Takumar 50mm f1.4 is one of the very best vintage lenses. Here's a review of the four M42 versions.

[@Simonsutak]

Just a note on the title for this video - the Takumar 50mm f1.4 is one of the very best early film era lenses, but I'm not saying it's the best of all, that isn't a sensible thing to claim. There some excellent film era fast fifties out there - from Nikkor, Canon, Olympus, Fujinon, Topcor, the Tomioka made lenses, Carl Zeiss Jena, Voigtländer, Steinheil München etc etc. (Apologies if I've left some out).

[@scottparis6355]

There's a Fujinon thread mount 50mm f1.4 that's amazingly good.

[@brentbrown51]

I'm a bit late to the party, but wanted to report that today I thrifted an Asahi Pentax Spotmatic SP in not very good shape, however it has the Asahi Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4, serial# 1964610, attached to it in great condition. Bought the camera/lens for $60. Also has the original leather case in fair shape. I've adapted the lens to my Sony a6000 (already owned the adapter). Great bokeh, super sharp. Going to enjoy! Thanks for your great videos! Very instructive. Watching this video convinced me to return to the thrift store to make the purchase which I had passed on earlier.

[@Simonsutak]

Never too late!! So good to read you're enjoying this lens, and many thanks for your kind words.

[@dingothps]

Hey Simon, i just wanted to let you know how much i appreciate your channel. I've learned a lot and it got me into vintage lenses which im mildly addicted with ever since. It really shaped my photography for the better. You got a lovely voice too, very relaxing.

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you so much for your kind words. (I put my family to sleep talking about old lenses!!).

[@marvinracer88]

" I've learned a lot and it got me into vintage lenses which im mildly addicted with ever since" I can relate to this comment.

[@pahiola]

I almost died laughing when you told me not to crush and eat the radioactive glass. Thank you for that!

[@cliffturner10]

My primary interest is digital film making, not traditional photography, but your commentary was so well written, your video so smoothly edited, and your voice so pleasant to listen to, that I'm subscribing and looking forward to more from you.

[@bloodreaver9]

I have the third, radioactive version, found it in an antiques store for £4 with the price sticker stuck on the rear element! Best £4 I ever spent, I love it =D

[@bildkistl]

Those are the days ;)

[@LennyCooke636]

Best explanation I heard so-far about these lenses. I have the 8 element and the 7 element-radioactive versions. I purchased the 7 element before before purchasing the 8 element by the way. It was cheaper and easier to find. I finally did get my hands on the 8 element and slightly prefer it over the 7 elements. In reality, they are like twins with slightly different personalities....

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you so much for your compliment (as there quite a lot of explanations on-line), and your twins analogy is perfect!

[@christopherwelch5568]

I have a pair of Super Takumar lenses that came with 2 Spotmatics I bought over 20 years ago. In 2000 I wanted a SLR film camera and found a Pentax SP500 with a 50mm Super Takumar lens in a pawn shop for $50. It's my "#1". I call it The Tank. Never been serviced, never done anything to it. The light meter still works. Seals are still good. It just works. Always. I bought a Spotmatic right after it because I liked it so much. $50 on ebay. This one is a first generation one, mid 60s. It has an 8 element Super Takumar 28mm lens and original hood. It was like new. Same deal... another tank. Light meter still works, never had it serviced. They are THE MOST reliable and mechanically solid cameras. Since then I've also acquired a K1000 and K2 with SMC lenses. All mechanical, all metal vintage SLRs from the 60s and 70s are the best cameras ever created. Mine will outlive me.

[@mariopiper9256]

I’ve a Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f1.4 and I love it! Just deyellowed it last evening with a UV lamp ,y wife bought for cyanotypes. It only took a few hours, and the yellowing is gone. Great video!

[@qingyunwang3802]

I recently bought an 8-element Super Takumar and coupled it with the Techart adapter to achieve autofocus. The handling of focus and aperture rings are very satisfying and it does delivers a Showa Japanese look.

[@andygrob3]

One of the best videos about these great lenses, very well done.

[@philsmith774]

I have to agree with this comment. There is so much detail and a great explanations of the various models.

[@altglasfieber789]

Hi Simon, I also have a Super Takumar as an 8-element and a 7-element. Strange, because both are radioactive, even though the 7th element emits much more radiation than the 8th element. However, it appears that 8-elements may also be slightly radioactive. Greetings from Germany and thank you for your work.

[@eladshani]

Intresting! I guess, like allot of ppl, i found myself down the rabbit hole of vintage lenses, after looking to understand what's up with my dad's 70-71 version of this lens, and potentially try it on my modern mirrorless Sony. No more eating lenses i guess. Thanks, great video and info :)

[@normandong4479]

Own Pentax Spotmatic SPII with the 50mm Takumar f 1.4 lens. The lens is just amazing, so smooth to use and great resolution with color slide or B&W film. Pentax cameras with Takumar lenses are a joy to use.

[@johnlarsson4437]

Hello Simon. I've sincerely enjoyed your videos, especially this one. This one made me aware of this lens and one day in my local camera shop I noticed one in a display with some other Pentax lenses. This lens was particularly inexpensive and I thought, why not? It's worth a try and I left with a 7 element Super Takumar. I brought it home and after a few test photos found it a bit dreamy, but, oh that bokeh! I planned on using that bokeh creatively. Then, one day on another photography post someone mentioned a newer version of this lens on a Nikon Z50. He included some stopped down photos and I was wowed by them. This inspired me to try it on my Z5. All I can say is I have a new favourite lens. The colours, contrast, and sharpness are simply wonderful. I am seriously in love with this lens and I'm honestly feeling this is my best used lens purchase ever. Thank you for bringing this and other wonderful vintage lenses to my attention along with opening my eyes to lenses other than F and Z mounts.

[@flylooper]

I got interested in SLR photography when I was on a ship headed to Vietnam in 1966. One of the soldiers aboard was a Pentax shooter and gave a little class on what a SLR was and, more importantly what the Spotmatic was capable of. (Thru-the-lens metering and focusing? Oh, my gosh!) I was hit with the bug and, when I came home, I bought a Spotmatic with a 55/1.8 on it. I've been shooting it, on and off, for the last 50 years or so. With all the great 1960's glass now selling at a pittance, compared to when it was new, I've been steadily building up my inventory of Super-Takumar lenses. I recently acquired an 8-element 1.4 which was in pristine shape. Lovely lens. That 8-element lens is pretty much is the queen of my Spotmatic gear. Wonderful lens. There's just something about the way they work, the way they feel, that sets them apart.

[@Simonsutak]

Many thanks for your comments here and elsewhere; I've very much enjoyed them. It's hard to realize today how significant thru-the-lens metering/focusing was at the time. My first prime lens on my Spotmatic was a f1.8 too, bought new (I can vividly remember the camera shop) and I still use it. Totally agree about the 8-element f1.4. What a gem!

[@robxfong00]

Your explanations and reasoning are as clear and sharp as the fabulous photos you share. Love your videos and your channel!

[@thomasphillips5850]

Simon it tickles me to see reports on these lenses. I used the pentax system for years with outrageous results. My favorites were the 28 3.5, 35 2, 50 macro , 105 2.8. The 100 macro was excellent as well. All the 50s were pretty good including the f2. I also shot with the Vivitar series 1 90-180 macro zoom which was originally designed as a medical lense. Seeing your video was like a trip down memory lane, thank you.

[@carlosencarnacion9667]

I bought the Super Multi Coated for my Spotmatic SP, and was watching the reviews, while I wait for the toy to arrive in the mail, in order to know if I did a lucky purchase. I will be taking B/W photography again. Thank you for this review.

[@johntravena119]

Your videos on Pentax lenses are my favorite that I’ve found on any vintage lenses. I wish someone would do a systematic comparison of the Nikkor lens system as you have of the Pentax.

[@Simonsutak]

Many thanks. If time and money permitted, I'd really like to do this comparison too!

[@nickykodak7536]

Try looking beyond the populist Nikkor and Takumar and Pentax. This will help you living in brand-Logoland.

[@ShevillMathers]

Very interesting, I rushed off to check my swag of Pentax lenses, I have various 50mm f/1.4 with IR marks to the left, however, the 55mm f/2 has its red line right on the f/4 with an R at the bottom of the line. Fascinating series on the older lenses, I was a Pentax user for many years. My latest idea is to test all my Pentax lenses on my astrophotography rigs to see just how good/bad they are. My Takumar 300mm f/4 is pin sharp-a very nice lens especially at this focal length. Keep sharing your wonderful presentations, much appreciated. From an elderly “Pom’ (Leeds) living in Tasmania where we have a great climate no pollution brilliant sunlight, and the best night sky objects compared to the northern hemisphere, and a big plus, COVID-19 free. Kind Regards from the Southern Cross Observatory-Tasmania 42 South. 😁🦘

[@jmoss99]

I tested my three vintage 24mm lenses to see which was the sharpest and clearest, using my Sony A7Rii. This is how they came out. 1) Olympus OM-System H.Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f2.8 2) Canon FD-N 24mm, f2.8 3) Asahi Super Multi Coated Takumar 24mm f3.5

[@Simonsutak]

Interesting. This doesn't surprise me at all. My Takumar 24mm f3.5 is "not great" on digital FF or crop. It was a lovely lens to use on film cameras - a good field of view, and nice colours on a sunny day. But on digital....not so good. The Zuikos get a lot of love on-line and its deserved!

[@jmoss99]

In the next category I could compare these. FUJINON EBC SW 28mm f3.5 Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 28mm f3.5 Minolta MC W. Rokkor-SG 28mm f3.5

[@subrotomitra]

Simon, what a pleasure to find your videos ..superb presentation!!!

[@stevenhoelderich9490]

I have, a Pentax K 1000, & the pictures, that came out of there, will knock your socks off.

[@jmoss99]

I have the Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 Radioactive in my collection. Radiation is there for sure, 2250 CPM worth. The only hotter lens I have is the FUJINON 50mm f1.4 Radioactive 3706 CPM, uSv/h 22.77

[@1stMrSceptical]

I bought a ES Pentax in new '73 it came with a SMC 50 MM 1.4, at the same time I bought a Takumar 135mm 3.5 which is the lens I mainly use, this lens is to my jaded eye is better for my type of snaps, I still use the camera when there not an 'R' in the month. Great Camera and Lens observations thanks..

[@Mark-ks9jj]

As usual a very informative and well produced video. I was fortunate to pick up a 28mm of these super takumar lens recently very very cheap so this detailed history and explanation of their design and usage is timely.

[@davey3765]

I was able to get one of these for $130 years ago on ebay The super multi coated you preferred and I de-yellowed it.... I dont like the radioactivity BUT WOW its produces some DREAMY crisp shots that bokeh. Ive taken some of my best shots with this on a Canon 5D mk1. Just a DREAM lens. I've never attempted video with it but I'd love to give it a round on my new R6 mkii RF mount.

[@Simonsutak]

Hi, so good to read you're enjoying your lens so much. Dreamy crisp shots is a great description! Cheers, Simon

[@Kinematographer]

Probably worth a mention...the 8 element version often suffers from a slackness in the barrels, its an easy fix, but its worth adding thread lock this time..they seem to have forgotten!

[@basmedia5885]

OMG I just bought one of these (the Super Multi Coated) , along with a Spotmatic II and a Takumar 150mm f4 for AU$150. All in wonderful condition. So stoked!! Can't wait to get out there with it. Thanks for this marvelous review!!

[@jj963963jj]

Thank you for the comparison of these 50/1.4 lenses

[@mikebaginy8731]

An outstanding video with best description yet of the lens 50/1.4 version lenses. A Spotmatic F with 3rd version 50/1.4 was my first SLR. If only I had understood photography then, as I do now - I'd have never sold the camera.

[@kinglear5952]

Brilliant review, excellent, thank you. I love 'spotties' and their lenses.

[@pedrova8058]

"rare earths" (lanthanum, thorium) are added to the crystal to achieve high refractive indices, but this has no influence on the reflections and/or light transmission of the crystal (a higher refractive index allows to have high power with a thinner element, that helps to reduce weight and size (it is very noticeable in the first bright telephoto lenses, 105, 135 or 200mm, they reduced weight and size considerably in the late 60s))). And it also allows better control of chromatic aberrations (in combination with low diffraction crystals).

[@robertbreish8182]

Keep the content coming! I absolutely love your lens roundups of the best of the best in each group. Great job!

[@Simonsutak]

Hi, thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Really appreciated.

[@steveteoh58]

Thanks Simon for a fabulous review. I have never read any reviews that is as detail in technical and aesthetic aspects. And you even shared with us its image differences on film and digital ! Keep it up !

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you for this, much appreciated.

[@flolipok1573]

Thanks so much for your insights. I bought a spotmatic f with a super multi coated 1.4 and I simply love it. Such a lovely camera with a great lense!

[@perin99]

Great video. I have all versions too. I bought that lamp on your recommendation and successfully deyellowed my SMC. Wow, what a difference!! It's by far the best lens (objectively) out of the bunch. It's more like a Zeiss lens now. The downside is it doesn't have as much character. The yellowed glass evidently affects a lot more than light transmission. My 8 elements version is still my favourite because it is special, but all versions are great. My recommendation would be to buy whichever good condition Takumar is cheapest.

[@thomasmoje5926]

I have a Super Takumar 55mm f/1.8 which came with a Honeywell Pentax Spotmatic I picked up a couple of years ago. Easily one of my best 'normal' lenses. Very sharp and excellent color rendition. I have no idea of how many elements are in it but it is very well made and the images are excellent. I'm guessing it dates from late 1960's/early 1970's. That lens is worth what I paid for both the camera and the lens. The camera is in great shape too.

[@Simonsutak]

The Takumar 55mm f1.8 are excellent lenses - and still great value!!

[@billkabb]

@@Simonsutak i was landed to the pentax world recently after aquiring the pentax smc 28mm 3.5 . im impressed by this lens and im looking also for the 55 f1.8 . which version do you suggest ? the smc or the takumar ?

[@trinityharbour7054]

You nailed this. Incredible video! Well written. Well shot. Well spoken. I will keep coming back!

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you so much - this made my day!

[@trinityharbour7054]

Your video made my day, actually. It caused me to dig out my late 60's Asahi 50 1.4 and go take some pictures. Some of which I am very pleased with! (Lately I have been in love with a Helios 44-4. Must have a decent copy, because it just sings wide open).

[@elliotfinch8902]

I've just been given (by a friend of my grandma's) a box of "old camera bits". You should have see then look on my face when I opened up a mint condition super multi coated.... I was looking to BUY one only a few weeks ago! It's awesome.

[@Simonsutak]

What a great gift!!

[@mpadalax]

Growing up in India - my dad had this on a ZENIT-E body and I used it till 1996 (I was in college) before the camera was stolen. I think it was a 7 element design and there was a golden yellow tint which I thought was a characteristic of the lens. Anyways now I am in US and own Canon L glass, and recently even got a "less expensive" Leica SL2-S. But the bokeh balls are something I miss and not easily produced on the modern glass. I had lot of examples during Diwali an Indian festival of lights. I appreciate your video on this topic - brought back some wonderful memories.

[@prsearls]

I have a Super Takumar 50mm f/1.4 on my old Asahi Spotmatic that is in very good mechanical and optical condition. Mine doesn't have the IR focus markings you show but does have the "bulging" rear element. Since I bought this camera in 1965 in Vietnam, I'm confident this has eight elements. It's a real gem. Perhaps it is time to bring it out of retirement if I can get adapters for Canon EF, RP and Sony E mounts.

[@GrumpyTim]

I've been looking for one of these at a good price - I'd better hurry up before everyone sees your video and it pushes the prices up!!! Great video, very desirable lens, thanks for the info.

[@Simonsutak]

Many thanks. I waited a long time to find an affordable 8 element version and eventually found one that was incorrectly listed, so it was cheaper than it should have been....it still happens sometimes, you just need a bit of good luck. (And not so many people understanding how good these lenses can be!).

[@GrumpyTim]

@@Simonsutak Yeah, I keep my eye out for incorrectly listed stuff - I do get some lucky finds from time to time so I'm sure I'll get one of these eventually. I was given a totally mint Helios 44M-4 a couple of days ago so I'm quite chuffed about that, just started filming a video with it today. Vintage lenses are addictive!!!!!

[@ldenglish316]

Thank you for the excellent review of these lenses. I own a Super Takumar and delighted with the sharp colorful pictures it produces. The lamp you recomend clears up the yellow very quickly

[@philipcolumbus3054]

The Asahi Pentax was my first camera. I bought one with the SMC 50mm, the 28mm, and the 200mm. I sold the 200mm (foolish move) and replaced it with a Vivitar zoom. I always thought that camera and lens produced some great photos. I'm digitizing them now and the sharpness and colors are amazing.

[@steverobinson9801]

Thanks for another interesting video. I have several versions of Pentax 50mm f/1.4 s. I'm fortunate to have an 8 element version which I've been using especially wide open. I've also just purchased an s-m-c version I'm looking forward to trying. Good shooting.

[@mushy_GLX]

Hats off sir, I sold my Super multi coated Tak and after few days I already miss it. I can not justify twice the price for the 8 element since I always shoot wide open or at f2 at max stopped down. So I will be buying same one again. Thanks foe the vid

[@Simonsutak]

The S-M-C is such a beguiling lens! I don't use it much, and have thought of selling it...but when I do I always enjoy the experience and the images.

[@CraigBickerstaff]

I've got the 7 elements version from what I can tell, it was given to me along with some other lenses and a camera very similar to the one shown in this video. I had to get up to check and see if it was the 8-element or 7-element. Though I've only recently started using it for video since I got a mount for my C300 and the shutter sticks on my Pentax camera.

[@mikehollingworth8732]

Hi Simon, one of the most informative and excellent review seen in a long time.

[@GerjanvanOosten]

The Super-Takumar 1:1.4/50 was made from 1964 - 1965. It was introduced along the Spotmatic just before the Olympic Games in Tokyo that year.

[@jensknappe2485]

Very detailed and skillful video !!! Purchased a few weeks ago one of the fourth type, a SMC Takumar 50mm f1.4, No. 7781474. Wonderful lens ! Use it on M42 film cameras like Praktica, Fujica, Contax without exception. Like the difference between the soft rendering at f1.4 / f2.0 and the sharper rendering at f4.0 and above. Like the smooth focusing with this lens too. I think, it's a bit radioactive ?? But i accept that, i don't take it for a pillow.

[@thomasphillips5850]

In addition I find it very interesting that leica made adapters for pentax lenses before they made any other adapters. Kinda gives you a heads up. To this day if I am looking at Kodachrome slides I can still pick out the pentax shots over everything else. Thanks again

[@CampanelliCMP]

Dear Simon. I bought Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50/1.4. It arrived today. Amazing piece of glass. Thank you for advice.

[@Simonsutak]

Fantastic!

[@johnembry9055]

Very good .Love your explanation of each lens I have several of them. Don't have the eight element yet.

[@neilpiper9889]

I still have my Pentax spotmatic with the 50mm Super Takumar 1.8 lens that I bought in the late 1970s. Painterly is a good description for it

[@dasia7920]

Hey! I just got my hands on two spotmatics - one with this 50mm lense, which is why I watched your video. I laughed from reading your account name as in my native language it means brain, I thought.. he couldn't possibly mean that though? Maybe it stands for something else. Lo and behold, I read your about section and chuckled so hard. Subscribed forever.

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you!! Have fun with the Spotmatics/lenses.

[@ajfresco]

Excellent insights. Perfectly done, thanks!

[@Simonsutak]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jonlouis2582]

Very well done video. I'm not wild about Pentax cameras, but I think it's hard to fault the lenses.I haven't been bowled over by the 8 element version, but I'm pretty sure it's down to user error.I think my favorite is the SMC.

[@LC-rj6ok]

I'm 4 years late on this. Are these better than the Takumar 55mm lenses? I've recently re-discovered the joy of shooting vintage lenses on the new mirrorless lenses we have today. After 15yrs as a pro, the joy of photography can easily be lost. I've found some great Carl Zeiss East German lenses that render beautifully, Leica R lenses, The Canon FD range and the Nikon 50mm Pancake lens was a real surprise for sharpness (the older f1.4 was disappointing.) But I recently bought a box of vintage Pentax cameras and have now discovered that the lenses are considered some of the best. Your channel has helped me identify the 4 different 55mm lenses I have and am keeping the Super Takumar f2 over the SMC f1.8 as it's one of the last ones before the SMC range and appears to have the thorium glass. But are these 50mm f1.4's better from a creative and interesting point of view?

[@JaredTremper]

Wonderful video. I picked up the 8 element version last autumn and fell in love with it.

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you! I hope I did justice to these wonderful lenses. To me the 8 elements is a small lens (compared to today's behemoth fast fifies) with a huge heart. I own two copies and tried to buy third last weekend. It was poorly listed on ebay....but others spotted it too!

[@JaredTremper]

@@Simonsutak I agree, and you did do justice to these fine lenses. It makes me want to keep an eye out for the super-multi-coated 50mm. I have the 35mm F3.5 as well, and the Super-Takumar 85mm F1.9. I picked that one up for $15 USD a couple years ago. It had a bit of fungus, but a friend cleaned it up and it’s nice. Oh, and the Super-Tak 135mm F3.5. All lovely in their own way. Build. Coatings. Focusing rings. All endemic of that glorious m42 Pentax glass. Cheers!

[@rrysiekk]

..I have one with 8 parts, but after watching your video I decided to buy one with 7 parts! :) ..thanks for a good video!!! :)

[@tetraskele9621]

Very thorough and informed. If I had seen THIS video before I bought my Takumar I would likely bought the early 8, or maybe even tried to find a solid copy of a Super-Multi-Coated lens. Ahh ... hindsight. I am impressed by your expertise, at least in terms of the art and history of photography, as well as your knowledge optics. Thank you.

[@irmasalla]

Great Channel Simon. Really enjoyable. I have 2 copies of the S-M-C 1.4 7 elements and it is so great, one copy sharper than the other wide open. I had one 8 element version and my copy was extremely foggy and soft wide open. Bad luck I supposed.

[@vivianvaldi7871]

Ye plus 200 to 300$ more expensive.

[@steven1811]

I really enjoyed this video. A great wealth of information.

[@thurthevintagelens]

Thank You for another Great Video, The Jansjo lamp most are led, will Led remove the yellow? searched UV but nothing comes out in market searches. again Thank you, your one of my favorite Lens reviewers and enjoy your style and critiques.

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you. The IKEA lamp does remove the yellowing on Takumar lenses. I've read somewhere it doesn't always work on all other lenses, but it does on my Takumars.

[@thurthevintagelens]

@@Simonsutak again thank you.

[@Minolta_Andy]

A fabulous informative review. Thank you.

[@Narsuitus]

I own and use these 50mm lenses: Argus C3 50mm f/3.5 Coated Cinta Asahi 50mm f/1.4 Super Takumar (8-element) (49mm filter) Asahi 50mm f/1.4 Super Takumar (7-element) (49mm filter) Fujinon 50mm f/1.4 EBC (49mm filter) Fujinon 50mm f/1.4 (49mm filter) Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AF-D (52mm filter) Nikon 50mm f/1.8 Series E (52mm filter) All, except the Argus, produce high-quality images. Of the seven, the 8-element 50mm f/1.4 Super Takumar is my personal favorite.

[@Whywas6scared]

A very useful breakdown, thank you. It looks like I have the least noteworthy version (7 element super takumar). However, I bought it very cheaply in a job lot with fungus inside. It was easy to clean though, due to the simple construction and high quality glsss.

[@realfolkfan9421]

amazing video , made me not only learn but literally i placed order for version 1, 3 and 4. i was lucky to find these on good price today. cant wait to play with and then will keep the one. but dont hold me on that, i had same plans for 4 Helios sitting in my collection :(

[@Simonsutak]

Excellent! I hope you enjoy using them and please let me know if/when you post photos.

[@schizophrantic]

I found one of these in a bookstore. Paid 2 cents for it and got a toaster as a bonus.

[@paulgood2218]

I really enjoy your photography videos

[@gatsbysgarage8389]

I might be the luckiest guy on the planet but I inherited a Spotmatic 1 with a 7 element super tak - got it tested and it puts out around 28,000cpm of alpha radiation - and a SMC 50mm from a different relative with a Spotmatic ii, all in fantastic shape with additional lenses. Also yes, the radiation is not dangerous, I even had it examined by a chemistry supply shop that specializes in uranium ore

[@gatsbysgarage8389]

And I’ll tell ya, the pictures with the super tak are incredible even for a beginner like me, and the radioactive decay actually gives a really nice hue to photos

[@Simonsutak]

Lucky you have relatives with such good taste in cameras/lenses!! Thanks for the radiation reading information.

[@Rainy78]

Love the detailed video. Thanks for sharing! I have the 7 element, radioactive version. Im seeing the 8 element version on ebay for $350 Canadian, yikes!

[@albertocavalli337]

thanks for the great videos you shared, very well exposed. The only certain way to recognize the 8 lens version is to refer to the rear lens. There are copies of 7-lens lenses built with parts typical of the 8-lens version

[@scottparis6355]

I love this lens! I have all four versions, plus extras because sometimes they just come with camera bodies. In the 70's, I used a Leica M4 with the Summilux 1.4 50mm, and thought that lens was amazing. Now I'd be curious to see an objective comparison between that lens and the Pentax ones. My guess would be that they're not all that different.

[@ThePedalboardOrchestra]

Great video, I appreciate your knowledge so much! 👋👋

[@brucecggallagher1949]

Hi Simon, I much appreciate your experiences being demonstrated here in this video. I've just purchased a Pentax KP (yet to arrive) and I was looking for some samples from the various 50mm lenses. This video was of immense help.(I used to work in the photo industry in the 70's/80's.) Cheers from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

[@Simonsutak]

Hi, hope you’re enjoying your KP now!

[@brucecggallagher1949]

IMGP0629.jpg@@Simonsutak yes.

[@brucecggallagher1949]

I've gone a little overboard because of an upcoming project and will receive the 50mm f1.2 from Japan today. The f1.4 will have to wait for a while. Have you ever experimented with the 90mm f2.8 Panagor?

[@AntonioSilva-lj1yh]

Hey Simon! Thanks for these mini-documentaries about these lovely little vintage lenses. I'm thinking of buying one to use on my sony crop sensor and see how I like the manual lens ocmpared to my modern lenses. Would you recommend this 50 1.4 or the 55 1.8 for a first vintage lens ? And if none of these, is there another lens I should be looking into ? Thanks once again for the great work, please do keep it up!

[@Simonsutak]

Many thanks for your kind words. As a general purpose lens, I personally tend to prefer the extra reach of a 55mm lens, even on crop. You'll need a M42 adapter, and this will give you the ability to buy/use a large number of fascinating lenses of different focal lengths!! My first purchase after using a Takumar 55mm f1.8, was a Helios 44-2. A lot of fun trying to capture artistic swirly bokeh. And then a Takumar 50mm f1.4 - clearly a superior lens in terms of speed and very smooth bokeh, and still has good reach on a crop sensor. It depends on what types of compositions you're looking for. If you take a lot of wide open shots, the f1.4 is a better option. One other good value lens owners like a lot is the Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Oreston 50mm f1.8.

[@AntonioSilva-lj1yh]

@@Simonsutak I tend to prefer wider on crop, generally 20-30mm to be 35-50 FF equiv. But on the ~85ish equiv range I too prefer the extra reach of 55 to 50. So maybe I start there. I'll continue checking your videos to see if there is a 23-24-25 mm vintage lens I might like too. Thanks again!

[@jmoss99]

Simon! Question: I am looking into reasons for the following. I have been testing my Canon nFD 24mm f2.8 and my Olympus OM-System H.Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f2.8 lenses. I noticed something strange. The Olympus H.Zuiko 24mm f2.8 has a much wider field of view (maybe 2X) than the Canon nFD 24mm lens. I have noticed that the front lens on the Olympus is much more rounded than the Canon. Also, these are both on adapters for my Sony A7Rii. Other than this, I am at a loss for an explanation. Any ideas? Wouldn't all 24mm lenses have the same Field of View?

[@jmoss99]

Here is an update. I compared the Takumar 24mm f3.5 with the first two and found that the Takumar and the Olympus were the same Field of View. The Canon was about half the Field of View of the other two. Weird. Asahi Super Multi Coated Takumar 24mm f3.5 Olympus OM-System H.Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f2.8 Canon nFD 24mm f2.8

[@Simonsutak]

I don't know the Olympus or its optical design/configuration. All I can say is that I've been testing two 58mm lenses this week - a Takumar 58mm f2 and a Takumar 58mm f2.4 and I've been surprised at the different fov's. The lenses have completely different optical designs (a Heliar and a Sonnar) so that must be the reason....

[@jmoss99]

Soo weird... What were they up to back then?

[@jmoss99]

Maybe they have been worked on, cleaned for example and not reassembled correctly? That could be what is going on here.

[@ahoyhere8113]

thank you, this is exactly what i needed to know and i loved the way you presented it!

[@kenmonahan9924]

Thanks Simon that’s very helpful video as always. I managed to find an 8 element version from the USA this morning, price looked good but when you add the import duty a bit steep! anyway bought now and looking forward to dreamy bokeh!

[@Simonsutak]

Enjoy your new lens! (It's an investment not a cost!!). Yes, those duties + handling do add up, but as long as you know you're going to get charged, it's not such a shock. I recently bought a lens from Japan, and it was very accurately described and worth the duties paid....

[@kenmonahan9924]

@@Simonsutak agreed, last time I bought from USA I got the duty before delivery, this time at check out so was not expecting it. I still pressed buy!!

[@kaushikchatterjee9137]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼Great video discussion about legendary reputeted(my hot fevourite) TAKUMAR lenses.❤

[@jmoss99]

Your first version has a upper 6 digit serial number which is pretty near one million. So it is not that rare. I just went through this serial number tracking thing with my latest purchase of radioactive Auto Rikenon 55mm f1.4 lens. I had a 6 digit version that was not radioactive oddly and wanted to find a low 5 digit serial number version that was more likely to be radioactive. I found one in first class condition and it radioactive. My Asahi Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 Radioactive 2250 CPM is SN 3237402. Radioactive lenses were made to reduce Chromatic Aberration. I find that having a variaty of these lenses with their different color performances gives me options. I can use a lens for a photo based on what I want out of the photo.

[@Simonsutak]

Many thanks for your very interesting comment. As I'm sure you know, the serial numbers of the Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 8 elements version are discussed here: takumarguide.weebly.com/1--14--50-358-8-element.html. My version seems to be one of 5-6,000 lenses made out of the total 128,000 copies, so rarer but as you write not that rare. However, personally I've only ever seen two copies of these early "transitional" versions for sale on-line, so to me they are rare!!

[@jimmoss9584]

I went to that website. I don't get his graph. The numbers... I will read on.

[@Simonsutak]

@@jimmoss9584 Ha! I didn't understand that graph either.

[@jimmoss9584]

How do we know that any of these numbers are real?

[@Simonsutak]

@@jimmoss9584 I don't know. But my own earlier lens's specific serial number is on the list - to cut and paste. "998134 to 999521 (36/ 1387) C" My lens (998134) does seem to be a "Varieties" C. On Pentax Forums, members have listed the serial numbers of their lenses - but there are only 90 on the list, and only one is below one million. www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-serial-number-database/?do=viewserials&id=127&sort=&order=desc

[@vaskomediainc933]

Thank you for this video. Great knowledge here. Appreciate it.

[@d30gaijin]

Thank you for another great video. I may be a bit late to the party but I deeply appreciate all your work. I have the "Super-Multi-Coated" 50/1.4 but I'll keep looking for the 8 element version. I'm a Leica geek but I appreciate everything vintage. Of late I have been playing with old and new versions of Meyer Optik lenses. Talk about character, they have it in spades... maybe not to some folks' liking but definitely unique. One just needs to know what to do with such character... something I am still working on.

[@zuzu-ms7mf]

Hello Simon. Thanks for this great channel. I've recently purchased and received a 7 element super Takumar 50mm lens thanks to your videos. I would please like some help. I've got the M42 to Nikon F adapter, but, it doesn't allow full infinity focus due to the design. Do you know of any adaptors or solution to use this lens on Nikon F mount. Thank you

[@kamalbhattacharyya902]

I am still using Pentex SMC lenses & Pentex camera & reselt is very good.

[@ansamedia6143]

Great video! A weird but possibly useful question for others who may have bad (scratched) copy of the 8 element. Does the 7 element and 8 element versions both have the same dimensions? I mean, would it be possible to switch the front elements between the 2 or are they completely different in size? Thanks!

[@PhilipSalen]

Your videos and explanations are fantastic. I bought a supertakumar f/1.4 50 mm several years ago to demonstrate to students that when I put a geiger counter over it, it's radioactive. The lens is yellowed. After watching your video, I believe that it is a 7 element 2nd gen lens with a serial number near 3 million. What m42 adapter do you use to adapt it to your sony a6000? Please consider starting a Patreon account so we can donate to you.

[@thenexthobby]

What learned tonight is that there's no trouble whatsoever finding an 8-element version so long as you have a solid $300 or so for eBay.

[@jimmason8502]

I bought the 8 element version and it indeed does have Pixie dust inside. Quite an amazing lens wide open.

[@JanHof]

Very informative and good and solid advice. Thanks.

[@Simonsutak]

Glad it was helpful!

[@spotsill]

Thanks for the excellent video , education and for information 👍👍.

[@roy.mclean]

Hi. I watched this video the other day and I just received my M42 Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 serial number 1384342. It has the IR mark to the right of the 4, but without the "R". However the rear element of the lens looks like neither of the 7 and 8 element examples shown. In both examples the glass element is higher than the threaded part of the mount. My lens has the rear element a few mm lower than the threaded collar. Looking down inside below the threaded collar it appears to more like the 8 element lens than the 7 element lens. I'm curious if this is another version of the lens or it may have been repaired, retrofitted or otherwise altered? The aperture switch has a red "M" and "R" like the 8 element rather than displaying "AUTO" as shown on the 7 element. I'm curious if this is another version of the lens or it may have been repaired, retrofitted or otherwise altered?

[@miriammoriarty8588]

Love this channel, I'm learning so much.

[@Simonsutak]

Great to hear, thank you!

[@NullStaticVoid]

Been hearing about Super Takumars for years. My micro 4/3rds friends all seemed to have one of these adapted to their mirrorless. While $300 is more than I want to pay for an adapted lens, This looks like a really solid lens. I am finding that 50mm seems to have been the most popular focal length back in the film era. Just about every brand and mount of glass seems to be flooded with 50s. (Or 55 or 58) Maybe I'll just camp out on ebay until someone slips up.

[@gatsbysgarage8389]

From what I’ve noticed, if you’re willing to buy a “package deal” of a Spotmatic and lens, I believe it’s easier to get ahold of one for less than the lens is on it it’s own- pretty sure I saw one for under $200 that way

[@KEDEMChannel]

Lovely Chanel . I subscribed. I have 2 takumars so far the 35m and 135m

[@txusicB]

and the 7 elements super takumar (not multicoated)? how does it compare to the rest? thanks in advance for a reply, and also for the videos, very interesting and informative!

[@Simonsutak]

My own view is that the 7 elements versions are not quite a sharp wide open as the 8 element version, and don't resolve quite as well as the multi-coated versions, especially colour contrasts. But they still produce lovely results and dreamy bokeh.

[@txusicB]

@@Simonsutak thanks ever so much for the response! i bought the 1.8 s-m-c version.. still testing it!

[@nandanaufal4032]

really enjoy your videos. thank you

[@stephenwall9036]

Your videos are excellent. Much appreciated! I have the radioactive super multi coated version and it certainly has some magic. Bit nervous about the radioactive nature of it. I need to de-yellow it, but love it so far.