The Pentax 77mm f/1.8 lens, the brainchild of Japanese lens designer Jun Hirakawa, stands out with its unusual focal length of 77mm and f-stop value of 1.8.
These specifications diverge from more traditional choices like 50mm, 80mm, or 85mm, and apertures such as f/1.4 or f/2.0, clearly showing Hirakawa’s unique approach.
Interestingly, the 77mm, launched in 1999, is a full-frame compatible lens long before Pentax introduced their first full-frame digital camera, the Pentax K1, in April 2016.
For more than a decade, the 77mm f/1.8 was my go-to lens on the Pentax K5.
For a while, it was my only lens and proved surprisingly versatile, even some it wasn’t specifically designed for. For example, I successfully used it for ‘pseudo’ macro photography of food and wine, despite its 70-centimeter minimum focusing distance, and for capturing the ambiance in restaurant settings.
Also see: Objects for an Ideal Home
The Greatest Pentax Lens of All Time?
Some objects just feel right the moment you touch them, and the 77mm f/1.8 is one of them. Once mounted on the camera, it feels like a natural extension of your body, almost disappearing, allowing you to focus purely on your creative intent.
Used 77mm f/1.8 lenses can be found at reasonable prices.”
To my knowledge, all versions of the 77mm 1.8 have been produced in Japan.
In 2024, I made a significant change, moving from my Pentax K5 to a Nikon D3. Even so, I know I’ll still grab the Pentax 77mm f/1.8 now and again.
Shooting with a Pentax K10D & Pentax K1
In October 2024, I started using Pentax equipment again. Eager to experience and experiment with CCD sensors, I picked up a cheap Pentax K10D on eBay.
My latest acquisition is a Pentax SMCA 50mm f/1.2 lens, which is reportedly Pentax’s fastest lens to date (even faster than the 77mm).
Specifications
Brand: Pentax
Designer: Jun Hirokawa
Current producer: Ricoh
Country of origin/production: Japan
Launch year: 1999
Aperture: 1.8
Filter diameter: 49mm
Max diameter: 64mm
Mount: Pentax KAF
Color: Black or silver
Auto focus: yes
Manual focus: yes
Number of groups: 6
Number of blades: 9
Weight: 270 grams
Full-frame coverage: yes
Weather-sealed construction: no
