The stand-outs for me in this set are the second and third BW ones, they are more powerful and have more to say to me than the portraits do.

Regards
David

I don't think there's any difference. Even if there is, I can state categorically that the Samsung version is a superb lens, very sharp, good contrast / colours and I haven't seen anything in any photos taken with the Pentax version to suggest that the Pentax one is any better.

Regards
David

I had a 50-200 and it was a very sharp lens with good contrast and colour, but not anywhere close to the 50-135 in image quality. For studio photography it will not do the same job as the 50-135 would do, partly due to the IQ and partly due to the wider max aperture on the more expensive lens.

I don't think you'll find the 50-200 soft, it's the more subtle aspects of IQ that you may be lacking.

Regards
David

I would like to make a couple of observations on what you say above, as I think there may be better alternatives than just reading up to gain your knowledge, although reading is clearly not a bad idea:

- Find someone local that you can buddy up with and go out on some landscape shoots; use their knowledge to learn. There are some pretty amazing PU photographers in your neck of the woods - why not ask for someone local to get in touch? For me, this is by far the best way to learn.

- Seek out inclement weather! You will get the best landscape shots when there are dramatic clouds about and rapidly changing light

Hope this is useful.

Regards
David

I think you could try turning the focus mechanism with a small screwdriver via the screwdrive slot, this seems to have worked for some people. I wonder what causes the SDM motors to fail like this?

Maybe someone can give us a technical reason.

Regards
David

Here's an image shot with the lens:




Enjoy Andrew!

Best wishes
David

You have to be quick on here!

The lens has found a deserving new home in the form of Andrew Currie (bwlchmawr), I can't wait to see some of Andrew's shots taken with it!

Regards
David

I have in my possession an almost legendary lens and one of my personal favourites! It's a Pentax-M 28mm F3.5, fantastic for landscapes, with clean and clear optics. Unfortunately the aperture pin has become detached (not broken, just come loose) and I cannot repair it, although I am sure someone can. To make it usable, it has been fixed at approx. F8 with a small dab of glue, this is easily removed and if someone can repair the aperture pin it will be as good as new. I have another (working) copy of this lens so I don't need the one with the detached pin.

Cosmetically it is superb, it takes great photos and it is free to a good home for someone who will pay the postage. Please PM me if interested, I would rather give it to someone who can repair it, but if no-one can I will let it go to a worthy new owner!

Thank you to AndrewA who gave me this lens back after selling his K-5!

Regards
David

It's not my 'cup of tea' but I can appreciate the photo for what it is, which is a skilfully taken portrait. Also, it has attracted a lot of comment and interest which is a positive for any photographer.

I don't mind the harsh shadows as this adds to the extreme character of the person being portrayed, sometimes it's not about making a 'perfect exposure' with all highlights and shadows readable, sometimes the character and feeling of a shot are more important.

Regards
David

I would follow John's recommendation, failing that it is possible you have a problem with one of the contacts in the card bay of the camera, maybe a bent contact or similar?

Some cameras seem more finicky with cards than others are, my first K-5 was very temperamental and sometimes I had to remove and reinsert a card a few times before it worked.

Regards
David