Not sure if its ur voice or the presentation but you make us feel that we are in a fairy tale or in Wonderland with such a lovely lens! Very nice review..keep up the great work!
The first version goes down to 1:1. I recommend it for those who need to get closer. Awesome lens, my favorite vintage macro. It's true that there is something special about it.
I’ve got the PKM 100mm f4 and, it’s incredibly sharp! I recently bought the Zuiko 50mm f3.5 because it’s so small. The Zuiko works well for digitising 35mm film, when fitted with a 14mm extension tube. I have a Fuji X-E1 which I use solely for film scanning.
I love using this lens for close ups on busy bees and other insects. Something about the lens being so far set into into the body perhaps. No obvious reflection to alarm them.
For most Macro photography (such as plants or insects) you need to be shooting at about f9 or thereabouts otherwise you lose a lot of the image; because of the closeness, the bokeh is still spectacular. This lens is really sharp at this setting.
i just been using my first vintage M42 lens on the canon M50 the asahi super takumar 55mm ƒ1.8, its a fantastic little lens, i also put a couple of m mount Dorr (
I own the Pentax-M version of the lens (which has the same optical formula) and use it since 1986. It is underrated because of the f4 aperture, but in my opinion, is a great lens. Also, according to my tests, outperforms almost all my normal lenses (from f4 to f16).
Yes this is a lovely lens, sadly from a company that has lost its way (and place) in the market. I don't think it's an issue only going to 1:2 as the more famous Micro-Nikkor 55mm f2.8 also natively offered the same magnification. With the addition of the M2 (early) or PK13 (later) extension tube, this lens then offered a true 1:1 ratio. I am certain that a similar M42 thread ring would also allow you to get 1:1 with the Pentax lens.
Pentax did not lose its way. They simply chose not to try to compete in a market of one up manship and focus on higher quality items and specific niche photographers. Your best adventure camera, underwater camera, astro-photography camera and lens systems out there are Pentax and has been for a few decades now. Pentax is not focused on the portrait and wedding world so they put their expertise in a better area. The Dynamic Range of the K-1 mixed with the weather sealed lens system means you can go any where, anytime, in any weather and get fantastic shots.
Pentax actually has several lenses that get longer. It is a Macro-Takumar Lens. Pentax did not add the Brand name on its lenses until they introduced the bayonet mount. The only lens you will find sharper than this is the Takumar 50mm 1.4 8 element version. The Takumar 50mm 1.4 is sharper than the Planar Carl Zeiss has at the time. Takumar lenses are superb quality. The Japanese had the highest quality lenses. The version you are using here is the younger model and has a magnification of 0.5. The earliest version of this lens, listed as MACRO-TAKUMAR on the lens face plate, has a true magnification level of 1.0.
I'm interested to hear about the sharpness of the 1.4 50mm 8 element - the 7 element version I have is not sharp at all wide open - it seems the 8 element version is worth its reputation then!
I've seen a comparison of them online and the 8 element version is still far less sharp than Canon's 50mm, which was still behind the Carl Zeiss planar of the same time period. A macro lens usually is less fast but has perfect geometry, flat field, and incredibly sharp in exchange for that speed.
Thank you for your enlightening and enjoyable video. (Oh, those halcyon Spotmatic days!) Lately have been exploring both closeups and landscapes with a Zuiko 50mm f/3.5 MC Auto-Macro and am very pleased with its astounding virtuosity. The Zuiko seems to have nearly the same specs as the Takumar and could be a viable contender.
There is a variant of this lens which does 1:1. It's simply called 'Macro Takumar' and should have the same optics (except maybe the coatings). It's the one that I've got. And it is slightly radioactive as it has a thoriated glass element. It's nowhere as active as the Super Takumar 50mm f/1.4, but still... worth mentioning. A great little lens. The tube extends quite a lot to accommodate the 1:1. Great value for any macro and close-up shooter. As are all the other variants of this lens.
Your text intro may have a typo, f/1.4 is not the same as f/4. Enjoy your reviews of these vintage lenses, some of which I have from my Pentax film days.😊
I just acquired the Kiron 105mm f2.8 Macro FD which is 1:1. My understanding that for Macro, is best to go 100mm and above because of proximity. Fyi- I'm new to Macro
I'm trying find help rehousing or changing the apature blades of this lens maby to a 9 or 12 blade . Any ideas who can do this job or assist with questions?
Zenography - which of the versions of this lens is this one? Cos there are so many versions of this, A, M, F, Super Takumar. If you could kindly update the description, so it is easier to know which lens this one is.
I picked up an almost mint condition one at a car boot sale about 3 years ago for £4. I re painting all the markings and it looks like it just left the factory. Love the lens and don’t think I could ever part with it although I own a few more macro lenses.
@@zenography7923 Yeah love the car boots and finding vintage lenses. That day I got the 50mm f4 macro for £4 a 50mm f1.7 takumar a 28mm takumar and some other bits for total of about £12. Also got to say I like the channel look forward to more videos. PS take a look at the Helios 135mm f2.8 M42 it's a great lens.
The Chinese are now making & selling OM-NEX & M42-NEX adapters with built in focusing helices. The better (& slightly more expensive) versions have a brass helix. I have the OM-NEX model which I use with my 50mm f/3.5 macro Zuiko. Like your Takumar it goes down to half life size. I have a set of Zuiko macro tubes. The 25mm tube allows focusing down to life size. This helical adapter permits a 26mm extension. The added bonus is that it also gives a close focusing capability to all of my Zuikos. I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of the M42 version of this adapter. I think it will become a permanent fixture on my multi-coated Helios 44-3... Though I might just let the Industar 50-2 & the two Russian macros (I-61/LZ & Volna-9) spend a little quality time there... The Helios 44-3 is my current favourite. However, I live in a dusty rural environment so I don't like removing lenses in the field. The insertion of an extension tube demands that & then there is the need to repeat the process to get back to an infinity focus. These new macro focusing adapters really change things up! ;-)
I have been on an eBay buying spree for Super Takumar’s the last 2 weeks. Will have to get one of these. I found an older 50mm F4 macro that has 2 sets of rings on the filter ring with numbers. So far I have a 24 3.5, 28 3.5, 35 2.0, 50 1.4, 80 1.9 and already had a 135 3.5... I am using them for video work as I love their long focus throw.
i got the bug too... except i have THREE GENERATIONS OF THEM! best lenses for your money, the early k-series primes are the sweet spot... that is until you get the 40mm pancake on an mx. the best system ever.
Of all the vintage lenses I have owned the Pentax lenses feel the best. But I have never held and used old (60s and older) metal Zeiss, Leica, or Nikkor lenses. So I might be biased.
It depends what you're shooting on. On full frame it's 2:1, but on micro four thirds it will behave as a 1:1 lens due to the crop (and therefore magnification) factor.
This little lens is an unsung hero. There is general disdain for 1:2, but it is very misunderstood. 50mm is not a good length for macro per se, but 50 is an excellent portrait length, and 1:2 makes a perfect close focus lens that can get intimate with human subjects and our toys. Intimacy is the best way to think of this lens. Plus it is the sharpest Pentax lens. This lens is so sharp you could use it to cut up vegetables for dinner. F4 is its only real downside, but the other side of that coin is that it is as sharp at f4 as it is at f8. Very few lenses give such even performance across the aperture range.
It's because I'm interested in Zen Buddhism, and because photography brings you only into the present, rather than past or future... Hope that makes sense!
Great video. But I don't know where you check the prices of these lenses. On ebay in european listings, I could only find one at 180£ not quite the 80£ that you stated there xD
Prices for vintage lenses vary wildly, but as a general rule, don't pay the often inflated 'buy it now' prices. Be patient - I bought this one in a lot of three pentax lenses that had sat on ebay for three months! I paid £100 for the three - that apparently no-one else wanted!
My Tokina AT-X 90mm f/2.5 Macro ("Bokina") extends from about 7.5cm to nearly 13cm from one focus-end to the other; not uncommon for vintage macro lenses
![[4K] Watch SpaceX Catch A Starship Rocket From Space!!! #IFT5](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/pIKI7y3DTXk/mqdefault.jpg)
Not sure if its ur voice or the presentation but you make us feel that we are in a fairy tale or in Wonderland with such a lovely lens! Very nice review..keep up the great work!
Wow, thank you!
Nigel is a marvelous writer and a really nice guy.
Well said. I was thinking exactly the same. Definitely zen.
The first version goes down to 1:1. I recommend it for those who need to get closer. Awesome lens, my favorite vintage macro. It's true that there is something special about it.
Your voice is soothing and your choice of descriptive words . . . perfection.
Geez it’s like meditation!
Thanks, I’ve been enjoying my zuiko vintage 50mm macro for the same reasons! Another world!
I have this lens, but haven't used it. You inspired me to get out and shoot.Thanks for wonderful review of this lens.
I’ve got the PKM 100mm f4 and, it’s incredibly sharp! I recently bought the Zuiko 50mm f3.5 because it’s so small. The Zuiko works well for digitising 35mm film, when fitted with a 14mm extension tube. I have a Fuji X-E1 which I use solely for film scanning.
Fantastic video! The photos are beautiful, and it was a genuine delight to learn about a new vintage Takumar.
Many thanks Shayne, glad you enjoyed it!
I love using this lens for close ups on busy bees and other insects. Something about the lens being so far set into
into the body perhaps. No obvious reflection to alarm them.
For most Macro photography (such as plants or insects) you need to be shooting at about f9 or thereabouts otherwise you lose a lot of the image; because of the closeness, the bokeh is still spectacular. This lens is really sharp at this setting.
Great video! Small item, your title screen indicates an F1.4 whereas the lens is an F4. Keep up the great work! Cheers!
i just been using my first vintage M42 lens on the canon M50 the asahi super takumar 55mm ƒ1.8, its a fantastic little lens, i also put a couple of m mount Dorr (
I know what you mean - there's just something lovely about these old lenses - even when they're sitting doing nothing!
Very nice images, you have a good eye-heart-mind connection.
Thank you, I'm very glad you like them!
I had a Tamron SP 90mm f2.5 Macro. That was seriously sharp!
Thanks for the review - always look forward to seeing your videos !
Many thanks Jane, glad you're enjoying them!
I own the Pentax-M version of the lens (which has the same optical formula) and use it since 1986. It is underrated because of the f4 aperture, but in my opinion, is a great lens. Also, according to my tests, outperforms almost all my normal lenses (from f4 to f16).
It's an incredible lens - but I do wish it could go a bit closer!
Certainly on my wishlist, particularly the early 1 to 1 version.
A 1 to 1 version would be wonderful...
Yes this is a lovely lens, sadly from a company that has lost its way (and place) in the market. I don't think it's an issue only going to 1:2 as the more famous Micro-Nikkor 55mm f2.8 also natively offered the same magnification. With the addition of the M2 (early) or PK13 (later) extension tube, this lens then offered a true 1:1 ratio. I am certain that a similar M42 thread ring would also allow you to get 1:1 with the Pentax lens.
Pentax did not lose its way. They simply chose not to try to compete in a market of one up manship and focus on higher quality items and specific niche photographers. Your best adventure camera, underwater camera, astro-photography camera and lens systems out there are Pentax and has been for a few decades now. Pentax is not focused on the portrait and wedding world so they put their expertise in a better area. The Dynamic Range of the K-1 mixed with the weather sealed lens system means you can go any where, anytime, in any weather and get fantastic shots.
Yes, the M-42 being that wide should be a win win. I guess those things drop the f stop a hair too.
Pentax actually has several lenses that get longer. It is a Macro-Takumar Lens. Pentax did not add the Brand name on its lenses until they introduced the bayonet mount. The only lens you will find sharper than this is the Takumar 50mm 1.4 8 element version. The Takumar 50mm 1.4 is sharper than the Planar Carl Zeiss has at the time. Takumar lenses are superb quality. The Japanese had the highest quality lenses. The version you are using here is the younger model and has a magnification of 0.5. The earliest version of this lens, listed as MACRO-TAKUMAR on the lens face plate, has a true magnification level of 1.0.
I'm interested to hear about the sharpness of the 1.4 50mm 8 element - the 7 element version I have is not sharp at all wide open - it seems the 8 element version is worth its reputation then!
I've seen a comparison of them online and the 8 element version is still far less sharp than Canon's 50mm, which was still behind the Carl Zeiss planar of the same time period. A macro lens usually is less fast but has perfect geometry, flat field, and incredibly sharp in exchange for that speed.
Picked a near mint one up on a car boot sale for £4 a few years ago. Love the lens and have got some great shots with it.
Another lens to add to my wish list.
:-) I've got a few of those myself!
Thank you for your enlightening and enjoyable video. (Oh, those halcyon Spotmatic days!) Lately have been exploring both closeups and landscapes with a Zuiko 50mm f/3.5 MC Auto-Macro and am very pleased with its astounding virtuosity. The Zuiko seems to have nearly the same specs as the Takumar and could be a viable contender.
Nice review. I've not the 50mm macro but the 100mm f4 smc Takumar m42 1:2. Which also a great lens to use. Maybe to try one too.
Thanks for the tip - I'll look out for one!
There is a variant of this lens which does 1:1. It's simply called 'Macro Takumar' and should have the same optics (except maybe the coatings). It's the one that I've got. And it is slightly radioactive as it has a thoriated glass element. It's nowhere as active as the Super Takumar 50mm f/1.4, but still... worth mentioning. A great little lens. The tube extends quite a lot to accommodate the 1:1. Great value for any macro and close-up shooter. As are all the other variants of this lens.
Your text intro may have a typo, f/1.4 is not the same as f/4. Enjoy your reviews of these vintage lenses, some of which I have from my Pentax film days.😊
I have the same lens and think it is awesomely sharp. However, it is very slightly radioactive, but not nearly as much as other Takumars.
I just acquired the Kiron 105mm f2.8 Macro FD which is 1:1. My understanding that for Macro, is best to go 100mm and above because of proximity. Fyi- I'm new to Macro
Would this be a good choice for detailed food photography?
Great review! I was a bit upset when I picked up my copy, and later learned that it wasn't the 1:1 version.
You can add a cheapo extension tube to make it 1:1 which is what I do. Whack up the ISO to overcome any loss of light.
@@jameswburke how will you know if it’s a 1:1 version or not?
@@Walkdthock Dunno - mine is 1:2 so half actual size. I use a thin extension tube to make it 1:1
I want this lens ... but seems no great deals on ebay!!
Thanks for the great review and images!!!
I'm trying find help rehousing or changing the apature blades of this lens maby to a 9 or 12 blade . Any ideas who can do this job or assist with questions?
Great looking shots 👌
Thanks!
Zenography - which of the versions of this lens is this one? Cos there are so many versions of this, A, M, F, Super Takumar. If you could kindly update the description, so it is easier to know which lens this one is.
It's a super multi coated macro takumar - a very nice lens indeed!
I picked up an almost mint condition one at a car boot sale about 3 years ago for £4. I re painting all the markings and it looks like it just left the factory. Love the lens and don’t think I could ever part with it although I own a few more macro lenses.
Wow, that was a lucky find!
@@zenography7923 Yeah love the car boots and finding vintage lenses. That day I got the 50mm f4 macro for £4 a 50mm f1.7 takumar a 28mm takumar and some other bits for total of about £12. Also got to say I like the channel look forward to more videos. PS take a look at the Helios 135mm f2.8 M42 it's a great lens.
The Chinese are now making & selling OM-NEX & M42-NEX adapters with built in focusing helices. The better (& slightly more expensive) versions have a brass helix. I have the OM-NEX model which I use with my 50mm f/3.5 macro Zuiko. Like your Takumar it goes down to half life size. I have a set of Zuiko macro tubes. The 25mm tube allows focusing down to life size. This helical adapter permits a 26mm extension. The added bonus is that it also gives a close focusing capability to all of my Zuikos. I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of the M42 version of this adapter. I think it will become a permanent fixture on my multi-coated Helios 44-3... Though I might just let the Industar 50-2 & the two Russian macros (I-61/LZ & Volna-9) spend a little quality time there... The Helios 44-3 is my current favourite. However, I live in a dusty rural environment so I don't like removing lenses in the field. The insertion of an extension tube demands that & then there is the need to repeat the process to get back to an infinity focus. These new macro focusing adapters really change things up! ;-)
I have been on an eBay buying spree for Super Takumar’s the last 2 weeks. Will have to get one of these. I found an older 50mm F4 macro that has 2 sets of rings on the filter ring with numbers. So far I have a 24 3.5, 28 3.5, 35 2.0, 50 1.4, 80 1.9 and already had a 135 3.5... I am using them for video work as I love their long focus throw.
i got the bug too... except i have THREE GENERATIONS OF THEM! best lenses for your money, the early k-series primes are the sweet spot... that is until you get the 40mm pancake on an mx. the best system ever.
Punk Rachmaninoff Will check that one out. My 50 1.4 is a PK mount.
Of all the vintage lenses I have owned the Pentax lenses feel the best. But I have never held and used old (60s and older) metal Zeiss, Leica, or Nikkor lenses. So I might be biased.
Nicely made content, Sir! I'm considering to acquire a copy of this lens... or the 100mm brother. Or both :)
I can't speak for the 100mm, but the 50 is fantastic, if a little slow at f4...
Finally you got a vintage Pentax Lens! Very nice.
Do you definitely think it is better than the industar 61 L/Z?
yes
Mine don't focus to infinity on a. Spotmatic. Think it needs to be adjusted or the pin is no totally engaged
Lovely images.
And, it's a tank. But when you add an M-42 adapter does it bring the macro closer to 1:1?
It depends what you're shooting on. On full frame it's 2:1, but on micro four thirds it will behave as a 1:1 lens due to the crop (and therefore magnification) factor.
@@zenography7923 A win win situation...
This little lens is an unsung hero. There is general disdain for 1:2, but it is very misunderstood. 50mm is not a good length for macro per se, but 50 is an excellent portrait length, and 1:2 makes a perfect close focus lens that can get intimate with human subjects and our toys. Intimacy is the best way to think of this lens. Plus it is the sharpest Pentax lens. This lens is so sharp you could use it to cut up vegetables for dinner. F4 is its only real downside, but the other side of that coin is that it is as sharp at f4 as it is at f8. Very few lenses give such even performance across the aperture range.
It's quite astonishing, probably the sharpest vintage lens I've used...
Nice! Question, why is the channel named Zenography?
It's because I'm interested in Zen Buddhism, and because photography brings you only into the present, rather than past or future... Hope that makes sense!
@@zenography7923 awesome I love it
@@zenography7923 The present? It's overrated! I'm stuck here in the present, there's no future in it and I just can't seem to get past it!
I have the Nikon 55mm 2.8 ais micro/macro. The lens is so sharp and without distortion other lenses are judged against it.
So far I haven't used many Nikon lenses - I'm planning to change that soon though!
Why not just get the 1:1 version? It's superior in every way. Macro Takumar (non SMC) is not even that much more expensive, and my fav macro lenses.
Very nice.
What kind of coating does it have?
Pentax SMC. Great lenses. I have a 50mm 1.7 which is amazing (but not a macro lens). I found this review: extreme-macro.co.uk/pentax-50mm-macro/
i just order the Helios 44-2 cant wait to test it ;)
Great video. But I don't know where you check the prices of these lenses. On ebay in european listings, I could only find one at 180£ not quite the 80£ that you stated there xD
Prices for vintage lenses vary wildly, but as a general rule, don't pay the often inflated 'buy it now' prices. Be patient - I bought this one in a lot of three pentax lenses that had sat on ebay for three months! I paid £100 for the three - that apparently no-one else wanted!
I paid £99 for the 1:1 version on Ebay back in June.
Great video. Not sure about £60-£80 here in UK right now. More like double that.
Asking prices are often higher, but there are bargains to be had, with patience... Glad you liked the video!
Hi. I wish to know if the SMC Pentax Macro 50mm f4 Asahi has the same quality.
I would think so, yes - although this is the only Pentax macro I've tried!
@@zenography7923 Thanks for your attention. Great video.
Whats your thoughts on the canon fd 50mm 3.5 macro ?
That's one I've yet to get around to, I'm afraid!
sharper than a Sharp thing even :-)
I would go further - it's sharper than a very sharp thing. Sharper even than the sharpest thing in Sharp Johnny McSharps's box of sharp things...
My Tokina AT-X 90mm f/2.5 Macro ("Bokina") extends from about 7.5cm to nearly 13cm from one focus-end to the other; not uncommon for vintage macro lenses
I have just purchased one on eBay for £41.
☕️👍
Takumar 50mm f/4 Macro ( Excelent Lens)
test vs flickr.com/photos/luisvasconcelos/36510394885/in/dateposted-friend/
Not an arbitrary distinction; a macro is a macro - period. Anything else is simply marketing.
Perhaps, but it still gets pretty close!
Pentax 50/f4 jack of all trades and master in none...ratio of 1:2 , extending barrel and too short for any serious macro work.