The SMC Pentax-A 35–135mm f/3.5–4.5 is a manual-focus zoom lens introduced in 1986 and produced until 1989, designed for the Pentax KA mount. Covering a versatile range from wide-angle to short telephoto, it features a 16-element, 12-group optical design with Super Multi-Coating (SMC) and a 6-blade automatic diaphragm. The lens stops down to f/32–45, supports 58mm filters, and includes an aperture ring with an “A” setting, enabling full exposure automation on compatible film and digital bodies. It measures 63 × 92mm, weighs 450g, and uses a one-touch push-pull zoom mechanism. A macro setting at the 135mm end allows close focusing down to 75cm, achieving a 0.25× magnification ratio. In use, the lens delivers solid sharpness from f/5.6 onward, with moderate performance wide open, especially at the long end where images can appear soft or slightly dreamy. Chromatic aberration is present at wider apertures but improves when stopped down. Bokeh is busy and slightly swirly at 135mm f/4.5, but usable for portraits and close-ups. The macro mode is a welcome feature, though the minimum focus distance of 1.6 m outside macro limits its versatility. Handling is generally good, though the push-pull zoom design is prone to zoom creep, especially when the lens is tilted downward. Build quality is solid, with a metal core and smooth focus ring, though the lens lacks internal focusing.

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Release Date: 1986
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