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Pentax K-m, SMC Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8

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The Galleria, Photo of the Day

Pentax K-m, SMC Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8

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The Galleria, Photo of the Day

Pentax K-m, SMC Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8

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The Galleria, Photo of the Day

Pentax K-m, SMC Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8

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Pentax K-m, SMC Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8

CCD Resurgence: Image making with a vintage legacy 40mm equivalent SMC Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8, on the 10MP APS-C CCD Pentax K-m/K2000 digital SLR camera.

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Pentax, the Japanese camera and lens maker, introduced the electronic aperture control system for its cameras with the launch of the Pentax KA-mount system in 1983, and the SMC Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8 in 1984, after an earlier shift from the M42 screw-mount Takumar lenses to the SMC K-bayonet mount in 1971.

The KA mount, also known as the 'PK-mount,' maintains the manual focus feature of the original lens design while adding full aperture- and shutter-priority, program, and manual exposure modes on compatible cameras.

The mount system, featured on the Pentax Super A (known as the Super Program in the USA), incorporates electronic contacts on the K-mount flange that allow the camera to control the aperture from the lens when the ring is set to 'A' and to read the focal length for in-body shake reduction features.

Interpreted in terms of camera capabilities, all KA-mount SLR/DSLR cameras, manufactured from 1983 onward, can use SMC Pentax-A lenses in all exposure modes, including manual focus mode. This mode remains available when the lens is set away from the 'A' button position to one of its aperture settings.

Designed for full-frame K-mount film cameras, the SMC Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8 is a compact, all-metal wide-angle prime recognized for its robust build, pleasing color rendition, and strong center sharpness. A favorite with film shooters and digital adaptors, the lens is a 7-element in 7 groups construction, with 5 aperture blades.

The lens measures approximately 57 mm in diameter × 42 mm in length, weighs 170 grams, and accepts 49mm filters. It shares the same optical formula as the second version of the Pentax-M 28mm f/2.8 but adds an 'A' setting on the aperture ring, enabling full program and shutter-priority automation on compatible Pentax bodies.

On the 10MP CCD Pentax K-m (K2000 in the US), introduced by Pentax in 2008, the lens is equivalent to a 40mm prime (42mm to be exact) on a 35mm full-frame camera. The focal length is still considered to be within the standard normal range, capable of capturing images that mimic what the eye sees, in natural perspective. The lens sits between the wider 35mm and the standard 50mm, a versatile choice for various photography genres, including street and portrait photography, city and urban scenes, as well as documentaries and photo journalism. 

Pentax K-m, SMC Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8

The Pentax K-m is a compact entry-level digital SLR camera fitted with a Pentax KAF2 lens mount, which adds auto-focus features to the lens mount system. The camera, well vetted for its capabilities and CCD image captures, makes for a very compact and highly recommended digital SLR camera with a legacy lens setup for CCD image enthusiasts.

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Pentax K-m, SMC Pentax-A 35-70mm f/4

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The Galleria, Photo of the Day

Pentax K-m, SMC Pentax-A 35-70mm f/4

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The Galleria, Photo of the Day

Pentax K-m, SMC Pentax-A 35-70mm f/4

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SOOC Images, An Incidental Find

SOOC Images: Visuals of non-intentional SOOC (Straight-Out-of-Camera) shots with a Pentax K-m and the SMC Pentax-A 35-70mm f/4.

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It is generally accepted that digital images need a degree of post-processing to get them right for viewing or publication. Many enthusiasts, however, theorize SOOC (Straight-Out-Of-Camera) images as the philosophy.

As the name implies, SOOC deems that images are complete once exported out of the camera, without any post-processing or image tweaks. The philosophy emphasizes authenticity and spontaneity of images, without editing, embraces creativity, and saves on the economics of time and cost.

While setting up the camera with lens aperture opening, shutter speed, and ISO speed for fully manual shoots is done in-camera, SOOC photography should not involve any post-processing outside of the camera. This removes the need for additional ancillary hardware and software for post-processing needs.

Well said and done. My presentation here, however, is not on the execution and practice of the theory, but a look at the incidental find of a set of images, close enough to be associated with the SOOC genre, shot in Program Mode on a Pentax K-m (K200 in the US). The casual shots of the limestone outcrop, the backdrop to a family gathering, were taken with an SMC Pentax-A 35-70mm f/4 lens.

While not shot with SOOC in mind, what was surprising was how well the images developed. Though a couple could be better with tweaks on the Tone Curve and Brightness & Contrast, the others are right with their tone and contrast to be viewed without further editing. My only bad here was cropping the images to a 4:5 and 5:4 image ratio for this presentation.

To pursue further interest in the genre, preparing the camera for SOOC shoots includes understanding the exposure triangle (aperture, shutter speed, ISO), using the camera's histogram to check exposure levels, especially in challenging lighting conditions, setting the correct white balance to ensure colors appear true to life, and exploring different color profiles available on your camera to enhance the vibrancy and mood of your image.

As cropping in post-processing is not an option for SOOC shooters, framing is prime, and you need to clear the frame of any distracting elements that could detract from your main subject as well. Familiarize yourself with the full manual shooting mode to allow for quick adaptability to changes in the ambiance. Shoot in JPEG, as using RAW images may not align with the strict SOOC philosophy of minimal editing. 'Chimping,' and re-shoots are, of course, permissible.

The twin-ring SMC Pentax-A Zoom 35-70mm f/4, the only 35-70mm lens from Pentax with a fixed aperture, has an aperture ring that can be operated manually and an 'A' setting that allows the lens aperture opening to be controlled by Pentax cameras with KA (or its derivatives) lens mounts. The lens is acknowledged to be both sharp and capable of exciting renders.

Pentax K-m, SMC Pentax-A 35-70mm f/4

The Pentax K-m (K2000 in the U.S.) is a lightweight, compact entry-level digital SLR camera announced by Pentax in 2008. It is fitted with a 10.2 MP CCD ASP-C sensor and the KAF2 lens mount system and is sold with similarly mounted DA-L-series lenses. Just like the K200D it replaces, the K-m is not weather sealed, comes with a 5-point AF system, and uses the same sensor as fitted to its predecessor.

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Pentax K-m, SMC Pentax-A 35-70mm f/4

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The Galleria, Photo of the Day

Pentax K-m, SMC Pentax-A 35-70mm f/4

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The Galleria, Photo of the Day

Pentax K-m, SMC Pentax-A 35-70mm f/4

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The Galleria, Photo of the Day

Pentax K-m, SMC Pentax-A 35-70mm f/4

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Pentax K-m, SMC Pentax-A 35-70mm f/4 II

CCD Resurgence: Crops and close-cut images with a Pentax K-m, and SMC Pentax A 35-70mm f/4, the only Pentax standard zoom lens with a fixed aperture.

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The SMC Pentax-A 35-70mm f/4, launched by Pentax in 1983, is a manual focus zoom for Series-A and Series-P Pentax K-mount 35mm SLR cameras. The lens is notable for being the only zoom lens within Pentax's inventory of K-mount lenses with a fixed aperture.

Series-A lenses were also the first with 'A (automatic)' aperture setting on the aperture ring, which allows the lens aperture to be set manually, or controlled automatically by the camera when set to the 'A' setting.

The twin-ring zoom is solid and well-built, with 7 elements in 7 groups and 6 aperture blades. It has a minimum focusing distance of 0.25 meters, measures 80mm long with a diameter of 65mm, weighs 330 grams, and takes 58mm filters. Though reviews are split between accolades and brickbats, the lens enjoys a rating of Sharpness (8.3), Aberrations (7.9), Bokeh (8.1), Handling (8.5), and Value (8.9), on PentaxForums.

On an APS-C digital SLR camera, in this case, a Pentax K-m (K2000 in the US), the lens is equivalent to a 50-105mm short tele on a 35mm full-frame camera. A snug fit on the K-m it was tested on, the lens was comfortable to work with and functioned flawlessly with the aperture setting set to 'A' with the camera in Program mode.

Pentax K-m, SMC Pentax-A 35-70mm f/4

While the equivalent zoom range of the lens makes it a good choice for a walk-about lens, with a good focal range for snapshots, portraiture, travel, and street photography, the lens was used here for close-ups, with the images cropped further on the desktop editor. As posted, images are par excellence.

The Galleria, Photo of the Day

Pentax K-m, SMC Pentax-A 35-70mm f/4

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The Galleria, Photo of the Day

Pentax K-m, SMC Pentax-A 35-70mm f/4

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The Galleria, Photo of the Day

Pentax K-m, SMC Pentax-A 35-70mm f/4

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The Galleria, Photo of the Day

Pentax K-m, SMC Pentax-A 35-70mm f/4

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Pentax K-m, SMC Pentax-A 35-70mm f/4 I

CCD Resurgence: A SMC Pentax-A Zoom 35-70mm f/4, mounted on the 10MP CCD Pentax K-m, fully functional with the K-m's "A" setting auto-exposure modes.

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A quick take with the small, compact, and beautifully designed SMC Pentax-A Zoom 35-70mm f/4, the only 35-70mm Pentax lens with fixed aperture. The lens is a 7-element in 7-groups construction, solidly built, and enjoys a rating of Sharpness (8.3), Aberrations (7.9), Bokeh (8.1), Handling (8.5), and Value (8.9) on PentaxForums.

Reviews on its sharpness and image quality, which are good, colorful, and contrasty, are pointing towards the accolades.

I have yet to take the lens anywhere except for the garden, and the few images here, shot in Program mode with the lens aperture set to 'A', seem to reflect the forum's thoughts. On the 10.2MP CCD K-m, the lens is equivalent to (about) a 50-105mm zoom on a 35mm full-frame camera, a good range to have if you are into city walks and street shooting. The lens should be in good company with the 18-55mm autofocus AL, which came as a kit lens with the camera.

Setting up a manual focus lens on the KAF2 mount of the K-m body is straightforward; all you have to do next is set the aperture setting on the lens to 'A', and register the focal length of the lens with the camera. The request for this input is displayed on the LCD screen as you switch the camera on after installing the lens. I input 50 as the zoom's focal length, and it works.

Pentax K-m, SMC Pentax-A 35-70mm f/4

The flashing LED and audible focus confirmation beep of the K-m (also available on other camera makes and models) are some of the aids I look for when using the camera with a manual focus lens. I consider this almost akin to having focus peaking on mirrorless digital SLR cameras. Good thought!

Pentax K-m, SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 II

CCD Resurgence: The vintage legacy SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 prime, on a Pentax K-m, is equivalent to a fully compatible manual focus 75mm short tele lens.

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Testing the Pentax K-m with a manual focus prime lens here, with the SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2, a lightweight plastic-bodied lens manufactured by Pentax from 1985 to 1998. The series-A lenses by Pentax introduced the 'automatic' aperture settings capability of Pentax K-mount lenses.

The lenses still had the aperture ring, which could be set manually, and they also had an 'A' setting, which allowed the camera to control the aperture automatically.

On the APS-C sensor K-m, the SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 is the equivalent of a 75mm short telephoto lens. When mounted with the A-switch set, the K-m will trigger the inquest for a focal length input, which, once set, will permit you to use the camera in its various exposure modes, with the lens triggering the In-Focus button intermittently to indicate that the subject in the frame is in focus. Focusing is still manual, though.

Pentax K-m, SMC-Pentax-A 50mm f/2

Testing was done among the greens of my mini garden, and as you can see, even when the shots were taken wide open, the images were as sharp as you wanted them to be. The color rendition is great, and the contrast is excellent. Focusing is smooth, and with the aperture ring set to the 'A' mode, there is no more reason for you to make any adjustments to the plastic aperture ring itself. This lens has an overall rating of 8+ on PentaxForums, but personally, I'll give it a solid 10.