Table of Contents
Pentax SMC 50mm f/1.4
Summary
The SMC Pentax 50mm f/1.4 is the original bayonet-mount iteration of Pentax’s legendary fast standard prime, produced from 1975 to 1977 as part of the K-series—the first generation of K-mount lenses following the M42 Takumar era. It shares the same 7-element, 6-group optical formula as its M42 predecessor, the SMC Takumar 50/1.4, but introduces a more modern mechanical design tailored for the new K-mount system. This version features Super Multi-Coating (SMC), an 8-blade automatic diaphragm, and stops down to f/22. It focuses as close as 45cm, delivers 0.15× magnification, and uses a 52mm filter thread. The lens measures 63 × 42mm, weighs 265g, and includes a metal barrel, engraved depth-of-field scale, and a smooth, long-throw focus ring that’s widely praised for its tactile precision. There’s no “A” setting on the aperture ring, so it’s best used in manual or aperture-priority modes on compatible bodies.
Tech Specs
| Manufacturer | Pentax |
| Series | K Series Prime |
| Model | SMC |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Format | Full-Frame |
| Image Circle | - |
| Minimum Focus | 45cm |
| Focus Rotation | ° |
| Iris Blades | 8 |
| Optical Design | 7/6 |
| Squeeze | none |
| Front Diameter | 63mm |
| Filter Thread | 52mm |
| Focus/Zoom Rod | none |
| Native Mount | Pentax K |
| Data Protocol | none |
| Length | 42mm |
| Weight | 265g |
| Body Telescope | - |
| Body Material | - |
| Focus Drive | - |
| Iris Drive | - |
| Zoom Drive | - |
History
Country of Origin:
Release Date: 1975
Launch Price:
Design Revisions: