Table of Contents

Pentax SMC 20mm f/4

Summary

The SMC Pentax 20mm f/4 is a rare ultra-wide-angle prime introduced in 1975 and produced until 1977, designed for full-frame K-mount film cameras. It was the first 20mm lens in the K series and is optically distinct from the later, more compact M version. With a 94° diagonal field of view, it’s ideal for landscape, architecture, and environmental photography where expansive perspective and edge-to-edge clarity matter. It features a 12-element - 10-group optical design, Super Multi-Coating (SMC), and a 5-blade automatic diaphragm. The lens stops down to f/22, focuses as close as 25cm, and delivers 0.12× magnification. It uses a 58mm filter thread, weighs 300g, and measures 63 × 57mm. It includes a PH-S58 clip-on hood, plastic cap, and was often sold with a dedicated hard case. There’s no “A” setting on the aperture ring, so it’s best used in manual or aperture-priority modes.

Tech Specs

Manufacturer Pentax
Series K Series Prime
Model SMC
Focal Length 20mm
Max Aperture f/4
Min Aperture f/22
Format Full-Frame
Image Circle -
Minimum Focus 25cm
Focus Rotation °
Iris Blades 5
Optical Design 12/10
Squeeze none
Front Diameter 63mm
Filter Thread 58mm
Focus/Zoom Rod none
Native Mount Pentax K
Data Protocol none
Length 57mm
Weight 300g
Body Telescope -
Body Material -
Focus Drive -
Iris Drive -
Zoom Drive -

History

Country of Origin:
Release Date: 1975
Launch Price:
Design Revisions:

Service

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Service Manual: (Insert link to manual here)

Full CLA: TBD hrs.

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Cine-Mod

This section restricted to Duclos Staff users.

Focus Ring O.D.: -
Zoom Ring O.D.: -
Iris Ring O.D.: -
De-click Y/N: -
Additional Notes:
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Notes

Media