Pentax prime lenses - a guide to great vintage and modern lenses, from Takumar to today's D FAs

[@paduchiu]

An amazing comprehensive review; Pentax should be proud of!

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you!

[@Gynra]

This is a gem of a video! I have a few older Pentax lenses, but this has fired my enthusiasm to explore what is available, particularly the Takumars, of which I have only one (SMC-Takumar 50mm f1.4). Incidentally, Pentax chose 43 mm for it's first FA Limited because that is the exact diagonal of the 35mm film frame (now called full frame). This, they reckoned, gave the most natural perspective vis a vis the human eye. I lusted after it when it was first introduced, but it was a bit too expensive for me then. I now have all three amigos, and there is no way I'm selling any of them!

[@cosmic53]

Thank you very much. I am a Pentax owner since my first MX and have explored from the KM to the K-1. I have been this loyal because of the great lenses that I can still use with the latest camera.

[@nevillewatkins4997]

I've always had a soft spot for Pentax. I learnt to take photographs on an old MX. Even today I still prefer to shoot manually as a result.

[@Simonsutak]

Comfy Reviews commented: "Awesome retrospective on Pentax lenses. They're still probably the most affordable option for people who want to get into digital photography in my opinion. Full kits with amazing lenses going for a song on ebay." (Apologies...I deleted Comfy Reviews comment on this page by mistake)

[@birddoc]

Agree with many others - this is a wonderful video. I had been ignoring the F lenses previously, but found a great deal on the SMC Pentax-F 50mm f/1.7 and have ordered. I would love a similar video about the Pentax zooms.

[@hambrick03]

As a Pentaxian nerd, I find myself watching your videos over and over. Anytime I'm in the market for a new lens (whether I need one or not lol) I came to your channel first. Thank you for all of the effort and hard work you put in for your videos, the quality really shows you care!

[@Simonsutak]

Many thanks - I really appreciate your kind words. The videos do take a lot of time and effort, but I enjoy doing them. And it's great to get good feedback...as well as corrections, ideas etc., I'm still learning a lot.

[@snappiness]

14:00 - I laughed out loud about the comment on F series aesthetics - I agree!! I own that F 100mm 2.8 too. I'm enjoying listening to this very much. Learning a bunch. Thank you for putting out the effort to put it together and share your knowledge and excellent collection.

[@SummersSnaps]

F28 is really nice, I'm selling mine soon however as I have acquired a FA31 and I think they are too similar to justify both. But man I was surprised by the F28, colours and sharpness are insane.

[@alexherr6855]

@@SummersSnaps let me know when you plan to sell that F28, I'm a photo student and recently became a lover of these vintage beauties!

[@SummersSnaps]

@@alexherr6855 Sadly it has already left the nest! I have a few other lenses to sell however. HD DA 20-40, DA 12-24, a Bayonet Tak 135 and a K200/4

[@MrBassflute]

A wonderful overview of my personal favourite brand. Thank you so much. As others have said, this is an absolute gem.

[@foblivio]

Best overview of Pentax lenses on KZbin! Please do more.

[@Beckkerable]

Ya, I agree. Very well composed review, very informative. Congrats! - I remember how it felt 1977. - By the way: Pentax enlarged the mount with introducing K-mount - Nikon behaved similar recently with introducing the Z-mount ...

[@f.d.6667]

Wow... glad I stumbled upon this really awesome review. I was given a bunch of Pentax prime lenses recently and could not figure out which ones to hold on to!

[@RayLombardi]

Hi Simon, Ray from the UK. Thank you so very much for this video! Pentax's lenses is minefield for those like me, that don't know or are very unfamiliar with the brand. This really clarifies things. Much appreciated.

[@neilpiper9889]

I still use my Pentax Spotmatic with the 55mm Super Takumar f1. 8 which is excellent in every way. My son has my K1000 with the 50mm 1.7 lens and loves it.

[@Needacreate]

One of the most comprehensive and inspiring guides to Pentax prime lenses I've come across so far. Share your admiration of the wonderful DA 35 Macro Limited, BTW. Subscribed.

[@dennychan5449]

I love your pentax showcase. It’s an awesome presentation!

[@Simonsutak]

Thanks so much!

[@thomasmoje5926]

Very interesting video. About a year and a half ago I picked up a Honeywell Pentax Spotmatic 35mm SLR camera with a Pentax Super Takumar 55mm f/1.8 lens. That lens yields very sharp photos with excellent color rendition.

[@alangear]

One great thing for Pentax is, their body can adapt well with their history legacy lens, I still enjoy with takumar lens on my K1 today, the time gap between takumar lens & K1 body are almost 50 years.

[@okay1904]

Simon, you have raised the bar, I could binge watch your videos, for quite a while, so much info, I have to watch this again, and again until it all sinks in. Great content, exquisitely presented, if a bit faster than I would have preferred - but KZbin allows me to slow it down to taste, if I need to., . What I enjoyed the most was the highlights of specific lenses, and the evolution/history which is probably more difficult to glean, if I had to search for this myself and piece it all together. You obviously know your onions, and present the info superbly. For the photography devotee which I am fast becoming, your channel has become a Mecca., a place of rest from the din of the lens marketplace.. If you have not already covered this in other videos, could you consider one which discusses how to buy and how to where necessary clean these lenses (the vintage ones) - I do not think anyone should be opening up any of the digital era lenses, and I doubt if that will ever be needed - I've had zooms on my mirrorless bridge and compact camera for up to 13 years- which from what I can see - as long as one protects the front and rear of modern lenses with caps, may never need any internal cleaning, unless I drop them in dirt, rain, or mud deliberately). Do you maintain your vintage lenses yourself or farm this out to camera specialists. I'm in the UK. For newbies like me who have been inundated with the marketplace din of fanboys from Canon, Sony, Fuji, Nikon, the current kings of the digital camera age, until I saw this video, as well as an image taken by a Pentax lens on a Pentax digital camera (link below), never knew anything about the significance of Pentax, and their prior dominance. Definitely makes me look at Pentax vintage lenses in a whole new light. My 1st serious vintage lens - a Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 arrives soon, and from what I have seen, in your summary, as I grow, I definitely would like to add one or two vintage Pentax lenses, to my toolkit, over time, when I find them at affordable prices. Thanks again, super super video. www.flickr.com/photos/carlinwebster/6047457194/

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you so much for your kind words, much appreciated. I've been thinking of doing a video about buying and cleaning old lenses. I maintain my lenses myself, and take them apart and sometimes attempt to repair broken lenses with stuck blades etc. Mostly successfully, a lot of vintage lenses are quite simple inside, but I've had a few mishaps. I tried to boil a stuck front glass element apart, took it out of the pan, and it was so hot (through a washing up cloth!) I dropped it on the kitchen floor and it smashed. But generally it goes OK. All the best and thanks for that link..

[@ShevillMathers]

Very interesting and informative, as a Pentax user from early film days I still have a few early bodies and many lenses. One of my favourites is a tack sharp f/4 300mm Asahi Opt Co. lens made in Japan. My gem item is a brand new Pentax complete bellows kit with all its extras, including the slide copier, each component is in a separate box, unpacking is like a Russian doll, a box within a box within a box, instruction manuals are in Japanese, as is all the text on the boxes. I have several Pentax accessories, light box copy stand, bellows macro with twin tracks and a macro f/4 100mm, and of course a range of 42 and K mount lenses. I got started with an Edixflex SLR 42mm mount with its removable pentaprism and waist level finder, so useful as a medical/scientific photographer where so much work had the camera on a vertical column with illuminated base box set up for various illumination options. I am experimenting with all these lenses using a Nikon Z6ii body in astrophotography, star test across the field and vignetting shows every flaw in a lens, other than colour, but colour correction, spherical aberration etc. I wish we had your comprehensive review in years past. However, it is a very useful guide in which lenses are potentially worth tracking down, so much of my camera work is manual, so the older manual lenses are easy to use. Greetings from Tasmania Australia.👍🇦🇺🦘

[@l.nauwelaerts195]

Uhm, yes, more videos like this, please! Thank you for the great overview. It makes me consider lenses I didn't consider before.

[@s_t_r_a_y_e_d]

This video has made my pantaloons 200% more ffffaaaannncccyyyy

[@krustysurfer]

Dandy!

[@trinityharbour7054]

Another excellent video! I am continually impressed by your work and encouraged to try new lenses.

[@thomaslong1576]

An excellent review of the greatest lenses from the best lens manufacturer ever.

[@Simonsutak]

Many thanks!

[@wreford07]

Fantastic overview. I have owned several lenses from just about all these series (except the most recent) and you've picked out some real stars. And yes, the F series is pig ugly... but the F 28mm f2.8 is one of the best 28mm lenses I've ever used. The lens that stays on my camera the most is the FA 43mm Ltd - it's not always easy to get the best from this lens, but when it shines... there's pixie dust everywhere!

[@GreenMorningDragonProductions]

Really enjoyed this. It's of genuine interest and use to me, as I am now the proud owner of a Pentax K to Q adapter. Yes, I use Pentax Q system cameras. And while I'm at it, the Pentax Q 01 Prime 1.9 produces the most breathtakingly vivid images I've ever managed to grab, especially when it is wide open and there's lots of natural light.

[@argos-53]

Nice video! I cannot tell you enough how much I like Takumar lenses. That's why I wrote two books (1999 and 2021) about Takumar lenses, the cameras and the accessories. I even started a Facebook group for anyone interested in them.

[@Simonsutak]

Hi Gerjan, Many thanks for this, and your helpful comments on some of my other videos. I have the latest copy of your book. It's excellent and a treasured part of my Pentax/Takumar collection. It's good you produced the 2021 edition, as copies of your original edition had become very sought after and expensive. My only regret is that I didn't asked for a signed copy!! I'll take a look at you Facebook group. Kind regards, Simon

[@oncameramastery]

I've had my M 50mm f1.7 for 20yrs now and it's still my number one for everything from stills to video work!

[@adamdevito8376]

I’ve had a super fondness for the highly rated 30mm 2.8 K series lens. To me it’s color, sharpness (shut down a little) and control of distortion is remarkable. It really has a cult following and I’m thankful to be a part of its best kept secret. Watch for the slow stiff aperture that might need some loosening. Once you figure everything out, there’s a really good chance. You will never let that lens go. ❤

[@tuisitala9068]

My M 50mm f1.7 is razor sharp and the colours are stunning. A hugely under-rated lens is the M 75-150mm. This is very sharp.

[@XXX-vy6xv]

The M 75-150 is good but the M 35-70 (both pair nicely) is amazing and not too expensive (you could find one for as low as 60-80€). And since it has no glued glass inside it wont suffer from balsam separation so if stored correctly its practically immortal!!

[@jomy10-games]

The K-mount SMC 85mm 1.8 is my favorite lens, also the sharpest lens I own

[@aldente2011]

Thank you for this video, which I immensely enjoyed as a fan of film-era MF lenses. My favourite analogue Pentax are: SMC-K 28mm F3.5 and SMC-A 50mm F2.8 Macro. When the focus is right, the picture makes me feel as if I were looking through a microscope bypassing impurities. I use these on my Sony a7 series camera and they can outperform modern digital lenses.

[@fatherheer]

I really enjoy your videos and your photos...thanks for sharing!

[@allonwne]

Superb presentation, thanks very much.

[@rodcummings3606]

Hi Simon. Fantastic comprehensive Pentax lens review. I had a full Pentax System 40 years ago. Made me appreciate them even more. Keep up the excellent work. Enjoyed watching and listening to your voice. Have been recently purchasing some of my 'lost' lenses. I can see the charm of vintage lenses.

[@rollingnome]

Great video, and highly informative. Just what I need for my morning yoga!

[@cdrkennon]

People ask me why I use a Pentax K1 II and now I've got a great video to help explain why. I started in a photo store (anyone remember Jungkind PhotoGraphic in Little Rock?) back in the early 70's as a high school photo enthusiast. I took pictures at 100's of sports events, mostly for the Arkansas Democrat. I eventually earned enough to buy a Spotmatic F, primarily because I could not afford Nikon F series. I have never looked back. I earned my way through college with photography, and am now just a photo enthusiast that loves Pentax ergonomics. Favorite lens? The DA 24-70 f2.8 - only lens I need on vacation, incredibly versatile. Thank you for bringing back some nostalgia and maybe educating people Nikon & Canon & Sony are not necessarily the only options.

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you for your kind words. Yes, the Pentax ergonomics are great, right up to the present day. I've been collecting old film era cameras (by default, because they're attached to lenses I want). Holding these clunky old non-Pentax cameras just goes to show how well Pentax's Japanese designers thought through the ergonomics of their own cameras and lenses. I hear you on that DA 24-70! I don't have one, but I seldom take more than one or two primes on holiday any more (and one is always the DA 35mm Macro).

[@kblack3970]

"10" My tenth time watching this video while learning! lol Thank you

[@giordanobruno7943]

Watching this video cost me arm and a leg thnx Simon. ;D

[@pres589]

Great video. Very well produced and I think it's educational for anyone with a passing interest in Pentax lenses and the different series that they were made in.

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you!!

[@toddmphillips]

another wonderful and informative video made. so nice to see choice examples from your gallery mixed in.

[@jameswburke]

I bought my first 'good' camera in 1980 for photography college. A Pentax ME Super with a 50mm f1.7 SMC lens. Wonderful lens, which I still use on my DSLRs. So light compared to modern 50mm 1.4 lenses like the Sigma. Very well made and the coatings give lovely colour images, although I mostly took black & white film with it. Got me my Degree so I'm very fond of the camera and lens ;-) Had to chop off the aperture lug to stop fouling the mirror on my Canon 5D and 6D bodies. All manual settings so a slower kind of photography which I enjoy.

[@hejmRage]

Insanely good video you made there, thank you very much!!

[@craigroethler1495]

Wow, thank you, that was a wonderfully informative tour!

[@aaronuv]

Excellent review! Learnt so much about Pentax lenses.

[@carlosaragort8100]

Thank you for taking the time to do your videos, I have a pentax K 70, I'm collecting lenses mostly A but have a couple of M, Thank to your video I just acquire the F 100 this week.

[@Simonsutak]

It's a pleasure. Hope you enjoy the F 100mm Macro, I was using my copy today!

[@dbkfrogkaty1]

Superb video. Makes a great reference video for Pentax lenses throughout history. I rented that 35 mm f/2.8 Macro lens years ago and it was simply gorgeous. Produced beautiful photos both macro and everything else. I'm going to buy one some day.

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you! Yes, that DA 35mm Macro is a wonderful lens - the sharpness and colours.

[@douglasanderson153]

Excellent program. Thank you so much.

[@JensMHA]

A most splendid video! Thank you for making it.

[@EsaMononen]

Thank you for making this video. Your pics made with autotakumar look gorgeous.

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you!

[@davewilliams6258]

Very informative video inspired me to try out manual focus lenses I have a Pentax K5 and I love it.

[@terrywbreedlove]

I am about to buy the 40mm 2.8 pancake for my old P3n. I will shoot it stopped down to F8 mostly and zone focus for Street photos. Throw in some TRI-X 400 and I think it sill be a nice pocket fit street kit. Many I love that gorgeous Spotmatic you have. I was given a 55mm 1.8 Screw mount Pentax but no camera for it.

[@sandeepkaul3315]

What a fantastic review, thanks so much! Such a refreshing presentation style that's a sharp contrast to some of the loud, loquacious review videos out there, which, surprisingly, bash Pentax and their DSLR focus. The marque is arguably a doyen of Japanese optical engineering and has produced optical marvels that are frequently cross-mounted on non-Pentax bodies. The accompanying photos and links are superb and perfectly punctuate your spoken narrative, leaving virtually no room for dissenting opinions!. If you want to look at some 'classic' Pentax zooms, I've had great luck with the FA* 80-200 f/2.8 (and also the more recent 70-200 f/2.8 DFA*). Look forward to viewing your other videos!

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you so much for your kind words. Pentax Star lenses are indeed stars! I don't own or use many zooms but hopefully one day I have the chance to try some of the better ones.

[@rummskullvonchang]

*** Furiously scribbling notes on what to get and the pros and cons of selling a kidney for a lens from the 1970s ***

[@MarkPotterMinneapolis]

Great video. Love taking my k1 and ME Super film body on shoots and interchanging glass. I’ve owned three of the nifty 50’s: 1.7, 1.4, and kept the 1.2; plus the 135 3.5; and a vivitar 28 2.8 close focus - all superb lenses. I briefly owned one of the sigma 75-200 3.8 lenses, which I regret selling - hell of a bargain lens imo. Seems my shopping list has just gotten a lot longer!

[@TimofejNenarokov]

As ex pentaxain, love you videos. your chanel is really reare beast. Keep doing. P. S. Maybe some day I'll return to Pentax cameras.

[@anbar5675]

I have a Pentax system since 1985 and my preference goes to some Taks and some M lenses. From the m42 series my favorites are the 135mm f2,5 and 200mm f3,5. From the M series I prefer the 35mm f2 (according to my tests, surprisingly, much better than the K version), 50mm f4 Macro and the 85mm f2. Some good Pentaxes (M) I had in the past are the 20mm f4 and the underrated 28mm f2,8. Recently I bought the 28mm f3,5 K, although very reluctant, but was very cheap and grab it; for the moment can not say my opinion, it is too early.

[@Simonsutak]

You have great taste in lenses! I think you'll enjoy that K 28mm f3.5; I found mine a big step up in performance from the M 28mm f2.8, which I sold.

[@lev_anni]

I think more people should know how legendary K mount system really is!

[@Simonsutak]

Yes, enough people who really appreciate photography gear, but not enough to push prices up too high!

[@RudolfSzecsi]

Thank you very much for this excellent video!

[@craigzievis2074]

Excellent. Thank you! Love my Pentax and Helios lenses!

[@themanfromoregon6047]

The 50mm F series 2.8 is a banger for sharp portraits and actually had just a smidge of swirl in the bokeh. I know the small focus ring is not the best but I've gotten used to it and it's now one of my favorites. I also enjoy the A-50 2.8 for a better focus ring and a slightly more classic look. I've owned the K 28 3.5 and the Hollywood. Very different creatures. Overall I took some amazing photos of my wife with the Hollywood but it never had as much center sharpness as I was hoping for. I think it was worth the 20 bucks I spent.. and the 900 I sold it for.

[@XXX-vy6xv]

😱😱😁😁😁😁😁 not bad!!!

[@alessandrocwilliam]

That's an insanely high profit! Congratulations! haha

[@bendelandesful]

Totally agree for the K 28mm and K 135mm

[@themanfromoregon6047]

Just recently purchased the F 100mm 2.8. Glad to know it is well reviewed. I actually really enjoy the F 50mm 2.8 macro as well.

[@Simonsutak]

Yes, at Christmas I got a FA 50mm f2.8 Macro (a little cheaper than the F version), and it is very impressive.

[@themanfromoregon6047]

@@Simonsutak I have been racking my brain to remember where I purchased my 50 f 2.8. I know It was a good deal because I would definitely remember if I purchased it for ebay prices. I can't find any record of it in my facebook marketplace history. It's also the first auto focus lens from pentax I purchased. actually, up until the F 100 it was my only af lens for pentax.

[@weakrecession]

As usual very well made videos. Lots of interesting infos in a short time, I personally think your voice, tone and intonations are perfect for such presentations. And btw, thanks a lot😁👍

[@dianecotton9531]

Some great info Simon & some stunning shots. I purchased the Pentax K 135mm f2.5 after your video on that one.I love that image of the rear view mirror on the old car. You were right about the need for a deep hood which only just arrived and the photos are much better since using it. Trying these lenses could become a bit of an obsession which is a worry!!!

[@Simonsutak]

Many thanks Diane. I saw your comment/question on my Macro Mondays photo this week, and was about to let you know about this video...but you're here already! I do hope you think the K 135mm is worth it...it can be a bit quirky. To me the ideal conditions for the lens are sunshine after rain; it really likes bright reflective light, but as you've found, it does need a deep hood to add contrast. GAS/LBA is a healthy thing!!

[@dustinsherburne8546]

Very informative, thank you for making this video.

[@SergeGolikov]

Just when I thought I was getting over a severe case of GAS 😎 I have to say, my recently acquired mint condition: SMC PENTAX-M 1:1.4 50mm, is my go-to MF lens on my GH5, G9, and S5 Lumix cameras, Both for stills and 4K video. Simply superb rendering. Liked and Subscribed 👍

[@alessandrocwilliam]

I just bought one yesterday, I can't wait to receive it!

[@antonia4722]

Such an interesting video! Well presented and packed full of info. Thanks so much! :o) xx

[@bruce-le-smith]

very helpful and well presented, thank you

[@ohjajohh]

I got my first Takumar this weekend and I'm sold already. I hope for many more to follow

[@mikezero7498]

Superb video. Just wonderful in all aspects. May your viewers anticipate a video on M42 to k-mount adapters? Thank you.

[@jimhood1202]

Thanks very much for the video. I don't have a much of a collection of Pentax glass but am inspired to add to what I have. I think my K3 will be plenty of camera for me for many years yet.

[@PeterMurrayj]

This is great. I've been searching around the internet for the last few days like a chicken with its head cut off. Now I have perspective.

[@tatocorvette]

Thank you from a hardcore Pentaxian! I have an early Takumar 55 f2.2 preset in my 1957 AP and it is a great performer as well. The M50 f1.7 is my favorite lens, followed by the A50 f1.7 and the F50 f1.7 See a pattern here? The M 50f4 macro is also great and together with the 1.7s are my most frequently used lenses. Too many favorites to list!

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed the video. That Takumar 55 f2.2 is one of my favourite lenses. Much under-rated and 10 blades! And I also like those 50mm f1.7. I sold my M 50mm f1.4; it just didn't compare with the f1.7 in terms of results and 'keepers'. One day I will buy an A 50mm Macro, I suspect its a great lens too.

[@ChristopherAndersonDP]

Thanks for another great video! I've only recently started looking into the various Takumars, and I didn't know anything about their more recent lenses, so this was really helpful!

[@Simonsutak]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@shred3005]

I’ve have the F*300mm f4.5 for many years and it’s excellent. Not large and optically excellent. I’ve had the ‘three amigos’ Limited for many years as well and will never part with them. There was no doubt I was going to get the full frame K-1 when it was released just to be able to use them at their original intended angle of view. Actually, when I look at many of the lenses you called out as special, I’ve got quite a few of them as well as some others right back to the Super Takumar 135mm f2.5 and also a Super Tak 300mm f6.3 with so many aperture blades I can’t accurately count them

[@Simonsutak]

You've got a great collection! The K-1 was an extremely important camera for me as well. I remember posters on Pentax Forums writing that a FF camera was not so important etc., etc. But as soon as a friend of mine got an early Canon FF DSLR, I knew that would be the way ahead for my film era lenses. Thank goodness the K-1 was worth the wait!

[@sippinhappiness793]

the 135mm 2.5 example looks stunning

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you!

[@TMM6900]

Holy. So sharp

[@robert18productions]

Great video. I will add a few facts I learned from researching Pentax lenses and their designers. The limited lenses of the FA 31mm, the FA 43mm, and the FA 77mm have by far one of the most interesting stories regarding lenses from Pentax. The lens designer for the 43mm and 77mm lenses was renowned lens designer Mr. Jun Hirakawa as sourced from the the Photographic Industries Journal "Lens technical report. SMC Pentax FA77mm, F1.8 Limited and FA43mm, F1.9 Limited." This report gives us a lot of insight into these lenses' designs. Firstly, let's discuss the general mindset going into the production of these lenses. Hirakawa described that "Pentax cameras are traditionally develop on the foundation of being small and light," that is why all these lenses are made to be petite in size as to match their respective cameras while retaining great optical quality. The first lens to be manufactured was the FA 43mm f/1.9 limited. In your video you described this lens as having "a seemingly strange focal length but no doubt optimized for some reason at that focal length." You are correct. Indeed the reason this lens is not a traditional 50mm prime because Hirakawa wanted to make a true normal lens as described, "In reality, a definition exists that the focal length for a normal is about the same as the length of the diagonal line of the size of the picture." Basically if you use Pythagorean theorem to calculate the image diagonal of a 35mm film or full frame sensor we get a diagonal of 43.27mm. Therefore the design of the FA 43mm limited lens was tomatch a truly normal lens. That is why some people often think the standard 50mm lenses are too tight of a focal length and they often use either a 35mm or 40mm lens. The second lens to be manufactured is the legendary FA 77mm f/1.8 limited. The focal length of this lens was determined upon an inquiry about the the preferred medium telephoto focal length between 70-80mm, as Hirakawa explains, "we came to the conclusion that a good length for a short telephoto lies between 70-80mm." There are a few reasons around the use of the 77mm focal length specifically. There are two reasons mentioned in the paper. The first reason is described as follows, "the angle of view when looking at humans with the naked eye is 77mm," The second reason is based in Japanese culture. The number seven is a lucky number in Japanese culture. Shichi Fuku Jin are the seven Japanese gods of happiness and luck and so the number seven is associated with luck and happiness. That is why Kurosawa had seven samurai in the movie "Seven Samurai," why the Bushido code has seven basic principles, why a baby's birthday is celebrated on the 7th day, and why death is mourned for seven days. Another reason according Hirakawa is the similarity to the Chinese character, "喜" for delight, to the katakana characters, "七十七". Another rumor is that Hirakawa was inspired by the Chinese character for delight because he liked a traditional Japanese cake made by the maker with said Chinese character in its name, "喜月堂". Finally there is the FA 31mm f/1.8 limited. Unlike the previous two lenses this lens was designed by Mr. Ito Takayuki and Mr. Murata Masayuki. Takayuki designed the famous "Stack of Primes" or the SMC Pentax A 35-105mm f/3.5, according to patent US 4576443A. Masayuki was a close collaborator with Takayuki. This lens was one such collaboration according to patent US 20020034021A1. So what happened to Hirakawa? Well rumors are that Hirakawa was set on designing this lens based on the SMC Pentax K 30mm f/2.8. His original design was going to be the FA 31mm f/2.4 as he wanted to retain a smaller lens. However, someone in charge of Pentax thought the lens needed to be faster and so his project was transferred to Takayuki and Masaykuki. Where they changed the design to have a wider effective aperture of f/1.8. That is why the 31mm is far larger compared to the other limited lenses. Keep in mind this rumor from a blog site so take it with a grain of salt. For the focal length, some think it is designed to the mimic the diagonal of a 24x18mm film or around 30mm. Another speculated reason was to find a focal length between the popular 28mm and 35mm focal lengths. However there is no definitive evidence. I wrote more than I expected. I hope you found it informative. Okay that is it. Great video once again and have a nice day!

[@Simonsutak]

This is fascinating, with so many golden nuggets of information. And a very fitting tribute to three special lenses and their designers. Thank you so much for spending the time to write it down for us. (Your information deserves a video on its own!!)

[@ericchouinard8075]

Hello. I regularly watch your videos. Very well done and very useful. Thank you! I love historical information.

[@FoxtrotMikefm]

About a year ago I had a look around for the Macro Takumar 50mm f/4,0. However, the hype around this lens had inflated the price beyond what I was willing to pay. During my search I found the Macro Takumar 100mm f/4,0 at a far better price. The lens is relatively compact &, other than the rubber clad focus ring, offers that solid Takumar build quality in a very versatile focal length. The images are 'Tak-sharp' with beautiful bokeh. By doubling the focal length of the Macro 50mm f/4,0 this lens offers a generous working distance (especially on an APS-C sensor) when approaching smaller & understandably shy subjects in my garden.

[@Simonsutak]

Yes, that Takumar 100mm is a really good lens. I've got the F100mm Macro and keep changing my mind on whether 50mm or 100mm is the better focal length for macros - it depends partly on the subject of course, but right now its 100mm!

[@FoxtrotMikefm]

@@Simonsutak I have long had the OM Zuiko 50mm f/3.5 Macro which I find a great 'walk-around' lens. It gives excellent rendering at infinity & goes down to 1/2 life size. Olympus recommends using other options to go closer. However, I have happily used it at greater magnifications. Since getting the 100mm Takumar I have also acquired a 55mm f/3,5 Micro Nikkor which is good for getting in very close. I use it for copy work & 'scanning' film negatives. Whatever happened to the days when I was happy to get around with an Agfa Super Silette with its 45mm f/3,5 fixed lens in my jacket pocket? Horses for courses I suppose & like you I have quite a stable to choose from! ;-)

[@CarmineGroe]

Subscribed. I’m a huge Pentax fan and would love to see more. Thanks!

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you - I'm working on more videos!!

[@PatrickJaszewski]

Fantastic video covering so many Pentax classics. I was looking for Pentax 110 and Q mounts, both are still very fun to use in 2020!

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you. I didn't cover those mounts, as I have no personal experience of them. But I know people who enjoy them very much as well.

[@PatrickJaszewski]

@@Simonsutak makes sense. I've been loving your channel since I found it on Monday. I'm working my way through all of your videos - very informative and enjoyable!

[@pablopacheco6342]

Thank you very much!!! I need that info!!! Great video!

[@JoesCoralReef]

Excellent review. I have a nice collection of Pentax-f lens. Yes they can be cheap and plasticky, but I love them. They just give me the 80s futurist feel.

[@Simonsutak]

Ha! I was using my F100mm macro lens the other day - I used to think it was so ugly....but it's now retro chic! But regardless of the looks, its a wonderful performer.

[@shawnwells5719]

I have two of the A series mentioned - the 50mm f1.7 and the 15mm f3.5, the latter surely one of the nicest built Pentax lenses ever.

[@jonlouis2582]

What an enjoyable video. I really admire Pentax lenses, in spite of having a few weak lenses pass through my hands, mostly wides. I have been inside a number of these for cleaning, and the build quality of some of the A series lenses was nothing to be proud of unfortunately.

[@xperrosinsangrex]

my experience is that the FA 50mm f1.4 is an incredible performer with a hood.

[@RobinParmar]

Great overview of a topic I know some little about. Agree with you on the yucky F and FA series, though optically these models are usually superior to their predecessors. Agree also on the wonderful FA Limiteds. Really the entire FA set should have been made like this! Pentax would then have established a stellar reputation alongside Zeiss and Leica. I must say, however, that the FA77 doesn't produce a little purple fringing, it is a fringing monster!

[@tilica5353]

Thank for this video ,special lenses ,i have some ,are the best in my colección.

[@douglasanderson153]

Sir, after listening to your video, you are the kind of person, i would enjoy spending a week with tripping around anywhere in the world, taking photos and learning from you. You have a wealth of knowledge.

[@fatherheer]

I think you hit my favorites Auto Takumar 35mm f2.3; Super Takumar 50 1.4; Super Multi-Coated 135mm f2.5; Takumar 200mm f3.5...the SMC 28mm f3.5 is an excellent performer...I also like the odd length Super Multi-Coated 120mm f2.8.

[@Simonsutak]

Thanks for the tip...I'm now thinking of selling my Takumar 135/3.5, which I hardly use, to buy a 120mm 2.8.

[@climaterealistsbondi]

My 20mm f/2.8 A was my standard lens. It left the 20mm f/4 M for dead My 17 f/4 Takumar was also a favourite. The 300mm K was sharper than 300mm f/4 M. Another beauty was my 28mm f/3.5-sharp as a razor at f8-11. My old 50 f/4 macro was also very sharp. I tested every lens at every aperture - pretty consistent results, with a few interesting surprises. ALL lenses stopped down to the maximum suffered spectacularly- learned to never stop down all the way, even when I had the light (had a really good ring light for macro-could have worked at f/45 if I wanted to.) Generally, I found the M lenses to not be as sharp as the heavier K lenses. For digital, I love my 10-17mm zoom. Nostalgia- the old LX , MX and K2 with the that old glass.

[@Simonsutak]

I've recently posted a review of the 17/4 Takumar, including the 10-17 zoom. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5SvYXd3gsqGatE Like you, I prefer the K series lens and the K 28mm f3.5 is a gem!

[@neilyakuza6595]

Wow, what a great review! Thank you.

[@thormusique]

Wonderful presentation, thank you! My K-1 was my first Pentax (and first digital) camera. I was not at all interested in DSLRs until full-frame versions became available. Now I love my K-1. I only wish there were more high-quality prime options for this camera, particularly for landscape work, my personal passion. I would love to hear your recommendations for full-frame lenses to use with the K-1, even if not made by Pentax. Cheers!

[@Simonsutak]

The K-1 is a really good camera, and I think Pentax still sells some good full frame primes, which I'm sure you've looked at. Choosing prime lenses for the camera is such a personal matter of shooting style, subjects and budget. I personally like using old film era lenses on the K-1. However, if money was no object, I'd probably buy a FA31mm, a D-FA 50mm f1.4 and a D-FA 85mm f4! Plus a FA* 300mm f2.8. They would all keep me very happy for a long time.

[@yonmusak]

Brilliant. I run Pentax film cameras and have three primes. I'm exclusively using the 28mm 3.5 K lens and the 50mm lenses don't see much action. If you want a 'Leica' look image, put a 50mm 1.7 on an MX and let rip. I buy shabby MX and Super ME, and get them CLA'd and give them away to friends and family (especially those who are new parents). In the absence of film photography, the children of our children will have no images of their family from this generation. The digital experiment will leave a historical vacuum.

[@andrewmitchell9807]

Excellent subject and video

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you!

[@magnusfahlstrom3262]

Thank you so much for the inspiration 🙏

[@davidjosephcybulkiewicz8710]

Excellent. Thank you

[@KobieMC]

Very well articulated! 🙂