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11-21-2013, 07:53 AM   #1
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Lens needed

Hi,
My neighbor says I need a "nifty 50" lens.

Can I get a link for a best friend price?

I have the *ist DS.

Thanks.

11-21-2013, 08:00 AM   #2
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I'd search Craigslist in your area for an M or A series f1:1.4 lens. The 1:1.7 lenses are good too. You may have to buy a film body with the camera, but you should find it for a good price (50 bucks or less)
Otherwise, look here in the marketplace, you can set a keyword for 50mm

The other option is the newer DA 50mm f1.8 lens which gives good optics and full modern functions.

The only other advice is to look perhaps at the DA 35mm f2.4 lens which should give roughly the same field of view as a 50mm on a film body. It's a really nice little lens and inexpensive.
11-21-2013, 08:16 AM   #3
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I started searching ebay. It seems they can be had very cheap. But they are manual focus.
I have an auto focus camera. Will manual be hard to learn?
11-21-2013, 08:45 AM   #4
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Manual won't be too hard to learn - there are some good threads online here telling you how to set up the camera so it recognizes a manual aperture ring etc. An A-series lens will be easier, the camera can control the aperture and make metering easier. The focus is aided by the autofocus system, it will help you determine when you're in focus - but your eyes will do that as well. Some people put split-focus screens in their older cameras too - I did that with my K-10. It makes manual focus very visual.

Still, it won't be as easy as an autofocus lens. But the f 1:1.4 lenses are something special, and not easily found in autofocus.

11-21-2013, 08:51 AM   #5
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The DA 50/1.8 is a great deal right now at $182. You can get the DA 35/2.4 for the same price. There might be even better deals next Friday.

Pentax smc DA 50mm f/1.8 Lens 22177 B&H Photo Video
Pentax 35mm DA L F2.4 AL Lens 21987 B&H Photo Video

The older F and FA 50/1.7s are drastically over priced right now given the availability of the DA...

If you want to try manual focus, look for an A 50/2. You should be able to get one for less than $40 and you can try manual focus without much risk.

KEH sells the 50/2 in BGN condition for less than $25...

Pentax Manual Focus Fixed Focal Length Lenses - KEH.com
11-21-2013, 08:56 AM   #6
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My neighbor is not a film expert but he just said 1.2 or 1.4 would be best for me.
Ebay has this radioactive super lens for $100 I forget the exact amount.
Some others in that range, or less. The 1.2 seems more for sure.
I will now click on those links up there.
11-21-2013, 09:01 AM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by condor27596 Quote
The 1.2 seems more for sure..
You could buy a new K-5 II for what an A 50/1.2 will cost you...

11-21-2013, 09:17 AM   #8
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I'm thinking I just need this specific lens and better learn the camera that I have now.
11-21-2013, 10:02 AM   #9
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Remember what you'll get with the 1.2 is a razor-thin depth of field. It will not be forgiving, and unless you're looking to take pictures with such a thin DOF the lens will not be worth the price you'll pay. An A 50 f:2 is not something to dismiss - that and the 1.7 version are both good lenses. I have an M50 f/2 which rivals a macro for resolution and is a pleasure to use.

You'll also want to look for the expandable rubber hoods which screw into the lens threads. These older lenses are prone to problems with light from the sides, and rarely had hoods as part of the kit.
11-21-2013, 10:15 AM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by TER-OR Quote
These older lenses are prone to problems with light from the sides, and rarely had hoods as part of the kit.
Except for the F & FA 50/1.7 which have a recessed front element. It's kind of like having a built-in lens hood.
11-21-2013, 10:18 AM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by condor27596 Quote
Hi,
My neighbor says I need a "nifty 50" lens.
Before you rush off and buy a 'nifty 50', why do you need one? Your neighbour may be right in his advice, but then again....

What do you want to shoot? What lens are you using now? What's wrong with the results you're getting that makes you think you want another lens?
11-21-2013, 10:31 AM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by condor27596 Quote
Hi,
My neighbor says I need a "nifty 50" lens.

Can I get a link for a best friend price?

I have the *ist DS.

Thanks.
This one is very nifty, but I agree with John X. 35mm is closer to what a "normal" field of view on APS-C, so you might want to get that instead:

50mm:
Pentax smc DA 50mm f/1.8 Lens 22177 B&H Photo Video

35mm:
Pentax 35mm DA L F2.4 AL Lens 21987 B&H Photo Video



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11-21-2013, 10:35 AM   #13
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There's a post for a M 50mm/1.7 going for little money in your area that you might want to check:

Pentax SMC-M f/1.7 - $50 (Southpoint)
11-21-2013, 10:44 AM   #14
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My neighbor has the 1.7 actually although he said I should get the 1.4. He says I need to use my feet for the zoom.

The purpose is for better shots of my daughter. At the present time all shots are in the 1-20 feet range.

I guess also I would finally be forced to learn how to use my camera (another thing my neighbor says to do).
11-21-2013, 10:47 AM   #15
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Also if we determine I need the 1.7 or 2 then I can probably get the autofocus one.
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