Pentax's fast 6x7 portrait tele — the SMC Pentax 6x7 165mm f/2.8 for the 6x7 frame.
The SMC Pentax 6x7 165mm f/2.8 is a fast short-telephoto lens for the Pentax 6x7 medium-format system, from the SMC Pentax 6x7 generation of the line. It is the bright portrait-telephoto of the system, offering more reach than the 150mm with a wide maximum aperture on the large 6x7 negative.
This is a manual-focus lens for the Pentax 67 bayonet mount, covering the 6x7 cm frame. It has a fixed 165mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/2.8, fast for a lens covering so large a negative. The Super Multi Coating denoted by the SMC prefix controls flare and holds contrast through the telephoto field of view.
The f/2.8 aperture at 165mm produces marked subject separation on the 6x7 frame, isolating a portrait subject against a smoothly rendered background. The reach compresses perspective a little more than the 150mm, giving a flattering head-and-shoulders framing that portrait photographers favour on the big negative.
On the used market this fast 165mm is a desirable portrait lens for 6x7 shooters, though its size and speed keep prices up. Check the elements for haze and cleaning marks, look for fungus, and confirm the aperture blades are dry with a smooth focus action. It adapts to mirrorless through a Pentax 67 mount adapter for its separation on digital.