FAVORITE 50mm vintage lens. Absolute BEST!
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- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- Taking a closer look at my favorite 50mm lens - the SMC Pentax 50mm F1.2!!
Gear used in this video:
SMC Pentax 50mm f1.2 - ebay.us/BsnVma
Pentax K to NEX adapter - amzn.to/35unkBj
My camera - amzn.to/3DeiF2W
My video lights - amzn.to/2WoI3ls
My video monitor - amzn.to/3Dfqfdz
My microphone - amzn.to/3rVvQki
My studio lights - amzn.to/3r0R0OJ
My dry cabinet for storing lenses - amzn.to/2Wjih2a
Favorite SD card - amzn.to/3sOidn3
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Find me on Instagram - / vintage_optiks
My opinion is that your format and delivery work really well. A calm, cool, informative presentation. You also lead the viewer through a smooth, flowing journey, very easy to watch. Any negative “thumbs” are clearly from people who don’t own a camera! Regards, Jimp
Thank you so much! I’m glad to hear that you are enjoying the format and the presentation of the videos. I appreciate your kind comment. Best regards, V.O.
I have an Takumar f1.4 and enjoy it. I'm curious about this f1.2 lens, too.
I found this channel today and subscribed with pleasure.
Thank you.
Thank you so much for subscribing to the channel! I appreciate it.
Pentax has a plethora of old, good lenses from the pre-digital days. I got a deal on the K-1, and half the fun of owning it is researching all of the obscure manual focus native lenses I could use with it!
I completely agree! Pentax has a treasure trove of excellent manual lenses from the good old days! They were without a doubt a leader in photographic equipment and produced phenomenal optics! I feel super lucky to have tried some of their best lenses.
I am hooked on all your Vintage lens reviews and am now lusting over several of them specially this Pentax. I love the vintage music and sounds it is really fitting for these classics.
Thank you!! Glad to hear that you are enjoying the reviews! This Pentax lens is truly amazing! If you get you will not be disappointed!
I have the Minolta 58 f1.2. I love fast vintage lenses. I’ll keep an eye out for the Pentax.
i saw one of these at sell by a local pentaxian, now i want it! gosh... another negotiation with my wife begins. great video!
Ha! I hope the negotiation goes well. :) And if you get it, I hope you'll enjoy it.
I have a the 1.4 version of this lens, and it’s just great!
Nice to hear that you are enjoying the f1.4 version. Pentax made so many incredible lenses!
Wow such a good channel! Will see everything here and thank you very much for the information and pleasure of the way of producing your videos!
Thank you so much for the kind words. Glad to hear that you are enjoying the videos. Cheers!!
I'm a proud owner of the f1.4 version of this lens and it's my favourite lens. I've been using it for over 10 years, never got disapointed. It's a bit soft wide open but other than that... G O R G E O U S
Nice! I love Pentax lenses!
This is a great "Right to the Point" review. All I am surprised is the low number of views and subs here.
Hey EVERYONE, pay attention more to what you're missing and I'm by no means sponsored or even known to this YTer.
Sam Sen Thank you so much for your kind comment. I really appreciate it! It feels so good to hear that someone enjoys the content of my videos. Hopefully more people who like vintage lenses will find the channel eventually.
I love the retro esthetics of these videos.
Thank you!
Awesome! Just bought one of these lenses (including a K mount to E mount adaptor) for £25!
Wow, Amazing!! I’m excited for you to try it out! It’s an incredible lens!
That rear element, wow!
I love my 1.4 version .. hope one day to be able to put my hands one of this :D
I hope that you'll get to try it soon. It's an amazing lens for sure!
Same here - I have the lovely 1.7 since 1981. It's on my Canon 5D these days ;-)
@@jameswburke Also have the 1.7 .. when no need for the extra light I'll always carry the 1.7 version, less weight, great Inage Quality and just personal feeling: think has a little bit better Color Aberrations handling than the 1.4 when wide-open
I discovered your channel today and it's Fantastic! Not yet seen all videos, but the lenses, the presentations, and the theme songs are amazing!!!
Thank you so much!! Glad to hear you are enjoying the channel.
Thanks. I have got one now, and will try.😃
That’s awesome you got one! Enjoy it, it’s a great lens!
This one was a pleasure.
Thank you!
I got the K and the A Version and I like the A Version much more. It is a bit sharper @1.2 and incredible sharp from F1.8
Rene Grünwald Nice! Thank you for letting me know. I would love to try the A version.
I was between SMC and A versions. "A" costed 150 CAD more and I stayed with SMC. My favorite one after F85mm f 1.4. One day will catch A version, very curious with it
Yes, this 1.2 is among the top of anyone's list but I guess choosing the Absolute! Very Best is highly subjective as well. What is your very best? and if anyone interested, my very best is a tie between Olympus 1.2 and Minolta's 58mm F1.2, though this Pentax is not that far apart.
Definitely! Choosing any lens is a subjective decision based on the photographers preferences. It is always hard to pick the “absolute best” lens since so many factors come into play, but this one is definitely amongst the best vintage 50mm lenses and I absolutely love it! Just my humble opinion.
I just picked up the Pentax 50mm f1.2 (early version) today (by chance - along with the Konica 21mm f4) and I'm looking forward to shooting with it. Thanks for the review!
That's great! I am sure you would love the Pentax! It's a fantastic lens! I have the Konica 21mm f4 as well. Another great vintage lens! Enjoy them both and thank you for checking out the videos.
Is it as nice as the newer version???
@@freedeeztallbikes82 I have no idea. I wish I had both, though!
Well, I'm glad you think so highly of this lens because I inherited one.
Yeah it's an amazing lens! I hope you'll enjoy shooting with it. Take care.
@@VintageOptiks I ordered the BeastGrip system that allows vintage lenses to be used. I also inherited a Tokina SZ-X lens and a Sigma Pantel lens. I’m interested in M42 mount lenses and ordered an adapter. I hope it all works.
Sounds great! What camera are you going to be using with your vintage lenses?
@@VintageOptiks BeastGrip allows cellphones to be used. I’m not ready to spend kilo bucks on camera equipment. I’m using an IPhone 7 Plus because it’s paid for. All I have are point and shoot type cameras with small lenses and old film cameras that I’m taking the lenses from. I’m not very knowledgeable about photography…..yet.
That’s cool! I didn’t know that they make adapters for cellphones. I hope it works so you can try your lenses! Good luck and have fun with photography!
If it would exist as M42 mount... hell yeah i would get it.
I have the SMC Takumar 50 1.4, radioactive 7 element version with the serial number 5.555.655 or so, pretty exraordinary serial number. Its not much different than the 1.2 on K-mount it seems, im super happy with the M42 mount 1.4 version
Yeah unfortunately it doesn't come in M42 mount.
I also have the radioactive SMC Takumar 50mm f1.4. Wonderful lens for sure! Very capable and still quite affordable. Cheers!
This is another great review that I have watched multiple times. As I am planning to add one f1.2 lens in 50mm-58mm. Is this the best one in your view? (My priority in order is: sharpness, color, smooth transition and creamy background/nice bokeh in wide-open aperture.) Also, what the differences of this version compared with its Pentax-A and Pentax-M versions? Which one should I get? Many thanks for your advise and efforts.
Thank you! Yes, this is my favorite f1.2 lens in the 50-58mm range. But if you want the sharpest f1.2 lens the Konica 57mm f1.2 is a tiny bit sharper wide open. (if you are a pixel peeper) But I still prefer this Pentax lens, even though I have the Konica. The colors and the bokeh are just amazing. When it comes to colors, bokeh and smooth transitions it's all subjective, but for the look that I'm going for, this Pentax lens is works great for me.
I have not tried the A and M versions and can't say if they are any different. Cheers!
@@VintageOptiks Many thanks again. I am convinced that Pentax is the best overall and going to get one. It is sharp enough to me. It is not surprise that Konica is slightly sharper, as it has zoomed in a bit in the first place (57 vs 50mm), or they will be equally sharp, if both have the same "mm".
@@nathanm5051 You are welcome! I hope you'll enjoy it. I think it's a superb lens!
It would be a dream lens without Ca and fringe at the widest apertures. There is an annoying level of CA and fringe. It's heavy and f1.2 is one of the hardest lenses to focus on. Bokeh is incredible, but high-contrast selections should be avoided at f1.2. You need to think carefully about the plan you will shoot.
I agree that f1.2 lenses are not easy to focus at their widest aperture setting, but with mirrorless cameras and their focus peaking assist, it is much easier to nail your focus. I know that not every lens I review is going to work for everyone, and I don't expect that everyone will agree with me on the lenses I review, but for me this one has a lot of characteristics that I personally value, which is why it is one of my favorite lenses. When it comes to vintage lenses I am not looking for perfection, but for unique rendering and character. And this lens definitely has that.
Agree but with practice and using a GH5s mirrorless camera with focus peeking it will come naturally over time like it did with me.
I actually just received my very own Super Takumar yesterday. Awesome video.
That's great! Did you get the 50mm f1.4?
@@VintageOptiks Yes!! It came a week after my Helios 44 2. Great lenses. Thanks.
@@ScheltemaBoutiqueGuitars Wonderful! Have fun!
Pentax lens have always outperformed the big guys.
Yeah, they definitely made some incredible lenses!!
What is the actual difference between the two versions smc and SMC?
Thanks
As far as I know there isn’t any difference when it comes to their performance. Both lenses have the same optical design and the same coatings.
@@VintageOptiks Thanks for the quick response.
Love your reviews. Question: How is the Pentax 50mm f2 and/or f1.4? I've been looking on eBay at the f1.2 lens prices and they're pretty steep.
Thank you so much!! Regarding a cheaper alternative to this lens - the SMC Pentax 50mm f1.4 (K mount) is definitely a great lens! The bokeh is super smooth and dreamy and it has great colors and contrast. Check it out if you have a chance. I hope you’ll enjoy it.
Thank you very much for all your wonderfull videos !! I want to buy this 50mm lens - the SMC Pentax 50mm F1.2 BUT i don't understand the difference between this one and the 50mm lens - the SMC Pentax "M" 50mm F1.2. On your lens there is no "M" written but on line there is a lot with this "M" written on the lens. I don't know if it's a different optic, and specially if all the good caracteristics of this lens are the same with the lens "M" or even "A" ?
Thanks! Love this channel.
Thanks so much!
the music is boss. reminds me of my childhood.
Thank you! I am a big fan of the music form the good old days!
Love your videos...I just bought this lens after watching your video.
Thank you! That's awesome you got one of these lenses! Enjoy!!
Hi. Thanks for the review. What is the difference with the smc pentax-m 50mm?
There is no 50mm f/1.2 in the M series. The K series lenses are superior to the M range. The M series' build are slightly smaller with lower IQ.
Awesome video!
I gotta be honest with you guy. I'm a shame to say that I didn't know about this lens!
That is surprising since before this video I consider myself a "Pentaxian" at heart.
I love my f1.4 which actually I declick for video use (made a How To DeClick video in my channel).
Hananias Q Thank you so much! Yeah this is not a very famous lens for some reason. And maybe that’s why it’s not as expensive as some other f1.2 lenses out there. But it’s a great performer. I have the f1.4 version as well. Awesome lens for sure. Take care!
Hello, love your reviews :). You don't have the insta account anymore and don't do videos also ? I am looking for a 50mm lens for my A7IV. Will probably pick one of the these instead of the Sony or Samyang even though it's manual focus. Thanks again!
Hello and thank you! I still have my insta account and I post regularly. You can find me @vintage_optiks
If you are looking for a great 50mm lens, definitely try the SMC Pentax 50mm f1.2. It is absolutely amazing! Cheers!
@@VintageOptiks thanks. I also view Zenography channel. He mentions the Pancolar 50mm f/1.8 as his best 50mm. Ever tested it?
Hi, the Pancolar 50mm f1.8 is also an excellent lens, but I personally prefer the SMC Pentax 50mm f1.2.
Your photos are beautiful
Thank you so much!
I got this lens a few years ago but it needs internal cleaning. I can do this myself but I can't find how to disassemble it anywhere 😢
Sorry, I haven’t seen any instructions on how to disassemble it either. Have you cleaned other vintage lenses before?
Awesome video. Thanks for sharing
Thank you!!
@@VintageOptiks You're welcome. I had the F/1.2 M version, (awesome lens) lost it and purchased the SMC-A Version which is slightly sharper than the M version but both are extraordinary lens
Hello, I just searched on eBay, and I found some "Asahi SMC Pentax-M 1:2 50mm Lens For Pentax K", is that the same lens? Yours is only "Pentax" not "Pentax-M". Also, this looks smaller and the filter size is 48 not 52 as yours... Your lens is amazing just want to make sure this is the same lens..
Hello. The lens you mentioned - SMC Pentax-M 1:2 50mm is not the same lens. That is a 50mm f2 lens. My lens is 50mm f1.2. (on the front it is marked as 1:1.2 50mm). Big difference in price and results obtained.
Awesome lens have yet to test it, great review
Thank you so much!
i am about to buy a smc pentax 50 1.2 . And i have came up to 2 main versions . the one you have got and the A option which is more expensive . Do you have experience from the 2 last version and tell me if it's worth the difference in price tag ?
PS you have beautiful pictures with this lens . well done
Hi!! I haven’t tried the A version so I can’t say if it’s worth the extra cash. But the version I have is amazing and I’m sure you’ll love it.
Thanks so much for your kind words about my photos!
Now u have me salivating; that's the go .. artistic colourful abstractions. But very expensive now 2 find one in good nick. Closest I've come .. so far .. is the 50/f1.4. )Oh By the way; who needs an adapter if u have a real camera😉📸)
Yeah unfortunately this lens is no longer a secret and the prices have gotten pretty crazy. I hope you can find one for a good deal. Cheers!
Great job! SUBSCRIBED! Thank you!
Thank you so much!
Great photos bro
TOMMY PATERSON Thank you!
I have the f1.4, but boy, do I want this version.
raksh9 Haha, yeah this one is extra special! I hope you’ll find one. Take care.
It's well worth it. I have had both the F/1.2 & 1.4 and preferred the F/1.2. I have the SMC-A version of this lens and it is superb
Whats the difference between pentax, pentax a, and pentax m,
Check out this forum for thorough analysis on all the different types. www.pentaxforums.com/articles/gear-guides/comprehensive-pentax-lens-guide.html
My favorite is my Takumar 50mm1.4 lens I love mine great lens
scrptwic Yeah that’s a great lens! I have one as well. Beautiful colors!!
Sold
👍
Caramel syrup seems added to colors. Vintage caramel that is.
I have this lens in my ebay basket and I am thinking hard to buy it BUT I am not sure if its different than Canon 50mm 1.8? Both are 50mm so I wonder if I need vintage one 🤔 I am just starting my photography journey although I have been using my Canon 700d for 6 years but just for videos :) help. Cant decide. Buy or not to buy. :)
Btw. I just bought Vivitar 300mm on ebay🙊 oh well ;)
I have PENTAX-M is that just a mounting difference?
Yes, the two lenses are optically the same and only their mounts are different.
Great video! Can you recommend some vintage lens around 35mm and f1.2 please? :) That can cover full frame also. :D
Thank you! Regarding your question - I'm not aware of any vintage 35mm lens that has f1.2 maximum aperture. And if there is one it's probably insanely expensive. The fastest vintage 35mm lenses have maximum aperture of f1.4. And if I had to recommend one of those I'll say the AI Nikkor 35mm f1.4. It's affordable, it covers full frame and it's an excellent performer. There are also vintage 35mm f1.4 lenses by Leica and Carl Zeiss but they are way more expensive. There are a few contemporary and pretty cheap lenses that are 35mm f1.2, made by 7artisans and SLR magic, but I have no experience with them since I only use vintage glass. Hope this helps.
@@VintageOptiks Thank you! :)
Is similar to the Helios helios 44m-4 58mm f1.2 or this is much better? What's is the significance different if it are. Sorry for my English. Thanks for sharing this video.
Hi, I haven’t tried the Helios 58mm f1.2 so I can’t say how it will compare to this Pentax.
The Helios 44s are f2.
Same as takumar 50mm 1.4
I will have to disagree. I have both lenses and they definitely do not perform the same way.
Does the first version perform just as well????
I haven't tried the first version so I can't say.
Looks near mint
How does this compare with the M50 1.4 and 1.7?
The f1.2 lens will give you shallower depth of field compared to the slower f1.4 and f1.7 versions. So if you like shooting wide open and are into nice blurry backgrounds this is definitely the one to get. But if you mostly shoot at f5.6 or f8 there is no need to get the expensive f1.2 lens. It’s just a matter of what your shooting style is and if you need that extra stop. The f1.2 is also good if you are shooting in poorly lit situations, especially if you are using it on a film camera.
This is one of the best lens review videos I have ever scene. What set-up did you use to shoot it?
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it. I used 2 large soft boxes and several small video lights with color filters. It was filmed with my Sony a7III and Tokina ATX 90mm macro.
@@VintageOptiks, did you shoot the whole video with the Tokina ATX 90mm Macro?
@@cjewe1z Yes. And in fact all other videos since this one have all been shot with the Tokina ATX 90. Sometimes if I need a bit wider shot I'll use the Meyer Optik Gorlitz 50mm f1.8, but that's only on a few occasions.
@@VintageOptiks, why do you choose to use this lens specifically?
@@cjewe1z Because it's the best macro lens I've tried. It gives me great colors, excellent sharpness and it can focus down to only 39cm. And the 90mmm focal length works really well for my projects.
Hey I’m new to cameras so what do you mean by stop it down past f2
Hello! Stopping a lens down means closing the aperture. Each f-number ( f2, f2.8, f4 and so on) is also known as an f-stop (meaning that the more you close the aperture the less light enters the lens, so in a way you are “stopping” the light from entering the lens. That’s why I said “stop the lens down past f2 - which means - rotate the aperture past f2. Hope this makes sense.
DOPE
It’s an awesome lens!
FL 55mm 1.2 es igual de bueno y quizás un poco mejor..
Thank you very much for all your wonderfull videos !! I want to buy this 50mm lens - the SMC Pentax 50mm F1.2 BUT i don't understand the difference between this one and the 50mm lens - the SMC Pentax "M" 50mm F1.2. On your lens there is no "M" written but on line there is a lot to sell with this "M" written on the lens. I don't know if it's a different optic, and specially if all the goods caracteristics of this lens are the same with the lens "M" or even "A" ?
I hope you could help me !
Thank you very much by advance.
Hello and thank you for the kind words about my videos. Glad you like them.
Regarding this Pentax lens - if you want to get the same results as me, you'll need to get this exact model. From the research I've done, the SMC Pentax-A 50mm f1.2 is supposedly the same ( based on the lens schematics), but I've also read that it was redesigned and it's different. I haven't tried it and I can't tell if there is difference between the two.
The SMC Pentax-M 50mm f1:2 is not the same as the 50mm f1.2. The M version is f2 and the non-M version is f1.2 - very different lenses. I know it can be a bit confusing with all the different letters and numbers, but as I said before, if you want this lens - definitely get the same one as the one that I have. That's the only way I can guarantee you that you'll get the same optical results.
Hope this helps. Cheers!
@@VintageOptiks Oh sorry i didn't seen you already answered since long time ago ! But Thank you very much for your detailed response, it help me a lot !! Sincerly :)
@@Aureo482 You are welcome. Cheers!
Hi.
Do you think it can suite crop camera like fuji xt3?
Thanks
Hi, Yes you can use it on the Fuji, as long as you get an adapter Pentax K to Fuji. And because of the crop factor, this lens will be like a 75mm equivalent, so not as wide as the 50mm on full frame. Take care.
@@VintageOptiks Thanks, great video BTW.
@@zevik84 Thank you!
Do think this lens is better than cano 50mm fd 1.2?
The FD 50mm f1.2 is also a really nice lens, but the colors and out-of-focus blur of the Pentax are definitely better in my opinion. The Pentax is also smaller and more compact. It's a matter of personal preference and taste. But you'll enjoy either lens I am sure. The super thin depth-of-field at f1.2 can be challenging, but also really fun!
I did my homework on this and the fd is slightly better but only for minor reasons related to color and depth of field coverage. The fd 55mm 1.2 I think is the best of the lot, especially if you want high bokeh coverage. I bought it myself the other day and test out, it was very pleasing to see the results :)
@@Kyuubixcel sounds like you think the canon is better because you bought it
Your videos are fuckin awesome.
Thanks so much!!
I love it
Thank you!
Hello, I was wondering if you'd now the difference between this 'smc pentax' and the 'SMC pentax-m'?
/ pentax-a ?
damn how dose this compare to takumar 50mm 8 element?
I am not sure. I don't have the Takumar 8 elements, so I can't say.
@@VintageOptiks haha i have it and it is quite nice, loses contrast Ponting at sun but still great.
I see. Good to know :)
The takumar 50mm 8 element is just another beautiful paint brush with exceptional character. It gives a warm cinematic vintage look to the images. I still love the quality of the Pentax SMC-A 50mm F/1.2 This version shown here in video. Choice of lens is all down to personal preference and what you intend to use it for.
is it radioactive?
I am not sure if it's radioactive. I haven't tested it myself, but I also haven't seen anyone mentioning anything about this lens being radioactive.
No this lens is not radioactive
sooo expensive on Ebay
Yeah, unfortunately the prices are ridiculous.
But worth it if it fulfils it's intended purpose.
Well, ebay, here I come then...
:)
🤗😍👍
Thank you!
How does it compare to the Konica f1.2 ?
They are both amazing lenses. I have the Konica f1.2 and need to review it soon. The Konica is slightly sharper wide open but difference is extremely small. Both have great colors. The Pentax is more compact and lighter which makes it easier to bring on a walk. It's also cheaper.
Is it radioactive?
I am not sure.
No. No nuclear fallout lol