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28mm Lens

redbusa99
Posted 22/06/2016 - 16:51 Link
looking for one and have found these so far that would fit the bill, Cosina made Vivitar 28mm f 2.8 PK/A , a Komine made Vivitar 28mm f2.8 PK and a SMC Pentax M 28mm f3.5 . just wondering if there are any real nasties amongst them or maybe a shining star, all help appreciated on these or any others suitable and cheap
odd lens or 2

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swarf
Posted 22/06/2016 - 18:03 Link
Joe

Re the Komine made Vivitar - have a look at http://photografica.robinparmar.com/vivitar.html which lists them all, because there are LOTS of version.

Some of them are very good and others less so. I have the A03 version, which is the 28mm F2.8 MC Close Focus and is a KA mount. I think that it is excellent for the money if you can find one. I really love mine, it's beautifully made and a pleasure to use.

Phil
K-5iiS; K-r; ME Super; ME; DA* 16-50 f2.8; DA 18-135 WR; DA 55-300 WR; HD DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited; FA 50mm f1.4; A50mm f1.7; DAL 18-55mm; M40mm f2.8; + assorted non-Pentax lenses

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derek897
Posted 22/06/2016 - 19:22 Link
SMC Pentax M 28mm f3.5 http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-M-28mm-F3.5-Lens.html

pentax K 28mm f3.5 http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-K-28mm-F3.5-Lens.html

The K series is regarded the better of these 2, i have the M version which i did have up for sale but am keeping it instead.
I think the K is harder to find.

And if you have money to burn there is the K 28mm f2 if you can find one
http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-K-28mm-F2-Lens.html

The M is a cracking lens, i cant fault mine.
I know what i like, If not always why.
Jonathan-Mac
Posted 22/06/2016 - 21:06 Link
Some of the Vivitars are known to be quite good, especially if they're the close focus versions, but I would expect the Pentax to be better. It's a little slow but well built, compact and extremely sharp wide open.
Pentax hybrid user - Digital K3, film 645 and 35mm SLR and Pentax (&other) lenses adapted to Fuji X and Panasonic L digital
Fan of DA limited and old manual lenses
JAK
Posted 22/06/2016 - 23:25 Link
I did get a Vivitar 28mm f2.8 (no idea of variant) from Dixons (c.1980s.) After about a month it fell to pieces! They replaced it with another and the same happened again. It seems it was just glued together. Shame though as it was a really sharp lens. I replaced that with a Pentax 'M' one (which I've still got) but its aperture has now got very sluggish which seems to be a common issue with that lens.
John K
derek897
Posted 22/06/2016 - 23:48 Link
There's an M 28mm f3.5 for sale on here
https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/hd-da-20-40-ltd--56326
I know what i like, If not always why.
redbusa99
Posted 22/06/2016 - 23:59 Link
thanks for the responses . i did find out the Vivitar Close Focus was well regarded but not easy to find along with the K f2 plus would be quite expensive. the M28 f3.5 seems to be leading the pack at the moment as the few shortcomings reported, bokeh not brilliant and not sharp sharp at 3.5, are not a problem as i have other lenses that can go there with decent results.
just saw your response Derek, thanks but there are some a lot cheaper than that out there at the moment.
odd lens or 2

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Edited by redbusa99: 23/06/2016 - 00:04
nocturnal
Posted 23/06/2016 - 05:08 Link
I have all 3 28mm you mention, the M, the K and the Close Focus in m42 mount.

On APS-C the M is as sharp as the K or should that be the K is as sharp as the M.

The K apparently has sharper corners which you can't see on APS-C. I have yet to try it on full frame 35mm film.

I am selling the Close Focus one soon as I don't use it.

The M is my most used lens bar no other, glare resistant as good as limiteds, super rendering of landscapes, light, small, pocketable, takes 49mm filters, just get one.

One recommendation is to buy the genuine Takumar 28mm square metal hood for it for film and use a 50mm hood for digital APS-C. Not only does it do a good job, with a film camera it is 100% cool on the retro factor and a head turner (not me!).

I have the 'A' 28mm f2.8 as well, it is superb also, maybe sharper than both M or K.

That is 4 28's although I regularly use 2 at once, one on digital and one on film)
"In a photographic context I don't like the use of the word 'shot' as where I live this word refers to an extreme act of violence and not the beautiful craft of photography"
nocturnal
Posted 23/06/2016 - 05:11 Link
JAK wrote:
I did get a Vivitar 28mm f2.8 (no idea of variant) from Dixons (c.1980s.) After about a month it fell to pieces! They replaced it with another and the same happened again. It seems it was just glued together. Shame though as it was a really sharp lens. I replaced that with a Pentax 'M' one (which I've still got) but its aperture has now got very sluggish which seems to be a common issue with that lens.

john I have never heard of those issues on 28mm M, I read about the 35mm M having a sticky aperture before I bought one which I made sure didn't have it.
"In a photographic context I don't like the use of the word 'shot' as where I live this word refers to an extreme act of violence and not the beautiful craft of photography"
geordie01
Posted 23/06/2016 - 09:00 Link
Kiron 28mm f2 mk2 M 28 f2.8 K28 f3.5 M28 f2
Cheap is not always good
I have a great K 28 f3.5 I could be tempted to part with
Edited by geordie01: 23/06/2016 - 09:03
davidwozhere
Posted 24/06/2016 - 01:43 Link
The 'Vivitar' (Komine, I think) close focus is often found (on Ebay) as the Miranda 28mm macro - it's very good. Mine is in a K mount. The Takumar M42 28mm is excellent too but you need an adapter for it. Perhaps the best one is the Pentax 'A' series but they cost a bit more. Unless you are using a full frame camera, you will get away with the standard, cylindrical Pentax metal 49mm hood
Both the *istDS and the K5 are incurably addicted to old glass

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redbusa99
Posted 24/06/2016 - 10:33 Link
thanks very much for all the information on these lenses, i will save it. have been offered an M28 f3.5 at a good price so will go with that for now. interesting that the Miranda macro is the same thing as the close focus Vivitar,
odd lens or 2

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