Table of Contents
Pentax-M SMC 35-70mm f/2.8-3.5
Summary
The SMC Pentax-M 35–70mm f/2.8–3.5 is a fast, manual-focus standard zoom introduced in 1979 and produced until 1984, designed for full-frame K-mount film cameras. It was the brightest zoom lens in the Pentax-M lineup and remains one of the most highly regarded vintage Pentax zooms—offering a rare combination of speed, sharpness, and mechanical precision in a compact form. Optically, it features a 7-element - 7-group design with Super Multi-Coating (SMC) and a 7-blade automatic diaphragm. The lens offers a constant f/2.8 aperture at 35mm, tapering to f/3.5 at 70mm, and stops down to f/22–26 depending on focal length. It focuses as close as 1 meter, uses a 58mm filter thread, and weighs 470g, measuring 67 × 76mm. The lens employs a one-touch push-pull zoom/focus ring, lacks an “A” setting on the aperture ring, and includes a dedicated MH-R metal hood and hard case.
Tech Specs
| Manufacturer | Pentax |
| Series | M Series Zoom |
| Model | SMC |
| Focal Length | 35-70mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8-3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/22-26 |
| Format | Full-Frame |
| Image Circle | - |
| Minimum Focus | 100cm |
| Focus Rotation | ° |
| Iris Blades | 7 |
| Optical Design | 7/7 |
| Squeeze | none |
| Front Diameter | 67mm |
| Filter Thread | 58mm |
| Focus/Zoom Rod | none |
| Native Mount | Pentax K |
| Data Protocol | none |
| Length | 76mm |
| Weight | 470g |
| Body Telescope | - |
| Body Material | - |
| Focus Drive | - |
| Iris Drive | - |
| Zoom Drive | - |
History
Country of Origin:
Release Date: 1979
Launch Price:
Design Revisions: