Thanks Jonathan.

Just to re-iterate, the Super Takumar pictured above is still available (and I'd be open to reasonable offers)

I've now bought a DA15 - anyone want to buy a DA70?

I think I'll officially close this thread and start a new one for the DA70 with pictures. Thanks for looking.

PM sent

The Samsung 12-24 is now also spoken for, but I've still got the DA70 if anyone's got a DA15 that they'd like to trade?

I use a Tamron 17-50 on my K-5 and am very happy with it. It's comparatively small and light, has excellent IQ and balances well on the K-5.

I looked at the Pentax 16-50 but didn't go for it as I don't need weather sealing and didn't think the improvement in build quality was worth the difference in price.

PM replied.

Sold (subject to payment). Thanks for looking.

Not completely mad - I've got an older Sigma 24-70 EX and it's very good, capable and competent. It isn't special in the same way as a 43 limited, though.

I think it depends what you want and it sounds as if you have given it some thought. I'd suggest having a look for an older, non-OS 24-70/2.8 or even 28-70/2.8 and keeping the FA43 if possible.

Payment received for the K55/1.8 and M28/2.8

K55/2 and M50/1.4 still available (and open to reasonable offers)

I have an FA28 and did a test of it and some other 28mm lenses a while ago (but not, unfortunately, an F2:

https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/fast-28-30mm-lens-comparison-27374

I think that the main difference between the F28 and FA28 is the effect of the aspherical elements on the bokeh.

Although it's heavily subjective, I find the bokeh of the FA28 can be a bit harsh/busy on occasion, but depending on what you will use it for, this may not be an issue. I much prefer the Sigma 30/1.4 for its bokeh and rendering.

The thing that has always confused me about the way people hold the F28/2.8 in high regard is that I believe it is optically identical to the A28/2.8 and M28/2.8, which usually get pretty mediocre reviews.

The FA28 is a nice lens and from what I've seen/read, I'd be surprised if the F28 offered anything other than subtle improvements over it.

I'm having a clear out of some of my lenses to make space and raise funds for my next round of LBA.

For sale is my collection of Russian lenses. I thought it would be a good idea to see if there was any interest on here before they go on eBay.

- Helios 44M-4 58mm f/2 (I've got several of these, £15 each delivered to the UK)
- Jupiter 9 85mm f/2 (early M39 version, has minor optical issues but still eminently serivceable - £60 delivered in the UK)
- Jupiter 11 135mm f/4 (good condition, £20 delivered in the UK)


Helios 44M-4

In very good optical and cosmetic condition. A Russian copy of the Zeiss Biotar 58mm f/2 design, I believe.

I've shimmed the diaphragm actuation pin so that it behaves as a manual lens and can therefore be used at apertures smaller than f/2 on Pentax SLRs and DSLRs.

£20 delivered within the UK seems reasonable. I'd be happy to investigate postage options to send it further afield if required. Payment by bank transfer or PayPal (with the buyer covering the fees) please.




I've also got other Helios lenses if they're of any interest (44-2, 44M and another 44M-4 with) if they're of any interest.


Jupiter-9 85mm f/2

The good news: It's in very good cosmetic, as shown in the pictures. It's the earlier M39 version (not the L39 rangefinder mount), which is reputedly sharper. It can be used on Pentax DSLRs with an M39-M42 adapter. I had such an adapter, but used it in a mount conversion. They are cheaply and readily available through eBay, though.

The bad news: This copy isn't optically perfect. There is a minor scratch on the rear element and signs of element separation at the edge of one of the internal elements. I have included pictures of both below and haven't found either to have a noticeable effect on image quality.

Looking at the going rate on eBay, I think that £60 delivered within the UK is reasonable given the condition. I'd be happy to investigate postage options to send it further afield if required. Payment by bank transfer or PayPal (with the buyer covering the fees) please.











Jupiter 11 135mm f/4

In good optical and cosmetic condition. A Russian copy of the Zeiss Sonnar 135mm f/4 design, I believe. Supplied with original caps.

£20 delivered within the UK seems reasonable. I'd be happy to investigate postage options to send it further afield if required. Payment by bank transfer or PayPal (with the buyer covering the fees) please.