| Author: | | New Member Registered: April, 2012 Location: Malaysia Posts: 4 | | Review Date: April 12, 2012 | Recommended
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Solid, Sharp and Fast | | Cons: | ...so far non. | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 7
Value: 8
Camera Used: E-P2
| |
This is my 1st manual lens and it's truly impressive! Picture quality is stunning and built is solid! Truly, what a lens!! and the lens is older than me yet it still performed great !!    
samples taken are here (Non working link removed)
| | | | | | | New Member Registered: February, 2012 Posts: 14 | | Review Date: April 10, 2012 | Recommended
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | | | Cons: | | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 8
Value: 10
| |
nothing more to say...
it is sharp!
sample pics. no post processing.
 | | | | | Pentaxian Registered: April, 2011 Location: Lost in translation ... Posts: 18,076
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: March 13, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $30.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Build, sharp, fast ... | | Cons: | None - for this performance/price ratio | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 8
Value: 10
Camera Used: K-5
| |
Bonjour,
Like the previous reviewer, this is my first Takumar M42 lens, and I'm truly enjoying it.
My copy is a "Super-Takumar" version that I bought via Internet from a UK camera store that I have had good experience with. They listed it as "E++" condition, and they were correct. Came with the metal lens cover and all.
Physically, it resembles the first photo of this review page - "1971: Super-Multi-Coated TAKUMAR 1:1.8/55 - 1st photo above" except that mine is again a "Super-Takumar - 1:1.8/55 - 1790569 - Asahi Opt. Co. - Lens made in Japan" and it has fine knurls on the aperture ring.
I also purchased a Pentax OEM adapter ring to use this lens safely on my K-5 (and/or K-r, K110D, K1000).
All of the previous reviews are generally correct about the optical performance from what I have seen thus far with this lens ... I need to spend more time with it, but my first impressions were really great ... sharp, sharp, sharp. Excellent build. Just great!
Given the price/performance ratio (even including the additional minor cost of the adapter, about $30 with postage included), this lens is a real winner and worth a "9" overall to me.
Allez et aux optiques Takumar M42 !!! John le Frog
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: June, 2009 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 242
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: February 11, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $60.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Size; Build Quality; Bokeh; Focal Length; F/1.8; A Bargain | | Cons: | | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 10
Camera Used: K7
| |
I own the SMC version. I love this lens. It's a great value for the money. I can't really add anything that others haven't already, however I will say that I prefer the 55mm focal length over the standard 50mm. It gives you just a little more reach, which on APS-C, is what I was looking for portraits. (Pentax obviously considers the 55mm focal length very nice for APS-C cameras with the release of the DA*55mm)
The bokeh is up there among the best in my opinion. The build quality is amazing. I use this lens enough that I have just left the M42-K adapter on it and find that it holds quite well on the camera without the locking lever installed. This way it is super quick and easy to remove.
The only real negative I can think of is the famous radioactivity of the lens!  Although it won't stop me from using it, it does make me think twice about how long I hold it up to my face and gaze at it lovingly.  | | | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: September, 2010 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,429
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 10, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $30.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Vibrant Colors, Sharp, Build, Focus | | Cons: | Not K mount | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 10
Value: 10
| |
I have the 1972 version of the SMC Takumar 55mm F1.8. This is my first Takumar and it is OUTSTANDING! The build quality is extremely high. I don't think any modern lens compares in quality.
Sharp fully open, and even better a stop or two down. This lens exhibits very rich vibrant colors.
If you can find one, grab it. I am now on the lookout for more Takumars, this lens gave me a Takumar bug.
Here's a quick shot of my niece using this lens. Focus wasn't just right, but she wouldn't hold still for a photo. This is at F1.8.
1 Hanna 31 Oct 2011 by coloradocj, on Flickr
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: January, 2007 Location: Brooklyn, New York Posts: 1,064
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 5, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $56.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Superb color, sharpness | | Cons: | just the annoyance of the m42 adaptor | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 8
Value: 10
| |
Other than my previous purchase of FA28-105 f4-5.6 power zoom (which I dearly love)This is just about the
best lens I own. Something very special about the color and the sharpness is amazing. It has a beautiful
build quality. Takes great landscape shots on my K100D. For some reason it is my best
lens for shooting at early dawn and shooting snow scenes. I bought it late last summer. I prefer my Sigma 50mm EX for macro shooting
of flowers and insects. I have the SMC version of this Takumar. If you don't own this lens you have to buy it.
It is an amazing value. I have about 9 different lenses including 40mm ltd. and the outstanding Pentax 16-45 f4 ED. I have to say that
after I bought this Takumar lens and the FA28-105, I consider my lens collection to be more than satisfactory
for all my photo needs and I will not be buying any more lenses.. I'm going to give the tak a really good workout come Springtime, because I didn't
really concentrate on its bokeh. Screw it on- it's definitely worth the trouble!
P.S. just wanted to mention this 55mm 1.8 Takumar is much better than my old manual Pentax 50mm 1.7, that I paid about 45. for.
| | | | | Inactive Account Registered: March, 2011 Location: In your head. Posts: 26 | | Review Date: November 26, 2011 | Recommended
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharp, f1.8, good bokeh | | Cons: | A little soft wide open | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 10
| |
Got this lens off my Spotmatic. Worked great on ALL of my bodies. From my a200, a550, a700 to my k20D.
Would not recommend using this at 1.8, but at f2.8 and above it's sweet. Focusing is smooth,
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: April, 2009 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 499
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: August 27, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $38.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Rock-solid build, good bokeh, contrast, sharpness, cost, small size | | Cons: | all manual (although I consider that a positive) | |
I cannot say enough about this lens. It has quickly become my favorite lens walk-around lens and I rarely pick up my FA 50 1.4 anymore - even though it's auto focus and slightly faster than my Tak.
Simply put, there are tons of fans of the FA 50 1.4 (and I'm one of them), but that lens does not have the same quality in terms of build, picture quality, and flexibility that this lens provides. Also, on a personal note, since this is an M42 manual lens, I find myself taking more time concentrating on taking a good picture instead of letting the camera figure out what to do while I simply snap away.
For the price, you can't go wrong. Keep in mind, it's an M42 and pretty much every setting is manual, but knowing how, why, when, and what changes you should make manually to get the shot you want is a skill every photographer should have anyway.
| | | | | Inactive Account Registered: July, 2011 Location: New Mexico Posts: 74 | | Review Date: August 14, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $50.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Appearance; cost; light weight; sharpness at f8 | | Cons: | Soft at f1.8 - f2.8 | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 9
Value: 10
| |
I recently bought this lens from Ebay for about $50. It is a smallish gem, easy on my eyes. The lens front on mine says Asahi Opt. Co., Japan SMC Takumar 1:1.8/55.
So far, I have had a lot of fun using it on my K-x, with the Pentax screwmount-K adapter. The manual part of the whole operation is very pleasing to me, as it reminds me of my days back in the 1970s with my Nikon Photomic T and the Nikkor f1.4 lens. The green button-manual process is working good as I write this. (Off topic: based on my searches, I hear tell I can use some of those old non-AI Nikkor lenses on my K-x! Looks like I will be well on my way to a 12 step program because of my new LBA. Ha, ha.)
In my tests so far, and considering my old eyes, I find it a bit soft at f1.8 - f2.8. But it gets progressively sharper as I go through the apertures. At f8, it is crazy sharp. I really like that.
Interesting comparisons: I have compared a number of shots comparing my DA L 18-55 with this lens. The sometimes maligned kit lens at 55mm, f5.6, iso 400 is about equal in IQ with the Tak 55 at f5.6. But, at higher apertures, the Tak takes over, at about f5.6 and excellent at f8.
Just to give you an idea of what the lens is capable of, two pics are attached, both wide open.
All in all, I am glad I got my Tak 55. It looks good on my K-x, and hardly weighs anything. Pics outdoors at f8 or so are really colorful and sharp.
(Non working links removed)
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: November, 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 131 | | Review Date: August 8, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $65.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Solid build, Sharpness, bokeh, feel | | Cons: | Maybe tough to focus wide open | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 10
| |
I have the SMC version. This is a great lens with the solid Takumar build and very smooth handling. The lens just feels great and performs very well.
It is extremely sharp stopped down and easy to focus then also.
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: April, 2010 Location: Adelaide, South Australia Posts: 813 | | Review Date: July 22, 2011 | Recommended
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | IQ, contrast, colour, smooth focus, predictable quality | | Cons: | None | |
This lens came with my Spotmatic eons ago, and it hasn't let me down.
Great colour, contrast and IQ.
Sharp from F1.8, but insanely sharp from F4.
It make a great portrait lens on a digital Pentax camera.
Focus is easy, and has the Takumar smoothness.
Just lacks a little in Bokeh (but this is a minor quibble).
This is one of the lenses that built Pentax's reputation, and should be cherished.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: March, 2009 Location: Ohio, USA/ India Posts: 478 | | Review Date: June 1, 2011 | Recommended
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Exceptional IQ, build | | Cons: | none | |
This is one fantastic Takumar. It'f focal length on APSC is great for portraits. I was just shocked by its rendering on my K20D. I have no idea why the selling price is so low for this lens. It is a must have if you are into Taks and fast primes.
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: July, 2008 Location: Detroit Posts: 3,491 | | Review Date: April 29, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $10.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharp, good contrast, great color,nice bokeh | | Cons: | It's not auto everything | |
I got this lens in lot with other equipment, so the cost is probably even less.
Although the outside shows it's age, everything works flawlessly.
Mechanically tight from the focus ring to the barrels,that can only be a sign of A1 construction.
I have been impressed with this lens from the first shot I took.
Color is spot on, contrast is better than acceptable and it's SHARP.
Bokeh is smooth and jaggy free.
It has pixie dust.......
I have to add that as with only a few other lenses I have.
I will always own this lens and a camera to shoot with it.
If you find one?
Obtain one.
It might be the best bargain you will ever find.
| | | | | New Member Registered: January, 2011 Location: Liverpool Posts: 23 | | Review Date: April 11, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $50.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Small, Relatively Sharp Wide Open, Colours which i like | | Cons: | Slighly Soft wide open but i dont mind! Bit too much crop on APS-C | |
-Super Takumar *non SMC*
I've only had my camera for a month and i felt like i wanted a more wide open lens than a kit lens. This was relatively cheap on ebay and i got in in very good condition, hardly used. Since this is only my second lens i always use it +add f/1.8. I have also brought a lens hood which will also help me outdoors. I use this to shoot mainly people but since i use it on a APS-C i might need to step back quite alot because of the crop.
This lens produces excellent bokeh and great for the price as my K7 dried my bank out! This is also my first manual focus lens and it has got me addicted to using it! The focusing is very smooth and would be glad to use another Super Takumar.
The Colours are very nice and always a tiny bit cool in most situations which i like, they come out excellently!
Cons- Outdoor i sometimes gets get hazing and flaring. But for the price its all worth it.
Im VERY happy for buying it.
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: December, 2008 Location: Zetten - The Netherlands Posts: 9,050 | | Review Date: January 24, 2011 | Recommended
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | small, sharp, smooth in use, cheap! | | Cons: | MF, if considered so | |
I got my Super-Multi-Coated version of the Takumar 55mm F1.8 as part of a package deal, together with my Spotmatic, a SMC Takumar 35mm F3.5, and a SMC Takumar 135mm F3.5 (so, no idea how much the separate parts have cost me). Although I don't use this lens very often, it's one of those 'must haves' for those taking their photography serious. Once a standard lens on the Spotmatic, it is one of the most versatile lenses I've got. It is a bit soft at f/1.8 (how much I tried, so in this case I believe it's not a problem of a very thin DOF!), but once closed down a bit, it is very sharp, and at f/8 sharpness is stunning! I love the colour rendition of all Takumars, this one no exception.
It is a small lens, easy to use with a - for me - lovely focus throw and a very smooth operating focus ring (so much unlike many FSU lenses, from which I have quite a number!) If you consider manual focus a problem, this lens won't be an exception. If you consider a MF lens however, this is a good one to start with! It's wide open aperture gives a nice bright picture on you focus screen, making MF a whole lot easier. And it is very (dirty) cheap, so get yourself one and try it!!!
On a crop (dSLR) sensor this 'standard' lens has the FOV of a small telephoto lens, like an old-fashioned portrait lens on a 35mm camera. I think it is great for portraits, although I'm not that much of a portrait man myself. For landscapes, street and architecture shots this lens is a must have.
If you want to check some photos: my Single in January lens in 2011 is this lens, so you can check my SiJ album!
| | |
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
