What are the real gems in the A, M, K and Takumar series

**Kerrowdown** · 11-19-2008, 01:36 PM

In the "A series" the gems IMHO are the Green Star versions, like 85mm F1.4, 135mm F1.8, 200mm f2.8. (they do seem to be getting rather expensive these days as well)

Mechan1k · 11-19-2008, 10:49 PM

I have a few Super Taks now ... and they are all great lenses for what they do ... and what they cost.

But for quality though (in my line up).

85mm f/1.9
55mm f/1.8
105mm f/2.8
135mm f/3.5 or 35mm f/3.5 (it's a toss up between these 2 for that position)
28mm f/4.5
200mm f/4

Out of the above ... the 200mm isn't up to the standard for the rest ... although the rest of my Tak range is that close it is hard to pick which is a better lens. I haven't used the 28mm as much as I really should though ... same for the 35mm.

My problem ... I don't get enough time to get used to using them all ... let alone getting to use any at the moment.

figmental1978 · 11-19-2008, 11:20 PM

I have to concur with everyone who's mentioned any Takumar lens. My fav would have to be the 55mm 1.8 as it's cheap, sharp, well built, light, durable, fast and versatile. I'll also tip my hat to the 105mm 2.8 and the 135mm 3.5.

john5100 · 11-20-2008, 01:11 AM

You know I have the M50 1.4, the A50 F2, and the M28mm F2.8 Macro and they all work really well.

Here are some samples where I was just playing. They were all done very low light with the shutter ranging from 1/8th to 1/20th.

Old Pentax SMC Lenses - a set on Flickr

feverbeaver · 11-20-2008, 02:02 AM

I think most Takumars are gems.
My unrated List:

28mm 3.5
35mm 3.5
55mm 1.8
55mm 2.0
105mm 2.8
135mm 3.5
200mm 4.0
200mm 3.5

In my opinion, the 55s and the 200mm 3.5 are the best gems. I bought the 200mm 3.5 for 40$.

Marc Sabatella · 11-20-2008, 11:40 AM

Can I ask a dumb question? I'm pretty up on the various different "K" mount lenses - Stan's and Bojidar's sites are very useful for me in sorting out what's what. But the Takumars are still kind of a mystery to me. I gather most are screwmount, although I know there are at least a few Takumar K-mount lenses. And randomly searching for info hasn't turned up anything nearly as comprehensive as Stan's & Bojidar's site. The Wikipedia entry for Takumar at least helps sort out Takumar versus Auto Takumar versus Super Takumar versus SMC Takumar, but still, I'd love to see some objective and subjective info on all the specific Takumars the way I can for the K's. Best I've found thus far is:

Die Cast Pro - Pentax Lenses

But this doesn't seem as complete or as useful to me as I was hoping for...

**Lowell Goudge** · 11-20-2008, 01:58 PM

Originally posted by Marc Sabatella

Can I ask a dumb question? I'm pretty up on the various different "K" mount lenses - Stan's and Bojidar's sites are very useful for me in sorting out what's what. But the Takumars are still kind of a mystery to me. I gather most are screwmount, although I know there are at least a few Takumar K-mount lenses. And randomly searching for info hasn't turned up anything nearly as comprehensive as Stan's & Bojidar's site. The Wikipedia entry for Takumar at least helps sort out Takumar versus Auto Takumar versus Super Takumar versus SMC Takumar, but still, I'd love to see some objective and subjective info on all the specific Takumars the way I can for the K's. Best I've found thus far is:

Die Cast Pro - Pentax Lenses

But this doesn't seem as complete or as useful to me as I was hoping for...

marc

from my limited experience with tak's, I think they are possibly much simpler designs, mostly 6 blade apatures, vs 8 blade with K's for example.

I think the main differences are optical coatings, whether or not they have auto apature (does not help us much but if you have a film body it might)

As you know M stands for mineature, and I don't like them as much as the true K mounts.

For those who are interested on my favourites, I would have to say in order

K50mm - F1.4 great low light lens
K135mm - F2.5 all round compact 135 given the speed
K300mm F4 - still best bang for buck in telephoto
k105 - F2.8 great portrait lens very soft wide open, tack sharp by F5.6
SMC Tak 35 F2 (just got this one very nice, but not enough experience yet)

**Sailor** · 11-20-2008, 05:40 PM

Originally posted by kerrowdown

In the "A series" the gems IMHO are the Green Star versions, like 85mm F1.4, 135mm F1.8, 200mm f2.8. (they do seem to be getting rather expensive these days as well)

I'd also throw in a vote for the A* 85/1.4. I have this lens, and it produces a "look" that nothing else I have can match. Also, the build quality and feel is beyond anythng else I own, including my DA Limiteds (which ain't bad, however).

My problem is one of laziness - I've become so accustomed to AF that I tend to no longer use my MF lenses.

Jer

**Lowell Goudge** · 11-20-2008, 06:08 PM

Originally posted by Sailor

I'd also through in a vote for the A* 85/1.4. I have this lens, and it produces a "look" that nothing else I have can match. Also, the build quality and feel is beyond anythng else I own, including my DA Limiteds (which ain't bad, however).

My problem is one of laziness - I've become so accustomed to AF that I tend to no longer use my MF lenses.

Jer

if you don't want them, I'm sure I can find a good home

veggiesosage · 11-20-2008, 06:40 PM

I'd also put my vote in for the A 70-210mm f4 with its constant apertre and wide open sharpness. Also big fan of my M100mm f2.8 and my latest fave my very cheaply obtained K200mm f4.

**Lowell Goudge** · 11-21-2008, 10:42 AM

Originally posted by veggiesosage

I'd also put my vote in for the A 70-210mm f4 with its constant apertre and wide open sharpness. Also big fan of my M100mm f2.8 and my latest fave my very cheaply obtained K200mm f4.

I'm not knocking the pentax 70-210, but I'll bet the vivitar series 1 version 1 knocks it's socks off.

jocko_nc · 11-21-2008, 01:48 PM

SMC Pentax A 35-105 / 3.5 is a really worthwhile lens. $100 - $125.

richard64 · 11-21-2008, 04:04 PM

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

I'm not knocking the pentax 70-210, but I'll bet the vivitar series 1 version 1 knocks it's socks off.

It would be good to see a shootout between them. I have the A70~210 and I can concur with the others who have recommended it. If the viv is better then I cannot imagine it is by much.

Richard

**Lowell Goudge** · 11-21-2008, 04:18 PM

Originally posted by richard64

It would be good to see a shootout between them. I have the A70~210 and I can concur with the others who have recommended it. If the viv is better then I cannot imagine it is by much.

Richard

Richard

Since we can't get together easily, I propose a challenge of some sort.

the rules are as follows;

One of us proposes a subject, - pets, flowers birds etc. each in sequence, and takes a shot that they feel demonstrates the qualities of the lens, and the other has to shoot under the same conditions (or as close as possible) and we judge based upon the full frame (but resized to post) plus 2 ~10%crops, one center one corner.

I suggest either 6 or 10MP camera as I have an *istD and K10D.

Propose with and without flash if you can do it.
Propose min, max and middle focal length and a similar mix of subject distances, plus macro

I'll even let you pick first. and of course, we should, if you want to go ahead, run this as a new thread. May the best lens win

fearview · 11-22-2008, 07:52 AM

k 50 1.2 - m 50 1.7 - a 50 1.2

--

know nothing about takumars.

11-20-2008, 05:40 PM	#38
Sailor Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Coastal Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 26,205	Originally posted by kerrowdown In the "A series" the gems IMHO are the Green Star versions, like 85mm F1.4, 135mm F1.8, 200mm f2.8. (they do seem to be getting rather expensive these days as well) I'd also throw in a vote for the A* 85/1.4. I have this lens, and it produces a "look" that nothing else I have can match. Also, the build quality and feel is beyond anythng else I own, including my DA Limiteds (which ain't bad, however). My problem is one of laziness - I've become so accustomed to AF that I tend to no longer use my MF lenses. Jer Last edited by Sailor; 11-21-2008 at 03:19 PM. Reason: wretched syntax

11-21-2008, 04:18 PM	#44
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	Originally posted by richard64 It would be good to see a shootout between them. I have the A70~210 and I can concur with the others who have recommended it. If the viv is better then I cannot imagine it is by much. Richard Richard Since we can't get together easily, I propose a challenge of some sort. the rules are as follows; One of us proposes a subject, - pets, flowers birds etc. each in sequence, and takes a shot that they feel demonstrates the qualities of the lens, and the other has to shoot under the same conditions (or as close as possible) and we judge based upon the full frame (but resized to post) plus 2 ~10%crops, one center one corner. I suggest either 6 or 10MP camera as I have an istD and K10D. Propose with and without flash if you can do it. Propose min, max and middle focal length and a similar mix of subject distances, plus macro I'll even let you pick first. and of course, we should, if you want to go ahead, run this as a new thread. May the best lens win Last edited by Lowell Goudge; 11-21-2008 at 05:11 PM.*

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11-19-2008, 01:36 PM	#31
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,815	In the "A series" the gems IMHO are the Green Star versions, like 85mm F1.4, 135mm F1.8, 200mm f2.8. (they do seem to be getting rather expensive these days as well)

11-19-2008, 10:49 PM	#32
Mechan1k Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 2,891	I have a few Super Taks now ... and they are all great lenses for what they do ... and what they cost. But for quality though (in my line up). 85mm f/1.9 55mm f/1.8 105mm f/2.8 135mm f/3.5 or 35mm f/3.5 (it's a toss up between these 2 for that position) 28mm f/4.5 200mm f/4 Out of the above ... the 200mm isn't up to the standard for the rest ... although the rest of my Tak range is that close it is hard to pick which is a better lens. I haven't used the 28mm as much as I really should though ... same for the 35mm. My problem ... I don't get enough time to get used to using them all ... let alone getting to use any at the moment.

11-19-2008, 11:20 PM	#33
figmental1978 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Melbourne Posts: 789	I have to concur with everyone who's mentioned any Takumar lens. My fav would have to be the 55mm 1.8 as it's cheap, sharp, well built, light, durable, fast and versatile. I'll also tip my hat to the 105mm 2.8 and the 135mm 3.5.

11-20-2008, 01:11 AM	#34
john5100 Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,725	You know I have the M50 1.4, the A50 F2, and the M28mm F2.8 Macro and they all work really well. Here are some samples where I was just playing. They were all done very low light with the shutter ranging from 1/8th to 1/20th. Old Pentax SMC Lenses - a set on Flickr

11-20-2008, 02:02 AM	#35
feverbeaver Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Langen, Germany Photos: Gallery Posts: 106	I think most Takumars are gems. My unrated List: 28mm 3.5 35mm 3.5 55mm 1.8 55mm 2.0 105mm 2.8 135mm 3.5 200mm 4.0 200mm 3.5 In my opinion, the 55s and the 200mm 3.5 are the best gems. I bought the 200mm 3.5 for 40$.

11-20-2008, 11:40 AM	#36
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	Can I ask a dumb question? I'm pretty up on the various different "K" mount lenses - Stan's and Bojidar's sites are very useful for me in sorting out what's what. But the Takumars are still kind of a mystery to me. I gather most are screwmount, although I know there are at least a few Takumar K-mount lenses. And randomly searching for info hasn't turned up anything nearly as comprehensive as Stan's & Bojidar's site. The Wikipedia entry for Takumar at least helps sort out Takumar versus Auto Takumar versus Super Takumar versus SMC Takumar, but still, I'd love to see some objective and subjective info on all the specific Takumars the way I can for the K's. Best I've found thus far is: Die Cast Pro - Pentax Lenses But this doesn't seem as complete or as useful to me as I was hoping for...

11-20-2008, 01:58 PM	#37
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	Originally posted by Marc Sabatella Can I ask a dumb question? I'm pretty up on the various different "K" mount lenses - Stan's and Bojidar's sites are very useful for me in sorting out what's what. But the Takumars are still kind of a mystery to me. I gather most are screwmount, although I know there are at least a few Takumar K-mount lenses. And randomly searching for info hasn't turned up anything nearly as comprehensive as Stan's & Bojidar's site. The Wikipedia entry for Takumar at least helps sort out Takumar versus Auto Takumar versus Super Takumar versus SMC Takumar, but still, I'd love to see some objective and subjective info on all the specific Takumars the way I can for the K's. Best I've found thus far is: Die Cast Pro - Pentax Lenses But this doesn't seem as complete or as useful to me as I was hoping for... marc from my limited experience with tak's, I think they are possibly much simpler designs, mostly 6 blade apatures, vs 8 blade with K's for example. I think the main differences are optical coatings, whether or not they have auto apature (does not help us much but if you have a film body it might) As you know M stands for mineature, and I don't like them as much as the true K mounts. For those who are interested on my favourites, I would have to say in order K50mm - F1.4 great low light lens K135mm - F2.5 all round compact 135 given the speed K300mm F4 - still best bang for buck in telephoto k105 - F2.8 great portrait lens very soft wide open, tack sharp by F5.6 SMC Tak 35 F2 (just got this one very nice, but not enough experience yet)

11-20-2008, 06:08 PM	#39
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	Originally posted by Sailor I'd also through in a vote for the A* 85/1.4. I have this lens, and it produces a "look" that nothing else I have can match. Also, the build quality and feel is beyond anythng else I own, including my DA Limiteds (which ain't bad, however). My problem is one of laziness - I've become so accustomed to AF that I tend to no longer use my MF lenses. Jer if you don't want them, I'm sure I can find a good home

11-20-2008, 06:40 PM	#40
veggiesosage Inactive Account Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Nottingham UK Posts: 9	I'd also put my vote in for the A 70-210mm f4 with its constant apertre and wide open sharpness. Also big fan of my M100mm f2.8 and my latest fave my very cheaply obtained K200mm f4.

11-21-2008, 10:42 AM	#41
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	Originally posted by veggiesosage I'd also put my vote in for the A 70-210mm f4 with its constant apertre and wide open sharpness. Also big fan of my M100mm f2.8 and my latest fave my very cheaply obtained K200mm f4. I'm not knocking the pentax 70-210, but I'll bet the vivitar series 1 version 1 knocks it's socks off.

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11-21-2008, 01:48 PM	#42
jocko_nc Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NC USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 251	SMC Pentax A 35-105 / 3.5 is a really worthwhile lens. $100 - $125.

11-21-2008, 04:04 PM	#43
richard64 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: England Posts: 309	Originally posted by Lowell Goudge I'm not knocking the pentax 70-210, but I'll bet the vivitar series 1 version 1 knocks it's socks off. It would be good to see a shootout between them. I have the A70~210 and I can concur with the others who have recommended it. If the viv is better then I cannot imagine it is by much. Richard

11-22-2008, 07:52 AM	#45
fearview Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Jakarta Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,067	k 50 1.2 - m 50 1.7 - a 50 1.2 -- know nothing about takumars.