Pentax K 85mm f1.8 Initial Impressions
I've recnetly acquired a Pentax-M 50mm F1.4 which has a similar special quality, although it's probably not quite in the same league as your 'K's'.
Regards
David
I've started trying out this lens and I think it is absolutely stunning
They're excellent shots, I particularly like the portrait and sweet chestnut.
I was lucky enough to get my K85 a couple of years ago and think that it's probably my favourite lens.
There's something special about the rendering that I can't quite put my finger on, but for portraits between f/2.8 and f/4, I've yet to find anything I prefer.
I'd be interested to hear how your FA77 fares in comparison (as per the other thread). If it wasn't for the AF and small size, I think mine might be in trouble.
Lovely images, BTW.
K.
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.
My website
I hope to build up a K series of bargains as a team of supersubs if ever I have to sell off the newer lenses. Plus I like to have a day every now and again when I just use manual lenses, sort of reinvigorates me.
K series lens lineup is nice idea, currently I have only K20/4 and K85 with K30/2.8 on its way, but I'm more than happy with their performance if I get exposure and focus right.
Lenses: Pentax DA 10-17mm ED(IF) Fish Eye, Pentax DA 14mm f/2.8, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8, Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8, Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.2, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.7, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8, Sigma 135-400mm APO DG, and more ..
Flash: AF-540FGZ, Vivitar 283
Adrian - I wonder what it would be like on your "Q" at 585mm?
Dave
I agree with the above, they and other older manual lenses have something special that are not easily measured in a lab.
MTF curves tell a lot, plus there are other metrics. Then problem is that Pentax does not provide these and no-one out there (as far as I know) has consistently made independent measurements.
It seems to me these older lenses, like some Leica glass I've looked at, have significantly lower microcontrast than contemporary lenses. This smooths out fine detail, an effect that especially suits portraiture (and vegetation).
Others may have a different opinion. In any case, nice shots!
Meanwhile, my K20D hasn't been used in two or three weeks while I have been shooting with my ME-F with AF35-70 lens, my SV, a Yashicamat 124G and a Agfa Isolette II. The latter I just picked up from a charity shop and am hoping the shutter is vaguely accurate and the bellows aren't full of pinholes.
K.
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.
My website
I use my Taks with Av mode and stabilised on my K20D... I'd be really happy if the metering with the K series lenses could be better.
Kris, could you please explain what you mean by 'stabilised'? I may be a bit thick here, please excuse my ignorance.
Regards
David
K.
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.
My website
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2628 posts
14 years
Brighton,
England
A bog standard portrait, but the lens has a gentle touch:
Wide open, the subject pops out nicely:
No CA:
I really like how it performs on landscapes, there is just so much detail in the trees and rocks.