20-28mm M42 lens recommendation

no-X · Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2008 5:37 pm Post subject: 20-28mm M42 lens recommendation

I'd like to ask for help with choosing a wide-angle M42 lens.

My requirements:

1. preferably under $135
2. no CA
3. good overal sharpness and resolution - the higher, the better Very Happy

4. without protruding back elements (I use Sigma SD14 and it would damage dust filter)
5. doesn't need to be superfast, I prefer image quality for this focal length

I've tested SMC Takumar 28/3.5 (at f/8) and Makinon 28/2.8 (at f/8). They are not bad, but I'm trying to find something better.

Thanks in advance.

Attila · Expire: 2021-11-18

Under 135 USD I don't think so you will find any good lens in this range in M42 mount at least I don't know any. Perhaps you can find scratched or fungus infected one. If budget is important, perhaps a good compromise.

I heard positive things about Tamron 24mm and 28mm. I never tested 24mm lens only 28mm. My 28mm copy was a dog, Orio said he had/has a good copy of 28mm.

naplam · Expire: 2013-11-30

The yashica ml 28mm is cheap, and there are contax to m42 adapters, that's maybe an option. I borrowed a RMC Tokina 28mm lens from my uncle recently (nikon mount) but i know it's also been made in M42 mount. I haven't tested it thoroughly but it doesn't look too bad, maybe just a bit soft but i'm not sure i've only looked at the slides.

Attila · Expire: 2021-11-18

Where did you see an adapter what is mount a Contax lens to an M42 body ?

naplam · Expire: 2013-11-30

Attila · Expire: 2021-11-18

I think same unfortunately , we can mount many lenses on an M42 body without serious surgery.

peterqd · Expire: 2014-01-04

I'd certainly recommend the Vivitar 2.0/28 or 2.8/28 in M42, both by Komine. I don't know the 2.0/28 myself but Carsten rates it highly. My 2.8/28 is truly a superb little lens and much cheaper than your limit:

M42 mount Vivitar 2.8/28 (Komine) on 400D: Probably f8 or 11

Attila · Expire: 2021-11-18

Really nice Peter!

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

M42 lens ---> C/Y body = possible
C/Y lens ---> M42 body = not possible (no infinity focus)

peterqd · Expire: 2014-01-04

Attila · Expire: 2021-11-18

Nice idea!

nemesis101 · Expire: 2015-01-22

Hi,

I have an Accura Diamatic 2.8 28mm I know that Accura, like Vivitar and many others, had lenses made for them, but this is a really nice lens. it's serial number is 720300772 - I know that Vivitar serials can be 'decoded' no idea about Accura but trust me, I've used this on both the K10D and the Panasonic L-1 as wells as a number of 42mm film bodies and it's great!

Doug.

Jesito · Expire: 2015-01-07

I got a COSINA Cosinon 28 2.8 and I definitely won't recommend it....

Jes.

Richard_D · Joined: 21 Oct 2007 Posts: 2378 Location: Faversham Kent UK

I'd keeping p an eye on the Tamron's - my copy of the 24mm was very good once stopped down to f4 and the 28mm was pretty good from memory.

Schnauzer · Expire: 2012-03-08

I wouldn't look any further than that shot Peter posted. That lense shines.

peterqd · Expire: 2014-01-04

Thanks Ron. This is the lens - apparently it's a classic according to the seller, I didn't know that, but it certainly takes great pictures. I've had mine since around 1980.
Click here to see on Ebay
For Komine versions of Vivitars look for serial numbers beginning with 28xxxxx

peterm1 · Joined: 06 Dec 2007 Posts: 225

I own the SMC 28mm f 3.5 (the later one with 49mm filter mount - I am not sure of the earlier 58mm one) and can vouch for its build and optical quality. Unfortunately I do not have any pictures to show you. But it is in your price range and should be considered. Another one of Pentax's many fine screw mount lenses.

no-X · Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2008 8:25 pm Post subject:

Thanks. Four 28mm Vivitars (Komine, Kiron, Tokina and one unknown) are on the way

Any recommendation for 20mm? Is anything better then Flektogon 20/2.8 at that price-range?

Attila · Expire: 2021-11-18

No one better in 20mm range than Flektogon for it is price. I have Olympus OM 21mm and 18mm both are F3.5 and none of them better than a good copy of Flektogon 20mm f2.8 MC. In M42 even for higher price you can't found better lenses in my opinion.