alŸ.che.Ÿmy | noun | \ˈal-kə-mē\

an inexplicable or mysterious transmuting of something common into something special

pentax takumar SMC | 50mm | f1.4

versatile vintage without the mortgage

Where do I start? Made in Japan? Multi-coated? Full metal construction?

This little lens is one of my most frequently used and reliable pieces of glass. It has unique rendering, it's built like a tank, and wide open it produces images that will make the ugliest apple look like fruit from the Tree of Knowledge. The bokeh is superb.

While it doesn't have the sophistication of a Canon 50mm 1.2 L, it doesn't actually need it. Let's face it, if you have one you will know it's not because you intended to replace your automatic monster 50mm, similarly priced to an entry level hatchback with tinted windows. No, no. Instead, you have bought one because you have read the reviews, it was a bargain, and manual = F U N.

This little beauty has the ability to produce very clean and crisp pictures with proper focusing (and as long as you get your hands on a 'good' copy). When you happen to be thrown by the depth of field wide open, it somehow neutralises your "amateur hour" and creates lovely washed effects.

It's best suited for general walk around photography and portraits, however I have used it for product photography and landscape work with unique results. It's even better when converting images to black and white, with the grain and bokeh translating superbly. 

If you don't own one, you are missing out. If you find one reasonably priced, do yourself a favour and buy it. This is something that will add layers to your kitbag, without having to stretch that student loan.

And if you don't like it, well, I'll eat my hat!

Take it from me, this lens is awesome. I own two.