Pentax 50mm F1.7 SMC - It's Amazing!

[@OccultDemonCassette]

The Pentax-M series doesn't get enough love. That entire series of lenses are my favorite that pentax had ever produced.

[@thomasfransson]

So true!

[@dbkfrogkaty1]

Trust me, Pentaxians give the M series lenses plenty of love! The A series is pretty good too because the have an electric contact so your digital camera can read the aperture.

[@RIZFERD]

My vintage Pentax lens from 1977 on 3 years Bali and Jakarta I brought from Amsterdam for cheap in 2010/2011, this is it, unfortunately too humid climate here on the equator line Indonesia has destroyed it by lens fungus. Looking around hunting as even in Indonesia still is one of the best lenses sought after, wanted by every camera enthousiast like me, on the best lenses were ever made even it's radio active as it's made of fully metal and real glass unlike today lenses most of them even the glasses are made of plastic.

[@OccultDemonCassette]

@@RIZFERD if you're able to place the lens in direct sunlight, like next to a window indoors where the humidity is controlled, then the sunlight might be able to clear up some of the fungus. It's also good to place the lens on a mirror or a piece of tinfoil when doing this so the light reflects back into the lens. If you get up the nerve to disassemble the lens to clean it then it's not too hard. Use a rubber stopper to unscrew the retaining ring and a small jewelry screwdriver to open the tiny screws. Clean elements with lighter fluid or alcohol. You can also soak them in hydrogen peroxide if the fungus is too prevalent.

[@thomasfransson]

@@dbkfrogkaty1 Pentaxians, love it! I'm adding that to my card ;)

[@skygarden]

i appreciate the way you sequence comparison shots and quick zoom in and out. nobody else does that but i'm always frustrated watching lens reviews on a phone where they don't in zoom in enough

[@thomasfransson]

Ah, thank you, I did it for that exact reason. Glad to hear it served it's purpose for us phone watchers ;)

[@greigwarriner8498]

Hey, thanks for the video, yet again, very informative 👍. Just got one of these lenses for Christmas to go on my Canon M5, but I've just taken some test shots. Can't wait to try it with your filmic base picture style.

[@thomasfransson]

Oh, that's an awesome christmas gift! Enjoy your new lens!

[@aucourant9998]

I've got one. I use it with my Fuji XT-1. I love it. It gives lovely depth of field for portraits.

[@thomasfransson]

Totally agree! Pairing vintage lenses with a Fujifilm camera is such an amazing combo.

[@hectormarchesi5379]

Hello. Very good video. I've had that lens for about 35 years (with the Pentax Super A) they made a spectacular duo. It is one of the ones that has given me the most satisfaction. I had the opportunity to use it with the Pentax K200D and it worked perfectly in manual focus mode.- I would have to get an adapter for my Nikon to be able to continue using it.- I really like the simplicity and quality of construction.- Congratulations, very good explanation and analysis.- Greetings from Argentina.-

[@thomasfransson]

So cool! I've been using it on my P30n a bit and it is such wonderful lens. Definitely get that adapter, it's gonna be worth it.

[@philt6725]

I bought my Pentax me super with that lens over 30 years ago when I was an art student. I recently got an adapter for my micro four thirds camera so now that 50mm has become a 100mm prime. It's great!

[@thomasfransson]

That is awesome! I just shot a roll of film with my Pentax ME and this lens this weekend. Such a joy to use

[@philt6725]

@@thomasfranssonthat's great. I wish I could use mine. I love my ME Super, but the mirror is stuck up now. I've tried the usual stuff but it's properly stuck. I'm glad to be able to use my old lenses with my micro four thirds though.

[@thomasfransson]

Ah, that sux, it's a nice looking camera.

[@Renegade1127]

I have the SMC Pentax-M f1.7 50mm. It is superb when mounted on my Olympus E-M1, especially with the E-M1's 5 axis stabilizer and it's ability to set the focal length.

[@thomasfransson]

Such a great lens, those Olympus cameras seem fantastic. Only hear great things about them. So I can imagine that you're getting great results with this combo. Cheers!

[@tylerfields2368]

​@@thomasfransson does the megapixel resolution of a cameras sensor, affect the vintage aesthetic and image quality in terms of sharpness for this lens?

[@Ronroncho]

very nice video! waiting for the others vintage lenses, subscribed!

[@thomasfransson]

Thank you! There will be more.

[@acecreates]

Great video mate! Stunning little lens! On apsc my preference is 27mm but I've loved exploring the narrower primes. Really different results and feels!

[@thomasfransson]

Thank you! Cool, I've never shot with a 27mm prime. Is it the XF 2.8 you use? So true, I've been shooting wide for so long that 50mm feels like a tele :D

[@dbkfrogkaty1]

I actually have two of these lenses. One on my film camera (Pentax ME Super) and one I use on my digital camera (Pentax K-5II). I also have the SMC M-35MM F2.8. You should go ahead and get one!

[@thomasfransson]

Great lenses! And camera! I have one of the plainer ME cameras but mainly shoot with a PENTAX P30 ever since the cover for the battery compartment got stuck on the ME. I do have one of the 35mm as well and love it almost as much as the 50mm ;) Have you tried the 40mm in the same series?

[@dbkfrogkaty1]

@@thomasfransson No I haven't. A little too pricey for me now. I thought about it but got a new HD DA 16-85mm instead.

[@trevorwarner6196]

I really like the beautiful images and fervor I get shooting with my Contax Zeiss lenses the images are I get with the 50mm f1.4 planar are lovely

[@thomasfransson]

Awesome! I hope I can get my hands on some of those Contax Zeiss lenses to try

[@aidanhowgate5437]

Without doubt, my favourite prime is the Topcor RE AUTO 58mm 1.4. It's just wonderful.

[@thomasfransson]

Cool, didn't know there was a 1.4 version

[@fringie69]

I put the 1.7 version on my Sony A6000 a couple of years ago and since I tried it, it’s on 99% of the time. The other 1% I use the Pentax 100mm/F4 Macro.

[@thomasfransson]

I hear you, it's definitely one of my favorite lenses for sure. I got the 50mm f1.4 recently but haven't decided if I actually like it more or not. How's the 100mm macro?

[@kaantapucu]

Great video! You deserve more follower

[@thomasfransson]

Thank you, I appreciate that! I'm sure more people will find me eventually ;)

[@ohjajohh]

Great review! (and a great lens :)

[@Mc007Queen]

Have a PENTAX MX and a PENTAX SF 10 , 50MM 1.2 f and a 28mm 1: 2.8f M , both Lenses fit SF10 auto and the full mechanical MX , the 28mm is silky smooth focussing

[@thomasfransson]

That's a nice set!

[@muzlee7479]

I have a canon converted version of the lens which I got with an eos 350d today. Can't wait to try it out tho it's really dirty but not sure how much that affects image quality

[@thomasfransson]

Oh that's wild! I just resurrected my 350D and will definitely try this combo, but with an adapter. About the dirt, it's hard to say, but a lot of times dust usually won't show up in pictures. So fingers crossed it won't affect the the image quality.

[@vallhallamedia3161]

I've the 28mm in this lens range along with the 50mm, I highly recommend both!

[@thomasfransson]

They are great lenses!

[@Martyn0001]

Interesting review, thank you. I agree the F1 .7 Pentax is a good lens. However, if you get chance and the opportunity, pay a bit more and get the Pentax F1 .4. You can still pick these up for around £50 (UK) and they are absolutely stunning. I use one on a crop sensor camera for macro photography with the old manual extension tubes as Pentax, for some unknown reason, don’t make auto ext tubes for their modern digital cameras.

[@thomasfransson]

Thank you Martyn! I keep hearing good things about that 1.4 - Sounds like it's time to scan ebay and see if I can snag one. Interesting with the macro. I've used my 1.7 for some macro work but with a diopter/close focus lens. But maybe I should see if I can find some K-mount macro tubes.

[@kamilpotato3764]

Isn’t f1.4 bit too soft wide open?

[@Martyn0001]

@@kamilpotato3764 centre is good where you need the definition generally. Edges are good too. I actually find I take very few photographs at f1.4 but it’s a good effect when you need it. I can only vouch for my copy of the lens, but it is absolutely super sharp. It’s the older 1980s manual focus lens.

[@kamilpotato3764]

@@Martyn0001 I got smc m 50mm f1.7, 50mm f2 and 85mm f2. Asking if it is worth getting f1.4 one. I use them on my Fuji x series cameras. In the future I'm planning to get mirrorless FF to adapt them. Been watching few auctions here in UK for ME Super too, so I can shoot few rolls of film per year with those lenses. Prices for f1.4 version are getting bit ridicules lately on eBay.

[@HeuerAndy]

I agree with everything you said about the lens, but I think it looks even more stylish on the Fuji X-T1. The sensor, with its already unique, works in that combination even more beautifully. As for the vintage style. The sensor on the X-T4 is, in my opinion, too digital for that. That undercuts the character of the lens (like basically all old analog lenses).

[@thomasfransson]

True, there's something special with those older sensors.

[@Angelo_Paduraru]

Again a great video!!

[@thomasfransson]

Thank you buddy!

[@RIZFERD]

My vintage Pentax lens from 1977 on 3 years Bali and Jakarta I brought from Amsterdam for cheap in 2010/2011, this is it, unfortunately too humid climate here on the equator line Indonesia has destroyed it by lens fungus. Looking around hunting as even in Indonesia still is one of the best lenses sought after, wanted by every camera enthousiast like me, on the best lenses were ever made even it's radio active as it's made of fully metal and real glass unlike today lenses most of them even the glasses are made of plastic.

[@thomasfransson]

Oh no! I've heard that climate can be hard on lenses. Perhaps a dry cabinet could be worth looking into?

[@themanfromoregon6047]

For some reason I favor the 52mm K versions over the 49mm M lenses, tho I have spent more time shooting with the M 35mm 2.8. I love my K 35mm 3.5, 18mm 3.5, 28mm 3.5 , 30mm 2.8, 50mm 1.4 and 55 1.8. My favorite M lens is probably the 120mm 2.8

[@thomasfransson]

That's a nice collection you've got there. Definitely something special with these old lenses. I've been shooting wide for so long that it's been great to limit myself to 50mm for a while.

[@steefanoable]

HI Zhomas, shall i looking for a Pentax-M XF adaptor? i have me too a xt4, thx! nice review

[@thomasfransson]

Look for Pentax K to X mount. This is the one I use. But you don't need one with a dial on it since the lens has those amzn.to/3qg4hWn

[@steefanoable]

@@thomasfransson thanks!!

[@captaincook6283]

Is that Lens any sharper / better than the Canon fe 50 mm 1.8 both made for 35 mm Full Frame but astonishingly on KZbin everyone seems to use the Pentax on the Fuji system …? Thankful for any explanations cheers

[@thomasfransson]

I think you can find sharper lenses than both of those if sharpness os what you're looking for. For me, it's the character of the Pentax lens/lenses that does it. They're fairly sharp for being vintage glass. But you also get "that look" If you want a film look on your Fujifilm camera, using analog lenses is a great way to get more of it.

[@FlashMediaStudiosTV]

Nice video - one of my favourite 50mm for sure .

[@thomasfransson]

Same here! I've almost given up the idea of trying more vintage 50's as I like this one so much ;)

[@FlashMediaStudiosTV]

@@thomasfransson if you haven’t already you havveeeeeeee to try the 50mm 1.4 . It’s literally the best of all time in my opinion

[@ishinura8402]

i’m starting at photography, so i have canon 600D and pentax Super A film camera. With the Pentax i got this objective you talked about in the video. And i wanted to ask if there is any opportunity to put this objective on the 600D body with the adapter? thank you for the video tho:)

[@thomasfransson]

That's a great combo those two for sure. You can get a PK to EF lens adapter (if your lens has the regular pentax k-mount) I made a video about exactly this, here's the link - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZvNnK2Nm6ipgZI

[@OZD_Collective]

Do you know what lens adapter I can get to mount this lens on a Nikon D3200?

[@thomasfransson]

Is it Nikon F-mount? In that case, just go on amazon and search for pentax K to F mount. .there's a couple of adapter from ai, urth and photodiox ranging from $30 to 300

[@OZD_Collective]

I'm a beginner and got this camera from my brother. Saw this lens and I was sold. I didn't know what terms I had to search for. Thank you friend!@@thomasfransson 😄

[@thomasfransson]

Did you manage to find a good adapter?

[@joelee24]

I specially bought this lens bcoz of it's reputation I read from multiple reviewers, the only thing I don't like about this lens is it doesn't have rounded aperture blades.

[@thomasfransson]

Ah, yes that lends some character. But you dig it apart from that?

[@joelee24]

@@thomasfransson I did not really compare it with other similar lenses, but I would get a macro for everyday use instead, as I am more into flowers and bugs than street photography.

[@garyhoughtlin]

I have this lense from my k1000 got it in 1984 now trying to figure out how to use it on my new k70

[@thomasfransson]

It's a great lens, one of my favorites for sure. I've bought all my adapter on Amazon. K&F concept is the brand I use. Hope you'll be able to find an adapter and get it going.

[@frontiergibberish]

@@thomasfransson Assuming he means the Pentax K-70, he doesn't need an adapter at all. But he does need to put the camera in the manual mode and use the green button for evaluating the shutter speed.

[@mjp29]

Pentax makes superb lens.

[@thomasfransson]

It's an amazing lens

[@thomasfransson]

What CAMERA brand are you shooting with? 👑📸

[@thomasfransson]

@T M Callahaan Thank you. Glad to hear that it looks good. I shoot my a-roll in provia and then there's a little contrast and vibrance pushing. Not much more. Stills have been a lot of proNegHi lately. And outdoor B-roll always F-Log with the WDR LUT from Fuji. The Fuji colors are great

[@acecreates]

Fujifilm x-t1 and xt-3. Vintage lenses- all of them!!

[@yiannisvasilopoulos5761]

Pentax k-5, k10d, k20d, k-01, Fuji x-pro1, Ricoh GR II, Sigma DP2, Ricoh digital GRII, Panasonic LX-7

[@thomasfransson]

@@acecreates love it!

[@thomasfransson]

@T M Callahaan I'm sorry 😉🙃 My first videos was a lot more complicated on that end. But I wanted to improve the look straight out of camera in order to have a more consistent look. So I've just done my best to dial in the light and placement of it. As well as the best settings on my camera and lens. I still use the exact same equipment except the lavalier has changed.

[@Martyn0001]

They do. And they also make some lousy ones. You have to sort the wheat from the chaff. :-)

[@carvera9496]

The prime that I fell inlove with is the Voightlander 28mm f/2 colorSkopar. Slap that bad boy on a Nikon D810 at ISO 80 - 100 on a sunny day & BANG!!!

[@thomasfransson]

Nice!

[@dennispagterchristensen7786]

Konica 52mm 1.8 and Konica 50mm 1.7 is magic.

[@thomasfransson]

Wow! Will look those up!

[@alexced3923]

casi ni se ve la diferencia con el canon.

[@thomasfransson]

It's pretty clean for a vintage lens but still has character and a little 3d pop. Boheh is also very cool on busy backgrounds in my opinion.

[@asifulislamnavid4121]

I need a help from you. Will you help please?

[@thomasfransson]

Maybe I can, what’s the problem?

[@asifulislamnavid4121]

@@thomasfransson Thanks for your fast response. But,solved the problem after texting you. May be you are my lucky guy!❤️

[@ИгорьПопов-з1ф3х]

Не все объективы этой серии хорошо сохраняются... Мой обьектив имеет деффект. Эта замутнение склейки двух линз... Снимки получаются как бы в молоке... Не возможно снимать в контровом свете...

[@thomasfransson]

Oh, thats interesting. I didn't know about that problem. Sorry to hear that your copy have this problem. I'm a bit fan of shooting back lit.

[@ИгорьПопов-з1ф3х]

@@thomasfransson Obviously, this defect occurs as a result of a reaction to moisture during prolonged operation of the lens in a humid environment - for example, the island of japan...

[@sovu9399]

Hi! will it work on pentax k1 ii?

[@thomasfransson]

It should. I'm no expert on Pentax dslrs, but, pentax have pretty much used the same K-mount base from the 1970''s and just added new features to it. That's my understanding.

[@sovu9399]

@@thomasfransson thanks.

[@thomasfransson]

You're welcome, enjoy your K1

[@timauger]

Yes. It will be excellent. Bear in mind of course that it's manual focus, and you don't get full auto-exposure.

[@sovu9399]

@@timauger sure, I love it)