Table of Contents
Pentax-A* SMC 135mm f/1.8
Summary
The SMC Pentax-A* 135mm f/1.8 is a legendary manual-focus telephoto prime introduced in 1984 and produced until 1989, designed for full-frame K-mount film cameras. It was the fastest 135mm lens ever made by Pentax and one of the fastest in any system, earning its place in the elite “A*” (A-Star) series reserved for Pentax’s most optically ambitious designs. With its f/1.8 maximum aperture, it delivers exceptional subject isolation, low-light performance, and a rendering style that many describe as “painterly.” Optically, it features a 7-element - 6-group design with Super Multi-Coating (SMC) and a 9-blade automatic diaphragm. The lens stops down to f/22, focuses as close as 1.2 meters, and delivers 0.15× magnification. It uses a 77mm filter thread, weighs 865g, and measures 80 × 98mm. It includes a manual aperture ring with “A” setting, a dedicated RH-A77 screw-in hood, and was originally sold with the HE-169B hard case. The lens employs a Fixed Rear Element Extension (FREE) focusing system to maintain optical performance across distances, though it lacks internal focusing or autofocus.
Tech Specs
| Manufacturer | Pentax |
| Series | A* Series Prime |
| Model | SMC |
| Focal Length | 135mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Format | Full-Frame |
| Image Circle | - |
| Minimum Focus | 120cm |
| Focus Rotation | ° |
| Iris Blades | 9 |
| Optical Design | 7/6 |
| Squeeze | none |
| Front Diameter | 80mm |
| Filter Thread | 77mm |
| Focus/Zoom Rod | none |
| Native Mount | Pentax K |
| Data Protocol | none |
| Length | 98mm |
| Weight | 865g |
| Body Telescope | - |
| Body Material | - |
| Focus Drive | - |
| Iris Drive | - |
| Zoom Drive | - |
History
Country of Origin:
Release Date: 1984
Launch Price:
Design Revisions: