Author: | | New Member Registered: January, 2021 Posts: 1 | Review Date: January 24, 2021 | Recommended | Price: $61.00
| Rating: 8 |
Pros: | Build quality, easy to use, reasonable sharpness, great colors | Cons: | Heavy for its size, some c | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 6
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 9
Value: 10
Camera Used: Canon 5D Mark III
| | This was one of the first manual lenses I ever tried on my camera. It is very easy to use, smooth focus, decent sharpness, and really nice colors. The images it produces have a sort of soothing effect, so nice to look at and easy on the eyes while still providing a lot of detail at the key points.
The build quality is very solid as one would expect from a Takumar. I even dropped mine so the filter ring is a tad bent but didn't effect the lens other than that. | | | | | New Member Registered: March, 2019 Posts: 2 | Review Date: January 1, 2021 | Recommended
| Rating: 8 |
Pros: | size, black and white use, vintage look to photos | Cons: | none for the price | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 8
Value: 10
Camera Used: Sony a6000, Sony a7,
| | I have an Auto Tak and it is a favourite of mine. I love it for its small size, the black and white images it can produce and the overall vintage look it can give to the photos. It can lose contrast when shot towards brighter areas of a scene and even with focus peaking, I don't find that it is the easiest lens to nail focus with.
For the money, this is a lovely little lens. Given it was made somewhere in the late 50s, you can forgive it for not being quite as smooth as other Takumars are in their focus. The aperture ring movement isn't as positive and decisive as newer lenses from the 70s and 80s either. But that doesn't stop me from regularly enjoying this lens.
| | | | New Member Registered: October, 2017 Posts: 3 5 users found this helpful | Review Date: February 10, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $20.00
| Rating: 8 |
Pros: | Legendary Takumar | Cons: | | Sharpness: 9
Handling: 8
Value: 7
Camera Used: K1
| | A more special lens, the radioactive Takumar
My version is an SMC Takumar. I have found this lens at a second hand trader together with a functioning SP 1000 for 29 €. The few pictures I did until now with this lens on a K1 are ok. Even fully open, the pictures are sharp, color rendering is typical (beautiful), flawless for a lens of this age. Even after so many years of use, leaving damages on the housing, functioning is smooth. Takumar's are build to last forever.
The most interesting property of this lens: it is radioactive.
Some articles about radioactive lenses can be found on the web, different variations of Takumars are among them.
Which of them are radiating, depends on the maximum f stop of the particular lens and the year built. Takumar's with f stop above 2 are not radioactive.
To reduce chromatic aberrations on the higher opening Tak's, thoriated lenses were used as rear element of these optics. Thorium is a radioactive element, which is also responsible for yellowing or browning the glass on these lenses. According to information found on the web, not necessary all Takumars or the replacing Pentax K-Series with fast f stop have these thoriated lenses. Following M- and A-Series Pentax lenses no more used thoriated glass.
I have tested mine with a soviet Pripjat Radiometer of the 90's. The radiometer apposed directly on the rear element of the lens, the reading exceeds12 microSievert, which is considerable. Radiation does rapidly decrease with distance. A few centimeters away, only 1.5 MicroSievert are indicated, at over 30 cm, no more radiation above natural background level can be measured. So, nothing to worry about such a lens stored at home, it will not irradiate the entire house...
Might it be dangerous? If used properly: No. But i would not recommend to hold the rear lens close against your eye for longer time.The cornea is very thin, and the Beta-rays and (few) Gamma-rays emitted can certainly penetrate and enter the eye. Never would I hold it against bare skin in general for a longer time.
Interestingly, almost no radiation is measurable at the front lens.
Beta- and Gamma rays are able to damage sensitive electronic circuits if their intensity is high enough. A digital camera sensor is such a sensitive device.
When taking pictures with this lens mounted on an SLR, the mirror protects the sensor (or film) from radiation as your eye too. What happens on a mirrorless camera, with the sensor exposed for very long time to the radiation ? Anybody interested in testing this out?
And yes, the Pripjat Radiation-meter is reliable. Even if it's soviet & old, it's still among the best available.
And no, the pictures taken with this lens are not glowing in the dark, nore does this venerable old Takumar provide x-ray view through clothes..
Pictures below shows the Tak & Pripjat, the radiometer a few centimeters away reading 1,5 uS, and the radiometer apposed directly on the lens reading over 12 uS. | | | | New Member Registered: February, 2019 Posts: 15 | Review Date: March 14, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $30.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | Small and light and well-priced | Cons: | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 8
Value: 10
Camera Used: ME Super K2
| | A nice lens on all counts, but seriously over-exaggerated by some folks who worship the Takumar brand. Beyond that, some tend to sneer at the f2 and dance with joy around f1.8 or f1.4 versions. As all of the Takumar 55mm lenses all give best image quality at f4 to f11 the f2 lens is as good a buy as the f1.4 or f1.8. So the f2 is a pretty good lens on par with the others. Do a comparison and see for yourself.
Some f2 lenses are in superb condition 50 years on, but some are awful. Keep this in mind when ordering online. A very good lens with the potential to be excellent in the right hands and with a good film camera. Digital applications will obviously have the processor/sensor having a huge influence in image quality, so don't fall into the trap of assuming lens quality is the only variable with a digital camera. For the secondhand costs of the f2 Takumar, this is a lovely lens that everyone should try in an M42 mount camera, or with an adaptor. If you are buying one for digital use, also think about the Pentax M or A Series 50mm bayonet mount lenses. The 5mm extra on a Takumar gives no real added benefit except in perception, but the sometime ridiculous prices often asked for old Takumar lenses really shows why more recent Pentax 50mm bayonet lenses are a wiser buy.
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: September, 2013 Location: Cuenca Posts: 621 1 user found this helpful | Review Date: February 6, 2019 | Recommended
| Rating: 10 |
Pros: | sharp, great color and contrast, nice bokeh | Cons: | aperture ring is a bit stiff | | I have all three 55's, the f1.8, the f2, and the f2.2. The f1.8 is a Super Takumar, and the other two are auto-Takumars with a 46mm filter size, 10 aperture blades and a minimum f22 aperture. They all have the same 6 elements in 5 groups design and so perform similarly except perhaps at maximum aperture where the ten-blades would affect the out-of-focus rendering. I have the impression my f2.2 vignettes slightly, so my preference is for the f2. The attached photo was taken at f2.
An interesting technical evaluation of the Takumar 55mm f2 is here: https://www.ephotozine.com/article/asahi-super-takumar-55mm-f-2-0-m42-vintage-lens-review-32105 | | | | New Member Registered: April, 2017 Posts: 1 | Review Date: May 26, 2017 | Recommended | Price: $30.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | Build quality, Smooth handling, Good colors special to it | Cons: | 49mm filter thread | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 9
Camera Used: Canon EOS 350D
| | Got the lens from Ebay India and is in quite Good condition.Am so much impressed with its rendition of great colors which i found typical to it and could not compare to my any other lenses of Nikkors, CZJ Pancolar, Vivitar & Helios etc.It became my favorite lens among all my AF & Manual lens exclusively for its colors rendering characteristic.Wide open is somewhat soft and DOF is quite shallow at closeups and wide open, needs more skill of adjustment for a better shot.After getting this lens and seeing its performance felt like having at least one Super Takumar is must to any serious hobby photographer.
My Lens is similar as 4th image
Image Shooting Data : 1/400. ISO 100, F2, Day light, close up at about 1 1/2 feet
Is a plant called "Tulasi" which is found in most Indian homes | | | | New Member Registered: July, 2014 Location: Eau Claire Posts: 14 | Review Date: April 15, 2017 | Recommended | Price: $6.00
| Rating: 8 |
Pros: | Small, Sharp | Cons: | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 8
Handling: 6
Value: 10
Camera Used: K-5 IIs
| | This lens came attached to an H2 I bought from a local online auction and at first setting the aperture was confusing, but this turned out to be a fun little lens. I bought this lens, with the H2, some "Focal" brand lenses and a Soligar 35mm for 12 bucks. | | | | New Member Registered: January, 2017 Posts: 3 | Review Date: January 10, 2017 | Recommended | Price: $50.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | well built, smooth, sharp, bokeh | Cons: | not really | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 9
Camera Used: Lumix GX-80
| | Mine is a Model2 late. I started photography not so long ago so, you might knowing it while reading my review. I used it on my Lumix GX80 (micro 4/3 sensor) so the "perceived" focal length is 110mm.
The aperture and focus rings are very smooth and easy to use. It's very well built and robust. The sharpness is very good even at full aperture and the bokeh is super nice.
Lumix GX-80 at F/2
Lumix GX-80 at F/2 | | | | Pentaxian Registered: March, 2015 Posts: 6,381 1 user found this helpful | Review Date: July 2, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $30.00
| Rating: 8 |
Pros: | Small, light, beautiful build quality | Cons: | Appears to underexpose at wider apertures. | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 7
Value: 9
Camera Used: K-5
| | This is the second M42 lens I have owned - the other is a non-Pentax short-tele prime. Mine is the SMC version.
This lens is compact, protruding no further from the face of the camera than does a 50mm f/2 Pentax A, while giving me an extra 5mm of focal length. Manual focusing is relatively easy on the K5, although I would of course prefer a split prism, and the focus action is very smooth. Image quality appears quite decent on initial inspection. Background blurring wide open is satisfactory for my purposes.
There are a few downsides to this lens. The first is that my copy tends to underexpose at wider apertures (aperture priority mode selected), a pattern that appears to correct itself as the camera is stopped down. I have deducted points for handling for this reason, though I'm aware it's a problem that isn't restricted to this particular design.
The second thing to be aware of is that the base of the lens does NOT cover the contacts on the camera's K mount, and one needs to take extra care in this regard if the weather looks like becoming inclement.
The third is that the push-on lens cap is NOT a very tight fit, and might easily become dislodged (potential buyers with K1000s and similar cameras whose meters are "always on", take note!).
Nevertheless, I would still rate this a decent old lens and recommend it.
Diameter is approximately 57mm, rising to just under 60mm where the A/M clutch switch protrudes. Length is 38mm from camera face to forward extremity at shortest extension, no filters or lens caps, and 43mm from base of mount to forward extremity (as above), not including aperture-reading tab or stop-down pin.
(Review edited 16 Sep 2015; example photo taken with the lens added 8 Jan 2016) IMG11411 by PD's Deadly Lens, on Flickr
ETA:
I have since acquired a Super Takumar version of this lens (from an earlier run that does not support open-aperture metering). It does this when you open it nearly all the way up (I closed it one stop to keep the entire fruit in focus)... IMX22529 by PD's Deadly Lens, on Flickr
...and although it may well be more flare-sensitive than its SMC successor, I think the rendering possibly has a bit more class (a very subjective opinion, I agree). Not being a late SMC variant, it also has that all-metal classic Super Takumar look and feel.
| | | | Forum Member Registered: October, 2014 Posts: 85 | | | | New Member Registered: July, 2013 Location: Ancona - Marche - Italy Posts: 6 4 users found this helpful | Review Date: January 10, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $50.00
| Rating: 10 |
Pros: | Sharp, great colors, nice bokeh, quality build, handling | Cons: | None | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 10
Camera Used: K-5
| | I have used many Takumar lenses and I love them all, but this is one that I always have with me because it's very practical and versatile. This lens, like all Takumar, is really well built and a joy to handle, focus and aperture rings are silky smooth and I find it easy to lock focus on my subjects. The colors straight from the lens are remarkable and bright, the bokeh is simply lovely. I recommend it to everybody... moreover, it's also easy to find one
PENTAX K-5 + Super Takumar 55 f2 @ f8
PENTAX K-5 + Super Takumar 55 f2 @ f11
PENTAX K-5 + Super Takumar 55 f2 @ f2
PENTAX K-5 + Super Takumar 55 f2 @ f2.8
The photos was resized to 600px... for more details see my Pentax Gellery: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/Toonik | | | | Site Supporter Registered: June, 2013 Location: Port Angeles, WA Posts: 505 2 users found this helpful | Review Date: November 20, 2013 | Not Recommended | Price: $25.00
| Rating: 8 |
Pros: | Cheap, nice length on APS-C, sharp, nice colors | Cons: | lots of sample variation, yellowing front element on ST, super loose focus ring, barrel distortion | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 4
Value: 10
Camera Used: ME Super, SPII, K-X, K100d
| | Solid 8, but a 10 given price.
Very sharp at everything past f/4, decent Bokeh. Colors are on par with the other Super Takumars I have, but it has a large front element that is prone to flaring and loosing contrast when the sun is anywhere in front of you. The hood from the ST 135mm f/3.5 fit on front, and did not vignette (barely). This fixed this issue.
Handling is the biggest issue for me. There is almost no resistance in the focus ring. It's like trying to focus a DA lens manually, and it won't stay put between shots. This isn't unique, either, I've heard a couple similar complaints.
Barrel distortion is an issue. The length is nice for people shots, but it tends to distort features which take time cleaning up in PP. Overall a really good bargain, but not quite as sharp as the SMC-M 50mm f/1.7.
For this price, my recommendation would be to avoid this and find a Helios 44M/Zeiss Biotar. I've had two-- both had sharpness in between the 55 f/2 and SMC-M 50 f/1.7 when at 2.8 to 4. Both had Bokeh that blew away any of these lenses. Colors were a bit cooler and more subdued, but that's easier to bump up in post than fixing the barel distortion of this lens. | | | | New Member Registered: February, 2009 Location: Connecticut Posts: 20 | Review Date: July 23, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $16.00
| Rating: 10 |
Pros: | Cheap | Cons: | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 9
Value: 10
Camera Used: K5
| | I have the rubber grip version, so 70s with the chrome rings. If you can get your fingers around the manual focus aspect in the right conditions it rivals modern lens. Pentax went out of there way to make this a 2.0 vs 1.8 as one can see a stop down ring. Sharp, actuate colors and grit. One of the last Takumars that can be had for on the cheap. | | | | New Member Registered: May, 2013 Location: Near Basle Posts: 9 | Review Date: June 18, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $50.00
| Rating: 8 |
Pros: | sharp, small, low-priced | Cons: | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 7
Value: 9
Camera Used: Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Sony Nex-6
| | I use the Auto Takumar 55mm f/2 on Sony Nex-6 and Canon EOS 5D Mark 2 and Mark 3.
The lens behaves like the Auto Takumar 55mm f/2.2 in every aspect.
I don't like the lever to open the aperture. Maybe my finger is to big, I rearrange often the focus. I like the work with the preset on the 58mm more than with the lever on the Auto Takumar 55mm.
The lens has nice and natural colors, the bokeh isn't bad and is very sharp even wide open. I didn't have any disturbing CA's yet.
The lens doesn't like sidelights, but the flares are controlable and can be used for creativity. I like the stars from the closed aperture and strong light sources.
Some photos are at the end of the article here , together with Auto Takumar 55mm f/2.2, f/1.8 and Preset Tak 58mm f/2
| | | | New Member Registered: December, 2012 Posts: 4 2 users found this helpful | Review Date: April 28, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $30.00
| Rating: 10 |
Pros: | Great colors, sharp, nice bokeh | Cons: | did not find any, yet | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 10
Camera Used: K5
| | I got this lens yesterday and installed it on my K5 using my M42 adapter ring. I was really surprised by the quality od the images.
The bokeh is great and the images are very sharp. This lens loves the blue and purple colors, Beautiful!!
I am not going to switch it for the next couple of weeks, I'm sure! | | |