Is this a frankensteined Super A (Super Program)?

leekil · 05-18-2021, 10:45 AM

Originally posted by ProfessorBuzz

Since the serial number is stamped on the bottom plate... that's a bit of a red flag.

How so?

Huss · 05-18-2021, 10:48 AM

Originally posted by murrelet

If the lens is a 50mm F1.7, it could be worth the risk at that price. You're getting the camera for almost free for the price of the lens.

The Pentax SMC-A 50 1.7 is one of the worst built lenses made.
Great optics, terrible mechanics unless you are cool with an aperture ring that self destructs.
Tried two, gave up, went to the 50 1.4 and 50 f2 for my SMC-A needs.

This only applies to the A version (that allows programme functionality).

---------- Post added 05-18-21 at 10:52 AM ----------

Originally posted by leekil

How so?

I think because he means the serial # may not match the camera.

But who cares as long as it works? It's super cheap! This aint a Leica.

leekil · 05-18-2021, 11:20 AM

Yeah, and I think the warranty is long expired. Which is why I didn't understand exactly why it was mentioned.

Fiaskemist · 05-18-2021, 01:46 PM

Not a f1.7, it is actually a 50mm f2. Also, i already own an A 50mm 1.4!
The seller did respond, camera has not been tested with film but seller has tested the cameras functions and all seems good. Shutter fires, aperture stops down etc. I will need to think about it but I don’t think I would mind if everything is in working condition. Will see..

Originally posted by ProfessorBuzz

Since the serial number is stamped on the bottom plate... that's a bit of a red flag.

Yea, I am also wondering what you mean by this

stevebrot · 05-18-2021, 05:42 PM

Originally posted by Fiaskemist

Not a f1.7, it is actually a 50mm f2.

The f/2.0 and f/1.7 share the same body and suffer from the same plastic build issues, the most severe of which is the tendency towards jammed aperture ring.

Steve

Huss · 05-18-2021, 11:13 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

The f/2.0 and f/1.7 share the same body and suffer from the same plastic build issues, the most severe of which is the tendency towards jammed aperture ring.

Steve

I have two SMC-A 50mm f2 lenses and the aperture rings are fine. The 1.7s that I tried were awful. They are not the same judging from my hands on experience with them.
Don't get me wrong, the older SMC lenses are much nicer made and you can feel it too. Just nothing is as bad as the A-f1.7

johnha · 05-18-2021, 11:35 PM

If it works I'd buy it at that price, the lens alone is worth half that. I had an A50/2 one my first one but didn't notice any issues with it.

Worth asking whether the grip is lying around in a box somewhere. They have to be removed to fit the winder/motor which is where most get lost.

Biggest concern would be which FA43 would look best - silver or black?

**ProfessorBuzz** · 05-19-2021, 10:28 AM

Originally posted by leekil

How so?

Mismatched parts usually mean the camera had a rough life, was stolen, or there is something dubious about the seller and/or how the item is being represented. Caveat emptor.

Fiaskemist · 05-20-2021, 10:11 AM

Hey, so I skipped this one. I didn’t feel like buying and selling the lens anyway and the seller wasn’t the original owner of the camera so didn’t know what had happened to the camera. I’ll just have to wait for another. Thanks for the help!

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05-18-2021, 10:45 AM	#16
leekil Pentaxian Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,003	Originally posted by ProfessorBuzz Since the serial number is stamped on the bottom plate... that's a bit of a red flag. How so?

05-18-2021, 10:48 AM	#17
Huss Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 629	Originally posted by murrelet If the lens is a 50mm F1.7, it could be worth the risk at that price. You're getting the camera for almost free for the price of the lens. The Pentax SMC-A 50 1.7 is one of the worst built lenses made. Great optics, terrible mechanics unless you are cool with an aperture ring that self destructs. Tried two, gave up, went to the 50 1.4 and 50 f2 for my SMC-A needs. This only applies to the A version (that allows programme functionality). ---------- Post added 05-18-21 at 10:52 AM ---------- Originally posted by leekil How so? I think because he means the serial # may not match the camera. But who cares as long as it works? It's super cheap! This aint a Leica.

05-18-2021, 11:20 AM	#18
leekil Pentaxian Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,003	Yeah, and I think the warranty is long expired. Which is why I didn't understand exactly why it was mentioned.

05-18-2021, 01:46 PM	#19
Fiaskemist Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 34 Original Poster	Not a f1.7, it is actually a 50mm f2. Also, i already own an A 50mm 1.4! The seller did respond, camera has not been tested with film but seller has tested the cameras functions and all seems good. Shutter fires, aperture stops down etc. I will need to think about it but I don’t think I would mind if everything is in working condition. Will see.. Originally posted by ProfessorBuzz Since the serial number is stamped on the bottom plate... that's a bit of a red flag. Yea, I am also wondering what you mean by this

05-18-2021, 05:42 PM	#20
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Fiaskemist Not a f1.7, it is actually a 50mm f2. The f/2.0 and f/1.7 share the same body and suffer from the same plastic build issues, the most severe of which is the tendency towards jammed aperture ring. Steve

05-18-2021, 11:13 PM	#21
Huss Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 629	Originally posted by stevebrot The f/2.0 and f/1.7 share the same body and suffer from the same plastic build issues, the most severe of which is the tendency towards jammed aperture ring. Steve I have two SMC-A 50mm f2 lenses and the aperture rings are fine. The 1.7s that I tried were awful. They are not the same judging from my hands on experience with them. Don't get me wrong, the older SMC lenses are much nicer made and you can feel it too. Just nothing is as bad as the A-f1.7

05-18-2021, 11:35 PM	#22
johnha Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Lancashire, UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,155	If it works I'd buy it at that price, the lens alone is worth half that. I had an A50/2 one my first one but didn't notice any issues with it. Worth asking whether the grip is lying around in a box somewhere. They have to be removed to fit the winder/motor which is where most get lost. Biggest concern would be which FA43 would look best - silver or black?

05-19-2021, 10:28 AM	#23
ProfessorBuzz Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2018 Posts: 1,903	Originally posted by leekil How so? Mismatched parts usually mean the camera had a rough life, was stolen, or there is something dubious about the seller and/or how the item is being represented. Caveat emptor.

05-20-2021, 10:11 AM	#24
Fiaskemist Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 34 Original Poster	Hey, so I skipped this one. I didn’t feel like buying and selling the lens anyway and the seller wasn’t the original owner of the camera so didn’t know what had happened to the camera. I’ll just have to wait for another. Thanks for the help!