Converting a Pentax 50mm Lens for Cine Use

De-click Pentax lenses

If you have ever wondered why cine lenses are so expensive, well, then this post won’t answer that question (more complex configuration, better built, etc.). This post is actually to show how easy it is to convert a manual vintage lens for cine use by adding cinegears and de-clicking the aperture. These vintage lenses can be had from Pentax or any other manufacturer, and the process of de-clicking is similar on all of them. What makes this a great value proposition is that these lenses often offer great image quality, but can be had for around $100 (some are more, some are less). Is this ideal? No, cine lenses are much better to work with, especially if you have the budget to own or rent them, but if you don’t, converting older manual lenses for cine use is the next best thing, and it is very affordable.

Converting a Pentax 50mm Lens for Cine Use

Watch this video on YouTube.

Converting a Pentax 50mm Lens for Cine Use

Field of View Comparison between the 28-45mm f/4.5 and the 25mm f/4.0

Quick Comparison

Some of you are probably curious to find out whether the 28-45mm ED AW SR is able to replace the 25mm f/4.0 at 28mm. 3mm focal length reduction isn’t really a lot, especially if you consider that you gain a total of 20mm zoom range, making this a much more versatile wide to ultra-wide lens for the Pentax 645 system. Image quality wise (non scientific just by looking at the crops), the 28-45mm offers greater center sharpness (and resolution) at 28mm, whereas the 25mm seems to have a slight advantage as you go look further towards the edges of the frame. YMMV.

This is taken with the 25mm at f/9, 125th/sec.

This is taken with the 28-45 at f/9, 125th/sec.

Both images were shot from the same position on a tripod (SR disabled on the 28-45mm). To really get an idea what you will gain (or lose) when shooting with the 25mm or 28-45mm I decided to overlay both images. They are not a perfect fit (because of different distortions), but I am sure you get the idea.

 

Shake Reduction aside, both are heavy lenses, but I feel that at a similar price point, the 28-45mm ED AW SR is a more versatile choice, which also happens to offer better center sharpness. All images shot on a 645z.


Field of View Comparison between the 28-45mm f/4.5 and the 25mm f/4.0

First look at the PENTAX DA 645 28-45mm F/4.5 ED AW SR Lens

I am excited to share a first look at the brand new RICOH PENTAX DA 645 28-45mm f/4.5 ED AW SR Lens with you.

HD PENTAX DA 645 28-45mm F4.5 ED AW SR Lens Review

I only had the chance to spend a little time with the lens so far, but I can tell you that it is

• massive!


• super sharp


• fast (as in focusing speed)


• has nice bokeh (for a wide angle lens that is)


• optically stabilized (SR)


• has nano coating (reduces glare)


• has less distortion than the 25mm f/4


• accepts standard filters (82mm)


• well built


• weather sealed


• works really well with the 645Z


• has a great workable zoom-range for a wide-angle lens


• I actually prefer this over the 25mm f/4, because it is a much more versatile lens at a similar price point


• has virtually silent autofocus (in case you want to shoot video with it, this would matter)


• has a nice feel to it, and balances well

In case you wonder: this is not a walkaround lens by any means. While it handles really well, it requires some serious commitment when you shoot with it. If you shoot on a tripod, this won’t matter, but handheld is quite intense (as is with any heavy lens). As I said, I was only able to use the lens for a short period of time, and right before its official announcement, but I already took it out and shot some active lifestyle images with it.

I will have more images with detailed BTS from my next shoot, and a full review soon, but this is a strong contender for becoming my favorite lenses for the RICOH PENTAX 645 system.

Stay tuned

First look at the PENTAX DA 645 28-45mm F/4.5 ED AW SR Lens