Table of Contents
Pentax-A SMC 35mm f/2.8
Summary
The SMC Pentax-A 35mm f/2.8 is a compact, manual-focus wide-angle prime introduced in 1984 and produced until 1989, designed for full-frame K-mount film cameras. It was the final manual-focus 35mm f/2.8 in Pentax’s lineup, succeeding the M-series version and sharing the same 6-element, 6-group optical formula. What set it apart was the addition of the “A” setting on the aperture ring, enabling Program and Shutter-Priority automation on compatible bodies—making it more versatile for both film and digital shooters. Physically, it’s a featherweight at 170g, measuring just 63 × 36.5mm, with a 49mm filter thread and a minimum focus distance of 30cm, yielding 0.17× magnification. The lens uses a 5-blade automatic diaphragm, which can produce geometric bokeh highlights when stopped down. It lacks internal focusing or weather sealing but includes a manual aperture ring, and was typically paired with the PH-S49 hood and HA-90B hard case.
Tech Specs
| Manufacturer | Pentax |
| Series | A Series Prime |
| Model | SMC |
| Focal Length | 35mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Format | Full-Frame |
| Image Circle | - |
| Minimum Focus | 30cm |
| Focus Rotation | ° |
| Iris Blades | 5 |
| Optical Design | 6/6 |
| Squeeze | none |
| Front Diameter | 63mm |
| Filter Thread | 49mm |
| Focus/Zoom Rod | none |
| Native Mount | Pentax K |
| Data Protocol | none |
| Length | 36.5mm |
| Weight | 170g |
| Body Telescope | - |
| Body Material | - |
| Focus Drive | - |
| Iris Drive | - |
| Zoom Drive | - |
History
Country of Origin:
Release Date: 1984
Launch Price:
Design Revisions: