SMC A 50mm f1.2

I've read a few times recently that this lens is still available new in Japan. Does anyone know where, or is this an internet myth?

If you want one, try ordering it from SRS.

G

Really? Wow! If SRS can source it that would be great. It was only discontinued in 2004 apparently.

I wish we could get some more - we had the last 6 left in Europe, but we sold out about 4 months ago. I think most of them went to people on here!

I get them very occasionally second hand - I sold one about a week ago which was in Mint condition and it went for £349.

I keep a list of wants - if you are looking for anything second hand give me a shout and I'll add you to the book.

Chris

To put that in perspective, the last RRP was £599.99.

G

Hi Chris,

Please add me to the list for an SMC-A 50mm f/1.2 BTW I bought a K10D and 43mm lens from you today, and looking forward to trying it out tomorrow.

Cheers,

Simon.

Actually, I've found a brand new one in Japan from an eBay vendor called Matsuiyastore, so no need to keep me on the list.

He has more, by the way. See ebay item 150142428678

Thanks,

Be aware that you are likely to get a bill for tax from HM Customs, along with the lens!

Is this just V.A.T. or is it more than that?

Thanks
Kevin

This is how it goes:

Lens: $560
Shipping 40
Subtotal 600
Duty 29
Subtotal 629
VAT 110
Subtotal 739
Agent 30
Total 769

Sterling 380

SRS 349

G

Ouch, quite a jump, never realised it was so much.

And . . . the SMCP-A 50mm 1:1.2 is manual focus and only 1/2 stop faster than the SMCP-FA 50mm 1:1.4 . . . which is auto focus and half the price of the 1:1.2 from SRS Microsystems (if they still have any).

Is it really worth the money?

The FA 1:1.4 . . . most definitely is. I'm not so sure about the A 1:1.2 . . . and it's much heavier.

I think the thing about the A50f1.2 isn't the extra half stop but the incredible softness wide open and shallow DoF. It is quite dreamy and creamy overall.

Plus its compatibility with the K10D over the K version.

You can't justify the price of the 1:1.2 on a strictly financial basis. But, like the Limited lenses, it has a certain indefinable something about it that transcends mere specification.

It's heavy as hell because it is almost all glass, and the build quality of course is almost on a par with a Limited lens. It's a delight just to hold and behold.

Mine is the K version, but it's fine on the K10D because I almost always use it wide-open. Why have it otherwise?

It does indeed have a dreamy, creamy, quality that no other lens can match.

In short, it's one of those lenses that you really can't manage to be without, even if you don't use it very often. I'd have to be very broke to sell mine.

G

George,

I made the comparison above mostly to help talk myself out of changing my K version 1:1.2 for the A version.

I'm not so sure I've convinced myself yet .

I've been duplicating some of the tests that others have already made re. exposure issues with manual lenses on the K10D and I've been equally disappointed with the results.

I have only two pre-A series primes, the K 50mm 1:1.2 & M 400mm 1:5.6 and I don't really want to change them. I just hope that Pentax gets enough flack about this issue that they do something about it and fix it soon.

Regards,