Pentax 105mm f/2.4 SMC 67 Lens (Late ver.) - Grade 9

The Pentax 105mm f/2.4 SMC 67 lens is widely regarded as one of the most legendary medium format lenses ever made, often described as delivering the closest thing to a large format look with a medium format camera1. This lens has earned its reputation for exceptional sharpness and outstanding bokeh quality that many photographers consider unmatched by other systems1.

Lens Versions and Evolution

The SMC Pentax version you're interested in is the latest and most refined iteration of this lens, introduced in 198914. This represents the third generation of the 105mm f/2.4 design, following the original Super Takumar (1969) and Super Multi Coated Takumar (1971)14. While all three versions share the same optical design of 6 elements in 5 groups, each generation received improved coatings and updated glass formulations1.

The SMC version is easily identifiable by several key features: "SMC Pentax" labeling on the front, a rubberized focus ring (versus the metal rings of earlier versions), and slightly lighter weight due to design refinements14. Interestingly, there appear to be at least two sub-versions of the SMC lens, with earlier serial numbers showing purple/red coating reflections and newer ones displaying yellow/green coating reflections4.

Technical Specifications

The lens offers impressive specifications for medium format photography23:

• Focal length: 105mm (54mm equivalent in 35mm terms)
• Maximum aperture: f/2.4 to f/22 with 9 aperture blades
• Minimum focus distance: 100cm
• Weight: 600g
• Dimensions: 92×60mm
• Filter diameter: 67mm
• Field of view: 46° diagonal, 37° horizontal

Key Advantages of the Later SMC Version

The SMC version addresses one significant issue found in earlier models: thorium glass elements. The two older versions used thorium glass, which could cause the lens to develop a slight yellow tint over time1. The SMC version replaced these with high-index non-radioactive glass elements, eliminating this aging concern1.

The improved coatings on the SMC version theoretically provide better micro-contrast and sun-flare control, potentially offering a more pronounced "3D effect" compared to earlier versions4. Each successive generation was designed to enhance contrast and light control capabilities4.

Performance Characteristics

Despite being relatively compact for the Pentax 67 system, this lens delivers exceptional image quality1. The f/2.4 maximum aperture creates an extremely shallow depth of field, comparable to using a 50mm f/1.2 on 35mm format1. This razor-thin depth of field requires precise focusing technique, but the lens features a butter-smooth focus ring that facilitates accurate manual focusing1.

The bokeh quality is particularly noteworthy, producing pleasant background blur with subtle swirl characteristics that aren't as pronounced as some vintage Russian lenses1. The 9-blade aperture contributes to smooth, circular bokeh rendering23.

Build Quality and Handling

The lens exemplifies Pentax's professional-grade construction philosophy, built like a "sledgehammer" with robust all-metal construction1. Despite its solid build, it remains surprisingly manageable and well-balanced on Pentax 67 cameras1. The aperture ring provides positive clicks between settings, making accidental adjustments unlikely during use1.

For photographers seeking the ultimate medium format standard lens experience, the SMC Pentax 105mm f/2.4 represents the pinnacle of this legendary optical design, combining decades of refinement with modern glass technology while maintaining the exceptional image quality that made this lens famous.

Citations:

1. https://www.meanbearmedia.com/pentax-67-105mm-f2-4-lens-review/
2. https://cameradigital.co.nz/product/smc-pentax-67-105mm-f2-4-lens-for-6x7-67-67ii/
3. https://skrasnov.com/pentax-67-105mm-f24/
4. https://jeffandmichelephoto.com/learn/how-can-i-tell-the-differences-between-the-different-pentax-105mm-f24-lenses
5. https://www.reddit.com/r/pentax67/comments/1dzph9t/hello_i_have_a_plan_to_buy_pentax_67_i_want_to/
6. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/48-pentax-medium-format/352743-identifying-pentax-67-6x7-105-f-2-4-lens-versions.html
7. https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-67-105mm-F2.4-Lens.html
8. https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/differences-between-pentax-105mm-2-4-takumar-vs-non-takumar.126045/
9. https://www.photowarehouse.co.nz/shop/second-hand-products/lenses-medlarge-format/pentax-mf-105mm-f2-4-smc-67-lens-s-h-edrx2j
10. https://www.reddit.com/r/AnalogCommunity/comments/rywb2p/is_the_105mm_f24_alone_worth_buying_into_the/