Used Pentax 50MM F/1.4 SMC M42 Mount Lens - Good

Pentax
Product # UIGPRL5014SMCM42MFR #UIGPRL5014SMCM42
PentaxProduct # UIGPRL5014SMCM42MFR #UIGPRL5014SMCM42
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Used Pentax 50MM F/1.4 SMC M42 Mount Lens - Good
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Key Features

  • Classic Pentax SMC 50mm f/1.4 prime lens with sought-after M42 screw mount.
  • Fast f/1.4 maximum aperture is ideal for low-light shooting and shallow depth of field.
  • Manual focus design offers precise control for still photography and adapted video use.
  • Super-Multi-Coated optics help improve contrast while reducing flare and ghosting.
  • Standard 50mm focal length delivers a natural perspective for portraits, street, and everyday photography.
  • Used item in Good condition, showing normal cosmetic wear from regular use while remaining fully functional.
$149.95
In Stock
30-day returns
See policy
Pay over time
PayPal at checkout
Ask an expert
1-800-631-0300
Trade in gear
Credit toward this
Have any questions?1-800-631-0300

OVERVIEW

The Used Pentax 50mm f/1.4 SMC M42 Mount Lens is a classic fast standard prime built for photographers who appreciate vintage optical character, solid all-metal construction, and the flexibility of the universal M42 screw mount. With its bright f/1.4 maximum aperture and natural 50mm field of view on full-frame, this lens remains a favorite for portraiture, available-light photography, street shooting, and creative shallow-depth-of-field work. The SMC coating helps maintain strong contrast and pleasing color while reducing flare compared with many earlier uncoated or single-coated vintage lenses.

Compatible With

  • Pentax Spotmatic series and other M42 screw-mount film cameras
  • Other M42-mount camera bodies
  • Mirrorless cameras adapted from M42, including select Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon RF, Nikon Z, Micro Four Thirds, and Leica L bodies when used with the proper M42 adapter

Classic Fast 50mm Performance

The 50mm focal length has long been considered one of the most versatile options in photography. It offers a natural perspective that works beautifully for portraits, documentary work, travel, detail shots, and general-purpose image making. Paired with a fast f/1.4 aperture, this lens gives photographers the ability to separate subjects from the background, shoot in dimmer light, and create a timeless rendering style that many modern lenses emulate but do not always duplicate.

SMC Optical Character

Pentax SMC lenses earned an excellent reputation for their color rendition, contrast, and flare resistance. The Super-Multi-Coated optical design helps preserve clarity in backlit scenes and can contribute to a pleasing balance of sharp central detail and smooth out-of-focus rendering, especially at wider apertures. Many photographers seek out vintage Pentax 50mm f/1.4 lenses specifically for their blend of sharpness and classic character.

Manual Focus Precision

This is a fully manual focus lens, making it especially appealing to photographers and filmmakers who want direct tactile control. The focusing action on classic Pentax lenses is often admired for its smooth feel, allowing careful placement of focus for portraits, close-up compositions, and video pulls. On mirrorless cameras with focus peaking or magnified live view, lenses like this become especially enjoyable to use.

Why Choose an M42 Mount Lens?

The M42 screw mount is one of the most adaptable vintage lens mounts in photography. That flexibility allows this Pentax lens to be mounted on a wide variety of modern mirrorless cameras with inexpensive adapters. For photographers building a vintage lens kit, the M42 system offers broad compatibility, mechanical simplicity, and access to a large ecosystem of classic lenses. This makes the Pentax 50mm f/1.4 an attractive option not only for collectors, but also for practical image makers who want a distinctive creative tool.

Ideal Uses

  • Portrait photography with soft, pleasing background blur
  • Low-light photography without relying heavily on flash
  • Street and documentary shooting with a natural field of view
  • Vintage-lens video capture on adapted mirrorless systems
  • Everyday walkaround photography
  • Creative close-focus compositions with classic rendering

How It Compares

Compared with a typical 50mm f/1.8 vintage lens, this f/1.4 version offers a brighter viewfinder experience and greater control over depth of field. Compared with many modern autofocus 50mm lenses, it trades automation for a more tactile shooting experience, compact mechanical design, and the unique visual signature that has made vintage Pentax glass so enduringly popular. For users who value character, manual engagement, and adaptability, this lens remains highly appealing.

Recommended Accessories

  • M42 rear lens adapter for your mirrorless camera system
  • 49mm protective or UV filter
  • 49mm lens hood to help reduce flare in strong light
  • Front and rear lens caps for storage protection
  • Lens cleaning cloth and blower for routine maintenance
  • Mirrorless camera with focus peaking for easier manual focusing

Vintage Pentax Lens Heritage

Pentax helped define the reputation of compact, high-quality Japanese optics in the film era. Their normal lenses, especially 50mm designs, became widely respected for excellent image quality, robust construction, and real-world usability. The Pentax 50mm f/1.4 lineage remains one of the brand’s most recognizable standard primes, valued by generations of photographers for its speed and dependable optical performance.

Condition

This used item is rated in Good condition (80-90% of original condition). It shows a small amount of cosmetic wear and blemishes from regular use. Lenses in Good condition may have slight wear on the housing, while the glass elements remain very clean and unmarked enough to maintain normal image quality. Focus and aperture operation should remain fully functional, though the barrel and rings may show minor signs of use consistent with age and handling. Used items are warrantied by us for 180 days under the terms of the manufacturer’s original warranty.

Used Pentax 50MM F/1.4 SMC M42 Mount Lens - Good
Used Pentax 50MM F/1.4 SMC M42 Mount Lens - Good
In Stock
$149.95
In Stock
In Stock