Pentax Camera & Lens Reviews
SMC Pentax-F 35-70mm f/3.5-4.5 Lens Review
John Riley reviews the super versatile Pentax F 35-70mm zoom lens from the late 1980s. Easily purchased for very little expense, can this film zoom hold its own on digital sensors? John rigorously tests the lens to find out.
SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 Review - The Ultimate Walkaround Revisted For 2026
With over 15 years in continuous production, John Riley revisits this versatile Pentax all-in-one walkaround solution. Does the Pentax 18-135mm match up to modern expectations? With sample photos, MTF & CA charts along with further reflection John provides the answers.
Pentax KF DSLR Review
John Riley reviews Pentax's lowest priced DSLR model aimed at enthusiasts that's still in production. The KF might be Pentax's least equipped model, but with a 24mp sensor it's far from being a compromise in what really matters, image quality.
Pentax WG-8 Waterproof Camera Review
John Riley reviews the Pentax WG-8 which is 20 megapixel tough waterproof camera. John provides sample photos, test charts and his verdict for this travel and pocket friendly compact.
Leica Monopan 50 Black and White Film Review
John Riley reviews the new Leica Monopan 50 black and white film which was announced in June 2025. Leica's Monopan 50 is in classic 35mm cassette form and is capable of 36 exposures.
SMC Pentax-M 150mm f/3.5 Lens Review
John Riley reviews this easily adapted although rarer 150mm f/3.5 telephoto lens from the Pentax M Series. John provides his insight into this less common focal length, along with sharing test charts, sample photos and his verdict.
SMC Pentax-M 200mm f/4 Lens Review
John Riley reviews this easily adapted, affordable 200mm f/4 telephoto lens from the Pentax M Series. John tells us about his experience using this vintage lens along with providing sample photos and his verdict.
SMC Pentax-F 50mm f/1.7 Lens Review
Fast, sharp 50mm F Series vintage lens from Pentax. John Riley reviews this easily adapted, widely available f/1.7 classic, sharing sample photos, MTF & CA performance charts along with his verdict of this standard length K mount lens.
PENTAX 17 Film Camera Review
The PENTAX 17 is a 2024 compact film camera featuring vertical half-frame shooting, a fixed 25mm f/3.5 lens with zone focusing and is the first release from Pentax's Film Project. John Riley reviews this modern day take on film photography and provides sample photos along with his verdict.
HD Pentax-D FA 21mm f/2.4 ED Limited DC WR Lens Review
John Riley reviews the premium full-frame HD 21mm f/2.4 Limited lens from Pentax. How does this beautiful lens measure up, John shares MTF & CA Charts, along with sample photos and his verdict.
Pentax K-3 III Monochrome DSLR Review
John Riley takes a look at the recently released Pentax K-3 III Monochrome, which is an APS-C DSLR dedicated to black & white photography. John reviews & tests the performance of this stunning monochrome camera which offers crisper, noise-reduced images over its colour sibling.
SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.4 Lens Review
Superfast 50mm M Series vintage lens from Pentax. John Riley reviews this easily adapted, widely available f/1.4 classic, sharing sample photos, MTF & CA performance charts along with his verdict of this standard length K mount lens.
SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.4 Versus f/1.7
Supplementary article comparing bokeh and sharpness between two popular vintage versions of the M Series 50mm from Pentax.
SMC Pentax 135mm f/2.5 Lens Review
John Riley reviews the Pentax 135mm f/2.5 telephoto K Series lens with a bonus comparison with the Takumar (Bayonet) 135mm f/2.5 - John provides sample photos, MTF & CA charts along with his verdict on both lenses.
SMC Pentax 85mm f/1.8 Lens Review
Reviewed this time is the Pentax 85mm f/1.8 from the original K Series of lenses. With a focal length of 85mm typically ideal for portrait photography, John Riley put this vintage lens to test, providing sample photos along with MTF & CA charts.
