[briankemper]

I have a Pentax K-x and am completely addicted to buying old film camera lenses for it. I would like to propose a question: If you were forced to to choose 3 lenses from the following list to use with a Pentax K-x, which would you choose and why? Alternatively, please choose the lenses that you would never be caught dead using in public and why. They were all bargain basement purchases, so I will not have my feelings hurt if they suck (alternatively I will feel a sense of accomplishment if they don't suck). Thank you in advance!

#1: SMC Pentax 1: 4.5 - 5.6 100-300mm
#2: Sigma DL Macro Super 1:4 5.6 70-300mm
#3: Tokina AF 1:3.5-5.6 28-80mm
#4: Sigma Zoom Master 1:3.5-4.5 35-70mm
#5: Richo/Rekenon P Zoom 1:3.4-4.5 35-70mm
#6: SMC Pentax 1:1.8 55mm

[Docrwm]

#6 - lovely rendering and good IQ

for the 35-70 I'd substitute the F35-70 Macro

#1 - Which Pentax 100-300 the F or FA as they are both 4.5-5.6? I'd take the SMC Pentax-FA 100-300mm F4.7-5.8 instead as it's typically cheaper and many members here speak much more highly of it than the F or FA modes that are 4.5-5.6.

[briankemper]

Thank you Docrwm. I have the dark gray Pentax-FA. Do you think it is better than the Sigma 70-300?

[sterretje]

The Ricoh probably has the 'infamous' Ricoh pin. Do some research before mounting it on a dSLR; it might not easily come of.

[briankemper]

sterretje, I did read about the dreaded Ricoh pin, but this particular lens doesn't seem to have that issue.

[luftfluss]

The fun part about old lenses is using them and seeing the results.

[stevebrot]

The fun part about old lenses is using them and seeing the results.

What he said...

Buy what you find interesting. Make art. Get rid of the tool if it does not meet your needs. Over the last several years I have gotten rid of a half dozen or so lenses because they did not meet my needs.

My LBA peaked about two years ago and tapered off substantially since then. I think I can honestly say that there are very few lenses that I would be interested in acquiring at this point. That is pretty much true in the camera realm as well. (Ha! Ha! I did lapse recently though with the purchase of a Jupiter-9 in Kiev/Contax mount, a Pentax SV body, and just yesterday a Super-Tak 55/1.8 for the SV.)

As for your list...cull the duplicates based on what you do/don't like. The Pentax-K 55/1.8 should be kept unless you find another fast 50 that you like better.


Steve


(...keeps thinking that a medium format camera should be in the mix...)

[rbefly]

Hello Brian,
I'm with Doc, the K 55mm f/1.8 is a keeper, a lens you'll never trade or sell.
I've owned several third-party, Tak and SMC 80-200mm or 100-300mm tele zooms and the only one I seem to get acceptable (or sometimes better) results out of, is the Pentax FA 100-300mm f4.7-f/5.8. Only the silver version, not gray or black. For my money, this is the best budget tele zoom available. About $100.
The F 35-70mm f/3.5-f/4.5 Macro is an absolute joy to use and I can't imagine being without it. If there's a better 35-70mm around, I've never heard about it. Check the reviews for this lens and you'll sell the Sigma + Ricoh. About $50.00.
But you should also use the lenses you now own, at least until you find something better. We all have different tastes, maybe you'll find more keepers!
Ron

[wombat2go]

Hi, Brian
We discussed on the forum some time ago that your Rikenon P Zoom 1:3.4~4.5 35~70mm Macro may be the smallest and lightest K zoom lens of all time.
The Ricoh pin must be removed. They are plastic body but feel good, my ones actually operate much more smoothly on all 3 rings than some of the plastic Pentax-A zooms of similar vintage.
Also the front glass of that Ricoh is sunk back under the ring for some protection with no filter.
Add say a 1:2 28mm and you have a versatile pair for lightweight travel.