Focal 80-200 f/3.5 macro M42?

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Tony-S

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Does anyone know about this lens? It is a two-ringer (one for focus, one for zoom) and has a third ring for macro setting. I just came into possession of one that's in fabulous shape and I'm wondering how it might compare to my Pentax 85-210 f/4.5 Super Takumar M42.
 

Paul Howell

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Hard to tell if this is the same lens or not, but I have Vivatar that matches in a T mount with both M 42 and Nikon adaptors. If it is the same lens under a differnt badge, I got mine in the 70s, average performer, really soft at 3.5. I also have a Super Tac zoom, much better lens but still not as good as primes.
 

kb3lms

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If your lens is what I am thinking it is, and I don't have one, but I do have another Focal brand 135mm lens. The Focal brand was sold by K-Mart in the 70s and 80s. K-Mart used to have quite an extensive photo department with even chemistry and paper in some stores but that's long gone. Anyway, the Focal lenses were re-badged versions of other lenses so I wouldn't be surprised to find it was the same as a Vivitar. They work OK but aren't stellar performers. But, then again, they didn't cost like stellar performers either. It certainly should be usable but the Pentax should be a much better lens. Depending on how you use it, the quality may not make much difference to you. My Focal 135mm works quite well, but I would agree that it is a bit soft - contrast is lower due to poor control of flare by the less expensive optics.
 
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