[Fluegel]

I was introduced to Pentax many years ago by a friend who had a camera shop.
He showed me the details from the current Pentax DSLR.
Metal fitting for lens and body and extremely friendly user software.
Another unique feature is the continued use of thefirst bayonet for lens fitting.
That gives users of DSLR bodies a large array to select excellent lenses from. With limited options but great IQ.
My first older Pentax lens was the 100 mm/4 Macro lens sometimes called "Dental"
With studio stobes a delight to use. Focussing is easy and quite exact.

As a motivated MF photographer, not Pentax but the Swedish Hasselblad, I know how important lenses are.
For MF there is hardly anything better than Carl Zeiss lenses from Germany.

My first Pentax DSLR has been replaced by a K20d body.
Next step will be the K1.
When considering extra lenses I keep in mind to select the ones suitable for full frame.

Great forum, gave me already much information about lenses and the K1 body.



Paul

[microlight]

Hi Paul, welcome from the UK.

[i_trax]

Welcome from the West of Australia!
I would start with two very reasonably priced ,on used market, small FF lenses:
Tamron 28-75 2.8 and /or Sigma 28-70 2.8 and check what focal length you mostly use.
I will most likely keep Tamron for the extra reach, they are both fine.
I like wide angle fast lenses so I did get for K-1 Samyang ( Rokinon) 14mm 2.8.
I enjoy K-1 very much, the other favorite lenses are:
DA 40 2.8 ( both versions, the plastic pancake I use with 27mm hood)
FA 43 1.9
and DA*200, yes, the "old" DA*200 works perfectly with K-1

kind regards
jack

[Adam]

Welcome aboard!

Adam
PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide | Site Help | My Photography)



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[Fluegel]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys.

I am fond of the older Pentax lenses like the 100/4 Macro K series lens from the seventies I bought in Sweden.
Got it at an auction where I also bought a 1954 Supreme Wide Angle. That is the predecessor of the famous Hasselblad SWC.
Collecting and using early Hasselblad cameras is an addiction.

The 100/4 is sort of permanently attached to the K20d in the studio.
The second K20d body is dragged along the globe with the 16-45 F4 zoomlens.
Could not justify the extra $$$ for the 16-50 which is only one stop faster.
Build quality of the 16-50 varies. Early samples could be disappointing with low IQ.

The hunt is on for a nice 50/4 K series macro lens.
Slower lenses can de compensated for with extended ISO range.

With current modest prices for older Pentax DSLR bodies I feel like a child in a toy store.
Amazing what you get when searching on ebay for so little money.

Pentax cameras and lenses are very underrated.
Loaned my drag along camera to a lady friend whose Nikon kit was stolen.
She fell in love with the K20d body, suited her smaller hands much better than the lumpy N body..
In a couple of days she was used to the camera thanks to the clever software.

Canon is a bank, the company is loaded. Nikon is runner up to Canon but will allways be second best in number of sales.
Pentax deserves more attention than it has now.

[aslyfox]

I would recommend, when looking for lenses, that you be sure to check the Market Place here at the forum

I have had good luck, not only in finding equipment I wanted but in my dealings with fellow forum members in the pricing

no promises but I think you will be happy should you decide to purchase equipment from there

and the knowledge I have gained from the fellow members [ not to mention how jealous I am of their skills ] and the various sections of the forums here is " priceless "


looking forward to seeing your contributions when you decide to post

[Fluegel]

Thanks Allen.

On the practical side: I am located in Europe.
Most items offered on buy and sell here tend to come from the US and Asia.
Importing from outside the EU is unattractive due to shipping costs and duty.
Evilbay is my main hunting ground now.

Unlike other 35 mm gear older Pentax lenses are still getting decent prices, even looks like prices are increasing.
That is a reward for staying with the same mount since the 42 mm era and great lens designs from the seventies.
With the APS sensor only the sweet spot from the lens is used giving excellent IQ.
Those lenses with less elements/groups are my favourites.

Talking about older gear: for wide angle nothing beats the Carl Zeiss Biogon design from Ludwig Bertele.
He calculated the Biogon lens with simple means in 1935 resulting in a near perfect symmetrical design.
Distortion is less than 0,1%. Solution exceeds most films.

Attached an image from a new powerplant. Camera/lens is Hasselblad 903SWC, recording medium Hasselblads 50 Mp digital back.
The back goes well with a 500C body from 1957 and 60 mm Distagon lens from the sixties. How is that for compatibility?
Can't help it, I like older quality gear amongst which I also count Pentax bodies and lenses from the seventies.


Paul

Attached Images

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[aslyfox]

Thanks Allen.

On the practical side: I am located in Europe.
Most items offered on buy and sell here tend to come from the US and Asia.
Importing from outside the EU is unattractive due to shipping costs and duty.
Evilbay is my main hunting ground now.
. . . Paul

you are welcome

keep checking the Market Place ( buy/sell ), I see items for sale from Europe when I look, it can vary over time,

found one from Germany, some from Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Finland, Sweden, France

as examples, click on link to find out where the item is located and where the seller is willing to ship to

and yes, buying across borders can be a problem and I avoid it too:

Pentax Q & 07 Mount Shield Lens - PentaxForums.com

-7 New prices! Pentax | HD DA21/3.2 Silver | F50/1.4 | F100/2.8 Macro | FA*80-200/2.8 - PentaxForums.com

Smc Pentax A 15/3,5 - PentaxForums.com

Pentax gear: 17-70mm f/4, 50mm f/1.7, Flash 360fgz [Price drop] - PentaxForums.com

Pentax A 85mm 1.4 green star (some element separation) - PentaxForums.com

Carl Zeiss 50mm F2 ZK Makro-Planar T* - PentaxForums.com

Pentax FA and FA* lens collection for sale - PentaxForums.com

[Kerrowdown]

Welcome to the forum, enjoy all it has to offer.