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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
07-11-2018, 02:19 AM
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It is.
I have the same.
A later version, that is all black but the chrome nose, is almost identical to the Auto Yashinon DX version.
Tomioka-made f/1.2 and f/1.4 55mm's are highly praised, and with good reasons I'd say, but slower fifties don't get the same appreciation. It's good news for those who buy them, as the prices are still very affordable.
If I had to find a fault, I'd say that the build is slightly inferior to contemporary Takumar objectives. Most Takumars are still smooth and precise like when they were new. Auto Yashinon and Auto Mamiya/Sekor lenses are well built but sometimes are a bit wobbly or need helicoid re-greasing.
Maybe I'm a bit too picky, Super and Super-Multi-Coated Takumars are among the better built lenses ever :)
I love the all-metal construction!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
07-10-2018, 04:44 AM
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The old Yashinon and Mamiya/Sekor are all Tomioka's. Some examples are practically identical.
If you don't mind to use single coated lenses, the old chrome nose objectives of both brands are my favorites. Especially the cheap six-elements 2/50mm's, that are sharp enough wide open and give a butter smooth bokeh. No swirl or soap bubbles, just a very sweet out of focus rendition..
When you mention possible Mamiya Sekor problems, I guess you refer to the SX series, which has a pin and a diaphragm ring protruding at the back of the lens. With Pentax DSLR cameras you need to work the lens at the lathe, removing the pin and shortening the diaphragm ring, so that the mating surface will have the right register.
All previous Auto Mamiya/Sekor lenses are perfectly compatible... and great value, IMHO.
I suggest to clean your Cassar, if it's hazy. It's an interesting little lens.
Don't expect good contrast and flare resistance, though.
Use a hood and carefully avoid strong light sources, unless shaded by the hood. The lens is very prone to flare, but in controlled lighting conditions it has a lovely OOF rendering, and the typical smoothness of most triplets.
BTW, I love triplets! :)
Unfortunately the Cooke triplet design is very picky about glass positioning. With double gauss designs, slightly unscrewing the back of the objective would affect the optimization of the optic (infinity Vs close up), but a similar alteration would deeply affect a triplet design. The positioning of the central element is especially critical.
The front element is less fuzzy, it was used to control focusing (as in many triplets for folding cameras, and the Iscotar 50mm for M42 reflex cameras).
All this to say that I would refrain from buying battered triplets, or those showing DIY repair attempts (damaged screws, scratched retaining rings, etc).
Regarding LBA, my rationalization of this issue is: "I 'collect' large format lenses and I 'use' PK/M42 ones".
With at least 350 optics readily usable on my Pentax DSLR cameras, excluding duplicates and "project" lenses, I guess I should reword 'use' in 'I hope I'll find the time to use (before next reincarnation)'.
I have no guilty feelings buying, but it seems I have huge problems selling.
I still have to find the resolve to sell at least the duplicates! :)
The only lenses I've sold in the last 20 years were high value items I wish I had kept for myself, especially because I have always been talked into selling them way below market prices. I care very much about finding new loving hands for my beloved old glasses... so money is not the main concern, and all this becomes a good excuse to postpone sales indefinitely :) :)
I will try soon to sell some, I have to cause I'm moving to a much smaller place.
Cheers
Paolo
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