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SMC Pentax-A* 85mm f/1.4
Pentax · 1984-1989
Pentax's legendary Star series portrait lens. The A* 85mm f/1.4 represents the pinnacle of Pentax manual focus portrait lenses. Exceptional build quality with stunning rendering. Highly sought after by portrait professionals.
Known for
- Portrait photography
- Professional events
- Available light
- Premium results
Considerations
- Heavy and large
- Very expensive
- Requires careful focusing at f/1.4
Optical Characteristics
Sharpness (wide)4/5
Sharpness (stopped)5/5
Contrast5/5
Flare Resistance5/5
CA Control4/5
Vignetting Control3/5
Distortion Control5/5
Bokeh: Legendary 9-blade rendering
Rendering: Exceptional portrait character
Color: Rich, flattering
Common Issues
- Focus ring stiffness
- Aperture blade oil
- Rare availability
Buying Guide
Extremely rare and valuable. Check all mechanisms carefully. A worthy investment for serious portrait work.
Specifications
MountPentax K
Focal Length85mm
Max Aperturef/1.4
Min Aperturef/22
Aperture Blades9
Min Focus0.85m
Filter Size67mm
Weight600g
Optical Design
FormulaDouble Gauss
Elements7
Groups6
CoatingSMC (Pentax)
Pricing
£600 - £1000
Typical used price
Mint: ~£1400
Premium Star series pricing
Adapts To
Sony ECanon RF
Compatible Cameras
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Last verified: Jan 2026Report an error