Thoughts/Ideas for new Pentax Collector

Rbonn · 01-22-2022, 03:52 PM - **3 Likes**

Once I got my first Takumar about a year ago, I knew I was on to something. I've shot with so many brands in my 55 years of shooting that I cannot even count them up, nor remember them all. I bought my first Takumar to put on some DSLR or mirrorless body awhile back and I knew the lenses were nice, but having just ordered a K3 ii and having just purchased a few more Takumars I am convinced they are the finest vintage lenses ever made in Japan. I've shot with Leica and I will say, Leica IS Leica, but I would put a Takumar right behind Leica without a second's thought.

So, here is why I've posted this thread: what are some really cool Takumar's I should be on the lookout for. I've purchased a 1:1 Takumar Macro 50 f4 and have my eye on the 8 element Super Takumar 50mm 1.4. From what I have read these are two legendary lenses in the Takumar line-up thru the years. What other lenses can this group suggest I take a look at?

I love forums for the ability of users to jump in to give their two cents. I look forward to hearing opinions.

Thank you.

Rich

**pepperberry farm** · 01-22-2022, 04:09 PM - **9 Likes**

awesome thread - we love to spend people's money!!!

**onlineflyer** · 01-22-2022, 05:05 PM - **2 Likes**

Don't limit yourself to just the Takumar series, the K series also has a number of great lenses. Once you've experienced both series, you might also try the A & M series, and then . . . . . . .

**Joetitch** · 01-22-2022, 06:00 PM - **2 Likes**

If you classify yourself as a collector then LBA does not apply as they are all required to complete the collection.👍

**c.a.m** · 01-22-2022, 06:02 PM

Originally posted by Rbonn

what are some really cool Takumar's I should be on the lookout for.

Hi @Rbonn, welcome to Pentax Forums! I think you'll find many Takumar fans here, for sure.

Have you found the Pentax Forums lens review database yet? Here's the link for the Takumar section: Pentax M42 Screwmount Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

Cheers,

- Craig

garywakeling · 01-22-2022, 06:49 PM - **2 Likes**

No Takumar collection is complete without a 17mm fisheye............

**robbiec** · 01-22-2022, 07:44 PM

Try the 28/3.5 and 35/3.5 in Super Takumar or K Series form. There is also the 55/1.8 (nice little portrait lens on a K-3) and then there is the 85/1.9 - teeny bit softer the 85/1.8 but warmer in image rendition. That should be enough to get you going. Best of luck hunting them down.

**.a.t.** · 01-22-2022, 08:28 PM

Originally posted by Rbonn

...
I've purchased a 1:1 Takumar Macro 50 f4 and have my eye on the 8 element Super Takumar 50mm 1.4. From what I have read these are two legendary lenses in the Takumar line-up thru the years. What other lenses can this group suggest I take a look at?
...

The Auto Takumar 35mm f/2.3 has character. It has an unusual physique and fanciful wide open rendering.
Auto Takumar 35mm F2.3 Reviews - M42 Screwmount Wide-Angle Primes - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

Also, a book:
The Definitive Asahi Pentax Collector's Guide 1952 - 1977

Hmm. I can't seem to make the direct link work, but the book is available in The Photographer's Marketplace. It's currently on page 4:
The Pentax Marketplace | Buy & Sell Pentax Cameras and Lenses - PentaxForums.com

It's an excellent reference tool for Pentax fans.
For what it's worth, an excerpt from page 118 of the book:
"... the Super-Takumar 1:1.4/50 mm [Model I] lens. This lens has 8 lens elements in 6 groups. It was followed by a newly designed lens that yielded a better sharpness and a higher image contrast than its predecessor."

stevebrot · 01-22-2022, 08:48 PM - **2 Likes**

I own and can recommend the below without reservation:

Super Takumar, S-M-C, or SMC

28mm f/3.5...consistent image excellence
55mm f/1.8...a no-regrets normal
105mm f/2.8...cult classic for portraits
50mm f/1.4 (seven element)...not exotic, but still a first class optic

Steve

**RocksandRocks** · 01-22-2022, 09:14 PM - **2 Likes**

If you really want to get into the weeds about some of these vintage lenses and their specific rendering, I highly recommend Simon's utak Youtube channel. Good luck to your wallet!

biz-engineer · 01-22-2022, 10:14 PM

Must have tool for vintage lens collectors is the Geiger counter

.

Dipsoid · 01-22-2022, 10:25 PM

The SMC Takumar 35mm 3.5 is one of my favorite lenses ever. I would also look out for the 6-element 135mm 2.5.

BarneyL · 01-23-2022, 03:51 AM

S-M-C Takumar 35mm 3.5 is a tiny, and readily available lens, but highly underrated. It's sharp even by today's standards and handles flare well.

S-M-C Takumar 135mm 2.5 (the 6 element one) is probably the best 135mm of its era, and still very capable today.

S-M-C Takumar 85mm 1.8 is truly awesome lens that easily beats its Nikkor equivalent from the era. This one is probably going to be one of the more expensive options.

SMC Takumar 15mm 3.5 is a result of a brief cooperation between Asahi Optical and Zeiss Oberkochen. This is a design that comes in two versions, with and without hand-ground aspherical element. This design was also used in Leica Super Elmar R and Contax/Rollei Distagon, but the aspherical variant was only available in Pentax and Rollei disguise (IIRC). I happen to own this lens and it is pretty well corrected for its era, but ultra wide optics have since developed to much better designs.

SMC Takumar 100mm F4 is a nicely made, sharp 1:2 macro lens that's based on uncommon heliar design.

S-M-C Takumar 200mm F4 is a very nice tele that is often recommended as a budget lens for astrophotography. Nikon was (and still is) the king of telephoto, but this one is certainly a match for its Nikkor equivalent, if not better, due to coatings.

zbrueningsen · 01-23-2022, 06:11 AM

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

awesome thread - we love to spend people's money!!!

This a great start for the thread!

**aslyfox** · 01-23-2022, 06:42 AM

Originally posted by RocksandRocks

If you really want to get into the weeds about some of these vintage lenses and their specific rendering, I highly recommend Simon's utak Youtube channel. Good luck to your wallet!

another possible resource:

Quote:

Takumar Field Guide
Blog
M42 Takumar Field Guide
P67 Field Guide
Collection
Asahi Pentax Literature
Acknowledgement
Takumarology
(Takumar Study)

Genesis
The 108 M42 Takumar lenses came into production as batches in different ways and their Serial numbers can show this history.
Approximately 5933 batches are identified (Nov. 2021). Batch sizes observed (defined by consecutive SN's) are < 10 to > 85,000 (product number 37101) copies.
Takumar Lenses
Updated and corrected Dect 2021. Total 7,597,107 (est.) copies. . . .

Takumarology - Takumar Field Guide

________________________

query for the experts

if the K mount lenses are " twisties "

are the M 42 mount lenses " screwies "

01-22-2022, 03:52 PM - 3 Likes	#1
Rbonn New Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Posts: 22	Thoughts/Ideas for new Pentax Collector Once I got my first Takumar about a year ago, I knew I was on to something. I've shot with so many brands in my 55 years of shooting that I cannot even count them up, nor remember them all. I bought my first Takumar to put on some DSLR or mirrorless body awhile back and I knew the lenses were nice, but having just ordered a K3 ii and having just purchased a few more Takumars I am convinced they are the finest vintage lenses ever made in Japan. I've shot with Leica and I will say, Leica IS Leica, but I would put a Takumar right behind Leica without a second's thought. So, here is why I've posted this thread: what are some really cool Takumar's I should be on the lookout for. I've purchased a 1:1 Takumar Macro 50 f4 and have my eye on the 8 element Super Takumar 50mm 1.4. From what I have read these are two legendary lenses in the Takumar line-up thru the years. What other lenses can this group suggest I take a look at? I love forums for the ability of users to jump in to give their two cents. I look forward to hearing opinions. Thank you. Rich

01-22-2022, 08:28 PM	#8
.a.t. Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: yesterday Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,261	Originally posted by Rbonn ... I've purchased a 1:1 Takumar Macro 50 f4 and have my eye on the 8 element Super Takumar 50mm 1.4. From what I have read these are two legendary lenses in the Takumar line-up thru the years. What other lenses can this group suggest I take a look at? ... The Auto Takumar 35mm f/2.3 has character. It has an unusual physique and fanciful wide open rendering. Auto Takumar 35mm F2.3 Reviews - M42 Screwmount Wide-Angle Primes - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database Also, a book: The Definitive Asahi Pentax Collector's Guide 1952 - 1977 Hmm. I can't seem to make the direct link work, but the book is available in The Photographer's Marketplace. It's currently on page 4: The Pentax Marketplace \| Buy & Sell Pentax Cameras and Lenses - PentaxForums.com It's an excellent reference tool for Pentax fans. For what it's worth, an excerpt from page 118 of the book: "... the Super-Takumar 1:1.4/50 mm [Model I] lens. This lens has 8 lens elements in 6 groups. It was followed by a newly designed lens that yielded a better sharpness and a higher image contrast than its predecessor." Last edited by .a.t.; 01-22-2022 at 08:52 PM. Reason: fixed Marketplace link

01-22-2022, 08:48 PM - 2 Likes	#9
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	I own and can recommend the below without reservation: Super Takumar, S-M-C, or SMC 28mm f/3.5...consistent image excellence 55mm f/1.8...a no-regrets normal 105mm f/2.8...cult classic for portraits 50mm f/1.4 (seven element)...not exotic, but still a first class optic Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 01-24-2022 at 02:23 PM. Reason: Added qualities

01-22-2022, 10:14 PM	#11
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,231	Must have tool for vintage lens collectors is the Geiger counter . Last edited by biz-engineer; 01-22-2022 at 10:43 PM.

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01-22-2022, 04:09 PM - 9 Likes	#2
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,660	awesome thread - we love to spend people's money!!!

01-22-2022, 05:05 PM - 2 Likes	#3
onlineflyer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: NW Ohio Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,091	Don't limit yourself to just the Takumar series, the K series also has a number of great lenses. Once you've experienced both series, you might also try the A & M series, and then . . . . . . .

01-22-2022, 06:00 PM - 2 Likes	#4
Joetitch Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Leura NSW Posts: 502	If you classify yourself as a collector then LBA does not apply as they are all required to complete the collection.👍

01-22-2022, 06:02 PM	#5
c.a.m Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,189	Originally posted by Rbonn what are some really cool Takumar's I should be on the lookout for. Hi @Rbonn, welcome to Pentax Forums! I think you'll find many Takumar fans here, for sure. Have you found the Pentax Forums lens review database yet? Here's the link for the Takumar section: Pentax M42 Screwmount Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database Cheers, - Craig

01-22-2022, 06:49 PM - 2 Likes	#6
garywakeling Moderator Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,759	No Takumar collection is complete without a 17mm fisheye............

01-22-2022, 07:44 PM	#7
robbiec Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cork Photos: Albums Posts: 1,882	Try the 28/3.5 and 35/3.5 in Super Takumar or K Series form. There is also the 55/1.8 (nice little portrait lens on a K-3) and then there is the 85/1.9 - teeny bit softer the 85/1.8 but warmer in image rendition. That should be enough to get you going. Best of luck hunting them down.

01-22-2022, 09:14 PM - 2 Likes	#10
RocksandRocks Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Montana Posts: 105	If you really want to get into the weeds about some of these vintage lenses and their specific rendering, I highly recommend Simon's utak Youtube channel. Good luck to your wallet!

01-22-2022, 10:25 PM	#12
Dipsoid Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 241	The SMC Takumar 35mm 3.5 is one of my favorite lenses ever. I would also look out for the 6-element 135mm 2.5.

01-23-2022, 03:51 AM	#13
BarneyL Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2017 Posts: 899	S-M-C Takumar 35mm 3.5 is a tiny, and readily available lens, but highly underrated. It's sharp even by today's standards and handles flare well. S-M-C Takumar 135mm 2.5 (the 6 element one) is probably the best 135mm of its era, and still very capable today. S-M-C Takumar 85mm 1.8 is truly awesome lens that easily beats its Nikkor equivalent from the era. This one is probably going to be one of the more expensive options. SMC Takumar 15mm 3.5 is a result of a brief cooperation between Asahi Optical and Zeiss Oberkochen. This is a design that comes in two versions, with and without hand-ground aspherical element. This design was also used in Leica Super Elmar R and Contax/Rollei Distagon, but the aspherical variant was only available in Pentax and Rollei disguise (IIRC). I happen to own this lens and it is pretty well corrected for its era, but ultra wide optics have since developed to much better designs. SMC Takumar 100mm F4 is a nicely made, sharp 1:2 macro lens that's based on uncommon heliar design. S-M-C Takumar 200mm F4 is a very nice tele that is often recommended as a budget lens for astrophotography. Nikon was (and still is) the king of telephoto, but this one is certainly a match for its Nikkor equivalent, if not better, due to coatings.

01-23-2022, 06:11 AM	#14
zbrueningsen Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Nebraska Photos: Albums Posts: 902	Originally posted by pepperberry farm awesome thread - we love to spend people's money!!! This a great start for the thread!

01-23-2022, 06:42 AM	#15
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by RocksandRocks If you really want to get into the weeds about some of these vintage lenses and their specific rendering, I highly recommend Simon's utak Youtube channel. Good luck to your wallet! another possible resource: Quote: Takumar Field Guide Blog M42 Takumar Field Guide P67 Field Guide Collection Asahi Pentax Literature Acknowledgement Takumarology (Takumar Study) Genesis The 108 M42 Takumar lenses came into production as batches in different ways and their Serial numbers can show this history. Approximately 5933 batches are identified (Nov. 2021). Batch sizes observed (defined by consecutive SN's) are < 10 to > 85,000 (product number 37101) copies. Takumar Lenses Updated and corrected Dect 2021. Total 7,597,107 (est.) copies. . . . Takumarology - Takumar Field Guide ________________________ query for the experts if the K mount lenses are " twisties " are the M 42 mount lenses " screwies "