Takumar 55/1.8

**gofour3** · 06-11-2009, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just1MoreDave
This 52mm filter size is a peculiarity of the K lenses. Even when the optical design was unchanged from Takumar to K to M (such as the 50/4 and 100/4 macros), the K versions were the only ones with 52mm filter threads.

Yep that's correct, there were no "K" series lenses with a 49mm filter thread.

AlpenTak · 06-11-2009, 02:52 PM

Originally posted by gofour3

Yep that's correct, there were no "K" series lenses with a 49mm filter thread.

The 85/2.2 Soft has a 49mm thread i think although i've never used one so i could be wrong.

**gofour3** · 06-11-2009, 03:12 PM

Quote:

The 85/2.2 Soft has a 49mm thread i think although i've never used one so i could be wrong.

No you are correct. Even though this lens came out in 1986, eleven years after the first "K" series lenses, it's still technically a "K" lens. So I stand corrected, thanks for pointing this out.

Phil

estudleon · 06-12-2009, 03:16 AM

Yes, all is OK if we talk about the M42 vs the K lenses, but what happens between M42 takumars 55/1,8?

Which is better, if any, the ST, the S -M- C or the SMC 55/1,8?

Rino.

séamuis · 06-12-2009, 03:29 AM

Originally posted by estudleon

Yes, all is OK if we talk about the M42 vs the K lenses, but what happens between M42 takumars 55/1,8?

Which is better, if any, the ST, the S -M- C or the SMC 55/1,8?

Rino.

the last SMC version is the best concerning the lens coating. but these three 55's all have the same optical formula. performnce difference will be most noteable between the super and the SMC. between the S-M-C and SMC not so much if at all.

estudleon · 06-12-2009, 03:56 AM

Originally posted by séamuis

the last SMC version is the best concerning the lens coating. but these three 55's all have the same optical formula. performnce difference will be most noteable between the super and the SMC. .

Thanks. Very quickly and complete, super usefull.

Thanks again.

Nesster · 06-12-2009, 06:51 AM

I love my AUTO-Tak 55/1.8, while it has the same optical formula as my SMC, it is also more beautifully made, and the coating is simpler, probably different than on a Super, which results in a different look to photos. I wouldn't want to let either go.

séamuis · 06-12-2009, 07:22 AM

Originally posted by Nesster

I love my AUTO-Tak 55/1.8, while it has the same optical formula as my SMC, it is also more beautifully made, and the coating is simpler, probably different than on a Super, which results in a different look to photos. I wouldn't want to let either go.

I actually prefer my auto-takumar over the others as well. I really enjoy the flare once in a while. its just more fun to use than the others.

**Just1MoreDave** · 06-12-2009, 11:08 AM

Originally posted by estudleon

Yes, all is OK if we talk about the M42 vs the K lenses, but what happens between M42 takumars 55/1,8?

Which is better, if any, the ST, the S -M- C or the SMC 55/1,8?

Rino.

There are mechanical and coating differences but the same optical design and six-blade aperture. Here's a group photo showing some of the possible variations:

The SMC version has the rubber focus grip. I've seen a few of these lenses with failing glue on the focus distance scale, causing the scale to unravel and scrape against other parts when focusing. For a while, this just sounds awful until the scale comes off entirely. It prejudices me against the rubber focus grip lenses, though I can fix it. These have the mechanical upgrades for open aperture metering on the later M42 cameras. Pentax said at the time that SMC was an enhanced version of Super-Multi-Coated, though they look pretty much the same.

The Super-Multi-Coated version isn't in that photo, but it would have a metal focus ring. These might have parts for open aperture metering or not, depending on age.

The photo shows three variations of Super-Takumars. The rubber focus grip version is probably rare, probably meant to use up leftover glass and parts. I'm certain that the coatings were not SMC, and internal screws were common, not phillips like in newer lenses. It is set up for open aperture metering too. The oldest version uses a different font. Some people really like the look of the older coatings.

When I got these lenses, they were cheap enough to buy several and choose yourself. Sometimes the popularity spikes and prices rise, but the supply is large enough to keep prices from getting too high.

woof · 06-12-2009, 07:24 PM

Originally posted by Nesster

I love my AUTO-Tak 55/1.8, while it has the same optical formula as my SMC, it is also more beautifully made, and the coating is simpler, probably different than on a Super, which results in a different look to photos. I wouldn't want to let either go.

Originally posted by séamuis

I actually prefer my auto-takumar over the others as well. I really enjoy the flare once in a while. its just more fun to use than the others.

+1

BTW... Glad you like it Séamuis...

woof!

séamuis · 06-13-2009, 06:24 AM

Originally posted by woof

+1

BTW... Glad you like it Séamuis...

woof!

I absolutely love it. its my favorite 55.

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06-11-2009, 09:32 AM	#31
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,092	Quote: Originally Posted by Just1MoreDave This 52mm filter size is a peculiarity of the K lenses. Even when the optical design was unchanged from Takumar to K to M (such as the 50/4 and 100/4 macros), the K versions were the only ones with 52mm filter threads. Yep that's correct, there were no "K" series lenses with a 49mm filter thread.

06-11-2009, 02:52 PM	#32
AlpenTak Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 106	Originally posted by gofour3 Yep that's correct, there were no "K" series lenses with a 49mm filter thread. The 85/2.2 Soft has a 49mm thread i think although i've never used one so i could be wrong.

06-11-2009, 03:12 PM	#33
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,092	Quote: The 85/2.2 Soft has a 49mm thread i think although i've never used one so i could be wrong. No you are correct. Even though this lens came out in 1986, eleven years after the first "K" series lenses, it's still technically a "K" lens. So I stand corrected, thanks for pointing this out. Phil

06-12-2009, 03:16 AM	#34
estudleon Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 228	Yes, all is OK if we talk about the M42 vs the K lenses, but what happens between M42 takumars 55/1,8? Which is better, if any, the ST, the S -M- C or the SMC 55/1,8? Rino.

06-12-2009, 03:29 AM	#35
séamuis Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Savannah, U.S./Baguio City, P.H. Posts: 5,979	Originally posted by estudleon Yes, all is OK if we talk about the M42 vs the K lenses, but what happens between M42 takumars 55/1,8? Which is better, if any, the ST, the S -M- C or the SMC 55/1,8? Rino. the last SMC version is the best concerning the lens coating. but these three 55's all have the same optical formula. performnce difference will be most noteable between the super and the SMC. between the S-M-C and SMC not so much if at all.

06-12-2009, 03:56 AM	#36
estudleon Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 228	Originally posted by séamuis the last SMC version is the best concerning the lens coating. but these three 55's all have the same optical formula. performnce difference will be most noteable between the super and the SMC. . Thanks. Very quickly and complete, super usefull. Thanks again.

06-12-2009, 06:51 AM	#37
Nesster Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 13,072	I love my AUTO-Tak 55/1.8, while it has the same optical formula as my SMC, it is also more beautifully made, and the coating is simpler, probably different than on a Super, which results in a different look to photos. I wouldn't want to let either go.

06-12-2009, 07:22 AM	#38
séamuis Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Savannah, U.S./Baguio City, P.H. Posts: 5,979	Originally posted by Nesster I love my AUTO-Tak 55/1.8, while it has the same optical formula as my SMC, it is also more beautifully made, and the coating is simpler, probably different than on a Super, which results in a different look to photos. I wouldn't want to let either go. I actually prefer my auto-takumar over the others as well. I really enjoy the flare once in a while. its just more fun to use than the others.

06-12-2009, 11:08 AM	#39
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Originally posted by estudleon Yes, all is OK if we talk about the M42 vs the K lenses, but what happens between M42 takumars 55/1,8? Which is better, if any, the ST, the S -M- C or the SMC 55/1,8? Rino. There are mechanical and coating differences but the same optical design and six-blade aperture. Here's a group photo showing some of the possible variations: The SMC version has the rubber focus grip. I've seen a few of these lenses with failing glue on the focus distance scale, causing the scale to unravel and scrape against other parts when focusing. For a while, this just sounds awful until the scale comes off entirely. It prejudices me against the rubber focus grip lenses, though I can fix it. These have the mechanical upgrades for open aperture metering on the later M42 cameras. Pentax said at the time that SMC was an enhanced version of Super-Multi-Coated, though they look pretty much the same. The Super-Multi-Coated version isn't in that photo, but it would have a metal focus ring. These might have parts for open aperture metering or not, depending on age. The photo shows three variations of Super-Takumars. The rubber focus grip version is probably rare, probably meant to use up leftover glass and parts. I'm certain that the coatings were not SMC, and internal screws were common, not phillips like in newer lenses. It is set up for open aperture metering too. The oldest version uses a different font. Some people really like the look of the older coatings. When I got these lenses, they were cheap enough to buy several and choose yourself. Sometimes the popularity spikes and prices rise, but the supply is large enough to keep prices from getting too high.

06-12-2009, 07:24 PM	#40
woof Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: In the present Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,870	Originally posted by Nesster I love my AUTO-Tak 55/1.8, while it has the same optical formula as my SMC, it is also more beautifully made, and the coating is simpler, probably different than on a Super, which results in a different look to photos. I wouldn't want to let either go. Originally posted by séamuis I actually prefer my auto-takumar over the others as well. I really enjoy the flare once in a while. its just more fun to use than the others. +1 BTW... Glad you like it Séamuis... woof!

06-13-2009, 06:24 AM	#41
séamuis Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Savannah, U.S./Baguio City, P.H. Posts: 5,979	Originally posted by woof +1 BTW... Glad you like it Séamuis... woof! I absolutely love it. its my favorite 55.