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Forum: Lens Clubs
05-29-2014, 05:24 AM
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I recently noticed there was no lens club for this particular lens ( both f2.8 and f2.4 versions ) - which surprised me really, considering the cult status these lenses have ( and the prices they commands too !). I own the f2.4 version for about 2 years - it is not my most used lens but when I go for a walk with a K-01 - it often goes with me. Although I have my Sigma Super Wide 24mm for it as my main AF lens - this Flektogon has proven to be a superb a performer with great colours, unmatched sharpness and some unique capabilities that simple made me 'believe' :D
Since I noticed recently 2 threads asking about what's so special about this lens - I decided to put some stuff together and start this lens club as I believe there are many Flektogons out there serving patiently to many forum members - anonymously and unappreciated enough. And yes I am aware of the fact that the Flektogon 35mm f2.8 is a different optical formula - but since I handled and tested one (of a friend of mine ) I saw no significant difference between Flektogon f2.4 and f2.8 - apart from the fact that one is faster and other one focuses closer - both were equally good at the same apertures. Maybe the coating on that f2.8 version is older ( appeared to be only single coated) where the f2.4 Flektogon has quite good multi-coating - but these advantages of the f2.4 version are often reflected in their price so I consider the Flektogon 35mm f2.8 a real bargain - but I found about it after I already got my f2.4 version.
Also I wondered about the sample variation - I had a chance to use 2 different Flektogons f2.4 - one was with red MC and other one was with white lettering. I didn't see any serious difference apart from slightly different colour balance that camera have applied in AWB setting - with red MC version being slightly warmer - but I think this might have been up to the camera setting more than to the lenses itself.
Generally speaking my experience with the Flektogon is superb - my copy proved to be very sharp - even wide open which to some might be hard to believe - but I think that even my 16 MP Pentax K-01 couldn't out-resolve this lens wide open in the central area. In contrary to some - I found it to be a superb performer on both close focusing range and at close-to-infinity setting - I hope that samples I provided below will provide a good starting point for any further analysis.
And a note about the build quality - my copy is in good condition, has been probably serviced ( as it was clearly advertised as perfectly working copy with good focusing, snappy apertures and so on ) - and it indeed is in really good working order. The focusing ring operates very smoothly - although not as smoothly and silently as my Takumars or SMC-M lenses - but that is because Pentax lenses are simple superior in built quality to almost everything I ever handled :D Apertures are clean and open/close snappily when Auto/manual switch is used. The optics are absolutely clean and have no visible dust ( again -it must have been professionally serviced, as I doubt it would be in this condition after 30+ years of service ) - I have one single coating mark on front element ( like tiny dot ) - but I don't think it would affect the photos in any way. So bare in mind that the images below are from a good, clean and serviced copy.
And about the images and shooting process : I normally use my Flektogon with a deep lens hood designed for a 50mm lens paired with Pentax Ghostless UV lens ( which proved to offer good protection as well as not reducing the IQ in any significant way ) - this is how it looks like mounted on my K-01 :
Picture is lost.
Below are some real life shots - these are selection that I had post processed from last and this year - write what aperture was used if I remember - otherwise I would need to guesstimate. These were moderately post-processed - in some cases vignetting was added, some brushing etc.. - nothing major - clarity I usually use selectively - and contrast is usually good enough - so I balance the shadows, blacks and highlights - as I underexpose my shots by default.
Make sure when you post your shots to inform what version was it ( f2.8 or f2.4 only ) of the Flektogon 35mm lens as well as what camera , ISO, shutter and other important factors.
Also please post only Carl Zeiss Flektogon shots - not Mirs or other copies which share the same optical formula - I would like this place to be an exclusive Zeiss space :D
All shots below are with Carl Zeiss Flektogon 35mm f2.4 version and Pentax K-01 camera :
#1
Almost dark, right before the sunset, shot at f5.6, ISO 200
Picture is lost.
#2
Shot wide open f2.4 - it was almost dark and after the Sunset - I had to underexpose it badly in order to keep the shutter at 1/30 s. and reasonable ISO 400.
Picture is lost.
#3
Shot probably below f5.6 - most probably f4.0 but could be wider. ISO 100, 1/250 s.
Picture is lost.
#4
Shot probably wide open at f2.4 but 100% sure below f4.0. ISO 100, 1/50 s.
Picture is lost.
#5
Shot at f5.6 if I recall - It was a compromise because it already was almost dark right after the sunset ( around 9pm ) and I wanted to keep the ISO low at 200 and 1/160 s. - still I managed to get the shot I wanted with some extra effort in post. Focused intentionally at the foreground/ bridge - not infinity.
Picture is lost.
#6
Shot in f2.4 - wide open because it is a night shot and I had to use ISO 800 anyway. - the shutter speed was 1/30 s.
Picture is lost.
#7
Shot in f8.0 for good sharpness across the frame, ISO 100, 1/100 s.
Picture is lost.
#8
Shot in f4.0 as far as I remember - probably correct judging by the shape of those highlights in bokeh. ISO 100, 1/400 s.
Picture is lost.
#9
Shot in purpose wide open at f2.4, ISO 100, 1/80 s.
Picture is lost.
#10
f2.4 - shot in purpose with this aperture to see the bokeh and to achieve shallow DOF. ISO 100, 1/4000 s. ( yes, that is correct, 1/4000 s! - it was super sunny ).
Picture is lost.
Ok - that was intense :D- I hope you've enjoyed this post and the photos - hopefully I managed to give the justice to this superb lens!
Comments and more importantly - other shots shot with either f2.8 or f2.4 Flektogon are more than welcomed !
,,,
' >' manntax
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Forum: Lens Clubs
05-28-2014, 12:54 PM
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Thx!
connections
1/500th
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Forum: Lens Clubs
05-01-2014, 11:49 PM
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Hello
Time to share another picture taken at the landmark "Tiger&Turtle"
Pentax 67 & Lensbaby 100/4
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Forum: Sold Items
02-24-2014, 06:02 PM
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damn, I'd love to own both of these!
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Forum: Ricoh GR
02-18-2014, 10:41 PM
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I do some. Depending on the content and colors in play I like to up the contrast. The majority of the 'flavor' comes from the built-in cross processing filter. It gives very subtle blueish tint to everything. Gives it a dreamy look.
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Forum: Ricoh GR
02-18-2014, 01:31 PM
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I don't think you'll get better image quality from the Fuji's sensor itself, but the longer lens and viewfinder might improve your overall shooting experience. 18mm isn't for everyone, after all.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-28-2014, 03:12 PM
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I don't know why the Sigma 30 1.4 isn't getting that much love - I use it almost exclusively for indoor shots on my k5-iis. I have 2 very young kids and it is giving me plenty of keepers. Here are two (admittedly not perfect) examples. The lens is capable of much sharper photos than these but I'm at work and these examples are what I had on hand. It produces a generally very sharp image in even tough indoor lighting in my opinion.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-24-2014, 12:54 PM
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Umm...it might not be the lens... :lol: :mad:
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-16-2014, 02:22 AM
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I've broken this down before, but basically there are 3 outstanding 50ish Pentax K-mount lenses: DA*55, FA43, and K (or A) 50/1.2. Each is distinctive in a way that won't be confused with the others:
The DA*55 has the best sharpness and speed, as I've discussed, while sometimes having harsh backgrounds.
The K or A 50/1.2 (much like the FA31) is nearly impossible to get a harsh background with. It renders the most beautiful images of the three. But images don't appear as sharp - at least not between f/1.2 and f/2.
The FA43 captures the most vivid colors (but not unnaturally so) of any lens I've used (although the DA15 and DA10-17 come close). But it won't be mistaken for the other two. It needs to be stopped down to at least f/2.2, and really doesn't exhibit optimal sharpness until at least f/2.8 (Nevertheless, at wider apertures it has better sharpness and IQ than any of the F/FA 50s when used at the same stop). It also has average backgrounds. I skipped the DA40 because the FA43 was clearly better.
They're all great lenses. I don't think you should let anyone scare you away from any of them. Now you need to decide with your own eyes. Both the strengths and weaknesses will show up if you do a careful study of images taken with these lenses.
PENTAX : Select a PENTAX interchangeable lens camera or a lens model
Missouri River Sunrise _IGP0540.jpg photo - Frank Comisar photos at pbase.com
Full-size sample photos from Pentax 43mm F/1.9
Remember, the bottom line is this: If some of the images from a lens don't grab your attention and make you like them, you need to buy something else.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-14-2014, 08:32 PM
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If you settle on (not for) the FA 50 f1.4 be dude to check the marketplace here.
Hint. Hint.
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
12-10-2013, 09:26 PM
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
12-06-2013, 01:39 AM
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Am I first!?
Yes... I have one. I visited Yodobashi camera here in Sendai and picked up a black one. First impressions are as you would assume: well built, classy and LIGHT. I must admit that the focusing is not super fast and it does seem to hunt. Please understand that this is on a K5IIs and in very dim indoor light. If I get time, I will post a few quick shots vs the Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 in the daylight tomorrow. It really is a great size, especially when compared to the Sigma 18-35mm which I played with on a D7100. That lens is big, heavy and draws far too much attention. Anyways, I will get some shots up as soon as I can.
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Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands
12-06-2013, 11:59 AM
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The images you are getting from it are great. I'd like the versatility, but am getting used to a single lens.
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Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands
08-15-2010, 09:07 AM
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Having received a Leica M9 for my birthday, and having being told about a Leica M to Pentax K mount adapter made by novoflex it looks like I'll be doing a few lens comparisons with Pentax lenses and their Leica counterparts. I have ordered the adapter.
lenses I'll be testing
Pentax FA31mm f/1.8 Limited Vs Leica summilix and summicron 35mm f/1.4/f/2 lenses both Asph and pre-Asph versions
Pentax 43mm f/1.9 Limited in Leica M mount Vs Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4
Pentax 50mm f/1.2 Vs Leica noctilux 50mm f/1.0, Konica Hexanon 50mm f/1.2
Pentax FA 77mm f/1.8 limited Vs Leica summilux 77mm f/1.4
though working with the pentax lenses will be tricky, because there won't be any range-finder coupling.
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
11-22-2013, 10:11 PM
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The 40 is amazing everywhere. Across the frame sharpness from go. Not a very fast lens, though.
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
11-18-2013, 10:49 AM
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Probably not: no fast prime is perfect in the corners wide-open, though on APS-C that's rarely a concern. The lens will still be slightly sharper on the K-5 IIs overall.
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
11-18-2013, 11:34 AM
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Here is another test with a similar conclusion:
Pentax smc FA 43 mm f/1.9 Limited review - Image resolution - Lenstip.com
"The performance on the edge of the frame is a big disappointment, though, especially as it is the edge of the APS-C/DX sensor and the lens, after all, was designed for full frame. The area near the maximum relative aperture is completely useless and only after stopping down to f/4.0-f/5.6 the image quality becomes decent. For a lens from this price segment such a result is especially weak."
The designer of this lens, Jun Hirakawa,
is noted for optimizing towards a certain rendering,
rather than maximizing MTF performance.
It's a personal decision for each photographer
as to whether that design priority
matches their own requirements.
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
11-18-2013, 11:58 AM
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Look at the sample photo gallery. Is that good enough for you? Why do you need sharpness, anyway? And in the corner, of all places :p
Simply put:
a) sharpness is not as important as some people like to think it is. Rarely does a photo's quality depend on the lens' "sharpness" - things like framing, colors, where you put the focus, shutter speed, etc. are more important. Besides, you probably won't be using a tripod, remote, and flashes all the time. This means that for sharpness, the weakest link will be your hands, not the lens.
b) FA 43mm ltd is still sharp as heck, but sharpness was not its #1 priority. This is a good thing, because there are some very sharp lenses out there, that make bland photos. But again, it is significantly sharper than many other lenses.
c) If you want typical more modern rendering/performance, get one of the DA lenses, like the DA 40mm limited. It will be very sharp, fast AF, etc. or a dedicated macro lens - these usually have a flat field of sharpness and are sharp in the corners, too. But they might not be good at far distances and might have slower AF
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
11-18-2013, 04:52 PM
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Last month in the "Single In" group, Rense Haveman did a whole month with the Holga 60mm f8. That lens is not even as sharp as a sponge, and vignettes something fierce. The absolute antithesis of what a "good" lens is. Yet almost every day, he managed to make a truly special image. You can see his work here. (I hope Rense doesn't mind me linking to his Holga photo collection!)
Monet painted in a style that favored color over "sharpness" if you will, yet his pieces are master-works.
Sharpness is only one aspect of a lens' performance. It is up to the photographer to choose tools that express the right overall look for the image at hand. If you are reproducing flat artwork, then corner sharpness is absolutely paramount. Taking pictures of a single three dimensional subject whose most important feature is not in the corner of the frame, then corner sharpness at f1.9 doesn't much matter.
My Sigma 30 is amazing in the center, awful in the corners. There are times it is the absolute best lens, times where it's a poor choice. That's why the lenses can be changed.
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Forum: Pentax K-01
11-07-2013, 03:11 PM
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IMO, not only is the K-01 better suited for IR conversion than any other Pentax body but I one-upped it by using a Hoodman loupe to make viewing the lcd really pleasant. I originally had the loupe for some video trials but after the IR conversion its married to the K-01 now. Recommended if you hate using lcd in the Sun.
Lens - after trying the da21, da15, fa35, Sigma 24/1.8 in a short time I discovered the venerable da16-45/4 is my favorite. Its size gives you something to hang on to besides the obvious advantages of a zoom.
I wondered about using the aging Q for conversion just for the portability of having it in the field all the time. But I have no need for two. Anyway, good luck and enjoy!
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