K 8.4/2.8 Fish-Eye

K 8.4/2.8 Fish-Eye

General Description

For a long time it was thought that this lens existed only as a prototype, but in early 2004 one lens was offered for auction at Yahoo Japan. The lens appears to be essentially identical to the prototype “smc PENTAX BIRDS-EYE 1:2.8 8.4 mm”, but it carries the name “smc PENTAX FISH-EYE 1:2.8 8.4 mm”. The lens shown for auction did not have the rubber ring between the aperture ring and the mount (visible on the prototype lens), but I think that it was because it had fallen off and not due to a production redesign.

Something very interesting about this lens is that it lacks a focusing ring! But at this short focal length, the depth of field is so huge, so no wonder…

The optical diagram and size information comes from this paper. Apparently the lens was designe by Satoru for Asahi Optical and is sepecified in Japanese patent JP60-153018.

Product Information
Exact Name smc PENTAX FISH-EYE 1:2.8 8.4 mm
Color black
Year of Introduction Photokina 1982
Catalog Number unknown
Sold with Hood
Sold with Case unknown

Technical Specifications

Optics
Optical Formula 10 elements in 7 groups
Aperture Range f/2.8 ~ f/11
Number of Aperture Blades unknown
Minimum Focusing Distance lens has no focusing ring
Maximum Magnification depends on the lens-to-subject distance
Special Features fish-eye lens
Mechanics
Front-Filter Thread no
Gelatine-Filter Holder yes
Maximum Diameter 81.6 mm
Length 139.7 mm
Weight unknown
Special Features manual diaphragm
Accessories
Cap unknown
Fitting Hood(s) unknown
Fitting Case(s) unknown