Super-Takumar 35/3.5 M42

shutterdrone · 10-01-2007, 03:23 PM

So, I found one of these in great condition at a local camera shop for $30, is this lens worth it and the price of an adapter to K?

I'm finding some conflicting info online, some are saying it's great, and some are saying it's soft. I'm trying to start finding some "sharper" alternatives to the Sigma 17-70 I've been using and I'm hoping this 35/3.5 could be a bargain performer. (A recent trip left me a bit, erm, "underwhelmed" at f/16 - works great on the kayak from f/8 to f/11, but I just couldn't find good detail in the f/16 shots.)

!c

regken · 10-01-2007, 03:40 PM

Very sharp through f11. I've never used it above that. Look for a K or M 28mm f3.5. The are usually cheap and you will love it.

Regards,

ken

**Eaglerapids** · 10-01-2007, 04:02 PM

I won one on eBay but I'm still waiting for it to arrive, maybe today, I hope. I've seen the same mixed reports, seems as though the SMC version may be better but I don't have any first hand experience with either, yet. I bought the adapter awhile back and this will be my first screw mount lens. I have a Vivitar 28/2.8 and the more I shoot with it, the more I like it.
$30 is a pretty good price for the one you're looking at, I paid $53 for mine, plus shipping.

carpents · 10-01-2007, 04:04 PM

Originally posted by shutterdrone

So, I found one of these in great condition at a local camera shop for $30, is this lens worth it and the price of an adapter to K?

I'm finding some conflicting info online, some are saying it's great, and some are saying it's soft. I'm trying to start finding some "sharper" alternatives to the Sigma 17-70 I've been using and I'm hoping this 35/3.5 could be a bargain performer. (A recent trip left me a bit, erm, "underwhelmed" at f/16 - works great on the kayak from f/8 to f/11, but I just couldn't find good detail in the f/16 shots.)

!c

Then stop shooting at f/16. Softness due to diffraction starts at f/8 with that lens.

The Super-Tak 35/3.5 that I have is very sharp, especially from f/5.6 - f/8. It's maximum aperture of f/3.5 makes it really dark through the viewfinder, though, so it is only useful in very bright light.

shutterdrone · 10-02-2007, 11:10 AM

Originally posted by carpents

Then stop shooting at f/16. Softness due to diffraction starts at f/8 with that lens.

You're right, I shouldn't be shooting at f/16, in general - but at the time, it was pretty much required. Honestly, it's a great lens - but even at f/6, my M50/2 is a bit sharper. Only 'need' the zoom on the boat, everything else I can carry primes. (And considering the price of the newer K primes lately, M42 may be a good option in general.)

So, I got the 35/3.5 Super Takumar, and a SMC Takumar 300/4 for $160 combined, ($30 for the 35 and $130 for the 300) now, I'm just going to twiddle my thumbs until an adapter comes in. Hehe.

!c

10-01-2007, 03:23 PM	#1
shutterdrone Forum Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Houston Posts: 75	Super-Takumar 35/3.5 M42 So, I found one of these in great condition at a local camera shop for $30, is this lens worth it and the price of an adapter to K? I'm finding some conflicting info online, some are saying it's great, and some are saying it's soft. I'm trying to start finding some "sharper" alternatives to the Sigma 17-70 I've been using and I'm hoping this 35/3.5 could be a bargain performer. (A recent trip left me a bit, erm, "underwhelmed" at f/16 - works great on the kayak from f/8 to f/11, but I just couldn't find good detail in the f/16 shots.) !c

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10-01-2007, 03:40 PM	#2
regken Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bangor, Maine Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,377	Very sharp through f11. I've never used it above that. Look for a K or M 28mm f3.5. The are usually cheap and you will love it. Regards, ken

10-01-2007, 04:02 PM	#3
Eaglerapids Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Idaho,USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,619	I won one on eBay but I'm still waiting for it to arrive, maybe today, I hope. I've seen the same mixed reports, seems as though the SMC version may be better but I don't have any first hand experience with either, yet. I bought the adapter awhile back and this will be my first screw mount lens. I have a Vivitar 28/2.8 and the more I shoot with it, the more I like it. $30 is a pretty good price for the one you're looking at, I paid $53 for mine, plus shipping.

10-01-2007, 04:04 PM	#4
carpents Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: West Chester, PA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,420	Originally posted by shutterdrone So, I found one of these in great condition at a local camera shop for $30, is this lens worth it and the price of an adapter to K? I'm finding some conflicting info online, some are saying it's great, and some are saying it's soft. I'm trying to start finding some "sharper" alternatives to the Sigma 17-70 I've been using and I'm hoping this 35/3.5 could be a bargain performer. (A recent trip left me a bit, erm, "underwhelmed" at f/16 - works great on the kayak from f/8 to f/11, but I just couldn't find good detail in the f/16 shots.) !c Then stop shooting at f/16. Softness due to diffraction starts at f/8 with that lens. The Super-Tak 35/3.5 that I have is very sharp, especially from f/5.6 - f/8. It's maximum aperture of f/3.5 makes it really dark through the viewfinder, though, so it is only useful in very bright light.

10-02-2007, 11:10 AM	#5
shutterdrone Forum Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Houston Posts: 75 Original Poster	Originally posted by carpents Then stop shooting at f/16. Softness due to diffraction starts at f/8 with that lens. You're right, I shouldn't be shooting at f/16, in general - but at the time, it was pretty much required. Honestly, it's a great lens - but even at f/6, my M50/2 is a bit sharper. Only 'need' the zoom on the boat, everything else I can carry primes. (And considering the price of the newer K primes lately, M42 may be a good option in general.) So, I got the 35/3.5 Super Takumar, and a SMC Takumar 300/4 for $160 combined, ($30 for the 35 and $130 for the 300) now, I'm just going to twiddle my thumbs until an adapter comes in. Hehe. !c