MF Pentax Super Takumars

In case anyone is interested, I just posted a couple of shots over in the Nature forum that I took today with two vintage Asahi Pentax Super Takumar (NOT SMC ) lenses. I picked them up on eBay for less than $40 each. I got a 200mm f/4.0 and a 135mm f/3.5-5.6. They're a little scratched up but the glass and internals seem to be fine. The shots are straight from the camera, just re-sized. One was cropped a bit.

They look like they could be half-way decent.

JimmyJam wrote in post #12223342
In case anyone is interested, I just posted a couple of shots over in the Nature forum that I took today with two vintage Asahi Pentax Super Takumar (NOT SMC ) lenses. I picked them up on eBay for less than $40 each. I got a 200mm f/4.0 and a 135mm f/3.5-5.6. They're a little scratched up but the glass and internals seem to be fine. The shots are straight from the camera, just re-sized. One was cropped a bit.

They look like they could be half-way decent.

Thanks. I have both those lenses and they can be really sharp, though I throw out most of my pictures because they're not that good. I also have the 50 1.4, 55 1.8, 28 3.5, & the 35 3.5.

I see no picture... but the Super Takumar 50 1.4 is a cheap but fun lens!

themadman wrote in post #12223990
I see no picture... but the Super Takumar 50 1.4 is a cheap but fun lens!

Pictures are in a thread over in the Nature/landscape forum

the Tele-Takumar 300/6.3 can be pretty sharp too. got it for $60 and have got some nice results from it.

I bought a super tak 50mm f1.4 two days ago. I also picked up a nikkor 50mm f1.4 AIS, NIKKOR 28mm 2.8 and 43-86mm 3.5. I actually plan to start collecting old nikkor lenses which I think is much more compatible with EOS than the old FD lenses.

OP, your pics with super tak are very nice. I plan to contribute soon.

I would think older manual focus telephoto lenses without image stablization would be more challenging to use than modern tele and zoom lenses. That being said I have high hopes with my new old toys which are primarily standard and wide angle lenses.

300mm is 300mm old or new. Actually most of the older MF lenses are easier to MF than modern lenses. Good technique makes "needing" IS not so necessary.

gasrocks wrote in post #12225444
300mm is 300mm old or new. Actually most of the older MF lenses are easier to MF than modern lenses. Good technique makes "needing" IS not so necessary.

I understand....but that auto focus on L-telephoto glass would be much easier than manual focus with manual aperture setting on those old tele lenses.

JimmyJam, are you going to UV treat the lens to deyellow the glass?

You are talking to the wrong guy. I use MF on all my lenses even the new Canon AF ones. I also shoot with the Sigmonster (300-800mm) which has no IS.

gasrocks wrote in post #12225494
You are talking to the wrong guy. I use MF on all my lenses even the new Canon AF ones. I also shoot with the Sigmonster (300-800mm) which has no IS.

Hey if you'd rather roll down the window of a car using a handle insted of opting for a car with power window be my guest. Don't get me wrong I enjoy manual focus but you're right. You're the wrong guy to talk about this and nor represent the majority of people who enjoy photography today.

Hey, my 2000 Ford focus (which I bought used) has roll down windows. I enjoy photogrpahy a whole lot and so do my students. If I can MF so can you is my take. And, yes, I have never said to anyone that I was "normal."

Way to be gasrocks. Manually focusing is the way to do it. Especially with older lenses it is so much more satisfying. Damped focus rings are where it's at and I love having one less thing to blame for a bad photo. It really pushes you to be a better photographer rather than snapping away until you get something good.

About a month ago I picked up an SMC Takumar 200mm/f4 to try out and just last week I ran across an early 8-element Super Takumar 50mm/f1.4 . Both of them are fun to shoot with and I'm looking forward to expanding the MF lens collection.

Using the old Takumars fitted to modern DSLRs takes me back to when I was a kid and my Dad gave me his old Spotmatic that he got in the 60's when he was in the military. The old lenses still turn out some great pics.

Shot this last night hand held on my 50D using the SMC Tak 200mm/f4 lens. Cropped just a little bit, not quite 100% but in my opinion still a pretty good shot for a 40-45 year old lens.

Now I'm thinking about something in the 400-500mm range.

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