LTD: SMC Pentax A* 85mm f1.4 for £399 at Ffordes

These lenses are becoming more difficult to find (in decent condition) - this one is advertised as "excellent+" and IMO it's a pretty good price. The only downside is the lack of the lens hood.

https://www.ffordes.com/p/SOR-28-083688/pentax-pk-pka/85mm-f14-smc-a

I've owned several copies of this lens and it truly is a great lens to use - it's sharp with beautiful bokeh, very usable from maximum aperture (superb stopped down a little), works well with the F series 1.7x AF converter and the build is just beautiful.

My recently acquired copy (bought because I regretted selling my last one) cost quite a bit more than this

One of my favourites, this one; rear element looks a bit grubby though (to be expected, given it’s around 40 years old!). I have noticed some Star lenses of this vintage have what I can only describe as pinhole patterns forming on the glass? I have read some articles saying it is oil, or air bubbles from manufacturing but have never found a definitive answer.

I bought a lens from them a couple of years ago and the front and rear elements looked quite grubby but they cleaned up very nicely with a Zeiss lens wipe and a soft cloth - I don't take much notice of the condition ratings anymore, as you've done - I judge by the images and decide based on that.

Looks like this has now gone - I guess someone has got excellent taste