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Comment by tonza1992 posted on SMC A50mm f1.2 vs FA 43mm f1.9 limited at 04/08/2017 - 00:22
Very late comment, but my question relates to this thread. So I don't want to start another.
Question: Your opinions on the 43mm Limited vs SMC A 50mm F1.7?
Both are small, light and very sharp. But let's hear your experiences using the lenses. I'm looking to get more info on how they render images, and the subtle differences between them.
Any opinions are very much appreciated.
Question: Your opinions on the 43mm Limited vs SMC A 50mm F1.7?
Both are small, light and very sharp. But let's hear your experiences using the lenses. I'm looking to get more info on how they render images, and the subtle differences between them.
Any opinions are very much appreciated.
Comment by tonza1992 posted on SMC A50mm f1.2 vs FA 43mm f1.9 limited at 03/08/2017 - 21:11
davidwozhere wrote:
All Meyer/Pentacon 135s will show what looks like 'something wrong' around the inside, just beneath the front element. There is a thin brass shim in there, the appearance of which gets slightly distorted because it is so close to the edge of the glass element. What is on the images here looks a bit excessive however. Without handling it I cannot comment further.
If the seller is a reputable Ebayer (like me) you should be offered a refund straightaway. Contact the seller privately first (don't just open a case or use the 'item not as described' option - which opens a case!!) and try to resolve it amicably. If you get told where to go, then you open a case, but it should never get that far.
(edited in)... You seem to want it not to be 'a bum'. If you really want to keep it, carefully unscrew the front ring and clean the front element, which comes out very readily (make sure it goes back in the right way up). At the same time, you can check that brass ring - which does go greenish like your photo - it's brass! Unscrew the conical rear mount and you can then do exactly the same with the rear element (which can be further dismantled ito two halves). The only risk you take doing this is slipping and scratching the glass. Otherwise it's very easy and foolproof. Message me if you want to know more.
Thanks for the comment. I had a go and cleaned the front and the two rear elements. It is looking much cleaner now, although there are what looks like some old fungus trails. I would guess that someone opened the lens up previously and left cleaning marks on the glass. But overall I'm quite happy. Especially that I have received a refund and was told by the seller to just keep the lens!!! All Meyer/Pentacon 135s will show what looks like 'something wrong' around the inside, just beneath the front element. There is a thin brass shim in there, the appearance of which gets slightly distorted because it is so close to the edge of the glass element. What is on the images here looks a bit excessive however. Without handling it I cannot comment further.
If the seller is a reputable Ebayer (like me) you should be offered a refund straightaway. Contact the seller privately first (don't just open a case or use the 'item not as described' option - which opens a case!!) and try to resolve it amicably. If you get told where to go, then you open a case, but it should never get that far.
(edited in)... You seem to want it not to be 'a bum'. If you really want to keep it, carefully unscrew the front ring and clean the front element, which comes out very readily (make sure it goes back in the right way up). At the same time, you can check that brass ring - which does go greenish like your photo - it's brass! Unscrew the conical rear mount and you can then do exactly the same with the rear element (which can be further dismantled ito two halves). The only risk you take doing this is slipping and scratching the glass. Otherwise it's very easy and foolproof. Message me if you want to know more.
Comment by tonza1992 posted on Pentacon 135mm F2.8 Bokeh Monster Lens M42 Mount at 19/04/2017 - 20:18
Chrism8 wrote:
You don't mention where you purchased the lens, to a degree it doesn't matter, I would if it was mine, return it, as it potentially isn't as described, if you picked it up from a retailer, did they give you a short warranty, if its from Ebay, go through their procedures.
If it was really really cheap, I might not bother with the hassle.
Yeah, it was Ebay. You are right. It's unfortunate that it's not as clean as I had hoped. I'm guessing the marks will have affect images in some way. Too bad I did not get it for cheap, haha. Otherwise I would have kept it.You don't mention where you purchased the lens, to a degree it doesn't matter, I would if it was mine, return it, as it potentially isn't as described, if you picked it up from a retailer, did they give you a short warranty, if its from Ebay, go through their procedures.
If it was really really cheap, I might not bother with the hassle.
Comment by tonza1992 posted on Pentacon 135mm F2.8 Bokeh Monster Lens M42 Mount at 18/04/2017 - 16:02
Hey everyone,
Looking to get some advice from you intelligent lot! I recently purchased a Pentacon 135mm F2.8 and although the cosmetic condition is very good, there are some issues with the internal glass elements. I will attach some images for you to view and hopefully you could tell me if this lens is a bum or not.
It seems like the front and rear elements, on the interior side, have some wiping marks and are quite easy to distinguish. Then on one of the middle glass elements, the edges seem to be cracked or the adhesive has cracked and formed some yellowish crusty stuff.
What are your opinions on the lens? Keep or return? I generally keep all my gear well looked after, so I am annoyed that there was no mention of this on the listing.
Looking to get some advice from you intelligent lot! I recently purchased a Pentacon 135mm F2.8 and although the cosmetic condition is very good, there are some issues with the internal glass elements. I will attach some images for you to view and hopefully you could tell me if this lens is a bum or not.
It seems like the front and rear elements, on the interior side, have some wiping marks and are quite easy to distinguish. Then on one of the middle glass elements, the edges seem to be cracked or the adhesive has cracked and formed some yellowish crusty stuff.
What are your opinions on the lens? Keep or return? I generally keep all my gear well looked after, so I am annoyed that there was no mention of this on the listing.
Comment by tonza1992 posted on Pentacon 135mm F2.8 Bokeh Monster Lens M42 Mount at 18/04/2017 - 15:44
Cheers bro. Yeah, the silver TM really does look like a Topcon RE Super. I would've preferred the Silver model, but I only found this one for decent price. But you know what I would love to have? The special M42 58mm Topcon lens that came out with the Bessaflex TM. I've read that these lenses are extremely rare.
Lovely lens!!!
Lovely lens!!!
Comment by tonza1992 posted on Any Opinions on the M42 Bessaflex TM? at 08/11/2016 - 22:57
Jonathan-Mac wrote:
Welcome to the forum and thanks for showing us all that nice gear.
Quite a few of us here shoot film as well as digital, so you're in good company.
Cheers bud. It's good to know there are still Pentax film aficionados around.Welcome to the forum and thanks for showing us all that nice gear.
Quite a few of us here shoot film as well as digital, so you're in good company.
I actually will be displaying a few of my film photographs in an upcoming exhibition in Espacio Gallery, Brick Lane, London. Anyone is very welcome to drop by. The Private Viewing is on the 23rd of this month, 6pm-9pm. There will be an open bar . More details found here: http://www.espaciogallery.com/future-exhibitions.html
Comment by tonza1992 posted on Let me introduce myself and my Pentax gear.. at 06/11/2016 - 14:10
MikeInDevon wrote:
Hi Tona, I really like your film gear and especially the Spotmeter, very interesting, do you use this for Zone method?
Looking forward to more scanned images from you.
Cheers
Mike
Hi Mike,Hi Tona, I really like your film gear and especially the Spotmeter, very interesting, do you use this for Zone method?
Looking forward to more scanned images from you.
Cheers
Mike
Thanks for the comment. I actually do use it for the Zone Method. I stuck a little paper on the dial, to help me identify the zones when metering. I got this trick from Ansel Adam's book titled "The Negative". It's a real good read and part of a trilogy set.
All the best!
Comment by tonza1992 posted on Let me introduce myself and my Pentax gear.. at 05/11/2016 - 17:58
QuestionableCarrot wrote:
what an odd post - no offence but I smell fish too often
I don't really understand what you are trying to say, but anyways, I like being "odd". Better being different than a carbon copy of the norm. what an odd post - no offence but I smell fish too often
Comment by tonza1992 posted on Let me introduce myself and my Pentax gear.. at 05/11/2016 - 16:15
JohnX wrote:
Very interesting collection and back story, and a belated welcome even though you've been here 2 years.
Gear looks like it's in very good condition, and seems you're someone with an eye for a good deal?
Haha yeah, I actually signed up two years ago as a Pentax repair shop gave a discount to members of this site, and I was looking to get some service on my Spotmatic. So I joined here but never was active in the forums. haha. Will be more active now. And yeah, I think patience is key when finding good deals. I don't have too much cash too spend, so that's why I wait for those special joblots that sometimes pop out. Internet has really helped the old film camera equipment! Very interesting collection and back story, and a belated welcome even though you've been here 2 years.
Gear looks like it's in very good condition, and seems you're someone with an eye for a good deal?
All the best John!
Comment by tonza1992 posted on Let me introduce myself and my Pentax gear.. at 05/11/2016 - 16:12
I actually already have a CZ 35mm Distagon and three Pentax 50mm (SMC-K F1.2, SMC-M F1.4, Super Tak F1.4). So a 43mm would be different. I definitely do want to try the 43mm, as it's a different focal length and because everyone genuinely likes it.
It's good to know that their performance is quite similar. I use my lenses on an LX. Don't really shoot digital often.
Have any of you lot shot the 43mm on film? If so, how does it perform? Is the "pop" ability still present?