Old v New

Might be a daft question but here goes anyway do the old SMC M lenses give as good results as the newer modern day lenses. I ask this question as I have both the older 1.7 and the newer 1.4 50mm lenses and the 1.7 sometimes looks the sharper of the two. I also have the 28mm and 35mm older SMC M lenses but no comparision.
Ian

According to bdimitrov's Pentax listings, the Pentax-A 1.7/50 mm lens is one of the better lenses, resolutionwise. This is also confirmed by numerous reports on this forum.

Here is the link to the bdimitrov's resolution page.

Thanks Terry will take a look now.
Ian

A good lens is a good lens and should stand the test of time. In the M series the 20mm f4; 28mm f3.5; 50mm f1.7; 85mm f2 to name a few are very well regarded.

One thing that has changed over the years is coatings so a hood is a must.

In my experience they can and do when compared with their more modern counterparts. I had the good fortune recently to obtain a 50mm f1.7M and 200mm f4M (both SMC) for around £30.00 and £35.00 respectively. Both had obviously been cherished and were in immaculate condition. In use each has proved capable of producing stunning images with good contrast and high definition when used with either my GX-10 or K20D. I really enjoy wresting back some of the control from the electronics in the camera and having to stop, 'engage brain' and think about differential focus and exposure before shooting. In fact, I would say that although I end up taking fewer pictures when these lenses,the proportion of 'keeps' is actually higher than when using my fully auto, albeit zoom, lenses (Pentax DA and Sigma DG/EX. I suspect that I am not alone in my views and this undoubtedly explains why these lenses are becoming harder to find and more expensive to buy.

Peter's point is a valid one, although as I always shoot with a lens hood attached I haven't found flare/lack of contrast to be a problem.

Jon

I think some of the older lenses stand up remarkably well compared to their modern counterparts. I enjoy using them for the reasons that Jon mentioned above - they make you stop and think, and the proportion of decent shots increases as a result.

Ian, I don't know what you think of your 35mm f2.8, but I have one and consider it to be something of an unsung hero - it does exactly what I need of it and produces very good results time after time. I'd second others' opinions of the 50mm/1.7 and 20mm/4, and would add the 135/3.5 as a decent quality and very cost-effective medium telephoto.

Pentax-M 28mm f3.5. Buy one now, perfect focal length for APS-C and incredibly sharp even wide open.

Have not realy tried this one out to any extent Jon due to an illness recently but hope to get out and about soon.
Ian

Im always on the look out for these little gems.
Ian

I think they would hardly create poorer lenses of the same kinda.
They might to budget versions or revise the optics, but that would be a different lens.
Like the Pentax-Fs or Takumar bayonette.
There should be no discernible difference between a SMC-A 50mm F1.7 and a F version.

Arguements over which lens will always occur. But, it depends on how you use it. I have heard that the 50mm F1.7 is mighty, but is it better than the FA F1.4? well that depends. If your eyes are not as good for manual, and you rely on AF, then no, but if your eyes are good, then maybe. I wear glasses so AF is ALWAYS a bonus, as I cannot rely on the focus (even with the diopter set accordingly.
However I do have a number of MF lenses and they are great. The 55mm-M F1.8 is a little soft, but as a portrait lens it is fantastic. I also have the K mount 135mm F2.5, which does not SMC coating, it still great fun, and when used in certain circumstances is fantastic.

ANY Pentax prime lens will be good, as all have great optics. It will come down to budget. If you can afford a F1.4, then go for that, if not, the the F1.7 will be a great alternative.
Finally, remember, Whatever lens is on the front of your DSLR, it will still be far better than any digital compact......

There are a few on ebay but the prices are daft. I paid £50 for mine, £80+ is ridiculous. It's a great lens but it's fully manual.