Problens, what problens ? Bring me solutions not problens !

Hi,

In a bid to broaden my knowledge ( I know , I need to get out more) I've been trawling the Pentax Lenses topic string. The general gist is that 2nd-hand Pentax is probably a better route than 3rd party lens, unless one aims for the higher-end spec of these manufacturers. Here are links to few I've read:

https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=67

https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=455

https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=946

https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=947

My questions are:
1. Apart from e-Bay, can anyone recommend sources for 2nd hand Pentax lens.
2. Has anyone found information that attempts to "league table" lens manufactures.

Regards, Colin

eBay is a great resource, even better if you know what you are looking for. Otherwise, there are camera fairs and second hand dealers. Private sales can be made successfully from advertisments seen in AP and other magazines.

Around 1980 a magazine called CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY ran comparative tests on pretty much the full range of manufacturers and independent lenses. They covered 50mm 1.8, 50mm 1.4, 50mm fast (1.2 etc), 28mm, 100mm, macro lenses, 80-200 zooms and so on. Very interesting it was too, and pentax did consistently well in these tests, outperforming some very expensive competition. I haven'y seen anything as extensive since then, but maybe someone can point you to some appropriate web sites?

Second hand dealers that usually have a fair stock of Pentax stuff are

http://www.ffordes.com
http://www.mxv.co.uk

Hi Colin,

Here are a few disconnected thoughts, mainly based on my own Pentax interest which is the K and M era.

Regarding sourcing gear, it's Ebay and the occasional camera fair for me.

I would broadly agree with your statement that genuine manufacturer lenses are a better buy than third party, however there are exceptions. There is also the possibility of variation in performance between different specimens of the same lens. Staying with Pentax will give a greater consistency in filter sizes and the rotation direction of focus and iris rings.

Genuine Pentax 50mm, 28mm and 135mm lenses, particularly in M types, are plentiful, cheap and great performers. Other focal lengths, especially portrait lengths, are rarer and expensive especially when compared with other brands. I also have some Canon FD gear, and the supply of lenses for this format is much more plentiful and consequently available at lower cost. Maybe the typical Pentax owner back then was not so adventurous in his lens purchases thus leading to the lack of second hand items now.

The lens bargains I have found on Ebay have come from poorly described lots where a lens is included in a package, or comes on a body. Close scrutiny of the photos followed up by a carefully worded question to the seller is required. The remainder of the lot not wanted can be re-sold on Ebay to recoup the money. Recent finds have included a 40mm 1:2.8 pancake which ended up costing £15, and an excellent 35mm 1:2 which ended up costing nothing! A particular bargain was an ME with 28mm and 50mm lenses and ERcase, described as ME camera, not working. A new battery and DIY light seals fixed it, total outlay was £18.70!

The third party lens manufacturer I like is Tamron, though I find great variation on quality between different models, and that generally the older models are better. Their 28mm 1:2.8 and 24mm 1:2.5 in original adaptall from approx 1978 have been very satisfactory. Their SP 28-80mm 1:3.5-4.2 (model 27A) is also a good performer. Other (non SP) 28-70 mm lenses of theirs have been disappointing.

I have also had good results from a Cosina 19mm-35mm 1:3.5-4.5. (Was this also available as Vivitar Series One?) Members of a Canon forum also rate a Tokina 35-105 zoom.

A Pentax lens I would avoid (I have tried 3 examples) is the Pentax A 28-80mm 1:3.5-4.5. They have all been soft and of poor mechanical build quality. I had one serviced as the barrel was falling apart internally, but there was little improvement in sharpness.

I have never seen a league table comparing manufacturers, but would love to see one!

On the subject of exceptions, these lenses probably stand out as particularly good independent optics:

Kiron 28mm f2
Elicar 90mm f2.5 Macro
Tamron 90mm f2.5 Macro

Thanks John, Tony, John, useful inofrmation and links. Unfortunately my limited knowledge-base precludes me from spotting bargains on e-bay.

John (digikid-tv), can you expand on what you mean by the Pentax A 28-80mm 1:3.5-4.5 being soft ? You also mention Canon lens, do you use these with your Pentax kit (via adapter) ?

Regards, Colin

A relatively 'safe' bet would be to try your local suppliers, if you pop into Jessops they'll allow you to try their second-hand lenses on your camera.
Do a little research on the models that you're interested in and see if you can beat Jessop's prices.
Jessops will also transfer equipment from a distant store to your local one for you to inspect - with no obligation on your part to buy.
You'll no doubt pay more but you'll get a limited warranty, so you can return it if you're not happy.

As others have said, you'll get the best bargains on eBay and if it's only costing a fraction of the price elsewhere, what's the risk?

Just noticed the Kiron 28/2 on ebay - going in 6 hours....
Currently £16
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=15240&item=7501273083&rd=1

Hi Colin,

By soft I mean that the lens does not focus well, this is visible in the microprism in the viewfinder at the time of shooting. I shot an event last summer using my MX, mainly on primes. For part of the action I chose to use the Pentax A 28-80 zoom as I was not certain how events would unfold before me. There is a significant difference visible in the results, even on prints as small as 7x5 inches.

The Canon lenses are not usable on Pentax bodies. (I know it might be heresy here but I also frequently use a Canon A-1. For the record, I also have a fully manual Canon FTb and an Olympus XA.)

The previous post was mine, looks like I forgot to login!