Sun 24-42mm f3.5-4.5

Cerebum · May 29, 2023

I found this lens on eBay and the focal length intrigued me so I started researching it. I found nothing whatsoever. There are reviews on Pentax Forums for the 24-40mm f3.5 but nothing for the 24-42. I suspect it was the replacement for the 24-40 as the lettering looks to be a bit more 80s. Does anyone know anything about it? Is it a marvel or a monster? I have never drawn such a complete blank before so any light would be gratefully recieved

dynachrome · May 29, 2023

There is a Sun 24-40 on the auction site. It is a dead ringer for the Hoya 25-42 zoom. I have a few examples of the Hoya lens and it's not half bad when stopped down. Another lens in this range which I have several examples of is the Vivitar Series 1 24-48. It's nice but doesn't have close focusing.

Cerebum · May 29, 2023

dynachrome said:
There is a Sun 24-40 on the auction site. It is a dead ringer for the Hoya 25-42 zoom. I have a few examples of the Hoya lens and it's not half bad when stopped down. Another lens in this range which I have several examples of is the Vivitar Series 1 24-48. It's nice but doesn't have close focusing.

That sounds promising I know Sun lenses were often rebadged and some are decent (we will not mention the others!). The 24-40mm is a constant f3.5 whereas the 24-42mm is f3.5-4.5. I kind of suspect it is the model that the 24-40mm morphed into. Hopefully lens configuration will be the same as the 24-40 is well liked if a bit heavy. I bought this on a whim because it was cheap. The series 1s are more expensive. I love series 1 stuff and will probably get a 24-48 when funds allow. I have the 105mm f2.8 macro and the 70-210mm (tokina version).

benveniste · May 29, 2023

I used a Tokina 24-40mm f/2.8 for about 15 years. My only real complaint was that it flared easily, and like almost every other Tokina of that era, the lens hood was optional and not terribly useful.

Cerebum · May 29, 2023

benveniste said:
I used a Tokina 24-40mm f/2.8 for about 15 years. My only real complaint was that it flared easily, and like almost every other Tokina of that era, the lens hood was optional and not terribly useful.

Certainly something to bear in mind, thanks. I seem to remember my Sun (soligor) 28mm was the same. This lens claims it is multi coated so may not be so bad. I shoot Pentax digital and may stick it on my KP for a few days before trusting it to film. That will be an interesting shakedown

Cerebum · May 29, 2023

these are the original images from the listing, if that helps

Cerebum · Jun 1, 2023

OK, the lens is here i t is wierdly wonderful and wonderfully weird. There are three rings, aperture, focal length and focus. When you are at 42mm you can click the ring into macro mode where you get 1:6, 1:4 & 1:3. All of the zooming happens inside the camera body so it never extends. I have it on my KP and it looks like it will be pretty capable if soft in the corners, which I am expecting. It is the same size and weight as my Pentax 20-40mm limited, so, not excessive. I rather think it may turn out to be a hidden gem.

xkaes · Jun 1, 2023

There are a few others in this "category" of zooms. Here's three I know of:

24-45mm f3.5-4.5 Soligor (Sun?) 11 / 10 1.6' 62mm
24-48mm f3.5-3.8 Tamron 10 / 9 2.0' 77mm
24-48mm f3.8 Vivitar (Kiron) 10 / 9 2.0' 77mm

Cerebum · Jun 4, 2023

This is a nice lens.I had a problem with haze so I took out the rear elements and cleaned them. I am now not getting infinity at any focal length shorter than 35mm so I have an element round the wrong way. I know they are in the right order so its just a case of process of elimination until I fix it. It renders beautifully and is sharp enough for my needs whilst being expectedly soft in the corners. It is an unusual beast and I will be keeping it for that very reason

Cerebum · Jun 4, 2023

xkaes said:
There are a few others in this "category" of zooms. Here's three I know of:

24-45mm f3.5-4.5 Soligor (Sun?) 11 / 10 1.6' 62mm
24-48mm f3.5-3.8 Tamron 10 / 9 2.0' 77mm
24-48mm f3.8 Vivitar (Kiron) 10 / 9 2.0' 77mm

I just checked out these lenses and the soligor is almost identical. The only difference is the sliding zoom. There is a schematic on Pentax Forums reviews so I can get my rear element sorted. Brilliant. Thanks for this

Sun 24-42mm f3.5-4.5

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