Playing With Lenses: A better Focal MC Auto 1:2.8 135mm

Sunday 22 October 2017

A better Focal MC Auto 1:2.8 135mm

Cost: 19.99$ (average market price $32.50)

What a coincidence! At a recent trip to the local thrift store, I saw the other mentioned version of the Focal MC Auto 1:2.8 135mm that I reviewed last year. The previous lens was a different model, and had some parts missing... but was not a bad lens at all. So worthwhile to take a look at this model also. And I was not disappointed.

I prefer to looks and solid feel of this version. All metal, painted mat black, and a nice build-in hood. Operation is very smooth, almost to a Pentax level (and that says a lot!). The lens was easy to focus due to a wide range on the focus barrel, working great together with the peak focus feature of my Sony.

Good but not exceptional sharpness that improves when getting closer to infinity. As noticed on the sample with the geese, it was very well able to resolve the details. Nice colors, but a little washed out when taking pictures against the sun, even with the hood.

As conclusion, a pretty nice lens that provides good fun to do a walk-around. A second good experience with Focal, so if you see one, and the price is right, scoop it up. It will not disappoint!

MC or Multi Coating: A multiple of chemical coatings for lens surfaces with minimum light loss. The result is a dramatic improvement in both color fidelity and brightness and the elimination of flare and ghost images."

Auto: The ability to pass on aperture information to the camera via a mechanical lever.

Lens Specification:

Focal Length: 135mm
Maximum Aperture: F2.8
Minimum Aperture: F22
Image Format: 35mm
Lens Mount: PK
Optics: ?
Blades: 6
Focussing: Manual
Minimum Focus: 150cm
Filter Size: 58mm
Weight: 515g
Length: 87-101mm
Production: 1980's?
Serial Number: 831834
Made in: Japan

More information on Focal

Samples:

Pictures taken with Mitakon PK to Sony E Turbo Adapter Mark II