[filmamigo]

Hi folks,

I've recently picked up an SMC Takumar 35mm f/2 lens. I was looking for a 35mm that was faster than my 35mm f/3.5, for use on both my Spotmatic F, and adapted to my LX.

I had an idea of what to expect -- the reviews said it was softer than other lenses of the era, certainly softer than the 3.5. But the Takumar "look" was intact, and it was a good lens if you didn't pixel peep.

So far, I agree with that 100%. I really like the lens. It's not razor sharp, but the pictures are very pleasing.

I only have one concern. Close focus wide open, and the whole picture starts to fall apart. So my question: is it just my copy of the lens? Or do they all do this? Is close focus the achilles heel of the 35 f/2?

I'll share some samples I took around town. The image of real concern is the fire hydrant, taken wide open, at the closest focus setting. Closing down seems to help... the next fire hydrant was taken at f/5.6 or f/8.

Everything else seems ok. The portrait shot was wide open at moderate distance. Even longer distances, like the tree in the park, seem fine wide open.

Anyone have any comments or insight into this lens?

---------- Post added 10-22-15 at 01:04 PM ----------

[dsmithhfx]

You forgot to attach any photos.

Which camera body were you using?

[filmamigo]

They should be attached now. Those were taken with the LX.

[manntax]

Don't see any photos, but I know one thing for sure : the s-m-c takumar 35mm f2 is a superb lens also close focused and wide open. here are some shotos on my K-1, all taken at F2.0

S-M-C Takumar 35mm F2

S-M-C Takumar 35mm F2

S-M-C Takumar 35mm F2

S-M-C Takumar 35mm F2

S-M-C Takumar 35mm F2

[HYS]

I like this post.

[filmamigo]

Here they are again. On my first post, I see the pictures if I am logged in ... but not if I am logged out.

---------- Post added 10-22-15 at 02:55 PM ----------

Great results manntax. That sets the bar pretty high.

To confirm, my lens is the 49mm filter ring. Is yours?

[manntax]

I like this post.

thanks

Here they are again. On my first post, I see the pictures if I am logged in ... but not if I am logged out. ---------- Post added 10-22-15 at 02:55 PM ---------- Great results manntax. That sets the bar pretty high. To confirm, my lens is the 49mm filter ring. Is yours?

Yeah my lens is also 49mm - here is a photo of it. Your photos doesn't look that bad , but it is hard to say from this size of pictures. Maybe you can post something bigger ? Finally the image quality can deteriorate significantly wide open if lens has a haze or excessive fine dust - my copy is absolutely mint with not a single mark anywhere.

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Last edited by manntax; 10-22-2015 at 01:09 PM.

[filmamigo]

Here's the picture of most concern -- wide open and closest focus, followed by the same shot at a medium aperture.

[dsmithhfx]

The wide-open shot looks like it's not quite focused, like you have it on closest focus, but your not actually at that distance but a bit further away, or the distance from lens to film plane is a bit off. Is it possible the m-42 adaptor mount is the problem? How does it look on your spotmatic?

[filmamigo]

Hmmm, could be. I'll have to test this lens more, on my K-01 and on my Spottie.

Maybe I'm just being too critical of the out-of-focus areas too ... they seem to get that "Petzval swirl."