SMC 28-105mm

I found a second had 28-105 lens the other day but they guy didn't want to let it go without the attached camera. I think it was a ZX-10 (I think) which I was very unimpressed with, next to no operation options at all. Might as well by a point and shoot! It was £75 for the two, what do you think?

the ZX-10 is a little basic, but it's got Program, Av, Tv and Manual, what more do you need?

Well, it didn't seem to have much in the way of any indications or anything...

Just double checked, it was a Z-10... Might go for it at that price and use the camera every so often and use the lens more.

If it was a ZX-10 I'd have snapped it up at that price as I think it is a better camera, especially the AF.

ahh the Z-10, now I understand. According to Bojidar it's only got P, M and HyperM so somewhat short on creative automatics.

If the lens looks like it is in good condition then I think it is probably a bargain regardless on whether you can get anything back on the camera. Check that it comes with its hood, PH-RBC 58mm, which has the removable panel for using a polariser.

The 28-105 is still available new, in black or silver, but is listed at around £230. I did find it new here for £150 but that is still twice as much as your find:

http://www.abc-digital-cameras.co.uk/shop/product.php?xProd=415&xSec=112

Glyn

30th post and it makes me a forum veteran, yes!

This hood will only fit one of the three FA 28-105mm lenses available, the 3.2-4.5 AL (IF) variant.

I think it's more likely that the OP has got hold of the power zoom variant which does not accomodate a bayonet fitting petal hood.

Yes it's most probably the FA power-zoom model (F 1:4-5.6).

The Z10 was the first of the Z series cameras and although basic by today's standards, was highly innovative - in true Pentax style!
Both Pentax and Minolta placed a great deal of emphasis on the powered zoom feature but it wasn't really that successful, although I like it.
The camera isn't really worth much now but is still a very capable machine, the lens however is a bit special.
Assuming that the lens and camera were bought new, the lens would have cost around £300 and the buyer made a wise choice. The 'standard' FA28-80mm power-zoom lens isn't particularly good but the FA28-105 is excellent (optically superior to the F35-135) and is highly resistant to flare - you hardly ever need a lens hood!
The power-zoom facility (limited on the Z10 but more versatile on the Z1) is a bit gimmicky but it works quite well and the 80's and 90's were all about gimmicks.

If I remember correctly, power-zoom is available on some other cameras besides the Z series, I think the MZS and the K10D can use it but even on a camera without that capability, the FA28-105 is a superb lens.

You wont find that many FA28-105s for sale and I think £75 is a very good price - and you'd be getting the camera for next to nothing

Right, I'll go back and have a really good look at it then at some point

Right, having thought about if for a while I'm now really confused about which of the three would be best to get.

I believe it is this:
http://www.bdimitrov.de/kmp/lenses/zooms/short/FA28-105f4-5.6-i.html

And I'd really prefer:
http://www.bdimitrov.de/kmp/lenses/zooms/short/FA28-105f3.2-4.5.html

For obvious reasons.

The lens will be used on a K10 and I'm worried about chromatic abberations from a non DA lens.

I need a few more oppinions and information before I go for it.

All three 28-105 lenses have a different glass arrangement and build so it is very.

Actually while writing this I think I'd rather just get a new 28-105 F3.2-4.5 as is has the aspherical elemtnt and no rotating front end.

I used to have the first of these, the big, heavy one with the power zoom (which works on the K10D).

It's probably the best of the three 28-105s optically, and I don't think you need worry about CA on a DSLR.

However, it's big and heavy.

G

I have the FA28-105 IF f/3.2-4.5 which I originally purchased for my MZ6. Has been used on DS2 and now K100D with no problems. This is an excellent lens.

Mike

These can be excellent lenses, but incredibly heavy compared to the current DA series. In that sense, although perfectly useable, I'm not so sure that they are an ideal match for the DSLRs.

Personally, on the grounds of ergonomics and efficiency, I have settled just about 100% on the new lenses. Any older ones in use are just for fun or experimentation.

The FA 28-105 3.2-4.5 is hardly "incredibly heavy" - it is about the same size and weight as the 50-200 and lighter and smaller then the 16-45. It is useful as a sort of midrange zoom for parties and snapshots - having a pasable 'wide angle' of 42mm equiv with a reach up to about 160 equiv - about right for candid portraits. (24-90 would be better but it is bigger, more expensive, and I don't have one!!)

It is also a pretty good lens!

I am sure that JR was referring to the 4.0-5.6 power zoom lens. The other two are much lighter and smaller.

G