Filter size for SMC Pentax-M 50mm F2?

kenhreed · 08-02-2009, 05:00 PM

Realizing that there are many pros and cons about filters, as a noob I want a filter on my M 50mm F2 (for now). How do I find out what size to buy? Is it written somewhere on the lens? Thanks in advance.

pschlute · 08-02-2009, 05:22 PM

It takes a 49mm filter , but you don't need one.

There are arguments for and against filters for protective use. I wont use one because I don't want to to degrade the light going into my lens.

But with the M 50mm 2.0, you will pay more for a decent filter than the lens costs !

One thing you should get is a lens hood. Not only will it stop any nasty flare that the older lenses are more prone to, but it will protect the front element too.

So my advice is forget the filter and get a hood.

The M 50 2.0 is a very nice lens btw. Underated because it is a "slow 50" , but a very good performer.

Duck Dodgers · 08-02-2009, 05:25 PM

Agreed. Get a metal lens hood and forget the filter. And remember you can use a deeper "tele" hood on a 50mm, due to the 75mm FOV on Pentax DSLRs.

kenhreed · 08-02-2009, 06:09 PM

A lens hood would work fine for my purpose, which is to keep my fingers away from the lens. I'm learning the controls of the k20d and I have a tendency to forget where I should and where I shouldn't hold the camera. Thanks from the noob

noblepa · 08-03-2009, 07:28 AM

Originally posted by kenhreed

Realizing that there are many pros and cons about filters, as a noob I want a filter on my M 50mm F2 (for now). How do I find out what size to buy? Is it written somewhere on the lens? Thanks in advance.

I don't know if it is engraved on that particular lense (some are, some aren't). The standard practice is to use a greek letter (Phi???), which looks like a zero with a vertical line through it. I don't know how to make it on the computer, but if it is there, it is easily recognizable and is following by the filter diameter.

08-02-2009, 05:00 PM	#1
kenhreed Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sacramento Photos: Albums Posts: 131	Filter size for SMC Pentax-M 50mm F2? Realizing that there are many pros and cons about filters, as a noob I want a filter on my M 50mm F2 (for now). How do I find out what size to buy? Is it written somewhere on the lens? Thanks in advance.

08-02-2009, 06:09 PM	#4
kenhreed Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sacramento Photos: Albums Posts: 131 Original Poster	Thanks for the input A lens hood would work fine for my purpose, which is to keep my fingers away from the lens. I'm learning the controls of the k20d and I have a tendency to forget where I should and where I shouldn't hold the camera. Thanks from the noob

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08-02-2009, 05:22 PM	#2
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,198	It takes a 49mm filter , but you don't need one. There are arguments for and against filters for protective use. I wont use one because I don't want to to degrade the light going into my lens. But with the M 50mm 2.0, you will pay more for a decent filter than the lens costs ! One thing you should get is a lens hood. Not only will it stop any nasty flare that the older lenses are more prone to, but it will protect the front element too. So my advice is forget the filter and get a hood. The M 50 2.0 is a very nice lens btw. Underated because it is a "slow 50" , but a very good performer.

08-02-2009, 05:25 PM	#3
Duck Dodgers Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: in the 24½th Century! Photos: Gallery Posts: 439	Agreed. Get a metal lens hood and forget the filter. And remember you can use a deeper "tele" hood on a 50mm, due to the 75mm FOV on Pentax DSLRs.

08-03-2009, 07:28 AM	#5
noblepa Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bay Village, Ohio USA Posts: 1,142	Originally posted by kenhreed Realizing that there are many pros and cons about filters, as a noob I want a filter on my M 50mm F2 (for now). How do I find out what size to buy? Is it written somewhere on the lens? Thanks in advance. I don't know if it is engraved on that particular lense (some are, some aren't). The standard practice is to use a greek letter (Phi???), which looks like a zero with a vertical line through it. I don't know how to make it on the computer, but if it is there, it is easily recognizable and is following by the filter diameter.