the impressive image quality (IQ) you'll have a tough time taking it off the camera. c[_]

11-25-2009, 04:16 PM	#17
jeryst Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Western PA Posts: 136 Original Poster	Originally posted by raymeedc As inexpensive as possible, while retaining full auto & manual metering options, would be, as mentioned above, the manual focusing Pentax 50mm A f:2, which can be had in excellent condition for about $30. Can somebody point me towards one of these? I've looked on ebay, but appearantly am not searching for the right thing.

11-25-2009, 04:51 PM	#19
Finn Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Phoenix Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,056	Originally posted by jeryst Can somebody point me towards one of these? I've looked on ebay, but appearantly am not searching for the right thing. Try here: Pentax Manual Focus 50 F2 SMC A (49) 35MM SLR MANUAL FOCUS STANDARD ANGLE LENS - KEH.com

11-25-2009, 05:02 PM	#20
newarts Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Ames, Iowa, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 2,965	Originally posted by jeryst Can somebody point me towards one of these? I've looked on ebay, but appearantly am not searching for the right thing. I just searched ebay for Pentax 50mm A and got 54 hits.

11-25-2009, 05:13 PM	#22
Stratman Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: St Louis, Missouri U S A Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,464	If you don't mind manual focusing, the good ole' Super Takumar 55mm F1.8 can be found CHEAP. You'll have to got an M42 to K mount adapter, but it is a damn good lens....

11-25-2009, 05:16 PM	#23
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	Originally posted by jeryst Can somebody point me towards one of these? I've looked on ebay, but appearantly am not searching for the right thing. If you want one, I have one I can sell you. if you like, send me a PM

11-25-2009, 05:24 PM	#24
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	BTW stay away from the SMC 50mm A f1.7 version. it uses a plastic retainer in the aperture ring for the little ball bearing which locks the ring at each aperture setting. The plastic retainer wears out over time and use and jams. Not really worth getting repaired. It's fine if the lens stays in the A position and it's a great lens other than this common issue.

11-25-2009, 05:41 PM	#25
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Peter Zack BTW stay away from the SMC 50mm A f1.7 version. it uses a plastic retainer in the aperture ring for the little ball bearing which locks the ring at each aperture setting. The plastic retainer wears out over time and use and jams. Not really worth getting repaired. It's fine if the lens stays in the A position and it's a great lens other than this common issue. The A 50/2 has the same setup My dad has one on his K1000 and it is notchy as can be. Steve

11-25-2009, 05:43 PM	#26
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	I did not realize this Steve. I've owned 4-5 f2's and they were always fine. Both f1.7's had issues.

11-25-2009, 05:50 PM	#27
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Very nice Steve:

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11-25-2009, 06:04 PM	#28
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Peter Zack I did not realize this Steve. I've owned 4-5 f2's and they were always fine. Both f1.7's had issues. The build issue may not be universal. My experience is limited to my Dad's lens. As for the A 50/1.7s...what a shame to house such good optics in such a crummy package. Do you know if the 1.7 and 2.0 share the same lens body? Steve

11-25-2009, 06:06 PM	#29
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by monochrome Very nice Steve: Thanks! I have never actually done a head-to-head comparison like this with the Helios. I just knew that it had slightly better center sharpness wide open than anything else in my bag. Steve

11-25-2009, 06:24 PM	#30
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	I honestly don't know but assumed there was a difference internally. Only because there were (a guess) a couple hundred thousand f2's and we rarely hear of issues with them. Without stripping a pair down, I can't say for sure.