K5-IIs and asahi smc 135 lens

Hi,
Just received this camera was told need to use a prime lens to see best results. Used the Asahi SMA 135 lens and still get purple fringing? Any advice appreciated.
!

Highlights are way blown, it's impossible to evaluate performance on this basis. A correct exposure is essential and will minimise aberrations.

There's something up with this image, note the strips at the border of the frame. Processing or sensor issue?

A very old lens like this is not the best to use with a modern sensor. Some are good, but you'd be better off with a DA lens from the current range.

There are clearly problems with the image, from masses of over-exposure to what may be a RAW converter problem.

When using old lenses on DSLR there are two rules really:

1) At all costs avoid overexposing and blowing highligts.

2) For most lenses stop them down a bit, particularly in high contrast situations.

I guess there is a third rule as well which is to avoid high contrast edges, particularly when there are speculative highlights on them - the classic case being ripples on water when it is sunny and backlit - faced with those circumstances underexpose a bit and stop down as much as you can. I have several old lenses I use and they are all OK, sometimes outstanding, most of the time, as long as they are used sympathetically.

The SMC 135 lens is superb, I know because I owned one, although it got sold because I didn't use it enough. However, it is not suited to this type of shot. You will get CA and fringing with most of the old lenses, the more contrast between subject and background, the greater the risk of fringing. Used carefully, you will get stunning results from this lens, but it has to be exposed correctly and on the right type of subject. Portraits for example, or still life flowers with a suitable background. Here's one shot with the SMC K135 and K-5:




Regards
David

Groundhog day: https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/is-this-purple-fringing--39422

The OP posted this from the 18-135mm:

https://www.pentaxuser.com/images/comment_pictures/12288/12288_1359850981.jpg

This definitely isn't the lens [just check out that old thread from the OP]. If it's the 135/3.5, and it's at least stopped down a little bit, fringing shouldn't be an issue.

Yep, I agree Will, looks like the exposure is way too high on all of these shots and more careful use of the lens would pay dividends.

Regards
David

I just choked on my Kronenbourg. I can't believe you would be so dismissive of the older Pentax lenses. I have had some stunning results from them and I often prefer them over modern lenses. One of the joys of Pentax ownership, surely. Chokes once again.

I also agree with you Dr. O. The K55 F1.8 is a belter too and very cheap in comparison to a modern 50 or 55mm! You do have to take more care with the older ones (like your elderly relatives!), but they can reward in spades with lots of atmosphere and a completely different look to anything that's produced today.

I wouldn't swap my M28mm F3.5 for anything, except a K28mm F3.5!

Regards
David

It actually looks more like a RAW converter issue, although the shot is also very overexposed.

What do you mean Will? They just look over-exposed to me? do you mean the software has caused the issue or it has not been used correctly?

Regards
David

Yep, my SMC M 135mm works for me (with a short extension tube and a K30) .......




Andrew

Only in the context of the problem presented. To expand, the best place to start, IMHO, is with a current lens. With a new camera the worst place to start, again IMHO, is with something that needs special care and attention.

Yes, older lenses can be very rewarding, but not until we are a little more familiar with our new camera.

I would disagree. I don't think the K5 metering is that great, I think the Q meters much better for instance. So to learn metering with an older lens I think actually pays dividends with more advanced technology as one learns better how to understand how metering works and therefore how to compensate.

To be honest the 'special care and attention' required isn't that difficult and they are basic skills that any aspiring photographer really should possess regardless of auto this and that.

I would therefore argue that the older lens is the ideal place to start.

Shooting a reflective surface in sunlight, those most difficult of conditions, would I trust my modern camera to get the exposure consistently right? No way.