which 1,8/55 to buy

estudleon · 07-05-2009, 09:49 AM

Hi guys.

I can buy a super takumar 1,8/55 and the same but SMA. Which to buy?

I need your help, thanks in advance.

kuuan · 07-05-2009, 10:05 AM

Originally Posted by estudleon

Hi guys.

I can buy a super takumar 1,8/55 and the same but SMA. Which to buy?

I need your help, thanks in advance.

did you mean SMC? and written together, not Super Multi Coated written out? ( S-M-C )
if SMC it has the rubberized focus ring, many prefer the full metal body of the Super Takumar and S-M-C Takumar
IQ wise many value the S-M-C and SMCs higher, but others argue that less coatings could even be of advantage on dSLR..? ( that question could merit a thread )

I have a Super Takumar and a SMC Takumar 55/1.8
here the set of photos with the Super Tak: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kuuan/s...7605822369007/
and here the set of the SMC: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kuuan/s...7606590180792/
but I am afraid the photos shown do not do the lens any justice.

I had the Super Tak first and have preferred the SMC since I have it, but my Super Tak has a bit of fungus.

estudleon · 07-05-2009, 10:12 AM

Thanks Kuuan.

It seems that the SMC is the best choice as I only use film in 35 mm.

kuuan · 07-05-2009, 10:15 AM

agreed...
it also is the younger lens, maybe in better condition?
though personally I must say: the longer I play with manual lenses the more I am attracted to old lenses, the older the better. It maybe their shortcomings which make them attractive over new lenses which may look 'sterile' in comparison.

*raymeedc* · 07-05-2009, 10:24 AM

I have a number of both varieties (1 SMC with the rubber grip, 1 S-M-C with the classic metal grip, & 3 Supers) They're all great lenses, hardly distinguishable from one another, but the SMC versions are said to be preferable for color work, due to the higher contrast of the extra coatings, while the Supers seem to be preferred for their lower contrast rendering of Black & white images. This difference could be just the excuse you need to obtain one of each..... they're certainly cheap enough, probably the best bargain in Pentax's entire historical lineup!

*Blue* · 07-05-2009, 10:46 AM

If you plan to use it on an ES, ESII or Spot F, I would recommend getting the SMC 55mm f1.8 and maybe even the SMC 50mm f1.4. The Super Tak 55mm f1.8 and Super Tak 50mm f1.4 can be a problem on these 3 bodies.

*raymeedc* · 07-05-2009, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by Blue

If you plan to use it on an ES, ESII or Spot F, I would recommend getting the SMC 55mm f1.8 and maybe even the SMC 50mm f1.4. The Super Tak 55mm f1.8 and Super Tak 50mm f1.4 can be a problem on these 3 bodies.

True..... SMCs have the advantage on these, as you will have to stop down your Supers on these bodies to meter. On any of the previous Spotmatics it doesn't matter, as both types have to be stopped down to meter.

estudleon · 07-05-2009, 04:48 PM

Thanks guys, to all.

I read with high interest your posts and decide to see well each lens before buy any.

I will comment to you which I will buy and post the pics.

Thanks again.