Pentax lens differences by year

[mporter012]

I'm in the market for Pentax 67 system, and trying to understand the differences in the lenses, and it appears that what I should be looking for are the lenses labeled "SMC Pentax 67" - is that correct? That was the last upgrades (coatings/rubberized rings/etc), but I'm seeing lots of used SMC Pentax 6x7" on ebay, as well. Advice?

 

[destroya]

check out this page

https://www.antiquecameras.net/pentax6x7lenses.html

 

[mporter012]

check out this page

https://www.antiquecameras.net/pentax6x7lenses.html

That's helpful. That still leaves me somewhat unclear as to whether there were changes to the lenses in the late 80s vs early 80's. It appears not...

 

[GRHazelton]

I'd suggest that you go to pentaxforums.com. See this: https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/ There is a section for Pentax 67 lenses, for a discussion of the cameras see this: https://www.pentaxforums.com/camerareviews/

 

[abruzzi]

For a lot of lenses the optical design was unchanged from version to version. The early ones are labeled “Super Takumar 6x7” and were supposedly single coated. Those were revised to “Super Multi Coated Takumar 6x7”. The looked identical and generally were identical except they were used the super multi coating. Finally you get the “SMC Pentax 67” lenses. These were also redesigned bodies. They no longer have the older style scalloped grips, but instead have the more modern rubber grid type grips.

The lens review on Pentax Forums identify which one had optical changes. The 55mm went through three versions, the 90mm changed significantly (early ones had a leaf shutter) there were two 165mm lenses—one was a 2.8 and one was a 4 with leaf shutter, the last of the 200mm versions changes optically. Those are the ones I know offhand.

 

[Poisson Du Jour]

SMC Pentax 67 refers to the 1989-1990 release of optically revised lenses.Not every seller on eBay is clued up with how to correctly list lenses, and jumbled misrepresentations of equipment are abundant!

There was Asahi Pentax Takumar 6x7 (came out with the 1969 Asahi Pentax 6x7 camera) followed by the Pentax 6x7 and then the latest SMC Pentax 67. Among the latest lenses are the chunky but lightweight 75mm f2.8AL with its light, spring-loaded aperture ring, the 45mm f4 with a rear-element gelatin filter holder, the 55mm mid-size with its mysterious rattles and at times stiff focusing ring, the nimble 90mm f2.8 in two 'flavours': plain and leaf shutter (the LS version with revised LS springs mechanism to allow it to be used in mirror lock-up mode; this cannot be done with the 165mm version) and the 165mm f4 leaf shutter. There is also an beautiful 300mm ED IF tele lens with full optical corrections that is highly sought after today.

Whether you get an early Takumar, the mid-time Pentax 6x7 or the later SMC Pentax 67 lens(es) is a matter of personal preference and desire vs availability over the old design and what you think of the updated handling and appearance (modernisation) of the lenses that came out in 1989 onward. I have never personally liked any of the Takumars.

Photrio member James Watts has or had a Pentax 67 system for sale here very recently. His camera had been completely professionally overhauled so for the new owner it would provide many years of trouble-free service.

 

[johnha]

As previously mentioned, the lens reviews on Pentaxforums is the best guide. Generally the lenses were not necessarily re-named as the camera name changed (even the Pentax 67ii marketing brochures lists several different naming conventions). The lenses were usually renamed only when they were changed (some exceptions may include the 105/2.4 which was often bought with the camera). As for eBay purchases, the engraved lens name is identifiable if it's shown in the photos. Many lenses have the same optics across different model names, with only the barrels and materials changing.

Earlier lenses had knurled metal focus rings, are often heavier than the newer ones (which often use more plastic & rubber), but the later ones are generally better optically - the zooms are only from the latest series, they are very good, often described as 'stunning'. Some like the early 55mm have huge filter threads (100mm IIRC). The later lenses often have closer minimum focussing distances and smoother focussing rings. The only weak lens is the 35mm fish-eye - but you either need/want one of those or not (the front element is huge, bulbous and very easy to bash on things).

The four main categories chronologically are: 'Super Takumar 6x7', 'Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 6x7', 'SMC Pentax-6x7' & 'SMC Pentax 67'.

The longer lenses (excepting a couple of the later ones) used the outer bayonet lens mount - these only allow stop-down metering as the outer bayonet does not support aperture connections. The 75mm shift uses the inner bayonet but is limited to a preset aperture due to its design.

 

[DREW WILEY]

Some focal lengths hardly changed at all over the years except for minor cosmetic or labeling tweaks, while others changed significantly or ended up with more than one option in the same focal length. Go to the Pentax forum.

 

[mporter012]

Thanks for all the good info!