This is the fastest of the 85mm screwmount lenses.
The original version, which is pictured, was produced in 1960, while the super-multi-coated version was produced 12 years later, in 1972, and has a different optical construction.
1960: Auto-Takumar 1:1.8/85 - see photo and first lens diagram
Weight
Diam x Length
Filter Diameter
Min. Focus
Max. Magnification
Unknown
Unknown
55 mm
85 cm
0.13x (calculated)
Diagonal FOV (APS-C)
Horizontal FOV (APS-C)
Min. Aperture
Max. Aperture
19 degrees
16 degrees
f/16
f/1.8
Diagonal FOV (24x36)
Horizontal FOV (24x36)
Diaphragm
Optical Construction
29 degrees
24 degrees
Semi-automatic
5 elements, 4 groups
1972: Super-Multi-Coated TAKUMAR 1:1.8/85 - see second lens diagram
I can recommend the Super-Multi-Coated TAKUMAR/Auto-Takumar 85mm F1.8: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $200.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Fast portrait lens with very good sharpness (even wide open), great contrast, solidly built, no autofocus
Cons:
Much sought after (can be expensive), no autofocus
The 85/1.8 Auto-Takumar shouldn't be put in the same category as the 85/1.8 S-M-C Takumar as they are not the same lens. The 85/1.8 Auto-Takumar, like its successors the 85/1.9 Super-Takumar and the 85/1.9 S-M-C Takumar, is a 5 element/4 group lens, whereas the 85/1.8 S-M-C Takumar is an improved design with 6 elements in 6 groups.
The 85/1.8 S-M-C Takumar has more sharpness and contrast below f/4.0 than both its predecessors and the 85/2.0 SMC Pentax M lens. It is perfectly usable wide open, has a marvelous bokeh and much less purple fringing on digital than the FA 77 LE.
It is the must sought after lens of all the screw mount Pentax 85s but it usually goes for less than the 85/1.8 SMC-Pentax K, despite the fact that the latter shares the very same optical formula.
I can recommend the Super-Multi-Coated TAKUMAR/Auto-Takumar 85mm F1.8: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): N/A
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Sharp, Fast, Very Well Built
Cons:
Its screw mount?
This review is for the SMC Takumar 85mm f/1.8. I am very impressed with the optical qualities of this lens, and think it lives up to its legend of being one of Pentax's best lenses. Its sharp, fast, very well built, a dream to focus, has beautiful bokeh. I have yet to see signs of CA, despite shooting some very contrasty scenes. When looking for examples on the net, before purchasing, I was unable to find many good examples. After shooting with this lens for a couple of days, I have to believe the reason for the lack of quaility samples has to be due to focusing errors.
Registered: April, 2008
Posts: 1524
Location: Seattle WA. USA
Lens Review Date: September 19, 2008
I can recommend the Super-Multi-Coated TAKUMAR/Auto-Takumar 85mm F1.8: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $500.00
| Rating: 9
Pros:
Sharp, nice color, build quality
Cons:
screw mount
An absolute joy to use, especially after looking at the results. I haven't used this lens a whole lot yet but so far I really love it. I am also new to Takumars and the focus is sooo smooooth on these lenses. I like the look of the colors this lens produces also. Great in low light and great bokeh in most situations. Certainly plenty sharp!! I am liking the manual focus lenses also because I like the control and it gives me a feel of bonding with camera/lens and subject. I am new to all this also so keep that in mind when vieiwing the photos I have posted.
BTW I hated giving this lens a 9 rating because of the average 10 before. I quess I gave it a 9 because its a screw mount. The lens I purchased is in near mint condition so thats the only reason I paid that high of a price. Still, its a bit high. Wish the price of Takumars would go back down but there has been a new birth of interest since they are known for a high image quality and you can't say enough about the quality of build. A real dream!!
I can recommend the Super-Multi-Coated TAKUMAR/Auto-Takumar 85mm F1.8: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $320.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Build and IQ
Cons:
That it's manual everything - but you knew that
This review is for the Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 85/1.8.
Optically, this has got to be the best lens I have ever owned. It is simply wonderful, very sharp and with buttery smooth bokeh. It is sharp wide open beyond my wildest expectations. Looses a little bit of contrast at 1.8, but picks up at 2.0.
DOF at 1.8 is of course very thin, and with the limitations of viewfinders on DSLRs (which are optimized for AF with slow kit zoom lenses), focusing is difficult, even though a split screen helps quite a bit.
It is the perect potraiture lens. Even though the crop factor means that 50s have replaced the focal length in terms of field of view, I much prefer the more flattering compression of perspective of ranges between 70-100 mm.
Registered: May, 2008
Posts: 2832
Location: Rhode Island
Lens Review Date: December 25, 2008
I can recommend the Super-Multi-Coated TAKUMAR/Auto-Takumar 85mm F1.8: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): N/A
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Sharp--lots of contrast--built like a Rolls
Cons:
Auto Takumar f1.8
This is not merely a lens; it is a high-crafted work of art! On this model, the aperture ring is out on the front, adding an exotic touch to it. Performance?
The lens does all the things you want a lens to do, providing great sharpness, contrast and colors. It is the one lens I use which does not require any post processing. The fact that this baby was made in the early 60s, makes you wonder what has been going on in lens technology these past 40+ years. It is sharp even wide open. If I search for criticism, I could say the focus ring requires a bit more force than I would like, though it moves so smoothly I feel almost guilty for complaining. All this, by itself, is enough to make me love the lens.
But, as icing on the cake, its simplistic elegance is so overpowering the lens almost generates feelings of idolatry in its owner. Honestly, it is a genuine treat just to hold the lens in your hands, turning the focus ring to and fro.
I need mention this was gifted to me-- by the original owner--the joys of family! I think I have made a case for why I give a 10.
;)
;)
;)
Honestly, it is a genuine treat just to hold the lens in your hands, turning the focus ring to and fro.