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Pentax A Star Macro 200mm F 4 Lens K Mount Works Excellent from Japan B96 | eBay

[Tom S.]

Satan! Get thee behind me!

[WPRESTO]

That specimen appears to be in outstanding condition, much better than mine although showing a little wear in the same places. BTW: One annoying design feature: the rotation knob for turning to vertical on one side, and the matching knob that allows removal of the tripod foot on the other side, both hit the pop-up flash overhang of any Pentax digital SLR thus preventing rotation to vertical. The solution: always keep attached a very short (12mm) extension tube. After all, the lens is used for macro pretty much exclusively.
The seller wants just over $2000 for it.

[starjedi]

That specimen appears to be in outstanding condition, much better than mine although showing a little wear in the same places. BTW: One annoying design feature: the rotation knob for turning to vertical on one side, and the matching knob that allows removal of the tripod foot on the other side, both hit the pop-up flash overhang of any Pentax digital SLR thus preventing rotation to vertical. The solution: always keep attached a very short (12mm) extension tube. After all, the lens is used for macro pretty much exclusively.
The seller wants just over $2000 for it.

It is a fair price indeed. But the issue is that new FA 200 F4 is coming next year according to some rumors . The price tag will be around $1500-$2000 comparing to other 200 F4 prices. Under sales, it will be even below $1500... Anyway, I think those expensive old FF lenses will depreciate in a long term once the new launch on the horizon

[WPRESTO]

It is a fair price indeed. But the issue is that new FA 200 F4 is coming next year according to some rumors . The price tag will be around $1500-$2000 comparing to other 200 F4 prices. Under sales, it will be even below $1500... Anyway, I think those expensive old FF lenses will depreciate in a long term once the new launch on the horizon

If there is a reissue of the 200 macro, would it be the older unit manual-focus version or the later internally focusing AF version? My guess would be the latter, or an updated version of the latter, but I don't think that the IF-AF version ever had as good a reputation as the original MF. That version would by unsuitable for AF as the focus travel is very long.

[Tom S.]

Now relisted for $2000.

[normhead]

I know the lens is good, but $2000 for a manual focus ƒ4 lens?
I'd still be rolling over the DA 200 ƒ2.8 at a lo less money... and how many 200mm lenses can you actually use?

[WPRESTO]

I know the lens is good, but $2000 for a manual focus ƒ4 lens?
I'd still be rolling over the DA 200 ƒ2.8 at a lo less money... and how many 200mm lenses can you actually use?

But, BION, the original 200 f4 SMCA ED probably has the best IQ of any Pentax-made lens, ever. I have, and am now parting with a near legendary Voigtlander 125mm APO MACRO, a much newer design, but I find my older 200mm Pentax has IQ as good or better. It is an exceptionally good design. Is it worth $2000? It is certainly worth as much as the Voigtlander.

[starjedi]

But, BION, the original 200 f4 SMCA ED probably has the best IQ of any Pentax-made lens, ever. I have, and am now parting with a near legendary Voigtlander 125mm APO MACRO, a much newer design, but I find my older 200mm Pentax has IQ as good or better. It is an exceptionally good design. Is it worth $2000? It is certainly worth as much as the Voigtlander.

I agree. Here it is not a simple 200 F4 , it is a superb macro lens where AF typically is meanless. As a legendary lens Pentax made, it is one of sharpest lenses in old edge and gains a lot of praises...

[Tom S.]

I know the lens is good, but $2000 for a manual focus ƒ4 lens?
I'd still be rolling over the DA 200 ƒ2.8 at a lo less money... and how many 200mm lenses can you actually use?

I'll answer that. All of them.

[monochrome]

This particular 200 (A*200/4 Macro) is regarded as a Masterpiecce isn't it? It isn't your journeyman K200/4 (a very nice lens, FWIW), I don't think.

[WPRESTO]

This particular 200 (A*200/4 Macro) is regarded as a Masterpiecce isn't it? It isn't your journeyman K200/4 (a very nice lens, FWIW), I don't think.

However - - The 200 f4SMCA (not the macro ED), with a reversed 100mm bellows lens will provide excellent IQ at 2X magnification. It also works well with Raynox 1.5X or 2.5X filters.

[manntax]

However - - The 200 f4SMCA (not the macro ED), with a reversed 100mm bellows lens will provide excellent IQ at 2X magnification. It also works well with Raynox 1.5X or 2.5X filters.

Very useful tip - gonna try that !
Thanks!

[WPRESTO]

Very useful tip - gonna try that !
Thanks!

BEWARE. At 2X the DOF is razor thin. If your lens-to-subject distance is off by perhaps 1/2 inch, you won't even be able to see the subject.

[Franc]

i think i'll wait for the upcoming dfa180 macro