===== Pentax-A* SMC 1200mm f/8 ED [IF] ===== 
{{ :lens:pentax-astar_smc_1200mm_f8_ed_if_.png?400|}}
==== Summary ====
The SMC Pentax-A* 1200mm f/8 ED [IF] is a legendary manual-focus super-telephoto prime introduced in 1986 and produced until 2000, representing the longest non-mirror lens ever made by Pentax. Designed for full-frame K-mount film cameras, it was part of the elite A* (A-Star) series and remains one of the rarest and most coveted lenses in the Pentax ecosystem. With a fixed focal length of 1200mm and a maximum aperture of f/8, it was built for extreme reach—ideal for wildlife, surveillance, and astronomical photography. Optically, it features a 9-element - 6-group design, including two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements to minimize chromatic aberration. The lens uses internal focusing (IF), a 9-blade automatic diaphragm, and stops down to f/45. It focuses as close as 8 meters, delivering a 0.23× magnification ratio. The front filter thread is a massive 150mm, but it also accepts 49mm drop-in filters at the rear. It measures 684mm in length, 170mm in diameter, and weighs a staggering 8.58kg. It includes a built-in sliding hood, tripod collar, leather cap, and a dedicated trunk case. There’s no autofocus, weather sealing, or quick-shift focus, but it does feature an "A" setting on the aperture ring for full automation on compatible bodies, including all Pentax DSLRs.
==== Tech Specs ====
| Manufacturer    |Pentax|
| Series          |A* Series Prime|
| Model           |SMC|
| Focal Length    |1200mm|
| Max Aperture    |f/8 ED [IF]|
| Min Aperture    |f/45|
| Format          |Full-Frame|
| Image Circle    |-|
| Minimum Focus   |800cm|
| Focus Rotation  |°|
| Iris Blades     |9|
| Optical Design  |9/6|
| Squeeze         |none|
| Front Diameter  |170mm|
| Filter Thread   |150mm, 49mm rear|
| Focus/Zoom Rod  |none|
| Native Mount    |Pentax K|
| Data Protocol   |none|
| Length          |684mm|
| Weight          |8580g|
| Body Telescope  |-|
| Body Material   |-|
| Focus Drive     |-|
| Iris Drive      |-|
| Zoom Drive      |-|
==== History ====
Country of Origin:  \\
Release Date: 1986 \\
Launch Price:  \\
Design Revisions:  \\

==== Service ====
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Service Manual: (Insert link to manual here) \\
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Full CLA: **TBD hrs.**\\
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==== Cine-Mod ====
<nodisp 8>
Focus Ring O.D.: -\\
Zoom Ring O.D.: -\\
Iris Ring O.D.: -\\
De-click Y/N: -\\
Additional Notes: \\
</nodisp>
==== Notes ====
==== Media ====