Which Version of Pentax 135 3.5 Lens?

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Steve M.

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I'm looking for a portrait lens for my new Chinon E4 (which turns out is a great little camera). I prefer a 85mm or 100mm, but the Pentax 135 3.5 lenses are in my budget. Trouble is, there's quite a few versions of this lens. I was thinking of going w/ one of the older Super Takumars in M42 mount and using a K adapter. Some of the 135's apparently have 5 elements, some have 4. Does it make any difference? Or are the newer lenses just as good? While a lot of the Pentax lenses are great bargains, their tele lenses look pretty darn pricey.
 
The Super-Multicoated-Takumars have improved coatings over the Super Takumars. Later they shortened the designation to SMC Takumar. I'd say either would be the best option, though the Super Takumar version is fine (and optically the same other than the coatings).
 
For the cost and convenience of not having to use an adaptor ring I think the best bet is the tiny little SMC-M 135/3.5. Performance is very good, or better, and it truly is a small lens. M lenses are very well built, and generally optically similar, just modified to fit into a smaller package, compared to K lenses, which are in effect Taks with bayonet mounts.

The stand out Pentax 135 is the SMC K 135/2.5 (not the K mount Takumar version). That lens is harder to find than the others, is quite large in comparison, and it costs more. After this 2.5, I think you are just splitting hairs between the different 3.5 lenses.
 
I currently have the SMCT 105 f/2.8 & 135 f/3.5 which I use on a Spotmatic F (M42 mount). I quite like the 105 and 135 - they are both a treat to use.

Note: I also the SMCT 28 f/3.5, 35 f/3.5, and 55 f/1.2 of which I prefer the 28mm.

Casey
 
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