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Pentax Limiteds


kentishrev

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For several years my system was Pentax - film and digital - and I have a lot of Pentax glass. I am very fond of my three Limiteds - 31mm, 43mm and 77mm. However with an M3, an M6, an M9 and now a CL my Pentax days are probably over. I would love to use my Limiteds, but welcome experienced views before I invest in an adapter (and which one?)

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I have a lot of older Pentax lenses (mainly SMC-M era), and use them with nice results on my A7, which I also use for my Leica R lenses.

Your Limiteds should work well on the CL, but of course with reduced field of view.

The direction of the focus and aperture controls is a slight challenge when switching between makes of lenses...

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I sometimes use Pentax lenses on my T which has the same mount as your CL. Most often I use macro lenses and have had some good results. I haven't found a need to use less specialised Pentax lenses when adapted M lenses work so well on the T (and presumably also the CL). Still, it's always fun to experiment.

 

The Pentax K mount to Leica L mount adapter that I use on my T is the LET/PENT adapter from Novoflex. It’s well made and works well. Recommended.

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Using the Novoflex adapter and the T set to A, S or P modes, the left hand wheel can, if memory serves, be set to focus aid magnification. I’m relying on memory because I don’t have my T to hand at the moment, so I can’t double check. It’s in Wetzlar having an electronics glitch sorted out.

 

I’ve never used two adapters together so I can’t speak to that way of doing things.

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Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

Well, as a starter, I got a GOBE K to M adapter and added to the M to L. The Pentax glass was well balanced, and the CL focus system made everything so easy. Here’s an early shot with the 31mm Ltd. thank to all for advice and thoughts.

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Exactly what is a Pentax Limited lens and how does it differ from other Pentax lenses?

 

Have a look here:

https://luminous-landscape.com/sm-02-05-02/

 

I have the three Pentax Limited from film area : 31mm, 43mm, 77mm.

They are better built with metal and glass than regular Pentax lenses.

 

Comparing to present Leica M lenses, they are not at same level of IQ and built quality.

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The Limiteds are beautiful lenses to work with - there is a solidity and harmony that places them apart from many other lenses. From my experience they are not quite there with Leica, and certainly not as sharp as modern Leica, but they have a lot of character and are a pleasure to use (in the same way that many Leica bodies and lenses encourage you to use them).

 

Pentax were persuaded to produce a Leica-mount version of the 43mm Ltd. Only sold in Japan and rarely seen for sale.

 

I’m very pleased to add my Limiteds to my Leica lens collection.

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The Limiteds are beautiful lenses to work with - there is a solidity and harmony that places them apart from many other lenses. From my experience they are not quite there with Leica, and certainly not as sharp as modern Leica, but they have a lot of character and are a pleasure to use (in the same way that many Leica bodies and lenses encourage you to use them).

 

Pentax were persuaded to produce a Leica-mount version of the 43mm Ltd. Only sold in Japan and rarely seen for sale.

 

I’m very pleased to add my Limiteds to my Leica lens collection.

 

I have one of those 43/1.9 in Leica mount in silver, made nearly 20 years ago. Excellent build and certainly comparable IMO with Leica's offering at the time.

Adapting it to the Leica mount meant that it had to be longer than the original, so it's a surprisingly long lens for a 40-ish mm.

Rendering is sharp but gentle in the center, with slightly softer corners. I actually like it for portraits.

It seems that about 2,000 of these were made, of which 1,200 in black and 800 in silver. They seem to be available on a regular basis on eBay - although they have become a bit of a collector's item and some patience may be needed to get them at a reasonable price.

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