Which prime lens?

ezechiel · 08-30-2009, 11:43 AM

Hi,

Could you all tell me what prime lens would be better (glass & image quality) ranging from good to best? Or give comment on one of these lenses?

I just bought the porst, but an original asahi pentax-m or -a seems also interesting..
Should I go for the asahi or is Porst blowing them miles away regarding IQ and glass quality?

- Porst Color Reflex MC Auto 55mm f1/1.2
- Asahi Pentax-M SMC 50mm f1/1.4
- Pentax-A SMC 50mm f1/1.7
- Asahi Super Takumar SMC 55mm f/1.8
- Asahi Super Takumar SMC 50mm f/1.4

Thanks a lot!

Last edited by ezechiel; 08-30-2009 at 01:50 PM.

alexfoto · 08-30-2009, 11:58 AM

I have a Pentax-A SMC 50mm f1/1.7 and I'm happy but i think for price/perfomance will be even better the Pentax M SMC 50mm f1/1.7.

I like much the Pentax SMC for better contrast and color.

If you go on the Takumar topic i think probably you could find some picture even of this lens.

Note:
The first lens I've never heard.

Marc Sabatella · 08-30-2009, 01:26 PM

Between the two Pentax K-mount lenses, you'll find fans of both. Most say the 1.7 is sharper and more contrasty at f/1.7 and perhaps even f/2, but of course the 1.4 is half a stop faster, if that matters. Some like its bokeh better too. I'd go for the 1.7 just because you can get an "A" version for less than the cost of the "M" version of the 1.4.

pingflood · 08-30-2009, 02:51 PM

If you already bought the Porst I'd just stick with that; it's a sweet piece of glass.

Wombat · 08-30-2009, 04:45 PM

I have the M f1.4 and it's one of my most-used lenses. Sharp, great bokeh, excellent colour and tonal range.
Check out the lens review database - you'll get plenty of opinions from people who've used the lenses you're interested in.

TourDeForce · 08-30-2009, 05:15 PM

Originally posted by ezechiel

Hi,

Could you all tell me what prime lens would be better (glass & image quality) ranging from good to best? Or give comment on one of these lenses?

I just bought the porst, but an original asahi pentax-m or -a seems also interesting..
Should I go for the asahi or is Porst blowing them miles away regarding IQ and glass quality?

- Porst Color Reflex MC Auto 55mm f1/1.2
- Asahi Pentax-M SMC 50mm f1/1.4
- Pentax-A SMC 50mm f1/1.7
- Asahi Super Takumar SMC 55mm f/1.8
- Asahi Super Takumar SMC 50mm f/1.4

Thanks a lot!

I'm not familiar with the Porst, but of the others.... There's nothing like the Takumars if you don't mind shooting manual mode. Something special about those lenses. The 50mm Tak will give you such depth, sharpness, contrast, that your pictures will come to life. The 55mm 1.8 equally so.

The A series is great if you will use a flash every so often, and it's my favored lens because of the added versatility. Wonderful bit of glass there too.

The Takumars are just a step above IMHO.

raymeedc · 08-30-2009, 06:52 PM

Originally posted by TourDeForce

The Takumars are just a step above IMHO.

I'll second that sentiment.

Barnster · 08-30-2009, 06:57 PM

Originally posted by ezechiel

Hi,

Could you all tell me what prime lens would be better (glass & image quality) ranging from good to best? Or give comment on one of these lenses?

I just bought the porst, but an original asahi pentax-m or -a seems also interesting..
Should I go for the asahi or is Porst blowing them miles away regarding IQ and glass quality?

- Porst Color Reflex MC Auto 55mm f1/1.2
- Asahi Pentax-M SMC 50mm f1/1.4
- Pentax-A SMC 50mm f1/1.7
- Asahi Super Takumar SMC 55mm f/1.8
- Asahi Super Takumar SMC 50mm f/1.4

Thanks a lot!

I would lean towards the M f1.4,if you get your hands on one.But also the M f1.7 is also a cheaper alternative,which for quality pics are on par with each other.Both give incredible sharpness,contrast and bokeh.Also the build on the M series lenses are solid.

prinze18 · 08-30-2009, 10:31 PM

I too just got the Pentax A 50mm f/1.7. I like it. I get pretty good bokeh from it. I just posted some images of flowers in the gallery taken with the Pentax A. You can take a look if you like.

IMO, Sometimes a faster glass may not be necessary.

ezechiel · 10-07-2009, 12:10 AM

Well, it's been a while now.
Selling the takumar 55mm

And the Pentax A 50 1.7 is one of my favorites. It's a really nice lens!
And the Porst, well, I like it a lot, but it is like a stranger among the other lenses.
It has a nice bokeh and is razorsharp, if you manage to focus it. And this isn't allways easy, especially compared to other lenses. It needs more precision.

The s-m-c 50 1.4, still didn't test it. Maybe because in the field, it isn't allways very easy to take off the M42 adapter. Bugs aren't waiting until I've mounted another lens ^^
So maybe I'll abandon the M42 lenses, even if some are beauties!

jmc7104 · 10-07-2009, 05:08 AM

Originally posted by ezechiel

Well, it's been a while now.
Selling the takumar 55mm

And the Pentax A 50 1.7 is one of my favorites. It's a really nice lens!
And the Porst, well, I like it a lot, but it is like a stranger among the other lenses.
It has a nice bokeh and is razorsharp, if you manage to focus it. And this isn't allways easy, especially compared to other lenses. It needs more precision.

The s-m-c 50 1.4, still didn't test it. Maybe because in the field, it isn't allways very easy to take off the M42 adapter. Bugs aren't waiting until I've mounted another lens .
So maybe I'll abandon the M42 lenses, even if some are beauties!

WHY ABANDON M42's ????. There is so many used DSLR bodies showin up for sale at very reasonable prices . Simply buy a older Body and make it a dedicated
M42 Camera Call it a Spottie-D. I have an istDL that I leave the adaptor in all the time. jim

**rparmar** · 10-07-2009, 09:11 AM

Originally posted by ezechiel

The s-m-c 50 1.4, still didn't test it. Maybe because in the field, it isn't allways very easy to take off the M42 adapter. Bugs aren't waiting until I've mounted another lens ^^
So maybe I'll abandon the M42 lenses, even if some are beauties!

Don't do that! Why not modify an adapter so it stays permanently on your Tak 55? Then you can forget it isn't just another great K-mount lens.

Bugs? How are you shooting bugs with these?

Eruditass · 10-07-2009, 02:45 PM

Originally posted by rparmar

Don't do that! Why not modify an adapter so it stays permanently on your Tak 55? Then you can forget it isn't just another great K-mount lens.

Bugs? How are you shooting bugs with these?

If only it were simple to do this

raymeedc · 10-07-2009, 08:15 PM

Originally posted by jmc7104

WHY ABANDON M42's ????. There is so many used DSLR bodies showin up for sale at very reasonable prices . Simply buy a older Body and make it a dedicated
M42 Camera Call it a Spottie-D. I have an istDL that I leave the adaptor in all the time. jim

This is what I do. I have an equal amount of M42s & P/K mounts. Consequently, I have two identical *ist DS bodies, one with a permanently mounted Pentax adapter used as a dedicated M42 shooter. *ist DS bodies can be currently had in mint condition for about $200.

**rparmar** · 10-08-2009, 04:06 PM

Originally posted by Eruditass

If only it were simple to do this

But it is simple. I did it once but can't remember. Don't you just take out a spring? The only downside is there is not a distinct click for the lens to lock onto the mount. Unless you are in the habit of accidentally unscrewing your lens that should not be a problem!

08-30-2009, 11:43 AM	#1
ezechiel Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Poitou Charentes Photos: Gallery Posts: 131	Which prime lens? Hi, Could you all tell me what prime lens would be better (glass & image quality) ranging from good to best? Or give comment on one of these lenses? I just bought the porst, but an original asahi pentax-m or -a seems also interesting.. Should I go for the asahi or is Porst blowing them miles away regarding IQ and glass quality? - Porst Color Reflex MC Auto 55mm f1/1.2 - Asahi Pentax-M SMC 50mm f1/1.4 - Pentax-A SMC 50mm f1/1.7 - Asahi Super Takumar SMC 55mm f/1.8 - Asahi Super Takumar SMC 50mm f/1.4 Thanks a lot! Last edited by ezechiel; 08-30-2009 at 01:50 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Next Prime lens?	kpfeifle	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	17	07-08-2010 05:30 AM
Most Useful Prime Lens.	steven.81	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	50	10-28-2009 06:01 PM
Prime lens, Help me!	pexi85	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	8	03-26-2009 10:33 AM
Prime lens?	PHOTOCOP	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	17	12-18-2008 04:40 PM

08-30-2009, 11:58 AM	#2
alexfoto Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Italy Photos: Albums Posts: 182	I have a Pentax-A SMC 50mm f1/1.7 and I'm happy but i think for price/perfomance will be even better the Pentax M SMC 50mm f1/1.7. I like much the Pentax SMC for better contrast and color. If you go on the Takumar topic i think probably you could find some picture even of this lens. Note: The first lens I've never heard.

08-30-2009, 01:26 PM	#3
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	Between the two Pentax K-mount lenses, you'll find fans of both. Most say the 1.7 is sharper and more contrasty at f/1.7 and perhaps even f/2, but of course the 1.4 is half a stop faster, if that matters. Some like its bokeh better too. I'd go for the 1.7 just because you can get an "A" version for less than the cost of the "M" version of the 1.4.

08-30-2009, 02:51 PM	#4
pingflood Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Borås, Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,169	If you already bought the Porst I'd just stick with that; it's a sweet piece of glass.

08-30-2009, 04:45 PM	#5
Wombat Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 901	I have the M f1.4 and it's one of my most-used lenses. Sharp, great bokeh, excellent colour and tonal range. Check out the lens review database - you'll get plenty of opinions from people who've used the lenses you're interested in.

08-30-2009, 05:15 PM	#6
TourDeForce Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 514	Originally posted by ezechiel Hi, Could you all tell me what prime lens would be better (glass & image quality) ranging from good to best? Or give comment on one of these lenses? I just bought the porst, but an original asahi pentax-m or -a seems also interesting.. Should I go for the asahi or is Porst blowing them miles away regarding IQ and glass quality? - Porst Color Reflex MC Auto 55mm f1/1.2 - Asahi Pentax-M SMC 50mm f1/1.4 - Pentax-A SMC 50mm f1/1.7 - Asahi Super Takumar SMC 55mm f/1.8 - Asahi Super Takumar SMC 50mm f/1.4 Thanks a lot! I'm not familiar with the Porst, but of the others.... There's nothing like the Takumars if you don't mind shooting manual mode. Something special about those lenses. The 50mm Tak will give you such depth, sharpness, contrast, that your pictures will come to life. The 55mm 1.8 equally so. The A series is great if you will use a flash every so often, and it's my favored lens because of the added versatility. Wonderful bit of glass there too. The Takumars are just a step above IMHO.

08-30-2009, 06:52 PM	#7
raymeedc Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Brooklyn, New York Posts: 951	Originally posted by TourDeForce The Takumars are just a step above IMHO. I'll second that sentiment.

08-30-2009, 06:57 PM	#8
Barnster Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Mid North Coast,Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,016	Originally posted by ezechiel Hi, Could you all tell me what prime lens would be better (glass & image quality) ranging from good to best? Or give comment on one of these lenses? I just bought the porst, but an original asahi pentax-m or -a seems also interesting.. Should I go for the asahi or is Porst blowing them miles away regarding IQ and glass quality? - Porst Color Reflex MC Auto 55mm f1/1.2 - Asahi Pentax-M SMC 50mm f1/1.4 - Pentax-A SMC 50mm f1/1.7 - Asahi Super Takumar SMC 55mm f/1.8 - Asahi Super Takumar SMC 50mm f/1.4 Thanks a lot! I would lean towards the M f1.4,if you get your hands on one.But also the M f1.7 is also a cheaper alternative,which for quality pics are on par with each other.Both give incredible sharpness,contrast and bokeh.Also the build on the M series lenses are solid.

08-30-2009, 10:31 PM	#9
prinze18 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Benicia, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 49	I too just got the Pentax A 50mm f/1.7. I like it. I get pretty good bokeh from it. I just posted some images of flowers in the gallery taken with the Pentax A. You can take a look if you like. IMO, Sometimes a faster glass may not be necessary.

10-07-2009, 12:10 AM	#10
ezechiel Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Poitou Charentes Photos: Gallery Posts: 131 Original Poster	Well, it's been a while now. Selling the takumar 55mm And the Pentax A 50 1.7 is one of my favorites. It's a really nice lens! And the Porst, well, I like it a lot, but it is like a stranger among the other lenses. It has a nice bokeh and is razorsharp, if you manage to focus it. And this isn't allways easy, especially compared to other lenses. It needs more precision. The s-m-c 50 1.4, still didn't test it. Maybe because in the field, it isn't allways very easy to take off the M42 adapter. Bugs aren't waiting until I've mounted another lens ^^ So maybe I'll abandon the M42 lenses, even if some are beauties!

10-07-2009, 05:08 AM	#11
jmc7104 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Rock Island, Illinois 61201 Photos: Gallery Posts: 436	Originally posted by ezechiel Well, it's been a while now. Selling the takumar 55mm And the Pentax A 50 1.7 is one of my favorites. It's a really nice lens! And the Porst, well, I like it a lot, but it is like a stranger among the other lenses. It has a nice bokeh and is razorsharp, if you manage to focus it. And this isn't allways easy, especially compared to other lenses. It needs more precision. The s-m-c 50 1.4, still didn't test it. Maybe because in the field, it isn't allways very easy to take off the M42 adapter. Bugs aren't waiting until I've mounted another lens . So maybe I'll abandon the M42 lenses, even if some are beauties! WHY ABANDON M42's ????. There is so many used DSLR bodies showin up for sale at very reasonable prices . Simply buy a older Body and make it a dedicated M42 Camera Call it a Spottie-D. I have an istDL that I leave the adaptor in all the time. jim

10-07-2009, 09:11 AM	#12
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,823	Originally posted by ezechiel The s-m-c 50 1.4, still didn't test it. Maybe because in the field, it isn't allways very easy to take off the M42 adapter. Bugs aren't waiting until I've mounted another lens ^^ So maybe I'll abandon the M42 lenses, even if some are beauties! Don't do that! Why not modify an adapter so it stays permanently on your Tak 55? Then you can forget it isn't just another great K-mount lens. Bugs? How are you shooting bugs with these?

10-07-2009, 02:45 PM	#13
Eruditass Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,207	Originally posted by rparmar Don't do that! Why not modify an adapter so it stays permanently on your Tak 55? Then you can forget it isn't just another great K-mount lens. Bugs? How are you shooting bugs with these? If only it were simple to do this

10-07-2009, 08:15 PM	#14
raymeedc Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Brooklyn, New York Posts: 951	Originally posted by jmc7104 WHY ABANDON M42's ????. There is so many used DSLR bodies showin up for sale at very reasonable prices . Simply buy a older Body and make it a dedicated M42 Camera Call it a Spottie-D. I have an istDL that I leave the adaptor in all the time. jim This is what I do. I have an equal amount of M42s & P/K mounts. Consequently, I have two identical ist DS bodies, one with a permanently mounted Pentax adapter used as a dedicated M42 shooter. ist DS bodies can be currently had in mint condition for about $200.

10-08-2009, 04:06 PM	#15
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,823	Originally posted by Eruditass If only it were simple to do this But it is simple. I did it once but can't remember. Don't you just take out a spring? The only downside is there is not a distinct click for the lens to lock onto the mount. Unless you are in the habit of accidentally unscrewing your lens that should not be a problem!