[The Kurly One]

I searched the lens review data base and didn't find it there. I picked up 2 lenses today, the Takumar and a Pentax M 200m f4

I love both of them so far, but find that there is no way of getting a really good shot with the 200mm without the tripod.

The 28mm is nice but the focus ring is stiff compared to all my other lenses. Is this normal?

What can I expect from the Takumar lens? Are there better alternatives in the budjet price range? I paid $80 for both lenses? Good deal?

Lots of questions here but it will save from extra threads! Lol

[Just1MoreDave]

The Takumar is a K-mount, right? It has a couple of versions, one with an A position on the aperture ring and one without. They have the same optical formula as the Pentax-A and Pentax-F 28mm f2.8 lenses, which I like a lot. (There are many optical formulas and lenses at 28mm, and many opinions about the good ones.)

The K-mount Takumars are generally seen as inferior because they have inferior lens coatings to the SMC Pentax models. The coatings affect flare resistance, color and contrast. A lens hood can avoid some problems with non-SMC coatings. Otherwise, the lens is probably decent. It's not going to sell for much, so you might as well use it.

The Pentax-M is a pretty good lens, but often the problem is finding a use for it. It's too short for birds, too long and too far a minimum focus distance for indoors, compact but just a little big to carry everywhere, 52mm filters instead of 49mm... I found that it didn't fit in.

The price was fine. Alternatives to the Takumar are a Vivitar 28mm f2.8 with a serial number starting with 22 or 28. We drove the price up on these but they're not too expensive. I like the Pentax-A better than the Pentax-M but that may be splitting hairs. There are a lot of cheap ones that are probably in the same pack as what you have, if not worse. Alternatives to the M200/4, I would look at good zoom lenses. The Pentax-A 70-210mm f4 is also f4 at the long end, has the A position for compatibility/convenience, and still might not run you $100. A Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm f3.5, 67mm filter and serial number starting with 22 is a good choice if you don't mind giving up the A position for closer focus. Again, there are many lenses in this range built to a price point, not optical quality.

[Mike Cash]

The most obvious alternative to that K-mount bogus Takumar (in my mind) is one of the Takumar 28/3.5 from the screwmount era.

S-M-C Takumar 28/3.5

[Blue]

I agree with Mike on this one. I'll go as far to say that I think the Focal 28mm f2.8 in k-mount is better than the K-mount Tak and probably even the 1st version of the M 28mm f2.8. That's the rare exception. The Pentax M 28mm 3.5 on the other hand is a very under rated lens due to its aperture. There is probably no difference optically in the late version of the M and A. The F version is imho one of the best 28mm Pentax ever produced.

[The Kurly One]

Wow thanks for the knowledgeable replies! I was using it lastnight, the 28mm, and I love the focal length on it! I always found the 50 to be to tight to use indoors but this is just nice. Once I clean up from the party I'll load some of my photos.

But now I've found locally a Pentax SMC A 50mm f1.7.... would I like this lens more than mySMC A 50mm f2?

[RioRico]

OP: No, none of the Tak or Pentax 28's are any good at all, at all. Just send any you have or find to me and I'll dispose of them for you, at no charge. That's how kind I am. You're welcome.

PS: The 50's all stink too. The same offer applies.

[The Kurly One]

Lol, I just want to get the most for my money! Lol, I will consider your offer, please Post your mailing address and there will be something in the mail for you! Like maybe the original box that it came in...

[Blue]

. . .

But now I've found locally a Pentax SMC A 50mm f1.7.... would I like this lens more than mySMC A 50mm f2?

Its considered better optically and is also faster than the f2. However, the f2 isn't a bad lens.

Here's the f2


Here's the f1.7



A 50/2

A 50/1.7

Edit: Also have a look at both of these in the reviews in PF lens data base if you haven't already.

[wlank]

I just want to get the most for my money!

Then just do what Mike Cash says. You might want to review this thread. Takumar club

[Blue]

Then just do what Mike Cash says. You might want to review this thread. Takumar club

You realize that you are contributing to the inflation of Taks don't you?

[lesmore49]

I actually had/have a Takumar K mount 28mm F 2.8 and used for many a year on my K1000.

I've also had/have screw mount Takumar lenses...always pleased with their performance.

The Taks are made by Pentax and in my experience meet Pentax standards.

It (28mm Tak-K mount) was a very good lens, seemed well built, traveled all over the world with me, still works well and I never had any difficulty with it.

I bought it new and was always pleased with it.

[The Kurly One]

Heres a few that I took lastnight, I Monochromed them all. I was trying to get some nice photos for our friends... its my first real attemp at spontanious portraits.

[luisgalli]

I have been using a Takumar 28 mm f2.8 for some time now on my Pentax Kx and I find the quality to be superior. A very good lens in my opinion and a keeper.