SMC M50 1.7 worth it?

[regor]

I saw an SMC M 50mm 1.7 lense at a local pawn shop, $50. Condition, definitely less than mint, I actually would have to clean it first to find out if there are any serious defects.

For use with K10D.

What do you think?

Roger

[Bronek]

Go for, it if it's in working order and has no fungus. Do not disassemble lens to clean it, it is not DIY kind of work. This lens, 50/1.7 is sharper than 50/1.4 , only not so bright, and the price is very good.

[Bronek]

Change of mind - you may find it cheaper and in better condition at eBay, eg. here http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Asa...Z4688QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Bronek]

Roger, you will find plenty of "user reviews" of Pentax lenses here http://stans-photography.info/

[Bronek]

And the last thing, your camera won't set aperture in M lenses - this function only works in A, F and FA lenses. This means that you will need to set the aperture manualy (mode M), press green button to let the camera set shutter time and only then press the shutter. Do not forget to focus lens manualy And you need to enable (in custom settings) aperture set on the lens.

[regor]

Tx all for the feedback, much appreciated.

[redcurl]

Absolutely a good lens, but try to get one in better condition, I use this model on my K100D, also bought a pentax-m  135mm f/3,5 works also very well, you will have to train your eyes with the camera's focusing screen, but can be done ! other changed focusing screen(not without problems) for one with a split screen on the center.

[dayalan86]

I am using the SMC A version, I think they're quite similar except that with the A version the camera can set the aperture of the lens.

However, I do seem to have trouble with the focusing at times as the camera will lock focus but the shot looks quite soft(oof) when viewed later but when its in focus its really sharp even wide open.

I am using a K100D

[redcurl]

What do you mean 'lock focus' ? the camera has no way of locking the focus mechanism. You will hear and see that the camera is seeing the object in focus... but you can concentrate to focus whatever you want.
I tried to get hold of a SMC-A, but none qualified (dirty and in bad shape).
You can use the SMC-M in Av mode by setting f/22 ,unscrew the lens till you see the blades going to the f/22 position and you're ready to shoot... don't worry, the lens won't fall off the camera and it works all right. Set the aperture to any value and the camera will choose the right speed.
I prefer manual because you always get a well illuminated picture on the focusing screen.

[dayalan86]

Yeap, I mean when the camera shows the red focus indicating focus achieved in the viewfinder. but sometimes the red focus light comes although the picture is oof.

I try my best judging with my eyes but in poor light it becomes difficult to see whether the picture is focused or not.

[Priyantha Bleeker]

You can use the SMC-M in Av mode by setting f/22 ,unscrew the lens till you see the blades going to the f/22 position and you're ready to shoot... don't worry, the lens won't fall off the camera and it works all right. Set the aperture to any value and the camera will choose the right speed.
I prefer manual because you always get a well illuminated picture on the focusing screen.

Can you explain that a bit further ?
I have got two 50mm 1.7's and two 135 3.5's so I can test it, but can you explain it a bit better what to do ?

[Sirrom]

Regor,

The 1.7 is nice but for $50 you can get an A model 1.7  in excellent shape on eek-Bay, The 2.0 version is very good also for the money I've recently seen them on eek-Bay going for as low as $10 in good condition. Just watch you self and check the seller out before biding.

RM

[regor]

Tx, that's the feeling I had.

[PeteD]

Regor,

The 1.7 is nice but for $50 you can get an A model 1.7  in excellent shape on eek-Bay, The 2.0 version is very good also for the money I've recently seen them on eek-Bay going for as low as $10 in good condition. Just watch you self and check the seller out before biding.

RM

I have a 50mm F2, not that impressed wide, F1.7 is apparently much better wide and that is why you want a fast lens isn't it?

[Sirrom]

I have a 50mm F2, not that impressed wide, F1.7 is apparently much better wide and that is why you want a fast lens isn't it?

Yes, that's true. I have both and the 2.0 does hold up well printed up to A5 and with a little PP A4 at least the copy I have. And for $10 it's most definitely bargain.

RM