just bagged a Pentax Mx

[squirrel$$$bandit]

being new to slr(s), i found this website comparing pentax lens

http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/category-SMC-Pentax-M-Lenses.html

I wonder if the 40mm pancake lens is as bad as the reviewers put it
or are people just being picky. I think either the pancake 40mm or the
28mm would be a very nice companion to this small camera.

raytoei

For me, the really great compact lens on the MX and LX is the 43mm Limited. But it's rather pricey.

 

[FA Limited]

i ended up selling my MX because i found the shutter dial incredibly stiff to rotate

 

[jamin-b]

being new to slr(s), i found this website comparing pentax lens

http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/category-SMC-Pentax-M-Lenses.html

I wonder if the 40mm pancake lens is as bad as the reviewers put it
or are people just being picky. I think either the pancake 40mm or the
28mm would be a very nice companion to this small camera.

raytoei

I really enjoy the MX and ME super with the 40mm pancake. So compact and the IQ is really fine for film. And you'd be hard pressed to pay more than $150-200 for the combination. If you read the pentax forum reviews it seems people who are less than thrilled are mostly digital users and complaining that the lens isn't a different lens than it purports to be. I do agree with another reviewer s comment about the mx having a stiff shutter wheel - mine has the same issue which is its only down side.

 

[kshapero]

just bought an MX with K 50/1.4. I must be crazy for doing this but what the hell.

really happy about doing this

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

being new to slr(s), i found this website comparing pentax lens

http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/category-SMC-Pentax-M-Lenses.html

I wonder if the 40mm pancake lens is as bad as the reviewers put it
or are people just being picky. I think either the pancake 40mm or the
28mm would be a very nice companion to this small camera.

raytoei

As an more affordable alternative, you could look for a Chinon 45mm f2.8. Very similar size and form to the M40mm pancake, and arguably better optical quality. Keep in mind that neither has particularly good ergonomics due to the size (there just isn't enough room for focus and aperture).

The M40mm isn't 'bad' as such, it's just probably not as good as prices suggest it should be... The M50/f1.7 is a much better performer, much cheaper, and still very compact.