Super Takumar 35/3.5 resolution

Topsy · 07-17-2018, 05:45 PM

Hello,

Haven't been around here a lot as I've apparently taken an accidental break from photography.

I recently bought a Super Takumar 35/3.5 as I haven't got a decent 35mm lens. They all seem to suffer from resolution issues, my MIR 1v is hard to focus in live view because I can't tell when it's sharpest and my WEP Weiton 35/2 has some serious highlight ghosting.
So when the Takumar popped up on the local equivalent of ebay I thought I'd get that. But 35mm lenses just don't seem to be my thing.

Here's two 100% crops.

Infinity seems worst:

Anything from min focusing distance to 1.2m or so seems better:

Lens barrel looks accident free but I haven't attempted to open it up as I wouldn't know what to look for really.
Is this yet another 35mm lemon to add to my collection or can something be done? I doubt it's normal as the ratings in the database suggest otherwise.

Cheers

Edit: Not sure if I'm venting my frustration or seeking help, but help is, of course, appreciated!

Last edited by Topsy; 07-17-2018 at 06:20 PM.

pschlute · 07-17-2018, 06:09 PM

Are you using a genuine Pentax adapter ?

**Digitalis** · 07-17-2018, 06:11 PM - **4 Likes**

this lens is clearly not focusing accurately at infinity, fortunately this is a pretty quick fix :

1] Remove the lens name ring ( it unscrews anti-clockwise) 2]unscrew the three screws holding the filter attachment barrel - 3] loosen* the screws holding the focus ring the the focusing helicoid - move the focus ring to adjust for accurate infinity focus** - then tighten the screws at the correct focus point and re-assemble the lens.

*do not remove them entirely.

**A fair amount of trial and error is involved here, using live view is recommended.

Topsy · 07-17-2018, 06:19 PM

Originally posted by pschlute

Are you using a genuine Pentax adapter ?

I've tried multiple, none of which are genuine but work fine with my other lenses.

Originally posted by Digitalis

this lens is clearly not focusing accurately at infinity, fortunately this is a pretty quick fix :

1] Remove the lens name ring - 2]unscrew the three screws attaching the filter attachment barrel - 3] loosen* the screws holding the focus ring the the focusing helicoid - move the focus ring to adjust for accurate infinity focus** - then tighten the screws at the correct focus point and re-assemble the lens.

*do not remove them entirely.

**A fair amount of trial and error is involved here, using live view is recommended.

Failed at step one when I tried a few weeks ago when i received the lens but couldn't get the name ring to budge. I tried with the lenscap + rubber glove method. Are there any other ways to get it off that I'm not aware of?

stevebrot · 07-17-2018, 06:25 PM - **1 Like**

Three questions...

What camera?
If Pentax dSLR...What type adapter(genuine Pentax, copy of Pentax, flanged adapter)?The first two fit entirely within the mount opening on the camera. The third type has a flange that covers the body mount face.
Have you had success with any adapted lens on your camera?

Adjusting the lens' infinity focus is possible, but the amount needed for the flanged adapter may be beyond what is available.

Steve

stevebrot · 07-17-2018, 06:31 PM

Originally posted by Topsy

I've tried multiple, none of which are genuine but work fine with my other lenses.

Except for the three 35mm focal length? When a user reports similar issues with multiple adapted lenses, either they are buying really junky lenses, have a problem with their camera, or have an issue with the adapter.

Steve

Topsy · 07-17-2018, 06:40 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by stevebrot

Three questions...

What camera?
If Pentax dSLR...What type adapter(genuine Pentax, copy of Pentax, flanged adapter)?The first two fit entirely within the mount opening on the camera. The third type has a flange that covers the body mount face.
Have you had success with any adapted lens on your camera?

Adjusting the lens' infinity focus is possible, but the amount needed for the flanged adapter may be beyond what is available.

Steve

K-1
Copy of Pentax, flangeless
Yes, everything I've got from 1880 to 1980.

Originally posted by stevebrot

Except for the three 35mm focal length? When a user reports similar issues with multiple adapted lenses, either they are buying really junky lenses, have a problem with their camera, or have an issue with the adapter.

Steve

I'm buying junky 35mm lenses. Funnily enough they all have one thing in common: I bought them in Switzerland and not on ebay from England or Ukraine or during vacations.

This is the only of the 35s that only has an issue at infinity. I believe the WEP is not the best design and glows all over the place and the MIR might really be a lemon or in desperate need of a service. (I don't use the latter on the K-1 anyways, rear element is too close the the mirror for my liking!)

Ned Bunnell · 07-17-2018, 06:41 PM - **1 Like**

As others have suggested, your problem could be the adapter.

I have two 35/f3.5’s and have tested them both with a genuine Pentax adapter on my K-5 IIs with no issues. Here’s a link to a few sample shots that I did recently. It’s actually a nice little lens. Hope you get yours working.

Super-Takumar 1:3.5/35 | Flickr

**.a.t.** · 07-17-2018, 07:07 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Digitalis

this lens is clearly not focusing accurately at infinity, fortunately this is a pretty quick fix :

1] Remove the lens name ring ( it unscrews anti-clockwise) . . .

Originally posted by Topsy

. . .
Failed at step one when I tried a few weeks ago when i received the lens but couldn't get the name ring to budge. I tried with the lenscap + rubber glove method. Are there any other ways to get it off that I'm not aware of?

I've had success by heating the name ring prior to using the cap & glove technique. I just set a lens in front of my space heater for a couple minutes. It's worked the five or ten times I've tried it.

Also, just a word of caution about focus ring grease. I haven't seen any signs of trouble from my lenses, but I suppose it's possible too much heat could cause the grease to melt and migrate..? I hope someone here knows better than I.

Neuse River Sailor · 07-17-2018, 07:32 PM - **1 Like**

If it is an infinity focus issue (and I think it is), it would be worth determining if it is focusing past infinity or not quite to infinity. Try backing off off a hair from the stop and retaking some distant shots and see if that fixes things. If it does, then I think that would suggest it is not the adapter. If the adapter is too thick, that would mean the lens can never get close enough to the sensor to hit infinity, but if the lens gets to infinity and then passes it, the issue is with the lens itself (maybe a thin gasket between the lens and adapter, pushing the lens farther out, would fix it?) Some of the lens pros let us know if this makes sense.

HoutHans · 07-17-2018, 09:26 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by .a.t.

Also, just a word of caution about focus ring grease. I haven't seen any signs of trouble from my lenses, but I suppose it's possible too much heat could cause the grease to melt and migrate..? I hope someone here knows better than I.

That is a risk indeed, so I never heat to anything above the temperature that still allows the lens to be held in the hand. Rubber stops/plugs for washing basins may work as well, in particular when you attach a piece of clean silicon to the bottom as that provides a lot of grip.

Good luck with this!
Hans

D1N0 · 07-18-2018, 03:11 AM

Just try to focus the lens in live view. You will see whether it overshoots infinity or doesn't reach it.

tvdtvdtvd · 07-18-2018, 10:52 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Topsy

couldn't get the name ring to budge. I tried with the lenscap + rubber glove method. Are there any other ways to get it off that I'm not aware of?

I've had good luck using the edge of a roll of electrical tape. The diameter of the roll is just about perfect for a 49mm filter lens.

Topsy · 07-21-2018, 03:44 PM

I initially had the feeling that the resolution deteriorated drastically closer to infinity, but it does seem like the lens simply doesn't focus that far.
(Goes to show how much time I've spent with it on the camera..

)

Originally posted by tvdtvdtvd

I've had good luck using the edge of a roll of electrical tape. The diameter of the roll is just about perfect for a 49mm filter lens.

This seems like a brilliant idea! But it seems like my roll isn't sticky enough. The ring won't budge!

**Just1MoreDave** · 07-21-2018, 07:52 PM

Try unscrewing the whole barrel, everything in front of the focus ring. The Auto-Takumar 55/1.8 works like that.

If you are careful, you can get some drops of penetrating oil in between the name ring and the filter threads. But you don't want oil on the name ring surface or your tool won't work.

I used to keep stubborn lenses around and work at them while watching TV.

07-17-2018, 05:45 PM	#1
Topsy Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 625	Super Takumar 35/3.5 resolution Hello, Haven't been around here a lot as I've apparently taken an accidental break from photography. I recently bought a Super Takumar 35/3.5 as I haven't got a decent 35mm lens. They all seem to suffer from resolution issues, my MIR 1v is hard to focus in live view because I can't tell when it's sharpest and my WEP Weiton 35/2 has some serious highlight ghosting. So when the Takumar popped up on the local equivalent of ebay I thought I'd get that. But 35mm lenses just don't seem to be my thing. Here's two 100% crops. Infinity seems worst: Anything from min focusing distance to 1.2m or so seems better: Lens barrel looks accident free but I haven't attempted to open it up as I wouldn't know what to look for really. Is this yet another 35mm lemon to add to my collection or can something be done? I doubt it's normal as the ratings in the database suggest otherwise. Cheers Edit: Not sure if I'm venting my frustration or seeking help, but help is, of course, appreciated! Last edited by Topsy; 07-17-2018 at 06:20 PM.

07-17-2018, 06:11 PM - 4 Likes	#3
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	this lens is clearly not focusing accurately at infinity, fortunately this is a pretty quick fix : 1] Remove the lens name ring ( it unscrews anti-clockwise) 2]unscrew the three screws holding the filter attachment barrel - 3] loosen* the screws holding the focus ring the the focusing helicoid - move the focus ring to adjust for accurate infinity focus** - then tighten the screws at the correct focus point and re-assemble the lens. do not remove them entirely. A fair amount of trial and error is involved here, using live view is recommended. Last edited by Digitalis; 07-17-2018 at 06:23 PM.*

07-17-2018, 06:25 PM - 1 Like	#5
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Three questions... What camera? If Pentax dSLR...What type adapter(genuine Pentax, copy of Pentax, flanged adapter)?The first two fit entirely within the mount opening on the camera. The third type has a flange that covers the body mount face. Have you had success with any adapted lens on your camera? Adjusting the lens' infinity focus is possible, but the amount needed for the flanged adapter may be beyond what is available. Steve

07-17-2018, 06:40 PM - 1 Like	#7
Topsy Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 625 Original Poster	Originally posted by stevebrot Three questions... What camera? If Pentax dSLR...What type adapter(genuine Pentax, copy of Pentax, flanged adapter)?The first two fit entirely within the mount opening on the camera. The third type has a flange that covers the body mount face. Have you had success with any adapted lens on your camera? Adjusting the lens' infinity focus is possible, but the amount needed for the flanged adapter may be beyond what is available. Steve K-1 Copy of Pentax, flangeless Yes, everything I've got from 1880 to 1980. Originally posted by stevebrot Except for the three 35mm focal length? When a user reports similar issues with multiple adapted lenses, either they are buying really junky lenses, have a problem with their camera, or have an issue with the adapter. Steve I'm buying junky 35mm lenses. Funnily enough they all have one thing in common: I bought them in Switzerland and not on ebay from England or Ukraine or during vacations. This is the only of the 35s that only has an issue at infinity. I believe the WEP is not the best design and glows all over the place and the MIR might really be a lemon or in desperate need of a service. (I don't use the latter on the K-1 anyways, rear element is too close the the mirror for my liking!)

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07-17-2018, 06:09 PM	#2
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,202	Are you using a genuine Pentax adapter ?

07-17-2018, 06:19 PM	#4
Topsy Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 625 Original Poster	Originally posted by pschlute Are you using a genuine Pentax adapter ? I've tried multiple, none of which are genuine but work fine with my other lenses. Originally posted by Digitalis this lens is clearly not focusing accurately at infinity, fortunately this is a pretty quick fix : 1] Remove the lens name ring - 2]unscrew the three screws attaching the filter attachment barrel - 3] loosen* the screws holding the focus ring the the focusing helicoid - move the focus ring to adjust for accurate infinity focus** - then tighten the screws at the correct focus point and re-assemble the lens. do not remove them entirely. *A fair amount of trial and error is involved here, using live view is recommended. Failed at step one when I tried a few weeks ago when i received the lens but couldn't get the name ring to budge. I tried with the lenscap + rubber glove method. Are there any other ways to get it off that I'm not aware of?

07-17-2018, 06:31 PM	#6
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Topsy I've tried multiple, none of which are genuine but work fine with my other lenses. Except for the three 35mm focal length? When a user reports similar issues with multiple adapted lenses, either they are buying really junky lenses, have a problem with their camera, or have an issue with the adapter. Steve

07-17-2018, 06:41 PM - 1 Like	#8
Ned Bunnell Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Posts: 44	As others have suggested, your problem could be the adapter. I have two 35/f3.5’s and have tested them both with a genuine Pentax adapter on my K-5 IIs with no issues. Here’s a link to a few sample shots that I did recently. It’s actually a nice little lens. Hope you get yours working. Super-Takumar 1:3.5/35 \| Flickr

07-17-2018, 07:07 PM - 1 Like	#9
.a.t. Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: yesterday Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,261	Originally posted by Digitalis this lens is clearly not focusing accurately at infinity, fortunately this is a pretty quick fix : 1] Remove the lens name ring ( it unscrews anti-clockwise) . . . Originally posted by Topsy . . . Failed at step one when I tried a few weeks ago when i received the lens but couldn't get the name ring to budge. I tried with the lenscap + rubber glove method. Are there any other ways to get it off that I'm not aware of? I've had success by heating the name ring prior to using the cap & glove technique. I just set a lens in front of my space heater for a couple minutes. It's worked the five or ten times I've tried it. Also, just a word of caution about focus ring grease. I haven't seen any signs of trouble from my lenses, but I suppose it's possible too much heat could cause the grease to melt and migrate..? I hope someone here knows better than I.

07-17-2018, 07:32 PM - 1 Like	#10
Neuse River Sailor Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery Posts: 531	If it is an infinity focus issue (and I think it is), it would be worth determining if it is focusing past infinity or not quite to infinity. Try backing off off a hair from the stop and retaking some distant shots and see if that fixes things. If it does, then I think that would suggest it is not the adapter. If the adapter is too thick, that would mean the lens can never get close enough to the sensor to hit infinity, but if the lens gets to infinity and then passes it, the issue is with the lens itself (maybe a thin gasket between the lens and adapter, pushing the lens farther out, would fix it?) Some of the lens pros let us know if this makes sense.

07-17-2018, 09:26 PM - 1 Like	#11
HoutHans Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Appingedam Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,119	Originally posted by .a.t. Also, just a word of caution about focus ring grease. I haven't seen any signs of trouble from my lenses, but I suppose it's possible too much heat could cause the grease to melt and migrate..? I hope someone here knows better than I. That is a risk indeed, so I never heat to anything above the temperature that still allows the lens to be held in the hand. Rubber stops/plugs for washing basins may work as well, in particular when you attach a piece of clean silicon to the bottom as that provides a lot of grip. Good luck with this! Hans

07-18-2018, 03:11 AM	#12
D1N0 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Location: --- Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,802	Just try to focus the lens in live view. You will see whether it overshoots infinity or doesn't reach it.

07-18-2018, 10:52 AM - 2 Likes	#13
tvdtvdtvd Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,665	Originally posted by Topsy couldn't get the name ring to budge. I tried with the lenscap + rubber glove method. Are there any other ways to get it off that I'm not aware of? I've had good luck using the edge of a roll of electrical tape. The diameter of the roll is just about perfect for a 49mm filter lens.

07-21-2018, 03:44 PM	#14
Topsy Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 625 Original Poster	I initially had the feeling that the resolution deteriorated drastically closer to infinity, but it does seem like the lens simply doesn't focus that far. (Goes to show how much time I've spent with it on the camera.. ) Originally posted by tvdtvdtvd I've had good luck using the edge of a roll of electrical tape. The diameter of the roll is just about perfect for a 49mm filter lens. This seems like a brilliant idea! But it seems like my roll isn't sticky enough. The ring won't budge!

07-21-2018, 07:52 PM	#15
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Try unscrewing the whole barrel, everything in front of the focus ring. The Auto-Takumar 55/1.8 works like that. If you are careful, you can get some drops of penetrating oil in between the name ring and the filter threads. But you don't want oil on the name ring surface or your tool won't work. I used to keep stubborn lenses around and work at them while watching TV.