I see no visible distortion in the viewfinder, unlike the older 20mm F4.5 takumar. This was one of the first focal lengths where pentax redesigned the lens optically for K mount so I would be quite surprised if it is similar in performance to the old "bow wow" takumar. What would be the point? Secondly it a far more complex design than the M20/4 so it also wouldn't make sense that the M20 was as good let alone better which would secondly make me think the K20/4 must be at least as good as the 20/4.5 tak and the M20/4 lenses. I KNOW the 20/4.5 Tak is garbage, I wont waste my time testing that , but a K20/4 vs M20/4 shootout is definitely in order! ( On fine grain FF FILM! ) jco
-----Original Message----- From: Shel Belinkoff [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, December 30, 2005 5:23 PM To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: RE: anybody with a lot of experience with the K20/4? Hi, I've had one and liked it quite a bit. A little soft around the edges, and some claim lots of distortion. The distortion was a non-issue for me. I found it to be acceptably sharp, although others called it, and its older sibling, the Super Tak 20/4.5, "Bow Wow" lenses. I put up lots of PAW and PESO photos made with that lens, and no one complained. Made numerous large prints with it as well. The only reason I no longer have it is because someone offered me an outrageous sum for it and it just happened that I could use the cash at the time. I regret selling it. I'm looking to replace it, first with an A20/2.8 and then get another Bow Wow. I want the 20/2.8 for the extra speed, but I really like the fingerprint of the K20/4.0 - but I like the look of a lot of older lenses. Sharpness is not always my main consideration. Most people don't see things the way I do, though .... Shel > [Original Message] > From: J. C. O'Connell > P.S. Any info regarding comparisons to the M20/4 > would also be welcome. I have that too but probably > wont keep it unless its better which I doubt based > on hunch seeing its optical design is much simpler... > jco > > -----Original Message----- > From: J. C. O'Connell [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Sent: Friday, December 30, 2005 5:02 PM > To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net > Subject: anybody with a lot of experience with the K20/4? > > > Just got a hold of a stone mint example > of the K20/4 lens. Havent tried/tested it > yet but was wondering if anybody here > has experience with it? Seems rare, took > me quite a while to locate one.... > jco