[DavidSKAF3]

Okay, so I just received my first M42 lens I believe. And I am comparing it to the one shown in the lens database, the one that seems to be the closest match, and is not the quite the same. Maybe I am not looking at the right lens in the database?


My lens says Super-Takumar 1:2/55. It has a ring that can be moved to either a Manual or Auto position. Does this mean it is a Super-Auto Takumar? Or just Super? It does not appear to say Pentax anywhere on it, btw. Normal? But the slip-on metal lens cap does say Asahi Pentax. Is this likely the original lens cap, or a substitute? Should the cap say Takumar? Should it be slip on or clip on?


The glass though appears to be really quite flawless, which is good, right?


Just curious. I mean, the cap fits and all. No need to call CNN!


Dave

---

Last edited by DavidSKAF3; 01-02-2014 at 02:19 PM.

[Adam]

As per this page, there are 3 version of the super takumar:
SMC/Super-/Auto-Takumar 55mm F2 Reviews - M42 Screwmount Normal Primes - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

Yours is probably not the same as the one pictured, i.e. an earlier model of the Super Takumar but not an Auto Takumar, which has a predominantly silver finish.

[jatrax]

It has a ring that can be moved to either a Manual or Auto position.

No, the 'ring' lever changes the lens to auto or manual. But auto only worked on certain screw mount cameras. You need to be in manual for it to work on k mount cameras.

This is your lens, but the database listing covers all three 55 f/2s SMC/Super/Auto The Auto tak's are even older than yours.

[DavidSKAF3]

No, the 'ring' lever changes the lens to auto or manual. But auto only worked on certain screw mount cameras. You need to be in manual for it to work on k mount cameras.

This is your lens, but the database listing covers all three 55 f/2s SMC/Super/Auto The Auto tak's are even older than yours.

Yes the one pictured is very similar. One difference is the words AUTO and MANUAL are spelled out, rather than simply the letter A, as in the lens pictured.


Thx so much!

---

Last edited by DavidSKAF3; 01-02-2014 at 02:07 PM.

[boriscleto]

The early first version Super 55/2 has an aperture ring which turns the opposite direction from almost all other Pentax lenses. (The second version of the Auto Takumar 55/1.8 was the same).

You most likely have one of the 3 variants of the second version Super (1965-1973).

The 55/2 didn't get SMC until 1974, that version has a rubberized focus ring.

[DavidSKAF3]

The early first version Super 55/2 has an aperture ring which turns the opposite direction from almost all other Pentax lenses. (The second version of the Auto Takumar 55/1.8 was the same).

You most likely have one of the 3 variants of the second version Super (1965-1973).

The 55/2 didn't get SMC until 1974, that version has a rubberized focus ring.

Thanks! And I see now below too that the some versions have different aperture ranges. Mine is f/2-f/16. The top one is f/2-f/22. Is this difference a plus or a minus, or neither, really?


You guys ever use this lens? Has it ever been involved in a horrific maiming incident or mysterious fatal accident? Should I be extra careful? Those blades look sharp! (Okay! Just a little clowning around now ! I'm a little excited! LOL)

[johnyates]

You guys ever use this lens?

Yes, it's excellent.

[DavidSKAF3]

Yes, it's excellent.

Okay. Thanks! I am looking forward to test driving it!

[sam-joseph]

You guys ever use this lens? Has it ever been involved in a horrific maiming incident or mysterious fatal accident? Should I be extra careful? Those blades look sharp! LOL

Yes, you should be careful. I have the same lens and a lens element has yellowed quite a bit, a consequence of being made from radioactive glass.......

Regards

[boriscleto]

It does not appear to say Pentax anywhere on it, btw. Normal? But the slip-on metal lens cap does say Asahi Pentax. Is this likely the original lens cap, or a substitute? Should the cap say Takumar? Should it be slip on or clip on?

AFAIK Asahi did not label lenses as Pentax until the SMC Pentax K-Mount in 1975. The slip on metal caps that I have all say Asahi Pentax, though I'm sure most would say Honeywell Pentax.

You might also see Takumar lenses with either Asahi or Takumar scratched off. These are grey market lenses and were defaced to avoid customs...

As far as yellowing goes, my Super Tak 55/2 isn't yellowed. Neither is my Auto Tak 55/1.8 or SMC Tak 55/1.8.

My Super Tak 35/2 (67mm) isn't yellowed either, though some claim it is radioactive. The 35/2 (49mm) is radioactive and will yellow.

The only yellowed Taks I have are my Super Tak 50/1.4 (7-element), and S-M-C Tak 50/1.4.

[DavidSKAF3]

I think this is gonna work out okay.

[Kozlok]

A lot of us around here love the Tak 55's. I love mine!