Table of Contents
Pentax SMC 15mm f/3.5
Summary
The SMC Pentax 15mm f/3.5 is a legendary ultra-wide-angle prime introduced in 1975 and produced until 1984, designed for full-frame K-mount film cameras. It was Pentax’s first 15mm lens in bayonet mount and offered the widest rectilinear field of view (111° diagonal) of any Pentax prime at the time—making it a landmark in the brand’s optical history. It features a 13-element - 12-group optical design, Super Multi-Coating (SMC), and a 6-blade automatic diaphragm. The lens stops down to f/22, focuses as close as 30cm, and delivers 0.06× magnification. It uses built-in rear filters (Skylight, UV, Yellow, Orange) due to its massive, bulbous front element, which precludes front filter use. It weighs 600g, measures 80 × 81.5mm, and includes a built-in hood, metal slip-on cap, and was typically sold with a dedicated hard case. There’s no “A” setting on the aperture ring, so it’s best used in manual or aperture-priority modes.
Tech Specs
| Manufacturer | Pentax |
| Series | K Series Prime |
| Model | SMC |
| Focal Length | 15mm |
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Format | Full-Frame |
| Image Circle | - |
| Minimum Focus | 30cm |
| Focus Rotation | ° |
| Iris Blades | 6 |
| Optical Design | 13/12 |
| Squeeze | none |
| Front Diameter | 80mm |
| Filter Thread | - |
| Focus/Zoom Rod | none |
| Native Mount | Pentax K |
| Data Protocol | none |
| Length | 81.5mm |
| Weight | 600g |
| Body Telescope | - |
| Body Material | - |
| Focus Drive | - |
| Iris Drive | - |
| Zoom Drive | - |
History
Country of Origin:
Release Date: 1975
Launch Price:
Design Revisions: