Showcase Pentax 135mm f/3.5 SMC-M

[jimr.pdx]

Picked up a copy in very good condition in every way but the built-in shade, which is slightly out of round. Truly no big deal! I bought this lens because it's compact for a 135mm lens for 35mm film/sensor - at 270 grams it's much smaller and lighter than the 470g Rikenon XR I had before. It is nearly the same size as the 14-45 zoom!

Images taken up to now look very good, definitely sharpens up stopped down. Here is a shot taken wide open and at (I believe) f/5.6:

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A flare torture-test was not great - despite the SMC lens coatings, the reflection off the sensor is probably a big factor. I left the hood pulled back for maximum misery!

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This lens is a contender for hikes where the 45-200 is too much lens. I like it a lot!

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[WT21]

I have this lens, too. Will try to post some photos later. It's got a reasonable level of contrast and is pretty sharp at 3.5, and it's lightweight and compact. Also, the focus ring (at least on mine) is very smooth. I think I got mine for like $35. I use it on both my NEX and my EP1. I think you'll enjoy that lens!

 

[jcdoss]

SMC Takumar 135/3.5

Here's a couple from earlier today.

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f/5.6 (I think)

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I think this is also f/5.6. It might be wide open.

Using manual non-electronic lenses makes it hard to remember to record the aperture, since it doesn't show up automatically. So far, I've failed to do this a lot.

I'm also using a double adapter setup... Fotodiox m42 > Nikon F > M43.
The Fotodiox contains a glass element to allow infinity focussing on Nikon DSLRs. Factor that, and my ability to manual focus, into your evaluation.

My only major issue with this $50 lens is that to focus from one end of the scale to the other requires really cranking on the lens. I'd prefer a much shorter focus throw, especially since close focus isn't exactly close (1.5m).

 

[Gerard]

EM5 + Pentax SMC M 135 mm/3.5; 1/200 sec at f6.3; ISO 200

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[Gerard]

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EM5 + 2X converter + Pentax SMC M 135 mm/3.5;
Virtually making it a 270mm/7 lens.

IBIS at 250mm
shot this handheld. It is far from sharp, but for me, being a city boy, seeing a stork in a nest on a pole, let alone 2 storks, is very special.
Was glad that I had this lens combo with me. Thus having a chance to photograph is what I really like.

1/320 sec at f11; ISO 200
processsed in Photomatix Pro

I should hve chosen a higher ISO, maybe a sharper photo, who knows.

I am very satisfied with the endresult.

 

[Gerard]

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[longviewer]

I really like the compact size of the Pentax SMC-M lenses with cameras! The 135/3.5 is the bargain of the M-series, and I now own 100/2.8 and 50/1.7A as well. The 85/2 can be found now and then, I owned it before and it's a nice one.

 

[Gerard]

I really like the compact size of the Pentax SMC-M lenses with cameras! The 135/3.5 is the bargain of the M-series, and I now own 100/2.8 and 50/1.7A as well. The 85/2 can be found now and then, I owned it before and it's a nice one.

Almost same ones here: 135/3.5; 100/2.8 and 50/1.4
I bought a RJ focal reducer (about $ 150) and use it on these three lenses, giving me a 95/2.5; 71/2.0 and a 35/1.0
I also bought a 2 x teleconverter and sometimes a combine this with the RJ, adding way too much glass, but it is fun and makes me go outside.
On my EM5 colours from thes lenses are rather flat, not that much contrast, but PP software is doing the magic.
I'll remember what you say about the 85/2, anyway put it on my wishlist.

 

[Gerard]

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EM5 + Pentax SMC M 135 mm/3.5; 1/50 sec at f8; ISO 200

 

[Gerard]

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[Hazza]

Fuji xt20,

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Bottle by Harry Cutts, on Flickr