Im looking to replace my pentax mx

[astrobuoy]

I shoot with both Zeiss and Leica glass, and I think my Pentax lenses truly stand toe to toe. Of course each has its own look and characteristics, but I personally couldn't say that the Pentax is "worse" or poorer in any regard.

That said, if you want the Zeiss or Leica look in a (relatively) compact SLR, I would suggest a Contax Aria with the Planar 50mm f/1.4, or perhaps a Leica R5 with a Summicron 50mm f/2.

The MX is quite small, so finding something with comparable dimensions will be a challenge. Size-wise perhaps an Olympus OM4 or OM2 with a 50mm f/1.8, though I don't love the rendering personally. The OM 50mm f/2 Macro has been claimed to have "Leica-like" rendering, but it can be expensive, and also slightly larger than the others mentioned here.

 

[raid]

. The OM 50mm f/2 Macro has been claimed to have "Leica-like" rendering, but it can be expensive, and also slightly larger than the others mentioned here.

I may own such a lens that someone modified to Canon FD mount.

 

[astrobuoy]

I may own such a lens that someone modified to Canon FD mount.

Do you have any photos taken with it? I wonder if that might help the OP more.

 

[Orthogonal]

I think I'm with the others in saying it seems a bit unclear as to what you're looking for. I'm assuming you want something higher contrast (more modern coatings?) but with a more classic rendering (barrel distortion etc?). If that's what you mean the first that come to mind are Zeiss ZE/ZF lenses rather than the C/Y, since the C/Y have more classic coatings. Beyond that there are the even sharper, but much larger Milvus 50 1.4. Or current production lenses that are based on older design, like the EF 50mm 1.4 or 1.8.

 

[raid]

Do you have any photos taken with it? I wonder if that might help the OP more.

No, I have never used it. Someone must have found the lens to be worth a lens mount change.

 

[Huss]

It would be helpful if the OP posted pics he took with his gear so we can see what his issue is.

 

[charjohncarter]

Blowup of 50mm Pentax-F f1.7 shot at F5.6, and Full Frame at F1.7

Test for Pentax 50mm f1.7 by John Carter, on Flickr

Test for Pentax 50mm f1.7 by John Carter, on Flickr

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

i think id like more lenses that render like the leica or zeiss lenses. im
not selling the mx of course. but im not so happy with so old lenses i quess.. they habe haracter but id like something more modern and at the same time not clinical.

I would suggest looking at the Pentax FA Limiteds, arguably one of the best lens sets ever made for 35mm - 31/1.8, 43/f1.9, 77/f1.8.

Fully functional on an MX (sans AF of course), as well as all the Pentax dSLR's (including the K1). Plenty available on the used market and still available new if that's your preference.

 

[gzisis69]

i read all your comments and i thought a lot too. the pentax fa limited would be ideal if they where normal focal lenses and not strange ones. i like the pentax mx a lot and im using it 2 years or maybe more. my only concern is the lens. which is the best 50mm for the mx ?

 

[charjohncarter]

Here is a list of third party lenses that will work on your MX. But I still think you doing something wrong. It would pretty unlikely to have two 50mm lenses that are off in someway. As you can see from my above post you can get a high quality image with the f 1.7. But you may need to refine your focusing technique if you are using wide open exclusively. Maybe start a thread here on help with focusing the MX.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/

 

[zane0777]

i read all your comments and i thought a lot too. the pentax fa limited would be ideal if they where normal focal lenses and not strange ones. i like the pentax mx a lot and im using it 2 years or maybe more. my only concern is the lens. which is the best 50mm for the mx ?

If you're not getting good results from the Pentax 50/1.7, then something is broken or out of adjustment or your technique needs improvement. Chasing expensive and/or exotic lenses is not the answer.

 

[charjohncarter]

If you're not getting good results from the Pentax 50/1.7, then something is broken or out of adjustment or your technique needs improvement. Chasing expensive and/or exotic lenses is not the answer.

You said it better than I.

 

[Huss]

Still think the OP should post pics he has taken so we can see what is "wrong" with the lens.

I have gear.. including Leica, Zeiss, CV, Nikon etc etc as well as Pentax lenses. I don't see anything wrong with Pentax glass.

 

[raid]

Pentax lenses have been known to be of very high quality. Their 50mm lenses have a great reputation for being excellent overall.

Post some results with your MX in which you have identified some issues.

 

[raid]

I took this photo about an hour ago with the M8 and a Pentax-M 50mm/1.4.

 

[gzisis69]

how can i upload pics ?

 

[raid]

If you have an image file saved on a website, you just add

at the end of the image file, and then post it here.

My daughter's image above:

 

[Ste_S]

gzisis69 - Please also explain your process. Film, Dev, scan and/or wet print.

 

[CameraQuest]

Hi there, im a happy owner of a pentax mx with a full line of lenses. I really like this camera, its interface, its small size, wiewfinder etc. However i have 1 problem. First im using at the last time the 50mm focal length most and the 50 1.7 and 50 1,4 are not so impressive lenses, at least for my taste. Im looking for a full manual slr at a small size almost as the pentax and a 50mm with it that delivers better as the pentax lenses. Any opinion ?

Suggest your major choice is not the CAMERA you want,
but the SYSTEM that you want to buy into. Buy the lenses that over time you can switch between many different bodies.

Its a very subjective choice. Whatever is BEST for you may or may not be the popular choice with others.

Stephen

 

[Graybeard]

I have several Pentax mx'S 50mm Takumars and am invariably pleased with the technical quality of the B&W negatives that this gear deliver. Ordinarily I shoot with Leicas, LTM and M series.

I suggest (as have others here) that if the Takumars don't suit you, the other high class optics of the period will also disappoint you.

Your disappointment may not lay in the hardware that you are using.