FS: Pentax F 135mm f2.8 [IF]

I have a fairly rare F series 135/2.8 IF lens up for sale - superb on full frame and APS-C, it has a user rating of 9.54 over on PentaxForums ( https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-F-135mm-F2.8-Lens.html ) and was the penultimate AF 135mm manufactured by Pentax (the FA is the last one but they share the same optical formula I believe).

The condition of this one is pretty average cosmetically - there is some of the grey coating scraped off on the main barrel, the serial number block is not present (stupid idea having a serial number on a rubberised block that can be removed or wear and fall out), the AF is fully working but is quite aggressive and noisy (if you've owned F series lenses then you may already be familiar with this) - there is a very slight "resistance" at between 2.5 and 3 feet, hardly noticeable but it is there. Optically quite clean (some minor dust and one or two tiny marks inside) and the aperture is positive and working fully.

It's getting harder and harder to find these in top condition - it is a 30 year old lens - so if you're a collector then this probably isn't for you. If you want a good user lens then this could be the one.

















Here's a mini Flickr albums of shots of and with the lens from this afternoon. There is no PP (default sharpening has been removed) except for minor exposure, highlights & shadows) :

https://www.flickr.com/photos/62460860@N05/albums/72157697865423902

You'll see that it's biggest weakness is purple fringeing/CA - I purposely haven't removed it to show how it is before PP.


Price: £189 plus P&P

UK Only, Bank Transfer, Cheque (cleared), PayPal (Gift), Postal Order or Cash on collection, Inspection Welcome.

How does the IQ compare with the SMC K equivalent?

I am taking a wild guess you've owned both at some point!

I do own both but the K is really only part of a mini collection now - the K135/2.5 has a bit of a cult status, and for build quality you'll struggle to find anything better - optically it was top class and still does a fine job, but for me the Automation and AF of the 'F' coupled with sharpness wide open does it for me.

If you want the K it'll be up for sale soon All my K lenses (bar one) will be going

I've got the K and love it so am considering having an AF option at the focal length as well

If you're selling a 24mm K I might have to dust off the wallet....

No 24


Just 28/3.5, 28/2.0, 35/2.0, 50/1.2, 85/1.8, 105/2.8 & 135/2.5

There are two lenses on the that list of Ks I don't have yet...

Yet!

That dreaded word 'yet'. I've picked all the low hanging fruit K-series prime-wise, and a few of the less low-hanging ones. Filling the gaps is, by necessity, a slow process as the lenses are rarer and rather more pricey.

BUMP and a price drop...…



….. £175

Anyone want a longer FA77? This is the lens.

A few images taken with this lens on a K1 mkII this morning:

1. at f2.8.



2.



3.



4.



5. at f5.6 - focus is on the door knob.

Getting harder to fill in any gaps.

Sunday Bump

A stunning lens, worthy of pairing up with a K1

So tempting. If it was the FA, I'd probably go for it.