A couple of days ago a rare lens, the A 35mm f/2, popped up in a local listing in an app and I jumped on it as I don't think I've ever seen one for sale, certainly not locally. At €250 I wouldn't say it was a bargain but not a bad price given it's condition. It's M predecessor (which cost me about a third of what this did) is probably my favourite manual lens of all so I couldn't resist the A version, which is apparently optically identical but with the convenience of the A setting, which allows aperture control in 1/3 stop increments. This copy is in even better condition than the seller advertised, I'd say it's mint, and it works like a charm.

I'm a sucker for a 35mm prime as it's my preferred focal length on APS-C and I have accumulated a bit of a collection. Even better when I can also use them on film. I'd agree from what I've seen so far that it's optically identical to the M. The HD FA is certainly a bit sharper wide open but of course it lacks the tactile pleasure of using classic lenses.


Pentax SMC-A 35mm f/2 by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr


Pentax SMC-A 35mm f/2 by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr

Gone now, just as well. They accepted an offer so I'd guess it went for even less.

Looks absolutely massive but then what do you expect for a FF 30/1.4? A unique focal length and nice and fast to boot.

That's an add-on thumb grip that goes in the hotshoe.

I thought it was a full stop for each ten years.

I'd run it through at ISO 250 (assuming your camera can over-ride the setting on the cannister) and develop as normal.

HP5 should be pretty forgiving but always better to over-expose a little than under-expose.

I also have to log in on every visit recently, but Chrome remembers my user ID and password so I don't have to type them in every time.

The prices are perhaps a little high but you're buying from a good place rather than e-bay. They have a few very nice lenses - the M 35/2, one of my very favourite primes, is what first caught my attention. Some of these state that they're "M" lenses but no such lens exists, so they can only be "K" series.

Here are a few highlights but there are more available.

M 35/2: https://wycameras.com/collections/latest-stock/products/pentax-m-35mm-f-2-exc

M 20/4: https://wycameras.com/collections/latest-stock/products/pentax-m-20mm-f-4-exc

K 30/2.8: https://wycameras.com/collections/latest-stock/products/pentax-m-30mm-f-2-8-exc-...

K 24/2.8: https://wycameras.com/collections/latest-stock/products/pentax-m-24mm-f-2-8-exc

A 50/2.8 macro: https://wycameras.com/collections/latest-stock/products/pentax-a-50mm-f-2-8-macr...

20 quid for an MX with lenses is fantastic. I have four MXs now I think... Not my favourite camera in use but the ruggedness, small size and being completely manual make it a great option for travel. The massive viewfinder makes it a great option for low light too.

Enjoy.

I love my 16-85mm for landscapes, it's nothing short of superb. For close-ups like those shown here, I've found it's a bit soft, though bear in mind I'm mostly comparing it in that respect to the DA 35mm macro, which is extremely sharp, so maybe an unfair comparison.

Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pentax-HD-Limited-15mm-Lens/dp/B00EZJPRK0/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=pentax%2Bhd%2Bda%2B15mm&qid=1631797389&qsid=258-9017781-0421747&sr=8-1&sres=B00EZJPRLO%2CB08X6YW8R3%2CB001UHNV7G%2CB01GVYHK42%2CB0013545U2%2CB00DDFCGLA%2CB00TGVI4Y8%2CB07HPFVDNK%2CB0041232US%2CB077MF19FC%2CB009931O54%2CB001AZ8N6M%2CB007OXY8H2%2CB01BWB4NZ8%2CB00GI8O76Q%2CB004IO3XXA&srpt=CAMERA_LENSES&th=1

I accidentally checked Amazon Spain first and there it's €418, which is pretty good too but it seems to generally be cheaper here than in the UK. I'm not looking to replace my SMC version though.