Originally posted by WT21 I've dug out an old ME Super. I've been having fun with the 50mm 2.0 that it shipped with.
I'd like to consider 2 more lenses: a 28mm or 24mm and a portrait lens. I'd like to balance price and quality -- i.e. getting the best value for both.
Any recommendations for the lenses I should look at? I've gotten a bit confused over the different Pentax lens types. Also, is it worth upgrading to a 50/1.4 from the 50/2.0?
Your ME super will work with all the bayonet mount type pentax lenses except the new DA series which is made for half frame. (APS-C digital cameras.) with an adapter you can also use the old screw mounts (m42) but lose the auto stopdown feature.
the Pentax SMC are the style contemporary for that camera body. When buying if you Buy an "Pentax-A" lens they have
the "A" position on the aperature control to support the newer bodies program control. the type F and FA are backwards compatible to your body, but have support for autofocus in them. a reason for buying one of the later lenses is that if you ever decide eto get
a newer body---then your lens will be 'ready' for the new features.
I wouldn't spend the money on an F1.4 - 50mm. it's a good lense one f stop faster... for the same money its more fun to have
a different focual length. A 28mm is a nice focal length for the film camera in a wide angle. the 24's are 'really wide' and less
useful. ---- you will find the 28's more common, and less expensive, but if you get chance at a 24 and the price is right don't refuse it.
I'd join the digital world soon though. --- the processing and developent cost a lot of bucks, and and its all pretty much free if you have a computer in the digital world.
As for a longer lense--- the classis is an 85mm for portraits,---but they are always very expensive. My poor mans substitute is to use
a 100 mm macro lens for the purpose. It's a little longer, but the macro doesn't mean that you can't use it for portraits---what it means
is that it has an extra long Helicoid so it will focus up real close. a whole world of fun photography is taking pictures of things
really close.... --- bugs, and flowers, etc....