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Pre-weekend bump

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Weekend bump - open to reasonable offers.

I think there isn't a lot in it - a lot of the choice between them comes down to sample variation and subjectivity. I prefer the K135 as the combination of nicer mechanical engineering and the extra speed make it a comparative pleasure to focus.

+1

It's definitely worth persevering, as it's a great lens. I was lucky, it seems, in getting a good copy first time and any focussing issues I've had generally result from user error!

There are two variants of the non-SMC Takumar Bayonet, the earlier f/2.5 and this one, the f/2.8. I've had the f/2.5 version in the past and it's nowhere near as good as the f/2.8 (low contrast and lots of fringing wide open) so I think that both versions get unfairly maligned because the first one wasn't great.

I don't think it comes out too badly against what are (in the case of the K135 and CZJ Sonnar, anyway), some pretty well-regarded primes. The main weakness I can see is that the bokeh isn't as nice, but then it is a zoom.

I agree, although I think that if I had had the time to shoot them in RAW format and do some post-processing, that they would be closer. I've noticed in the past that ordinary K mount lenses seem to give cooler/more muted colours in JPEGs straight from the camera than PK/A mount lenses.

Pre-weekend bump

It's interesting to see the difference the SMC coating makes to the colour and contrast between the Pentax-A and Takumar Bayonet. The Takumar Bayonet is not a bad lens though, perhaps adding weight to the old addage that it's difficult to make a bad 135mm lens.

I took a few shots trying to induce flare, but it turns out to be quite difficult to do that on an overcast day! I'll add some more pictures if we get some more sunny weather.

Apologies if it's a stupid question, but presumably in the example above you are certain the AF point was on the tip of the boat?

I only ask because in my experience, the 'central point' is actually more of a small region than a point, so the camera may be focussing on a point further back on the boat. It looks to me like the twig on the right hand side is in focus on the AF version, which might have been near enough to the 'central point' that the camera is focussing on that (as it may have higher contrast than the tip of the boat).

I have been frustrated by similar results in the past and eventually put it down to the AF not always focussing where I thought it should and can usually spot when this happens in the viewfinder and re-AF if necessary.

Do other AF lenses you have do similar things? It's worth bearing in mind that AF inaccuracy is highlighted by wide aperture lenses such as the 17-50. If not, +1 for send it back and get another one.