Originally posted by stover98074 I own a somewhat old 135 3.5 preset Takumar (all black from 1961 or 1962). The lens is quite small/light and seems quite sharp. It is a joy to work with. This was taken at about f/4 with a little wind.
Lovely color rendition, good bokeh, and just a wonderful soft (not unsharp) composition.
The early 3.5's are the same formula as the M37 version that was used for the Asahiflexes. The formula here is 5 elements in 4 groups and that was continued through 1965 into v1 of the Super Takumar line. The second Super Takumar version on through SMC version had 4 in 4.
So the question is really... f/3.5 5 element vs. f/3.5 4 element vs. f/2.5.
I really am partial to the early f/3.5 and to pre-sets in general. They allow for very precise adjustment of the aperture given a set shutter speed, and so in manual mode can be hyper precise at hitting the meter's evaluation... and by extension in making adjustments to that evaluation. I developed this preference in film bodies and it has survived to use in digital.
Of course the kind of results stover has gotten here are also one of the reasons the earlier lenses appeal to me. Beautiful job stover...
woof!