[Kerran_156]

Hi there,
I would just like to hear everyones opinions on which lens for my k1000 would be better for portraits as im trying to get into that side of photography. Would there be any major differences, and also do you have any tips for starting portrait photography with 50mm lens ? Look forward to your replies

Cheers,
Kerran

[asaru]

series M f1.4/50
series K f2/55

Get close.
Study the different light effects: back, side, front, fill lighting.
Use flash but never aim directly at the subject.

[Kerran_156]

Thank you for the reply im just wondering if 1 and a half feet is close enough ?

[Adam]

Hi there,
I would just like to hear everyones opinions on which lens for my k1000 would be better for portraits as im trying to get into that side of photography. Would there be any major differences, and also do you have any tips for starting portrait photography with 50mm lens ? Look forward to your replies

Cheers,
Kerran

The F2 version isn't as good optically, but it should be sufficient to experiment a bit with portraits. Eventually you may wish to try a slightly longer lens, like the M 85mm F2.

Here's some more info on the two lenses:
50mm Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

Adam
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[Kerran_156]

But will the M f/1.4 have a slight advantage? I was lucky enough to pick it up attached to a me super for only $10!

[kiwi_jono]

But will the M f/1.4 have a slight advantage? I was lucky enough to pick it up attached to a me super for only $10!

$10 - great deal! The M is a very good lens - and not that hard to use after a bit of practice. better IQ and also the possibility of very shallow depth photography.
I was very happy with my M50 until I got a A 50 f1.4 which slightly better across the frame and more convenient with the A setting.

[DSims]

The M50/1.4 I had gave rendering (mostly color, I think) that was a bit odd, but it still gave beautiful images.

The A50/2 gives decent images from what I've seen, but I think the M50 may produce more interesting results, and should be experimented with between f/1.6 and f/2.5.

[gofour3]

For film you will need something longer for portraits, like 85mm - 135mm. Any K or M series lens in this focal range will suffice.

I would start with a 85mm or 100/105mm lens.

Phil.

[stevebrot]

For film you will need something longer

"Need" is such a strong word! It all depends on the desired working distance and that value is dependent on the the intended perspective and the amount of working space available to the photographer.

Having delivered my standard portrait lens rant, the conventional wisdom is as Phil stated...short teles generally work well for portraits with traditional lengths being in the 85-135mm range.


Steve

[asaru]

It might be better to practice with a normal prime before going up to the telephoto lens, simply because that way you have to move the camera, which means extra careful positioning of the lighting, and so on. I think a telephoto lens can be postponed until after the real hurdle -- the different lighting effects -- are well in hand,

[Finn]

An A-series lens doesn't really get you anything on a K1000 since there is no auto exposure, and it does not handle nearly as well as an M-series lens. The M 50/1.4 is still my go-to fast 50, even on a DSLR...

And I think 50mm is a great focal length for portraits, as long as your subject doesn't mind you getting friendly.

[Kerran_156]

Thanks for the helpful replies everyone! Yeah, a pentax dslr would be quite helpful thanks to the crop factor, assuming its its aps-c sensor? Which would give a focal length of around 80-85mm if im correct ? Im pretty sure the 1.5 feet focus length isnt too much of a big deal. But I dont really know the deal with lighting. Will need to do some major experimenting before I get the hang of it. Any lighting tips?

Kerran