Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 (8-element version) Lens Review
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- Опубликовано: 26 апр 2019
- In this episode, I review the so-called "Planar killer" which is the very first version of the Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 lens released in 1964. This vintage lens is famous for its special look, incredible bokeh, and propensity to flare. We take a closer look at some 35mm black and white images and discuss the characteristics of this lens.
Gear used:
Pentax SP500
Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 (8-element version)
Oberwerth Isar hand strap (Available here: www.oberwerth.com/en/shop/acc...)
Films used:
Ilford FP4+
Ilford Pan F
Scan & dev by MeinFilmLab.de
If you'd like to get in touch or see some early behind the scenes footage, find me on Instagram: / analog_insights
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I took a Pentax Spotmatic (almost like the SP500 you have there) and a 50/1.4 (8 elements, just like yours) to a trip in Japan. At one point we passed just next to an old wedding photographer doing a street session in Kyoto, as soon as the photographer realized the camera and lens I had, he stopped the session for a moment to see the camera and he told me when he was young he owned a Spotmatic with that lens too! He was really happy to see that kind of gear today.
Great video as always man!
Beautiful story. Thanks for your comment.
I grew up with a Spotmatic F and the 35mmf3.5. Just bought a Honeywell Spotmatic and 35mmf3.5 and 8 element 50f1.2! Amazing kit.
Man I'm 30 seconds into the video and already enjoying the calm way you're talking. On RUclips you usually get yelled at in the first sentence with "WHAT'S UP GUYS, WELCOME TO ANOTHER VIDEO"
It's so nice to see and hear something different and also much more fitting for photography in my opinion!
Lucas Diehl I’m tired of getting yelled at 😞
I agree, hate that being shouted at "WHAAZZZUP GUYS" like I'm a street dancer with baggy pants and a cap on backwards. Followed by "I'M SUUUUPHAR EXZZITED ABOUT...." Please!! Give me a break
agreed. Great demeanor and presentation!
Peter McKinnon baby. Damn I hate that guy :))
Yeah, his soft and mellow presentation style is very calming and pleasant.
i noticed your suit and shirt match the couch and pillow.
It does! I find that a little disturbing.
Are you a Mi5 or Mi6 because you didn't notice his Norwegian accent .
It's like he is part of the couch! :o
@@imjusttoodissgusted5620 As Above So Below; As Within So Without"
Plot twist: he's in front of a green screen and can get any background to match his outfit.
I have this version of the lens, recently acquired from thrift store that came with a spotmatic and a 200mm lens as well, all for $15. I almost passed out with joy when I saw the 1.4 stuck on the camera body. Absolutely my favorite lens to shoot although, on my 50d crop sensor the focal range is closer to 80mm. I also have the 35mm f3.5 that is very pleasant and closer to the 50 mm equivalent on aps-c. Best way to find these now is out on the street for sale in thrift stores or garage sales, even Facebook or craigslist from people selling their film kit. All the lenses on eBay or camera stores are price gouging or for parts only. Used to pick these up on eBay cheap like buying candy but those days are over. If you do get this lens...keep it and don’t let go, you’ll regret it.
I love B&W and film photography, it's like capturing "The Essense of 'That' Time". I also love the classic Nostalgia vibe I get with every video I watch on this channel. It brings me a sense of calmness, connection with the world, and its beautiful fine details projected onto the film. I never captured photos with any one of those but my father had a film camera, a Nikon one. Even so, I still have an emotional bond with that camera and childhood memories of that time. Imagine how it would be like if I was actually capturing photos with one. I have two souls in me, one for everything else, and one belongs to what your channel represents. Very inspiring. Danke schön.
I shot my first wedding in 1975 with a Pentax SP2 and the SP500 as my back up. I shot most of the wedding with the 50mm f1.8. I still have these cameras and an assortment of lenses. I took my SP2 on a recent holiday and shot a few images. Great cameras and great lenses. Thanks for the review.
Great great video, once again I get amazed about the high quality videos you guys makes. Keep up with that !
just like to say, I have been following your channel for quite a wile , and as always it always very interesting about the history of the amazing cameras, thank you, just brilliant
I just found one of these lenses yesterday and wanted to get some good info about it. Thank you for your video with your comments about it.
Incredible video. Really enjoyed it. Thanks for all you do!
great shots, expecially the ones where you stopped down the lens and let your research for form and composition take point (but your extreme bokeh shots are as tasteful as they can get). Keep up the good work!
fantastic fantastic review. the points explained, the rhythm, the images all perfect!
Thank you so much for your kind feedback. I really appreciate it. :)
Thoughtful review with thoughtful images. Thank you.
I loved the review and the samples shown, outstanding work!
Alberto Llorca Thanks so much. 🙏🏻
I have the second version of this lens, and although it's not the same as the original version, it is by far my favorite lens to shoot with. It's incredibly sharp, especially stopped down, and produces some of the most beautiful images I've seen--even on modern digital cameras, in color. I've even shot some fast-action environmental portraits (boxing bag work) with it, and the images produced are truly special. I will shot with this lens for decades to come. Excellent review, friend.
There is no second version 8 element. Do you mean a 7 element.?
Lovely video from someone who clearly has passion for photography and cameras. I got a version 3 of this lens last week. Not quite the 60s version, but I still love it!
Thank you for your kind comment. I really appreciate it. Glad to hear you have one of these lenses as well.
I picked up 3 spotmatic bodies and 4 leftover Pentax lenses from an estate sale last year that no one wanted all for $200 USD. I didn't even know it until this video of yours, that one of the lenses I bought is the exact same lens you are reviewing here. I am quite surprised and excited not knowing what I had bought that day.
From your excellent shots and insightful comments, it does appear to have a 60's 'look' with regard to rendering/handling of flare, bokeh, colour and contrast but at the same time a contemporary feel in terms of sharpness - Interesting lens.
This is one of the best explanations of the Pentax Takumar 50mm f1.4 lens. It is concise and well illustrated--love this video. I have this lens on a Spotmatic SPII, often using Ilford FP4, and gotten good results. Your video is inspiring me to pull out my Pentax Spotmatic for some shoots. These cameras and lenses were extremely well made and work well. Bravo for your video.
Check your Spotmatic SPII; if it has a green emblem on the film advance lever /unit (like mine), it is not suitable for use with the 50mm f1.4 lens because of the back lens extrusion when focusing. It seems that the Pentax 500, as used here, can be used with this lens. Where the emblem on the film advance unit is reddish /orange, the camera is well suited to use this lens
You always illustrate your product reviews with dazzling photographs.
Wonderful character in that lens! I may have to try and track one down myself, although I am mostly a Nikon guy. I've always wanted a black Pentax like Ringo was shooting in the film "A Hard Day's Night", but have never gotten off my duff and bought one. Now I have motivation! I REALLY enjoyed the photos you took! Thanks for the video!
I have the 7-element version (didn't realize it was a "modified" version until this video) and love it. The tack-sharp focus contrasted against the soft, creamy bokeh makes me think of it almost like the 35mm version of the 80/1.9 for the Mamiya 645.
Thanks for the review.
Back in the late 1960s, I fell in love with a black Pentax Spotmatic SLR body with an 8-element 50mm f/1.4 lens.
I loved using it to shoot theatre on black & white film with a 28/50/105mm lens kit.
Amazing review, and also great photos :)!
Had that lens on my 3 Asahi Pentax Spotmatics back in the mid to late 60's. Excellent lens.
The images are fantastic! It kind of sad that Pentax is no longer in contention with the popular brands. Hopefully their new GRIII puts them "back in the game." Yea, this is the ANALOG INSIGHTS, however I love to see you review that camera.
Btw, you made someone in Japan happy yesterday, because I bought a Spotmatic ES because of this video from them.
love your reviews very thoughtful
Thanks so much for your kind feedback. I really appreciate it.
I love this video, very well done...I need this lens now after watching this.
I didn't realize what a classic and historical feel this lens and the film had together, until I noticed the modern cars in some of the photos toward the end and was kind of startled by their presence.
Wonderful review, got a younger 7 element 50/1.4 on an SP1000 and it produces fantastic results in b/w. Would love to get my hands on the 8 element to compare but this video has just done that for me. Thanks again.
Rocking the same combo - the 7 element version isn't as rare but still holds up well image quality wise.
Very well made educational video . I just bought a pentax smc 50mm 1/2 lens for 10 cd dollars. I'm using it on my k70 pentax. I want to upgrade and this lens will do the job . Thanks .
Would using a lens hood make a difference with the flare on this lens? I love the beautiful smoothness with these manual focus Pentax lenses.
Citations: "According to Urban Legend and the Internet..."
Images looked great. Wow that lens.
One of your best videos. Thank you so much.
Thank you! Glad you liked it. :)
This is the most relaxing review I have ever watched 😂
Thinking of buying an adapter for the 55mm f/1.8 I have
The 55mm 1.8 is exquisite. Great color rendition, color saturation and bokeh. A bargain on the market $$$$$. Just not quite as sharp as the 50mm 1.4.
can not agree more..
I have this lens and I adapted it on my digital, it's my favorite lens. the only problem is that it gives a focal length of 110 mm on my Olympus (the crop factor on the micro 4/3)
For some reason, RUclips for the first time, just showed me your channel with this video. I checked and it appears your channel has been on RUclips for 2 years? What a shame. I've been on YT since it's inception and photography is my main focus. I've watched thousands of classic cameras and lens videos so it's is very odd that I'm seeing you for the first time. So I guess the thing to do now is to watch all of them since this video is of excellent quality and we seem to share the same passion. I'll hit the thumbs up button to help your channel hopefully get a wider viewing audience. Cheers!
This is actually my favorite lens : )
The softness of it at 1.4 and the bokeh almost gives it a pictorialism look.
Great video, and information. Also worth mentioning, if you can't find this 8 element Pentax, is the original Olympus OM 8 element 50mm f/1.4 "silver nose".
The OM has beautiful creamy bokeh and works well with colour and B&W film. It came out in the early '70s with the OM-1. I had the Pentax 50mm f/1.4 7 element version but
prefer the Olympus silver nose.
Beautiful and now I have to look for one for myself but to my digital olympus.
Great review Max and thorough as usual. I was expecting you to mention if this was one of the radioactive lenses because I know some of the 50 mm were treated with thorium. I reviewed the 28th mmm version on my channel but not being used to wide angle I did miss the depth and shallower Focus you can get with a 50 millimeter like this.
I have the 50mm 1.8 and the 3.5 135mm, buttery smooth and the Bokeh is superb, and yes i agree that these lenses are superb quality.
I regret to say I lost this lens while attached to an immaculate spotmatic f my grandfather had gifted me. never forgave myself for that!
I have a Pentax Super Takumar 55mm f/1.8 lens which came with a Honeywell Pentax Spotmatic camera I picked up a year ago. Excellent lens..very sharp, contrasty, and rich color rendition easily one of my best 'normal' lenses. No idea of how many elements in it but I'm guessing it dates from about 1969-1970.
It has six elements, see cameramanuals.org/lenses/pentax_lenses_thread_mount.pdf
Man.. I need to get my Spotmatic CLAd and take it out fot the summer! Great video, as always.
I had the smc version once and I have to say that handling feels *so nice* that it is reason enough to shoot with it. K and M lenses are good in that regard,too, but the full metal construction makes a huge difference. Now I wonder if I should buy the super or the smc version again, as I miss it.
Enjoyable , as always.
Hello from Costa Rica in Central America, Thank you so much for your excellent review.
I have both a Zeiss Planar 50/1.4 and a Super Takumar 50/1.4. The Tamumar did not kill my Planar, it is still alive and in constant use, as is the Takumar. Which do I prefer? Depends on the camera and the circumstances. Neither have ever disappointed me.
Very enjoyable video. From the images you shared this lens looks like it might be a great portrait lens if you like that dreamy look. I own a two Pentax cameras and thi slens would be a great addition.
The Spotmatic SPII is suited to use with this lens, although it has the green "R" mark on the film rewind unit. The earlier Pentax cameras could not accommodate the protruding back element. However, that was later rectified by newer models coming out with a orange "R" on the film rewind unit, indicating the lens could be used (the mirrors were shortened so that it would not knock the rear element, and thereby damaging it)
Great Video! I love this lens and owned 3 or 4 of them over the years. Perhaps a missed opportunity to use it on a portrait - it really shines there.
Yes, that's certainly true. I couldn't squeeze in a portrait session with it in the last couple of weeks. Sorry about that. :)
Nice content and a nice background acoustic music
I already change my camera for 3 times. And this sweet little super takumar always stick with me.
I have a same lenses and I understand why you chose B&W films as a sample pictures.
I recommend that you try portrait with color films and speed light then problem of
color will be settled
anyway this lenses is excellent
thanks for introduce our Japanese lenses to other people
I am lucky enough to have 3 of the 8 Element 50mm f1.4 versions and 6 of the 7 element 50mm f1.4 in various Takumar versions. My personal favorite is the 7 element SMC 50 f1.4
Interesting. Thanks for your comment.
Once more: well done!
Nice review, Thank you.
Definitely a good lens for B&W and not so much for color !
For color I recommend the SMC 50mm f1.4 K , the first I think that got the SMC coating on all glass elements vs the older m42 versions.
Thanks, I have all Takumars and I learned a few things here, like some nice points of view, literally, very interesting. It inspired me. I think I will go to the Châteaux de Courances, the next weekend if possible. There are some incredible gardens there, and one is japanese, they are really beautiful. Thank you.
Another fine video; I found myself nodding in agreement throughout. I have the seven element version of this lens and can testify to its excellent performance. However, I always use a lens hood when shooting. And I am not letting my Planar lens go.........
I have both this camera and lens... sitting on a bookshelf.
If only someone made a digital sensor for such retro cameras!
You can mount this on any mirror less camera made today and even some DSLR such as Canon! I’m using this regularly.
Very nice review. Wel done.
I guess I will buy it for my Pentax Me ! Photos are amazingly beautiful
The ME is a great little camera. I love the compact size!
An 8 blade Takumar SMC 50mm 1.4 arrived today. Like everybody else, you're home, the light is going down, you're shooting the book shelf, highlights on a movie camera, anything you can do hand held just to see something something close to a table lamp.....and at 1.4. I had to check on my Fuji whether I had the sharpness up a notch. Nope. I had an X-H1 to give me a 30th of a sec wide open at 200 ISO. (what did happen to ASA?) It took me moments to realize the lens wide open was sharper than both the Rollei Planar C.Z. 1.8 50mm's I own. (my first model has a slow snug focus...it's trains me...it will get there, just chill....) I paid 120 for the Takumar, and the damn thing is in new condition. So, a nice Saturday evening. Now should I go out tonight and stand in the middle of traffic? Hmmm.....
I use a Pentax Spotmatic SPII w the Takumar 50mm f1.4 lens. Likely my lens is the newer version and not the original Takumar 50mm. But to most shooters, it is a subtle difference. I still find this lens gives a very sharp image, especially when I shoot Fuji Provia F. I think Pentax made a superb SLR and users continue to enjoy this fine product. There are rumors that Pentax is coming out w a new film camera, given the resurgence in film. I always enjoy my film cams: Kodak Retina IIIC, Nikon FM2, Pentax Spotmatic and Leica M3. Each is slightly different but all fun to use. Happy shooting.
I have 2 of this lenses and a spotmatic. But I use it, since years, on digital camera with much success.
I don't know if is because is the lens that my father use to shoot family picture in the early 70, but even now that I own a octu 55mm the takumar 50mm is my favorite lens for artistic pictures.
BTW love your calm v-blogging style
It definitely doesn't kill the Contax Planar 50/1.4!
It's definitely a great lens but the 7 element version is nothing short of amazing as well! I love using it with my Spotmatic F and I can't wait to try it out with my X-T100 once the adapter arrives eheh
I was disappointed when I'd put in on my xt3 with m42 adapter
@@GeoffreyEduard ohh, why was that?
@@MsManel1996 I find the images soft
I use it with my xt10 since 3 years and it has been excellent for me.
@@GeoffreyEduard In my experience, it sharpens up when stopped down to the dot at F1.8 - F2.
Amazing review, as always! Can you please tell me the name of the song that you used on review? Thank you!
To adapt on a digital camera, you recommend the 8 elements or the 7 elements (even th 8 is better to shoot in BW)?
Thanks for your comment. I'm using music provided by Epidemic Sound. The first track is called "Maroon" by Fabien Tell and the second one "Spinning Chamber Music" by Håkan Eriksson. Hope this helps.
Давно присматривался к отожму объективу и вот после этого обзора решил найти себе такой. Спасибо.
I still have the Pentax K1000, purchased in 1979, and the extra K1000 I bought in 1997. They are each built like tanks, and with some of your shots I can appreciate the bokeh. But on most of them, the bokeh seemed too strong, and very harsh. I still prefer the Summicron as the benchmark for bokeh & sharpness.
The Pentax lenses are fine, especially when used with Ilford XP2Super (was only XP when I first started using it, and for a very short time, Ilford made color film 1997/1998). The color was never as good as Agfa.
Looking forwaard to your episode on the Pentax KX,MX, and LX.
I have this lens on a Spotmatic I bought from one of our pilots at Danang AB, Vietnam in 1965. The lens is still in excellent mechanical and optical condition. I plan to use it on my deep black infrared modified Canon with an adapter. I've taken thousands of Kodachrome and Ektachrome transparencies with it. Those Pentaxes were (are) wonderful cameras although I lusted over a Nikon F back then. Those all-metal Japanese lenses were (are) wonderfully built.
I really like the metallic shiny look of your photos, especially the ones in the botanical garden. can you share the way you have achieve d this effect?
for example:
do you usually obtain a comparable metallic look with lenses other than the one reviewed?
do you use any filter to reduce/increase reflections?
which is the developer you usually use for those films?
have you played with the contrast in digital post-processing?
is there any particular illumination setting that you are exploiting?
sorry for the many questions, but this look is exactly the one that I'm trying to achieve in my photographs :)
I bought a 50/1.4 SuperTak like 5 years ago, and have never seen film shot with it. Tried to buy a Pentax LX to pair with it, but the two LXs i got were defective in some way. Gave up and got an ME Super, and then that one crapped out on me. Still looking for a black body with AE that will be reliable and not cost too much to make it worth taking yet another risk. Is the K2 the one?
The early Pentax cameras were a very beautiful design; the S1 S3 SV through to the Spotmatics and the first generation K series. Not too big and not too small. 'Just hold a Pentax' the advertisements used to say at the time. For over sixty years I've used (and owed) most of the famous camera brands and in terms of design beauty, I'd still give first prize to the Pentax Spotmatic.
I have this lens. Came in a Mamiya MSX 1000. The camera is broken, but thanks to you I was able to identify the lens. The front cover identifying the lens is missing.
The first was this and by the way pretty good photos.
Great video! Can you tell me the difference between the A and M modes on the lens?
Great video. I wish that Pentax had kept the focusing ring of this lens ❤when they went on to produce the SMC Pentax M 2.0 which I have. It’s just right, unlike the knobbly grip on my example. It has however happily shot a lot of Kodak Tri-X 400 attached to an MG that I also still have…✌️
Very cool
I have inherited from my grandfather an Asahi 85mm f1.8 pre Pentax I think so 1960-62 and I wondered if you know anything about it. It is currently being serviced as the focus ring was very stiff and there was a little haze on the inside of a rear element but I’m looking forward to trying it out. Any information would be much appreciated, regards Marcus
Thank you for your video, I shoot myself with pentax taoday (a more modern pentax p50). Could you tell me if these takumars are affected by the radioactive elements? If I remember correctly it was caused by some glueing process. Regards
My dad got me a Spotmatic when I was 13 (1988) for x-mas. It got me into photography and probably steered me into a career as an optical engineer. I recently decided to get back into the hobby by buying a used mirrorless camera. Thought it would be fun to spend a few bucks to get an adapter for my old lens. Even I could immediately see how much better the Pentax lens was over the kit lens that came with my digital camera. It is nice to have the kit lens as it can autofocus and whatnot, but I have a feeling I am going to use my old Pentax lens much of the time. It has yellowed a bit over time which I understand means it is a little radioactive, but that just adds to the charm. Plus it now glows in the dark (kidding -- just don't eat the thing and you will be fine).
I have 2 of these lenses. I love them. Wish they had made a f/1.2
A 50mm f1.2 rear lens elements barely fits inside the M42 mount. There is only one example of such a lens in M42 mount, it is from Tomioka, and it is $$$ !
I have one of these. Not sure if it is prechanges or postchanges. How would I know that? Is there a serial number where it changes? I guess I would have to look to see how many elements there are in my lens.
I think, from how he is dressed and the music, that he must be cellist. He is in a very bass heavy room.
I too have an 8-element version. The lens looks like new and the glass is clear (not yellow like the one in this video). It does perform very well with digital sensor (colour and B&W) and appears to be a lot sharper than the copy in this video. It does have a later serial number starting with 12 .....
If the 8 element lens is NOT radioactive, how come the glass is yellow?
Max, as usual, it is a good review. Just a question: Which developer are you using for your B&W films? The contrast is excellent!!! I will appreciate your answer. Thank you!!
Jose-Gregorio Velasquez Thanks. These were developed in X-Tol and scanned by my lab.
Thank you Max!!!
Came for the Tak, subscribed for the music choice. Ok, the photos were convincing too.
I have (and love) same the 7-Element version you have there.
As someone who has had the opportunity to use the 8-element version and the 7-element version in comparision, do you think that the 8 is a real upgrade over the 7?
The 7 works really well with color, in my opinion. In yours too?
Thanks for your comment. This is a really great question. Unfortunately, I don’t use the 7-element version often enough to confidently answer it. But if you’re happy with your lens, I don’t see a need to upgrade.
Still confused buy 7 or 8, what do you think?
Would love to know the music you used.
Thanks for your kind feedback. I get my music from Epidemic Sound, a platform for RUclips creators. The song is by Fabien Tell and called "Maroon". Hope this helps.
I have an M-series 50/f1.4. I wonder how that compares 2 the Super-Takumar? Word that comes 2 mind enjoying those images .. Perfection! And gr8 choice of music .. simple/classic
Impressive lens.. 👍
Do let me know your thoughts on Asahi super takumar 55 f1.8, for my Fuji Xpro1..
MAX PLEASE PLEASE review the kiev 60 or 6c or both!, can be an excellent beginner medium format camera if you find a good example or have it serviced
I sold my Kiev 60 setup a few years ago and I have to say, even though I've moved on to "better" medium format cameras, I miss that ugly doorstop. Only problem with mine was internal reflections, which of course was easily fixed.
Great video. Thank you for your class presentation. You have a new follower in me.
I very much enjoyed this video and especially the photos.............. but I am amazed that no-one has asked what is the music played (especially together with the plants early on) is because it augments so beautifully the power of the photographs....which piece of music is this ?
Thanks for your kind comment. I think it was asked before and I believe I responded. The music comes from Epidemic Sound and it is a piece by Fabian Tell in the beginning.
I bet you are some kind of secret agent! Great video!
Thanks, but no.
Very stylish review! I'm debating on whether I should upgrade from my 55/1.8 to this one, and this review definitely is making me inch towards the 1.4. However, I don't shoot bokeh much, so I'm still wondering if the extra cost will be worth it.
It will be a good thing to add to your collection but it will be less useful than your 55 1.8. the takumar 55 1.8 will definitely sharper wide open than the 1.4
@@rodels.3745 I ended up getting the 1.4 shortly after posting this comment, and yes, I do find that it's a little less sharp than the 1.8 wide open, but I also prefer a 50 to a 55 since it's a little wider, so I'd say that the pros and cons balance out.
@@theundefinedphotographer I didn't realize the comment was 2 yrs old he he. Yeah, these vintage lenses are kind of addictive. I hope I don't fall into a buying spree again.
I found a Super multi coated Asahi Pentax 50mm 1.4 but it does not say Takumar. Is it still as good lens?