Question about Takumar 50mm 1.4 version

Manuel Phesto · 07-08-2021, 07:25 PM - **1 Like**

First post so thanks for reading. It seems there are 4 versions of this lens starting with the 8 element version and ending with the 7 element/rubber focus ring version. But I am also seeing an “Asahi Opt. Co., Japan SMC PENTAX 1:1.4/50” in K-Mount with 8 blades and rubber focus grip. Serial numbers around 150XXXX. I am wondering if this version is the same optical formula as the other m42 Mount 7 element versions? If so, any differences other than mount and maybe some coating differences? Would this still be considered a “Takumar”?
Thanks so much!

**ramseybuckeye** · 07-08-2021, 07:35 PM

Welcome. A great place to learn about all of the different lenses is the review section. It's not only reviews, but specs on the lenses.

Manuel Phesto · 07-08-2021, 07:37 PM

Originally posted by ramseybuckeye

Welcome. A great place to learn about all of the different lenses is the review section. It's not only reviews, but specs on the lenses.

Thank you. I’ll check that out.

**i_trax** · 07-08-2021, 07:44 PM

have you looked at those?
SMC/S-M-C/Super Takumar 50mm F1.4 Reviews - M42 Screwmount Normal Primes - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database
SMC Pentax 50mm F1.4 Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

only some Takumars and all K, M , A have SMC coating

stevebrot · 07-08-2021, 07:45 PM

Welcome to the Pentax Forums!

The short answer is that the Pentax-K 50/1.4 (SMC PENTAX 1:1.4/50 on the lens front) is directly based on the SMC Takumar 50/1.4, though with the addition of support for f/22. There is similar pass-through of design from the S-M-C/SMC Takumars for most, though not all, of the first generation Pentax K-mount lenses.

Steve

Manuel Phesto · 07-08-2021, 07:51 PM

Originally posted by ramseybuckeye

Welcome. A great place to learn about all of the different lenses is the review section. It's not only reviews, but specs on the lenses.

Thanks again for the tip. It looks like I found my answer in there and it seems it is pretty much the same optically as the 7 element Takumar 50 1.4’s.

---------- Post added 07-08-21 at 07:54 PM ----------

Originally posted by stevebrot

Welcome to the Pentax Forums!

The short answer is that the Pentax-K 50/1.4 (SMC PENTAX 1:1.4/50 on the lens front) is directly based on the SMC Takumar 50/1.4, though with the addition of support for f/22. There is similar pass-through of design from the S-M-C/SMC Takumars for most, though not all, of the first generation Pentax K-mount lenses.

Steve

Thanks so much for the extra info! I was unaware about the f22 being added.

---------- Post added 07-08-21 at 07:55 PM ----------

Originally posted by i_trax

have you looked at those?
SMC/S-M-C/Super Takumar 50mm F1.4 Reviews - M42 Screwmount Normal Primes - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database
SMC Pentax 50mm F1.4 Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

only some Takumars and all K, M , A have SMC coating

Thank you I will give that a read as well.

**PJ1** · 07-08-2021, 10:52 PM

Welcome to the Forums. I think you will find that the optical formula for the K 50/1.4 is the same as the last Takumar 50/1.4 They are good lenses.

Fogel70 · 07-08-2021, 11:02 PM

I beleive the optical formula is pretty much the same between all 7 element 50/1.4. But regulations over the years have changed, so the optical glass may not be the same in all versions, and the coatings have also changed over the years. When changing type of glass the optical formula may need a little adjustment as the new type off glass may have different optical properties.
Many tonic material have been used in optical glass over the year to improve optical performance, but nowadays these tonic material are not allowed to be used.

So there may still be a little difference in performance between the different versions.

My personal favorite is the SMC Takumar 50/1.4. (The last Takumar version). It performs better than the earlier Takumar vesions I have, and gives warmer colors than the later K-mount versions I have.

**Lowell Goudge** · 07-09-2021, 04:13 AM

I have what I consider “bookends” to the set of 50mm/1.4 lenses. The K50/1.4 and the 8 element 50/1.4.

Aside from the change in optical design, Pentax continually was upgrading the coatings, and were multi coating lenses before it became a marketing and branding concept

Gene D · 07-09-2021, 06:59 AM

Originally posted by Manuel Phesto

First post so thanks for reading. It seems there are 4 versions of this lens starting with the 8 element version and ending with the 7 element/rubber focus ring version. But I am also seeing an “Asahi Opt. Co., Japan SMC PENTAX 1:1.4/50” in K-Mount with 8 blades and rubber focus grip. Serial numbers around 150XXXX. I am wondering if this version is the same optical formula as the other m42 Mount 7 element versions? If so, any differences other than mount and maybe some coating differences? Would this still be considered a “Takumar”?
Thanks so much!

Welcome to the forum. Here is an informative link on the Tak 50 1.4 and comparison with several other lenses. This gets to your question of differences. Hope this is of help...

You Tube

Manuel Phesto · 07-09-2021, 11:02 AM

Originally posted by Fogel70

I beleive the optical formula is pretty much the same between all 7 element 50/1.4. But regulations over the years have changed, so the optical glass may not be the same in all versions, and the coatings have also changed over the years. When changing type of glass the optical formula may need a little adjustment as the new type off glass may have different optical properties.
Many tonic material have been used in optical glass over the year to improve optical performance, but nowadays these tonic material are not allowed to be used.

So there may still be a little difference in performance between the different versions.

My personal favorite is the SMC Takumar 50/1.4. (The last Takumar version). It performs better than the earlier Takumar vesions I have, and gives warmer colors than the later K-mount versions I have.

Thanks I will consider that lens as well and maybe just get an adapter. I plan on using on an ME Super (and possibly an LX if I ever get it serviced).

---------- Post added 07-09-21 at 11:03 AM ----------

Originally posted by Gene D

Welcome to the forum. Here is an informative link on the Tak 50 1.4 and comparison with several other lenses. This gets to your question of differences. Hope this is of help...

5 Pentax 50mm Lenses Tested; The Ultimate Pentax 50mm Lens Comparison Review. - YouTube

Much appreciated!

---------- Post added 07-09-21 at 11:07 AM ----------

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

I have what I consider “bookends” to the set of 50mm/1.4 lenses. The K50/1.4 and the 8 element 50/1.4.

Aside from the change in optical design, Pentax continually was upgrading the coatings, and were multi coating lenses before it became a marketing and branding concept

I would love to come across the 8 element and use for black and white film. Thank you for the info!

---------- Post added 07-09-21 at 11:08 AM ----------

Originally posted by PJ1

Welcome to the Forums. I think you will find that the optical formula for the K 50/1.4 is the same as the last Takumar 50/1.4 They are good lenses.

Thank you!

Manuel Phesto · 07-09-2021, 09:20 PM

I also suppose the SMC Pentax (K Mount) version would be most suitable if I plan to use on a K Mount body like the ME Super/LX.

stevebrot · 07-10-2021, 12:04 PM

Originally posted by Manuel Phesto

I also suppose the SMC Pentax (K Mount) version would be most suitable if I plan to use on a K Mount body like the ME Super/LX.

Yes, definitely more suitable over the S-M-C/SMC Takumar. The difference in shooting experience of native K-mount over adapted M42 is night and day.

Steve

Manuel Phesto · 07-10-2021, 06:02 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Yes, definitely more suitable over the S-M-C/SMC Takumar. The difference in shooting experience of native K-mount over adapted M42 is night and day.

Steve

Yes I think I’ll go that route for sure.

Fogel70 · 07-11-2021, 12:03 AM

I agree. On K-mount film cameras I would also prefer K-mount lenses.
On digital I prefer m42 as I mainly use live view for manual focus lenses and M42 lenses can be used in Av mode instead of stop down metering.

07-08-2021, 07:25 PM - 1 Like	#1
Manuel Phesto New Member Join Date: Jul 2021 Posts: 8	Question about Takumar 50mm 1.4 version First post so thanks for reading. It seems there are 4 versions of this lens starting with the 8 element version and ending with the 7 element/rubber focus ring version. But I am also seeing an “Asahi Opt. Co., Japan SMC PENTAX 1:1.4/50” in K-Mount with 8 blades and rubber focus grip. Serial numbers around 150XXXX. I am wondering if this version is the same optical formula as the other m42 Mount 7 element versions? If so, any differences other than mount and maybe some coating differences? Would this still be considered a “Takumar”? Thanks so much!

07-08-2021, 07:44 PM	#4
i_trax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,621	the optics look the same have you looked at those? SMC/S-M-C/Super Takumar 50mm F1.4 Reviews - M42 Screwmount Normal Primes - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax 50mm F1.4 Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database only some Takumars and all K, M , A have SMC coating

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07-08-2021, 07:35 PM	#2
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,295	Welcome. A great place to learn about all of the different lenses is the review section. It's not only reviews, but specs on the lenses.

07-08-2021, 07:37 PM	#3
Manuel Phesto New Member Join Date: Jul 2021 Posts: 8 Original Poster	Originally posted by ramseybuckeye Welcome. A great place to learn about all of the different lenses is the review section. It's not only reviews, but specs on the lenses. Thank you. I’ll check that out.

07-08-2021, 07:45 PM	#5
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Welcome to the Pentax Forums! The short answer is that the Pentax-K 50/1.4 (SMC PENTAX 1:1.4/50 on the lens front) is directly based on the SMC Takumar 50/1.4, though with the addition of support for f/22. There is similar pass-through of design from the S-M-C/SMC Takumars for most, though not all, of the first generation Pentax K-mount lenses. Steve

07-08-2021, 07:51 PM	#6
Manuel Phesto New Member Join Date: Jul 2021 Posts: 8 Original Poster	Originally posted by ramseybuckeye Welcome. A great place to learn about all of the different lenses is the review section. It's not only reviews, but specs on the lenses. Thanks again for the tip. It looks like I found my answer in there and it seems it is pretty much the same optically as the 7 element Takumar 50 1.4’s. ---------- Post added 07-08-21 at 07:54 PM ---------- Originally posted by stevebrot Welcome to the Pentax Forums! The short answer is that the Pentax-K 50/1.4 (SMC PENTAX 1:1.4/50 on the lens front) is directly based on the SMC Takumar 50/1.4, though with the addition of support for f/22. There is similar pass-through of design from the S-M-C/SMC Takumars for most, though not all, of the first generation Pentax K-mount lenses. Steve Thanks so much for the extra info! I was unaware about the f22 being added. ---------- Post added 07-08-21 at 07:55 PM ---------- Originally posted by i_trax have you looked at those? SMC/S-M-C/Super Takumar 50mm F1.4 Reviews - M42 Screwmount Normal Primes - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax 50mm F1.4 Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database only some Takumars and all K, M , A have SMC coating Thank you I will give that a read as well.

07-08-2021, 10:52 PM	#7
PJ1 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Toowoomba, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,486	Welcome to the Forums. I think you will find that the optical formula for the K 50/1.4 is the same as the last Takumar 50/1.4 They are good lenses.

07-08-2021, 11:02 PM	#8
Fogel70 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Photos: Albums Posts: 3,062	I beleive the optical formula is pretty much the same between all 7 element 50/1.4. But regulations over the years have changed, so the optical glass may not be the same in all versions, and the coatings have also changed over the years. When changing type of glass the optical formula may need a little adjustment as the new type off glass may have different optical properties. Many tonic material have been used in optical glass over the year to improve optical performance, but nowadays these tonic material are not allowed to be used. So there may still be a little difference in performance between the different versions. My personal favorite is the SMC Takumar 50/1.4. (The last Takumar version). It performs better than the earlier Takumar vesions I have, and gives warmer colors than the later K-mount versions I have.

07-09-2021, 04:13 AM	#9
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,891	I have what I consider “bookends” to the set of 50mm/1.4 lenses. The K50/1.4 and the 8 element 50/1.4. Aside from the change in optical design, Pentax continually was upgrading the coatings, and were multi coating lenses before it became a marketing and branding concept

07-09-2021, 11:02 AM	#11
Manuel Phesto New Member Join Date: Jul 2021 Posts: 8 Original Poster	Originally posted by Fogel70 I beleive the optical formula is pretty much the same between all 7 element 50/1.4. But regulations over the years have changed, so the optical glass may not be the same in all versions, and the coatings have also changed over the years. When changing type of glass the optical formula may need a little adjustment as the new type off glass may have different optical properties. Many tonic material have been used in optical glass over the year to improve optical performance, but nowadays these tonic material are not allowed to be used. So there may still be a little difference in performance between the different versions. My personal favorite is the SMC Takumar 50/1.4. (The last Takumar version). It performs better than the earlier Takumar vesions I have, and gives warmer colors than the later K-mount versions I have. Thanks I will consider that lens as well and maybe just get an adapter. I plan on using on an ME Super (and possibly an LX if I ever get it serviced). ---------- Post added 07-09-21 at 11:03 AM ---------- Originally posted by Gene D Welcome to the forum. Here is an informative link on the Tak 50 1.4 and comparison with several other lenses. This gets to your question of differences. Hope this is of help... 5 Pentax 50mm Lenses Tested; The Ultimate Pentax 50mm Lens Comparison Review. - YouTube Much appreciated! ---------- Post added 07-09-21 at 11:07 AM ---------- Originally posted by Lowell Goudge I have what I consider “bookends” to the set of 50mm/1.4 lenses. The K50/1.4 and the 8 element 50/1.4. Aside from the change in optical design, Pentax continually was upgrading the coatings, and were multi coating lenses before it became a marketing and branding concept I would love to come across the 8 element and use for black and white film. Thank you for the info! ---------- Post added 07-09-21 at 11:08 AM ---------- Originally posted by PJ1 Welcome to the Forums. I think you will find that the optical formula for the K 50/1.4 is the same as the last Takumar 50/1.4 They are good lenses. Thank you!

07-09-2021, 09:20 PM	#12
Manuel Phesto New Member Join Date: Jul 2021 Posts: 8 Original Poster	I also suppose the SMC Pentax (K Mount) version would be most suitable if I plan to use on a K Mount body like the ME Super/LX.

07-10-2021, 12:04 PM	#13
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Manuel Phesto I also suppose the SMC Pentax (K Mount) version would be most suitable if I plan to use on a K Mount body like the ME Super/LX. Yes, definitely more suitable over the S-M-C/SMC Takumar. The difference in shooting experience of native K-mount over adapted M42 is night and day. Steve

07-10-2021, 06:02 PM	#14
Manuel Phesto New Member Join Date: Jul 2021 Posts: 8 Original Poster	Originally posted by stevebrot Yes, definitely more suitable over the S-M-C/SMC Takumar. The difference in shooting experience of native K-mount over adapted M42 is night and day. Steve Yes I think I’ll go that route for sure.

07-11-2021, 12:03 AM	#15
Fogel70 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Photos: Albums Posts: 3,062	I agree. On K-mount film cameras I would also prefer K-mount lenses. On digital I prefer m42 as I mainly use live view for manual focus lenses and M42 lenses can be used in Av mode instead of stop down metering.