[jibbonpoint]

The Zenit Helios range 58mm 1:2 44M- (x) have been getting a lot of very positive comments on the manual focus forums of late. Now, they are cheap; I got one for $20 (ding in filter ring). I bought it only to check the infinity focus on my 50/1.4 Super Tak with the adapter I had. I'll give it a run on it's own when I get the chance. But at that price, you can't go too wrong.

[zx-m]

It is no surprise that your Spotmatic is working correctly. Simply put, the camera is a tank. It is also a piece of precision opitical equipment, as are screwmount lenses. With proper care, your Spottie may outlast you.

With regard to lenses, your experience with the 55/1.8 is not surprising. In fact, I believe it is Pentax's best normal lens. I have owned and used normals from all of the major Japanese manufacturers, and the 55/1.8 is the sharpest and most detailed. The fact that one can often find this lens in good shape for under $50 is mind boggling.

I would highly recommend the 200/4 (of any Takumar variety). I have the Super Takumar version, and it is truly splendid. It is probably my best lens. The 50/1.4 is unnessary, and it is also a radioactive lens. I do not wish to debate the issue of radioactive materials in lenses, but, for my part, I now avoid them. It is a very fine lens, though. If you absolutely need a 50mm focal length, I recommend the 50/4 macro.

I wish you well in using screwmount gear and Pentax equipment in general. After years of being distracted by Canon, Nikon, Minolta, and Olympus, I have realized what is truly the best system. For me, it is a Spotmatic or M body and a screwmount lens. I suppose my dabbling with other equipment has served a useful purpose: I now truly appreciate the elements, features, and performance of Pentax equipment. The more I compared, the more I realized the impossible is true--that Pentax lenses are better than Nikon lenses...and that Pentax bodies are more thoughtfully designed than Nikon bodies...right down to the "shutter cocked" reminder on the Pentax top plate.