Pentax 50mm f1.7 - Review

I compare a super cheap thrift store vintage Pentax 50mm f1.7 to Canon 50mm STM f1.8, Find out what is great about vintage glass and how easy it is to adapt it to your modern camera.

[@jimhood1202]

What a coincidence. It was a good experience with an ME Super many years ago that persuaded me to stick with Pentax when I got into digital photography. I have a K3 at the moment and my "nifty fifty" is a smc 1.7. Your video has neatly bookended my Pentax history. Thanks!

[@oncameramastery]

I've used one of these as my main lens for 15yrs! Absolutly amazing lens, at an amazing price!

[@dbkfrogkaty1]

I have two of them. I use them on my Pentax K-5II. (Imagine that!) You are right, the 50/1.7 is a terrific lens. The focus ring is smooth to operate which makes it easy to get the focus just right. What a great lens.

[@adrianheffernan102]

Hi Douglas, yes it's a classic lens and great that they are still in use, thanks for your comment and happy shooting ;-)

[@rascalhusky8129]

Just bought this lens .i paid 450 Canadian dollars for a modern day AF Pentax 50 mm and this vintage lens I paid around 50 dollars , it's in perfect condition and sharp as hell. Good video .

[@adrianheffernan102]

Thanks ;-)

[@rupertloadman291]

I bought one mint for £29.99 from LCE just last week and had an adapter anyway(bought originally for Komine vivitar cf 135mm f2. 8)it fits my olympus omd em1 mk1. It is indeed a cracking manual lens!

[@Shooting-Up]

What a brilliant video when I first bought my Canon 50D the only lens I had was my pentax 50 mm 1.7 with adapter Some of the best shots I ever took were with that lens, then I went on to buying more expensive lenses and I think ‘all the gear no idea’ kicked in I think I’ll dig my Pentax lens back out and start using it on my Mirrorless canon Cheers

[@adrianheffernan102]

Hi Barnsley Bitter, Thanks for the comment, I love that ‘all the gear no idea’ kicked in - I think we all know that feeling, I got a reverse mount adapter so I can put it on backwards, bananas I know but the close-up focus and crazy depth of field are wonderful, Yep dig it out and get it on that mirrorless, too good a lens to be sitting in a box ;-)

[@hubroinsight]

Shooting video with this lens on a Sony NEX VG20, everything manual ..... absolutely beautiful cinematography especially when you want a really genuine reminiscence to the scene. I also love the slight flatness it can deliver (open up then add a de-clicked variable ND filter to control the F) , it contributes so much to the colour grading in post if you can't film in log (i.e. the VG20). Love it.

[@paulstevenson200]

Another excellent vid. Once again thank you for an informative review not ruined by a bloody MUZAK soundtrack.

[@adrianheffernan102]

Thanks, Paul ;-) Trying to keep it simple and to the point ;-)

[@39exposures]

+1 to that

[@stevep2430]

Placed on the camera body that the Pentax lens was designed for and not going through a adapter ring, I would guarantee the Pentax lens would be on par if not better than the Cannon glass.

[@stephenestall9044]

The lens you should have compared the Pentax lens with is the Canon FD 50mm 1.8 lens, made around at the same time as the 1.7 Pentax and, like it, a beautifully smooth manual focus lens. I've used both, love their metal construction, and their beautiful smooth focusing.

[@adrianheffernan102]

Hi Stephen, Great comment - I wish I had the Canon FD 50mm 1.8, Maybe someday at which time I will do your recommendation ;-)

[@robertaustad8101]

I can give you a Canon fd 50mm 1.8 for free, if you pay the shipping:)

[@juandiaz7537]

Great video! Could you maybe share the specs for the adapter from this lens to sony e mount please? thanks!

[@allinsiteUK]

Unfortunately the focus points seemed to differ on the f4 comparison with the Pentax lens clearly being focused to a nearer distance than the Canon. Illustrated by the fall of in focus on the topplate detail on the Pentax example. I guess this lead to the perception that the Pentax was sharper at that apperture as one really notices the specs of grit and the highly machined edges of the lens mount first when viewing the image subject. I have the SMC Pentax-A f1.7 and can concurr wholeheartedly with you observations on its superior construction qualities compared to more modern 'equivalents'. A lovely lens to use. I also have the SMC Pentax-A 70-210 f4 (constant) macro zoom. Also a very fine lens IMO.

[@gary.solexa]

I have one of these. Haven't used it for years. That's about to change...

[@semperfi-1918]

The f series is my favorite and way underated.

[@nathkanthi]

i am using pentax 50mm 1.7 on sony and i love it

[@adrianheffernan102]

Hi Nath, I know how you feel, The more I use this lens the more I love it. It really has a unique look, Thanks for the comment and happy shooting.

[@tonylouisvisionvideography3469]

I'm using the Pentax SMC 50mm F/1.2 & the F/1.7 on my GH2 and love them both. The Pentax SMC 50mm F/1.2 is incredible

[@adrianheffernan102]

I've never used the Pentax SMC 50mm F/1.2, I can only imagine how beautiful the Bokeh is, are you using it for photography and video? You are giving me lens envy! ;-( thanks for the comment and would love to see that bokeh ... I know I am a geek.

[@tonylouisvisionvideography3469]

I use it mainly for video. On my GH2 this lens is a 100mm F/2.4, very fast and great shallow depth of field. I will do some bokeh shots and upload them soon. The F/1.2 Pentax SMC is a gem of a lens. Do not let it go. You're welcome.

[@adrianheffernan102]

I will definatly keep an eye out for that lens, Looking forward to seeing your shots, Happy shooting.

[@harryzero1566]

If you can find the PKA version of this Pentax M, all the info transmits to a Pentax DSLR camera body.

[@rascalhusky8129]

Don't throw lens away ! Give it to me . Nice Irish accent. I had given a pentax 50mm 1:2 lens ,I'm using it with my pentax k70 , it sharp as hell . Its all manual Good educational video .

[@adrianheffernan102]

I love that comment Richard and much appreciate it ( Said in my Irish Accent ;-)

[@parranoic]

realistically if I have a shoot with a model I'm going to use the stm, faster and consistent results. If I want to have nicer bokeh or a more stylized look I will definitely use a vintage lens

[@spaceorbison]

eos m3 is my first delve into photo and cinematography I did so much research that I bought one of these right along with it

[@adrianheffernan102]

Great choice, I haven't shot with the M3 yet but I've heard it is a wonderful little camera, Happy shooting.

[@spaceorbison]

@@adrianheffernan102 Thanks and great videos you deserve more subs

[@anbar5675]

I was using that lens for 25 years. It is exremely sharp in the center of the frame, but, the edges and the corners are far behind. Although my lens system is based on Pentax gear, I sold it and took the 50mm Canon Fds (both f1,8 & f1,4).

[@kuniepatindol319]

Thank you for the information,very helpful

[@ZeekEOSZ]

Hey great video! May I ask what camera you used to record yourself here? Thanks!

[@adrianheffernan102]

Hi Zeek, Thanks for the comment, I shot it on a Canon 7D, The original not the MK2, It's a great little DSLR ;-)

[@ZeekEOSZ]

@@adrianheffernan102 Thanks for the reply, appreciate it. I use the EOS M. Love Canon colour science, keep up the great work!

[@adrianheffernan102]

@@ZeekEOSZ I just got a secondhand EOS M a few months ago - LOVE it ( 7D in a smaller body ) and you are right the colour science is wonderful, Thanks and I will try ;-)

[@tonylouisvisionvideography3469]

I purchased this lens 3 years ago and also purchased the Pentax SMC 50mm F/1.2 The F/1.2 Version is incredible but the F/1.7 is still a great lens

[@adrianheffernan102]

I would love to try that F1.2, I will have to keep an eye out for it. Thanks

[@adrianheffernan102]

@theconstruct67 I think it's a beautiful lens, great bokeh, wonderful build quality and for video, the focus is so so smooth - That said it has a vintage look and feel to the images it creates ( warmth, lens flares and its sharp but not modern L lens sharp ) It would never be the only 50mm I would have but it is a beauty - Hope that helps.

[@tonylouisvisionvideography3469]

@theconstruct67 I rate it at 9/10 it is a very good lens. Check out this review www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-A-50mm-F1.7-Lens.html

[@63MacGuy]

50mm 1.7 or 50mm 2.0 or 50mm 1.4? How would rate or compare these lenses?

[@Fred-Wilbury]

Great review... I’m just getting my old MX and lenses back into action and fitting to my Canon EOS .....regards Fred

[@adrianheffernan102]

Thanks, Fred, I love the look of old glass on digital - bet you will get some beautiful images, Adrian

[@methanbreather]

even better, put them on a pentax so the adapter does not negatively influence the results.

[@jonlouis2582]

Very enjoyable vid.

[@adrianheffernan102]

Thanks Jon

[@oliverhilton6086]

The pentax K system may be pretty much dead in the water nowerdays but vintage Pentax glass is amazing and really cheap. It's a shame I can't adapt it so easily onto my Nikons.

[@adrianheffernan102]

Hi Oliver, I didn't know that you could not adapt them to Nikon in the same way - seems crazy

[@oliverhilton6086]

The F mount's flange distance is actually longer than the K mount, so adapter-wise you can either get adapters that act like macro tubes so you can't get proper focus, or get 'corrected' adapters that hava a lens inside them that achieves proper focus but that opens another can of worms such as loss of sharpness and I haven't found an adapter that can accept apertures over f4 without turning the photo into a blurry mess. I've got an adapter for my M4/3 camera though

[@adrianheffernan102]

@@oliverhilton6086 Wow what a nightmare, Thanks for the info, It's something I never would have come across otherwise. Glad to hear the M 4/3 came to the rescue ;-)

[@tonylouisvisionvideography3469]

Wow! I have just seen that I commented on this video 1 year ago. Happy new year

[@life107familyfitnessboxing8]

Great video

[@tacticplanner7188]

My old Pentax lenses are amazing but it's a bit like my Tacoma I love them both I just wish that not everyone else did.

[@adrianheffernan102]

I know it's a shame that more and more people are finding out how great they are, it not only makes them expensive but also hard to find - Thanks for the comment and hang on to that great glass ;-)

[@hugeontwitter2220]

Own a 1.4mm Pentax 50mm and never find any related videos. Is my lens’s an exception?

[@user0K]

Niice lens, true. It is the opposite of sigma 50mm art. But I like it because of faded pastel colours and softness. 1.4/1.2 are much more expensive, rare, harder to focus and heavier

[@jameswburke]

I use one on my Canon 5D - lovely lenses on a full frame camera. Get a PK to EF adapter for a tenner. You have to chop off the aperture lug at the back before using it or it scratches the mirror. I bought mine in 1982 but you can get them from Rocky's Cameras in the UK. Here's a pre focused street shot: 500px.com/photo/145126817/st-patrick-s-day-borris-village-ireland-by-james-burke?ctx_page=6&from=user&user_id=8289525

[@claudiofasetti6614]

Hi, how did you scratch that out ?

[@adrianheffernan102]

Hi James, Love the comment and the pre-focused street shot is a great technique and so sharp, The shot of the berries - what a beautiful Bokeh - Everything I love about that lens. Thanks for that.

[@vogel431]

Nice!

[@GASSEESSAG]

is it a radioactive lens?

[@adrianheffernan102]

The truth is I have never tried to find out -Could it be radioactive in a good way like Spiderman?

[@AD98.]

Adrian Heffernan what's your opinion on the Pentax m 50 1.4?

[@adrianheffernan102]

@@AD98. I've never had the chance to use one, but if the 1.7 is anything to go by I guess it would be nice, Do you have one or thinking of getting?

[@AD98.]

Adrian Heffernan Thanks for the fast reply! Got one for 40 bucks.

[@adrianheffernan102]

@@AD98. Ok now I'm Jealous - Please let me know how it works out for you. Ps It's not easy shooting at those apertures, So plan your shots! Let me know how you get on and GOOD LUCK

[@russellmann8297]

It’s a Pentax M 50mm 1.7

[@wassim2364]

☕️👍

[@morgannahyde7502]

Really hate these reveals. Yes the vintage lenses are golden. Unfortunately some guy comes along and blabs and the prices jump for several months. Just cool it.

[@bedenegative]

Hi Adrian, I have a Pentax 1.1.7 50mm and I'm looking to adapt it for the bmpcc. Just wondering, is it radioactive?!

[@adrianheffernan102]

If there was a prize for most interesting youtube comment I think you just won it! Some great articles online about radioactive old lenses but does it mean we need to bring a Geiger counter when shopping in the local thrift store? Now that I would love to see, Hope you find an adapter for your BMPCC and happy shooting

[@MrFackoffline]

That's a very good question, because once I was stopped on the passing through custom office and that was very suddenly for me. Though I'm conviced it's not harmful for human. What about your lenses, you always may check lenses on the internet, there is a lot of information about every lenses and their radiation. Good luck!

[@adrianheffernan102]

Wow, you were stopped at Customs! shocking stuff. I'm sure it's not harmful but still, that is not good when you are travelling. Fingers crossed the new 5D mk5 will have an inbuilt Geiger counter :-)

[@MrFackoffline]

I use old film cameras and that is very wonderful technologies for me!)

[@Bakawhite17]

Thumb down because of jumping from f/1.8 to f/4. :(

[@BlaxkNobility]

My Fujifilm camera gonna cream all over this lens.

[@billb8262]

Sure, for hundreds of dollars more.