How good is the Pentax-M 50mm 1.7 compared to other classics

Coyote23 · Joined: 24 Feb 2023 Posts: 21

Hi there!
So let me ask you this.

How good exactly is the classic Pentax-M SMC 50MM 1.7 (And the M-50MM/2) compared to things like Konicas, Takumars, Canons and Zuikos of the same era?
Now when I say good I mean beautifully imperfect.

There is a thread on Pentax forums that discusses these old 50's and the general consensus is that outside of collector-status and special effects (like helios 100 blade iris etc), those cheaper 50mm like the 1.7 M and m/2 SMC really are just as cool and just as well-built!

titrisol70 · Joined: 14 Dec 2021 Posts: 184 Location: State of Denial

The M-series 1.4, 1.7 and the 2 are excellent lenses, but each is a different animal (They are one generation after the Takumars)
I used them both in the film times, I have bought the 1.7 and 1.4 again in A-series as they communicate with thePentax DSLRs.
1.7 is a workhorse, sharp as nails, well built and excellent color rendition
2 was a good lens but the 1.7 blew it out of the water.
1.4 is a lot colder than the Takumars but sstill a great lens.

Check pentaxforums for reviews and tons of examples
https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-M-Lenses-c27.html