on 10/22/03 2:08 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > Hello all, > I know there have been already thousands of discussions about macros, > but I can't remember what the conclusion was ^^" > so what do you think about the PENTAX K VIVITAR MACRO 2,8/100? How much > is a reasonable price for it? (at ebay, no professional foto dealer) > There's als a PENTAX SMC-M MACRO 4.0/100 up there. > I have a pentax ME and a MX, so I don't need AF lenses and I can't spent > too much money... > Thanks for any advice. > Bye Katrin > > I don't know the Vivitar you mention. I have owned three M 100/4 macros. I would advise you to be very careful and inspect very carefully if you buy the 100/4. It is a good macro lens, BUT it seems that many samples of this lens have a problem with the delamination of the front group. What this means is that the front lens is actually a composite of 2 pieces of glass glued together. A very common construction approach. However, two of the three I have owned have had the glue fail, the two lens elements separate slightly, and a small hazy effect becomes evident. I have seen many on eBay that say "a slight haze on the front element..." The lens is still in usable condition if this happens, but you will lose that special sharpness that makes a fine macro lens so special.
I would recommend instead that you be patient, buy a Pentax 50/2.8 macro instead, and use it with extension tubes or a high quality 2X adapter if you need the 100mm length. Stan Halpin
