Decent 35mm prime for Pentax K-m

robbie_d
Posted 18/12/2009 - 13:54 Link
As the title says really.

Looking for a decent 35mm prime for my K-m to try and replicate the old 50mm look, and use as a general walkabout lens.

Not looking to break the bank, but will pay for quality.

Any suggestions?
If you can't say something nice about Pentax, you won't say anything at all.

Apparently.
Anvh
Posted 18/12/2009 - 13:57 Link
Don't know what the DA35ltd macro goes for these days but it's a macro and limited lens so not much can beat that

Although for genreal it sint perfect since you have the long focus throw for macro.
Stefan
Comment Image

K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
Edited by Anvh: 18/12/2009 - 13:57
robbie_d
Posted 18/12/2009 - 14:03 Link
Anvh wrote:
Don't know what the DA35ltd macro goes for these days but it's a macro and limited lens so not much can beat that

Although for genreal it sint perfect since you have the long focus throw for macro.
Thanks for your reply.

Other than taking a little longer to autofocus, is there any other disadvantage of the long focus throw when using as a general walkaround lens?
If you can't say something nice about Pentax, you won't say anything at all.

Apparently.
womble
Posted 18/12/2009 - 14:11 Link
The DA 35mm Ltd is an exceptionally highly regarded lens. If you can afford it, I doubt you'll be disappointed.

K.
Kris Lockyear
It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart and head. Henri Cartier-Bresson
Lots of film bodies, a couple of digital ones, too many lenses (mainly older glass) and a Horseman LE 5x4.
robbie_d
Posted 18/12/2009 - 14:22 Link
womble wrote:
The DA 35mm Ltd is an exceptionally highly regarded lens. If you can afford it, I doubt you'll be disappointed.

K.
Looks like I'll have to start saving my pennies then!

40,000 of them at current prices!
If you can't say something nice about Pentax, you won't say anything at all.

Apparently.
Anvh
Posted 18/12/2009 - 14:26 Link
robbie_d wrote:
Other than taking a little longer to autofocus, is there any other disadvantage of the long focus throw when using as a general walkaround lens?
I believe the focus throw on the normal range is a little bit shorter then normal so manually focusing might be a little bit harder but not something to worry about in my opinion.

A review about the lens, it has full-size photos so that gives you a good idea what it can do link
It's a macro lens and made of high grade aluminium so it cost some more then your normal lens but it's worth it though.
Stefan
Comment Image

K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
Edited by Anvh: 18/12/2009 - 14:29
hefty1
Posted 18/12/2009 - 14:34 Link
The DA35 is lovely, so lovely in fact that my Flektogon 35mm may well be finding itself on eBay in the New Year - it hasn't been on the camera once since the DA rode into town last summer.
Joining the Q
Hyram
Posted 18/12/2009 - 14:40 Link
I agree - a great little lens with the added bonus of macro
Hyram

Bodies: K20D (2), K10D, Super A, ME Super, Auto 110 SLR, X70, Optio P70
Pentax Glass: DA* 300, DA* 60-250, DA* 50-135, DA* 16-50, DA 70 Ltd, FA 31 Ltd, DA 35 Ltd, DA 18-55 (2), DA 12-24, DA 10-17, M 200, A 35-70, M 40, M 28, Converter-A 2X-S, 1.4X-S, AF 1.7, Pentax-110 50, Pentax-110 24
Other Glass: Sigma 105 macro, Sigma-A APO 75-300
Flash: Metz 58 AF-1 P, Pentax AF160FC ringflash, Pentax AF280T
dynamosh
Posted 18/12/2009 - 14:47 Link
I've got a Samsung branded FA 35mm f2. It's cheaper than the DA 35mm and is a great lens. It looks very similar to the FA 50mm f1.4 ie. a bit plasticy but it's really sharp and can produce great results.
I think it may have been discontinued recently but you can still find them if you look hard enough. (I got mine from amazon for £250 in October)
mikew
Posted 18/12/2009 - 14:58 Link
You might look at the Sigma 30mm f1.4 - a big lens but very nice. Lilly uses it a lot and I do now so either it or my Pentax 35mm f2 will have to go and it's a really tough choice as they are both excellent lenses.

Mike
---------------------------------------------------

You can see some of my shots at my Flickr account.
amilner
Posted 18/12/2009 - 15:02 Link
I'll second the FA35 F2 if you can find one (either in Samsung or Pentax livery) - I got mine when they were about £200 new. It is one of the best regarded Pentax 'ordinary' lenses, compact, fast, great optically, a joy to use AF and a halfways decent focusing action for MF.

Then of course there is the 31 ltd...
Tony Milner
Super A, ME Super, MZ6, K5II, Ricoh GR & lenses from 8-500mm
www.amilner.org
www.flickr.com/photos/tonymilner
iceblinker
Posted 18/12/2009 - 17:39 Link
My suggestion is to go a bit wider with a 28mm, eg. Pentax-F f2.8.

"Pentax famously launched its 'Limited' range of premium primes with a 43mm standard lens, which is still on sale today."

"There is, in fact, a fairly well-developed school of thought (which I must admit I personally subscribe to [and me]) that for a standard lens [on film], that 40mm region is 'about right'."

- http://blog.dpreview.com/editorial/2009/03/what-is-a-standard-lens.html
~Pete
Edited by iceblinker: 18/12/2009 - 17:39
Blincodave
Posted 18/12/2009 - 18:15 Link
Robbie,

You could try the manual focus route. I use a Pentax M 28mm on my K20D and it's focal length gets very close to that old 50mm look you aspire to. Super optical and build quality. Mine cost £28 on E Bay.

Dave
Dangermouse
Posted 18/12/2009 - 20:16 Link
I would second the manual focus suggestion, but try looking for the A version of the 28mm lens instead of the M version. It makes metering much simpler!
Matt

Shooting the Welsh Wilderness with K-m, KX, MX, ME Super and assorted lenses.
SteveA
Posted 19/12/2009 - 00:04 Link
I have had some surprisingly good results with my manual focus Takumar_A 28mm = roughly 42mm in full format - it even has orange markers on it for 'snapshot' focusing!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2497/3766920072_d48d70ff83.jpg

In recent pics (since this) I have improved my focusing skills - I miss the split prism on my ZX-M.
Edited by SteveA: 19/12/2009 - 00:08

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