Another legacy lens I have in my collection, one which does not seem able to get to infinity focus (thus the close-ups) when mounted on the 10MP CCD Pentax K-m, is the Pentacon 30mm 1:3.5. On the K-m, the Pentacon 30mm 1:3.5 is the perfect equivalent to a 45mm prime on a full-frame camera, considered a versatile 'standard' focal length that provides a field of view close to what the human eye sees - natural perspective with minimal distortion.
The focal length, with a view slightly wider than standard normal 50mm lenses, is ideal for portraits, street photography, travel, architecture imaging, environmental portraits, and just as well as a daily-use lens. With its typically shallow depth of field, the focal length is effective for capturing images with a blurred background effect.
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The Pentacon 30mm 1:3.5, a follow-up of the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Lydith 30mm 1:3.5, carries the Pentacon brand after the integration of VEB Feinoptisches Werk Görlitz (Meyer Optik Görlitz) into VEB Pentacon in 1968. It has a similar design to the 5-elements in 5-groups retro-focus Lydith, and, with the Pentacon brand, is seen over a couple of iterations.
The earlier version of the lens had the letters 'MADE IN G.D.R.' silk-screened on the front trim plate, while the Imperial distance scale is in Red. The latter (latest?) has non-colored 'Germany Democratic Republic' letters engraved externally on the lower part of the lens mount, and its Imperial distance scale is Green.
While reviews were not often seen on the Net, the lens has been referred to, on occasion, as a hidden gem from East Germany. The lens comes with an optical performance that enjoys a shared rating (with the Meyer Optik Lydith 30mm 1:3.5) of Sharpness (8.3), Aberrations (8.6), Bokeh (8.3), Handling (8.4), and Value (9.3) on PentaxForums. As mentioned, compared to other lenses that carry the Pentacon brand, the 30mm 1:3.5 stands out as a capable performer with a quality build, typical of lenses from the era.
The all-metal barrelled lens measures 45mm long, weighs 195 grams, and takes 45mm filters on its non-rotating front element. The focus ring, located aft the aperture ring, is smooth and easy to work with. The aperture ring, though click-less and without detents, features a useful preset function for pre-set aperture control, a convenient way to switch between maximum aperture for focusing and your preferred aperture setting for shooting.
To get the pre-set system working, first turn the aperture ring to the desired lens opening, then pull the aperture ring out towards the front element, and turn it anti-clockwise until it stops; that's it. With the camera conveniently cupped in your hand, you can now rotate the aperture ring freely from its widest to your setting with your thumb and index finger.
Working with the lens mounted on the 10MP CCD Pentax K-m (and on other Pentax camera models as well), aided by the focus confirmation dot displayed on the lower LCD display bar of the viewfinder, is fast and convenient. The feature, set via the camera's 'Catch-in focus' feature on its Customization (Item 18) menu, is best used with the lens aperture wide open, with a soft touch of the shutter release button (keep it light) while focusing.
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