8 element vs 7 element 50mm f1.4

RMJ · 08-29-2011, 10:53 AM

Please clear a few things up. From what I've read the original M42 50mm f1.4 Super Takumar 8 element lens does not yellow like the newer 7 element versions. Is this true?
In the opinions of members here is the 7 element (pre SMC) really a better lens? If so, in what respect. I'd enjoy hearing from people who own and use both (film & digital).
Thanks

**boriscleto** · 08-29-2011, 11:20 AM

The 8-element Super Takumar is indeed non-thoriated. This means it does not yellow. Only 3 Takumars contain Thorium, the 35/2, the 7-element 50/1.4, and the Super Takumar 6x7 105/2.4.

Radioactive lenses - Camerapedia

I own both and in my subjective opinion the 8-element is the better lens. Unfortunately I rarely use either since getting the A50/1.4.

joe.penn · 08-29-2011, 11:27 AM - **1 Like**

I have all three, the 8 element is slightly sharper than the 7 element non smc version - the smc version is sharper than both the 8 and the 7 non smc. If you are looking for a piece to shoot with on a regular basis and IQ and sharpness is what you are in seek of, the Super-Multi-Coated one is the one you want. If you are looking for bragging rights or the pleasure of owning a rare takumar piece, then the 8 element version is the one you want...

--

**boriscleto** · 08-29-2011, 11:29 AM

Originally posted by joe.penn

I have all three, the 8 element is slightly sharper than the 7 element non smc version - the smc version is sharper than both the 8 and the 7 non smc. If you are looking for a piece to shoot with on a regular basis and IQ and sharpness is what you are in seek of, the Super-Multi-Coated one is the one you want. If you are looking for bragging rights or the pleasure of owning a rare takumar piece, then the 8 element version is the one you want...

--

The S-M-C also has the advantage of having 8 aperture blades.

Adam · 08-29-2011, 11:50 AM

See more info here:
Super-Takumar 50mm F1.4 (Early 8-Element Variant) Reviews - M42 Screwmount Normal Primes - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database
SMC/S-M-C/Super Takumar 50mm F1.4 Reviews - M42 Screwmount Normal Primes - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

ytterbium · 08-30-2011, 09:54 AM

Originally posted by boriscleto

The 8-element Super Takumar is indeed non-thoriated. This means it does not yellow. Only 3 Takumars contain Thorium, the 35/2, the 7-element 50/1.4, and the Super Takumar 6x7 105/2.4.
Radioactive lenses - Camerapedia

Rear element of my SMC Takumar 55/1.8 gives noticeably increased reading on the Geiger counter. It is yellowish as well, but i doubt it has any effect on pictures.

**boriscleto** · 08-30-2011, 12:16 PM

Originally posted by ytterbium

Rear element of my SMC Takumar 55/1.8 gives noticeably increased reading on the Geiger counter. It is yellowish as well, but i doubt it has any effect on pictures.

The amber coloring is from the SMC coatings. A yellowed lens will look yellow when you look through the viewfinder.

RMJ · 09-01-2011, 07:52 AM

Thanks for replies. I own a 8 element lens and 7 element Super Takumar. I felt the 8 element was better but everything I read always said the 7 was better. Both are in preistine condition. I should take your advise and pick up a SMC version so it can meter at full aperture with my SPF.
I need to finish up my film and get some images posted.
Thanks again!

Blue · 09-19-2011, 12:11 PM

Originally posted by RMJ

Thanks for replies. I own a 8 element lens and 7 element Super Takumar. I felt the 8 element was better but everything I read always said the 7 was better. Both are in preistine condition. I should take your advise and pick up a SMC version so it can meter at full aperture with my SPF.
I need to finish up my film and get some images posted.
Thanks again!

There are a couple of long threads on here about these lenses which mostly centers around identifying the different versions and variants. However, I think that my 8 element copies are better than my copies of the regular S.T. 50/1.4 and S-M-C 50/1.4. I think there were some assumptions made that the 8-element was dropped because the 7 element was better. However, the 8-element was expensive at the time due to the cemented triplet group.

08-29-2011, 10:53 AM	#1
RMJ New Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 3	8 element vs 7 element 50mm f1.4 Please clear a few things up. From what I've read the original M42 50mm f1.4 Super Takumar 8 element lens does not yellow like the newer 7 element versions. Is this true? In the opinions of members here is the 7 element (pre SMC) really a better lens? If so, in what respect. I'd enjoy hearing from people who own and use both (film & digital). Thanks

08-29-2011, 11:20 AM	#2
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,477	The 8-element Super Takumar is indeed non-thoriated. This means it does not yellow. Only 3 Takumars contain Thorium, the 35/2, the 7-element 50/1.4, and the Super Takumar 6x7 105/2.4. Radioactive lenses - Camerapedia I own both and in my subjective opinion the 8-element is the better lens. Unfortunately I rarely use either since getting the A50/1.4. Last edited by boriscleto; 08-29-2011 at 11:27 AM.

08-29-2011, 11:50 AM	#5
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	See more info here: Super-Takumar 50mm F1.4 (Early 8-Element Variant) Reviews - M42 Screwmount Normal Primes - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC/S-M-C/Super Takumar 50mm F1.4 Reviews - M42 Screwmount Normal Primes - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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08-29-2011, 11:27 AM - 1 Like	#3
joe.penn Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Maryland (Right Outside Washington DC) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,902	I have all three, the 8 element is slightly sharper than the 7 element non smc version - the smc version is sharper than both the 8 and the 7 non smc. If you are looking for a piece to shoot with on a regular basis and IQ and sharpness is what you are in seek of, the Super-Multi-Coated one is the one you want. If you are looking for bragging rights or the pleasure of owning a rare takumar piece, then the 8 element version is the one you want... --

08-29-2011, 11:29 AM	#4
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,477	Originally posted by joe.penn I have all three, the 8 element is slightly sharper than the 7 element non smc version - the smc version is sharper than both the 8 and the 7 non smc. If you are looking for a piece to shoot with on a regular basis and IQ and sharpness is what you are in seek of, the Super-Multi-Coated one is the one you want. If you are looking for bragging rights or the pleasure of owning a rare takumar piece, then the 8 element version is the one you want... -- The S-M-C also has the advantage of having 8 aperture blades.

08-30-2011, 09:54 AM	#6
ytterbium Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,076	Originally posted by boriscleto The 8-element Super Takumar is indeed non-thoriated. This means it does not yellow. Only 3 Takumars contain Thorium, the 35/2, the 7-element 50/1.4, and the Super Takumar 6x7 105/2.4. Radioactive lenses - Camerapedia Rear element of my SMC Takumar 55/1.8 gives noticeably increased reading on the Geiger counter. It is yellowish as well, but i doubt it has any effect on pictures.

08-30-2011, 12:16 PM	#7
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,477	Originally posted by ytterbium Rear element of my SMC Takumar 55/1.8 gives noticeably increased reading on the Geiger counter. It is yellowish as well, but i doubt it has any effect on pictures. The amber coloring is from the SMC coatings. A yellowed lens will look yellow when you look through the viewfinder.

09-01-2011, 07:52 AM	#8
RMJ New Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 3 Original Poster	Thanks for replies. I own a 8 element lens and 7 element Super Takumar. I felt the 8 element was better but everything I read always said the 7 was better. Both are in preistine condition. I should take your advise and pick up a SMC version so it can meter at full aperture with my SPF. I need to finish up my film and get some images posted. Thanks again!

09-19-2011, 12:11 PM	#9
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by RMJ Thanks for replies. I own a 8 element lens and 7 element Super Takumar. I felt the 8 element was better but everything I read always said the 7 was better. Both are in preistine condition. I should take your advise and pick up a SMC version so it can meter at full aperture with my SPF. I need to finish up my film and get some images posted. Thanks again! There are a couple of long threads on here about these lenses which mostly centers around identifying the different versions and variants. However, I think that my 8 element copies are better than my copies of the regular S.T. 50/1.4 and S-M-C 50/1.4. I think there were some assumptions made that the 8-element was dropped because the 7 element was better. However, the 8-element was expensive at the time due to the cemented triplet group.