RARE SMC Pentax 15mm f/3.5 wide lens ASPHERICAL VERSION

You're bidding on an SMC Pentax 15mm f/3.5 manual focus lens. This is the aspherical version, of which there were only about 100 made. There is no reserve.

The Pentax 15mm is thought to be derived from a Zeiss design; it was originally intended to contain aspherical elements, and was originally manufactured to these specifications. But this design apparently proved too expensive to manufacture, and a slightly different design was used for future copies of the lens. The aspherical version can be identified by the "4" in the distance guide (see photos); the more common version of the lens reads "7 - 3 - 2 - 1.5". More information can be found at Bojidar Dimitrov's Pentax K-Mount Web Page. You will notice that my copy's serial number is listed there; I sent it to Dimitrov to add to his database.

Condition of this lens is good. All glass surfaces are clean, save for a bit of dust here and there; there are no visible scratches or chips in either the front or back glass. I can also detect no fungus or haze inside, and all photos I have taken with the lens, both on digital and film, look great. (Here's a flickr set.) In addition, this lens has four built-in filters controlled by an extra ring; the filters all are working and appear clean. The lens hood, as you can see in the photos, is a bit the worse for wear; it bears a few scratches and dents. The control rings also show signs of wear; they are all working well, however. The rear cap is a standard push-on Asahi Optical cap; it's rather ragged but works. The front cap is perfect--I bought it as new old stock not long ago.

Shipping includes insurance. US shipping will be via FedEx and costs $15; overseas shipping is via USPS and costs $50. If it actually proves cheaper, I will refund you the difference. I take PayPal only, no e-checks please, if you can avoid it. Questions welcome. I will not end the auction early or accept Buy It Now offers. Thank you!