Re: Pancake SMC-M 40mm 2.8
Dang, I completely forgot! Cetussoft.com is not available to me. keiht Fred wrote: What's the sharpest aperature for this lens? any opinions? For four samples of the lens design (with almost no variance from sample to sample, which is a little unusual), for simple straight high-contrast resolution, it's f/5.6. See http://www.cetussoft.com/pentax/50's/resolutn.htm . Fred
Pancake SMC-M 40mm 2.8
Hey ppl.. This has probably been asked before, but I was wondering how good this lens (SMC M pancake 40mm 2.8) is and what it's worth.. Any experiences to share? Rgds, Ryan
Re: Pancake SMC-M 40mm 2.8
This has probably been asked before, but I was wondering how good this lens (SMC M pancake 40mm 2.8) is and what it's worth.. Any experiences to share? Optically, it is an okay lens imho, good but not great. The problem is that the focus ring is too narrow to use comfortably. The eBay price used to be unbelievably high, and many being tricked to believe it was rare, but should be quite a bit cheaper now. I think US$150 is a good price for a mint sample. Alan Chan http://www.pbase.com/wlachan _ The new MSN 8: advanced junk mail protection and 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail
Re: Pancake SMC-M 40mm 2.8
Hi, Wednesday, October 15, 2003, 9:12:16 AM, you wrote: Hey ppl.. This has probably been asked before, but I was wondering how good this lens (SMC M pancake 40mm 2.8) is and what it's worth.. Any experiences to share? I have one in good condition which cost me about US$100 (equivalent). It's a bit soft, but it's ok and very convenient on an MX. The focussing ring is very narrow indeed, so if your fingers are large you might have difficulty with it. -- Cheers, Bobmailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: Pancake SMC-M 40mm 2.8
This has probably been asked before, but I was wondering how good this lens (SMC M pancake 40mm 2.8) is and what it's worth.. Any experiences to share? Alan Chan wrote: Optically, it is an okay lens imho, good but not great. The problem is that the focus ring is too narrow to use comfortably. The eBay price used to be unbelievably high, and many being tricked to believe it was rare, but should be quite a bit cheaper now. I think US$150 is a good price for a mint sample. At the start of February this year, I found one boxed as new for £70 including postage on eBay. It certainly didn't attract many bidders, luckily for me - maybe they are falling out of favour?. Where the 40mm is a hands down winner for me is size, making an MX a pocket able camera, which it isn't with a 50mm lens. Malcolm
Re: Pancake SMC-M 40mm 2.8
I've had two experiences with this lens, and a different attitude on my part the second time around is what made me realize its benefits. The first time I bought one, about three years ago, I used it on an ME Super. The size was wonderful, but my problem was that I was trying to use it like the 50mm f/1.7 or 50mm f/1.4 -- I was using it for available light photos indoors and was not pleased with its performance wide open. Since even the 50/1.7 performs much better than the pancake lens at f/2.8 (and can go more than a stop faster, too, of course), I felt it was always a tradeoff when I chose the 40/2.8, even when I was outdoors, since I kept thinking I could be carrying a faster lens instead. I traded the pancake at some point, but I always missed it a bit. More recently, I picked one up for a more reasonable price and this time, I had two MXes and a different attitude. While the lens hadn't changed, I now appreciate its tremendous compactness and I don't take it along when I think I'm going to be shooting at f/2 or focusing in dim light. But it delivers very nice performance at most apertures, and seems fine at f/4 too, and even f/2.8 will do in a pinch if that's all you have. But it's no slower than Pentax's 28mm f/2.8 and 24mm f/2.8 lenses, and it's faster than the screwmount 35mm, 28mm, and 24mm f/3.5 lenses I've had. So it's really all a matter of perspective. It's a great walkaround lens, it gives the camera a different balance (it tips a little bit backward instead of forward -- the balance in the hand is more like a rangefinder!), and it has the 40mm focal length, which really is a nice compromise between the 35 and 50. It has the SMC coatings, doesn't need a lens hood and delivers nice saturated results. $125-$150 for one in nice condition is about right. Joe This has probably been asked before, but I was wondering how good this lens (SMC M pancake 40mm 2.8) is and what it's worth.. Any experiences to share? Optically, it is an okay lens imho, good but not great. The problem is that the focus ring is too narrow to use comfortably. The eBay price used to be unbelievably high, and many being tricked to believe it was rare, but should be quite a bit cheaper now. I think US$150 is a good price for a mint sample. Alan Chan http://www.pbase.com/wlachan _ The new MSN 8: advanced junk mail protection and 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail -- Joe Wilensky Staff Writer Communication and Marketing Services 1150 Comstock Hall Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853-2601 e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] tel: 607-255-1575 fax: 607-255-9873
Re: Pancake SMC-M 40mm 2.8
On Wed, 15 Oct 2003, Alan Chan wrote: This has probably been asked before, but I was wondering how good this lens (SMC M pancake 40mm 2.8) is and what it's worth.. Any experiences to share? Optically, it is an okay lens imho, good but not great. The problem is that the focus ring is too narrow to use comfortably. The eBay price used to be unbelievably high, and many being tricked to believe it was rare, but should be quite a bit cheaper now. I think US$150 is a good price for a mint sample. The great thing about this lens is that it makes an MX or ME Super into about as pocketable of a 35mm SLR as you'll ever see. I never found manual focus on it to be bad...it isn't as nice to work with as a full size lens, but it is a better manual focus lens than most AF lenses. 40mm is a nice focal length too. alex
Re: Pancake SMC-M 40mm 2.8
I think you hit the nail right on the head, Joe. It isn't a 50mm 1.7 or 1.4, and should be thought of in quite a different light as lenses such as those two. I only used one for a couple of weeks, courtesy of Wendy, and I loved it. Not only does it's size work nicely with the MX, but I liked the fact that it focuses from about 17 inches out (someone correct me if I'm wrong). Basically, hyperfocused at f 16 or f22, it's a focus-free lens for walking about. It makes the MX a terrific street camera, due to it's inconspicuous size and looks, and that tremendous hyperfocus range. I thought it was plenty sharp, although I know some on this list think it soft. I wouldn't say soft, just not the sharpest lens ever. I think I only used it for BW, but I thought it was nicely contrasty. The focus ring doesn't bother me a bit (and I don't exactly have dainty little girly-fingers). The knurling extends to the end of the lens barrel, and I found it quite convenient to use the end of the barrel for focusing, rather than search for the tiny ring on the sides - I know I'm not doing a good job explaining (or as Ricky Ricardo would say, 'splainin') this, but hopefully you get my drift. For what it is, I think it's a bit overpriced. More than $150US isn't worth it. Seems that someone, several years ago on eBay, described it as rare, and every eBay auction since then has picked up on that. cheers, frank The optimist thinks this is the best of all possible worlds. The pessimist fears it is true. -J. Robert Oppenheimer From: Joe Wilensky [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Pancake SMC-M 40mm 2.8 Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2003 08:57:18 -0400 I've had two experiences with this lens, and a different attitude on my part the second time around is what made me realize its benefits. The first time I bought one, about three years ago, I used it on an ME Super. The size was wonderful, but my problem was that I was trying to use it like the 50mm f/1.7 or 50mm f/1.4 -- I was using it for available light photos indoors and was not pleased with its performance wide open. Since even the 50/1.7 performs much better than the pancake lens at f/2.8 (and can go more than a stop faster, too, of course), I felt it was always a tradeoff when I chose the 40/2.8, even when I was outdoors, since I kept thinking I could be carrying a faster lens instead. I traded the pancake at some point, but I always missed it a bit. More recently, I picked one up for a more reasonable price and this time, I had two MXes and a different attitude. While the lens hadn't changed, I now appreciate its tremendous compactness and I don't take it along when I think I'm going to be shooting at f/2 or focusing in dim light. But it delivers very nice performance at most apertures, and seems fine at f/4 too, and even f/2.8 will do in a pinch if that's all you have. But it's no slower than Pentax's 28mm f/2.8 and 24mm f/2.8 lenses, and it's faster than the screwmount 35mm, 28mm, and 24mm f/3.5 lenses I've had. So it's really all a matter of perspective. It's a great walkaround lens, it gives the camera a different balance (it tips a little bit backward instead of forward -- the balance in the hand is more like a rangefinder!), and it has the 40mm focal length, which really is a nice compromise between the 35 and 50. It has the SMC coatings, doesn't need a lens hood and delivers nice saturated results. $125-$150 for one in nice condition is about right. _ STOP MORE SPAM with the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail
Which 50mm? (was Re: Pancake SMC-M 40mm 2.8)
Thanks everyone for the input! Just lately I've been somewhat attracted to the compactness of it. Lots more subtle than a 28-70 2.8 (don't need a 70-200 2.8 to intimidate people). Pity it's not AF.. Another query which definitely has been asked before (This should all be archived somewhere shouldn't it..) which AF 50mm's best optically, how much, and roughly how often on Ebay (or where else would I get one..) Thx! Ryan - Original Message - From: Joe Wilensky [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2003 10:57 PM Subject: Re: Pancake SMC-M 40mm 2.8 I've had two experiences with this lens, and a different attitude on my part the second time around is what made me realize its benefits. The first time I bought one, about three years ago, I used it on an ME Super. The size was wonderful, but my problem was that I was trying to use it like the 50mm f/1.7 or 50mm f/1.4 -- I was using it for available light photos indoors and was not pleased with its performance wide open. Since even the 50/1.7 performs much better than the pancake lens at f/2.8 (and can go more than a stop faster, too, of course), I felt it was always a tradeoff when I chose the 40/2.8, even when I was outdoors, since I kept thinking I could be carrying a faster lens instead. I traded the pancake at some point, but I always missed it a bit. More recently, I picked one up for a more reasonable price and this time, I had two MXes and a different attitude. While the lens hadn't changed, I now appreciate its tremendous compactness and I don't take it along when I think I'm going to be shooting at f/2 or focusing in dim light. But it delivers very nice performance at most apertures, and seems fine at f/4 too, and even f/2.8 will do in a pinch if that's all you have. But it's no slower than Pentax's 28mm f/2.8 and 24mm f/2.8 lenses, and it's faster than the screwmount 35mm, 28mm, and 24mm f/3.5 lenses I've had. So it's really all a matter of perspective. It's a great walkaround lens, it gives the camera a different balance (it tips a little bit backward instead of forward -- the balance in the hand is more like a rangefinder!), and it has the 40mm focal length, which really is a nice compromise between the 35 and 50. It has the SMC coatings, doesn't need a lens hood and delivers nice saturated results. $125-$150 for one in nice condition is about right. Joe This has probably been asked before, but I was wondering how good this lens (SMC M pancake 40mm 2.8) is and what it's worth.. Any experiences to share? Optically, it is an okay lens imho, good but not great. The problem is that the focus ring is too narrow to use comfortably. The eBay price used to be unbelievably high, and many being tricked to believe it was rare, but should be quite a bit cheaper now. I think US$150 is a good price for a mint sample. Alan Chan http://www.pbase.com/wlachan _ The new MSN 8: advanced junk mail protection and 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail -- Joe Wilensky Staff Writer Communication and Marketing Services 1150 Comstock Hall Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853-2601 e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] tel: 607-255-1575 fax: 607-255-9873
Re: Pancake SMC-M 40mm 2.8
I only used one for a couple of weeks, courtesy of Wendy, and I loved it. Not only does it's size work nicely with the MX, but I liked the fact that it focuses from about 17 inches out (someone correct me if I'm wrong). You called, Frank? g From Boz's site - it focuses down to 0,6 m - that's almost two feet for those metrically challenged :-) And that's exactly what I don't like about it (from reading about it on the internet). I always wondered why my brother's Nikkor 50/1.8 focused down only to 0,6 m. I really love the ability to shoot detail with a Pentax 50 mm - focusing down to 0,45 m. Still, I'd like to own one for some time, if only just to be able to see the 40 mm focal lenght throught the viewfinder - so far my only experience with a 40 mm lens has been with fixed lens rangefinders. Yes, I know - it's in the photos, but still, I'd rerally like to be able to look throught the viewfinder and see exactly what the lens sees_before_ realising the shutter. Regards, ukasz [EMAIL PROTECTED] === www.fotopolis.pl === internetowy magazyn o fotografii
Re: Pancake SMC-M 40mm 2.8
Hi, Lukasz, I don't doubt your (or Boz') figures. I thought it was closer, but what do I know? g My point, I guess, is that for street shooting, hyperfocusing from 2 feet to infinity gives one pretty good focus-free range, and that makes the MX/Pancake combo very good for street shooting or candids. cheers, frank The optimist thinks this is the best of all possible worlds. The pessimist fears it is true. -J. Robert Oppenheimer From: £ukasz Kacperczyk [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Pancake SMC-M 40mm 2.8 Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2003 16:15:02 +0200 You called, Frank? g From Boz's site - it focuses down to 0,6 m - that's almost two feet for those metrically challenged :-) And that's exactly what I don't like about it (from reading about it on the internet). I always wondered why my brother's Nikkor 50/1.8 focused down only to 0,6 m. I really love the ability to shoot detail with a Pentax 50 mm - focusing down to 0,45 m. Still, I'd like to own one for some time, if only just to be able to see the 40 mm focal lenght throught the viewfinder - so far my only experience with a 40 mm lens has been with fixed lens rangefinders. Yes, I know - it's in the photos, but still, I'd rerally like to be able to look throught the viewfinder and see exactly what the lens sees_before_ realising the shutter. Regards, ³ukasz [EMAIL PROTECTED] === www.fotopolis.pl === internetowy magazyn o fotografii _ Add photos to your messages with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/featuredemail
Re: Pancake SMC-M 40mm 2.8
I don't doubt your (or Boz') figures. I thought it was closer, but what do I know? g No more mean comments from me today, so I'll pass :-) My point, I guess, is that for street shooting, hyperfocusing from 2 feet to infinity gives one pretty good focus-free range, and that makes the MX/Pancake combo very good for street shooting or candids. I agree. regards, ukasz concise as usual
Re: Pancake SMC-M 40mm 2.8
On Wed, 15 Oct 2003, Steve Desjardins wrote: What's the sharpest aperature for this lens? any opinions? http://phred.org/pentax/lensgal/m40_28/m40_28.html has tests from this lens if you want to judge for yourself. It looks pretty soft at f2.8, better at f4, and pretty good at f5.6 and f8. The Lens Gallery is a useful resource for comparing lenses. I don't think it is maintained anymore (if it is then it got moved and no one told me), but my old mirror of it is at http://phred.org/pentax/lensgal/ alex
Re: Pancake SMC-M 40mm 2.8
Someplace around 8.0, if I recall correctly. Guess I could dig out the test slides and check, but I tend to be lazy... I think it is after all a classic 2.8 tessar with a slightly wide field which would indicate you need to stop it down at least 3 stops for it to be seriously sharp. Steve Desjardins wrote: What's the sharpest aperature for this lens? any opinions? Steven Desjardins Department of Chemistry Washington and Lee University Lexington, VA 24450 (540) 458-8873 FAX: (540) 458-8878 [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- graywolf http://graywolfphoto.com You might as well accept people as they are, you are not going to be able to change them anyway.
Re: Which 50mm? (was Re: Pancake SMC-M 40mm 2.8)
Another query which definitely has been asked before (This should all be archived somewhere shouldn't it..) which AF 50mm's best optically, how much, and roughly how often on Ebay (or where else would I get one..) If you don't need to shoot faster than f4, I recommend 50/1.4 (too soft near wide open imho). Otherwise, I prefer 43/1.9. Alan Chan http://www.pbase.com/wlachan _ Help STOP SPAM with the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail
RE: Which 50mm? (was Re: Pancake SMC-M 40mm 2.8)
Hmm, I often find myself using the FA50 1.4 at between 2.5 and 3.5. Do you think the 43 would be a significant step up for me? -Original Message- From: Alan Chan [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 15 October 2003 22:01 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Which 50mm? (was Re: Pancake SMC-M 40mm 2.8) Another query which definitely has been asked before (This should all be archived somewhere shouldn't it..) which AF 50mm's best optically, how much, and roughly how often on Ebay (or where else would I get one..) If you don't need to shoot faster than f4, I recommend 50/1.4 (too soft near wide open imho). Otherwise, I prefer 43/1.9. Alan Chan http://www.pbase.com/wlachan _ Help STOP SPAM with the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail
Re: Pancake SMC-M 40mm 2.8
What's the sharpest aperature for this lens? any opinions? For four samples of the lens design (with almost no variance from sample to sample, which is a little unusual), for simple straight high-contrast resolution, it's f/5.6. See http://www.cetussoft.com/pentax/50's/resolutn.htm . Fred
Re: Pancake SMC-M 40mm 2.8
and this time, I had two MXes and a different attitude. Well, two MX's will give anyone a new attitude... g Fred
RE: Which 50mm? (was Re: Pancake SMC-M 40mm 2.8)
Hmm, I often find myself using the FA50 1.4 at between 2.5 and 3.5. Do you think the 43 would be a significant step up for me? Don't think so. In fact, I don't think 43 is all that special optically. 31 is biting sharp, and 77 has nice creamy feel and great bokeh. But 43? Well, I just don't see its specialty (okay it's small metal). If wide open performance is important, I suggest you try 50/1.7. Alan Chan http://www.pbase.com/wlachan _ Help STOP SPAM with the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail
