SMC Pentax 67 55mm f/4

[lkkang]

recently come across this Pentax 67 lens.
SMC Pentax 67 55mm F/4

review claims that this lens is very sharp. Distortion is also well controlled.
http://www.antiquecameras.net/pentax6x7lenses.html

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/...pentax-67-maual-focus-55mm-f4-late-model.html

Price of a used lens in ebay is about US$300

I am currently using a Mamiya 645 system and it is possible to use this lens with an adapter , costing about US$70.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Fotodiox-Pentax...ItemQQptZLens_Accessories?hash=item53dca6c3a1

I have some experience with Pentax lens, they seems to be very "smooth" or "soft", NOT as contrast as Zeiss. Not sure what is the characteristic of this lens.

Have anyone use this lens before?
Please share some image / comments about this lens here.

many thanks in advance,
Kang

 

[Dream Merchant]

Kang,

Considering a 67 format is some 42 sq cm, and a 645 is only 27 sq cm in area, 67 lenses tend to have a less demanding role in terms of IQ.

Why not stick to a 645 designed lens, unless you want to tilt/shift the Pentax?

Anyways, from what I've read, Pentax 67 lenses perform best around f/8 - f/11 (no surprises), which should be around what one would use for landscapes anyway.

 

[lkkang]

Kang,

Considering a 67 format is some 42 sq cm, and a 645 is only 27 sq cm in area, 67 lenses tend to have a less demanding role in terms of IQ.

Why not stick to a 645 designed lens, unless you want to tilt/shift the Pentax?

Anyways, from what I've read, Pentax 67 lenses perform best around f/8 - f/11 (no surprises), which should be around what one would use for landscapes anyway.

I see your point here. noted.

someone also told me that because its a 6x7 lens, and you are using a 645 body, hence only using the center portion of it. Therefore, those corner sharpness issue should not present anymore.

thanks,
Kang

 

[Dream Merchant]

That's the general, simplified perception, but you have to look into individual lenses.

Some lenses have better overall center to corner sharpness distribution, some are better at the center, and some are actually better in the corners than in the center, also depending on what apertures.

 

[lkkang]

That's the general, simplified perception, but you have to look into individual lenses.

Some lenses have better overall center to corner sharpness distribution, some are better at the center, and some are actually better in the corners than in the center, also depending on what apertures.

something I learned today :thumbsup: