Hi all,

I while ago I realised that my 645 has lost the end of it's viewfinder. I honestly don't remember what it was, but I think a simple rubber end cap. Lacking it doesn't cause any problems in using the camera but it would be nice to have, especially as I wear glasses and am wary of anything that might risk scratching them.

Does anyone know if there's a reference for the part or where I might find a suitable replacement?

Many thanks



Lost the rubber ring around the viewfinder of my Pentax 645 by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr

On Monday I picked up a lightly used HD 20-40mm Limited zoom. It's a lens I've wanted for quite some time despite having the 16-85mm as a good quality option for when the weather is poor but now with two small kids beach holidays are on the horizon and I wanted a lens that I can use around sand and enjoy using, something that the Limited primes excel at.



K-3 & HD 20-40mm f/2.8-4 Limited by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr

I also picked up a Panasonic Lumix FT30, a small waterproof compact for use mainly in and around swimming pools. Image quality is far from great but in some situations only a waterproof camera will do.



Lumix FT30 by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr

Thanks, that does look similar to what I see in this copy of the K2.

Others have suggested de-silvering. It's not a problem I've come across before so I don't know what it looks like.

Adding a photo taken with the lens today and a crop to show just how sharp it is wide open at f/2. This won't even display as a 100% crop here on the forum, if you want that then click on the image to go to Flickr where you can blow it up a bit more.


Lúa by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr


Lúa (crop) by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr

Does the aperture actually stop down as you turn the ring or does it stop down just prior to taking the photo in order to get a quick measurement before the photo is actually taken?

I'm posting this here but between Brexit, which makes sending anything of value to the UK complicated, and CoViD, which makes travelling anywhere complicated, any sale to anyone in the UK would be difficult and the buyer would need to accept the risk of 20% VAT plus any other fees. However, some may have contacts in Europe who do travel and who could receive the lens without problems and take it to the UK when possible. I'm also aware that there are others from outside the UK that use this forum.

For sale is a mint condition SMC "K" 28mm f/2 lens with original caps. As some may know, it's the result of a short-lived collaboration with Zeiss and uses a floating element to increase image quality for close focus. Later M and A series lenses have a different optical formula which I understand is inferior. The lens has no dust in it that I can see (very unusual for a lens of this age) and certainly no fungus. I can't see any external marks on it either. It functions perfectly - the focus is wonderfully smooth and the aperture ring clicks nicely. The optics are perfect and the lens is extremely sharp even wide open. Colour and contrast are excellent. It has clearly been taken very good care of.

When it comes to classic manual lenses this is really one of the very best.

Build quality is superb and I'd say it's even more solid than the other K series lenses I have. A look at the lens reviews over at the US Pentax Forums, which rate this lens at 9.71/10, shows how good this lens is - it's the highest rated K series lens there is.


2021-04-24_06-42-01 by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr


SMC Pentax 28mm f/2 by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr


2021-04-24_06-42-18 by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr


2021-04-24_06-43-46 by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr

Please be aware that I will not post without the item being insured and will look into delivery costs for anyone who makes a serious offer. The most recent copies in similar condition sold on eBay went for around £850 plus postage from Japan. I would accept less than that but am obviously aware of the value of the lens and the deserved reputation it has.

I can take payment by Paypal (in Euros) or bank transfer in Euros to my Spanish account or in GBP to my UK account. Or cash in hand in Madrid

I've no idea when I'll next make it over to the UK (probably not this year) but if this is still for sale whenever that happens I'd be able to take the lens with me and post it within the UK with much less hassle than sending it from abroad.

I recently bought a K2 film camera as part of a package and it has a couple of problems. The first is the typical very stiff ISO dial - I need to have a look round the web to see if I can find any tutorials to loosen that up. The second is something I haven't seen before: there are some marks visible in the viewfinder. The marks are only visible when there's a lens on the camera (doesn't matter which lens) and there's nothing visible on the mirror or on the focusing screen. When there's no lens on the camera the marks are not visible.

They don't prevent the camera from being used but are a bit annoying as everything seen through them appears unclear, but if anyone has an idea of what they might be or how they might be removed then it would be nice to know. My guess is some kind of degradation within the prism.

I managed to take this shot using the K-3 and DA 35mm. I've used software to make the marks stand out more.

Many thanks to anyone who can shed any light on this.


Strange marks visible in the viewfinder of a Pentax K2 by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr

I had wondered how they would arrange things. I thought maybe they'd send you a US unit which might bring trouble if you ever had to claim on the warranty. Arranging it from SRS is a much better solution.

I'd say that's about three times what it's worth, even in today's market. The A 28-80 kit lens that came with the P series is a real dog and I wouldn't pay a penny for one.