Forgot Password
Pentax Camera Forums Home
 

Reply
Show Printable Version Search this Thread
08-24-2009, 08:27 PM   #1
Veteran Member




Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,291
Please help me identify this 50mm prime

(Just a note that I have just read the the 'Yellowing Super-Tak == SMC?' thread too)

I've just got hold of a 50mm f/1.4 screw-mount prime, which my Dad got with his Ricoh in the early 1970's. I have been through the lens review database but can't decide exactly which lens it is.

There's no sign of fungus (as far as I know) but the glass has a very strongly sepia/yellow tinge.

The lens came in a little leather box, which it's been in for about twenty years.

The lens reads:
Super-Takumar 1:1.4/50 3397174
Asahi Opt. Co. Lens made in Japan


Can anyone link me to this lens in the review database (or similar)? Thanks


Last edited by CWyatt; 10-11-2009 at 01:49 PM.
08-24-2009, 08:48 PM   #2
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
Just1MoreDave's Avatar

Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Aurora, CO
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 6,336
Super-Takumars often have exactly this kind of yellow reflection from the front element. The rear element often has a purple reflection. You can see if the lens has the yellowing problem from decaying radioactive elements in the glass by opening the aperture and looking through the lens at a white piece of paper. It helps to compare the lens to another lens to see how yellow it is.
08-24-2009, 08:51 PM   #3
Veteran Member
Steinback's Avatar

Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: GTA, ON, Canada
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 1,673
Like it says on the front ring, that's a Super Takumar 50mm f/1.4. All of the versions of the lens are grouped together in the lens review forum: Pentax Lens Review Database - 50mm F1.4

I've got one that's very similar with a serial number just under 2.2 million. Worth buying an M42 to K adaptor for if you don't already have one for your current body.

If you don't like the yellow leave the lens in a sunny (but preferably not too hot) window for about a week with aluminum foil lining the rear lens cap and the front cap off and it should clear right up again. After about a year of being stored in its case when not in use mine is starting to turn yellow again.
08-24-2009, 08:52 PM   #4
Otis Memorial Pentaxian
stevebrot's Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Vancouver (USA)
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 42,007
Based on the lettering, I would guess that to be a Super Takumar 50/1.4 (Pentax Lens Review Database - 50mm F1.4)

This is the earlier version that lacked the multi-coated optics of the S-M-C and SMC models. It is a good lens. Use it and enjoy!

Steve

P.S. The yellow is the reflection from the coating. The thorium glass versions with the yellowed cementing appear yellow when you look through them.

08-24-2009, 08:54 PM   #5
Veteran Member




Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,291
Original Poster
Thanks very much, I wasn't sure that this was the same lens as the database one due to the version differences,
08-24-2009, 09:21 PM   #6
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
Just1MoreDave's Avatar

Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Aurora, CO
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 6,336
Here are some examples of the reflection color I was talking about, on a Super-Takumar 135mm f2.5. The huge front element and flat rear element on this lens make the reflections obvious. As you can see from the third photo, the lens itself doesn't tint the image much, while a lens with the decay issue would.





Reply

Bookmarks
  • Submit Thread to Facebook Facebook
  • Submit Thread to Twitter Twitter
  • Submit Thread to Digg Digg
Tags - Make this thread easier to find by adding keywords to it!
50mm, database, k-mount, lens, pentax lens, review, slr lens
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Need help to identify this Takumar 50mm f4 macro lens xiff Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 9 05-31-2010 06:13 PM
the 50mm f/1.4 prime choice braver Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 32 02-23-2010 03:06 AM
Looking for my first 50mm prime martymcfly83 Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 16 10-15-2009 05:09 PM
Whats A Better Fast Prime? The Sigma 50mm Or Pentax FA 50MM? Or Another Option? Christopher M.W.T Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 20 10-01-2009 08:02 AM
how much better would a 50mm prime really be? lordson Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 34 11-16-2007 08:07 AM



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 04:41 PM. | See also: NikonForums.com, CanonForums.com part of our network of photo forums!
  • Red (Default)
  • Green
  • Gray
  • Dark
  • Dark Yellow
  • Dark Blue
  • Old Red
  • Old Green
  • Old Gray
  • Dial-Up Style
Hello! It's great to see you back on the forum! Have you considered joining the community?
register
Creating a FREE ACCOUNT takes under a minute, removes ads, and lets you post! [Dismiss]
Top