I've done business with Robert's Camera before. They're a frequent seller on eBay and they usually have a good selection of reasonably priced Pentax 67 gear. Such was the case yesterday. I've been wanting to add the 300mm to my kit for some time now. Yes, I've read through the reviews here, so I think I know what to expect. I am not unfamiliar with having to use heavy long telephotos, so I'm prepared.

Anyway, I just couldn't pass up Robert's price. I made them an offer, which they accepted. $105 shipped to my door. Man, that is dirt cheap for any 300/4, but a Pentax? Even for the 67?

In reading through the reviews, I noticed that a few reviewers were using the lens on their digtals. I hadn't thought of this, but now I'm thinking about picking up a couple of adapters -- one for EOS and one for Sony E.

Well, it's gonna be a few days before the lens makes it here, so I'll know more then. I'll check back in after it arrives. And then after I shoot a roll with the Beast.

Congrats! The issues with the early 300 seems to be related to the lack of tripod mount and thus a shake prone, front heavy (unbalanced) camera+lens—advise is to shoot it faster than 1/250 sec and/or hand held. I frequently use my 67 lenses with my digital (K7), got both an original Pentax adapter and a generic version—the Pentax one has a system to adjust the vertical axis of the lens, so you get the dials and manual/auto button in the right place—worth the extra money.

Even though the older 300 is not an ED lens, it still does very well with color correction. It is corrected for 3 colors which makes it APO. It actually does well in portrait work for subjects that you can't get close to (as in travel portraits).Its weakness is in landscape work where you need to stop down, then use slow shutter speeds. Its infamous shutter induced softness appears. I have had several shots published with this lens, so it can be done.

The 300 arrived today. It is in mint condition, comes with both caps. First time I've ever seen one of the Pentax bayonet front caps. It also fits my 45mm. Probably my 200mm too? I haven't tried it on that one. This one has a rubberized grip with a very fine pattern. It's an SMC, and is labeled to fit the 6x7, where my later ones with much coarser pattern on the rubberized grip are labeled to fit the 67. So I'm guessing that this is a middle range lens, probably produced in the early 1980s. Sound about right?

I've mounted it to my 67 and looked through it, and it seems to render a nice, sharp image. I need to take the beast out and run a couple of rolls through it now.

Mine was the same and from the mid 80's. All 300s are the same optical configuration until the EDIF came along. The DOF scale on the old version was off by a bit so be aware.

The Super Takumar 6X7 200mm (as does the 105mm) has 67 mm filter size, where as the 300mm has 82 mm. Third version: "1987: smc PENTAX 67 1:4 300mm". Have a good test run

I recently purchase a mint 67 400/4 gen 3 out of Japan, and used it with the grey 1.4TC and 67-->K-mount on my K-3II for eclipse pics in a 99.3% zone in north Georgia. Worked like a champ. And earned some karma points stopping a couple of guys who were just about to cook their unfiltered Canons ("No, a UV filter won't cut it"--and they were crestfallen). I suppose I could have demonstrated my eclipse-proof Pentax and gotten some converts in need of new cameras.

Both the 400 Takumar and ED version are proven. The difference is that the Takumar is a telephoto design and the ED is not. And of course the ED lens uses low dispersion glass. Yours is the pre- EDIF version?

Yes, and it was your positive regard for the lens and TC combo that made me comfortable going forward with the purchase -- and you were correct on all counts as the images are as nice as the killer build quality.
While the eclipse had its own set of issues, I will be pushing my manual-focus skills by taking the lens to Andrew's AFB airshow next weekend, hurricane leftovers permitting. Hoping to do a dry run this week sans TC as they practice over my house. The sight of a B-2 bomber flanked by F-117s is something you don't forget. And my neck is pre-bent from the eclipse.

I have the 300mm and love it. I haven't used it much, but it's a beautiful piece of glass.

Unfortunately I can't echo the love for Roberts Camera. I bought a zoom for my Olympus Pen F, used condition and some wear on the barrel, but supposedly clean clear glass and fully working.

Well, first I noticed the aperture blades didn't move. At all. Hope you like wide open!

Second, I noticed the front lens elements were badly fungused.

Right the hell back it went, and never again.

Well, even the best of 'em will have their off days. Even KEH, I've had problems with, but fortunately their return policy is a good one. As for Roberts, the only things I've bought from them at this point has been Pentax 67 gear, and so far it has been very clean stuff.

Glad to be of service.
Have been to Andrews AFB in 1973 when I lived in the DC area.