Cascadilla
Well-known
Only if you already have a collection of screw mount lenses or want to acquire one--at least any lens that will work on an MX will also work on any Pentax DSLR.Shockingly, I have realized that I only have Pentax cameras now. My list: K-1 Mark II, K-3 Mark III Monochrome, Z-1p, MX. This might be more Pentaxes (and SLRs) than I need, but I don't really want to part with any of them currently. I'm toying with giving up the MX in favor of a Spotmatic of some sort. Could keep both, of course, but it becomes even less likely to get used.
agentlossing
Well-known
True, but the Pentax adapter often costs under $100 and allows mounting of M42 lenses on K-mount with infinity focus. I'd like to eventually use some Super-Taks on the K-1.Only if you already have a collection of screw mount lenses or want to acquire one--at least any lens that will work on an MX will also work on any Pentax DSLR.
Disappointed_Horse
Well-known
If you don't have a collection of Pentax screw mount lenses, you should. The Pentax Takumar lenses are excellent optically, beautifully made, durable, and affordable. I like them better than the K-mount lenses. However, I'm not trying to use them on a DSLR.
Cascadilla
Well-known
You do lose some modern conveniences--no diaphragm automation and metering is stop down, which in my experience with K mount lenses on Pentax DSLRs isn't always that accurate.True, but the Pentax adapter often costs under $100 and allows mounting of M42 lenses on K-mount with infinity focus. I'd like to eventually use some Super-Taks on the K-1.
agentlossing
Well-known
Pentax DSLRs do make it fairly easy to use fully manual lenses. You can stop down while still seeing open-aperture through the viewfinder, then use the green button to obtain an exposure value before shooting, and make quick adjustments as needed. I haven't actually used any M42 adapted lenses yet, so this is theoretical for me, but sounds not too different from shooting with M-series SMC K-mount lenses.You do lose some modern conveniences--no diaphragm automation and metering is stop down, which in my experience with K mount lenses on Pentax DSLRs isn't always that accurate.
I have a hankering to see the results with the 50 1.4 and the tiny 35 3.5 Super-Takumars.
vitaly66
slightly tilted
Pentax DSLRs do make it fairly easy to use fully manual lenses. You can stop down while still seeing open-aperture through the viewfinder, then use the green button to obtain an exposure value before shooting, and make quick adjustments as needed. I haven't actually used any M42 adapted lenses yet, so this is theoretical for me, but sounds not too different from shooting with M-series SMC K-mount lenses.
I have a hankering to see the results with the 50 1.4 and the tiny 35 3.5 Super-Takumars.
Yes, and M42 mount will give you access to some pretty cool Zeiss Jena and Russian lenses as well ;>
bjolester
Well-known
If you don't have a collection of Pentax screw mount lenses, you should. The Pentax Takumar lenses are excellent optically, beautifully made, durable, and affordable. I like them better than the K-mount lenses. However, I'm not trying to use them on a DSLR.
Most lenses in the first series of Pentax K-bayonet mount lenses, the SMC Pentax lenses, were identical to the previous M42 screw mount Takumar lenses. The M-series, on the other hand, were new optical designs. If you like the Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50/1.4, simply look for the SMC Pentax K50/1.4. identical optical design and performance.

Pentax K Series - The Original K Mount
John Riley looks at the original Pentax K mount cameras and lenses from 1975, including the classic film cameras KM, KX, K2 and the K1000 along with listing all K Series lenses with their basic specifications.

p.giannakis
Pan Giannakis
I had a pancolar 50f/1.8 and I liked it a lot. More that the Takumar. But the dry lubricants made the lens unscrew every time I was trying to focus.Yes, and M42 mount will give you access to some pretty cool Zeiss Jena and Russian lenses as well ;>
nickthetasmaniac
Veteran
FWIW the optical design of the Pentax 50/1.4 has remained essentially unchanged from the first 7-element Super Takumar released in 1965 to the current HD-FA released last year…The M-series, on the other hand, were new optical designs. If you like the Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50/1.4, simply look for the SMC Pentax K50/1.4. identical optical design and performance.
Zuiko-logist
Well-known
I stupidly sold my 50/1.4 AF and now looking for another one at a reasonable price.
vitaly66
slightly tilted
Woo-woo! Just discovered I have one of the much-vaunted 8-element Super Takumar 50mm/1.4 lenses in the trove.
Came attached to a very cool black paint Spotmatic SP picked up off the local craigslist about 10 years ago. Paid something like $80 bucks for the whole kit.
And then never got around to using it much, maybe one roll. Been sitting in the cupboard since. Criminal really. Had no idea until I confirmed it against the descriptions today.
Needless to say, got a Pentax M42 adapter incoming. We'll be finding out what is the what on the K-3iii Monochrome real soon now...
In the meantime, wow, feeling like I won a lottery. And that never happens!
Came attached to a very cool black paint Spotmatic SP picked up off the local craigslist about 10 years ago. Paid something like $80 bucks for the whole kit.
And then never got around to using it much, maybe one roll. Been sitting in the cupboard since. Criminal really. Had no idea until I confirmed it against the descriptions today.
Needless to say, got a Pentax M42 adapter incoming. We'll be finding out what is the what on the K-3iii Monochrome real soon now...
In the meantime, wow, feeling like I won a lottery. And that never happens!
Zuiko-logist
Well-known
Looking forward to the results.
bjolester
Well-known
Lucky you!! I am looking forward to seeing images from the Monochrome and the Super-Takumar 50/1.4.Woo-woo! Just discovered I have one of the much-vaunted 8-element Super Takumar 50mm/1.4 lenses in the trove.
Came attached to a very cool black paint Spotmatic SP picked up off the local craigslist about 10 years ago. Paid something like $80 bucks for the whole kit.
And then never got around to using it much, maybe one roll. Been sitting in the cupboard since. Criminal really. Had no idea until I confirmed it against the descriptions today.
Needless to say, got a Pentax M42 adapter incoming. We'll be finding out what is the what on the K-3iii Monochrome real soon now...
In the meantime, wow, feeling like I won a lottery. And that never happens!
wlewisiii
Just another hotel clerk
I see them on Eprey for about $130. I was considering the 50/1.8 plastic fantastic (to go with my 35/2.4 plastic fantastic) at $75 used but if it's the same optically (see above) as the older SMC Super Taks, I'll probably get an SMC 50/1.4 AF at that price range instead even though I have a nice manual focus Pentax-A 50/1.7.I stupidly sold my 50/1.4 AF and now looking for another one at a reasonable price.
I got a 7 element Super Tak 50/1.4 for my H1s awhile back but first I had to de-yellow it. Then defungus it. Then it turned out to be etched
vitaly66
slightly tilted
mark of eight...

Black Asahi Pentax Spotmatic SP with 8-element SuperTakumar 50mm/1.4.
This image shows two of the four characteristics used to distinguish the 8-element Super Takumar from the later 7-element versions:
* infra-red marker appears between the diamond and f/4 mark on the dof scale (7-element version has the infra-red marker on the other side of the f/4 mark)
* the letter A is used to denote the auto position for the auto/manual aperture control slide (7-element version uses the words AUTO and MAN. to denote the control slide positions)
Not shown in the image above are the other two characteristics of the 8-element version also present on this lens:
* no part number etched into the underside of the aperture control slide (7-element version has a part number etched into the bottom of the control slide)
* pronounced/protruding convex rear element (7-element version does not protrude from the rear of the lens as much)
Hah, who can possibly care? Until a few hours ago, I knew nothing and cared less about any of this Takumar trivia, too ;>
(Pentax K-3iii Monochrome, DA35mm/2.8)

Black Asahi Pentax Spotmatic SP with 8-element SuperTakumar 50mm/1.4.
This image shows two of the four characteristics used to distinguish the 8-element Super Takumar from the later 7-element versions:
* infra-red marker appears between the diamond and f/4 mark on the dof scale (7-element version has the infra-red marker on the other side of the f/4 mark)
* the letter A is used to denote the auto position for the auto/manual aperture control slide (7-element version uses the words AUTO and MAN. to denote the control slide positions)
Not shown in the image above are the other two characteristics of the 8-element version also present on this lens:
* no part number etched into the underside of the aperture control slide (7-element version has a part number etched into the bottom of the control slide)
* pronounced/protruding convex rear element (7-element version does not protrude from the rear of the lens as much)
Hah, who can possibly care? Until a few hours ago, I knew nothing and cared less about any of this Takumar trivia, too ;>
(Pentax K-3iii Monochrome, DA35mm/2.8)
agentlossing
Well-known
Zuiko-logist
Well-known
Love the colour.View attachment 4853374
K-1 II, SMC-F 50mm f1.7
agentlossing
Well-known
Thanks! Should be with the reversal film JPEG profile, if I remember correctly.Love the colour.
Mark240590
Soviet Shooter
Yeah, I have an MX & ME Super that I have had overhauled. Great little cameras !
hap
Well-known
Same duo in my house.Yeah, I have an MX & ME Super that I have had overhauled. Great little cameras !
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