Should I buy a Pentax-A SMC 50mm F1.2 Lens?
This assumes of course that logical thinking has any value at all in this matter. ......
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Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
Best regards, John
http://www.ipernity.com/tag/288579/keyword/1276777
Of course, being a K-series lens the EXIF doesn't record the aperture.
Kris Lockyear
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.
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No-one needs a 1.2 but everybody wants one. I'd love to have one but get the impression that it's a steep learning curve due to the razor thin depth of field at 1.2, but if you don't use it wide open then why are you buying it? No-one needs a 1.2 to stop it down to f/8.
Having said all that, I have four different 50/1.4s and I don't think I ever use them wide open.
In summary - get it and sell it on if you don't get along with it.
Pentax hybrid user - Digital K3 & K200D, film 645 and 35mm SLR and Pentax (&other) lenses adapted to Fuji X digital
Fan of DA limited and old manual lenses
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And lastly, here's a scary point. You don't want to spend all that money to later find that your lens has developed balsam separation. It's a common problem in the 50mm lenses of old (and a few others). I've had two with the fault already and it's not easily noticed but very depressing as it reduces contrast and sharpness wide open (which means an f/1.4 lens performs better anyway).
All the gear with no idea
K.
Kris Lockyear
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
Thanks again, Horst
https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/smc-a50mm-f1-2-vs-fa-43mm-f1-9-limited-41...
I still have the A50/1.2 that I purchased in 2013. Sadly the lens has not been used much, probably because on asps-c the 50mm FOV is a bit in “no mans land” for me. Mostly the A50/1.2 has been used for flower shots, but I presume it will be very useful as a portrait lens on aps-c once I find time to go into that area of photography. I would very much like to start using this lens on a 35mm film camera, because then the FOV is much more useful.
If one wants to experiment with flower shots with dreamy bokeh, f1.2 can be very inspiring. It would probably be difficult to photoshop the f1.2 characteristic look. I have also heard that the A50/1.2 probably is sharper at f2.8 and other smaller apertures than the other Pentax 50mm, but this may not be 100% true. Anyway, the A50/1.2 has a very unique way of rendering colour and micro contrast, it has a lot of character. Even though I use the lens quite seldom, it is a joy to use. I will never sell my copy of this lens.
Bjørn
PPG
Flickr
And in terms of depth of field effects, there is surely an extremely limited range of real life circumstances where the difference between 1.4 and 1.2 would make .....well, any difference.
Bjolester makes some strong user informed points about the special characteristics which are hard to discount if they would enhance your particular style.
My Guides to the Pentax Digital Camera Flash Lighting System : Download here from the PentaxForums Homepage Article .... link
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
http://www.northcoastphotographer.net/blog/files/6e9582a6274d2029660e07cbcf382f5...
Bjørn
PPG
Flickr

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/74819-post-your-1-2-photos-1-...
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Half Man... Half Pentax ... Half Cucumber
Pentax K-1 + K-5 and some other stuff
Algi
You can't do this with an f/1.4

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/74819-post-your-1-2-photos-1-...
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There is possibly not much need for f1.2 with the high ISO capabilities of current DSLRs. Some people see no difference between photographs taken with f1.4 and f1.2. Even with this background the A50/1.2 is a superb lens with breathtaking sharpness and unique rendering IMHO.
Bjørn
PPG
Flickr

http://flickriver.com/search/tomioka+55mm+f%252F1.2/
Most of the stuff we've seen is on APS-C ..... FF should be more interesting.
--
Half Man... Half Pentax ... Half Cucumber
Pentax K-1 + K-5 and some other stuff
Algi
Horst
Plus Member
Melbourne, Victoria
I have saved enough to buy one. They are between 700 and 850 $AU from Japan and there is no Import duty, because it is below $1000.-
No the thing is, I own an A 50 mm f1.4 and a F-50mm f1,4 lens. the question is, is it worth the 800 dollars to invest in an A-f1.2 lens or not. I can not see a big difference because of 1/2 a f-stop.
I realize all the business with DOF and softness wide open, but it may be useful.
Do any of you hav this or better still the 1,4 and 1.2 lens and what do you think.
Regards, Horst