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10-25-2008, 03:29 PM   #1
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Takumar 55/f1.8 zebra

Besides the reviews, can anyone tell me about this lens. I can buy one locally, and was wondering how different this is from a Pentax 50/f1.7? Thanks

10-25-2008, 03:40 PM   #2
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Being a Tak ... I'd say it's definitely be an M42 mount lens ... so you will need an M42 adaptor to use this lens.

But they are easily available.

I can't remember if the striped 55mm was the earlier or the later version ... I'd need to check it out on the M42 page (which i think is still down.).

But going off the way the 55mm f/1.8 takes images .... it'd be a great little lens ... I can't comment on the M50 f/1.7 though as I don't have one ... but I do love my standard garden variety Super Takumar 55mm f/1.8 (as do literally all owners of this lens on this forum).

If you can get it for a good price than why not i guess. The dual coloured lens does look pretty funky as well.
10-25-2008, 03:53 PM   #3
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takumar

I just picked up an adapter, as I just found a great example of the smc takumar 200mm f4 for a whole $3.99 at goodwill. The mount cost me $25 at a small camera shop by my folks house. They want $25 for the zebra. I figure it's a great deal and that I should go and pick it up. It looks super cool on my K10D and the test shots where ridiculously sharp. I think I'm gonna head down there right now and pick it up. I guess $54 bucks for a 200, 55 and an adapter is a good deal.
10-25-2008, 03:57 PM   #4
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That's a damn good deal .. and I can safely say these Taks are good ... really good ... and very affordable.

My 200 f/4 cost me more than yours ... but it still is a very nice lens .. and still a lot cheaper than AF gear. My 85mm /f.9 cost me a bit ... but it is still soooo much cheaper than an FA* 85 ... and the image quality is awesome ... I love it.

I just need to get out and shoot more with my gear ... I just haven't had the time with both jobs.

Go and get that lens for the price ... it is worth every cent ... and when you have it ... there's a really decent Takumar thread in the DSLR Lens section ... and start posting in there along with the many avid Tak users.

Mike Cash is the un-official president of everything Tak on this forum

10-25-2008, 04:47 PM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by Mechan1k Quote
Mike Cash is the un-official president of everything Tak on this forum
Due to poverty rather than skill or knowledge. I can't afford anything else.

If I had been in the store and seen the lens in question for $25 there's no way I would have left without it.
10-25-2008, 05:07 PM   #6
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As much as I love the SMC's, I've discovered that the earlier Tak's are even nicer, though not necessarily to everyone's taste. (Then again - I love the Retina and other folders...)

The simpler coatings result in a bit less contrast / bite to the images, and can do that Leica bloom with light. But only if you want to - in many / most situations I doubt someone can reliably tell the diff between early and late Taks.

I'd want one. For the price you say, I'd skip lunch for a week.
10-25-2008, 06:10 PM   #7
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Must be something special about the Pacific Northwest Goodwill stores. I bid on 2 Taks last week listed by a Seattle Goodwill (55mm and 28mm), but lost both,. I did however manage to get win a Super Tak 55mm that should be here next week. I need to pick up an adapater so I can start shooting. I think the deal you are getting is a sweet one.

10-25-2008, 07:00 PM   #8
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Takumar

I went back, asked the price, even though I knew what it was, and he told me $20 this time. $25 for the adapter and $23.99 for two lenses. Not a bad deal on a lazy Saturday afternoon. Hopefully tomorrow will be just as beautiful out so I can actually use the lenses.
10-25-2008, 07:09 PM   #9
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Tomorrow is supposed to be nice as well. Maybe I'll take my 55 out for a spin as well .
10-25-2008, 07:28 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by pdxbmw Quote
I went back, asked the price, even though I knew what it was, and he told me $20 this time. $25 for the adapter and $23.99 for two lenses. Not a bad deal on a lazy Saturday afternoon. Hopefully tomorrow will be just as beautiful out so I can actually use the lenses.
Nice is right. That Zebra is actually a pretty rare lens. I'd give you 75.00 without a thought if it was in average condition.

This was the top-of-the-line lens in 1958. It was available only with the Pentax K. It was also the first of the famous Gaussian design (6 elements in 5 groups) which became the Pentax standard for the next 40 years in the 50-55mm focal length.

Nice find.

Seaain
10-25-2008, 08:39 PM   #11
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Takumar

How is the 105 f/2.8? I am really impressed so far with the lenses that I picked up, especially the 55 f/1.8. Thanks
10-25-2008, 09:11 PM   #12
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The 105mm is a great lens.

I am going to head out with mine to a local RC car competition just down the road from work.
10-25-2008, 09:26 PM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by pdxbmw Quote
Besides the reviews, can anyone tell me about this lens. I can buy one locally, and was wondering how different this is from a Pentax 50/f1.7? Thanks
Is this the Auto-Takumar ? It went by the same name , I think .

I got mine from a very nice guy . He actually tested me on photography before agreed to sell it ! He just wanted to make sure it went to the "right" folk . It was his first camera .

Got it with 1958 K , last year .
10-25-2008, 09:28 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by pdxbmw Quote
How is the 105 f/2.8? I am really impressed so far with the lenses that I picked up, especially the 55 f/1.8. Thanks
How is the 105/2.8? It is like this.
10-25-2008, 09:36 PM   #15
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105 f/2.8

Great photos. I may go down and pick this lens up tomorrow. I think it was another steal for under $30 bucks.
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