Takumar 17mm F4, what gives?

Ole · 01-23-2016, 12:12 PM

We are in the process of building a back-end database with data for all Pentax lenses. In this process we're reviewing the information we already have collected.

Many sources including ourselves here claim two versions:

#1: Super-Takumar Fish-Eye 1:4/17
#2: Super-Multi-Coated FISH-EYE-TAKUMAR 1:4/17

This is in line with Pentax lens manuals from way back when.

We have photos of #2.

However, I have never seen a photo of #1!

Instead I have seen photos of a

Fish-Eye-Takumar 1:4/17

The photos reveal that this Fish-Eye-Takumar 1:4/17 has auto aperture and therefore would have been entitled to the "Super" in its name.

My preliminary conclusion is that Pentax marketed this lens under the name Super-Takumar while the engraved name was Fish-Eye-Takumar (no "Super").

Do y'all agree or is a third variant of this lens in existence?

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**jatrax** · 01-23-2016, 12:34 PM

According to "The Ultimate Ashai Pentax Screw Mount Guide" page 98: "Remarks: In fact a Super-Takumar." I take from this that the author also believed the lens was misnamed and was in fact a 'Super' though not inscribed that way.

**WPRESTO** · 01-23-2016, 02:20 PM

Correction (erased erroneous post). Pentax also made an 18mm f11 fisheye that was fixed focus (no focusing ring) and I believe had a fixed aperture as well. Don't think it was as popular as the 17mm f4.

Correction. The 18mm had a manual diaphragm with 11, 16, 22 and 32. No one seems to think well of this lens' performance.

**zoneV** · 01-23-2016, 06:35 PM

I purchased my 17mm fisheye Jan 1968 in Tokyo along with a bunch of Spotmatics & lenses. Owning & using Pentax gear since 1964, I have not seen a 17mm fisheye labeled Super Takumar. This lens is one of my favorites even today. In school, this lens was envied by the NikonF crowd.

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Ole · 04-21-2016, 07:38 PM

Cool, thanks!

krazykat · 04-21-2016, 11:30 PM

Originally posted by zoneV

I purchased my 17mm fisheye Jan 1968 in Tokyo along with a bunch of Spotmatics & lenses. Owning & using Pentax gear since 1964, I have not seen a 17mm fisheye labeled Super Takumar. This lens is one of my favorites even today. In school, this lens was envied by the NikonF crowd.

Your lens looks to be in beautiful condition! *drool*

**gordon_l34** · 04-21-2016, 11:49 PM

Hi,

I have two Fish - Eye - Takumars with the following S/N 3047647 & 2358139.

Regards.

01-23-2016, 02:20 PM	#3
WPRESTO Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Massachusetts Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 59,108	Correction (erased erroneous post). Pentax also made an 18mm f11 fisheye that was fixed focus (no focusing ring) and I believe had a fixed aperture as well. Don't think it was as popular as the 17mm f4. Correction. The 18mm had a manual diaphragm with 11, 16, 22 and 32. No one seems to think well of this lens' performance. Last edited by WPRESTO; 01-23-2016 at 02:33 PM.

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01-23-2016, 12:34 PM	#2
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	According to "The Ultimate Ashai Pentax Screw Mount Guide" page 98: "Remarks: In fact a Super-Takumar." I take from this that the author also believed the lens was misnamed and was in fact a 'Super' though not inscribed that way.

04-21-2016, 07:38 PM	#5
Ole Administrator Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Copenhagen, Denmark Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,408 Original Poster	Cool, thanks!

04-21-2016, 11:30 PM	#6
krazykat Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 546	Originally posted by zoneV I purchased my 17mm fisheye Jan 1968 in Tokyo along with a bunch of Spotmatics & lenses. Owning & using Pentax gear since 1964, I have not seen a 17mm fisheye labeled Super Takumar. This lens is one of my favorites even today. In school, this lens was envied by the NikonF crowd. Your lens looks to be in beautiful condition! drool

04-21-2016, 11:49 PM	#7
gordon_l34 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 779	Hi, I have two Fish - Eye - Takumars with the following S/N 3047647 & 2358139. Regards.