What kind of camera lens, do I need to buy ?

Question

I have a good quality, Pentex, 35 mm film camera. In order to take studio quality portrait photos, what kind of lens and or other attachments that need to buy ?

Answer 1

A top choice would be the Pentax Telephoto SMCP-FA* 85mm f/1.4 IF Autofocus Lens. 85 mm is a classic "portrait prime" for 35 mm cameras. It lets you work at a comfortable distance from your subject, but is still useful in the confines of a studio.

If $800 is over your budget, the Pentax Telephoto SMCP-D FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro Autofocus Lens is a very good lens. It is selling with a $100 rebate right now taking the price from $540 to a very reasonable $440.

As far as other attchments, if you don't own a flash, get a good one. I'm looking at the Pentax AF-400T TTL Handle Mount Flash Kit and it seems quite capable. The main advantage is that it puts the flash high and away from the center of your lens and this will go a long way towards eliminating red-eye. If you can get a diffuser dome to use with the flash, you will have very even lighting with minimal shadows.

Speaking of shadows, it is a good idea to have a light source behind your subject. It needs to be strong enough to eliminate any shadows from your on-camera flash. You might get away with a bare 100 watt bulb in a lamp without a lampshade, just sitting on the floor out of the view of the camera.

Answer 2

First and foremost, I would suggest that you take a Beginner's Course in Photography at your local community college so that you can learn about the parts of the camera (and uses), the different lenses (their effects and uses), use of filters, environmental and artificial lighting, use of filters, use of reflectors, composition, posing, types and uses of different films, etc.

Since you have a 35mm film camera (I use film exclusively), you might want to consider that a 50mm lens can also be used as a portrait lens, as well as an 85mm or 90mm lens, depending on the desired effect and depending on the background or backdrop used; and, if you're limited with space, you may also want a moderate wide angle lens for group portraits. Will you be working in a room, a basement with a high ceiling or low ceiling, a room with a skylight? Do you have a sturdy tripod? Will you be shooting in a garden, instead? What equipment do you presently own?

Since you have a Pentax film camera, I suggest that you check with www.keh.com and see what used lenses they have. That is a very reliable site for great lenses and cameras. I suggest that you stay away from generics and get only used brand name lenses (Pentax lenses are not the most expensive lenses around, so don't worry). Why used lenses? Because lenses normally outlast camera bodies unless dropped on a hard surface or submerged in water and unless badly scuffed, scratched or dented to indicate a bad rating, you should be able to get a quality brand name lens if bought used but at a substantial savings.

Check www.keh.com and be ready to buy once you see what you want because the merchandise here won't stay long on the shelves. If you don't see what you want, keep going back every few days since they are constantly getting new merchandise in. They have really great prices on used cameras and lenses.

Good luck and best wishes.

Answer 3

On the 35mm film camera bodies, lenses in the range 85-135mm are traditionally considered as portrait lenses.

Are you taking the portraits outdoors or indoors? Natural light or artificial?

You need lighting and diffusers for indoor portraiture.

Maybe a course in photography or just a couple of good used books about photography would help you filter (pun intended!) through all the stuff you need.

Answer 4

the best focal length of lens to use for studio portraiture is a slightly telephoto length os say 65 mm of 105 mm. This will allow you to be slightly back from your subject and avoid them being distorted with big noses etc.

Answer 5

Look for something with a 24mm equivalent lens, avoiding GE.

Answer 6

telephoto lens will do. 70mm