Compatibility of 8 element Super Tak 50/1.4

[Hibbs]

Several years ago I fell into a Pentax S3 (see post) with an Auto Takumar 55 1.5. Since then, I have been given an SV with Super Tak 55 1.8. I have been so pleased with these that I've bought several newer Pentax cameras.

An SPF, ESII, ME Super and an LX. Recently I managed to find locally an 8 element version of the Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 (photo below).

I just wanted to be sure that the only problems are with the S3 and SV since they both have a green rewind and not red or orange.

Has anyone else had issues with any of the newer cameras. It is not something I want to test out for fear of damaging the camera or lens or both.

Thanks in advance...

 

[p.giannakis]

There shouldn't be any issue with the screwmount pentaxes you mention.
Regarding the K-mount, a suggestion would be to mount it on the LX (if you have the penatax adaptor) and very gently try to pull the mirror up with the mirror lockup function. If it works with the LX, it should work with the ME also.

 

[Doug]

....I just wanted to be sure that the only problems are with the S3 and SV since they both have a green rewind and not red or orange.

Has anyone else had issues with any of the newer cameras. It is not something I want to test out for fear of damaging the camera or lens or both.

Thanks in advance...

Newer is better for cameras with the 1.4/50mm screw-mount lens that was introduced with the Spotmatic. The rear element protrudes a bit and will be hit as the mirror of the earlier cameras comes up. The orange R on the rewind knob of the earlier camera models still produced after the Spotmatic signifies the second type from 1964-68 with shorter mirror made to clear the new f/1.4 Super Takumar, and back catch attached to the body rather than the back. So, some H3v / SV Pentaxes fall into the later group and some in the earlier. I'd venture that your two cameras with the green marking are among the earlier and would not be safe with the 1.4/50mm.

 

[Malcolm M]

“50mm f1.4 SMC Takumar: 7 elements…. Important! This lens can only be used on the Spotmatic, SL or models S1a and SV with red or orange “R” markings on the rewind knob. The 50mm f1.4 can be severely damaged if used on earlier Green “R” Pentaxes. Earlier models had 8 elements.” (Keppler, The Asahi Pentax Way, 6[SUP]th[/SUP] edition 1972).

The implication is, without being explicitly stated, that although the 7 element lens is not back-compatible to earlier bodies, the 8 element (Super) Takumar has no issues.

 

[titrisol]

According to literature, the orange R is a guarantee that they are compatible, however some cameras were modified without changing the rewind lever.
The only way to tell is if the aperture push plate has a crescent shape, and is less squared. However when in doubt don't use it; the 8 element SuperTak has become highly overpriced (I sold it because of that)

In my experience, the 8 Element SuperTak works fine in the K-mount cameras
I used it in the MESuper and MZ-7 with no problems
In the screw mount cameras, I only used it in the Spotmatic.
Same with the 7 element (which protrudes a tad less)