Pentax M 1:1.7 50MM

Hi,

I'm not in the same stratosphere as the recent posts here, but probably wackier!

I don't own a K mount body yet as I complete my M42 collection. I'm waffling among MX, ME Super Programs and the like.

Mostly what is drawing me into the bayonet mount world is the 1:1.7 50mm SMC lens.

There is a mint version available here in Montreal for about $75.00 US., and I'm thinking of getting it even though I don't have anything to mount it on.

1: Is this lens really that special?

2: I've paid more for M42, f1.4 50mm and f1.8 55mm Super Multi Taks, so is the above price good?

3: Am I completely nuts?

Please be kind re question 3. I kinda know the answer already.

Cheers

1. Among the bayonet 50mm lenses, the M series f1.7 is my favourite for its very nice balance of optical properties. Ironically, some people prefer the screw thread standard lenses which need more stopping down for optimum quality, but are said to have a superior performance at that optimum point. This would also apply to the optically identical K lenses. The M lens might peak at f5.6-f8 and the earlier ones at f11

2. A mint SMC Pentax-M 50mm f1.7 might go on eBay at as little as £20 GBP or much more, depending on the mood at the time. I think the price you quote is OK for a shop price, maybe a whisker on the high side. A chance to negotiate?

3. No, you're not completely nuts, nobody's perfect! Who could be nuts anyway that's into Pentax gear?

4. Don't forget to let us know how you get on with the lens....

My first Pentax, an ME Super, came with the M series 50mm F2 and it was a gorgeous lens. Optically superb and with a beautifully smooth focusing action - many users prefer the M series above all others but there's not much to choose between them and later versions optically.
A series and later have the additional electronic contacts required for full program operation and multi-pattern metering on suitable cameras but the M series are still usable thanks to the K-mount.

I think the M 50mm 1.7 would be a very fine lens indeed and that price sounds about right but you might prefer to look for an A or F series alternative, should you be considering a more modern camera system.

Mac,

When the SMCP-M 50 1.7 came out, Pentax was the most popular camera brand, and all the M cameras were supplied with one or other of the three 50mm variants: 1.4, 1.7 or 2.0.

This means there are huge numbers of them around, and it is this massive supply that results in the low prices they command.

If they were scarce, people would pay very much more for them.

Moral: don't judge a Pentax 50mm by its price. They are all superb lenses.

But because they are so common, don't rush to buy this one. Unless it really is in truly fabulous condition, you can probably find another one in excellent condition for rather less.

As for the Takumars, they probably won't be better optically or mechanically (in the sense of rubustness) than this lens, but their tactile qualities, as you know, are unsurpassed.

G

Thank you, Gentlemen!

It's funny, as I read your responses, I'm playing with my brother-in-laws Yashica 50mm 1:1.9 lens, from a body that I've sent down to Eric Hendrickson along with an SPF of mine for some TLC, CLA, and outright magic.

When you've only handled Pentax gear for several months, you sure forget how cheesy other equipment feels.

I am SO spoiled now!

And, I'm goin' for that 1.7!

YYEEEE - HAWWWW......

I'm with John on this one, I'm sure you'll love the lens but that price is about what I'd expect from a high street shop and I'd see if I could knock it down a bit or else check on eBay

Down around $50.00 US now.

Shhhhh....

Love the hunt....

I'll be in touch

Thanks

OK, Mac, you'll need a body to go with this lens.

If price is no object, the best bodies are, of course, the LX, the (P)Z1-P, and the MZ-S.

At a more reasonable price level, the best bodies are the MX, the Super A (Super Program to you), and various flavours of the MZ5/ZX5.

Of course, as a Spotaholic, you would feel very comfortable with the KX or KM, but these are old cameras now, and it will be harder to get a good one. Don't be tempted by the K1000; it sells for more than it's really worth (IMO).

We await developments with interest.

G

Now that sounds more like it!

All you need to do now is start collecting M series cameras, then A's, Z's, MZ's.........have you considered going digital?

Just kidding but I half suspect that you'll do that anyway ......and I couldn't fault you if you did

For a K mount body, if you can find an MX in decent shape it may be the wisest choice. Totally manual, therefore not much to break.

My two MX's served me well for probably 25 years. I never upgraded because I never needed to, they were doing everything I needed.

Now I've added a *st D to the collection, it uses the old manual lenses the way they were meant to be used - take a reading, recompose, shoot! The thing I like about the *st D is the clean control dial (Tv, Av, P, and M). No silly icons for "scene modes", which are annoying! And no menu-diving, except to format the card. I HATE menus!!

Many a true word was said in Jest!!!!

Getting started is no problem, it's deciding when enough is enough

T'other Kim

[quote="Kimbo"]

I got my perfect 50mm 1.7 for $30 at a "1hr Photo" place. It came with a free broken ME body. I still prefer my 1.4, though.