Just a note on the title for this video - the Takumar 50mm f1.4 is one of the very best early film era lenses, but I'm not saying it's the best of all, that isn't a sensible thing to claim. There some excellent film era fast fifties out there - from Nikkor, Canon, Olympus, Fujinon, Topcor, the Tomioka made lenses, Carl Zeiss Jena, Voigtländer, Steinheil München etc etc. (Apologies if I've left some out).
Hey Simon, i just wanted to let you know how much i appreciate your channel. I've learned a lot and it got me into vintage lenses which im mildly addicted with ever since. It really shaped my photography for the better. You got a lovely voice too, very relaxing.
Hi Simon, I also have a Super Takumar as an 8-element and a 7-element. Strange, because both are radioactive, even though the 7th element emits much more radiation than the 8th element. However, it appears that 8-elements may also be slightly radioactive. Greetings from Germany and thank you for your work.
Best explanation I heard so-far about these lenses. I have the 8 element and the 7 element-radioactive versions. I purchased the 7 element before before purchasing the 8 element by the way. It was cheaper and easier to find. I finally did get my hands on the 8 element and slightly prefer it over the 7 elements. In reality, they are like twins with slightly different personalities....
I have the Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 Radioactive in my collection. Radiation is there for sure, 2250 CPM worth. The only hotter lens I have is the FUJINON 50mm f1.4 Radioactive 3706 CPM, uSv/h 22.77
Intresting! I guess, like allot of ppl, i found myself down the rabbit hole of vintage lenses, after looking to understand what's up with my dad's 70-71 version of this lens, and potentially try it on my modern mirrorless Sony. No more eating lenses i guess. Thanks, great video and info :)
I have the third, radioactive version, found it in an antiques store for £4 with the price sticker stuck on the rear element! Best £4 I ever spent, I love it =D
"rare earths" (lanthanum, thorium) are added to the crystal to achieve high refractive indices, but this has no influence on the reflections and/or light transmission of the crystal (a higher refractive index allows to have high power with a thinner element, that helps to reduce weight and size (it is very noticeable in the first bright telephoto lenses, 105, 135 or 200mm, they reduced weight and size considerably in the late 60s))). And it also allows better control of chromatic aberrations (in combination with low diffraction crystals).
Very interesting, I rushed off to check my swag of Pentax lenses, I have various 50mm f/1.4 with IR marks to the left, however, the 55mm f/2 has its red line right on the f/4 with an R at the bottom of the line. Fascinating series on the older lenses, I was a Pentax user for many years. My latest idea is to test all my Pentax lenses on my astrophotography rigs to see just how good/bad they are. My Takumar 300mm f/4 is pin sharp-a very nice lens especially at this focal length. Keep sharing your wonderful presentations, much appreciated. From an elderly “Pom’ (Leeds) living in Tasmania where we have a great climate no pollution brilliant sunlight, and the best night sky objects compared to the northern hemisphere, and a big plus, COVID-19 free. Kind Regards from the Southern Cross Observatory-Tasmania 42 South. 😁🦘
Hey Simon! How are you? I have been buying vintage lenses on eBay. Some great and some not so great. Mamiya Sekor C 45mm F/2.8 N Lens for M645 MAMIYA SEKOR C 80mm f 2.8 MAMIYA SEKOR C 150mm f 2.8 150mm f/3.5 N These are great lenses when used on a Sony A7Rii. They produce a real great image. Now the not so great. Canon FD-N 24mm, f2.8 Canon Canon FD 50mm f1.8 These have the most weird mounts I have ever seen. The glass is probably good, but the mounting, not so. Have you had any experience with these?
Hi, apologies for the slow response. Nice purchases! I do like Mamiya/Sekor lenses. And the ones you've acquired are great to look at as well - I've not used them, but I've just seen them on-line. I don't have any experience with those Canons or their mounts. I'm tempted to try the Canon FL 55mm f1.2, but I've other priorities...
I would pass on the Canon nFD lenses. They are cheap, but for a reason. Try some Olympus lenses. I like them. Not that expensive too as you can see below. Of course the f1.2 is. Olympus OM-System G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 1974 Radioactive 3389 CPM {$315: 6-2022} Olympus OM-System Zuiko MC Auto-S 50mm f1.4 Black Nose Radioactive 460 CPM (Great Color Rendering) {$75: 7-2021} Olympus OM-System Zuiko MC Auto-S 50mm F1.8 {$40: 7-2021} Olympus OM-System H.Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f2.8 MF {$130: 8-2021}
The MAMIYA SEKOR C lenses were a real hunting expedition. These are 645 lenses for 120 film cameras. With a simple tube adapter (no glass) you are using the very center of the glass lenses, the sweet spot. I got the Mamiya Sekor C 45mm F/2.8 N (N for NEW DESIGN) just a few days ago at a price of $180 after some serious negotiations and then after I inspected it, renegotiation. It was worth it. On my Sony A7Rii (and the 45mm) the weight is 1723.65 grams or 3.8 lbs. You know you have a lens in your hand.
I tested my three vintage 24mm lenses to see which was the sharpest and clearest, using my Sony A7Rii. This is how they came out. 1) Olympus OM-System H.Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f2.8 2) Canon FD-N 24mm, f2.8 3) Asahi Super Multi Coated Takumar 24mm f3.5
Interesting. This doesn't surprise me at all. My Takumar 24mm f3.5 is "not great" on digital FF or crop. It was a lovely lens to use on film cameras - a good field of view, and nice colours on a sunny day. But on digital....not so good. The Zuikos get a lot of love on-line and its deserved!
Simon! Question: I am looking into reasons for the following. I have been testing my Canon nFD 24mm f2.8 and my Olympus OM-System H.Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f2.8 lenses. I noticed something strange. The Olympus H.Zuiko 24mm f2.8 has a much wider field of view (maybe 2X) than the Canon nFD 24mm lens. I have noticed that the front lens on the Olympus is much more rounded than the Canon. Also, these are both on adapters for my Sony A7Rii. Other than this, I am at a loss for an explanation. Any ideas? Wouldn't all 24mm lenses have the same Field of View?
Here is an update. I compared the Takumar 24mm f3.5 with the first two and found that the Takumar and the Olympus were the same Field of View. The Canon was about half the Field of View of the other two. Weird. Asahi Super Multi Coated Takumar 24mm f3.5 Olympus OM-System H.Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f2.8 Canon nFD 24mm f2.8
I don't know the Olympus or its optical design/configuration. All I can say is that I've been testing two 58mm lenses this week - a Takumar 58mm f2 and a Takumar 58mm f2.4 and I've been surprised at the different fov's. The lenses have completely different optical designs (a Heliar and a Sonnar) so that must be the reason....
I'm a bit late to the party, but wanted to report that today I thrifted an Asahi Pentax Spotmatic SP in not very good shape, however it has the Asahi Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4, serial# 1964610, attached to it in great condition. Bought the camera/lens for $60. Also has the original leather case in fair shape. I've adapted the lens to my Sony a6000 (already owned the adapter). Great bokeh, super sharp. Going to enjoy! Thanks for your great videos! Very instructive. Watching this video convinced me to return to the thrift store to make the purchase which I had passed on earlier.
The 7-element Super-Takumar 1:1.4/50 is radioactive, just like the Super-Multi-Coated and the SMC lens. Optically there is no difference between the Super-Multi-Coated and the SMC lens, and also not in the coating.
Many thanks for this. I should add that for people interested in the history and details of Takumar lenses, then Gerjan's book "The Ultimate Asahi Pentax Screw Mount Guide" is a wonderful book to own.
I bought the Super Multi Coated for my Spotmatic SP, and was watching the reviews, while I wait for the toy to arrive in the mail, in order to know if I did a lucky purchase. I will be taking B/W photography again. Thank you for this review.
Your first version has a upper 6 digit serial number which is pretty near one million. So it is not that rare. I just went through this serial number tracking thing with my latest purchase of radioactive Auto Rikenon 55mm f1.4 lens. I had a 6 digit version that was not radioactive oddly and wanted to find a low 5 digit serial number version that was more likely to be radioactive. I found one in first class condition and it radioactive. My Asahi Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 Radioactive 2250 CPM is SN 3237402. Radioactive lenses were made to reduce Chromatic Aberration. I find that having a variaty of these lenses with their different color performances gives me options. I can use a lens for a photo based on what I want out of the photo.
Many thanks for your very interesting comment. As I'm sure you know, the serial numbers of the Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 8 elements version are discussed here: takumarguide.weebly.com/1--14--50-358-8-element.html. My version seems to be one of 5-6,000 lenses made out of the total 128,000 copies, so rarer but as you write not that rare. However, personally I've only ever seen two copies of these early "transitional" versions for sale on-line, so to me they are rare!!
@@jimmoss9584 I don't know. But my own earlier lens's specific serial number is on the list - to cut and paste. "998134 to 999521 (36/ 1387) C" My lens (998134) does seem to be a "Varieties" C. On Pentax Forums, members have listed the serial numbers of their lenses - but there are only 90 on the list, and only one is below one million. www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-serial-number-database/?do=viewserials&id=127&sort=&order=desc
I recently bought an 8-element Super Takumar and coupled it with the Techart adapter to achieve autofocus. The handling of focus and aperture rings are very satisfying and it does delivers a Showa Japanese look.
Hello Simon. I've sincerely enjoyed your videos, especially this one. This one made me aware of this lens and one day in my local camera shop I noticed one in a display with some other Pentax lenses. This lens was particularly inexpensive and I thought, why not? It's worth a try and I left with a 7 element Super Takumar. I brought it home and after a few test photos found it a bit dreamy, but, oh that bokeh! I planned on using that bokeh creatively. Then, one day on another photography post someone mentioned a newer version of this lens on a Nikon Z50. He included some stopped down photos and I was wowed by them. This inspired me to try it on my Z5. All I can say is I have a new favourite lens. The colours, contrast, and sharpness are simply wonderful. I am seriously in love with this lens and I'm honestly feeling this is my best used lens purchase ever. Thank you for bringing this and other wonderful vintage lenses to my attention along with opening my eyes to lenses other than F and Z mounts.
Thank You for another Great Video, The Jansjo lamp most are led, will Led remove the yellow? searched UV but nothing comes out in market searches. again Thank you, your one of my favorite Lens reviewers and enjoy your style and critiques.
Thank you. The IKEA lamp does remove the yellowing on Takumar lenses. I've read somewhere it doesn't always work on all other lenses, but it does on my Takumars.
Hey Simon! Thanks for these mini-documentaries about these lovely little vintage lenses. I'm thinking of buying one to use on my sony crop sensor and see how I like the manual lens ocmpared to my modern lenses. Would you recommend this 50 1.4 or the 55 1.8 for a first vintage lens ? And if none of these, is there another lens I should be looking into ? Thanks once again for the great work, please do keep it up!
Many thanks for your kind words. As a general purpose lens, I personally tend to prefer the extra reach of a 55mm lens, even on crop. You'll need a M42 adapter, and this will give you the ability to buy/use a large number of fascinating lenses of different focal lengths!! My first purchase after using a Takumar 55mm f1.8, was a Helios 44-2. A lot of fun trying to capture artistic swirly bokeh. And then a Takumar 50mm f1.4 - clearly a superior lens in terms of speed and very smooth bokeh, and still has good reach on a crop sensor. It depends on what types of compositions you're looking for. If you take a lot of wide open shots, the f1.4 is a better option. One other good value lens owners like a lot is the Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Oreston 50mm f1.8.
@@Simonsutak I tend to prefer wider on crop, generally 20-30mm to be 35-50 FF equiv. But on the ~85ish equiv range I too prefer the extra reach of 55 to 50. So maybe I start there. I'll continue checking your videos to see if there is a 23-24-25 mm vintage lens I might like too. Thanks again!
As usual a very informative and well produced video. I was fortunate to pick up a 28mm of these super takumar lens recently very very cheap so this detailed history and explanation of their design and usage is timely.
Simon it tickles me to see reports on these lenses. I used the pentax system for years with outrageous results. My favorites were the 28 3.5, 35 2, 50 macro , 105 2.8. The 100 macro was excellent as well. All the 50s were pretty good including the f2. I also shot with the Vivitar series 1 90-180 macro zoom which was originally designed as a medical lense. Seeing your video was like a trip down memory lane, thank you.
But, Simon. Don't you think the colors are a little muted compared to Olympus or CZJ lenses? I do. I have this lens and it works great. However, when compared with an Olympus OM-System Zuiko MC Auto-S 50mm f1.4 which I do have, it looks muted or pastel. I don't have any CZ lenses so I cannot say much about that. After buying 30 vintage lenses at this point it seems like each company had it's own idea of color that their lenses should produce. I think all are fine, but they are different. It seems to me that Chromatic Aberration is the measure of a good fast lens vs a mediocre lens.
Don't own any Olympus lenses, but some of my CZJ lenses have a strong warm tint that tends to reduce the vibrancy of colours (sometimes due to radioactive glass, e.g. the Pancolar 50mm f1.8 I own). Others, such as the Zenitar-M I've just reviewed are quite cool/bluish. My Takumar 50s range from muted (and they really need the sun to shine) to more vibrant. My lesser coated lenses are generally more pastel-like. I do like seeing the different colours different old lenses produce, it's part of the fun of collecting. One day I must try the Olympus lenses.
Take a look at this video. You can delete this link, but watch it first as it covers the two lenses we are talking about. Let me know what you think of these two lenses. The Olympus f1.4 is not expensive like the f1.2 is. I have both and others too. This this example will show you what I am talking about as far as color is concerned. Vintage f1.4 Lenses For Mirrorless - Olympus Zuiko f1.4 and Pentax Takumar f1.4 ruclips.net/video/mcoW8FIF5M4/видео.html
Well, what do think? There is a lot of color intensity difference there. The OM-System Zuiko MC Auto-S 50mm f1.4 is very different. All lens brands are a little different, but the OM-System Zuiko MC is vivid. I wonder why there are these differences. Maybe they were trying to address color sensitivity on films at the time. In today's world these differences offer an artistic variable that can be used by the photographer.
@@jmoss99 Some very good, vivid shots with the Zuiko. Perhaps the yellowed glass of the Takumar has made a difference regarding the warmer images. I do get nice and vivid results from my de-yellowed S-M-C Takumar 50mm f1.4, and SMC Takumar 50mm f1.4.
Your videos on Pentax lenses are my favorite that I’ve found on any vintage lenses. I wish someone would do a systematic comparison of the Nikkor lens system as you have of the Pentax.
Great video! A weird but possibly useful question for others who may have bad (scratched) copy of the 8 element. Does the 7 element and 8 element versions both have the same dimensions? I mean, would it be possible to switch the front elements between the 2 or are they completely different in size? Thanks!
I've been looking for one of these at a good price - I'd better hurry up before everyone sees your video and it pushes the prices up!!! Great video, very desirable lens, thanks for the info.
Many thanks. I waited a long time to find an affordable 8 element version and eventually found one that was incorrectly listed, so it was cheaper than it should have been....it still happens sometimes, you just need a bit of good luck. (And not so many people understanding how good these lenses can be!).
@@Simonsutak Yeah, I keep my eye out for incorrectly listed stuff - I do get some lucky finds from time to time so I'm sure I'll get one of these eventually. I was given a totally mint Helios 44M-4 a couple of days ago so I'm quite chuffed about that, just started filming a video with it today. Vintage lenses are addictive!!!!!
I might be the luckiest guy on the planet but I inherited a Spotmatic 1 with a 7 element super tak - got it tested and it puts out around 28,000cpm of alpha radiation - and a SMC 50mm from a different relative with a Spotmatic ii, all in fantastic shape with additional lenses. Also yes, the radiation is not dangerous, I even had it examined by a chemistry supply shop that specializes in uranium ore
And I’ll tell ya, the pictures with the super tak are incredible even for a beginner like me, and the radioactive decay actually gives a really nice hue to photos
I've got the 7 elements version from what I can tell, it was given to me along with some other lenses and a camera very similar to the one shown in this video. I had to get up to check and see if it was the 8-element or 7-element. Though I've only recently started using it for video since I got a mount for my C300 and the shutter sticks on my Pentax camera.
The Asahi Pentax was my first camera. I bought one with the SMC 50mm, the 28mm, and the 200mm. I sold the 200mm (foolish move) and replaced it with a Vivitar zoom. I always thought that camera and lens produced some great photos. I'm digitizing them now and the sharpness and colors are amazing.
I’ve a Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f1.4 and I love it! Just deyellowed it last evening with a UV lamp ,y wife bought for cyanotypes. It only took a few hours, and the yellowing is gone. Great video!
Very well done video. I'm not wild about Pentax cameras, but I think it's hard to fault the lenses.I haven't been bowled over by the 8 element version, but I'm pretty sure it's down to user error.I think my favorite is the SMC.
I have a pair of Super Takumar lenses that came with 2 Spotmatics I bought over 20 years ago. In 2000 I wanted a SLR film camera and found a Pentax SP500 with a 50mm Super Takumar lens in a pawn shop for $50. It's my "#1". I call it The Tank. Never been serviced, never done anything to it. The light meter still works. Seals are still good. It just works. Always. I bought a Spotmatic right after it because I liked it so much. $50 on ebay. This one is a first generation one, mid 60s. It has an 8 element Super Takumar 28mm lens and original hood. It was like new. Same deal... another tank. Light meter still works, never had it serviced. They are THE MOST reliable and mechanically solid cameras. Since then I've also acquired a K1000 and K2 with SMC lenses. All mechanical, all metal vintage SLRs from the 60s and 70s are the best cameras ever created. Mine will outlive me.
Very detailed and skillful video !!! Purchased a few weeks ago one of the fourth type, a SMC Takumar 50mm f1.4, No. 7781474. Wonderful lens ! Use it on M42 film cameras like Praktica, Fujica, Contax without exception. Like the difference between the soft rendering at f1.4 / f2.0 and the sharper rendering at f4.0 and above. Like the smooth focusing with this lens too. I think, it's a bit radioactive ?? But i accept that, i don't take it for a pillow.
Thanks Simon for a fabulous review. I have never read any reviews that is as detail in technical and aesthetic aspects. And you even shared with us its image differences on film and digital ! Keep it up !
I now have my second Olympus OM-System G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 and it is NOT radioactive. The first one is! Olympus OM-System G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 1974 SN 117492 Radioactive 3389 CPM Olympus OM-System G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 1974 SN 135479 NOT or (lightly, maybe Lanthanum?) Radioactive When was the change over out of radioactive lenses for Olympus on this lens? In the 1970s, many optical manufacturers changed the ingredients to "lanthanum'' because the `` browning phenomenon '' that occurs in optical glass materials due to chemical reactions over time, causing them to turn yellow, (When using Thorium). I would like to know where in the serial numbers did this happen?
Own Pentax Spotmatic SPII with the 50mm Takumar f 1.4 lens. The lens is just amazing, so smooth to use and great resolution with color slide or B&W film. Pentax cameras with Takumar lenses are a joy to use.
Probably worth a mention...the 8 element version often suffers from a slackness in the barrels, its an easy fix, but its worth adding thread lock this time..they seem to have forgotten!
Hello Simon. Thanks for this great channel. I've recently purchased and received a 7 element super Takumar 50mm lens thanks to your videos. I would please like some help. I've got the M42 to Nikon F adapter, but, it doesn't allow full infinity focus due to the design. Do you know of any adaptors or solution to use this lens on Nikon F mount. Thank you
I own and use these 50mm lenses: Argus C3 50mm f/3.5 Coated Cinta Asahi 50mm f/1.4 Super Takumar (8-element) (49mm filter) Asahi 50mm f/1.4 Super Takumar (7-element) (49mm filter) Fujinon 50mm f/1.4 EBC (49mm filter) Fujinon 50mm f/1.4 (49mm filter) Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AF-D (52mm filter) Nikon 50mm f/1.8 Series E (52mm filter) All, except the Argus, produce high-quality images. Of the seven, the 8-element 50mm f/1.4 Super Takumar is my personal favorite.
amazing video , made me not only learn but literally i placed order for version 1, 3 and 4. i was lucky to find these on good price today. cant wait to play with and then will keep the one. but dont hold me on that, i had same plans for 4 Helios sitting in my collection :(
I have a Super Takumar 50mm f/1.4 on my old Asahi Spotmatic that is in very good mechanical and optical condition. Mine doesn't have the IR focus markings you show but does have the "bulging" rear element. Since I bought this camera in 1965 in Vietnam, I'm confident this has eight elements. It's a real gem. Perhaps it is time to bring it out of retirement if I can get adapters for Canon EF, RP and Sony E mounts.
Your videos and explanations are fantastic. I bought a supertakumar f/1.4 50 mm several years ago to demonstrate to students that when I put a geiger counter over it, it's radioactive. The lens is yellowed. After watching your video, I believe that it is a 7 element 2nd gen lens with a serial number near 3 million. What m42 adapter do you use to adapt it to your sony a6000? Please consider starting a Patreon account so we can donate to you.
Thanks for another interesting video. I have several versions of Pentax 50mm f/1.4 s. I'm fortunate to have an 8 element version which I've been using especially wide open. I've also just purchased an s-m-c version I'm looking forward to trying. Good shooting.
Great video. I have all versions too. I bought that lamp on your recommendation and successfully deyellowed my SMC. Wow, what a difference!! It's by far the best lens (objectively) out of the bunch. It's more like a Zeiss lens now. The downside is it doesn't have as much character. The yellowed glass evidently affects a lot more than light transmission. My 8 elements version is still my favourite because it is special, but all versions are great. My recommendation would be to buy whichever good condition Takumar is cheapest.
THERE’S ANOTER VERSION NOT MENTIONED HERE. Some of the seven element lenses prior to the SMC did not have a “2” engraved between f1.4 and 2.8. Just a little white dot where the 2 should be. I find this to be the best version of all. Better than my buddies 8 element, and much better than the field curvature ridden SMC abortions that followed......
In addition I find it very interesting that leica made adapters for pentax lenses before they made any other adapters. Kinda gives you a heads up. To this day if I am looking at Kodachrome slides I can still pick out the pentax shots over everything else. Thanks again
My primary interest is digital film making, not traditional photography, but your commentary was so well written, your video so smoothly edited, and your voice so pleasant to listen to, that I'm subscribing and looking forward to more from you.
A very useful breakdown, thank you. It looks like I have the least noteworthy version (7 element super takumar). However, I bought it very cheaply in a job lot with fungus inside. It was easy to clean though, due to the simple construction and high quality glsss.
Hi. I watched this video the other day and I just received my M42 Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 serial number 1384342. It has the IR mark to the right of the 4, but without the "R". However the rear element of the lens looks like neither of the 7 and 8 element examples shown. In both examples the glass element is higher than the threaded part of the mount. My lens has the rear element a few mm lower than the threaded collar. Looking down inside below the threaded collar it appears to more like the 8 element lens than the 7 element lens. I'm curious if this is another version of the lens or it may have been repaired, retrofitted or otherwise altered? The aperture switch has a red "M" and "R" like the 8 element rather than displaying "AUTO" as shown on the 7 element. I'm curious if this is another version of the lens or it may have been repaired, retrofitted or otherwise altered?
I have a Super Takumar 55mm f/1.8 which came with a Honeywell Pentax Spotmatic I picked up a couple of years ago. Easily one of my best 'normal' lenses. Very sharp and excellent color rendition. I have no idea of how many elements are in it but it is very well made and the images are excellent. I'm guessing it dates from late 1960's/early 1970's. That lens is worth what I paid for both the camera and the lens. The camera is in great shape too.
@@Simonsutak i was landed to the pentax world recently after aquiring the pentax smc 28mm 3.5 . im impressed by this lens and im looking also for the 55 f1.8 . which version do you suggest ? the smc or the takumar ?
3:00 "It would cost an arm an a leg to make today." What is your evidence for this? Why not supply some evidence? You're not couching your statement in weasel words ("one of," "in my opinion," "maybe") but stating it as an actual fact. So tell us how much, even very approximately, and tell us how you know this.
I think for the rest of my radioactive lenses I will not use aluminum foil wrap to reflect the light back through, but use a flat mirror instead. A couple of us used aluminum foil. One of the guys scratched the back of the lens's coating with the foil in several places. I checked it out and i can't see a difference in the photos. Still, it didn't have to happen. Aluminum foil seems to be just a bit risky. A flat mirror would be safer and a better reflector, in my opinion. I feel we have an obligation in owning these vintage lenses to not do any harm.
I'm late to the game, but radioactive stuff don't give off light. They give off alpha, beta or gamma radiation, which makes them radioactive. In this case, thorium gives off alpha radiation, which can be blocked by basically anything more than a thin sheet of paper. So any encasement will work!
An outstanding video with best description yet of the lens 50/1.4 version lenses. A Spotmatic F with 3rd version 50/1.4 was my first SLR. If only I had understood photography then, as I do now - I'd have never sold the camera.
and the 7 elements super takumar (not multicoated)? how does it compare to the rest? thanks in advance for a reply, and also for the videos, very interesting and informative!
My own view is that the 7 elements versions are not quite a sharp wide open as the 8 element version, and don't resolve quite as well as the multi-coated versions, especially colour contrasts. But they still produce lovely results and dreamy bokeh.
will have to buy one of these for my a7 :-) . Which version of the tak 55mm 1.8 do you recommend? Thanks for yhe video by the way really well pu together
Great review but for the life of me I cannot find a list or guide to confirm camera compatibility regarding the 8 element version and it hitting the mirror, anybody have a link to ant information regarding this? Thanks.
Hey! I just got my hands on two spotmatics - one with this 50mm lense, which is why I watched your video. I laughed from reading your account name as in my native language it means brain, I thought.. he couldn't possibly mean that though? Maybe it stands for something else. Lo and behold, I read your about section and chuckled so hard. Subscribed forever.
Great Channel Simon. Really enjoyable. I have 2 copies of the S-M-C 1.4 7 elements and it is so great, one copy sharper than the other wide open. I had one 8 element version and my copy was extremely foggy and soft wide open. Bad luck I supposed.
Great content- Thank you. With all the mid range 50s you have (all manufacturers and vintages) , a good video would be which 50(ish) lens would I choose if I was going to go shoot __?__ and why. I have a number of 50s, but depending on if I'm shooting landscape or portrait or something else, I might grab a particular lens for a particular look (even if it is in the same-ish focal length)
Great video and very informative. I was given a Pentax Spotmatic which unfortunately has a damaged sensor, but with it was the Super Takumar 50 (7 element) and a Super Takumar 35. Both are in pristine condition. You mentioned full frame, but can I also expect good results with my XT3?
Yes, these M42 lenses work very well on crop sensors. In fact the 50mm turns into a great 75mm fast lens with the 1.5 crop. No loss of sharpness and any issues with softer edges(I get this with wider angle M42s) is cropped off! Greetings, Simon
I got interested in SLR photography when I was on a ship headed to Vietnam in 1966. One of the soldiers aboard was a Pentax shooter and gave a little class on what a SLR was and, more importantly what the Spotmatic was capable of. (Thru-the-lens metering and focusing? Oh, my gosh!) I was hit with the bug and, when I came home, I bought a Spotmatic with a 55/1.8 on it. I've been shooting it, on and off, for the last 50 years or so. With all the great 1960's glass now selling at a pittance, compared to when it was new, I've been steadily building up my inventory of Super-Takumar lenses. I recently acquired an 8-element 1.4 which was in pristine shape. Lovely lens. That 8-element lens is pretty much is the queen of my Spotmatic gear. Wonderful lens. There's just something about the way they work, the way they feel, that sets them apart.
Many thanks for your comments here and elsewhere; I've very much enjoyed them. It's hard to realize today how significant thru-the-lens metering/focusing was at the time. My first prime lens on my Spotmatic was a f1.8 too, bought new (I can vividly remember the camera shop) and I still use it. Totally agree about the 8-element f1.4. What a gem!
Been hearing about Super Takumars for years. My micro 4/3rds friends all seemed to have one of these adapted to their mirrorless. While $300 is more than I want to pay for an adapted lens, This looks like a really solid lens. I am finding that 50mm seems to have been the most popular focal length back in the film era. Just about every brand and mount of glass seems to be flooded with 50s. (Or 55 or 58) Maybe I'll just camp out on ebay until someone slips up.
From what I’ve noticed, if you’re willing to buy a “package deal” of a Spotmatic and lens, I believe it’s easier to get ahold of one for less than the lens is on it it’s own- pretty sure I saw one for under $200 that way
Hats off sir, I sold my Super multi coated Tak and after few days I already miss it. I can not justify twice the price for the 8 element since I always shoot wide open or at f2 at max stopped down. So I will be buying same one again. Thanks foe the vid
Just a note on the title for this video - the Takumar 50mm f1.4 is one of the very best early film era lenses, but I'm not saying it's the best of all, that isn't a sensible thing to claim. There some excellent film era fast fifties out there - from Nikkor, Canon, Olympus, Fujinon, Topcor, the Tomioka made lenses, Carl Zeiss Jena, Voigtländer, Steinheil München etc etc. (Apologies if I've left some out).
There's a Fujinon thread mount 50mm f1.4 that's amazingly good.
Hey Simon, i just wanted to let you know how much i appreciate your channel. I've learned a lot and it got me into vintage lenses which im mildly addicted with ever since. It really shaped my photography for the better. You got a lovely voice too, very relaxing.
Thank you so much for your kind words. (I put my family to sleep talking about old lenses!!).
" I've learned a lot and it got me into vintage lenses which im mildly addicted with ever since" I can relate to this comment.
I almost died laughing when you told me not to crush and eat the radioactive glass. Thank you for that!
Hi Simon, I also have a Super Takumar as an 8-element and a 7-element. Strange, because both are radioactive, even though the 7th element emits much more radiation than the 8th element. However, it appears that 8-elements may also be slightly radioactive. Greetings from Germany and thank you for your work.
Best explanation I heard so-far about these lenses. I have the 8 element and the 7 element-radioactive versions. I purchased the 7 element before before purchasing the 8 element by the way. It was cheaper and easier to find. I finally did get my hands on the 8 element and slightly prefer it over the 7 elements. In reality, they are like twins with slightly different personalities....
Thank you so much for your compliment (as there quite a lot of explanations on-line), and your twins analogy is perfect!
I have the Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 Radioactive in my collection. Radiation is there for sure, 2250 CPM worth. The only hotter lens I have is the FUJINON 50mm f1.4 Radioactive 3706 CPM, uSv/h 22.77
Intresting!
I guess, like allot of ppl, i found myself down the rabbit hole of vintage lenses, after looking to understand what's up with my dad's 70-71 version of this lens, and potentially try it on my modern mirrorless Sony.
No more eating lenses i guess.
Thanks, great video and info :)
I have the third, radioactive version, found it in an antiques store for £4 with the price sticker stuck on the rear element! Best £4 I ever spent, I love it =D
Those are the days ;)
"rare earths" (lanthanum, thorium) are added to the crystal to achieve high refractive indices, but this has no influence on the reflections and/or light transmission of the crystal (a higher refractive index allows to have high power with a thinner element, that helps to reduce weight and size (it is very noticeable in the first bright telephoto lenses, 105, 135 or 200mm, they reduced weight and size considerably in the late 60s))). And it also allows better control of chromatic aberrations (in combination with low diffraction crystals).
One of the best videos about these great lenses, very well done.
I have to agree with this comment. There is so much detail and a great explanations of the various models.
Very interesting, I rushed off to check my swag of Pentax lenses, I have various 50mm f/1.4 with IR marks to the left, however, the 55mm f/2 has its red line right on the f/4 with an R at the bottom of the line. Fascinating series on the older lenses, I was a Pentax user for many years. My latest idea is to test all my Pentax lenses on my astrophotography rigs to see just how good/bad they are. My Takumar 300mm f/4 is pin sharp-a very nice lens especially at this focal length. Keep sharing your wonderful presentations, much appreciated. From an elderly “Pom’ (Leeds) living in Tasmania where we have a great climate no pollution brilliant sunlight, and the best night sky objects compared to the northern hemisphere, and a big plus, COVID-19 free. Kind Regards from the Southern Cross Observatory-Tasmania 42 South. 😁🦘
Hey Simon! How are you?
I have been buying vintage lenses on eBay. Some great and some not so great.
Mamiya Sekor C 45mm F/2.8 N Lens for M645
MAMIYA SEKOR C 80mm f 2.8
MAMIYA SEKOR C 150mm f 2.8 150mm f/3.5 N
These are great lenses when used on a Sony A7Rii. They produce a real great image.
Now the not so great.
Canon FD-N 24mm, f2.8
Canon Canon FD 50mm f1.8
These have the most weird mounts I have ever seen.
The glass is probably good, but the mounting, not so.
Have you had any experience with these?
Hi, apologies for the slow response. Nice purchases! I do like Mamiya/Sekor lenses. And the ones you've acquired are great to look at as well - I've not used them, but I've just seen them on-line. I don't have any experience with those Canons or their mounts. I'm tempted to try the Canon FL 55mm f1.2, but I've other priorities...
I would pass on the Canon nFD lenses. They are cheap, but for a reason. Try some Olympus lenses. I like them. Not that expensive too as you can see below. Of course the f1.2 is.
Olympus OM-System G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 1974 Radioactive 3389 CPM {$315: 6-2022}
Olympus OM-System Zuiko MC Auto-S 50mm f1.4 Black Nose Radioactive 460 CPM (Great Color Rendering) {$75: 7-2021}
Olympus OM-System Zuiko MC Auto-S 50mm F1.8 {$40: 7-2021}
Olympus OM-System H.Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f2.8 MF {$130: 8-2021}
The MAMIYA SEKOR C lenses were a real hunting expedition. These are 645 lenses for 120 film cameras. With a simple tube adapter (no glass) you are using the very center of the glass lenses, the sweet spot. I got the Mamiya Sekor C 45mm F/2.8 N (N for NEW DESIGN) just a few days ago at a price of $180 after some serious negotiations and then after I inspected it, renegotiation. It was worth it. On my Sony A7Rii (and the 45mm) the weight is 1723.65 grams or 3.8 lbs. You know you have a lens in your hand.
I tested my three vintage 24mm lenses to see which was the sharpest and clearest, using my Sony A7Rii.
This is how they came out.
1) Olympus OM-System H.Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f2.8
2) Canon FD-N 24mm, f2.8
3) Asahi Super Multi Coated Takumar 24mm f3.5
Interesting. This doesn't surprise me at all. My Takumar 24mm f3.5 is "not great" on digital FF or crop. It was a lovely lens to use on film cameras - a good field of view, and nice colours on a sunny day. But on digital....not so good. The Zuikos get a lot of love on-line and its deserved!
In the next category I could compare these.
FUJINON EBC SW 28mm f3.5
Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 28mm f3.5
Minolta MC W. Rokkor-SG 28mm f3.5
Simon!
Question: I am looking into reasons for the following. I have been testing my Canon nFD 24mm f2.8 and my Olympus OM-System H.Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f2.8 lenses. I noticed something strange. The Olympus H.Zuiko 24mm f2.8 has a much wider field of view (maybe 2X) than the Canon nFD 24mm lens. I have noticed that the front lens on the Olympus is much more rounded than the Canon. Also, these are both on adapters for my Sony A7Rii. Other than this, I am at a loss for an explanation. Any ideas? Wouldn't all 24mm lenses have the same Field of View?
Here is an update. I compared the Takumar 24mm f3.5 with the first two and found that the Takumar and the Olympus were the same Field of View. The Canon was about half the Field of View of the other two. Weird.
Asahi Super Multi Coated Takumar 24mm f3.5
Olympus OM-System H.Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f2.8
Canon nFD 24mm f2.8
I don't know the Olympus or its optical design/configuration. All I can say is that I've been testing two 58mm lenses this week - a Takumar 58mm f2 and a Takumar 58mm f2.4 and I've been surprised at the different fov's. The lenses have completely different optical designs (a Heliar and a Sonnar) so that must be the reason....
Soo weird...
What were they up to back then?
Maybe they have been worked on, cleaned for example and not reassembled correctly? That could be what is going on here.
I'm a bit late to the party, but wanted to report that today I thrifted an Asahi Pentax Spotmatic SP in not very good shape, however it has the Asahi Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4, serial# 1964610, attached to it in great condition. Bought the camera/lens for $60. Also has the original leather case in fair shape. I've adapted the lens to my Sony a6000 (already owned the adapter). Great bokeh, super sharp. Going to enjoy! Thanks for your great videos! Very instructive. Watching this video convinced me to return to the thrift store to make the purchase which I had passed on earlier.
Never too late!! So good to read you're enjoying this lens, and many thanks for your kind words.
Lovely Chanel . I subscribed. I have 2 takumars so far the 35m and 135m
The 7-element Super-Takumar 1:1.4/50 is radioactive, just like the Super-Multi-Coated and the SMC lens. Optically there is no difference between the Super-Multi-Coated and the SMC lens, and also not in the coating.
Many thanks for this. I should add that for people interested in the history and details of Takumar lenses, then Gerjan's book "The Ultimate Asahi Pentax Screw Mount Guide" is a wonderful book to own.
I bought the Super Multi Coated for my Spotmatic SP, and was watching the reviews, while I wait for the toy to arrive in the mail, in order to know if I did a lucky purchase. I will be taking B/W photography again. Thank you for this review.
Your first version has a upper 6 digit serial number which is pretty near one million. So it is not that rare. I just went through this serial number tracking thing with my latest purchase of radioactive Auto Rikenon 55mm f1.4 lens. I had a 6 digit version that was not radioactive oddly and wanted to find a low 5 digit serial number version that was more likely to be radioactive. I found one in first class condition and it radioactive.
My Asahi Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 Radioactive 2250 CPM is SN 3237402. Radioactive lenses were made to reduce Chromatic Aberration. I find that having a variaty of these lenses with their different color performances gives me options. I can use a lens for a photo based on what I want out of the photo.
Many thanks for your very interesting comment. As I'm sure you know, the serial numbers of the Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 8 elements version are discussed here: takumarguide.weebly.com/1--14--50-358-8-element.html. My version seems to be one of 5-6,000 lenses made out of the total 128,000 copies, so rarer but as you write not that rare. However, personally I've only ever seen two copies of these early "transitional" versions for sale on-line, so to me they are rare!!
I went to that website. I don't get his graph. The numbers...
I will read on.
@@jimmoss9584 Ha! I didn't understand that graph either.
How do we know that any of these numbers are real?
@@jimmoss9584 I don't know. But my own earlier lens's specific serial number is on the list - to cut and paste. "998134 to 999521 (36/ 1387) C"
My lens (998134) does seem to be a "Varieties" C.
On Pentax Forums, members have listed the serial numbers of their lenses - but there are only 90 on the list, and only one is below one million.
www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-serial-number-database/?do=viewserials&id=127&sort=&order=desc
But the 55mm f1.8 is actually better!
I recently bought an 8-element Super Takumar and coupled it with the Techart adapter to achieve autofocus. The handling of focus and aperture rings are very satisfying and it does delivers a Showa Japanese look.
I found one of these in a bookstore. Paid 2 cents for it and got a toaster as a bonus.
Hello Simon. I've sincerely enjoyed your videos, especially this one. This one made me aware of this lens and one day in my local camera shop I noticed one in a display with some other Pentax lenses. This lens was particularly inexpensive and I thought, why not? It's worth a try and I left with a 7 element Super Takumar. I brought it home and after a few test photos found it a bit dreamy, but, oh that bokeh! I planned on using that bokeh creatively. Then, one day on another photography post someone mentioned a newer version of this lens on a Nikon Z50. He included some stopped down photos and I was wowed by them. This inspired me to try it on my Z5. All I can say is I have a new favourite lens. The colours, contrast, and sharpness are simply wonderful. I am seriously in love with this lens and I'm honestly feeling this is my best used lens purchase ever. Thank you for bringing this and other wonderful vintage lenses to my attention along with opening my eyes to lenses other than F and Z mounts.
Thank You for another Great Video, The Jansjo lamp most are led, will Led remove the yellow? searched UV but nothing comes out in market searches.
again Thank you, your one of my favorite Lens reviewers and enjoy your style and critiques.
Thank you. The IKEA lamp does remove the yellowing on Takumar lenses. I've read somewhere it doesn't always work on all other lenses, but it does on my Takumars.
@@Simonsutak again thank you.
What learned tonight is that there's no trouble whatsoever finding an 8-element version so long as you have a solid $300 or so for eBay.
I bought the 8 element version and it indeed does have Pixie dust inside. Quite an amazing lens wide open.
Brilliant info, thank you 😊
Hey Simon! Thanks for these mini-documentaries about these lovely little vintage lenses. I'm thinking of buying one to use on my sony crop sensor and see how I like the manual lens ocmpared to my modern lenses. Would you recommend this 50 1.4 or the 55 1.8 for a first vintage lens ? And if none of these, is there another lens I should be looking into ?
Thanks once again for the great work, please do keep it up!
Many thanks for your kind words. As a general purpose lens, I personally tend to prefer the extra reach of a 55mm lens, even on crop. You'll need a M42 adapter, and this will give you the ability to buy/use a large number of fascinating lenses of different focal lengths!! My first purchase after using a Takumar 55mm f1.8, was a Helios 44-2. A lot of fun trying to capture artistic swirly bokeh. And then a Takumar 50mm f1.4 - clearly a superior lens in terms of speed and very smooth bokeh, and still has good reach on a crop sensor. It depends on what types of compositions you're looking for. If you take a lot of wide open shots, the f1.4 is a better option.
One other good value lens owners like a lot is the Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Oreston 50mm f1.8.
@@Simonsutak I tend to prefer wider on crop, generally 20-30mm to be 35-50 FF equiv. But on the ~85ish equiv range I too prefer the extra reach of 55 to 50. So maybe I start there. I'll continue checking your videos to see if there is a 23-24-25 mm vintage lens I might like too. Thanks again!
As usual a very informative and well produced video. I was fortunate to pick up a 28mm of these super takumar lens recently very very cheap so this detailed history and explanation of their design and usage is timely.
Simon it tickles me to see reports on these lenses. I used the pentax system for years with outrageous results. My favorites were the 28 3.5, 35 2, 50 macro , 105 2.8. The 100 macro was excellent as well. All the 50s were pretty good including the f2. I also shot with the Vivitar series 1 90-180 macro zoom which was originally designed as a medical lense. Seeing your video was like a trip down memory lane, thank you.
But, Simon. Don't you think the colors are a little muted compared to Olympus or CZJ lenses? I do. I have this lens and it works great. However, when compared with an Olympus OM-System Zuiko MC Auto-S 50mm f1.4 which I do have, it looks muted or pastel. I don't have any CZ lenses so I cannot say much about that. After buying 30 vintage lenses at this point it seems like each company had it's own idea of color that their lenses should produce. I think all are fine, but they are different. It seems to me that Chromatic Aberration is the measure of a good fast lens vs a mediocre lens.
Don't own any Olympus lenses, but some of my CZJ lenses have a strong warm tint that tends to reduce the vibrancy of colours (sometimes due to radioactive glass, e.g. the Pancolar 50mm f1.8 I own). Others, such as the Zenitar-M I've just reviewed are quite cool/bluish. My Takumar 50s range from muted (and they really need the sun to shine) to more vibrant. My lesser coated lenses are generally more pastel-like. I do like seeing the different colours different old lenses produce, it's part of the fun of collecting. One day I must try the Olympus lenses.
Take a look at this video. You can delete this link, but watch it first as it covers the two lenses we are talking about. Let me know what you think of these two lenses. The Olympus f1.4 is not expensive like the f1.2 is. I have both and others too. This this example will show you what I am talking about as far as color is concerned.
Vintage f1.4 Lenses For Mirrorless - Olympus Zuiko f1.4 and Pentax Takumar f1.4
ruclips.net/video/mcoW8FIF5M4/видео.html
@@jimmoss9584 Many thanks, I’ll take a look.
Well, what do think? There is a lot of color intensity difference there. The OM-System Zuiko MC Auto-S 50mm f1.4 is very different. All lens brands are a little different, but the OM-System Zuiko MC is vivid. I wonder why there are these differences. Maybe they were trying to address color sensitivity on films at the time. In today's world these differences offer an artistic variable that can be used by the photographer.
@@jmoss99 Some very good, vivid shots with the Zuiko. Perhaps the yellowed glass of the Takumar has made a difference regarding the warmer images. I do get nice and vivid results from my de-yellowed S-M-C Takumar 50mm f1.4, and SMC Takumar 50mm f1.4.
Your explanations and reasoning are as clear and sharp as the fabulous photos you share. Love your videos and your channel!
Your videos on Pentax lenses are my favorite that I’ve found on any vintage lenses. I wish someone would do a systematic comparison of the Nikkor lens system as you have of the Pentax.
Many thanks. If time and money permitted, I'd really like to do this comparison too!
Try looking beyond the populist Nikkor and Takumar and Pentax. This will help you living in brand-Logoland.
Great video! A weird but possibly useful question for others who may have bad (scratched) copy of the 8 element. Does the 7 element and 8 element versions both have the same dimensions? I mean, would it be possible to switch the front elements between the 2 or are they completely different in size? Thanks!
I've been looking for one of these at a good price - I'd better hurry up before everyone sees your video and it pushes the prices up!!! Great video, very desirable lens, thanks for the info.
Many thanks. I waited a long time to find an affordable 8 element version and eventually found one that was incorrectly listed, so it was cheaper than it should have been....it still happens sometimes, you just need a bit of good luck. (And not so many people understanding how good these lenses can be!).
@@Simonsutak Yeah, I keep my eye out for incorrectly listed stuff - I do get some lucky finds from time to time so I'm sure I'll get one of these eventually.
I was given a totally mint Helios 44M-4 a couple of days ago so I'm quite chuffed about that, just started filming a video with it today.
Vintage lenses are addictive!!!!!
I might be the luckiest guy on the planet but I inherited a Spotmatic 1 with a 7 element super tak - got it tested and it puts out around 28,000cpm of alpha radiation - and a SMC 50mm from a different relative with a Spotmatic ii, all in fantastic shape with additional lenses. Also yes, the radiation is not dangerous, I even had it examined by a chemistry supply shop that specializes in uranium ore
And I’ll tell ya, the pictures with the super tak are incredible even for a beginner like me, and the radioactive decay actually gives a really nice hue to photos
Lucky you have relatives with such good taste in cameras/lenses!! Thanks for the radiation reading information.
I've got the 7 elements version from what I can tell, it was given to me along with some other lenses and a camera very similar to the one shown in this video. I had to get up to check and see if it was the 8-element or 7-element. Though I've only recently started using it for video since I got a mount for my C300 and the shutter sticks on my Pentax camera.
I really enjoyed this video. A great wealth of information.
The Asahi Pentax was my first camera. I bought one with the SMC 50mm, the 28mm, and the 200mm. I sold the 200mm (foolish move) and replaced it with a Vivitar zoom. I always thought that camera and lens produced some great photos. I'm digitizing them now and the sharpness and colors are amazing.
I’ve a Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f1.4 and I love it! Just deyellowed it last evening with a UV lamp ,y wife bought for cyanotypes. It only took a few hours, and the yellowing is gone. Great video!
Very well done video. I'm not wild about Pentax cameras, but I think it's hard to fault the lenses.I haven't been bowled over by the 8 element version, but I'm pretty sure it's down to user error.I think my favorite is the SMC.
I have a pair of Super Takumar lenses that came with 2 Spotmatics I bought over 20 years ago. In 2000 I wanted a SLR film camera and found a Pentax SP500 with a 50mm Super Takumar lens in a pawn shop for $50. It's my "#1". I call it The Tank. Never been serviced, never done anything to it. The light meter still works. Seals are still good. It just works. Always. I bought a Spotmatic right after it because I liked it so much. $50 on ebay. This one is a first generation one, mid 60s. It has an 8 element Super Takumar 28mm lens and original hood. It was like new. Same deal... another tank. Light meter still works, never had it serviced. They are THE MOST reliable and mechanically solid cameras. Since then I've also acquired a K1000 and K2 with SMC lenses. All mechanical, all metal vintage SLRs from the 60s and 70s are the best cameras ever created. Mine will outlive me.
Brilliant review, excellent, thank you. I love 'spotties' and their lenses.
Very detailed and skillful video !!!
Purchased a few weeks ago one of the fourth type, a SMC Takumar 50mm f1.4, No. 7781474.
Wonderful lens ! Use it on M42 film cameras like Praktica, Fujica, Contax without exception.
Like the difference between the soft rendering at f1.4 / f2.0 and the sharper rendering at f4.0 and above.
Like the smooth focusing with this lens too.
I think, it's a bit radioactive ??
But i accept that, i don't take it for a pillow.
Excellent insights. Perfectly done, thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks Simon for a fabulous review. I have never read any reviews that is as detail in technical and aesthetic aspects. And you even shared with us its image differences on film and digital ! Keep it up !
Thank you for this, much appreciated.
I now have my second Olympus OM-System G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 and it is NOT radioactive. The first one is!
Olympus OM-System G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 1974 SN 117492 Radioactive 3389 CPM
Olympus OM-System G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 1974 SN 135479 NOT or (lightly, maybe Lanthanum?) Radioactive
When was the change over out of radioactive lenses for Olympus on this lens?
In the 1970s, many optical manufacturers changed the ingredients to "lanthanum''
because the `` browning phenomenon '' that occurs in optical glass materials due to
chemical reactions over time, causing them to turn yellow, (When using Thorium).
I would like to know where in the serial numbers did this happen?
Own Pentax Spotmatic SPII with the 50mm Takumar f 1.4 lens. The lens is just amazing, so smooth to use and great resolution with color slide or B&W film. Pentax cameras with Takumar lenses are a joy to use.
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼Great video discussion about legendary reputeted(my hot fevourite) TAKUMAR lenses.❤
Great video, I appreciate your knowledge so much! 👋👋
Probably worth a mention...the 8 element version often suffers from a slackness in the barrels, its an easy fix, but its worth adding thread lock this time..they seem to have forgotten!
Keep the content coming! I absolutely love your lens roundups of the best of the best in each group. Great job!
Hi, thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Really appreciated.
The Super-Takumar 1:1.4/50 was made from 1964 - 1965. It was introduced along the Spotmatic just before the Olympic Games in Tokyo that year.
Hello Simon. Thanks for this great channel. I've recently purchased and received a 7 element super Takumar 50mm lens thanks to your videos.
I would please like some help. I've got the M42 to Nikon F adapter, but, it doesn't allow full infinity focus due to the design.
Do you know of any adaptors or solution to use this lens on Nikon F mount.
Thank you
I own and use these 50mm lenses:
Argus C3 50mm f/3.5 Coated Cinta
Asahi 50mm f/1.4 Super Takumar (8-element) (49mm filter)
Asahi 50mm f/1.4 Super Takumar (7-element) (49mm filter)
Fujinon 50mm f/1.4 EBC (49mm filter)
Fujinon 50mm f/1.4 (49mm filter)
Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AF-D (52mm filter)
Nikon 50mm f/1.8 Series E (52mm filter)
All, except the Argus, produce high-quality images.
Of the seven, the 8-element 50mm f/1.4 Super Takumar is my personal favorite.
amazing video , made me not only learn but literally i placed order for version 1, 3 and 4. i was lucky to find these on good price today. cant wait to play with and then will keep the one. but dont hold me on that, i had same plans for 4 Helios sitting in my collection :(
Excellent! I hope you enjoy using them and please let me know if/when you post photos.
Thanks so much for your insights. I bought a spotmatic f with a super multi coated 1.4 and I simply love it. Such a lovely camera with a great lense!
After saying so many good words about the Takumar... Now you should check out the Contax/Yashica Carl Zeiss Planar 50/1.4 :D
I have a Super Takumar 50mm f/1.4 on my old Asahi Spotmatic that is in very good mechanical and optical condition. Mine doesn't have the IR focus markings you show but does have the "bulging" rear element. Since I bought this camera in 1965 in Vietnam, I'm confident this has eight elements. It's a real gem. Perhaps it is time to bring it out of retirement if I can get adapters for Canon EF, RP and Sony E mounts.
Very good .Love your explanation of each lens I have several of them. Don't have the eight element yet.
Your videos and explanations are fantastic. I bought a supertakumar f/1.4 50 mm several years ago to demonstrate to students that when I put a geiger counter over it, it's radioactive. The lens is yellowed. After watching your video, I believe that it is a 7 element 2nd gen lens with a serial number near 3 million. What m42 adapter do you use to adapt it to your sony a6000? Please consider starting a Patreon account so we can donate to you.
..I have one with 8 parts, but after watching your video I decided to buy one with 7 parts! :) ..thanks for a good video!!! :)
Interesting video..
How do you see Asahi super takumar 55 1.8 in comparison with takumar 50 1.4..
Thanks for another interesting video. I have several versions of Pentax 50mm f/1.4 s. I'm fortunate to have an 8 element version which I've been using especially wide open. I've also just purchased an s-m-c version I'm looking forward to trying. Good shooting.
I still have my Pentax spotmatic with the 50mm Super Takumar 1.8 lens that I bought in the late 1970s.
Painterly is a good description for it
Great video. I have all versions too. I bought that lamp on your recommendation and successfully deyellowed my SMC. Wow, what a difference!! It's by far the best lens (objectively) out of the bunch. It's more like a Zeiss lens now. The downside is it doesn't have as much character. The yellowed glass evidently affects a lot more than light transmission. My 8 elements version is still my favourite because it is special, but all versions are great. My recommendation would be to buy whichever good condition Takumar is cheapest.
THERE’S ANOTER VERSION NOT MENTIONED HERE. Some of the seven element lenses prior to the SMC did not have a “2” engraved between f1.4 and 2.8. Just a little white dot where the 2 should be. I find this to be the best version of all. Better than my buddies 8 element, and much better than the field curvature ridden SMC abortions that followed......
In addition I find it very interesting that leica made adapters for pentax lenses before they made any other adapters. Kinda gives you a heads up. To this day if I am looking at Kodachrome slides I can still pick out the pentax shots over everything else. Thanks again
where can I buy it.. and how can I use it in fujifilm X series camera..??
If you buy an m42 adapter, (20 bucks) you will be able to use these vintage lenses (manual mode only).
My primary interest is digital film making, not traditional photography, but your commentary was so well written, your video so smoothly edited, and your voice so pleasant to listen to, that I'm subscribing and looking forward to more from you.
A fabulous informative review. Thank you.
A very useful breakdown, thank you. It looks like I have the least noteworthy version (7 element super takumar). However, I bought it very cheaply in a job lot with fungus inside. It was easy to clean though, due to the simple construction and high quality glsss.
Hi. I watched this video the other day and I just received my M42 Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 serial number 1384342. It has the IR mark to the right of the 4, but without the "R". However the rear element of the lens looks like neither of the 7 and 8 element examples shown. In both examples the glass element is higher than the threaded part of the mount. My lens has the rear element a few mm lower than the threaded collar. Looking down inside below the threaded collar it appears to more like the 8 element lens than the 7 element lens. I'm curious if this is another version of the lens or it may have been repaired, retrofitted or otherwise altered? The aperture switch has a red "M" and "R" like the 8 element rather than displaying "AUTO" as shown on the 7 element. I'm curious if this is another version of the lens or it may have been repaired, retrofitted or otherwise altered?
I have a Super Takumar 55mm f/1.8 which came with a Honeywell Pentax Spotmatic I picked up a couple of years ago. Easily one of my best 'normal' lenses. Very sharp and excellent color rendition. I have no idea of how many elements are in it but it is very well made and the images are excellent. I'm guessing it dates from late 1960's/early 1970's. That lens is worth what I paid for both the camera and the lens. The camera is in great shape too.
The Takumar 55mm f1.8 are excellent lenses - and still great value!!
@@Simonsutak i was landed to the pentax world recently after aquiring the pentax smc 28mm 3.5 . im impressed by this lens and im looking also for the 55 f1.8 . which version do you suggest ? the smc or the takumar ?
Thank you for this video. Great knowledge here. Appreciate it.
Simon, what a pleasure to find your videos ..superb presentation!!!
3:00 "It would cost an arm an a leg to make today." What is your evidence for this? Why not supply some evidence? You're not couching your statement in weasel words ("one of," "in my opinion," "maybe") but stating it as an actual fact. So tell us how much, even very approximately, and tell us how you know this.
"a bit headache-inducing quite frankly.....", Excellent!
I have a sigma 135 and a sigma 18-35. And the Takumar is nearly their equal, at least in Bokeh.
Yes, I've got the Sigma 30mm f1.4 and I think the Takumar's bokeh is equal or better!
I think for the rest of my radioactive lenses I will not use aluminum foil wrap to reflect the light back through, but use a flat mirror instead. A couple of us used aluminum foil. One of the guys scratched the back of the lens's coating with the foil in several places. I checked it out and i can't see a difference in the photos. Still, it didn't have to happen. Aluminum foil seems to be just a bit risky. A flat mirror would be safer and a better reflector, in my opinion. I feel we have an obligation in owning these vintage lenses to not do any harm.
I'm late to the game, but radioactive stuff don't give off light. They give off alpha, beta or gamma radiation, which makes them radioactive. In this case, thorium gives off alpha radiation, which can be blocked by basically anything more than a thin sheet of paper. So any encasement will work!
@@rh9909 You better keep reading. Life is more complicated than that. Look at the breakdown of particals and what that leads too.
An outstanding video with best description yet of the lens 50/1.4 version lenses.
A Spotmatic F with 3rd version 50/1.4 was my first SLR. If only I had understood photography then, as I do now - I'd have never sold the camera.
and the 7 elements super takumar (not multicoated)?
how does it compare to the rest?
thanks in advance for a reply, and also for the videos, very interesting and informative!
My own view is that the 7 elements versions are not quite a sharp wide open as the 8 element version, and don't resolve quite as well as the multi-coated versions, especially colour contrasts. But they still produce lovely results and dreamy bokeh.
@@Simonsutak thanks ever so much for the response!
i bought the 1.8 s-m-c version.. still testing it!
flic.kr/s/aHsmSY5CW4
Loved this comparison! And the vids! Curious how you think the SMC compares to a Canon FD 50/1.4?
I have the SMC version in mint condition. Wow, I didn't know it's at least 47 years old.
will have to buy one of these for my a7 :-) . Which version of the tak 55mm 1.8 do you recommend?
Thanks for yhe video by the way really well pu together
Great review but for the life of me I cannot find a list or guide to confirm camera compatibility regarding the 8 element version and it hitting the mirror, anybody have a link to ant information regarding this? Thanks.
Hey! I just got my hands on two spotmatics - one with this 50mm lense, which is why I watched your video. I laughed from reading your account name as in my native language it means brain, I thought.. he couldn't possibly mean that though? Maybe it stands for something else. Lo and behold, I read your about section and chuckled so hard. Subscribed forever.
Thank you!! Have fun with the Spotmatics/lenses.
I am still using Pentex SMC lenses & Pentex camera & reselt is very good.
Super-Takumar vs Super-Multi-Coated Takumar?
Great Channel Simon. Really enjoyable. I have 2 copies of the S-M-C 1.4 7 elements and it is so great, one copy sharper than the other wide open. I had one 8 element version and my copy was extremely foggy and soft wide open. Bad luck I supposed.
Ye plus 200 to 300$ more expensive.
Great content- Thank you. With all the mid range 50s you have (all manufacturers and vintages) , a good video would be which 50(ish) lens would I choose if I was going to go shoot __?__ and why. I have a number of 50s, but depending on if I'm shooting landscape or portrait or something else, I might grab a particular lens for a particular look (even if it is in the same-ish focal length)
Thank you, this is an excellent idea...it’s got me thinking about the right recommendations. Not so easy but a fun project!
Great video and very informative. I was given a Pentax Spotmatic which unfortunately has a damaged sensor, but with it was the Super Takumar 50 (7 element) and a Super Takumar 35. Both are in pristine condition. You mentioned full frame, but can I also expect good results with my XT3?
Yes, these M42 lenses work very well on crop sensors. In fact the 50mm turns into a great 75mm fast lens with the 1.5 crop. No loss of sharpness and any issues with softer edges(I get this with wider angle M42s) is cropped off! Greetings, Simon
I got interested in SLR photography when I was on a ship headed to Vietnam in 1966. One of the soldiers aboard was a Pentax shooter and gave a little class on what a SLR was and, more importantly what the Spotmatic was capable of. (Thru-the-lens metering and focusing? Oh, my gosh!) I was hit with the bug and, when I came home, I bought a Spotmatic with a 55/1.8 on it. I've been shooting it, on and off, for the last 50 years or so.
With all the great 1960's glass now selling at a pittance, compared to when it was new, I've been steadily building up my inventory of Super-Takumar lenses. I recently acquired an 8-element 1.4 which was in pristine shape. Lovely lens. That 8-element lens is pretty much is the queen of my Spotmatic gear. Wonderful lens. There's just something about the way they work, the way they feel, that sets them apart.
Many thanks for your comments here and elsewhere; I've very much enjoyed them. It's hard to realize today how significant thru-the-lens metering/focusing was at the time. My first prime lens on my Spotmatic was a f1.8 too, bought new (I can vividly remember the camera shop) and I still use it.
Totally agree about the 8-element f1.4. What a gem!
the font also looks different between 7 and 8 element versions
04:47 А вот это интересная тема: "Какие объективы контактируют с зеркалом". Точно могу сказать, что мой super takumar #338146 Canon 5D контактируют :(
Been hearing about Super Takumars for years. My micro 4/3rds friends all seemed to have one of these adapted to their mirrorless.
While $300 is more than I want to pay for an adapted lens, This looks like a really solid lens.
I am finding that 50mm seems to have been the most popular focal length back in the film era. Just about every brand and mount of glass seems to be flooded with 50s. (Or 55 or 58)
Maybe I'll just camp out on ebay until someone slips up.
From what I’ve noticed, if you’re willing to buy a “package deal” of a Spotmatic and lens, I believe it’s easier to get ahold of one for less than the lens is on it it’s own- pretty sure I saw one for under $200 that way
Hats off sir, I sold my Super multi coated Tak and after few days I already miss it. I can not justify twice the price for the 8 element since I always shoot wide open or at f2 at max stopped down. So I will be buying same one again. Thanks foe the vid
The S-M-C is such a beguiling lens! I don't use it much, and have thought of selling it...but when I do I always enjoy the experience and the images.
Love your process.
Wow. Thank you for your videos. This was a great video thank you
canon ef 50mm f1.4 usm sharper for takumar 50mm 1.4 at 1.4?