Originally posted by Winnie Whether the lens be a fast 50, a 28, or a 35, etc, what is the preferred order of greatness?
-K lens- I'm not sure how to even recognize this lens, but I THINK it just states "Pentax" on the front of the lens, no M or A
-A lens- Typically the build quality isn't as sturdy, but optically the same as below.
You can use your lightmeter with this lens though.
-M lens- As well built (though different outer design) than above.
-Super Takumar- Optically the same as below, except, less coatings than the SMC and Super Multi Coated which will show less contrast and more glare.
-SMC Takumar
-Super Multi Coated Takumar
Regarding the Takumar series, you left out the Takumars (pre-set lenses) and the Auto-Taks.
Also, there were sometimes optical changes made within a series which were sometimes mild to moderate meaning there could be more differences within the Super Tak lenses than just coatings which also varied. Fore example there are at least 3 different versions of the Super Tak 28mm f3.5 lens. The first one has 6/7 (groups/elements) formula with 58mm filter threads and f3.5-22 and the 2nd one is the same except it is f3.5-16. The 3rd one is 7/7 with 49mm filter threads and f3.5-16. Another example is the Super Tak 135mm f3.5 with a 4/5 and 4/4 version. There may be other subtle variations on top of that. There are 3 versions of the Super Tak 50mm f1.4 as well not counting variations. The earliest has a 7/8 formula and the latter 2 have 6/7. The best way to tell them apart is with the Asahi part number on the A-M switch 358, 378 or 37801 in order). There are also Honeywell part numbers.
879 on the oldest and "blank" on the newer ones.
Examples of minor changes variations would be the super Tak 55mm f1.8 which has at least 5 variations the last of which actually has the linkages to work with the ES, ES II and Spot F bodies! Another minor variation example is the Super Tak 55mm f2 also with at least 5 variations.
We can even make blanket statements about the Auto Taks being alike. The Auto Takumar 55mm f1.8 has 2 major versions. The first one has the cocking lever and is semi-automatic and the later one as the A-M switch and operates like a Super Tak.
Is it clear now?
Edit: Here are some web sources for some of the Takumar info.
http://www.aohc.it/lense.htm http://www.taunusreiter.de/Cameras/Pentax_Main.html http://whitemetal.com/pentax/index_pentax_lenses.htm