Just an update for those who might have some interest. I have recently aquired both the 90 and 165 leaf shutter lenses. Yesterday I got to put both into action and experience in a real world time crunch, just how well they handle.
The 90 is slightly more versatile with two modes of firing the leaf shutter and the shutter opening back up after the shot is finished. However, I found that I screwed up a few shots. One cause was accidentally switching the U/S switch to S. The switch is located right on the bottom of the lens and can easily be switched during handling for shooting. When switched to the S setting, pressing the focal plane shutter release will not fire the leaf shutter. I ruined two shots trying to figure out why the flash didn't fire (the leaf didn't fire either - I just couldn't tell). Hopefully, I won't make that mistake again. The 165 is harder to screw up with. You either set it to use without the leaf shutter or to one of the leaf shutter speeds. Quite deliberate in usage. Also, after the leaf shutter fires, it stays closed until re-cocked. No forgetting to cock it for the next shot. It is kind of bothersome to not see through the finder after the shot, but nice that you don't forget to cock it again. The 90 is the opposite. You get to see after the shutter is fired, but you can very easily forget to cock it. All in all, I like the style and usage of the 165 better. More sure and safe. But a wide leaf shutter would be a wonderful thing. It would be ideal if Pentax would make a new 75mm leaf shutter lens that functioned like the 165. Until then, I'll make do with my 90. Now I have to decide if there is enough reason to keep my 90 and 165 non leaf shutter lenses. For the 165, the non leaf lens is faster by a stop and could be useful in low light situations (particularly wedding receptions). The 90 is another matter - same speed and about the same size. My non-leaf 90 is quicker and lighter to focus, but the 90 Takumar is no slouch either. Anybody out there have both and know of a reason to keep both? Bruce - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
