Table of Contents
Pentax-A SMC 35-70mm f/3.5-4.5
Summary
The SMC Pentax-A 35–70mm f/3.5–4.5 is a compact, manual-focus standard zoom introduced in 1985 and produced through the late 1980s, designed for full-frame K-mount film cameras. It was part of the A-series lineup, offering Program and Shutter-Priority automation via the “A” setting on the aperture ring, and was marketed as a lightweight, affordable walkaround lens for general-purpose photography. Optically, it features an 8-element - 8-group design with Super Multi-Coating (SMC) and a 6-blade automatic diaphragm. The lens stops down to f/22, focuses as close as 0.7 meters in normal mode or 0.32 meters in macro mode, and delivers up to 0.25× magnification—making it surprisingly useful for close-up work. It uses a 49mm filter thread, weighs 248g, and measures 64 × 60mm. The lens was produced in both one-touch (push-pull) and two-touch (separate zoom/focus) versions, though the former is more common. It lacks internal focusing or weather sealing, but includes a manual aperture ring, and was often sold with a clip-on hood and soft case.
Tech Specs
| Manufacturer | Pentax |
| Series | A Series Zoom |
| Model | SMC |
| Focal Length | 35-70mm |
| Max Aperture | f/3.5-4.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/22-32 |
| Format | Full-Frame |
| Image Circle | - |
| Minimum Focus | 32cm |
| Focus Rotation | ° |
| Iris Blades | 6 |
| Optical Design | 8/8 |
| Squeeze | none |
| Front Diameter | 66mm |
| Filter Thread | 49mm |
| Focus/Zoom Rod | none |
| Native Mount | Pentax K |
| Data Protocol | none |
| Length | 50mm |
| Weight | 243g |
| Body Telescope | - |
| Body Material | - |
| Focus Drive | - |
| Iris Drive | - |
| Zoom Drive | - |
History
Country of Origin:
Release Date: 1985
Launch Price:
Design Revisions: