Table of Contents
Pentax-A SMC 35-105mm f/3.5
Summary
The SMC Pentax-A 35–105mm f/3.5 is a manual-focus, constant-aperture zoom lens introduced in 1984 and produced until 1989, designed for full-frame K-mount film cameras. Often nicknamed the “stack of primes”, it was Pentax’s flagship zoom of the A-series era, offering a rare combination of optical quality, build, and macro versatility in a single package. It features a 15-element/13-group optical design, Super Multi-Coating (SMC), and a 6-blade automatic diaphragm. The lens maintains a constant f/3.5 aperture throughout its zoom range, stopping down to f/22, and focuses down to 1.5 meters in standard mode. A dedicated macro mode—accessible at all focal lengths—reduces the minimum focus distance to ~30 cm at 35 mm, delivering up to 0.25× magnification. It uses a 67mm filter thread, weighs 615g, and measures 70 × 98mm. It includes an “A” setting on the aperture ring, enabling full automation on compatible Pentax bodies.
Tech Specs
| Manufacturer | Pentax |
| Series | A Series Zoom |
| Model | SMC |
| Focal Length | 35-105mm |
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Format | Full-Frame |
| Image Circle | - |
| Minimum Focus | 150cm |
| Focus Rotation | ° |
| Iris Blades | 6 |
| Optical Design | 15/13 |
| Squeeze | none |
| Front Diameter | 70mm |
| Filter Thread | 67mm |
| Focus/Zoom Rod | none |
| Native Mount | Pentax K |
| Data Protocol | none |
| Length | 98mm |
| Weight | 615g |
| Body Telescope | - |
| Body Material | - |
| Focus Drive | - |
| Iris Drive | - |
| Zoom Drive | - |
History
Country of Origin:
Release Date: 1984
Launch Price:
Design Revisions: