I have this lens and I love it. I think due to its unique flaring and swirl bokeh it is the best companion for the Helios 44-2. Much more so than, say, the Mir 1 37mm lens, which has less swirl and less unique bokeh. I recommend a 3rd party hood. I got one off of amazon that is wide that works very well for making sure the flares I have are intentional and controlled. I have many 35mm lenses but this one is my favorite. It is pretty rare for sure. It took me about 6 months to track down a good copy. And I had to send a few back to Japan. I ended up with a mint condition that was in the first 700 made out of the < 20K total. Because of the large exposed front element. It is harder to find a perfect copy because this wasn't a usual lens for back then. So I think average users scratched them more. Mine is very sharp at 5.6 and beautifully sharp in the center wide open. Glad to see this lens getting some love on your channel. Simon Utak also features it in one of his videos. Whenever I use it, his words are in my head "painterly bokeh" he calls it. I wish I could de-click it, but the ball bearing gives the auto part of the aperture the resistance it needs to stay wide open. If you remove click, then it just stays stopped down. Beautiful lens, great review!
My SMC Takumar 135mm f2.5 6 element just came in today for my birthday gift from my parents. They got it for $160. Damn, the quality is mint, from Japan. I love it!
When I said to my wife: "I am not buying any new vintage lenses anymore" and whispered the Mark line "for now". I ended up with a 35mm 2.3. two months ago. Bubbly and swirly fully open, but really sharp in the center matched with the Techart Pro that provides automatic focus on my Sony. Looking forward to what you have exposed the lens to!
Finally a comprehensive content about the auto 2.3/35! I use the SMC2/35, but now I know I really desperately awfully need to own the auto 2.3/35. Cheers!
I didn’t know this until after publishing the video but the front element unscrews and the lens becomes a macro. Going to do a quick follow up on that.
I am similarly impressed with the CZJ Flektogon 35mm f2.4 MC lens. It also has a 15cm minimal focus. It is very good in colour, but I especially like the BnW rendering of that lens. I seem to be selling off my Fuji lenses and have invested in a lot of vintage glass. There are so many brilliant lenses out there, often with surprising (in a good sense) result. Latest discovery: The Jupiter 37A. Brilliant lens. But yeah, collecting vintage glass is addictive...and I might have a problem.
As long as you use those lenses collecting them isn't so bad ;) You can always sell them off if you feel the collection is getting a bit out of hand ;)
I love your humor; it reminds me both of Eric Forman (from That '70s Show) and Deadpool, hah! Anyway, I'm not a vintage lens fanatic, and am a lot of a sharpness snob, but I love the rendition of that lens and even wide open with its soft corners, it looks pleasing! I think old lenses like this one need a chance with digital cameras, and it makes me happy when people find them and give them a new life. Back in the day, there wasn't pixel peeping to be done. Peace!
They typically do a master wide and then go in for coverage. You can tell because the wides are usually quite contrasty with the sun and much less harsh lighting on the close up. They can put up diffusion and cover the closeups easier so the lighting is less harsh. They prob do a master wide and then reset for closeups: a fairly easy setup generally but I do love that subtle movement on the slider.
@@MarkHoltze right, me too. I always think how many takes they have to do with these intros. Between the dialog and how good it looks its got to take a few at least. Great show, and great episode on your end too. How did your Netflix shoot end up, I remember you mentioning a while back.
Wait... did you say 10 blades?! That’s insane!! It still has the ergonomics and build of the newer taks, looks like the relative of an old friend. And holy shitballs it looks lovely, love it!!
In my recent adventures in collecting vintage lenses, so far the Takumars in general have been winners. The Super Takumar 35mm f3.5 is an outstanding lens where I sometimes will leave the house and only use it all day.
The problem with the focus to infinity with vintage lenses is caused difference between focusing distance between lens and sensor (film). Don't remember exact details, but I think the difference was in the range of 2.8mm between Pentax of this time and today's Nikon and something like 2.6mm between Pentax and Canon. Anyway, Helios, Takumar and Mayer Optics are my favorite vintage lenses. So much character and so cinematic.
I was waiting for this vid, great stuff! I've got two of these lenses. One mint, one almost mint. I permanently reverse the front element on one of them for that zoom in bokeh effect. Sometimes I use both to take the same picture and merge them a bit in PS and the results are a very cool slight zoom framing. One of the best lenses out there for sharpness, they can be pin sharp. This lens is THE lens for me in terms of aesthetic shots. A beast!
I love mine and it can produce some extraordinary Bokeh with usage of a helicoid adapter for shorter minimum distance as you can see in my bee shot ... Thanks for crediting me and cool video 😉🍻 (Steffen Waldow Z6)
The intro shook me a little bit, but I like it! Also very nice transition @ 2min between, Aperture, Aperture, Bokeh ball, right in the same spot 👌 Seems that 1960-70 were peak in the number of aperture blades for some reason.
Sorry about the intro, it's a bit of a drop there straight out the gate. Immediately why I addressed it after the fact lol. Saw the cut as a nice way to showcase what I mean when talking about highlights and aperture blades. Definitely a cost thing I think, less blades, less complications. Film resolution doesn't appear to have as big of an impact on those edges so from what I've seen, digital sensors have definitely made those more apparent. Even when watching older lenses on digital cinema cameras vs how they render on film. I'd like to do a test on that maybe one day.
@@MarkHoltze Hmm. Interesting perspective, about film. Do you have an idea how well the exposure triangle / metering are adaptable to a film camera, I have my fathers old Praktica and are thinking about similar test, with my Pentacon 50. Do you think the exposure from my Sony A7 are transferable if I use the same lens ?
I know you made this video a while ago, but that lens has a couple cool features. That whole cone shaped front end threads off and was designed to do so by the end user. That allows the lens to focus even closer. A pseudo-macro of sorts. Then, if you really want to funk it up, remove that front element retaining ring and invert the front lens and see what happens! I haven't found one I'm willing to spend on one yet, but soon enough...
I actually made a separate video about the macro mode of the lens. It’s super cool, love that you can screw it off. Found out after I made this video by complete accident
Except for the bajonet versions, which are budget non smc variants of other lenses in the Pentax line-up. They aren't bad, but the non smc coating hurts image quality quite a bit compared to their smc brethren.
Thanks for the insights :) The flaring of the Auto Takumar is actually really interesting, beautiful even. I can see how that can be used creatively for a lot of things, though - obviously - it will be annoying where flaring isn't needed. But that's why we can't just settle with just one lens :D
Just mast the flare…it’s super easy. Unless you can’t and maybe leave shooting directly into strong light sources for SMC variants :) just always use a Tak ;)
I have one and I love it. One has to work at it to get that mad bokeh, but it is worth the effort. Thanks for the video. You have inspired me to use mine a bit more. The thing is - I seldomly take it out because it is getting quite valuable and would be hard to replace. Videos like this drives the market up, which is both good and bad.
The age of the lens drives prices more than these videos I think. There are many more copies of these lenses than people interested in them. The main driver of the price is age and available decent copies available. A market saturated is going to keep prices down, if an item is scarce the prices will go up. Thanks for stopping by! Hope you get some nice shots mate ✊
That Takumar has got such nice flares! Really need to resist the impulse to look for that lens on E-Bay - at least till I've completely cleaned the two CZJ 135mm f4 (one Sonnar and one Triotar) that are waiting on my shelf ...
This one is pretty cool, but play with the CZJ's first....keep an eye out for one of these or the Auto 55 only if you feel it. I'm a bit of a 35 fiend so i kind of had to.
1) Remove the front element and you get a neat macro lens with a big amount of distortion. 2) The open-lens-metering cams of Super-Multi-Coated TAKUMAR lenses may collide with some adapters, preventing them to focus to infinity.
Love your philosophy around these lenses.. I love em..! What's the Canadian thing about? As a Brit I'm more than a tad concerned about what's happening across the your border in that other place...! Keep going buddy great stuff...
Had this lens in college(early 60's.) My editor hated the flare so I sold it to get a 3.5/35 Super Tak. Don't regret getting the newer lens, really kick myself for selling the older.
The 3.5 is fantastic I hear. Non thoriated I think. Who would have thought all these years later we’d be going back to them. Do you have any old Shots anywhere with those lenses? Love to see them.
lol, no point fighting it really right? Who knows, you might be able to sell some of these in a few years for MORE than you bought them for. Doesn't usually happen with modern GAS :)
I have this lens and use it on my Fuji X-T3 and noticed something very unique about the bokeh. So I compared it to my Fuji 35mm 1.4. On close inspection, the out of focus area when shooting with this lens has an embedded layer of information/detail that is subtle but gives dimension to the image. Seems like an ever so slight HDR layered effect. Have you noticed this phenomenon when you shoot wide open? I wonder if it has anything to do with the unique glass recipe and the extended front glass placement. Great video BTW, the AUTO TAKUMAR 35mm 2.3 deserves recognition for what it can do and not for how rare or costly it is. Thank you, cheers!
Great review! Now that you have made my life more complicated, between the 35 f2.3 and f2, if you could only get one, which one would it be? I primarily shoot landscapes and a little bit of potraits. Thanks!
Great trailer 👍. I want that lens. Sucker for unique bokeh. Right now it’s a “want to have” lens. I need an auto focus 35 for my new Nikon z7. So Pentax will have to wait …..begrudgingly. Great video as always ! Love your content
For me it was a want to have until it became MUST have lol. I try very hard to hold that line to a reasonable effect. Don't wnat to be swimming in useless lenses, but don't mind selling off what I don't use but the Takumar's aren't in that sell off category. ;)
@@MarkHoltze oh man now I gotta have it. You’re killing me. Did some investigation into the bokeh on flicker. Wow. I’m a sucker for that look. Gonna get it ! Practically and objectivity have left the building. Love your content and style. When alerts pop up I always watch. Thanks for your work and great job as always
I love the style and format of your videos! They certainly motivate me to break out the camera, some vintage lens and go shooting. Thanks for the that📷🤾📵. On a side note, some wonderful soul hit the thumbs down and the Video hasn't even came out yet! I guess old Takumar's aren't there thing😉!!
@@MarkHoltze I just picked up a Mir 20mm uncoated lens because of your video. Can't wait to see all the CA and vintage colour tones. Really appreciate the videos you make.
That's just a creative "hard cut" but i'm glad you noticed it because it was an opportunity that came up while I was editing and was like...."oh that works so nicely to demonstrate what I"m talking about" lol. I usually hold off the majority of the images until the optical part of it, notice that part was the physical lens aspect...broke format but for a good reason :)
Looks great, but do I REALLY need the F2.3? No must resist, I have the Takumar SMC 35mm F3.5, the SMC-DA35mm F2.4 and the SMC-FA35mm F2. All are lovely.......
Do you have a recommendation for a digital mirrorless full frame camera that is nice to use with vintage glass? I am a m4/3 shooter who would love to try my vintage lenses in a larger format. It seems like a bit of a waste to buy the latest and greatest camera for vintage shooting but I am spoiled by the small format of the MFT system and not excited about a big beefy DSLR. Any advice? Thanks.
Sony adapts so easily and with so many offerings I would have to suggest that. Canon RF adapters are coming out as well. Lumix is great, but not as many adapters readily available so you have some options. Sony is small form factor, I would look at those to be honest.
I loved the focusing options you demonstrated with the Fuji XT30 but I’m looking for full frame. Love your videos. Informative, entertaining and addictive.
Auto Takumar were the early versions. Not 100% what the difference is with the white markings. I think they moved away from that zebra stripe pattern Pentax had on some of their other lenses, but not 100% sure.
I finally ordered an smc! I just had the much larger super with the 67mm front filter thread (now I can compare the two) although Ill still be curious about the difference between the same optical design super v2 and the smc >:)
The 67mm front filter thread leads me to assume they're fast 35s were retrofocal up through V1, where it became 2 large elements way up in the front and the rest of the much smaller elements in the rear half. Let me know if you want to burrow it some time. Oh and the auto tak 55mm f1.8 IS WORTH IT!
shots look gorgeous---hard to say which I prefer. I've got a few super muti-coated takumar's. Plan to shoot some this week end with my X-T4. We'll see. LOVE shooting old lenses. It's just those Takumars have such long focus throws----not as useful for video in some respects----uhhh, by comparison with my Rokinon Fuji mount cinema lenses---they focus like butter---and are SHARP and FAST!
If you gots a problem with more takumar lenses then you gots a problem with me and I suggest you let that one marinate.:) That red trillium shot ended up being so good though.
Oh, BTW, You will not be disappointed with the autotak 55 f2.2. 10 blades and a wonderful lens. Light years better than the 55/1.8. I put that lens in my top 3 taks!
if it ain't broke right? They went and "fixed" these auto's and radiated them and gave them superior naming terms, but.........it was good the way it was lol.
Hehe, loved it. My feelings on the 35/2.3. Let's cut to the bull, we buy it for the 2.3ness and in this regard I think it takes A CONSIDERABLE amount of skill to yield a result that is justifiably BETTER (not different but actually better) than say using some other fast 35. I for one have seen the bokeh look too distracting, aggressive and not supporting the subject focus. I don't think it does too well with bokeh subject that is angular like twigs and branches. I think it does produce more magic on bokeh with circular highlights, something like flower heads etc. It's really a specialist tool I think, kinda like a lensbaby lens. You bring it out for a particular set of images and have taken time and practice to learn what works best with its unique characteristics and not just blindly pew pew pewing with it.
Very good points. I absolutely agree. I don’t love comparing to see what is better, but to where it’s different. Then eventually being able to yield that delta for benefits. Stilll learning the nuance of the lens, but for me that’s the most exciting part! Thanks for your wisdom on this Eddy!
It seems to be famous for bokeh but stop it down to f8 or 11 and it becomes really sharp with no aberrations. It's great for shooting winter scenes with bare trees. I find it to problematic for colour especially blues and greens but for black and white winter landscapes or landscapes with more subdued colours, nothing tops it. I was very surprised at how good it is in these particular circumstances.
Yes these old lenses were really made for B&W photography were that natural colour pop is kind of missing. Still available but the micro contrast needed for good natural colour rendition just isn’t there. Could he the age and coTings too though…or lack of.
@@MarkHoltze I mentioned this on another of your videos. A magical old Takumar is the 200mm f3.5 preset. The "Angry Photographer" did a video on it. It's a fantastic lens. It's hard to get it with the tripod collar now but you can still find it. Ken "Angry Photographer" says you don't need the collar but I disagree. It's heavy so the collar is useful. If you use it at night with the kind of lights that create great bokeh, nothing tops it. It has superb bokeh. My other favourite lens around this length is the Nikon ED 180mm f2.8 AIS which is awesome but that is not cheap.The Takumar is one of my favourites. It has what I could describe as a movie lens look. I think that's because it's almost up there in quality and it is also slightly less contrasty than more modern lenses which I like for movie work. ruclips.net/video/gdv_NFWDSYA/видео.html
Hey! I’m curious are you going to review any of the new mitakon cine lens that came out a few months ago? Does anyone out there have any experience with them?
You have to shoot very intentionally to get flares like that, you can flag the light source off as well. A small angle shift can completely change the flaring as well, but I feel what you're saying. You want less of the image compromised for a portrait as the subject is the focus, not the flare behind them :)
My Takumar 35mm f2.3 just arrived. The focus ring is stiffer than my other Takumar lens, is that the same with yours? I'm struggling to unscrew the front glass element.
Ya mine was pretty stiff too. Probably because of its age. Probably need a good strong grip on unscrewing that front element. A little heat might help loosen it as well.
@@MarkHoltze Aye! It's something worth looking into. Maybe you could start your own line of lenses. Holtze Optical, blast from the past lenses with little to no CA's! Ha!
@@MarkHoltze i saw that. I saw them all ... 😂 I mean reversed front element. May be more useful for avant garde photography, but I've only seen/heard it mentioned in passing on other channels. Because of people like you I'm getting suspicious packages from shady east block dealers. I'm thinking the Yakuza is the next logical step.
actually the look is very curated. In the East we don't wear hats and the right fitting jeans don't need a belt lol. (That's from the show LetterKenny). Wayne from the "hicks" is who i'm paying absolute wardrobe tribute to. he's a shirt tucker and isn't sorry for it ;)
@@MarkHoltze Crazy, right?? The only thing is the macro has some pretty serious chromatic aberrations. Otherwise, this could have changed everything with lens design!
we're sorry for a lot of things, but LetterKenny isn't one of them. ;) Canadian show that doesn't hide the fact, pretend to be American (like Schitts Creek does) and makes loads of references that many Canadians will know and love. It's refreshing and "sorry we're not sorry" lol. :) :) :)
get a version 1 35mm 2.0 - no thorium. link below to see it and sample pics (not mine) - awesome lens but only c.17000 made, hood is pretty much as rare as the one for the 2.3 www.flickr.com/photos/dromm/tags/takumar35/
Rad video. Love that lens. One of the most unique m42s out there. Looks great on the lumix. I did a quick video with some test footage a while back. You can check here: m.ruclips.net/video/VQz7LlyNRYU/видео.html
I am convinced you kiss all your takumars good night every night before going to sleep and then maybe if you aren't exhausted by the end of it (coz there's so many) you kiss your daughter lol but if I were your daughter I wouldn't complain coz I know someday I'm gonna be inheriting all that goodness who cares about some stupid kiss haha
It’s easy to flag off, this is fully intentional searching for flare. JJ’s are anamorphic flares that split horizontal across the frame lol. I feel what you’re saying though! ✊
I'm NOT going to get the Auto Tak 55mm, i'm NOT going to get the Auto Tak 55mm...........
Hold it in mate, hahaha
So, when's the Tak 55 review?;-)
Just give in. No chance to avoid the Takumar addiction. ;-D
Well, maybe you can just buy it for a review and then sell it (perhaps)? That surely makes sense to me ;-)
Dew it!
Thanks Mark! After watching your videos I now own 19 assorted Super Taku’s and I’m spiraling down the rabbit hole of vintage lens.😫
Oh boy! Misery loves company though right? lol. 19! Hell of a number!
I have this lens and I love it. I think due to its unique flaring and swirl bokeh it is the best companion for the Helios 44-2. Much more so than, say, the Mir 1 37mm lens, which has less swirl and less unique bokeh. I recommend a 3rd party hood. I got one off of amazon that is wide that works very well for making sure the flares I have are intentional and controlled. I have many 35mm lenses but this one is my favorite. It is pretty rare for sure. It took me about 6 months to track down a good copy. And I had to send a few back to Japan. I ended up with a mint condition that was in the first 700 made out of the < 20K total. Because of the large exposed front element. It is harder to find a perfect copy because this wasn't a usual lens for back then. So I think average users scratched them more. Mine is very sharp at 5.6 and beautifully sharp in the center wide open. Glad to see this lens getting some love on your channel. Simon Utak also features it in one of his videos. Whenever I use it, his words are in my head "painterly bokeh" he calls it. I wish I could de-click it, but the ball bearing gives the auto part of the aperture the resistance it needs to stay wide open. If you remove click, then it just stays stopped down. Beautiful lens, great review!
Brilliant mate! Thanks for this! I'll look into that hood!
My SMC Takumar 135mm f2.5 6 element just came in today for my birthday gift from my parents. They got it for $160. Damn, the quality is mint, from Japan. I love it!
Good price!! Love the 6
When I said to my wife: "I am not buying any new vintage lenses anymore" and whispered the Mark line "for now". I ended up with a 35mm 2.3. two months ago. Bubbly and swirly fully open, but really sharp in the center matched with the Techart Pro that provides automatic focus on my Sony. Looking forward to what you have exposed the lens to!
We’re all guilty of this little lie to ourselves...there will always be more.....always 😆
@@MarkHoltze Haha, agree! Just like I most definitely have not been scraping the internet for the Tak 58mm 2.0 or 2.4 the last month.... 😇
Best teaser ever. Loving this trailer thing!!
It’s kind of fun. Little dabble.
Finally a comprehensive content about the auto 2.3/35! I use the SMC2/35, but now I know I really desperately awfully need to own the auto 2.3/35. Cheers!
Oh, yeah, and you should give a try to the Auto 55mm as well, it is pretty nice little toy. ;)
I didn’t know this until after publishing the video but the front element unscrews and the lens becomes a macro. Going to do a quick follow up on that.
"I said.... no more Takumars." Yeah, I said that too and now I'm buying this lens, thanks a friggin lot, MARK!
I'm sorry! At least we're in this together, we need some sort of support group!
@@MarkHoltze Takumars Anon....I picked up a Helios 40 recently as well. Loving the vintage glass.
I am similarly impressed with the CZJ Flektogon 35mm f2.4 MC lens. It also has a 15cm minimal focus. It is very good in colour, but I especially like the BnW rendering of that lens. I seem to be selling off my Fuji lenses and have invested in a lot of vintage glass. There are so many brilliant lenses out there, often with surprising (in a good sense) result. Latest discovery: The Jupiter 37A. Brilliant lens. But yeah, collecting vintage glass is addictive...and I might have a problem.
As long as you use those lenses collecting them isn't so bad ;) You can always sell them off if you feel the collection is getting a bit out of hand ;)
Your production quality just keeps getting better and better sir! Fantastic stuff.
Much appreciated Thomas!
I love your humor; it reminds me both of Eric Forman (from That '70s Show) and Deadpool, hah!
Anyway, I'm not a vintage lens fanatic, and am a lot of a sharpness snob, but I love the rendition of that lens and even wide open with its soft corners, it looks pleasing! I think old lenses like this one need a chance with digital cameras, and it makes me happy when people find them and give them a new life. Back in the day, there wasn't pixel peeping to be done. Peace!
The Letter Kenny open was awesome! Some of their intros are filmed so well. I think they have to use a multi slider setup.
They typically do a master wide and then go in for coverage. You can tell because the wides are usually quite contrasty with the sun and much less harsh lighting on the close up. They can put up diffusion and cover the closeups easier so the lighting is less harsh. They prob do a master wide and then reset for closeups: a fairly easy setup generally but I do love that subtle movement on the slider.
@@MarkHoltze right, me too. I always think how many takes they have to do with these intros. Between the dialog and how good it looks its got to take a few at least. Great show, and great episode on your end too. How did your Netflix shoot end up, I remember you mentioning a while back.
very nice review Mark. You are ready for Hollywood!!!
Thanks Luigi!
Wait... did you say 10 blades?! That’s insane!! It still has the ergonomics and build of the newer taks, looks like the relative of an old friend. And holy shitballs it looks lovely, love it!!
Ya it's surprisingly not very heavy despite it's form factor as well. It looks a little silly on the Lumix camera though lol....
next level mate , nice ! cant wait to watch
In my recent adventures in collecting vintage lenses, so far the Takumars in general have been winners. The Super Takumar 35mm f3.5 is an outstanding lens where I sometimes will leave the house and only use it all day.
They’re fantastic lenses! That 35 3.5 is great too! Nice and small
THANKS FOR THE SHOUT OUT! GREAT VID
Really excited about this...I did not know Super-T had a 35mm...and I love vintage glass.!!
they have multiples of pretty much everything. SO many lenses.
That amber flares are lovely, makes well for nostalgic looking projects
Big fan of amber coloured flares…the warmth is welcomed
@@MarkHoltze do you have a list of amber flared vintage lenses?
The problem with the focus to infinity with vintage lenses is caused difference between focusing distance between lens and sensor (film). Don't remember exact details, but I think the difference was in the range of 2.8mm between Pentax of this time and today's Nikon and something like 2.6mm between Pentax and Canon. Anyway, Helios, Takumar and Mayer Optics are my favorite vintage lenses. So much character and so cinematic.
I was waiting for this vid, great stuff! I've got two of these lenses. One mint, one almost mint. I permanently reverse the front element on one of them for that zoom in bokeh effect. Sometimes I use both to take the same picture and merge them a bit in PS and the results are a very cool slight zoom framing. One of the best lenses out there for sharpness, they can be pin sharp. This lens is THE lens for me in terms of aesthetic shots. A beast!
That's some interesting artistic and experimental stuff there my friend! Where might one see your work?
I've had this on my eBay search for over a year now.
Still haven't pulled the trigger.
One day.
When the time comes you will know ;)
I love mine and it can produce some extraordinary Bokeh with usage of a helicoid adapter for shorter minimum distance as you can see in my bee shot ...
Thanks for crediting me and cool video 😉🍻 (Steffen Waldow Z6)
might have to check out a helicoid adapter! Thanks for letting me use that shot mate!
@@MarkHoltze My pleasure 🍻
The intro shook me a little bit, but I like it!
Also very nice transition @ 2min between, Aperture, Aperture, Bokeh ball, right in the same spot 👌
Seems that 1960-70 were peak in the number of aperture blades for some reason.
Sorry about the intro, it's a bit of a drop there straight out the gate. Immediately why I addressed it after the fact lol. Saw the cut as a nice way to showcase what I mean when talking about highlights and aperture blades. Definitely a cost thing I think, less blades, less complications. Film resolution doesn't appear to have as big of an impact on those edges so from what I've seen, digital sensors have definitely made those more apparent. Even when watching older lenses on digital cinema cameras vs how they render on film. I'd like to do a test on that maybe one day.
@@MarkHoltze Hmm. Interesting perspective, about film.
Do you have an idea how well the exposure triangle / metering are adaptable to a film camera, I have my fathers old Praktica and are thinking about similar test, with my Pentacon 50.
Do you think the exposure from my Sony A7 are transferable if I use the same lens ?
Mark
I have the auto Takumar 35mm F 3.5. I use it with my Spotmatic film camera .I have the original 49mm metal end cap and lens hood
The F/3.5 is awesome! Enjoy that lens mate!
I know you made this video a while ago, but that lens has a couple cool features. That whole cone shaped front end threads off and was designed to do so by the end user. That allows the lens to focus even closer. A pseudo-macro of sorts. Then, if you really want to funk it up, remove that front element retaining ring and invert the front lens and see what happens!
I haven't found one I'm willing to spend on one yet, but soon enough...
I actually made a separate video about the macro mode of the lens. It’s super cool, love that you can screw it off. Found out after I made this video by complete accident
@@MarkHoltze well I better go look for it!
BTW, you're a terrible influence on me... Just bought another Takumar...
The endings to your videos are comedy gold. So good.
I'm impressed you made it all the way to the end my friend! Glad the comedy lands, it's hit and miss and mostly misses lol. Appreciate your time!
Can't go wrong with any Takumar! Nice review and comparison
Couldn't agree more and thanks!
Except for the bajonet versions, which are budget non smc variants of other lenses in the Pentax line-up. They aren't bad, but the non smc coating hurts image quality quite a bit compared to their smc brethren.
Thanks for the insights :)
The flaring of the Auto Takumar is actually really interesting, beautiful even. I can see how that can be used creatively for a lot of things, though - obviously - it will be annoying where flaring isn't needed. But that's why we can't just settle with just one lens :D
Just mast the flare…it’s super easy. Unless you can’t and maybe leave shooting directly into strong light sources for SMC variants :) just always use a Tak ;)
I have one and I love it. One has to work at it to get that mad bokeh, but it is worth the effort.
Thanks for the video. You have inspired me to use mine a bit more. The thing is - I seldomly take it out because it is getting quite valuable and would be hard to replace. Videos like this drives the market up, which is both good and bad.
The age of the lens drives prices more than these videos I think. There are many more copies of these lenses than people interested in them. The main driver of the price is age and available decent copies available. A market saturated is going to keep prices down, if an item is scarce the prices will go up.
Thanks for stopping by! Hope you get some nice shots mate ✊
You are such a tease! Feeling all happy inside, its a trailer...
That Takumar has got such nice flares! Really need to resist the impulse to look for that lens on E-Bay - at least till I've completely cleaned the two CZJ 135mm f4 (one Sonnar and one Triotar) that are waiting on my shelf ...
This one is pretty cool, but play with the CZJ's first....keep an eye out for one of these or the Auto 55 only if you feel it. I'm a bit of a 35 fiend so i kind of had to.
Good review thanks, I'm just off to the t-shirt printers to get a shirt reading "Just one more Takumar sir"
I’d wear that lol. Famous forever words
1) Remove the front element and you get a neat macro lens with a big amount of distortion.
2) The open-lens-metering cams of Super-Multi-Coated TAKUMAR lenses may collide with some adapters, preventing them to focus to infinity.
It’s so cool! I found this out after I made this video and made a new video on it lol.
would like to have it, but its quite pricy and I dont really need it... YESSS I DO NEEEEEEED ITTTT
😆 yes it’s a bit pricy more of a collector item
Love your philosophy around these lenses.. I love em..! What's the Canadian thing about? As a Brit I'm more than a tad concerned about what's happening across the your border in that other place...! Keep going buddy great stuff...
Had this lens in college(early 60's.) My editor hated the flare so I sold it to get a 3.5/35 Super Tak. Don't regret getting the newer lens, really kick myself for selling the older.
The 3.5 is fantastic I hear. Non thoriated I think. Who would have thought all these years later we’d be going back to them. Do you have any old
Shots anywhere with those lenses? Love to see them.
@@MarkHoltze No old shots that I can readily identify. Almost all on Tri-X', but I''ll take a look in my files.
Don’t put yourself off too much Michael, if you find some and feel like posting. Love to see them!
I embrace Gear Acquisition Syndrome! I have it, I live with it.
lol, no point fighting it really right? Who knows, you might be able to sell some of these in a few years for MORE than you bought them for. Doesn't usually happen with modern GAS :)
I have this lens and use it on my Fuji X-T3 and noticed something very unique about the bokeh. So I compared it to my Fuji 35mm 1.4. On close inspection, the out of focus area when shooting with this lens has an embedded layer of information/detail that is subtle but gives dimension to the image. Seems like an ever so slight HDR layered effect. Have you noticed this phenomenon when you shoot wide open? I wonder if it has anything to do with the unique glass recipe and the extended front glass placement.
Great video BTW, the AUTO TAKUMAR 35mm 2.3 deserves recognition for what it can do and not for how rare or costly it is.
Thank you, cheers!
Love how you described the image elements, brilliant mate. Thanks for watching and more importantly your observations! ✊
@@MarkHoltze And thank you for all the work and effort you put into making this video, brilliant!
Love the Letterkenny reference!
Those those guys/gals. They were up shooting the next season when I recorded this so kind of had to give them a nod of respect.
@@MarkHoltzeThats what I appreciates about you Mark, goin the extra mile.
Love your work!
Great review! Now that you have made my life more complicated, between the 35 f2.3 and f2, if you could only get one, which one would it be? I primarily shoot landscapes and a little bit of potraits.
Thanks!
Go for the F/2, much less expensive and if yellowed you can easily reverse it.
Great trailer 👍. I want that lens. Sucker for unique bokeh. Right now it’s a “want to have” lens. I need an auto focus 35 for
my new Nikon z7. So Pentax will have to wait …..begrudgingly. Great video as always ! Love your content
For me it was a want to have until it became MUST have lol. I try very hard to hold that line to a reasonable effect. Don't wnat to be swimming in useless lenses, but don't mind selling off what I don't use but the Takumar's aren't in that sell off category. ;)
@@MarkHoltze oh man now I gotta have it. You’re killing me. Did some investigation into the bokeh on flicker. Wow. I’m a sucker for that look. Gonna get it ! Practically and objectivity have left the building. Love your content and style. When alerts pop up I always watch. Thanks for your work and great job as always
I love the style and format of your videos! They certainly motivate me to break out the camera, some vintage lens and go shooting. Thanks for the that📷🤾📵.
On a side note, some wonderful soul hit the thumbs down and the Video hasn't even came out yet! I guess old Takumar's aren't there thing😉!!
Ya I saw that, it’s fine. I like that it’s there. Keeps me I check ;). Thanks mate! See you at the premiere?
This is a great lens. I just added it to my own collection and I agree it's one of the most lenses ever made
Glad you're enjoying it Raymond!
@@MarkHoltze a great review (as always!) on a great lens.
✊ thanks for watching Raymond!
Top notch content as always 👏PS.: thanks for inspiring me to get an SMC Takumar 135mm f2.5! really dig it 🤤
That lens is a beast and will serve you well! Hope you enjoy it mate!
I fucking love your videos. Greetings from Belarus, Comrade.
i fucking love you being here mate! Thanks for stopping by and saying so!
More Takumar reviews, please.
I have like maybe 13 on my channel, if you haven’t seen them ;)
You just like saying ‘Takumar’ 😉. Cracking video again fella 😃👍🏼
i'm Canadian, i'm sorry I'm not sorry ;) ;) ;)
That looks like a fun lens.
Loads of fun. Thanks mate
@@MarkHoltze I just picked up a Mir 20mm uncoated lens because of your video. Can't wait to see all the CA and vintage colour tones. Really appreciate the videos you make.
I got the f2 takumar 35mm after seeing your review of that so I guess it’s back to eBay I go!
I loved that transition at 2:07-2:08! ;-)
That's just a creative "hard cut" but i'm glad you noticed it because it was an opportunity that came up while I was editing and was like...."oh that works so nicely to demonstrate what I"m talking about" lol. I usually hold off the majority of the images until the optical part of it, notice that part was the physical lens aspect...broke format but for a good reason :)
More Takumar love! Great video!
Thanks Jason!
Solid review as always!
Thanks! Nice to have some weather that's cooperating. :)
Looks great, but do I REALLY need the F2.3? No must resist, I have the Takumar SMC 35mm F3.5, the SMC-DA35mm F2.4 and the SMC-FA35mm F2. All are lovely.......
3.5 is good, wide angles speed is a little less important. I don't think you stand to gain much but a little more aperture ;)
The Canon FD 35mm f2 radioactive thorium with the concave front element is also highly regarded as an excellent lens.
Good to know?m! Thanks so much!!
Do you have a recommendation for a digital mirrorless full frame camera that is nice to use with vintage glass? I am a m4/3 shooter who would love to try my vintage lenses in a larger format. It seems like a bit of a waste to buy the latest and greatest camera for vintage shooting but I am spoiled by the small format of the MFT system and not excited about a big beefy DSLR. Any advice? Thanks.
Sony adapts so easily and with so many offerings I would have to suggest that. Canon RF adapters are coming out as well. Lumix is great, but not as many adapters readily available so you have some options.
Sony is small form factor, I would look at those to be honest.
I loved the focusing options you demonstrated with the Fuji XT30 but I’m looking for full frame. Love your videos. Informative, entertaining and addictive.
@@MarkHoltze Thanks for the suggestion. I can always count on you to help me spend my cash :)
Ya that split prism rules on fuji but ultimately any camera that focus zoom is the best. :) it’s the fastest option
@@MarkHoltze check this out for some different L mount adapters. rafcamera.com/adapters/bayonet-adapters/leica-l-mount. Very cool stuff on the site.
Is your Takumar 35mm F2.3 the early version with white markings? What is the different between the early and later version?
Auto Takumar were the early versions. Not 100% what the difference is with the white markings. I think they moved away from that zebra stripe pattern Pentax had on some of their other lenses, but not 100% sure.
Nice lens wall mount storage!
Thanks!
I finally ordered an smc! I just had the much larger super with the 67mm front filter thread (now I can compare the two) although Ill still be curious about the difference between the same optical design super v2 and the smc >:)
The 67mm front filter thread leads me to assume they're fast 35s were retrofocal up through V1, where it became 2 large elements way up in the front and the rest of the much smaller elements in the rear half. Let me know if you want to burrow it some time. Oh and the auto tak 55mm f1.8 IS WORTH IT!
I've been feeling a bit nonthoriated myself these days. I think I'll back in time to when this lens was made and get some Whip And Chill.
The f2.3 version is well known for some very "crunchy" bokeh under certain circumstances. It can look quite bizarre but interesting.
It has strong vignetting, I put on a UV filter, dark corners on every frame.
shots look gorgeous---hard to say which I prefer. I've got a few super muti-coated takumar's. Plan to shoot some this week end with my X-T4. We'll see. LOVE shooting old lenses. It's just those Takumars have such long focus throws----not as useful for video in some respects----uhhh, by comparison with my Rokinon Fuji mount cinema lenses---they focus like butter---and are SHARP and FAST!
If you gots a problem with more takumar lenses then you gots a problem with me and I suggest you let that one marinate.:)
That red trillium shot ended up being so good though.
lol! I actually laughed out loud! That's from the Canada Gooses EP and it kills me how he says it. Nicely done mate! Perfectly repackaged.
Oh, BTW, You will not be disappointed with the autotak 55 f2.2. 10 blades and a wonderful lens. Light years better than the 55/1.8. I put that lens in my top 3 taks!
if it ain't broke right? They went and "fixed" these auto's and radiated them and gave them superior naming terms, but.........it was good the way it was lol.
Hehe, loved it.
My feelings on the 35/2.3. Let's cut to the bull, we buy it for the 2.3ness and in this regard I think it takes A CONSIDERABLE amount of skill to yield a result that is justifiably BETTER (not different but actually better) than say using some other fast 35.
I for one have seen the bokeh look too distracting, aggressive and not supporting the subject focus. I don't think it does too well with bokeh subject that is angular like twigs and branches. I think it does produce more magic on bokeh with circular highlights, something like flower heads etc.
It's really a specialist tool I think, kinda like a lensbaby lens. You bring it out for a particular set of images and have taken time and practice to learn what works best with its unique characteristics and not just blindly pew pew pewing with it.
Very good points. I absolutely agree. I don’t love comparing to see what is better, but to where it’s different. Then eventually being able to yield that delta for benefits. Stilll learning the nuance of the lens, but for me that’s the most exciting part!
Thanks for your wisdom on this Eddy!
It seems to be famous for bokeh but stop it down to f8 or 11 and it becomes really sharp with no aberrations. It's great for shooting winter scenes with bare trees. I find it to problematic for colour especially blues and greens but for black and white winter landscapes or landscapes with more subdued colours, nothing tops it. I was very surprised at how good it is in these particular circumstances.
Yes these old lenses were really made for B&W photography were that natural colour pop is kind of missing. Still available but the micro contrast needed for good natural colour rendition just isn’t there. Could he the age and coTings too though…or lack of.
@@MarkHoltze I mentioned this on another of your videos. A magical old Takumar is the 200mm f3.5 preset. The "Angry Photographer" did a video on it. It's a fantastic lens. It's hard to get it with the tripod collar now but you can still find it. Ken "Angry Photographer" says you don't need the collar but I disagree. It's heavy so the collar is useful. If you use it at night with the kind of lights that create great bokeh, nothing tops it. It has superb bokeh. My other favourite lens around this length is the Nikon ED 180mm f2.8 AIS which is awesome but that is not cheap.The Takumar is one of my favourites. It has what I could describe as a movie lens look. I think that's because it's almost up there in quality and it is also slightly less contrasty than more modern lenses which I like for movie work.
ruclips.net/video/gdv_NFWDSYA/видео.html
OMG THE INTRO😂😂😂😂 Pure gold
It’s been a surprise hit for me that show lol. So late to the game but I haven’t enjoyed a Canadian comedy as much since Kids in the Hall
Hey! I’m curious are you going to review any of the new mitakon cine lens that came out a few months ago? Does anyone out there have any experience with them?
Doubt it, they look alright but not really motivated by them. Too many old lenses in the lineup ;)
I would like to know is the takumar 35mm 2.3 lens is radioactive, I saw a review that the f2 is
This one is not. Non of the auto Takumar lenses are thoriated. :)
I love lens flare in all of my homemade family videos. But I would definitely not want lens flares in professional portrait photography.
You have to shoot very intentionally to get flares like that, you can flag the light source off as well. A small angle shift can completely change the flaring as well, but I feel what you're saying. You want less of the image compromised for a portrait as the subject is the focus, not the flare behind them :)
My Takumar 35mm f2.3 just arrived. The focus ring is stiffer than my other Takumar lens, is that the same with yours? I'm struggling to unscrew the front glass element.
Ya mine was pretty stiff too. Probably because of its age. Probably need a good strong grip on unscrewing that front element. A little heat might help loosen it as well.
Looks like a really nice performer that auto-tak. Really surprised by how CA's are controlled too!
Surprising....element design I suspect. Need to experiment more.
@@MarkHoltze Aye! It's something worth looking into. Maybe you could start your own line of lenses. Holtze Optical, blast from the past lenses with little to no CA's! Ha!
Mark goes R rated!
Only happens once in blue Martian moon ;)
Super multi couted Mark
Looks nice.
Is the f2.3 version thoriated ?
It’s not no. None of the autos are. It’s a good one ;)
When are you going to go Missy Elliot on the front element, flip it and reverse it?
😂 I did a follow up video on
Macro mode lol
@@MarkHoltze i saw that. I saw them all ... 😂 I mean reversed front element. May be more useful for avant garde photography, but I've only seen/heard it mentioned in passing on other channels. Because of people like you I'm getting suspicious packages from shady east block dealers. I'm thinking the Yakuza is the next logical step.
Looking forward to it👌
The opening 😂
i couldn't help myself.
Pitter patter, let's get at 'er!
Who's cutting your hair?
You know it cuz! I’m getting a hair cut, that’s the diff 😆 although I’m due, waiting for unlockdown
If it ain’t broke... don’t fuckin’ fix it.
Hell yeah. 😎😂
Why radiate the 35? Why? It was fine before? 😂 leave well enough alone 😆. These are reasons why we F 💣
@@MarkHoltze Haha, Agreed!
0:00
Remixes voice from first second...
XD
full ADR baby, i had no mic out there and the frogs were noisy as hell! lol. You know what's up!
You need a cowboy hat and a nice belt buckle to complete that look, solid!!! :-)
actually the look is very curated. In the East we don't wear hats and the right fitting jeans don't need a belt lol. (That's from the show LetterKenny). Wayne from the "hicks" is who i'm paying absolute wardrobe tribute to. he's a shirt tucker and isn't sorry for it ;)
@@MarkHoltze Yeah, those guys have colourful mouths, when laying down the law... their burns are legendary!!!
You forgot one of the most interesting things about this lens! The front element screws off and it becomes a macro.
I didn’t even know!!!!!!!
My gosh I just did it!!!! How?!?! I didn’t even know! Two lenses in one?? I’m even more smitten now! Thank you!
@@MarkHoltze Crazy, right?? The only thing is the macro has some pretty serious chromatic aberrations. Otherwise, this could have changed everything with lens design!
True that..
I didn't know "unapologetically Canadian" was a thing. 😏🇨🇦
we're sorry for a lot of things, but LetterKenny isn't one of them. ;) Canadian show that doesn't hide the fact, pretend to be American (like Schitts Creek does) and makes loads of references that many Canadians will know and love. It's refreshing and "sorry we're not sorry" lol. :) :) :)
1950s? 35mm? Must to be a retrofocus design like the Angénieux, the CZJ DDR Flektogon and so on.
Exactly
Nice!
Hahaha...no more takumars. I keep buying them. It's addicting
I have this lens. I think it has what's called "mustache distortion".
It’s more obvious close in for sure.
get a version 1 35mm 2.0 - no thorium. link below to see it and sample pics (not mine) - awesome lens but only c.17000 made, hood is pretty much as rare as the one for the 2.3
www.flickr.com/photos/dromm/tags/takumar35/
Rad video. Love that lens. One of the most unique m42s out there. Looks great on the lumix. I did a quick video with some test footage a while back. You can check here: m.ruclips.net/video/VQz7LlyNRYU/видео.html
✊
TAKS are great... enjoy Failure!!!!
enjoying it lol. Nice term, I like that "enjoy failure"
My new 2.3 lens is on the way......No more takumar......
Enjoy it mate and yes, no more......
No more Takumars..? HahAhaHAhAhaHAhaHahAhaHAhAhaHAhaHahAhaHAhAhaHAha Yeah right!
exactly ! lol
Allegedly...
It would take at least two people
I am convinced you kiss all your takumars good night every night before going to sleep and then maybe if you aren't exhausted by the end of it (coz there's so many) you kiss your daughter lol but if I were your daughter I wouldn't complain coz I know someday I'm gonna be inheriting all that goodness who cares about some stupid kiss haha
You’re not wrong 😂
Mark McKinnon or something
Mark who? 😆
A bit too much flare for my taste... almost J. J. Abrams style.
It’s easy to flag off, this is fully intentional searching for flare. JJ’s are anamorphic flares that split horizontal across the frame lol. I feel what you’re saying though! ✊
@@MarkHoltze Yp, that's why I said almost... 😉
Just found out that front element screws right off making it a total macro lens.
@@MarkHoltze 😱😱😱
Not now? :-( :-)))
Soon! (Tomorrow at 10 am) 😂