Bokeh of classic lenses. An analysis of the Super-Takumar 50mm f1.4 (8 elements version)
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- Опубликовано: 8 июл 2024
- The Super-Takumar 50mm f1.4 (8 elements version) has a very strong, almost cult-like reputation, but does its performance on digital sensors justify this reputation?
This video is one of a series I’m posting that demonstrate and analyse the bokeh characteristics of individual classic, film-era, vintage lenses.
Here's a link to my lens albums on Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/9585957... 
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I started 10 years ago with an interest in photography but with too little money to spend on modern lenses. Luckily, vintage lenses were dirt cheap back then. So I bought a good range of primes for about for 5-20 bucks per lens. One of them was an SMC Takumar f1.4/50 (the one with the rubbery focus ring). And that one has become my favorite lens by far. Made so many lovely images with it over the years.
I used to be obsessed with sharpness, but looking back at the images I love best... Sharpness isn't really what makes an image hit you. What hits me is a feeling of connection and intimacy, and this lens can convey those two qualities very well. The value this lens has brought me is difficult to express in monetary terms. But truly, you don't have to spend a lot of money to have a great time with photography.
The best camera channel on RUclips.
I am proud I own one. Even though it broke twice. I repair it I love it too much. Actually because of you Simon. I own takumar and Helios 85m. You are my guide to film lenses.
I use takumar shoot abstract art with ilford delta. I use Helios to make portraits with Extar.
The wide open shot of the rope is so beautiful. We in the West celebrate 4 seasons; the Japanese celebrate 72. Their culture revolves around the sweetness & sadness of this awareness of the passing of time - eating the 1st fruits of the season, appreciating sakura, their moon viewing rituals, etc, etc. The traditional ballads of jazz are celebrations of amore & the seasons, and who appreciates jazz more than the Japanese? Comedians have often mocked the Japanese love of cameras but cameras allow them to share these small transitions in the year and their lives. Only a culture of such refined taste would produce a lens like this.
I had the 8 element and 7 at the same time years back but prefer the 7 and sold the 8 . I serviced both before testing and think the 7 renders better atmosphere where you can almost feel and smell the air in a photo, just my taste but both absolutely crush backgrounds in a gentle painterly way I haven't found in anything else. Colors from both are unreal and lifelike. Brilliant lenses.
Wow. You must have had a very good copy. I absolutely hate the 7th element. It is way to soft wide open.
@@stephenwalker8426 I CLA'd it so the glass is like new now. Before that it was soft and overly milky wide open, even at 2.8 it was a bit soft. I have another 7 I dont use and it was the same way before cleaning it. Easy lens to cla if you need to do it. It makes a world of difference.
Relatively new to vintage Lenses my first purchase being this lens based on one of your earlier videos . I hope to purchase the 7 element to compare myself. This is as always a wonderful video . Thank you so much for the fabulous content .
Thank you for sharing this information. It helps a lot to be able to see actual output from these lenses and side by side comparisons, even though one will always need to account for minor variances between specific units produced.
With as many lenses as you own, I look forward to a nice long series dedicated to learning about classic 50(+/-)mm lenses. Thank you!
Jim Durfee, a friend of mine gave me the SMC 8 bladed version of this lens (in nearly pristine condition). It is definitely my favorite vintage lens to shoot with. Jim if you see this, thanks again for that 50 millimeter. With the adapter on the Sony a7R2 with focus peaking you can get really sharp awesome pictures. Even with a 42 megapixel sensor. Jim has his own channel here on RUclips. Thank you Simon for this detailed analysis.
I have the 55mm SMC f/1.8 version. Excellent lens indeed.
Gee Simon its like painting the background, wonderful.
I’m so glad I found your channel and videos. They are so filled with great information and ideas. Thank you !!
Good content as always. And I love this lens on mirrorless. I just started shooting it on my recent acquisition, the Pentax K1000 (with K to M42 adapter from Pentax). I haven’t yet finished my first roll with it, but expect it’ll render nicely.
wonderful review as always Simon! and what a treat to get such a special lens reviewed by one of the masters! :)
The Takumar lenses are the best lenses I've ever owned paired with my bmpcc 4k. I really enjoy the look.
Have read about the history of the Takumars but never get tired of it. Besides you've done a bloody good job with your work and presentation as always. Can sit all day just playing with the focus ring of the Takumars doing nothing... Pure joy
Oh and that copy of the Ludwig Meritar is impeccable
@@kazmeisterkometh122 Thank you for your kind words. I know what you mean about those focus rings, so smooth. I'm not at all surprised you thought that's an E Ludwig Meritar....but it's actually Meyer-Optik Görlitz Primotar 50mm f2.8. Quite a rare lens that looks remarkably similar! Here's a photo of them side-by-side: flic.kr/p/2mFBUdo
@@Simonsutak oh damn. I actually thought about it before posting that 🙏. That's a very rare lens like the Kilfitts. Lovely collection you've got. Stay inspired!
Between the Primotar and the Takumar, by preference is the Takumar. Why? Because the Takumar don't have a lens breathing. And those bubbles on the Primotar aren't gorgeous like his big brother Trioplan 100mm f/2.8 . Thanks for your great work Simon, as I'm always waiting to hear something new from you.
Excellent and informative as always, Simon. I love using mine with my Leica CL. You have reminded me to get it out again and get ready for Spring!
Can you please make a video on the difference of bokeh rendering on APS-c and full-frame cameras?
Yes, I'll do that - good idea!
Another excellent lens review. I purchased the SMC 7-element version last year. The seller also had an 8-element version and I'm now regretting not buying both. Definitely a lens with that special look wide open. I've since got other fast 50s that aren't nearly as sharp wide open. Your video was helpful in showing how the Bokeh rendering changed as you stopped down. Would also be interesting in seeing how the lens compares with a modern prime - shooting the same subjects. Keep up the great work.
Most of my modern glass is gathering dust. Only comes out when af is necessary
Thanks Rod. Hope all is well. I used to own a FA50mm f1.4, but sold it, as it was too soft wide open for my taste. I own so many old fast fifties (that I really like) that I've seen no need to buy a modern digital fast fifty prime. The nearest I have is a DA 40 XS, but that's a rather specialist lens!
Nice video on one of my favourite lenses!
Really nice presentation of f-stop transitions. Well done!
Thoroughly enjoyed this video and the transitions. Thank you! I have since become interested in visiting used camera gear shops here in Japan in hopes of coming across a few gems.
Been following a while now and like always, great spot on presentation with very pleasing photos, almost like paintings of impressionist.
Thank you so much! It's great to read you enjoy the images.
Great video Simon! I’ve finally found a Super Takumar 50/1.4 at a photography convention last week. It’s a 7 elements version, but it’s absolutely mint and this very generous old gentleman sold it to me for 20 euros! I’ve been loving it so far, especially for autumn shots with the yellowed glass!
So lucky to have this wonderful lens!
I recently brought two of them. One said parts only. What I realized they tried to open it and scratched the lens a bit. It still takes great photos , just have to pay attention to how the light hits it. But I’m super picky about my gear and another one came up mint condition ,I got it as well. The prices are going up on these gems.
Exceptional lens! Definitely my favorite!
Absolutely awesome review !! Thank you so much for making these videos 👌👏🏻📸
Damn good show mate! Love it.
I had both the 7 elements version super multi coated and the 8th el.version. My copy of the 8th was extremely soft wide open, but the bokeh was glorious though. I finally sold it because the 7 elements was just there in terms of atmosphere and bokeh, but way more sharp and contrast. Maybe I should buy another one and try it. Keep the great reviews.
I gotta say man, I really love your videos. We have a LOT of the same taste in lenses and I've taken a ton of your advice over the last couple years. This was one of the first M42 lenses that I ever tracked down and bought (Great guy off the Pentax forums) and this is BY FAR my favorite lens. I barely take it off my Voigtlander Bessaflex.
Thank you so much for your kind words and it's great to read you like the Takumar so much!
Thanks for this Simon. Inspired me to mount my Canon FD 50mm f1.8 on my digital and go out and shoot. Had a lot of fun and captured some very pleasing images. Hoping to pick up a Super Takumar later this week when the bidding closes.
Very enjoyable and informative, thank you…. again!
Great Video Simon!
Good one. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks again for sharing, I just received the 8 element and truly what a very nice lens....
Wow, thank you! Really great overview of these lenses. I learned a lot! God bless.
Love the Fex image, Simon. I've got the 7 element version S-M-C and love it.
Very interesting video Simon thanks for that, and a lot of good detailed pictures that shows how the lens performs. I have the 50mm f1.4 (7 elements version) that I like to play around with on my Fuji XT-1 and it’s a really nice combination (I also play with many other old lenses of different brand). Keep up your great videos, I subscribe. Cheers Kenneth
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it. Good to hear the Takumar works well on the XT series...I've been thinking about trying these cameras for some time.
i just love your work. thanks a lot
Thank you!
@@Simonsutak I must say you've convinced me to take one! What do you think is a fair price for the 8 elements version? The best I've found is 270 euro, approximately 230 pounds. Thanks a lot!
Thank you for these videos! I love listening to your reviews. It helps me decide what lenses I might like to buy. The 50/1.4 8-element was the first 'famous' lens I ever bought and it still lives in my bag with the Macro-Tak 50/4 1:1 and Super-Tak 35/2.3. Have you thought about reviewing the Auto Tak 35/2.3? If you enjoy magic from a lens, then that 35mm is the best there is! (Especially with the secret macro mode)
I have one of these bad boys, it's super yellowed. But still optically perfect, I need to set it out in the sun for a bit.
Wow, thank you for this beauti🤝
Thank you for including images. So many videos don't include sample photos.
Glad you like them!
a great video Simon looking deeper into specific elements of the classic lenses.
something i would be interested in is what contributes to the different types of bokeh produced the vintage lenses wide open, some have smooth solid boken balls where some have onion ring bokeh balls,
is that down to the lens elements or down to the make up of the highlights being photographed
Different lens designs - elements, groups etc. - definitely create different types of bokeh and bokeh-balls. And they can produce different rendering of those effects, especially towards the edges of images - hence some lenses appear to swirl and others don't. That's part of the fun of trying different old lenses and different manufacturers with different lens designs.
Just a magical lens in fact I am seriously thinking about buying an M43 Pentax just so I can shoot this lens with some black and white film. .
Dear mr Simon, I always enjoy your video’s, thanks for posting them.
I still own my fathers 50mm 1.4, 8 lens type which he bought in early 1965. I use it now on my Nikon Z7 and I have a question about it. When I use it full open there is some kind of glow all over the image, the contrast is bad. Stopped down to f2 or 2.8 this disappears and the lens behaves excellent. I noticed this too on my Nikon D750, the image in the viewfinder there was normal but the digital image on the D750 was also bad full open. Can this be caused by reflexions from the sensor that are reflected back in the lens. I recently bought a SMC Pentax 1:1.2 50mm, at f1.2 this lens also shows this glow, although to a lesser extent. At f 1.4 its more or less gone and the lens is superb. The SMC Pentax 55mm 1:1.8 I bought myself with a K2 in 1976 also shows this behaviour, although not as noticeable as the faster glass. What are your experiences in this respect?
Yes yes yes!!!
Love this series. Can you make reccos on very small lenses that we can mount on small Sony cameras like the a7c?
What's your thought on the 50 1.4's vs the 55 1.8? The front elements on both are almost identical. The few extra mm should help make up for the half stop. I had an smp 50 1.4, and an SMC 55 f2 that I sold along with a second sp1000 body I didn't need, my Pentax SL is perfect.
Hello Simon ! Great Video ! Is the 7 element version also good ? How it is compared with the 8 elements? Do you have a comparison video ? with images compared. Thank You!
Excellent video, no filler, just great content. I bought a 55mm 1.8 zebra takumar but it feels like it is welded to the Pentax K which has a wrinkled shutter. Any advice on how to remove it?
Very sorry to read this. It's such a nice camera/lens. I'm afraid I've not experienced this problem. Other than spraying WD40 all over the mount, and using brute force, I'm not sure what you can do. I have tried heating obstinate screwed-in name plates at the front of a lens with a hair drier. But this may make matters on the mount of the camera. Other than that - best to return to seller if possible. Good luck!
Thankyou for your vlog bud. love how you tell it proper Can u do one with smc K 135mm/2.5 ok done thatbeautiful what about Rikenon f2 L (Tomi)
Great video as usual.
Can the rear element damage modern Canon dslr bodies? (1Dx Mk3 / 6D Mk2 / 80D)
In advance, many thanks for your time.
I'm don't know, as I've never tried it on a Canon DSLR. Hopefully, someone on-line will know.
Very nicely done video. I just purchased the 8-elements version. I snagged it at a good price. Condition is great! Now I need a Pentax body. I'm looking for a film body of the same production year (plus/minus a few years). I spent several hours today searching the web for information as to the production year of my 8-element lens so that I can date the lens and then find the corresponding camera body. No such luck. If you know if a good Takumar S/No. data base, please let me know. Then some blogs are saying not to use a Pentax body if the "R" on the rewind knob is painted green. Only rewind knobs that have the "R" painted in orange will be compatible. This is due to the protrusion of the rear element of the lens. If not compatible, then the rear element can be damaged - I suppose by the mirror flipping up and down. But every Spotmatic that I saw on eBay has the green "R". I'm thinking that I have the wrong information, so appreciating if you could help me out here. Thanks! Steve (New York)
I just bought a pentax K1000 with the super takumar f/1.4 mounted. I did my research and it apparently had an auto diaphragm feature? By this I mean it allows you to focus your photo in f/1.4 and then changes the aperture to your preset as you take the photo. At least that’s what I read. How do I work this feature?
I love my SMC Takumar 55mm f1.8. But very interested to Auto Sears 55mm f1.4
I don't have the Auto Sears but I do have a similar Mamiya/Sekor 55mm f1.4, and it's good...but I still us the Takumar more!
Hello, i have one question. What do you think about Fujifilm crop cameras x series? About it film simulations : chrome, acros, eterna , provia etc.
Good cameras - crop is fine for me. I like the film simulations, and all the controls. People I know enjoy using them with film-era lenses. Maybe one day I'll buy one!
@@Simonsutak it will be great to hear your thoughts round it. Also thoughts about megapixels and resolution of old lens vs modern lenses. Comparing fuji vs sony systems in term of creating photos. Thanks for you content and answers!
Hey Simon. How would this compare to the SMC 50mm f1.4?
The SMC has more radioactive glass, two more blades, super-multi-coatings. The SMC tends to perform better (colours, contrast, flare control) stopped down. My experience is that the Super-Tak is slightly sharper wide open and the bokeh more "dreamy".
I love my copy.
Love your videos about these old lenses. Is it possible to take them apart to clean them? If so, do you have to be an expert?
Is the 55 f1.8 and f2 going to be tested?
Yes, I'll do that next year hopefully. Not sure which version yet!
Thanks for saying Bokeh properly. It means I don't cringe while watching :-)
Thanks for these vids. Made me put an old lens on and go out and have some fun.
Thanks! I slipped just once by mistake into my old bokker! Around 4:46
@@Simonsutak I noticed. Just thought you were having difficulty making the transition though :-)
keep that..
Interesting. My comment made yesterday was not printed. I wonder why.
Hi, I've been reading the comments every few hours or so as they appear and I never saw your original comment here - so heaven knows were it went! Greetings anyway, and please re-post if you have the time..
Simon
@@Simonsutak Thanks, Simon, for your reply. Another of my emails on another, non-photographic site, was also not printed yesterday. And a couple of days ago I had to resubmit a comment three times before it got printed on a third site. It seems I'm just generally blacklisted for comments I make on current events. All the best!