I don't think you are right, Arthur.

In any mode other than Manual, the camera will not stop the lens down. So although it will expose correctly (by adjusting the shutter speed), it will not give you the aperture you want. Whatever the aperture is set at, the picture will be taken at full aperture.

G

What is it you want to know?

G

A few months ago, "Spirit of Will" posted here offering to obtain Pentax Limited lenses.

Recently he and I came to an agreement concerning a 31mm Ltd lens, and yesterday evening he delivered it.

It's a great lens; I'm happy with the price; and Will's a nice chap. If anybody else was thinking of dealing with him, I certainly have no complaints at all.

George

Kim,

Point taken.

G

Kim,

Stan's site doesn't mention the non-SMC lenses in this range. The original poster said he couldn't see a difference between the SMC and non-SMC versions, hence my wondering if the non-SMC did in fact have an SMC coating.

G

This is a very interesting situation.

Pentax appear to have produced four different lenses in the same housing, one of which (according to Boz) was the SMCP-F 70-210, which had a 13/9 configuration. The others were all non-SMC and 10/8, and two were 70-200.

Personally, I find this a bit surprising. Boz is not infallible, and it is possible that his information is wrong. I should have expected all of them to have had the same element/group construction.

It is instructive to recall the SP500. In order to attack a lower price point in the market, Pentax released a version of the SP1000 with a lower max shutter speed and at a lower price. However, instead of making a different camera, Pentax simply fitted a dial which didn't mark the 1/1000 speed.

Perhaps on the same principle your lens DOES have SMC, but was marketed as not having it!

G

The most significant difference is the absence of SMC coating.

Not only does this (SMC) reduce flare and ghosting when shooting into the light, but it also improves light transmission through the lens, which in turn improves contrast and colour. The effect is especially noticeable with zoom lenses, which tend to have a lot of elements, and therefore a lot of glass/air surfaces.

There are so many good SMC lenses available at very reasonable prices that there is absolutely no point in saddling yourself with a non-SMC lens. They should be simply thrown away.

G

Take a look at the message above yours.

When I worked in far-away places (like Central Africa) I always made sure I had a few friends in the local Embassy/High Commision.

G

Of course you have internet printers there. Use a UK one, and get them to post to you.

G