Pentax 300mm f/4 smc PENTAX-A* 645 ED (IF) Manual Lens for Pentax 645, Black Review

The Pentax 300mm f/4 smc PENTAX-A* 645 ED (IF) is a manual-focus telephoto lens designed for the Pentax 645 medium format system. As a legacy A* (A-star) lens, it features Extra-low Dispersion glass and internal focusing, hallmarks of Pentax's professional medium format lineup from the film era. The 77mm filter thread and f/4 maximum aperture make it relatively compact and manageable for a 300mm medium format optic.

This particular listing is for a used copy in bargain condition, priced at $289. It's a manual-focus-only design, which means full control over focus and aperture but no electronic communication with modern digital bodies. For shooters using Pentax 645N, 645NII, or adapted to the 645D or 645Z, this lens offers a cost-effective entry into medium format telephoto work, particularly for portraiture, landscape compression, or wildlife on a budget. Build quality and optical performance were strong points in the A* series, though handling a manual 300mm on medium format demands technique and patience.