Review: pentax-m 85mm f2 

The problem of this lens on digital cameras are the CA , especially wide open . The shape of the iris has no influence on the quality of bokeh ( soft or busy) . It has influence on the shape the highlights ( except wide open, of course). The quality of the bokeh is influence by the optic. So stopping down can perfectly make it better even if it is less blurry. This lens is underrated in my opinion.

Thoughtful and balanced review. I was wishing you had shared exif data during the montage, but then you circled back and gave useful examples. Nice job.

Love the size… Looking for a vintage 85, and this might just be it!… Gwaaanmyooot! 😇

Another great review, it’s not a lens I know though I know of it. I think the images were gorgeous, though I don’t photograph people unless it’s family or a charity I'm involved with. It looks a good lens though. Another fantastic video, please try and watch them objectively (as if any artist can be objective about their work), you’ll see and hear how good you are. You’re concise, well informed and are a brilliant communicator.

Very nice tutorial of the lens. Great idea that you found a way to adapt it for your Sony and that you can stll use it on your MX! Since you love portraiture i wonder if you could show us more closer in shots with that lens? Thanks!!

Great review. I don't know what it is about that pentax 3D feeling, but it's special.

Nice review, it's great to see another using and enjoying these old lenses! I have a large collection of old Pentax and Takumar lenses and use them all the time, I actually prefer a couple of the Takumar's over some of my Canon L-lenses. I have this same Pentax M 85mm f/2 lens and it is a great little lens, my copy does have a large amount of purple fringing wide open which makes several of my images unusable when shooting in bright lit areas. Stopping this lens down some though and in the right conditions, this lens is absolutely amazing! I also have the S-M-C Takumar 85mm f/1.8 which I prefer shooting with over the Pentax 85mm as the Takumar is amazingly sharp wide open and razor sharp stopping down a little bit. There's very little if any CA with this Takumar 85mm lens. If you ever get your hands on the Takumar 85mm f/1.8 M42 mount lens you'll probably never use the Pentax M 85mm anymore!

This lens was billed as one of the worst of the Pentax 85mm lenses. In fact it is one of the best. It has excellent resolution and can outperform the 77, and both the star lenses. It is definitely a strong performer. I had one for ages and in use it does have the pixie dust, the resolution, the micro contrast and the build quality. It stands comparison to some very prestigious 85s and its reputation which is undeserved is blown away by tests and by the image quality it produces. It’s foibles can be massaged away in Lightroom. It’s tiny but mighty. Please use a hood. It’s great insurance against flare. Pentax lenses are flare resistant and a hood is good practice for all serious lens users.

Thanks for the review!

Thank you for the video!

I have the 85 mm Pentax F2 lens And I’m very glad that I purchased it I’ve only shot with it two times in the images I got receive some of the most attention of all the Portraits I’ve taken in sometime I have everything from Cannon L lens to Super takumar So I enjoy different images and styles If you have the chance to get this lens for under $150 I advise you to purchase it you won’t be disappointed at all I know I’m happy I made that jump

well done information

Need some help understanding how to adapt my smc 50mm 1.2 to my 5d iv as I often get strange behaviour when shooting in dark places

down with the octagon!

Thanks, hope you will do more of these. Or have you come to the end of your vintage journey?

Thanks for this review - it's one of those lenses you hear very little about. :)

Please do a comparison review with Jupiter 9

It's not the worse. It's not the best. It is quite capable. I own one too and made very nice photos with it. I also own other Pentax 85's including the 1.4

Very good review!

Thank you for the video. I have modest collection of vintage lenses including a couple of Pentax 50mm M lenses (a 35mm M on the way) and a bunch of M42 lenses to use with my Pentax K-5II. I have the Asahi Pentax Takumar 85mm f/1.9 lens. Have you tried any of the M42 lenses in you photography?

Great review, I love your laid-back presenting style compare to the normal loud Shouty bloke wearing his baseball cap back to front who start every presentation with a “ hey whatsup dude” like we’re all 14yr old man-childs! Keep it up

I stopped watching when you sat the bare lens mount on the table ... and leaning on the aperture lever. Eeks.

That is so tiny and sweet looking! And it covers full frame? I’m looking at the Fujinon 90mm f/2 and wondering why an APS-C portrait lens needs to be that dang big 🤔

A superb discourse and presentation. Your channel is very much appreciated.

I am in love.

Have anyone test it. Is it radioactive?

I h8 octagons