[kiwao]

At the moment there is an 85 f2M lens for about $220 in AB- condition. Good condition I think. Having looked at the pictures posted on this forum by Jsherman and co I am very tempted to get it but I also know I can get a used 77 ltd for $500 in very good condition.

Portraits would be my main subject with these lenses. MMM???????

[yeatzee]

Well I believe Jsherman once said that the m 85mm was the poor mans 77mm ltd..... Atleast i think he did

I will never give my M 85mm up....

[RawheaD]

Here's what you can do. Grab the 85/2, and forward me the address where I can get the 77 Lim for 500 clams :-)

[Recercare]

I have the M 85 and DA 70. I have also tested the FA 77.
The M 85 is a lovely portrait lens and if you want to save money then go for it.
However, the 70-85mm focal range is also good for general outdoor shooting and I like my DA 70mm better for landscape and architecture etc.

If you can afford it, why not buy both and sell one of them later? At those prices I doubt you'll lose money.

Kind regards
.lars

[pinholecam]

So many of us here have to "blame" jsherman for touting the M85/2
His pictures with this lens are just fantastic.

I certainly have no regrets getting it. Wonderful size for a 85mm, cheap and great performance. I use it far more often than the FA85. Center sharpness at f2 is comparable to the 77ltd at the same aperture from my very limited test.

100% crops both at f2. WB on auto.




The weakness of this lens are :
1. CA
2. Flare
3. Potential weakness in FF as reported in old flim based reviews.

It gives a lot of performance for the money. I gave up on getting a 77ltd when I got this lens reasoning that it was not work over double the price.

You seem to be able to that 77ltd for a very good price. Don't pass up the chance
The convenience of AF and Auto Aperture as well as potential higher performance stopped down at for FF is worth consideration at the cheap price you are getting it.

[kiwao]

Unfortunately I don't have a choice anymore. I decided on the 77ltd because I figured I wouldn't lose money and was all set this morning with lenses to exchange and cash. Gone. It came into the shop last night. Gone this morning. If I only had a credit card.

[jsherman999]

At the moment there is an 85 f2M lens for about $220 in AB- condition. Good condition I think. Having looked at the pictures posted on this forum by Jsherman and co I am very tempted to get it but I also know I can get a used 77 ltd for $500 in very good condition.

Portraits would be my main subject with these lenses. MMM???????

.

A used 77ltd for $500, if it's in good condition, is hard to pass up. But so is an M 85 f2 for $220, a fair price. I own both and they'll probably be buried with me.

Couple months ago I did a quick resolution shootout with my M 85 f2, 77ltd, and Nikon 85 1.8D, all at f/2, and the M 85 basically tied the 77ltd and both the M and FA beat the Nikon 85. (different sensor, though too, so it was more of a lens + body combo trial.)

Here's an f/2 shot from the M 85 from a contemplative moment a couple summers ago, you can stare into the glowing embers and ponder your decision....


.



....And shot from the next morning, to help you embark on your journey through the unknown waters of lens acquisition...





...where you're bound to meet many strange and frightening characters along the way...







...just keep your wits about about you and you'll end up where you need to be.

[kiwao]

Great images. Unfortunately I won't be joining the 85mm f2 club any time soon either. On closer inspection the 85mm has cleaning marks on the front element. Scratches. Maybe I'll get the smc A*85mm f1.4 which is at the bargain price of.... wait for it....... $1100 unbelievable and not even in good condition.

[Pentaxor]

if you want cheap and can handle MF, the M85/2 would be the logical choice. if you want faster aperture and AF, then the FA77. if you want longer, faster aperture and AF, then you should wait for the Sigma 85/1.4.

[pinholecam]

Unfortunately I don't have a choice anymore. I decided on the 77ltd because I figured I wouldn't lose money and was all set this morning with lenses to exchange and cash. Gone. It came into the shop last night. Gone this morning. If I only had a credit card.

Great images. Unfortunately I won't be joining the 85mm f2 club any time soon either. On closer inspection the 85mm has cleaning marks on the front element. Scratches. Maybe I'll get the smc A*85mm f1.4 which is at the bargain price of.... wait for it....... $1100 unbelievable and not even in good condition.

I feel for you man!
They do pop up often enough (esp. 77ltd), though the price varies.
No worries since you are in Pentax HOLY LAND (ie. Japan)

My cousin stays there and I'm always amazed at what he can help me get from the camera stores there.

[axl]

Great images. Unfortunately I won't be joining the 85mm f2 club any time soon either. On closer inspection the 85mm has cleaning marks on the front element. Scratches. Maybe I'll get the smc A*85mm f1.4 which is at the bargain price of.... wait for it....... $1100 unbelievable and not even in good condition.

sorry to hear that!

I have to say I've recently joined the "M85 jsherman followers club" myself. I got copy from UK, seems to have dust inside (I hope it's dust and not fungus) but the IQ is superb. For the money (I paid £129) there isn't anything that can even thinking of coming close to this lens. Even @f2 it's superb. The only weak spot (or two) is:
"glow" wide open at certain scenarios. And that despite being "only" f2 it's not the easiest to focus when in rush...
Still, I'm perfectly happy....

[kiwao]

"They do pop up often enough (esp. 77ltd), though the price varies.
No worries since you are in Pentax HOLY LAND (ie. Japan)"

Your right I checked the websites of the used camera shops and found 3 77 ltds all different prices and condition but quite a bit more than $500 dollars. I might check them out anyway.

sorry to hear that!

I have to say I've recently joined the "M85 jsherman followers club" myself. I got copy from UK, seems to have dust inside (I hope it's dust and not fungus) but the IQ is superb. For the money (I paid £129) there isn't anything that can even thinking of coming close to this lens. Even @f2 it's superb. The only weak spot (or two) is:
"glow" wide open at certain scenarios. And that despite being "only" f2 it's not the easiest to focus when in rush...
Still, I'm perfectly happy....

The only weak spot (or two) is:
"glow" wide open at certain scenarios. What do you mean by 'glow' ? I don't think I have ever heard of this lens problem.

[Recercare]

"Glow" is most likely PF/CA. When shooting wide open you'll have to be careful when choosing background.

Kind regards
.lars

[Asahiflex]

Indeed, the background is important, even more so with the M85/2.

Click on it for the better version:

[axl]

What do you mean by 'glow' ? I don't think I have ever heard of this lens problem.

This:


please have in mind this is 100%