85mm 1.8 SMC (m42) value

would anyone here happen to know what that lens might bring on the open market

nowadays? i have one and might part with it, but ebay hasn't had one in the

completed list for a while, and i don't want to give it away.

 

i would assume somewhere in he $400.00 range, but again, that's an assumption.

the glass is flawless, and the overall condition is 8.5 out of 10.

 

thanks

These are, as I am sure you know, incredible lenses--one of the finest lenses Pentax (or any manufacturer) has made. The K-mount version in good shape sells for $500 and up on eBay. That said, I suspect that $400 is optimistic for a screw-mount in 8.5/10 condition.

<A HREF=http://www.keh.com>KEH</A> is selling one in EX condition for $429, though I'm guessing yours is in condition somewhere south of there.

For what it's worth, the Kadlubek Objectiv Katalog (2000 C.E.) lists this one at 127 Euros. At that time they had no data on the K-mount version.

Keep in mind that KEH's definition of EX includes internal dust, and not minor external wear and tear.

Andrew, the 85 is gone ! excelent ad, want to led a campaign for K20 ? ;))

KEH is selling one in EX condition for $429, though I'm guessing yours is in condition somewhere south of there.

 

actually, i am grading much like KEH does. my 8.5 is more likely a 9.5. there is nothing wrong with the lens, internally or externally. it appears that my assumptions were correct.

 

it is a tough call to get rid of it or not, but i am only using it on EOS digital cameras now. it's just whether i would use that money towards the 85mm 1.2L.

 

thanks

I wouldn't have posted that if I'd wanted one myself, that's for sure. Anyway, I'm just a public-service matchmaker, not on commission.

Dave,

 

I looked at several review sites about a year ago, and the 85 1.4 FA* is actually considered the best of the 85mm lenses. now I don't know how the 1.8 compares but people were actually chopping up the 85mm Pentax 1.4s to mount directly to EOS/Nikon mounts. I also have no idea how good the 85mm 1.2L is compared to the 1.8 so my anectdote only goes as far as the Pentax 85mm 1.4.

Last time I checked, KEH has warranty.. do you?

"Last time I checked, KEH has warranty.. do you?"

 

if that was directed at me, i most certainly would guarantee that the lens was as described, and that it works flawlessly. i am not a store, so i can't do anything about buyer's remorse, but i always stand by what i sell.

 

to justin:

 

the 85mm 1.4 is definitely one of the greats. i have shot the 85mm 1.2L and it is exquisite (examples on my port), but not the pentax, or nikon 85 1.4s. they are both reputed to be fantastic too. there are two 85 FA*s on ebay right now, and the price is near $1,200.00.

 

kinda makes you wonder why pentax stopped making them!

 

i'd rate my 85mm 1.8 as a slightly less than epic lens, when compared to the 1.2L. they both have their own distinct looks, and the pentax actually performs better against flare. the bokeh on the faster lenses is ethereal, and merely exquisite on the 1.8 ;=)